Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Sitting in with Galactic (w/High and Mighty Brass Band)

  A little while ago I played a show at Brooklyn Bowl with High and Mighty Brass Band, opening for Galactic (Funk/Rock).  I love subbing with New Orleans-style brass bands because I can basically solo around the melodies the whole time...nice!  Here's a picture of HMBB! onstage with Galactic, I'm second from the left:

New Salsa Release with Grupo Arcano, Live/Studio Footage

  I'm proud to play trombone on Grupo Arcano's new record, "Desde El Otro Lado Del East River" ("From The Other Side Of The East River").  I've played salsa and other latin styles for years but this is my first release as a sideman.  It's 100% originals, written by bandleader/alto sax player George Velez Jr., his father/vocalist George Velez Sr. and keyboard player Harold Gutierrez.

Here's one of the tracks: "El Travieso Mayor", written by George Velez Jr. w/lyrics by George Velez Sr.  The tune features the trombone section (Mike Engstrom on 1st, myself on 2nd), and we solo around 3:08 (I'm the loud one).  Scroll down for studio footage!

El Travieso Mayor - Grupo Arcano by GrupoArcano

And here's a live version!


Watch me record the solo in the studio!

Recording/Performing with Toubab Krewe

  A couple months ago I led a horn session for Toubab Krewe with my boy Prince Polo at The Kennel in Bushwick BK.  Toubab Krewe is a great instrumental band that melds traditional Malian music with American music from the south, I'm happy to work with them!

We got the Ikebe Shakedown horns together for 3 tracks off their upcoming EP, it was a great experience.  The Toubab guys are all fun and humble guys, plus they're incredible musicians.  I can't wait for the EP to drop!  In the meantime, the Shakedown Horns played with them last evening at City Winery, it was a great time and the crowd was really into it (which helps when you're making it up on the spot).  Here's a clip, "John Hardy":


Streetlight Manifesto: New Album/Tour!

  Streetlight Manifesto has a new album coming out 11/6 called "The Hands That Thieve".  There will be no lack of high, loud trombone...  In all seriousness I'm proud of the new album and excited to share the new tracks.  It's by far the most ambitious, intricate recording that I've been a part of...to call the parts epic would be an understatement.

  The Hands That Thieve will drop smack in the middle of our upcoming tour (while we're on our "break" to hit South America).  We'll be hitting a lot of familiar spots around the US with old friends Lionize (nice) and new friends from Portland/Warped Tour "The Chicharones".  The Chicharones are a rock solid live hip-hop band, extremely talented and all great guys.  We'll also do some dates with punk rockers Hostage Calm.  It's gonna be a good one!

Streetlight Manifesto hits South America

Streetlight Manifesto is heading to South America!  We'll be in Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires and Santiago with the WROS Fest, a big ol' punk rock festival featuring big names like Pennywise, Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Anti-Flag, Strike Anywhere, A Wilhelm Scream and more.

I can't wait!  My last time (and first time) in Brazil was amazing but grueling: so many airports/vans and so little sleep, plus it was their winter.  This time we're going at the start of their summer and the accommodations should be much nicer, plus I get to see Buenos Aires and Santiago!  Yes.