A Residency You Reckon? "Nashville Skyline" - Tues 8pm @ Pianos

Why howdy folks,

Sure is nice to share another post with y'all. I reckon you weren't too heated by this putrid humidity. Then again, you liberal yanks are used to a bunch of hot air. Zing! Featured in Deli Mag NYC, our 5-piece combo is swinging by the big city to provide you with the highest quality entertainment this Tuesday night at 8pm for our Pianos Residency. With a "Nashville Skyline" theme, covers of Bob Dylan and Steve Earle, and my newest set of chaps, why, it's sure to be better than a monkey at the rodeo.

Danny Ross and Band July Residency Night 2 @ Pianos
Tuesday July 20 - 8pm sharp
@ Pianos, 158 Ludlow St at Stanton/ F Train to 2nd Ave
With our friends The Lesser Ghost at 7pm
Facebook Event Page

And remember....
1) Bring 3 friends and I'll buy you a whiskey 2) Come to all 3 shows and you'll get the official DR Groupie Package with a free Bar Mitzvah Shirt, the new album One Way and a personalized love note 3) Our big finale next Tuesday July 27 is "Jersey Shore" with covers of Bruce, so tan up and start hitting the gym bro. See ya at the hootenanny.

- D

6/15 Tuesday Musings - Born in the USA, Marissa Tomei, Israel Sendoff at Rockwood, Crazy Heart, Hoo-ha!

Umbrellas work better than ponchos...


Hey folks, here are a few thoughts this week:

- I saw "Memphis" won best musical, which I thought was a major bummer because the second act was as good as....well, it was bad. Very, very bad. Any mass commercial statement about rock n roll is bound to not be very rock n roll. That's the problem when the establishment embraces a rebellious movement. Didn't say "Fela!" yet, but I'm sure it's badass.

- Playing with famed cellist Ward Ward Williams for a special piano-string set Wednesday night for the monthly series "Songwriter's Beat" with Val Ghent. It's great to revisit those One Way string arrangements I wrote over 2 years ago, which I rarely get to do. 8:30 Wed @ Cornelia Street Cafe. Facebook Event Page

- Upstairs in an unsuspecting building in Alphabet City, I discovered through my buddy Steve Alleyne a state-of-the-art recording studio called Flux Studios (check out their client list), which was hosting a live recorded concert series featuring some friends last Tuesday, Casey Shea and Wes Hutchinson. Their rooftop was hella cool.

- Friday night at Bar 4 in Park Slope, home to the singer-songwriters collective Local Correspondents, we all covered each other. We did this maneuver back when I hosted the series "A Case of the Mondays with Danny Ross" in 2009. But this time around I covered Debbie Miller's "Tippy Toe," which was a dead serious folk interpretation to contrast Debbie's witty and humorous commentary on pursuing a relationship. (I need to start filming these things)

- Finally got around to seeing "Crazy Heart," which I thought was crazy good. I assumed Jeff Bridges' performance would be great, but that the movie, helmed by a first-time actor turned director, wouldn't be memorable. I was wrong. For a movie about music, it had a very quiet undertone that allowed you to pick up on the character's subtle flaws. After 2 hours, you can't help but want to spend more time with this guy and hear more of his songs, which were all great btw (Damn you T Bone Burnett!). Nice job Collin Farrell playing a country superstar btw.

- My neck hurts from staring at the screen all day, and then wearing a backpack everywhere else. I need more ergonomic-friendly devices in my life.

- Still in the grips of my 700 page Bruce Springsteen biography. Something I'm remembering from studying him is to sing every song, play every show, live every moment like your life depends on it. Of course that's hard to do when you have a comfortable dayjob, come from a comfortable background, and you're life literally doesn't depend on it. Finding that urgency is hard with a safety net, but I'm determined to do it.

- I had been avoiding "Born in the USA," because it was the point where Bruce went from young, hip rockstar with romantic visions of America and rock n roll (ie "Born to Run") to the world's favorite working class hero gone synth-crazy in the Reagan era. I think my fears were justified by this video or this video. However, whether addressing hometown nostalgia or the average American joe, the songs are just so damn good. Absolutely lovin it.


- Also loving the song "Guitar Town" by Steve Earle. The lyrics are a grand slam. Check it out.

- Went with Dani to the premiere of the new movie "Cyrus" at BAM. With Marissa Tomei (lookin goooood), John C Reilly and the directors the Duplass brothers. I hadn't seen any of their "mumblecore"movies, "The Puffy Chair" and "Baghead," but I fell in love with this one. Again a quiet, realistic, hilarious vision of a relationship between a man, a woman, and her son. The acting was great, go see it.

- I spent Saturday afternoon in Propect Heights with my British friend Ste watching the World Cup game. They closed down Vanderbilt Street and had a street fair with a giant inflatable television. Great game, and hilarious hearing people making discriminatory remarks about King George. Way to bring back some good old fashioned American Revolution humor.


- Hoo-ha. Was also fortunate enough to attend Shakespeare in the Park premiere Saturday night, featuring Al Pacino in "The Merchant of Venice." The show was insanely good and the acting was instense. The characters were obviously anti-semetic, but we had a large discussion on whether or not Shakespeare and the play itself is anti-semetic. I argued no and point to this article. Anyone know more about this? Also Chevy Chase was there, being hammy and hilarious, like he is in the way underrated show "Community." I would like to read more Shakespeare, but it's so hard to pursue these intellectual extra-curricular activities when you're pushing a career.


- Here's a great show I'm going to Sunday night after Father's Day celebrations hosted by Jimmy Lloyd, famous for his television show on songwriters. Come join me at the Highline.


- I'm preparing for my Birthright trip to Israel next week. I'll be blogging the whole thing, but help me celebrate for a big farewell show Friday night 11 at Rockwood. My friend Mira Stroika will strike up the mood by joining the band with her beautiful singing and accordian playing. Facebook Event Page

6/7 Weekend Roundup

Here are a few thoughts from the weekend:

- Watched "West Side Story" for the first time. Thought everything about it was amazing - I expected the music and dancing to be great but was surprised how killing the directing and cinematography was. However I don't buy how quickly Maria forgives Tony for killing her brother - I mean what the hell? She didn't care at all. She's a terrible sister.

- Thanks to everyone for selling out our first show at Mercury Lounge! There were 100 people there. Hopefully this leads to bigger and better shows. Playing Rockwood next Friday 6/18 11pm.

- Caught friends Dan Hodapp and Ben Mauk as part of the group Reverse 5 give a hilarious improv show Saturday night. Then ran to see "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" at the Public Theatre. It was a retelling of Andrew Jackson's life through shitty emo music. Hilarious, go see it before it closes.

- Mexican brunch, how do you do it?

- Caught a performance of Twelfth Night and forced myself to pay close attention through the 2 hours. It made me realize how hard it is for me normally to sit still. Can I blame the digital age? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html?th&emc=th


- Got heavy into Paul Simon this week - "Ryhthm of the Saints" and "Paul Simon." That guy manages to be poetic, earnest, musical and unique in everything he does. I'm jealous. Really enjoyed the first Antony and the Johnsons album. His vibrato voice stands out so much, but I was finally able to appreciate the songwriting and production. Also listened to more live Bruce albums, trying to study his stage techniques. The guy's rediculous.

- Music nerds: Having trouble understanding the need for species counterpoint exercises. So many rules, can't I just write harmonies by ear?

- We saw a lifesize Winnie the Pooh costume at a yardsale. I truly regret not getting it.

- Aziz Ansari is the man. Matt Damon is cooler than he's given credit for.

- My friend John took me to a Catholic Mass at St. Paul's Cathedral on the Upper West Side. Beautiful place and beautiful service.

- I'm heading to Israel for Birthright in 2 weeks. In case you were wondering, I am indeed a member of the ancient Cohenim tribe, aka direct decsendent of Moses brother, Aaron and perhaps... Jesus? Booya. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/israel/familycohanim.html

5/27 Thursday Thespian

Here's a weekly roundup and some arbitrary thoughts:

- Rehearsed for the big show at Mercury on Tuesday June 1st with the guys. So psyched to whip out the electric on an unsuspecting crowd. I suppose now you're suspecting.


- Played a Cornell Music Showcase @ The Living Room Tuesday night with cellist Ward Williams and guitarist Carl Basler. So nice to hear those string arrangements written over 2 years ago. The other wonderful Cornellian musicians included: Jennie Grauer, Cheryl Engelhardt, The Crooners. Followed by delicious burritos at San Loco (Didn't end up well for some in our party).

- Updated my One-Page with a short bio and quotes

- Enjoyed shows this week by Shwa @ Mercury Lounge, Casey Shea @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 (which is awesome), Wakey Wakey @ Bowery Ballroom, Misty Boyce, Chris Cubeta & The Liars Club @The Living Room, Sarah Renfro & Maz @ Spike Hill

- Saw the movie "The Invention of Lying" with Ricky Gervais. Thought the concept was creative and could have been a really moving, thought-provoking piece, but ended up saccharine crap. Had real potential though.

- If you're in the Park Slope area, we had an amazing culinary evening at the new Thistle Hill on 7th/16th preceded by ridiculous drinks at Beer Table next door. Go to those places.

- In my continuing quest to listen to my ipod alphabetical by album, absorbed the Magnetic Fields "I" and Yo La Tengo's "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass." I really enjoy the Fields' use of pop melodies with classical instrumentation and Stephen Merit's witty lyrics and deep baritone voice. Though at times the effect can be too much. Can't say enough good things about Yo La Tengo, also don't know how to describe them at all. Pretty amazing record.

- What the hell oil spill. I feel like Obama's not doing enough somehow.

- I guess nobody cares who won American Idol this year.

- Does Bret Michaels really deserve all this new attention? And the SATC movie looks God awful. Why ladies are you buying advanced tix to this with your girlfriends?

- Speaking of not caring, I find myself indifferent about these Facebook privacy issues. Is that really naive?

- News commentators: Just because NYC got the Super Bowl doesn't mean the Jets will be in it. Newsflash, it's been 40 years. Ouch, that stings. Oh and this: "Yeah Bon Jovi is playing like 18 shows at the new Giants Stadium. It's like christening something with a Coors Light" - Carl

5/19 Wednesday Whispers

Here are a few thoughts this week...

- Was reading Beck's lyrics for Modern Guilt from the album insert, and they're beautifully dark and poetic. But played up against the electronic feel of the music, I feel some of that abstract darkness is lost to his musical eccentricities. Funny thing putting words and music together...

- Also spent time listening to Dylan's "Bringing It All Back Home" and Radiohead's "In Rainbows" and random find, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's "Howl' And in my quest to listen to all my music alphabetical by album, I listened to U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" which I found surprisingly musically engaging but often lyrically hackneyed.

- If anyone caught Andy Samberg's musical-number video on last week's SNL, it was priceless. Otherwise I thought Tom Petty was disappointing and the episode was generally lousy. I also (apparently alone on this) thought that Bowersox' version of "Maybe I'm Amazed" last night was crappy. Am I a curmudgeon?

- I don't watch Lost, heard it was great but that it all leads to nothing. Is it true??

- Arlen Spector is 80. Was it really worth all the trouble of switching parties to run again and then lose anyway? Move to Florida.

- My thoughts on today's political climate: "Ain't no party like my nanna's tea party." - Flight of the Conchords

- This is really interesting.

- Is BP purposefully trying to look terrible?

- Thanks to those who came out to Bar4 last week, fun show. After 9 months of trying, hello Mercury Lounge!! - June 1st ....And fun hanging for Arthur's birthday at Mission Delores, heading back Saturday to say goodbye to Kailin. By the way, Minneapolis is really cold.

- Gig Report: Thursday night checking Casey Shea @ Rockwood at 8, Shwa @ Mecury at 9, Wakey Wakey @ Bowery Ballroom at 10. Friday night Quintus @ Rockwood at midnight.

- Note to self: Keep better track of where I am in Prospect Park so I don't get lost all the time.

5/12/10 Wedenesday Wistfulness

Couple of thoughts pop in my head this week:

- Why does May feel like March? I'm cold.

- What the hell Oil Spill? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/opinion/03krugman.html?th&emc=th

- Parliamentary elections are confusing.

- Judge Kagan seems like a safe bet. But is this a generation of living too cautiously to get ahead? Maybe I should stop writing a blog then. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/opinion/11brooks.html

- For some reason late 60s/ early 70s classic guitar rock is only now making its way into my life. Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," The Who's "Who's Next," Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." Maybe its because I know what it take to make a record now, or maybe because I can call myself a guitar player for the first time, but this is genius stuff.

- TV Shows I'm currently addicted to: 30 Rock, Community (most underrated), Parks & Recreation (2nd most underrated), Modern Family, Classic Albums (VH1 Classic), American Experience (PBS), Always Sunny In Phillly repeats, Betty White SNL, the last 2 episodes of Family Guy

- Finished a bio on Duke Ellington. Interesting how you can be engrossed in reading about someone's music without really hearing any of it. Starting a Springsteen bio now, I have his whole discography.

- Music Nerds: Learning species counterpoint is hard. So are Bach's piano inventions.

- Caught excellent shows by two very good friends at The Living Room this week. Amy Regan and Debbie Miller. Also congrats Matt Robbins on an awesome concert to conclude your piano master at Manhattan School of Music.


- * Danny's Final Thought*

I finally got around to seeing the Coen Brothers movie "A Serious Man." I heard there was some controversy in the Jewish community about its depiction of Jews. There were even some arguments in my own extended family. I tended to stay away from the movie initially because they have a reputation of not being very respectful of their own Jewish upbringing - I of course don't know them personally, and I don't exactly go to synagogue as often as one should, so I found no reason to judge, and I saw it. And I thought it was great.

I felt the heart of the movie was not about Judaism at all, but rather about the lockstep precision, the rut, we can fall into as a daily routine develops. How easy it is to become soulless without even knowing it as we try to reach our daily goals, and time perpetually moves forward. This is what Dark Side of The Moon addresses directly and some of the themes of my new material. The idea of doing nothing, of staying stagnant, is the worst offense there is.

I've been finding lately that the way to stay most in the moment, to really feel things, is to get out of my own head, my predispositions and routines, and be keenly aware of my surroundings. To accept that I'm not in control, and accept the contrasts and consonances around me as beautiful, using my environment to shape me and move me forward. Of course, this is the hardest work, but the most fulfilling. This is what, in my opinion, makes a person serious.

How that relates to the Jewish people is another question entirely, and perhaps this is what the Coen brothers were trying to address (And perhaps why many Jews were up in arms) Either way, these were good questions and it's a good movie.

On that note, stay out of trouble and catch you next week - D

Tuesday Musings...

- Saw This Is It last night and it blew me away. Realized I had forgotten just how wonderful MJ was in his prime and how much I loved him when I was a kid. Though I don't blame myself for thinking of him as a weirdo since 1993...

- Learned that the millions of sounds around us enter into our bodies through the ear as one compressed sound WAV, and are then reconstructed through the brain as individual sounds. Awesome.

- Read this weirdly fascinating interview about Stephen Hawking and aliens: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Space/stephen-hawking-alien-contact-risky/story?id=10478157

- Going to a Daily Show taping today..but have to wait for 3 hours in line, sucky. What should I ask Jon? Something about Judaism...

- Then catching Gogol Bordello's Eastern European slavic punk at Brooklyn Bowl. Afraid the sound might be too boomy there again, but willing to give it another shot, esp cause their Blue Ribbon food is off the hook. http://www.myspace.com/gogolbordello

- Also what is this nonsense?? http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/04/26/malcolmx.killer/?hpt=C1 Loved Malcolm X's autobiography if you've ever read it.

- And check this out politcos... "When read the statement that "if blacks would only try harder, they could be just as well off as whites," 73 percent of the movement's supporters agreed, while only 33 percent of people who disapproved of the Tea Party agreed. Asked if blacks should work their way up "without special favors," as the Irish, Italians, and other groups did, 88 percent of supporters agreed, compared to 56 percent of opponents. The study revealed that Tea Party enthusiasts were also more likely to have negative opinions of Latinos and immigrants."