What piece of art changed your life? How did it affect you?
Back in 1987 I had the opportunity to get to know the Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu while performing his concerto “To the Edge of Dream” with Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony.
Up until that time I had seen classical music and my own work […]

Posted at 1:58 pm
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Double Dagger just became the latest Baltimore band to sign with Chicago’s Thrill Jockey Records, following in the footsteps of Arbouretum, Human Bell, Daniel Higgs, and Pontiak. The art/noise/punk trio is currently recording its Thrill Jockey debut, due out next year, and will play at Sonar in December as part of the Baltimore Round […]

Posted at 12:26 pm
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What piece of art changed your life? How did it affect you?
The album Money Jungle, the famous trio date involving Max Roach (drums), Charles Mingus (bass), and The Man himself Duke Ellington at the piano. I never knew sound could have such adventure, and imagination. I knew after hearing this record my life would […]

Posted at 9:46 am
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Think of all the jazz greats who have played the legendary Newport Jazz Festival: Miles, Duke, Ella, Billie, Coltrane, Monk…. Now, you can add Lafayette to the list. Hyena Records’ Kevin Calabro tells me that Baltimore’s Lafayette Gilchrist has been confirmed for next year’s festival. Gilchrist is scheduled to play on Saturday August 8th.
Closer to […]

Posted at 9:41 pm
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M.I.A., the British/Sri Lankan songwriter/producer/designer, has teamed with Baltimore DJ Blaqstarr for this take on The Wire theme song, “Way Down in the Hole.” It’s the latest version of the Tom Waits-penned tune, which has already been covered by The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Neville Brothers, Steve Earle, and DoMaJe, a local gospel group. […]

Posted at 10:49 am
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A few weeks ago, I ran into local musician Abraham Raher at the Patterson in Highlandtown. Standing outside the theater, he told me about a tune he’d written that was inspired by the “Obama is a Muslim” rumors floating around the Internet. As a Jew, he was particularly offended by such talk.
Over the weekend, Raher […]

Posted at 11:46 am
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In the current issue of Rolling Stone, Austin Scaggs asks The Pretenders‘ Chrissie Hynde what bands she likes touring with. Her first choice? Baltimore’s All Mighty Senators.
Senators’ trombonist Craig Considine confirms that the feeling is mutual.
Chrissie’s second choice? ZZ Top.

Posted at 4:04 pm
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Free Springsteen show in Philly this Saturday!!!

Saturday October 4th, 2008
Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 20th and 22nd Streets
Philadelphia, PAGates open: 2:00 p.m.
Program starts: 3:30 p.m.
FREE AND OPEN TO
PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS & STUDENTS
Free tickets are available online, and Preferred Viewing tickets are available, as well.

Posted at 2:08 pm
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Arbouretum, one of the bands featured in September’s Fall Arts Preview, takes its brand of psychedelic folk metal on the road next month for some East Coast dates, including an October 16th gig at Metro Gallery. Tell your friends at Brown, Columbia, and Wesleyan to prepare to have their superior minds blown. Arbouretum’s also recording […]

Posted at 10:31 pm
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Here’s a link to the new Beach House single, “Used To Be,” which is being released on 7″ vinyl on October 21st. If you enjoyed Devotion, you’ll like this, too. Next week, the band heads out on the intriguing “Baltimore Round Robin Tour.” More on that later.

Posted at 1:30 pm
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