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Although things are a bit slow in the waning days of 2007, a slew of bands hope to be launched or refurbished and underway come January. If you are looking to get into a project, or fill a position, let me know. The time is nigh. You can also peruse the Bulletin Board. This past week we had carpet cleaners visit, and over the holidays we'll be undertaking a few more cleaning/painting/refurbishing projects. Please help us keep the Jam a pleasant place to hang out: Don't bring food or drink in the studios, and dispose of chewing gum and other refuse in appropriate places (as oppossesd to, say, on the carpet). Thank you. |
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Currently juggling gigs with Sand Storm, Brooke Moriber, the Human Karaoke Experience, Frisky Business, Planet Girl, The Riverboys, Trina Taylor, and the U.S. Government (among others), guitarist Tony Novarro is a busy guy. In addition to Jam gigs, Tony has been averaging upwards of one hundred paying gigs a year. I sat down with him while he changed strings. JMG: What do you do during the day? TN: I get problem Social Security cases, and I try to resolve them. The good part is I get to make my own hours. JMG: What does a typical week looks like, music-wise? TN: Two or three rehearsals, a couple of gigs, and lots of homework in between. I also have a home studio where I occasionally help people make demos. JMG: I can't imagine how you'd find time for another project, but what does someone have to do to get your attention? TN: Right now, wave money in my face! But I also pick and choose projects to help out friends or work on certain aspects of my playing. JMG: Any non-musical pursuits? TN: I don't have time for anything else! OK, when I get home I play with my iguanas, and when the weather is nice, a little golf and softball. JMG: Any advice for people just getting into the Jam? TN: Make sure you're having fun! I really enjoy playing, and that's why I do it. I dig it. |
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Casual fans of melodic punk in the SoCal tradition may have overlooked the now-sadly-gone Face To Face during the '90s Pop/Punk sweepstakes, and they'd be missing out. But it's not hard to see why: Next to chart toppers like Green Day and Blink 182, frontman Trever Keith's plaintive croon is neither as cartoonishly faux-accented as the former nor as charmingly tender as those of the later. And to his credit, he knows it: He refers to FTF as "the everyman's punk band" - a group that eschewed all manner of things that might have helped them stand out from the crowd, like stage names, matching outfits, witty banter, pyrotechnics, stadium antics. But what they lacked in stage personae, they more than made up for in catchy, propulsive, and thoughtful songs, combined with excellent musianship (bassist Scott Shiflett, in particular, is a monster). Keith's confrontational (he frequently writes in the second-person) missives address the usual topics of alienation, disaffection and disapointment, but the anger is tempered with introspection and open-mindedness. It may not be not love at first sight, but it's hard not to like FTF once you get to know them. All of which makes their new Shoot The Moon double DVD set a treasure chest for the uninitiated, and a lengthy love letter to the already converted. The first disc is the documentary Punk Rock Eats Its Own, a blow-by-blow examination of the 13 year history of the band, from practice shed to national touring act, as they deal with the heartache of personality conflicts, music industry fumbling, and an artistic detour that alienates their fan base. What makes it so compelling is it's unfliching approach: The story is told entirely by the band and their manager, including three former members, and it ain't always pretty. While I would have preferred that they'd left out a number of bootleg clips, it's a nonetheless engrossing (and cautionary) tale. By the end, you can't help but pump your fist in the air, cheering on the little punk band that could. Disc 2, The Only Goodbye, is the final performance of Face To Face from late 2004. Although billed as "raw" and "unedited", I was delighted to discover a deft five-camera shoot that smartly catches all the sweaty action. And the Descendents-meet-Social Distortion sound is razor sharp, if a little unfair to the excellent drumming of Pete Parada. Call it a Punk Rock Last Waltz, but if the final chapter in this eminently likeable band's career doesn't bring a tear to your eye, then you're more punk than I am. |
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Monday (12/18): Newbie Jam at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W), from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Join us for a professionally-facilitated open jam session specifically geared to newcomers - but where all are welcome. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Wednesday (12/20): Your Jam Master is made an honest man. That's the expression, anyway. Celebration to follow in the Spring. Friday (12/22): Open Blues and Rock Jam from 6 to 10 pm at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W). $15 for Jam members, $25 for everyone else, all gear included. Saturday (12/23): Open Rock Jam at The Jam (701 7th Ave., 7W), 4 to 8 pm. $15 for Jam members, $25 for non-members, all gear included. |
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The Jam will be closed on Monday, December 25, in honor of, if not actual observance of, Christmas. Because of said Christmas, next week's Newbie Jam will be displaced to Tuesday (12/26) at the usual 6:00 to 8:30 pm. If there's sufficient demand, we'll do the same for the following week, on account of New Year's Day. It's up to you guys. Speaking of New Year's, time's a-running out if you'd like to truly have a rockin' Eve at the Jam. If you haven't already RSVPd, please do so ASAP. Here's the 411: Our $20 BYOB gathering includes everything you'll need: roof access, good company, snacks, ice, cups, and studios for music-making. Celebrate the start of another trip around the Sun (without dropping a small fortune), and join us for our first annual New Year's Eve Jam in Times Square. You'll take in the sights and sounds of traditional mayhem from a safe distance, while feeling vastly superior to the shlubs below. |
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[To respond to or place personal ads, just send us an email.] Keyboard player sought by '80s cover band, slanting towards new wave. Gwen, a seasoned vocalist, is looking to get back in the game and is seeking open- minded bandmates. Potential tunes run the gamut from the soulful (Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera), to the middle of the road (Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan) to more left-of-center fare (Tori Amos, Kate Bush). An excellent drummer asks: "Any Jam members/bands looking to do REM, Kansas, REO Speedwagon covers?" For more postings, check out the Bulletin Board. |
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"I have learned something from every gig I have played, and everyone I have played with, whether they were professionals or beginners. They all have something important to teach me." -award-winning bassist (and reluctant Zen master) Phil Dunn Jam Master G a/k/a Gregg Raybin |
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