TORTOISE @ Webster Hall – 7/8/07

Genre-defying Tortoise has been wowing both critics and concert goers for nearly twenty years now with their unique vision of avant-garde music. It would be easy to say that these Chicagoans are solely an indie-rock jazz band, but that would really only scratch the surface of their true nature. A now six-man live act, combine a huge amount of influences from punk to jazz to European experimental electronica to heavy dub reggae and a whole lot more to boot. Their live songs themselves can run anywhere from a 2 minute Ramones-style aural blitz to a 25 jazz-jam that would embarrass any jamband not up to snuff. So if you are planning on catching them this weekend plan on expecting the unexpected.

RIYL: Can, Stereolab, Mogwai, Sea and Cake, Glenn Branca, Jim O’Rourke

PINK MARTINI @ Carnegie Hall – 6/13

Although they have been around for over ten years, Pink Martini has never reached the success critics prognosticated for them over the years. This could be a result of their extremely niche genre, being Cabaret-Lounge-Jazz-Pop and though that may sound hard to swallow, their music is extremely accessible for folks who may not typically listen to this type of music. They have gotten some exposure recently, however. On the heels of a track on the Sopranos, their latest release Hey Eugene! cracked the Billboard top 40, so things may be looking up for them. You’ll have a chance to catch them at Carnegie Hall this week.

RIYL: Esquivel, Stereolab, Pizzicato Five, Henry Mancini

OPPENHEIMER + THE SLIP @ Tonic – 11/1

This year’s Bar/None Records showcase features two of the hottest bands around in the Slip and Oppenheimer. The Slip hail from Providence, Rhode Island as a jazzy jam band that has toured all over the world with a mission to knock people’s socks off. They have worked with the likes of the Allman Brothers and Mark Ellard, and even have a track off their new album on the video game Guitar Hero, proving their widespread influence. A new addition to the Bar/None roster, the Slip puts on one of the best live performances you will see, so catch them while they are still playing clubs before their popularity skyrockets.

The boys from Oppenheimer have a bit of a different story. Hailing from the cold and foggy reaches of Northern Ireland, Shaun and Rocky weren’t even in a band more than a year before the folks at Bar/None heard their demo and signed them up immediately. It wasn’t long before BBC radio hailed them as the next big thing out of Ireland, mainly on the heels of their breakout single “Breakfast in NYC”. Their crafty execution of electro-pop and flytrap-like catchiness makes this act a sure thing, especially for the Moog or vocoder enthusiast in all of us.

DR. JOHN @ BB King’s Blues Club - Fri 10/27 - $35/$30 Adv.

A lot has been said about the city of New Orleans in the past year and it cannot be overlooked that one of the most prominent exports over the decades has been innovative music. From delta blues to jazz, N’awlins musical output has been constantly changing the way we look at music and Dr. John is no exception. Although he has been making music since the 1950’s, Dr. John the Night Tripper (as he calls himself) never really gained the popularity he probably deserved. Combining a sort of voodoo blues and psychedelic rock styling, his music is eclectic to say the least and his influence has reached the likes of modern psychedelic band such as Gris Gris (named after a Dr. John album) and Spiritulized. He will fittingly be playing at BB King’s this weekend, so now is your chance to catch a living NOLA legend.

Check out his tunes on Myspace.

Brad Mehldau 10/13 – 10/15 @ Village Vanguard

Here at NYCUG, we’re always looking for new and exciting music, and although jazz piano may not fit your fancy, this guy is worth checking out. While he is technically a jazz pianist, the average concert fan may be more amazed by his knack for turning popular rock songs into lush, sweeping piano solos. Mr. Mehldau gained notoriety early in his career by playing with the likes of jazz giants Jimmy Cobb and Joshua Redman. He then fell into praise with the indie rock crowd in the late nineties for covering hipster darlings Radiohead on record and during live performances. You can check out his latest release on Nonesuch with Renee Fleming entitled Love Sublime. Mehldau does not tour as much as his fans would like, so if you are a fan, or are just interested, he will be in NYC almost all week and probably won’t be back for a while.

Submitted by James D

Jounce @ NYCUG Launch Party 10/12

Jounce is the definition of a party Band – with DJ like precision, they read the crowd, reach into their deep library of tunes and play exactly what the crowd needs at that very moment. The foursome has spent the greater part of the past 7 years jamming in basements, parties, and local bars – honing in on a style of music that can best be described as Experimental Jazz/Rock.

These guys are an extremely talented, hard working, and close-knit bunch. NYCUG is proud to have them join us in kicking off a new movement in NYC Underground Music.

Flyer Designed by our friend Anthony

The Wood Brothers @ The Bowery 8/13 - $18

The fact that so many people still don’t know Oliver and Chris Wood is simply laughable. The fact that their show at the Bowery Ballroom is not sold out is possibly a gift from above. Together making music since childhood, these brothers are two of the most talented, hard working, and inspired musicians alive… Period.

Perhaps you’ve heard of MMW(Medeski, Martin and Wood) or their collaboration with John Scofield (Medeski, Scofield and Wood). The fact is these guys stay in the studio, making impeccable music…and then they spend the rest of their time playing concerts live. What a Life!!

All the info is below for you to check them out and decide for yourself if they are that good. They are on my show list. I’m going myself, and I highly recommend this concert.

Website Myspace Venue Download BuyCD Bid

John Scofield @ Blue Note – 9/5 - 9/10 - Tables $35 Bar $20

A jazz legend playing at a legendary venue. For jazz listeners, Scofield at the Blue Note is something we’ve been looking forward to for a while now, whether we're planning on checking out one night or all six. But even if you're not normally into jazz, this might be a show worth taking another look at. Not only does Scofield have a massive repetoire of songs dating back to the days when he played with Miles Davis, but for fans of great guitar playing, this show is sure to be a treat. From funk to post-bop to mellowed-out jazz vamps, Scofield has it all. Now, coming off an impressive run of 6 studio albums in the last 6 years, Scofield is taking it to the Blue Note once again. With such a massive body of new material hot off the shelf, you can only imagine the energy will be through the roof at these soon to be sold out shows. So, as the title to his 1997 collaboration with Medeski, Martin & Wood says - You better “A Go-Go” - to this one.

Website Myspace Venue Download BuyCD Bid