Dredg Out Your Rushdie, Here Comes Something Different.

Orlando, Florida. Vacation destination. Disney controlled and infiltrated with some of today's most questionable members of society. Not this night. Downtown Orlando became the epicenter for American progressive and alternative rock band, "Dredg" to unleash the music from their latest album "The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion." This is the band's fourth full album release and the first to be released completely independent from a label's backing. Dredg, like many bands today, is seeing the value of being independent from the labels in order to properly express their message as they see fit and to keep better control over their creative expression and what a message this album has is nothing less than intense and truly brilliant. "The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion" is an aspiring anecdotal album aroused by the brilliance of author Salman Rushdie, whose book "The Satanic Verses" brought on controversy that sent the author into hiding for a decade. The author also wrote and essay titled "Imagine There's No Heaven: A Letter to the 6 Billionth Citizen" which became the backdrop to this latest Dredg album.

Dredg has been through a four album transmogrification in which has adapted a spectrum of sound and reclamation of artistry through music expression. The detail of the production in this album is very conscientious and Dredg executed the recordings straightforward with their heart and soul. The band has come a long way, but the effects of the economy and downfall to the music industry has put the band in a position to fend for itself. Gavin Hayes (Lead Vocalist & Guitarist) and I sat off to the side stage and discussed his view of the bands approach to recording music in the state that our economy has fallen onto and the current pattern to music sales because with eighteen tracks to absorb off the latest album tracks need to be carefully written in order to attract dedicated fans and new fans to make their purchase online rather then in store like the "old days."

"We haven't really changed our approach so much from a writing stand point. We are still focused when we are creating a record. Our goal is still from the packaging to the songs to having a complete record under lined with theme and identity. That's always going to be important to us no matter which way the business turns. We never think of the records as a song by song compilation. We try to create something that is cohesive. The only difference on this record is that we are independent now and partnered with ILG (Independent Label Group) which is mainly promotion and distribution. I felt like a little weight was lifted and I feel we went more back to our roots on this record."

The third release "Catch Without Arms" was viewed by Gavin as an album that was created on a song to song manner. It was a record based on opposites and conflicting opinions. The rebellious take on the record was emphasized instrumentally and felt a little more cohesive. Dredg didn't want to regurgitate the same record this time and it was a direct reaction to the touring of that album that brought them to dig deeper within their recordings. They toured with a lot of rock bands over the years and at that time felt like their shows were coming off a little passive. "We didn't really write that record with touring live in mind. Our last record was kind of how we wanted to write songs that better translated in our lives and I think this new record is a combination of the first two. There are a lot of elements that could be on LCO and even on our first record with instrumental pieces."

Leaving Interscope to become an independent music group wasn't a surprise to anyone. The business has completely changed over these last nine years and it were at the tail end of people buying CDs. From there the business flipped itself upside down and Dredg really didn't fit the label's model anymore because the label had to adjust their business model so they could make money. There were bands around Dredg who were selling more albums then they were at the time and those bands were getting dropped. To go independent made sense

"Our manager approached us about working with ILG after ILG approached him. It just felt like the right step to take because to distribute an album takes a lot of capital and we needed the backing to release our new album. It was important to us to see the records on the shelves and to build a small budget to promote that record is now available. Technically we are part owner of DCI on that level and we can be viewed as running our own label even though it's just us on that label. It's not like we are going to be out there signing bands but it feels good and I feel more in charge. It's kind of similar to a distribution deal where we are running our label with them. It just felt right and together we are going to increase our fan base. If this was ten years ago it wouldn't have been the right decision for us, but for where we are at in our career it's like a perfect marriage."

Once Dredg is about to recoup expenses from this last album they will be able to see gain unlike what they saw with Interscope. As an true independent band they are supporting themselves on costs and anyway to save a dollar is money they need to invest back into the group. This is what it means to be a struggling artist. Their tours are increasing and it has taken them around the world. It allows them to network with other bands and to create new tours with bands they have co-headlined with in the past. Dredg submits the bands they have worked with to their booking agent and management and create the tour around what they want and not what a label wants. One of those creative controls the band has as an independent is artistic control. If you are a fan you understand what I mean just by viewing their album covers and colorful lyrics. Gavin painted me a picture between the art and the music as it is created for Dredg.

"The arts are a big influence for the group. Drew (bassist) and I met in art class where we were drawing and painting long before we were playing music and the other members add to our appreciation for art through cinema and even books. This last album Drew and I painted a picture for each song and we created them to connect with our fans by adding images that evolved into a treasure hunt which allowed us to connect with our fans on a much deeper level. Fans end up purchasing the paintings as well as the albums. The clues to the treasure hunt go up on our website and the fans get really involved with the hunt. Cinema became an avenue for me as well as Mark in which we separately scored different movies. Film scoring is something we want to get into even on an Independent Film level. There something behind that format that is cool because it's behind the scenes. I think aspects of our music blend in well and can transition over well to cinema. The one movie that really stood out to me as the score of scores was Kubrick's 2001 Space Odyssey. It's visually stimulating and with minimal dialog supported by incredible music. Overall it just works flawlessly. I have read something that the creators were using some of the music just for screening and it worked out really well so I don't know if it was a mistake that the music became the emphasis of the movie but what a great mistake if it was."

Art has been a heavy influence to people on all levels and it is no surprise to see how a man's essay such as Salman Rushdie's "Imagine There's No Heaven: A Letter to the 6 Billionth Citizen" would influence a band receptive to artistic expression to write an album influenced by another man's written imagery. Gavin views progress as an event that has always relied on strong efforts and courageous acts by individuals who are willing to chance themselves by drawing outside the lines so to speak. To get away for the old traditions and to break away from old beliefs in order to make a better tomorrow. Salman Rushdie is a beautiful representation of such courage and a major reason why the band chose to use his essay as the foundation of "The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion."

This Thursday Dredg will be sharing the stage with the renowned author and believe me it's not very often that an internationally acclaimed author will share a spotlight with a band from San Francisco, but the rockers have shown their sincerity and their dedication to writing music for the love of music. Together Salman Rushdie and Dredg will come together at New York City's Housing Works Bookstore Cafe for SPIN Magazine's third installment of Liner Notes. The event brings together musicians and authors as part of a continuous event to raise funds for the Housing Works non-profit group which was created to provide homeless and low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and their families with adequate housing, food, social support, drug treatment, health care, and employment. Liner Notes has been a success thus far and I am truly excited to see what comes from the uniting of Salman Rushdie and Dredg. The band is extremely excited and flattered to share an evening with such a talent.

The Father, The Son, and The Holy Sh*t, It’s Judas Priest!

The parishioners gathered outside in their biker bests and long raggedy hair ready to raise hell in the eyes of Judas Priest. The star studded event went beyond the pierced jugulars, faded tattoos, and ritual beer chugging baptism of one Judas Priest first timer. Everywhere you glanced another head banger was parading through the cigarette butt lined walkway with a holier than thou commandment boldly printed across the chest such as, "I (heart) Big Fake T**ts" and "Find a face and sit on it." The not-so-virgins lured these men like the Silicon Sirens trying to lure Ulysses on his ten year journey home form the Trojan War. The only sign of the trojan war here were a few wrinkled packets stuffed iin the baskets as free giveaways. The Godfathers of metal chose this night at the Seminole Hard Rock to be the setting of their most historic recording to date. For the 30th anniversary celebration of their 1980 release, "British Steel," Judas Priest chose to honor the anniversary by capturing this one performance on video to be released on DVD in the near future.

The celebrities came out from the metal yard including Lita Ford, Nicko McBrian (Iron Maiden - Drummer), and Jim Florentine (Comedian) who co-introduced the metal salute to Judas Priest along side of Eddie Trunk (SIRIUS Radio/VH1 Host). After an "Eddie is Sexy" chant from the arena and followed by a metal breaking sound check, the lights blacked out and the pandemonium ripped through the crowd as the cameras began to roll. Seconds later the massive canvas draped in front of the stage came crashing down and the clergy of carnage appeared amongst the chaos of lights, rock horn salutes and camera strobes. The uproar of the fans, the turbulence of the sound, and the bedlam of the entrance made Judas Priest abundantly clear. Any disbelievers who think a band this vintage should hang up their jackets and perish, croak or give up the ghost need to succumb to their own conviction.

The Priest brought out all the guns for this show. Rob Halford has stood the test of time with his quasi-operatic vocal style and high-pitched screams rumored to hit an ear piercing G#6. He is living proof that a man can remain a Metal God among his fans no matter what his preferences are sexually, faithfully, or otherwise. As a songwriter, a performer, and now the label owner of Metal God Records, Rob encompasses the true definition of "living the dream," but it's with the Priest-hood he shares the stage with that Rob exemplifies as a leader manifested by his band. Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing ravaged their fans with guitar thrashing riffs while Ian Hill underlined the motion with his bass and Scott Travis detonating the drums. The explosive performance gathered tremendous acknowledgment and astonishment from the fans, the music professionals, and especially this photojournalist on what will forever be a monumental evening for Judas Priest.

The tour is winding down and if you have any chance to get to either of the remaining four shows then do it. Reading this review, watching an internet clip, or waiting for the DVD to be released is in no way shape or form comparable to the feeling you could receive from over 1 million watts of pure metal energy condensed into infuriated sound, bursting through the blinding light show, and exhaling voice that is Judas Priest. The closest experience I can even imagine will take place ions from now when the universe collapses on itself and history is reborn. It is just what happened last night at the Hard Rock Live. Judas Priest "British Steel" was reborn and it was fantastic. Thank you Metal God for this honor. Your worshipers are rejoicing this morning to your sons, Judas Priest.

Sugar Ray Granulates Fort Lauderdale

The Culture Room is one of those clubs that you just happen upon when looking for an open deli at ten o'clock at night. With the exception of an airy courtyard, the club is a venue for the up close and very personal. The room was tightly packed leaving me to fight for space towards the front. After a few pushes and even fewer apologies or thanks I found an amazing spirit named Bianca defending her two square foot area with all of her might. This full figured beauty reminded me of the days long gone. The days when fans would go just about anywhere and at anytime to buy a ticket to see their favorite band. Bianca was fused to her sister and their cousin at the hip and the cost to squeeze yourself in set the the ladies back a whopping seventy-five dollars and that was before the beers that Bianca shared with my camera bag and Custo Barcelona shirt. I learned for an additional fifteen dollars you can meet the band after the show without any opportunity to snag a photo. Ok, don't get me wrong. The twenty-five dollars to see Sugar Ray with Fastball opening as the support is not bad. Tack on another ten dollars for parking and fifteen for the magical pink sticker bracelet and you were fifty dollars in the hole of this overly cramped evening with 350 of your newest friends. By the looks of the fans that fifty dollars is a full day's pay. Sugar Ray's popularity peaked in the latter half of the 1990's, but seriously?. In a time when music is being mishandled by the labels and intervened by the government this is hardly the time to milk your fans for the extra buck.

With that said I will add that as inclined as I was to not dip into my pocket for the bracelet Sugar Ray did knock out the audience with hard rocking hits one after the other. Mark McGrath is one frontman who is absolutely 41 going on 28. His delivery and stage presence was fluid, jarring, and colorfully vibrant with excitement. While most men in their forties have lost their hair, gained their "Daddy/Beer Guzzling" 50 lbs, Mark has preserved himself as a truly fit man who will steal your daughters away with his alluring glances, his pulchritudinous smile, and admirable ability to connect deeply to his fans while on stage. I was expecting to see a show that would be downscaled and delivered by an ego driven front man, but Mark McGrath is the real deal and lead Sugar Ray with such forcefulness and intensity that the potency of his leadership and his spirit left me with a get-up-and-go drive. His devotion for his craft is visually stimulating to watch. Constantly unfixed on stage and pumping the crowd up into a conniption of devoted zealots, McGrath is committed to Sugar Ray and loyal to the music first. He may have gone Co-Host Extra crazy in Hollywood, but he's still pure Sugar Ray at heart.

Sugar is now touring in support of their latest release titled "Music for Cougars" which I am assuming is a title referencing the young ladies who once attended the shows over the years or more likely dedicated to the Mother's who picked their intoxicated daughters off the floors after a solid Sugar Ray performance. Whatever the meaning behind the album's sultry title, tracks like "She's Got The (Woo-Hoo)," "Love Is the Answer," and "Morning Sun" are substantial evidence that being contracted to a major label or not you have to believe in yourself and the songs you create or your window of opportunity will shut you down. Sugar Ray isn't done by a long shot and their tour bus window is wide open. The tour continues West with stops in Tennessee, Texas, Washington and California but I think we will see them again real soon. Keep this in mind. If you have to wake up early "Every Morning" for work to "Answer the Phone," "When It's Over" Sugar Ray will continue to sweeten our most bitter day. "Someday" you will understand what I am talking about.

Miami’s Gone Green For Green Day

Miami has come a long way since the blue collar trend setters of the 1980's, Crocket & Tubbs A.K.A - the blazer jacket fashion police of Miami Vice, and even more so from the spectacular rainbow connection faux showgirls of the Bird Cage. No matter which image you mirror your wardrobe after, one thing is for certain, tonight not all Miamians slipt themselves into Custo Barcelona like I did. Green Day and Kaiser Chief made an "All Post Bulletin" for all in need of economic rehabilitation and who want to infuse diesel driven energy, raw metal music, and tantric lyrics to relieve their personal woes. American Airlines Arena was the epicenter of this quake and it burst at its seams with the infestation of dedicated fans and a trickle of a few newbies. The local radio stations gathered under the palm trees just adjacent to Biscayne Boulevard where a mirage of CSI Miami's Lt. Horatio Caine would preparing to investigate the onslaught about to take place on center stage.

Kaiser chief is a music experience that never ceases to shock me and thanks to the brilliant organization and guidance of manager, Mike Darling, the lads from Leeds have made a brilliant british march across the pond that make even the snootiest of Brits loosen their nickers for a night along with a grinning nod of approval. Their ability to make instant connection has been followed by the increase of their ever expanding nexus of a fan base. Lead vocalist, Ricky Wilson, blitzed the stage and posed statuesque like front and center atop his stage monitor. His fists punched the electrified air with his glory stick in hand to pay homage to the gods of rock above. They must have given him the green light because the reception from the fans pushed the air out of the building and the deafening answer was, "WE ARE READY TO GLORIFY YOU!" Kaiser Chief brings a new attitude to the stage underlined by the homage they pay to the influential bands before like Blur, Madness, and The Jam.

"Off With Their Heads" is the fourth Kaiser Chief album under the Universal Music label. The band shows no signs of slowing down and like a fine wine fermenting on a Napa Valley vineyard Kaiser Chief will only become more substantial to young music fans yearning for a unique blend of fresh music. Let's face it. Generation "X" & "Y" are victims in the political game of radio and MTV to the point that they are dumbed down to a cookie cutter lifestyle that just doesn't extend past Juicy wear and Nickel Back. Kaiser Chief's song list was heavy and flavored including their recent money song "Never Miss a Beat," "Good Days Bad Days," and "Like It Too Much." Once again I spun out of the photographer radar in a spiral to the first riff of "Ruby." As quick as the boys jumped on stage they were off and the unlucky lost souls outside were surely green with envy to not be inside because the arena's foundation fissured from the opener and the Gods of Rock could only guess what would happen next.

It amazes me to see that no matter who you are at a concert, no matter what your role is, when the lights black out your heart races, your eyes widen, and you lose yourself completely. If our own exits from this planet would mimic the feeling of waiting for a band to take stage then my exit will be one with the horns of rock blazed in the air on one hand and a flickering lighter in the other. Miami roared so loud that the sound track playing on stage sounded more like a gnat buzzing in your ear outside during a hurricane. Green Day's entrance immediately followed when a spectrum of LED lights broadcasted an eye popping scene of the Manhattan skyline stunningly portrayed on stage. Views of the Empire State Building, Midtown, and Downtown areas were broken by the bullets of spotlights targeting their aim on Green Day. One by one the mayhem crept out from behind the stage much like a grungy New Yorker exiting a Bleecker Street night club just before dawn. The adrenaline poured through the stoked fans, the band was pumped, and I was numb because it's moments like this I get to look back on my life as a music fan who once swore I would always be in the front row of a show. Twenty some odd years later and a life filled with enough events and adventures to write a full feature screenplay about, I was where I wanted to be. In front of the tall guy who was blocking my view.

Green Day is an atomic blast that erupted over a decade ago and the power they push increases with no tell-tale sign of a break up or side project. Their days of grunge and ripping the listener a "new one" still dominates the music industry. Their longevity is partly due to their consistent sound, radical presence, and most importantly, "keepin' in real" (staying true to their sound) while other bands have faded and vanished during their unjust reinventions. Green Day is what they are and have always been. The sentinels of rockdom. The song list expanded over three pages and well past the 10:30 PM curfew that a majority of the fans were given this night and who without a doubt will sleep tonight tucked in their beds happily dreaming of moshpits, fists of fury, and a band-aid box worth of battle scars. Green Day and Kaiser chief continue their march forward to bring sheer madness to a city near you and I will have to remind you of this. Don't wait for the golden reunion tour. Get yourself to the show now because this will haunt you as the "would of, should of, could of concert" your kids will hark on you one day for missing.

It's A Hard Rock Life For John Legend

The Hard Rock Seminole Hotel & Casino was the hotspot for big card hands last night as the dealer sent this journalist home with more riches than he imagined working in with only twenty dollars for parking, a maxed out credit card, and debit card recently replenished by unemployment. I walked into the Hard Rock Live! arena to the bittersweet songs of Michael Jackson flowing throughout the energized venue. The tickets sold out and the awaiting crowd inside paid homage to Michael Jackson in dance. The venue playlist spanned Jackson's career from his earliest days with the Jackson Five through to his last recordings on "Invincible." One surprise track of Jackson's that played over the crowd was "Another Part of Me" which premiered in the late 1980's Walt Disney 3-D action adventure movie "Captain EO" at Disney's EPCOT Center exhibit "Journey Into Imagination." The music interrupted by the cheers from the crowd as one woman became possessed by the King of Pop and danced furiously without missing a beat in front of the sold out arena. The classy venue served up a fine spirit for the guests to sip. The audio popped off, the crowd bubbled, and a new face walked alone to front and center stage with her acoustic guitar strapped to her glass figure body.

Porsche Smith is a new singer/songwriter hitting the circuit now increasing her fan base seven fold as the recently proclaimed grand prize winner of John Legend's "Be Legendary Radio One" Competition. Porsche is one music visionary whose self written music and performance is purely from the heart. Her one song set was a flush of hearts to astonished crowd seemingly ready to Simon Cowell the new singer off the stage. This natural and undiscovered artist received a well deserved applause from the audience reassuring an awaiting John Legend that his contest winner was the best choice and a person who will carry his name and reputation well and proudly. Her poise and bravery to step so calmly onto the Hard Rock Live! stage and opening for John Legend is one huge pill to swallow. I can only imagine she is resting well this morning knowing that she climbed and conquered her own Mount Everest and the most spectacular view ever. I will be definitely be paying close attention to Porshe Smith as she continues to adventure forward in, what I hope will be, a long and enriched career as a music artist. As fast as Porsche entered onto the stage she exited but she excited accomplished and one step closer to her goal to play and share good music from the heart for those who are open to listen.

The stage cleared and the crowd hustled to their feet when the lights went down signaling the arrival of my favorite spice, India.Arie. Rob Lewis (Musical director, Music arranger, Record producer, Music composer, Keyboardist) listed off a resume fit for a queen with his booming voice and the crescendo of his keys. The anticipation of India.Arie's appearance on stage ended when the spot light popped highlighting a very colorful India.Arie wearing a flowing gown with a top that accented her curvaceous body and warm inviting smile. The connection between artist and fan was instant and India.Arie walked forward, mic in hand, with the greatest of ease. Her voice filled my ears with such delight and her presence on stage warmed me deep within. My yearning of wanting to see India.Arie live on stage started when I first exposed in 2001 to her first music video titled "Video." Since that time India.Arie has proven herself to the music industry as a force to be reckoned with and really earned mediocre recognition that I truly believe she well deserves. It just proves to me that the state of the music industry in 2001 and currently still doesn't understand the definition of good music. India.Arie is nothing less than masterful and pure.

India.Arie accepted the invitation to join the John Legend tour this summer and since then has added such depth and beauty to every show. Her forty minute set could have extended longer. Her fans were very vocal with thunderous appreciation after each song including "The Heart Of the Matter" where India.Arie metamorphosed from singer to elegant pixie. She walked up center aisle through the adoring crowd wearing a brilliant colored dress and a pair of waving wings that tinted delicate shades of color onto her bare bronze skin. The lightning of flashes strobed and captured the singer in a flip-book like motion with her hands reaching out and making contact with fans who stretched out as she walked by. My experience at this show was well worth the wait to encounter her live performance. It was less then one month ago that India.Arie fell ill, but she was in full health for this show and she laid down a full house at the Hard Rock Seminole Hotel & Casino.

John Legend. Need I say more? John Legend was the sure bet as the ace in the hole for the evening and how could he not be? Center arena became center stage when John Legend was illuminated in before the dazzled crowd. He opened his set with the most soulful and alluring rendition of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" adding new meaning to Bob Marley's album "Legend." John was accompanied by an army of security who more or less reminded me of the defensive line of the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers. The fans reached out as far as they could hoping to feel so much as a breeze when Legend passed by. He reached back connecting with every hand that broke through the security wall and making his way slowly to the stage. The fans elevated the temperature to sweltering and I was taken back by the enormity of John Legend's voice bellowing out into the galvanized arena. It's a whole new respect and admiration for John Legend, who has come miles from his days in his University of Pennsylvania co-ed a cappella group, "Counterparts." His success, since his discovery by the cousin of Kanye West, has inspired a nation to take note that good music isn't a thing of the past, but is here now and it's coming to a city near you very soon. John Legend is touring in support of his latest release "Evolver" which is his third release and has once again grasped his fans in frenzy of sold out venues. Commandeering such a feat is becoming more difficult during a time of economic uncertainties, but John Legend has created a tour line up perfect for the fans feeling the financial squeeze and providing his fans with the perfect medicine. A night of feel good music during a not so feel good time. John Legend closed the night out at Hard Rock Seminole Casino & Hotel with a royal flush on the stage.

The John Legend tour is not to be missed as it continues touring around the U.S. throughout the North East and making it's way West before heading to Ontario, Canada.

Images & Impressions Magazine: Bernie Williams

You can squeeze the diamond out of the rock, but you can’t squeeze the rock out from the diamond. The same can be said for 4-Time World Series Champion and New York Yankee Great, Bernie Williams. Bernie has astonished the world with the swing of his bat and the strum of his guitar by achieving success in two dreamlike careers that only a miniscule of the world will only virtually experience playing Guitar Hero or RBI Baseball at home on the Play Station. His cleats are hung up for now and the amplifiers are maxed out as Bernie takes center stage with his second music release properly titled “Moving Forward,” but Bernie brings even more greatness out of the studio and off the field as a contributing member in his community right here in Westchester County. Bernie took me through an undiscovered history of his life starting from the challenges he faced as a child growing up in Puerto Rico to his more recent days retired from Major League Baseball and refocusing his direction on Music.

As a young boy Bernie was faced with a very difficult education schedule reinforced by his mother, a highly accomplished educator in the public education system. His father underlined the good values and guidelines he sought to raise his family after, and his support of his family was unconditional. Bernie entered the ninth grade performing arts high school where his first real taste to compose music surfaced. The appetizer of guitar styles intrigued Bernie so much that he began his regiment of formal training on Classical and Jazz guitar. Practicing came with the small price tag of having to maintain an acceptable GPA in order to practice playing music, and it was here that baseball made a crescendo singing to Bernie’s sweet spot and it was loud and clear.

“My earliest memory of picking up a bat and glove was when I was playing at a game when I was seven years old and I actually had no idea what I was doing and the coach put me up to bat in the last inning because the team ran out of players. I hit a base hit and ran to first base when I realized the game was apparently over. I was angry that the game was over so I asked the umpire what happened and who won the game to which the umpire said to me that my team won the game because I hit the winning run in.”

Upon his high school graduation Bernie was shuffled to Sarasota, Florida to play baseball in an extended spring league where the prolific revelation of playing professional baseball turned from dream to reality. “That’s when I realized I wasn’t playing high school baseball anymore and I was playing on a minor league team straight out of Puerto Rico with no idea as to what I was doing. I think it really struck me that I was playing baseball on a professional level. Five and a half years later I was invited by the New York Yankees to play for their Triple-A team in Albany, New York and that’s when my feelings became tangled about staying in my home or to take advantage of this golden opportunity.”

Bernie was faced with the big league question to either make a run for home plate sliding into the dream of baseball or to hold safe on the college base and to earn a college degree. Bernie ran home and he ran hard. “I think between my mom and my dad they really took the initiative to lead me down a very wise path as far as making my decision of whether I wanted to play baseball or stay in school. I think I definitely took advantage of the opportunity to play baseball in that I could always go back to school even though that didn’t work out. I think my dad was more influential in that part more than my mother. My mother wanted me to go to college and get my degree before anything else, but that would have meant for me to not take the opportunity to play baseball. It was a tough choice because Puerto Rico wasn’t in the baseball draft at that time as it is now and for me it would have been very hard to get into baseball after my education was complete.”

Relocating from Puerto Rico to New York was seemingly difficult to a young and inexperienced Bernie Williams merely in his teens. Facing the intense pressure of entering the Big Leagues meant leaving his life behind and moving far from the only life he knew. With his choice made up to play ball Bernie embarked on a baseball adventure he couldn’t even have imagined nor could any optimistic sports journalist have imagined writing about years later. As he sat with the Yankee staff on his first flight to his new home Bernie reflected back to his picking up and leaving his roots for this new life abroad. It was a choice that the young Bernie couldn’t predict would launch him into baseball’s climactic history for the most successful championship winning sports franchise worldwide.

Bernie developed his skills, practiced hard and never gave up on his dream to play ball. The call up from Triple-A to the big leagues came just before Bernie’s scheduled game appearance at the All-Star Game in Louisville, Kentucky. Bernie was pulled into the manager’s office and told to pack his bags because he was going to New York to play Centerfield for an injured Danny Tartabul. The plane wasn’t the only thing shaking in the air that night, so was Bernie’s nerves all the way into New York City. In less then twenty-four hours Bernie would be in the starting line-up playing centerfield in the house that Ruth built, and in front of 42,000 die hard Yankee fans who, like a stadium of wolves, would smell the fear in Bernie taking to the field. The reception may have been less than ecstatic, but It wouldn’t be long after that first start where the Yankees would see the value in Bernie’s abilities as a starting centerfielder and offer him a seven year contract. This historic moment for Bernie meant making a permanent move to the New York area and the hunt for the perfect home began.

“A close friend from the Yankee organization suggested I check out little town called Armonk in because it was a quiet and nice. I think it was the second house we viewed that my wife and I fell in love with and we have been there ever since. When I think of the fond memories about making our home in Westchester I would have to look through my children’s eyes because they have been here in school since they were very little. My son began in grade school and my daughters have been in the same school system their entire lives. They have their friends here and their lives are here. Everyone our kids know live here and our kids consider themselves Westchester residents. They have been having such a good time making Armonk their home town.”

Bernie’s passion of the Westchester community expands beyond influencing the Yankee fans and his music fans. Bernie is passionate about giving back to the community that he has influenced as much as they have influenced him. A vibrant and vocal woman came to speak in front of Bernie’s church on a cold February morning about her Westchester County based Non-Profit Group that was established in 1993 and in need of financial aid as well as volunteers. The foundation focuses on bringing relief to people in need of Food around the Westchester/Putnam counties. Upon the close of her speech, Bernie walked to introduce himself to the warm reception of The Hillside Food Outreach Program’s Founder and President, Kathy Purdy. Her message of hope and her need for stronger community support pulled Bernie from his seat and with the shake of a hand the Hillside Food Outreach Program hit one out of the park. Bernie Williams would serve and prove once again that he was an MVP off the field as much as he was on.

“It’s a great organization and Kathy has been hard at work for a number of years to see her organization grow and help anyway it can for the people in need of its services. I took that as my cause and since I played baseball I thought that I would make an impact for the organization to bring more awareness to it’s purpose in hopes that I maybe able to bring more people in to help.”

Kathy’s program shifted into a higher gear that sparked new life and hope as Bernie’s involvement became broadcasted.

Kathy explained to me with excitement, “Bernie's involvement has been and continues to be a huge benefit the Outreach and the work that we do. His name brings attention to the need within our communities and the events that he does for us bring in more funds that we could normally bring in. Many people are not aware and basically do not believe that hunger and obtaining necessary food is such a problem in Westchester and Putnam Counties. Bernie's celebrity status as both a Professional and admired Ball Player and also as a musician had brought attention to this serious issue.”

Bernie wanted to give back to the community where he lives and his ideals and goals matched the work that the foundation does. The Hillside Food Outreach Program does not just hand people a bag of food but visits the home of the person, each delivery, they develop relationships with the individuals and as that develops the foundation members see if there are other ways that they can help them, many times it is just the friendship and visits that are so important and mean so much to the people. Bernie liked the fact that they get more involved than just getting them the food. Bernie recalled his first moment delivering food and meeting a family the program selected him to make his first delivery to.

“I remember when I did my first round of grocery drop offs for the organization because it was to Latin-American/Central-American families who were not that into baseball so I was able to sneak my way in and to come through in the light of someone who was just trying to do a good deed. It wasn’t until soon after that people started to recognize me as “The guy who plays baseball for the Yankees.

It was a thrill to be able to walk into a house delivering food to the community who needed the program’s help, but through Bernie’s view it is still a very rewarding experience to view the faces of the people who Bernie helps through the program. It’s not the fact that Bernie was a New York Yankee or that he hit a game winning homerun that raised their spirits. They cared about the fact that he was giving them a meal and providing them with a service during a time when they needed the program the most.

I was able to witness first hand the impact that Bernie has among his community when I photographed a recent fundraiser in hopes to raise donations to secure the future of the program. Bernie’s guest list included the likes of Robinson Cano, John Sterling, and members of the media who aided the program with extensive coverage over the YES network. Bernie even closed the night with select tracks from his latest CD release rightfully titled “Moving Forward.” This is Bernie’s second album release coming after his successfully released album titled “The Journey Within” which reflects back to moments that changed his life including a heartfelt track sadly inspired by the passing of his father back in May of 2001. “I made a song for that moment and it’s kind of like sketches of situations that have happened in my life that have been of some meaning to me that I was able to create these songs.”

Gil Parris, long time friend and guitar mentor of Bernie’s views the years of knowing Bernie to be some of the most inspiration times he has experienced in his own journey within. “I think his compositions have a nice depth while retaining a sense of melody. He started coming to see me play with my band about 4 years ago and we have been friends ever since. I have been playing over 30 years so every time we get together I always try to give him a little "master class" (as he calls it). I am totally inspired by him being talented in two areas and taking the responsibly to develop both.” Gil and Bernie can be seen weekly jamming away in White Plains where Gil hosts his live music jam along side of Curtis Winchester.

Bernie took a breath before we concluded our interview as he reflected for a moment about the life he led and where it would possibly take him going forward. “Whether I like it or not I am going to be remembered for many things by the people I met over the years. I know I have been touched by many of these people lives as well, but when all is said and done from my personal point of view I don’t want to have any personal regrets. When I am old I want to say that I did everything I wanted to do and had a full. I am a very blessed person and I was put into fortunate situations that I took advantage of. I want to know I did the very best I could.

Rest assured in knowing this Mr. Bernie Williams. As a lifetime resident of Westchester County I respect and admire your selfless actions. The man you have become will always have a open door to my community and I tip the brim of my cap to you. Whether you are called Bernie the baseball player, Bernie the musician, or Bernie the philanthropist you will always be Bernie Williams, the boy who climbed a mountain, moved a city, and who brought hope to the community you now call home.

Bernie Williams Steals Home At the Iridium

Bernie Williams may not be swinging the bat in front of sold out crowds, but fans are still lining up to catch a glimpse of this great New York Yankee legend and embracing him with standing applause as he promotes and performs tracks off his latest album properly titled, "Moving Forward" now available for sale on-line and in-stores. Bernie is a gentle soul and I have spent the last year inching closer to my new friend getting a better understanding as to his ability to perform and excel beyond anybody's comprehension not in one highly acclaimed career, but two. If you have been living under a rock for the last 15 years and still don't know who I am talking about its time to get your head checked because Bern Baby Bern is a four time World Series Champion on his way to making musical history with this second release that features the incredible talents of Dave Koz, Mike Stern, Jon Secada, Patti Scialfa & The Boss! No not Steinbrenner. Bruce Springsteen.

Last night I met up with my friend at his latest performance filling in for the legendary Les Paul and the Les Paul Trio. Les had taken ill and is in recovery doing better, and he hopes to rejoin his trio soon. Until Les is 150% ready someone has to fill in shoes and who better than Bernie Williams? I met up with Bernie at the entrance of the legendary Iridium on 51st & Broadway. 51st Street with #51 and weighing 51 pounds lighter that was enough of a sign for me to know great things were going to take precedence Monday night, but Bernie brought artillery in the form of Grammy Nominated, and Westchester's very own Gil Parris. Gil is fresh off the road from his incredible show last week from the historical Blues Alley in Washington DC where he showcased his latest album "A Certain Beauty." The CD features Chris Botti, David Sanborn, Gloria Loring, and a list that will make any true Jazz aficionado's head spin. Bernie and Gil have been friends for a number of years and Gil became a mentor to Bernie where he instilled artistry with a fine blend of life into Bernie's musical creations and last night proved to the world that a jock can rock.

As a young boy Bernie was faced with a very difficult education schedule reinforced by his mother, a highly accomplished educator in the public education system. His father underlined the good values and guidelines he sought to raise his family after, and his support of his family was unconditional. Bernie entered the ninth grade performing arts high school where his first real taste to compose music surfaced. The appetizer of guitar styles intrigued Bernie so much that he began his regiment of formal training on Classical and Jazz guitar. Practicing came with the small price tag of having to maintain an acceptable GPA in order to practice playing music, and it was here that baseball made a crescendo singing to Bernie’s sweet spot and it was loud and clear. History tells an amazing tale for this former Yankee switch hitter who traded bashing baseballs for striking color notes. The sweet spot is now the spot light and the uniform has been altered from pinstripes to fine design.

A sharp dressed Bernie was hustled onto the center stage of the Iridium to the welcoming fans and some skeptics. Bernie's shyness broke immediately when he strapped on his acoustic and introduced his first song not yet titled and to what he said was a "work in progress." Believe me. If that song was a work in progress and their was more to work on, then it may very well turn out to be one of the finest pieces of music I have heard in a long time and one that will nibble on your ear to your heart's content. It was that good. Bernie continued to play four more songs off the new "Moving Forward" CD with track such as "African Blues" and "Ritmo de Otorio" featuring Gil Parris on guitar and “Stranded On the Bridge” from Bernie’s first album “The Journey Within”, but the night went into extra innings when Bernie played his own heartfelt rendition of "Take Me Out To the Ball Game." Yes, I got chocked up reminiscing of my days in little league and going to games with my dad, and believe me, this was not only the most beautiful rendition of a vintage classic I ever heard, but it was a rendition that I truly believe will be heard and listened to for generations to come.

Bernie was back lined by piano extraordinaire John Colianni, renown percussionist Erik Piza, bassist Jay Leonhart, and Les Paul regular and legend Lou Pallo. Together the talents on stage performed song after song captivating the audience immediately and leaving all doubters that their was not only a future Hall of Famer on stage, but and incredible musical talent whose history books will be written on tablature and sung not in a dust covered book lost on a library shelf. You can squeeze the diamond out of the rock, but you can’t squeeze the rock out from the diamond. The same can be said for this 4-Time World Series Champion and New York Yankee Great. Bernie has astonished the world with the swing of his bat and the strum of his guitar by achieving success in two dreamlike careers that only a miniscule of the world will only virtually experience playing Guitar Hero or RBI Baseball at home on the Play Station. His cleats maybe hung up for now, but the amplifiers are maxed out and Bernie is truly Moving Forward.

God Save the Queensryche!

The metal head groupies were out in full force except this time they brought back up! No not extra cans of ultra hold hairspray. No, their Long haired metal head lineage! Yes, the kids that were spawned in the rockn’ and rollin’ beds of the hair band groupies and the people they met online for the porta-potties. Queensryche appeared ghost like on stage as apparitions through a thick fog of white and blue beams of lights. The crowd roared continuously as the two and half hour long set (with no intermission) proved to be an historical moment in my young career as a concert photo journalist.

Queensryche poured on more hard sugar then Poison, trppaed more heads then Rat, and left more people Thunder Struck then AC/DC with such enormous classics as “Empire,” “Queen of the Reich,” and of course “Silent Lucidity.” The horns or rock penetrated the vibrant air and the heads banged in full force song after song. It was a night to remember and one that my ears will not forget anytime soon.

Queensryche is like a well oiled machine and will continue to drive forward with their hellbent strings of fury and the brilliantly composed music that not only broke sound waves but moved their fans into a purgatory of bliss who waited two years for the latest album to drop titled “American Solider.” The tour in on full swing and to miss this show would be just as bad as a day hunting with Dick Cheney.

Blitzen Trapper Boosting the Bowery

The treasures that lay unseen in New York City never cease to amaze me and it's not until you peep in a window, open a door, or step off the hustle and bustle of the New York City sidewalk that you discover the world you have over looked or passed by each day. The Bowery Ballroom is one of these diamonds in the rough and it hosts countless music events each week to bands I have yet to discover. Friday night I was introduced to Blitzen Trapper.

The classic rock foundation combined with cunning lyrics and tight harmonies blended perfectly together treating my ears to a lost sound not yet regenerated by any young band on tour today. With sure to be classic songs such as "Sleepytime in the Western World" to the more playful Dylan-esque song "Furr" you can't ignore Blitzen Trapper's solid connectivity to their fans young or old. My only regret about this show was that it took me this long to attend my first one. It's for this is a valid reason that my car stereo remains dedicated to my recent CD burns and away from the pollution airing on the FM channels.

One of the highlights of the night was reflecting to the song "Crushing the Wheat" with it's summer of love like feel. The Electro/Indie/Country recipe is made of Eric Earley, Erik Menteer, Brian Kock, Michael VanPelt, Drew Laughery, and Marty Marquis who, once properly mixed together unleash a flavor so sweet it's certain to fatten you up leaving you in a kaleidoscope of sound and colors renewed. It's for this reason that the music industry called the most recent Blitzen Trapper album one of the best of 2008.

It is my opinion that Blitzen Trapper will not only have a long road of success as a band, but the music will send you back to better times when music spoke more then just words supported by a wall of noise. The band's ability to express themselves through their "feel good" music will over flow and drown you in a calm pool of serenity. So, my brothers and sisters, give yourself over to the power of Blitzen Trapper and rejoice in what is to be a night of enlightenment and with that I ask, "Can I get an Amen?"

Botti in the Hizzie!

The color of music cascaded onto Long Island University's Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on this stormy Saturday evening. Couples under umbrellas dressed in black tie and gowns eased into the gala event featuring Grammy Award winning jazz performer Chris Botti. After an eye popping cocktail hour of the most delectable hor deurves and bottomless bottles of crisp champagne the doors opened to the belly of the Tilles Center Theater where 2,242 attendees took their seats unexpected of the magic that would be unleashed by this man and his trumpet.

The house lights dimmed to a sky blue lit silk drop which floated effortlessly with splashes of white and red illuminating the full orchestra on stage. The Tilles Center welcomed Grammy Award winner Billy Childs on piano, the beautiful Sy Smith on vocals, Billy Kilson on drums, Mark Whitfield and Chris Botti to the stage where the 47 year young movie-star like trumpeter opened the night up with the most tantalizing version of Caruso setting the mood for love throughout the audience.

Couples collected each other in embrace of tenderness as Chris shared his passion of music effortlessly with an array of tracks off his latest album titled Italia such as Once Upon a Time in America (Deborah's Theme), Turandot/Nessun Dorma, and The Very Thought of You sung flawlessly by Sy Smith. Her voice not only captures your imagination in a colorful spectrum of intimacy but delivers vivacious notes that kiss your soul. The perfect combination of voice and trumpet was one of a number of highlights which included two unforgettable performance by Lucia Micarelli (Josh Grobin - Violinist).

The beauty created by this night ignited new love for young love and old love alike. Chris's ability to connect with his fans is honest and deep leaving his fans in laughter and tears. Highlights of the night for me were the performances of Flamenco Sketches, Italia, and the theme to Cinema Paradiso. The colors pouring out from the lights painted the silk curtain weaving and intertwining itself into a visual display of stimulation and artistry.

It is my opinion that Chris Botti is not only the hardest working man in Jazz. His music brings out the softer sensual side needed to make any night a night to remember sealed with a gentle hand sweep on my arm, a glisten in her eyes, and a kiss that said, "yes." With over 200 performances this year alone that gave us a recent DVD release and live CD release Chris will be continue his performances in the US now scheduled into October 2009. Don't miss your chance to renew your eyes and ears to the faded colors in your mind.

Bacon Brothers Sizzle BB King’s Cafe

Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love and two of her brothers performed a sizzling set last night that left me in awe and and audience yearning for just one more song. The Bacon Brothers (Michael Bacon - Vocals/Guitar/Cello, Kevin Bacon - Vocals/Guitar/Percussions, Paul Guzzone - Bass/Vocals, Charlie Giordano - Keys, Frank Vilardi - Drums, Ira Siegel - Guitar) took to the stage in front of a packed house at the B.B. King's House of Blues in New York City.

The perfect combination of award-winning actor Kevin Bacon and his equally creative brother Michael Bacon performed their strongest set to date to the crowd that included Nathan Lane and Kyra Segdwick.

The chemistry between the brothers electrified the room along with the spectacular lighting supported by the pure and rich sounds of the music and the tight harmonies. The songs flowed smoothly to the fans who bounced in their seats lip synching to each song that was followed by a very loud roar of approval. The highlight of the night went far beyond the vivacious staff, the mouth watering food, and meeting a brick house of a man named Tiny. The Bacon Brothers blew me away with brilliant performance of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass that proved to me that this is not "just" an actor in a band. This is a band whose music lives inside two brothers who have earned their mark as true music artists.

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 the Bacon Brothers will drop and release their sixth full length CD titled New Year's Day. The album title reflects the theme of moving forward, while the title track pays homage to their hometown. New Year's Day will be available on iTunes and the Bacon Brothers web store. I am counting the days down to their next New York City area show and can't express to you more that if you want to experience song writing at its best then you owe it to yourself to open your ears and your mind to the Bacon Brothers who are touring to a city near you.

Taproot Uproots New Haven

It was a night the Yale University community wouldn't forget anytime soon. Taproot roared into Toads Place with a vengeance while shattering the level of volume record previously held by Spinal Tap's of 11 to 12. Taproot is currently supporting Sevendust on this current national tour and before the show I had a chance to sit with this Michigan based group over a discussion about their current album and their thoughts of how the current state of the music industry effects them as a music group.

Our Long Road Home is the band's fourth release and ranks as a favorite among the Taproot fans who continue to embrace the band's tough thrash sound, heavy hooks, and ferocious lyrics. Working with producer Tim Patalan (Sponge, Lovedrug), the band penned more than fifty songs for the album, twelve of which were recorded in a converted barn just a few minutes down the road from Richards' home. The band sees things slightly different though being a music group living in turbulent times not just adapting to today's economic crisis, but also a music group in a shrinking and very redefining industry.

Since the fall of major labels and major lay offs for such labels as EMI Records, Atlantic Records, and Sony, Taproot was left with the tough decision to fend for themselves, to break away from Atlantic Records, and choosing to continue forward exclusively with Velvet Hammer Management which has maintained a quality driven model and an incredible roster rather than a label type quantity approach.

When asked what Taproot have to ensure to achieve success with the new album keeping in mind the current trends of the music business and releasing their new music into a digital world. Bassist Phil Lipscomb said, "The success of this album is going to be different because we are not under a major label anymore. We're on our own now making a living lot quicker without the major (label) and have proven we can do so without spending a million dollars making this record." Guitarist Mike DeWolf added, "I think that is a success within itself and for anybody at this point to some degree, but I think everybody is rethinking every aspect on how to proceed forward. We even started to ask ourselves during our last record cycle what we can cut out in order to continue forward while maintaining our success and without sacrificing the same quality of music our fans demand of us. It's our way of reevaluating our approach to recording while adjusting to the new direction of music sales."

Lead Vocalist/Guitarist Stephen Richards spoke of a new direction that band would need to take to extend the longevity of Taproot We have always taken a hard working ethic approach into everything we have done as a group right from the beginning when we didn't have anyone helping us what so ever we built our own foundation and made people come look at us leaving those people asking, "What are they doing over there and how are they doing this?"

Taproot continues to draw new fans by taking a very hands on approach even as far as creating their own on-line presence, designing and building their on-line sites on such outlets as Myspace and Facebook while the management team campaigns to the music media and press companies.

One thing Taproot was sure to publicize was the new addition to the group with long time friend and Taproot drum-tech Nick Fredell (Jettared/Proximo). "The shock of the call to join Taproot is still seeking in and I wake up in cities I have never been to before. The reality of what was happening for me hit me hardest when I quit my landscaping job, but this is getting cooler and cooler each day."

Taproot took stage at 9:50PM as promised pumping the audience to new levels of Taproot-fandom with the new album. From the time the boys took stage to the final encore the room was electrified and pulsating to the energy and connection between band and fan. Crowd surfer after crowd surfer said this show was one of the best Taproot performances they have ever seen.