Fluffy Takes Mahattan By Cake!

All hail Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias who took New York City's Radio City Music Hall like El Kabong with an acoustic guitar. Radio City seats over six thousand people and is the icon of music venues around the world. Made famous by its annual presentation of the Christmas Spectacular and its famous dancing Radio City Rockettes, this venue is as holy of a music venue and experience as Chico's Tacos for Fluffy. Radio City Music Hall has showcased the biggest names in music such as Frank Sinatra, Carey Grant, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, and many more. This night the biggest part wasn't the name and not so much the size of the talent, physically, but the impact that one comedian's connection would be after working relentlessly to bring laughter to his fans.  Tonight Fluffy did just that delivering with enormous impact, his best show to date in front of the largest live audience at a sold out Radio City Music Hall.

The show opened with L.A. Based Latin Rockers, Ozomatli who pumped up the audience with Cumbia-esque beats and an unexpected cover of Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough". The notorious, and single, Martin Moreno hosted the evening introducing the touring comedians Shaun Latham, Rick Gutierrez and Alfred Robles who each fueled the audience with infectious comedy, but the night belonged to Gabriel Iglesias and after a fifteen minute intermission of comedy highlights from his Stand-Up Revolution TV Show (officially picked up for a second season on Comedy Central) the show theme song began to play with the audience in perfect sync singing "Hey! It's Fluffy!" 


The shock was evident from Gabriel who resembled a first grader about to perform "Twinkle, Twinkle" on a kindergarten stage. A GIANT smile, a major twinkle in his eye, and a deep breath was almost too much for Iglesias who had to take a moment to absorb where he was and what this performance truly meant for him.  There is NO doubt in my mind that his mind flashed back all the way to the beginning of his comedy/acting career in 2000 when Iglesias joined the cast of Nickelodeon's "All That." The sweat was instant, but the roaring acceptance by the Fluffy Fans (and I do mean other Fluffy Peeps) was enough for Gabriel to start the show. It was a monumental moment for both the audience and the comedians. Everyone became a part of history and I couldn't have been more thrilled. 


The comedy was ALL new unheard, uncharted, and virgin to the fans who attended. Iglesias has been described as unbelievably witty, electrifying, and clean. I don't agree. It's his ability to hook his audience with detailed story telling that relates to all people no matter their creed, color, or preference, BUT don't mix up your latin types because according to the comedy master a Puerto Rican is NOT the same as a Mexican and any error in judgement may result in a minor implemented injury by something sharp.  All kidding aside, this comedian's ability to wash away the differences of each person in exchange for the similarities that make us a family has empowered Iglesias to travel and share his comedy throughout the US and around the world including a very incredible performance in Iran (where Fluffy is number TWO on youtube.com). The story of that show is INCREDIBLE and you will have to attend to hear the details including who the number one comedian on youtube in Iran actually is.  I will give you a clue.  "Silence!  I Kill You!"

As the night came to a close, and Gabriel continued his stories you could sense the selfish desires from the fans for more time and more stories with Fluffy. This is when it hit me the hardest. Like every legendary music group, you MUST have an encore with your most popular songs. So, how does a comedian…let me rephrase that…how does a giant size comedian who is ready to dive into the thirty plus cakes waiting for him in the back that's being stared at and guarded by a "NOT STONED" comedian waiting for Iglesias to wrap up and finish his set? You perform and tell the popular stories. 


The audience did NOT miss a beat and Iglesias taunted the New York City Union Workers (IASTE Local One Mobsters) by unplugging his one stage timer sending the night into over time. Gabriel called out the audience for story requests and the feed back was LOUD and immediate. Stories such as "The Racist Basket," "Donkey," and "Making Cops Laugh," and it was in his final piece "New Car" where Gabriel's true and humble side almost left both audience and comedian in tears. The audience sang back loud enough to make the floor shake. I am sure, Martin Moreno was selfishly taking it all in backstage since the audience was yelling his name, but the moment paused Gabriel's story and the light that radiated from his energy said to me that whatever doubts he ever had about his career, whatever people ever said to possibly derail his ability to try, or whatever took place to challenge Gabriel to rethink his choice to perform comedy, it was all squashed tonight.

I don't know if Gabriel will ever read this or if this will ever make it to someone who has ever felt they weren't somebody with a purpose or a plan, but I want to formally be the first to say don't quit!  When life seems impossible and you are ready to give up, don't!  Pursue your dreams harder.  Welcome to the big leagues Gabriel!  Your performance at Radio City Music Hall left an audience seeing and believing in how one man who one day is a part time employee struggling to make ends meet at a cell phone store can find monumental success when he pursues his dreams and becomes a house hold name in comedy and you did it with the greatest reason of all.  You love to and remember that actors and musicians can have their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a few bucks, but not everyone can blow the roof off Radio City Music Hall.  Some people only win awards and don't truly connect with their fans, but Gabriel Iglesias has done both by earning the hearts of his fans.  Saturday night was sensational and almost too good to be true and the memories of this performance is one for the history books.  Nothing will take that Fully's success as a comedian…not even a missing video tape of his nude performance now floating around in some viral black hole.  Here's to Gabriel Iglesias, the man who can truly have his cake and eat it.

Parris In Spring

3/22/2012  - BB King Bar and Grill - New York, NY 

Gil Parris Strikes Back

Parris in spring heats up New York City at the BB King Bar and Grill with another knock out performance by the Gil Parris Band and special guests.  Parris comes fresh off of two all star performances from the Kitano Hotel’s “Jazz at Bar Lounge” where he and New York Yankee great, Bernie Williams painted the town with two sensational and unbelievable music sets early this month.  Both the BB King Marquee and Times Square shared one thing in common, Parris in spring has sprung up in New York City paved way by one super sizzling performance last night and I was there.  Let’s get down to the details shall we?

Matt King On Keys

“It’s been five years since I last headlined at BB’s and I recently played here a different times this year with the great Diane Schuur, Bobby Caldwell, and a special tribute show for the late Cornell Dupree.  I shared this stage here with Joe Cocker, Dr. John, and Paul Shaffer and other friends and talents over the years.  So much has happened for me musically since I last headlined here.”  Parris said just before taking the stage.  “I feel at home and I’m gearing up to book more shows here at BB’s more often.  The sound here is amazing and the performances are up close.” Gil added in as he walked up to the stage entrance. People still talk about Gil’s impact rendition of “Little Wing” at the Jimi Hendrix’s 69th Birthday Tribute celebration, where he, along with Larry Coryell, Leon Hendrix, Godfrey Townsend and other music legends, payed honor to a fallen musical icon.

Josh Dion & Joe Piteo

Kip Sophos brings a gritty and abrasive sound on bass, accompanied by Matt King on keyboard, Joe Piteo on drums and percussion, and New York City’s hidden treasure, Josh Dion featured on vocals, drums and percussion.  Parris naturally molds himself into any genre of music without effort and with remarkable success.  He surrounds himself with a kaleidoscope of music virtuosos in order to deliver, delight and fascinate his fans at each show he plays.  The scope of this show expanded beyond any other rock and blues fruition presented by the Gil Parris Band playlist that covered an astonishing arrangement of Jimi Hendrix’s “Crosstown Traffic”, Jeff Beck’s “Freeway Jam”, and The Meter’s “Crissy Strut”.

Williams Solo Stuns Parris

Surprise music guests included Gil’s Lazy Lounge Music Jam partner, Curtis Winchester on vocals, Andre Lassalle on guitar and long time friend, Bernie Williams.  38 year old Jennifer, from Somers, NY said, “We’ve been seeing Gil and Bernie a lot recently playing together outside of the weekly jams in White Plains.  You have to wonder if something bigger is evolving because each show they play the music is just getting tighter and tighter.  They have such incredible chemistry together and they support each other not just on guitar from what I see.”  Frank, of Mamaroneck, NY said, “This was some show.  From the start to the end.  It just shows you never know who you may see playing in New York City at any given time.  I walked in not knowing what to expect to hear with such a diverse and talented band and I’m walking away wishing to hear more.”  There will be more from Gil Parris and Bernie Williams, who are booking more dates around the New York City area.  Parris and Williams return to the Iridium, home of the late and great Les Paulin Time’s Square on May 5-6, 2012 at the and they are back for another two nights at the Kitano Hotel this coming September.  

Parris & Williams Exchange Guitar Riffs

I will also be watching very closely as Gil Parris and Bernie Williams continue to hit show after show out of the park, but tonight’s show was a long over due home coming celebration for Westchester’s very own Gil Parris.  “There are very few people I know who can jump from tour to tour, put out multiple albums in multiple genres, yet maintain one of the longest running music jams and play shows all in a year.  When does this guy ever sleep?” asked Ricki and Lisa of Tarrytown, NY.  My answer to your question is when Gil’s rose painted guitar is hung up, and he walks away to find a new adventure then maybe he will take a break to rest, but I don't think that is going to be anytime soon from what I just heard played live from BB King Bar and Grill tonight.

Hoppin at the Kitano!

The Kitano Hotel - New York, NY, Marc 2nd, 2012

Gil Parris and Thierry Arpino

Jazz at the Kitano is a warm restaurant and bar nestled on the second floor of the Kitano Hotel.  Views of Grand Central Terminal compliment a glowing Chrysler Building with sprinkles of racing headlights up and down Park Avenue.  The scene transitions from blaring car horns to a sultry saxophone solo, from loose change falling on the cold wet side walk to the taps of a high hat, from the rat race to foot bouncing tempos by each of the professional Jazz musician who stop in.  The Kitano is the most intimate hot spot to experience Jazz just inches away from some of the highest acclaimed Jazz musicians today.  Jazz at the Kitano is hosted by artist manager, Gino Moratti, welcoming visitors from around the world to have a truly rare music experience very up close and very personal.

Bernie Williams

This weekend Jazz at the Kitano welcomes Grammy Nominated Guitarist Gil Parris and New York Yankee Great Bernie Williams.  The two music all-stars friends are backed by world renown and award winning musicians Thierry Arpino on drums and Harvie S on stand up bass and electric bass.  This star studded mash up gears up tonight to color the night with awe inspiring sound that will be heard by the very few select who attend.  The music includes original music by both Gil Parris and Bernie Williams including a smooth rendition from the Fraiser TV theme song and a playfully sarcastic cover of “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” ("Aristocats" - 1970 Walt Disney Production).  Bernie Williams and Gil Parris showcase their connection through unique guitar conversations with each song.  The spirited friendship between these two music artists is evident in their playful and sometimes comical stage antics.  Bernie Williams stumps Gil Parris with a minor solo in which Gil replies back with the "Charge" baseball riff opening the room up in laughter.  

Drummer - Thierry Arpino

“You never know what to expect when BW and I (Bernie and Gil) get together with an equally talented back line (Harvie S and Thierry).  We play every week at our jam in White Plains with amazing musicians and we meet more and more as each week.  Tonight and tomorrow night are rare.  Nights like tonight do not happen often when everybody is touring, in a recording session, or are tied up with other events.” Parris said during a sit down.  This coming from Gil's Parris's recent tours Bobby Caldwell.  “This year has been eclectic in my music career including the drop of a new album I recorded and co-wrote with a ferocious drummer/singer, Josh Dion and now I have two nights with my closest friends here Jazz at The Kitano, I'm having fun.”  Gil Parris is headlining at BB King's on March 22nd, but tonight is all about two friends sprightly teasing each other with each other's music.

Bernie and Gil Share A Laugh

If the sound check is a testimony what to expect from tonight you will participate in a savoir-faire of living breathing music provided by two men whose separate paths crossed one faithful night after a New York Yankee loss and a small White Plains music jam win.  “The transition from baseball to music wasn't a shocker, especially to my former teammates who I played for on bus rides between stadiums.  The Lazy Lounge Jam gave me a great relief from the pressures of playing major league baseball and no one treated me like a super star.  I was just another guy with a guitar playing the same notes as they were.  I miss baseball and my time as a Yankee, but I’m able to concentrate now on what I was dreaming about as a young boy in Puerto Rico.  I’m jamming and touring as a guitarist and my friends are here to back me as I continue to evolve my guitar skills and as I expand my knowledge about writing music.”  Williams explained in his hotel room.  “People know me as a New York Yankee first and that’s ok with me.  I have been blessed and fortunate with two highly successful careers that came to surface for me and they both brought me to this very night along with one of my closest friends on guitar.  How could I not admire Gil's fluid ability to play guitar?  After all he has his own Reverend signature guitar.

Bassist - Harvie S

Jazz at the Kitano has as much flavor coming from the music it highlights as it does coming from the menu it serves, but the house special tonight will be Gil Parris and Bernie Williams sharing the cozy corner under the spot lights, backlit by cityscape views, refreshed by fine wine and dining.  Gil and Bernie’s friendship and success is a living testimony just how two of the most unlikely pair can find each other at their highest peaks of success in their individual careers and yet arise even higher as a team.  No matter how big the stage or how large the audience, when the lights go up and the music starts up you are ushered to sit in on a music set where Williams and Parris connect, share, and passionately play aloud for the pure love and enjoyment of playing.  You can take part every Wednesday night with Gil Parris and Bernie Williams at the Lazy Lounge Jam in White Plains, but for tonight and tomorrow night the place to be for true Jazz enthusiasts is at Gino Moratti’s "Jazz at the Kitano."

Jagermeister Is All Ears On Korn

The Jagermeister Tour 2010 stage shroud dropped to the floor, the bold letters K.O.R.N penetrated the darkness and the music played above the hysteria of Korn Kampers lining up to mosh while the seconds ticked until Korn appeared on stage after a long hiatus off the road.  The anticipation built up as wave after wave of roars and metal hand signs pierced the stale Roseland air over a background introduction of "4 U."  Out from the shadows came Ray Luzier, Korn's latest member, who took seat behind a barricade of drum heads and cymbals.  He greeted the fanatical crowd with a baneful snarl behind his twirling drum stick.  Fieldy (Reginald Arvizu) lurked out from behind the amp stacks, and Munky (James Shaffer) materialized from the dusky nebulous off stage.  The sullen blue lights dimly highlighted the band as a despondent macabre message to hold on tight because we are in for one very bumpy ride.

The thunder off the kicker drums hammered the floor and the rampant guitar riffs pulverized the unbridling Korn Kampers.  I was caught between the on-stage canons driving deep base rhythms and hallow drums hits on one side, and the action ready tanks behind the metal bars on the other.  What came next was the break in the Roseland Levee.  The apocalyptic revelation surrounding Jonathan Davis sent chills down my spine.  Lit up in navy blue undertones, with a minor red glimmer from his famous biomechanical mic-stand, a necromantic beauty from the brain of H.R. Gieger.  The Kampers, ready to unleash pure hell bent fury, raised the level of distortion I can't recall experiencing.  My heart was racing as I stared up at Jonathan, just inches from my camera lens, all the while knowing that here was a lead singer who has achieved more greatness then any other band currently on tour in this music genre and that he was about to set off an eruption with one question.   Are YOU READY?

The restless bodies convulsed to the delirium of the all-embrassing acceptance by the audience.  The light show was minor, but the wall of sound was anything but mundane.  Korn brought fourth an wall of sound that blasted holes in my ear drums.  The play list was hit song after hit song including "Freak On A Leash." "Ya'll Wanna Single," "Here To Stay," "Dead Bodies Everywhere," "Blind," and even the more recent bonus track cover of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick In The Wall."  The air of excitement on Korn's verbal assault permeated the night stirred by the madness and lunacy of Davis vivid thoughts, whose lyrical expressions inhibits and feeds off his soul's dynamic obstructions eclipsed by the landscape that he subsumes in his being.  His on-stage exhibition is nothing less then remarkable.  It's not so much the rawness of his voice or the massive thrash of his kinetic head bangs as it is his delivery.  Korn is still the cathartic metal band whose birth in 1992 still continues to grow and continues to evolve to into an even deeper provocative band that emerged post-grunge era.  

Jagermeister has successfully created another tour that has surpassed it's pervious shows.  The marketing and connection through music continues to impress me with each line up they compile annually.  This year's high energy was no different for me and even though the number of bands signed to the tour may have been scaled down slightly the choice picks of this year's band selection was not sacrificed.  Korn was the cherry pit on top of this congealing sundae of lost misfits.  It's a show that will surpass current music tours this past year to true music fans.  With eight shows left you have little time to experience this tidal wave of sound, and what will 2011 bring to the Jagermeister line up?  The answer is beyond, but I doubt the line-up will disappoint any concert goer.  It's inconceivable but it is possible that next year's tour will over shadow the current line-up.  How about making the 2011 tour like a lethal cocktail.  One part Rammstein, one part Marilyn Manson, and one part Rob Zombie, all shaken and poured together into an ageless shot glass for the Jagermeister fans to drink up?   I think that would be one shot easy to swallow and impossible to digest.  Just keep an Advil near by because you are going to need it in a good way.

All Good At the Bowery Ballroom

What Juliet Simms (Lead singer/guitarist Automatic Love Letters) doesn't cut with a knife and eat for dinner, she will slash with the razor sharp words that exude from her witty tongue.  From the insecure couple, lame enough to wear matching T-Shirts, to any unfortunate and unfunny single men who brave the frigid elements of her cunning observations as she spotlights their "larger than life" chauvinistic egocentric means of expression.  No man, or woman in this case, was safe from exclusion and ridicule.  Not even her band mate & big brother, Tommy Simms, whose nickname of "Mumbles," could escape a spotlit tirade of how the band's van broke down on the way to the Bowery Ballroom.

It isn't so much Simms' sex appeal that fertilized my one track mind, and it wasn't the way she can arouse an already stiff audience out of their cultural comas.  Simms' stands out from the many singer/songwriters I have reviewed live with her Mazzy Star like voice blending with her intimate Chris Cornell-esque music interlude that was equally matched by her Creed driven energy combining in one big pot luck flavor to give this Floridian the upper hand in a shouting match from center stage, all the while musically captivating and connecting to the audience beyond my expectations.

Automatic Love Letter's set included songs from their latest album self titled "Automatic Love Letters" and included very melodic songs such as "Let it Ride," "Unhearted," and "Parker," which were rich in lyrics and colorfully beautiful in music.  Simms' long legs, liquid hand motions, and facial bling worked on me like a deer caught in headlights.  The songs are well rounded, fluid, and very unpredictable with cord changes in every opportune area equally matched by the backing vocals of Simm's big brother, Tommy.  The band is currently supporting Matthew Good who is now on tour in support of his recent album release .

Oh Canada.  You have made the world swallow horse sized pills by introducing Celine Dion, Brian Adams, and the Bare Naked Ladies to the music fans.  Much like the sport of Curling your music has taught us the meaning of unconditional love and support of our special needs cousin from the North.  We have enjoyed your television-turned-music stars (Alanis Morissette), your Hollywood-esque blockbusters (Strange Brew & John Candy), your maple syrup, but not so much your beer (Molsen).  Then when all was given up you brought new light to the world and unleashed the "Good."  Matthew Good, Canada's answer to Bono, Glenn Beck, and Bob Dylan rolled into one tight political, blogging, musical package of serenity and "Good"ness.  Good is the "Ace in the Hole" of Canada and is quite possibly the most underrated songwriter at the young age of thirty-eight who the world has yet to tap into.

Since the birth of the Matthew Good Band in 1993 Good has performed with his band throughout the Canadian provinces making his mark in music as Canada's most successful Alternative Rock band.  The band would see enormous success with high Canadian music charting albums like "Underdogs" and "The Audio of Being," led to Good's equally successful solo albums such as "Avalanche", "In A Coma" and most recently "Vancouver."  As the lead singer he has stood the test of time and it really wasn't until the band faced its first real break up in 2002 followed by the loss of bassist Geoff Lloyd who was replaced later by Rich Priske.  Good would continue forward making more noise both musically and politically as a singer songwriting activist, blogger, and performer during this solo career stage he now is climbing on.

Good's writings extend outside of music and his blogs are evidently popular as they have been since 1997, so much that in 2000 his blogs were compiled and released in a book titled "At Least There Is Nothing Left To Say."  Good has discovered a passion politics throughout most of his life and had welcomed Amnesty International to join him in spreading his messages while on 2004 tour.  His website has been a truly resourceful means in spreading his political messages be it about American Foreign Policy or issues that stem closer to his home in Canada.  His views aren't radical or extreme, but they are direct and very valid.  Good launched "Dear San Diego" to web surfers where he writes fictional blogs to poke needed comedy relief about our human race including himself.  It's Good's way of having "Good" fun in a "Good" way for the better.  For someone who doesn't like being in the spotlight he has certainly made his view points crystal clear in song and written word.  Good continues to tour and to write and it was at the Bowery Ballroom that I first got my "Good" taste of Matthew Good.  

There was no mayhem.  There was no fireworks.  The entrance, you can say, was much like your buddy walking into a packed bar with a gentle smile and a minor hand gesture.  Good went directly to his instrument, strapped on, and went right into his set.  No "HELLO NEW YORK!" just a simple stroll onto stage and off we went into the "Good" mind of Good.  His set included songs "Last Parade,"  "A Silent Army in the Trees," "Born Losers," "Giant," and "Everything Aquatic." were just a few of Good's sixteen song playlist.  Equally impressive was the universal gesture to Wall Street.  At one point, Good joked about himself and being a father which transitioned to the question of, "Hey what direction is Wall Street?"  to which the audience (mostly New Yorkers) pointed is various directions as they are renown to do under directional pressure.  Once the answer was gathered all eyes and hands faced South with a mighty roar and hundreds of birds flocking a big thank you to Wall Street.

The concert was such an experience for the music fan who may still be convinced that music is dead along with the poetic songwriters of yesterday.  Let me be the first to say there is a diamond in the rough and even though this mighty maple tree may have fallen deep in the woods where no one has really discovered him.  He made some sound.  Good takes his passion for politics and raises it to an unfiltered and poignant level I haven't heard of since the last music movement of grunge and even more so since the revolution music of the 1960's.  There is no fancy lighting, no stage antics, there is no flashy dancers, or mascots energizing the crowd.  There wasn't even a scent of home grown hydroponic herbal intake anywhere.  This was a pure show based on the insight and words of one man courageous enough to take a soap box stand to express his views to the world who has been listening.  Well world, if you are listening, there is something "Good" in the air and it is coming your way.  Don't miss your chance to hear the words, you've been reading, live right from the Mounty's mouth. 

Backstage Blogging with: Graham Colton

Combine the strength of an Oklahoman football champion with the poetic lucidity of a lyricist and you are starting to get a taste of the genetic composition that is Graham Colton.  Colton is still searching for a better means to connect with his fans online however his popularity has risen above his expectations across the US.  He is among the rare educated sort keeping a nice balance of fan/artist relationship.  Colton's ability to create excitement and interest without all the the personal hoopla is built upon his artistic control as a fresh independent artist on the scene spotlighting his music at the forefront of interactivity.  Colton takes each and every show as important as his debut.  "I have never played a concert where I haven't shaken everybody's hand at the end of a show.  It's really important for me to remain in a close direction with people that are into my music because I'm not at a level where my people find out my music is this big massive thing.  Even with all the TV placement I've had there still an element that people are finding to get my music before it is shoved down their throats."

Colton describes keeping his music as "organic" attaching his songs to the strongest emotional level for his fans.  The core fan group are the people who have become more transit lined. Colton recently played Boston and DC and is always amazed when he is able to recognize his fans on a first name basis.  Many of the regular people who do attend his show seem truly devoted, but he remains focused on the devoted group who deeply connect to Colton's music rather then his status.  "I think that's critically important with my band mates, my touring partners, my producers, and now with my fans.  I feel there is a deeper connection with my core group and I want to really get to know them on the deepest level possible."

Colton is slightly quiet when speaking about his athletic past.  Let's face it.  Jocks who rock don't do it on stage.  Colton, as a talented football player, faced his own personal stigmas that were placed upon him, and yet he found life and motivation not by winning on the field, but by sharing himself off the field, and this idea has certainly come full circle with his past of having that ultimate "Friday Night Light" experience.  "My best friend is now a superstar forward for the New England Patriots (Wes Welker).  Wes is definitely the home town hero and if I was to write a song about it I think I would title it "In Your Shadow." When he comes back from Boston we get together and do a lot of community service work with the inner city schools and other non-profits and even though we are coming from two different careers we are very deep rooted into our community."  We laughed about the comparison of long time friends Tim McGraw and Brett Farve who both have been seen tossing a football around backstage during McGraw's concerts, and how each other were a fan of the other's talent much like Colton and Welker.

Colton's music success stems from the deep roots of being a small town American boy raised in a Rockwell-esque family lifestyle.  Songs written to date could have been very cookie cutter, but his balanced exposure to the arts and sports allowed him to play his music outside the line of scrimmage.  His memories of his home, his childhood, and his experience cemented firmly to form the foundation that is apparent in his songs.  From high school to break ups, these sometimes seemingly difficult moments are the life challenges that inspire Colton to write hit songs.  Not every writer comes from hard times and escalated situations of indulgence or dark places.  Some writers do have a well balanced background of living in the light and tap into their creative side to express their thoughts through song and Colton is that "boy next door."  His music is a throw back to simpler days gone by, and without the seemingly meaningless "emo" clutter that has erased our once free formated airwaves.  

"My music has evolved over the 20 EPs I have created and the subject matter has certainly changed, but I am still drawing inspiration from childhood to high school to college, and now from touring to turning twenty-eight.  My last album for Universal was spent over eighteen months while living in Los Angeles.  I had just come off the road after my first official album release and I was handed over to a new group of people that didn't really know me, my history, or what I was truly about.  It was up to me to steer the ship and fortunately I wanted to try some new things as a soloist and to write everything and anything I could think of."  Colton would end up writing over one hundred and fifty fully recorded songs.  According to Colton, the time consuming process was where his best work surfaced.  Colton would gain great insight of himself as a song writer and performer.  It was in the comfort of this music induced cocoon where Colton naturally fell into and where he decided to focus all of his attention towards.  "A few of those songs have appeared on other music artists' albums.  It was very easy to see which songs were not honest to me.  On the other hand, It was very easy to see which ones clicked with me in a way they should and "Best Days" was the last commercial song I wrote which I wrote with a friend of mine."  As soon as the song was demoed Colton called his manager up and told him he was tapped out from writing anymore music,  he was on empty with anymore ideas, and he felt his pen was dry he had scratched all tracks he was challenged to make. 

"I am an independent artist again and in becoming one I have been able to revisit many of my songs that were not so honest and didn't make it to the albums.  The album I'm working on now was mainly recorded from my bedroom and I'm getting feedback from my family, my friends and my fans about what they like and don't like.  These digital EP's have become another way for me to connect to the outside world and to really make my fans a vital living part of my success.  It's really helping me to make the new album.  It's really exciting and scary to be independent again.  Certainly more exciting.  I am happiest when I have a nice balance of writing, recording, touring and just living.  It's where I am most productive."

Coming from Oklahoma Colton was exposed to more of the Americana lifestyle.  Dad (Randy Colton) has been playing in a local cover band called "The Wise Guys" with his fraternity brothers from college since the late 1970's.  Graham was never schooled in music theory but he always understood music because his father was always practicing around the house.  His earliest memories as a little kid on the living room floor watching his father's band jam for upcoming gigs ignited Colton's interest to perform.  "It became my inspiration to play a song with my dad's band and all the band was were a few friends from various walks of life playing music.  Even though they were stock brokers and attorneys I viewed them as rock stars."  Colton was only in fifth grade when his dad, his dad's friends and Colton drove to Kansas City to see Paul McCartney on tour.  "It was pretty awesome to be that young and to have a dad that was cool enough to say that this is the music you should be listening to."

Colton shared with me his view on the excitement of making his new album.  It's a process that brings him back to the time when he first came onto the scene and just before he was signed.  Zero pressure, working with friends, tour mates, and people who he has known for years.  His producer, Tommy Walter (Guitarist - Eels/Abandoned Pool & Producer), and Colton got connected through a few friends and they just started writing songs for the new album.  Walter is a diamond in the rough that was born to produce and has once again pulled out the best in another music artist with Colton's latest album.  "We share the same vision and I really feel he is one project away from being a huge name producer.  He's just one of those people who I can explain an idea of my goal for a song and he flies with it with ease.  He is able to draw my talent out in a direction that is really important."  Colton and Walter chiseled away day and night from Walter's little back room studio in LA. proving this recording the perfect example of there being no huge studio, no major budget, and no high profile music artists showing up and still producing one top notch album.  In Colton's words, "It was "just" Colton and Walter flushing out the songs which has been a great organic process for the two.  It's rare these days that an artist doesn't feel the crunch from the labels.  There is no ticking clock now and it's that free feeling in which many artists will never experience.  Colton has that choice and it is that choice that now leads him to new success and demand for his talents.

"I don't want to make the same record twice.  My first record was produced by Brendan O'Brien (Stone Temple Pilots, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Killswitch, etc) which was an amazing experience.  I had twelve songs and Brendan was so perfect to work with.  I wanted to make a big pop rock album and when I started the frame work with this upcoming album I created much more open space with out the ritziness of the first album or the glossiness of the last album.  The songs on this album and thanks to the honesty and guidance from my everyone who helped to create it I know it will be the best yet from my recordings.  I'm releasing the digital acoustic EP's in the process of making this new album as a way to let the fans in on the end result.  It's my way of asking them to review the premature recordings and asking them for their feedback.  It's my way of solidifying my bond with my fans."  With those last words from Colton's interview wound down and I was left thinking to myself that he has achieved a level of success built upon his own terms all the while maintaining a strong and everlasting connection to his fans.  Colton's career in music isn't short lived by any means or reason.  Be on the look out this year because the best is yet to come.

Devil's Rejects, Zombies & Hellbillies Lobby The Capitol!

It was the "Call of the Zombie" which unfurled a night of "Living Dead Girls," Sinners, and Demon Speeding Iron Heads to our nation's capitol.  The first blanket of snow softly laid down on the streets of Washington DC only to be slammed upon by two thousand pairs of storm trooper Doc Martins and a few six inch stiletto heals.  The horde heated the winter chill like a pressure cooker of "Sinister Urge" only to be matched by the final exhale of the Hellbilly Deluxe 2 Tour that was sound checking inside the bowls of the renown 9:30 Club.  I continued to fester with the "Devil's Rejects" outside in a scene similar to the likes of the auto chop house streets of Queens, New York accept the meat heads were replaced by the metal heads.  From the sound check I witnessed outside of the venue I could tell tonight wasn't going to be your traditional Washington DC gala or ball.  Tonight, DC would experience a red alert signaling an outbreak of frenzy and there was no curfew set and no protection other then the highly pierced and mutilated bouncer at the front door.  Rob Zombie pulled into town with his Hellbilly constituents with an address to the Zombie Nation, "Get ready to hold onto something really tight because you're all in for one bump ride and Mama's not here to help you blow your nose."

My day began with a five hour drive form Brooklyn, New York where a few hours earlier Side Kick and I part took in our Nitzer Ebb experience.  The ride down to DC was met along the way with rain, Jersey drivers, and the wonderment of 2009's first winter blast.  Baltimore vanished completely behind the blizzard curtain except for the row of blazon lights ripping through the fog from Raven Stadium (M&T Bank Stadium).  My GPS Wife swept me under and around Baltimore Harbor and South towards DC.  Some thirty miles and five hours, that should have been four hours, I fishtailed into downtown Washington DC and parked.  The streets were quiet.  My welcoming party, a few students from Howard University and a few characters from the neighborhood.  I questioned my sanity as I came to the realization that I do what I do for the love of music and to share with you my life experiences as a fan first and professional second.  I mustered my energy, dragged my last drag and walked towards a small diner that filled my nose with aromas that tantalized my stomach to the front door of Torrie's Soulful Restaurant.  This was a diamond in the rough where you can get down home "low country" cooking."  If you need a visual of the soulful experience please revisit the diner scene from the Blue's Brother where Jake & Elwood Blues are sung out of the diner by a young vivacious Aretha Franklin.

After a home made meatloaf, corn niblets, grits and a fresh piece of corn bread I was off to the show with a half a pack of cigarettes and a cliff bar to keep me filled and awake for the show, but the food coma hit me hard and I found myself in my car passed out for two hours from exhaustion.  When I awoke I was concealed by the fogged windows and the tapping of a Metro Police officer who inquired as to my business.  I explained my situation, presented my ID's and after I proved to him that I was neither a threat to myself or society he bid me a fond farewell and a recommendation to a cheap motel.  I staggered out of the car and walked down the block to the 9:30 Club where a few fans had gathered for the pre-show meet-n-greet with Rob Zombie.  The price to meet the Superbeast of Channel X?  A cool one hundred and seventy-five dollars.  With the economy in turmoil and people scrapping to make a buck I found this a bit greedy for the times.  Mother, daughters, fathers, sons, friends, couples, the weary, and the downtrodden all made there way into the main room where they were greeted by Rob Zombie and legion of darkness while the rest of us huddled together in the deep freeze of the DC winter night.  I cornered myself next to the front door so that I could gather any and all heat the seeped through the door frame.

Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages, step up and gather around for the biggest show in town.  This show had men in make up then at a Kiss Army convention.  The furnace doors into the 9:30 club opened just as the hypothermia started to set into bone chilled crowd.  Up first on the bill, Captain Clegg & The Night Creatures. The band portrayed a band straight out of the mind of Tim Burton and the cast from Disney's Haunted Mansion.  The Night Creatures are completed by a very sexy Bettie Page looking vixen who humped her rump against the stand-up base.  The psychobillie's music filled the room and flavored the night with adverse black hearted comedy that ignited the imagination of the captivated audience.  Captain Clegg (Named after a 1960's thriller movie) & The Night Creatures strung up the DC crowd with morose lyrics enhanced by the music of this grim jubilee.  The relic grave digger costumes brought the necessary humor needed to separate the sane with the over obsessed.  Captain Clegg & The Night Creatures have tenacity and appetite to drive their music to success and with Rob Zombie billing across the country on his Hellbilly Deluxe 2 Tour, it's not a bad start.

Now if you look over here and beyond the hazy smog of the satin curtain I will show you a new definition of an "American Hair Band."  We're not talking Dokken feathered hair longer than my sister's, we are talking about Johnny Bravo pompadours as tall as a seven layered wedding cake.  The Nekromatix entice your senses with high paced, bass slapping, guitar yielding thrash sets capped off by a effeminate of the muliebrous birthday girl named, Lux.  Nekromantix thrive on their element of surprise with each album cultivating on the progress of the band's success.  Their heightened perfection to polish their talents with the rawness of their appearance culminating to the rise of their crescendo as thrill band for the Hellbilly Deluxe Tour.  With a Coffin bass complete with a sodded skull Nekroman lead the music escapade with 360 degree bass spins, throaty road house lyrical delivery, and a hellbent force of centrifugal good forces.  Nekroman, Franc, and Lux brought the second exhilarating elation to the pumped up crowd ready to topple over in hysteria because coming up next was the nocturnal genius whose music chills us, whose movies thrill us, and outside the ticket prices that kill us was going let loose the sounds of hell absolving and releasing our frustrations terminated by his gargantuan performance.

ZOMBIE! ZOMBIE! ZOMBIE!  Yelled the fans as the lights darkened and the room illuminated by the beam from a projector.  On the enormous screen played a cartoon viewable by the desensitized.  Zombie Nazis trying to beat the super heros of the cartoon for the head of Hitler preserved in a jar of vinegar and kicked up into the air like a one point goal kick leaving the Zombie Nazis to disintegrate into a flume of a nuclear blast.  ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE, ZOMBIE replaced Tora, Tora Tora, and the stage blazed in white lights, dense fog, and the silhouette of shadows entering the stage.  Like apparitions of spirits moving across a cloudy lake the men took their spots along the stage with one last soul making its way to center stage.  In a split second the lights drank blood and the fog vanished leaving the red lit phantom faces to appear with their half skull shrouds covering their lower faces.  Frightful?  Yes!  Invigorating?  Beyond!  Stupendous?  Ugh, DUH!  Rob Zombie came to town to show the world who was top dog and to put the Zombie party on the ballot in DC.  With a opener like this how could you turn your back on such a cause?

The set was filled with Zombie classics including LIving Dead Girl, Dragula, More Human (Than Inhuman), and American Witch.  Rob Zombie is a work stallion with longevity on the reins.  His ability to play to his audience on the film front isn't nearly as advantageous as his career in music from my point of view, but his booming talents are victorious and noteworthy none-the-less making his resume and fame built upon shear aptitude of his genius gift.  It's anything by fortuitous.  Zombie's energy on stage is unmatched by any other music artist I have reviewed.  His mark may mimic the number of the beast, but the grip and determination that is Zombie's music grasps the fan through music tenacity and firm perseverance.  Zombie's show culminates the mad movies that flicker in our minds with the daily day dreams we skirt off to when we are ready to explode from anger.  His music is an outlet to venting in the wickedest ways and after my trek on I-95 I was ready to let out my driving frustrations.

Overall the performance seemed flawless and the climactic end to this tour being in Washington DC viewed appropriate as the US economy still continues its decline towards a bottomless pit of financial demise.  Tonight Rob Zombie made us all proud to be free, revitalized our energy, and sparked a fire under many of our rears with a holy wake up call from the depths of hallowed halls, or at least a really depleted green room from backstage.  If Rob Zombie isn't enough on the role call how about adding into the flavor Piggy D (Amen & Wednesday 13), John 5 (Marilyn Manson), and Tommy Clufetos (Alice Cooper) to round up the talent portion of the music and you have opened Pandora's Box to eternal vibrations that becomes an existential flash of seeing man and metal as one body.  The band raged on like a well greased turbine engine taking off for the sun and the heat that kick backed from the amps shook the floor, moved the still, and the deaf could hear the passing of the air punching into the bodies.  I only bring this up because in all the concerts I have ever covered, NONE have come with signers signing to the audience with such catch phrases as "Hey Scum of the Earth," Of an SS Whore," or my personal favorite, "Feast Upon the Cat."  The signers didn't miss a word from the songs or from the even louder banter that was colorfully expressed throughout the night by the bands.

If you missed the Hellbilly Deluxe 2 Tour, well, you missed something that was beyond the words I could express and the photos I captured two inches from Zombie.  It was a night that began with white snow and ended with deafness that comforted me on my five hour trek back to New York City.  What will Rob Zombie come up with next is beyond me and with new movies being remade by the master of darkness I am certain that whatever does come in the future will fit beautifully sinister and attract the fans who have shown more loyalty and dedication to one man's music then I have ever seen from any other music artist.  I hope Washington DC takes heed in the Zombie message.  We the people are ready for change and we have a lot to say.  God Bless You and God Bless America (Cue the Zombie Presidential March!)!