I had a great time playing 2 shows with Colorado’s DJ Vajra this weekend. We played Ottawa & Toronto on 4 turntables to some wild crowds, did some solo routines and worked on a few collaboration ideas. Here is one routine we made up just before the Toronto show at The Drake Hotel. Live crowd footage after as well.

Seeing as today is the last day ever, I figure I would leave you with at least one blog post.

Download: HERE.

Big shouts out to the greatest musician walking the face of the Earth, Mr. Stevland Morris – “Stevie Wonder”. I’m not going to copy his wikipedia page or attempt to condense his ridiculously prolific musical career, but I would like to acknowledge his lifetime dedication to making quality music that spans pretty much every genre under the sun, never sacrificing his musical creativity and continuously pushing the boundaries of pop and album-oriented music. It is almost certain that no matter what kind of music you like, Stevie’s music has crossed your path at some point.

I meant to post this on Stevie’s birthday, May 13th, but I’ve been a little off my ‘internet schedule’ while on the road in Ireland. But I feel it very fitting to share with you one of my go-to travel listening albums: Stevie Wonder Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 1974. Reportedly originally recorded to be released as a live album, but Stevie declined. It features a small ensemble with no horns as well as backing vocals from unidentified members of Wonderlove (I don’t hear Minnie Riperton’s voice in there and he does say ‘Deniece’ at one point, who I am assuming is Deniece ‘Niecy’ Williams). I love the energy of this show. Stevie and the band have lots of room to stretch out on many songs, starting with a very long jam to warm up and working through Stevie’s hits at the time, including an incredible version of Superstition that continues to speed up after the 5-minute mark into a blistering tornado of sound – managing to sound gigantic even without it’s signature horns.

It’s at times very crowd involved at at other times very not. Stevie even shows a bit of frustration with the crowd when they can’t achieve the call and response that he wants during “Living for the City”, more for their failure to follow him properly than a lack of effort, mind you. Stevie even starts a song and decides not to do it. Some of these instances may have lead to Stevie’s request to not release the album, but they enhance the experience for me. I really feel like I am there! Great for listening to on planes or in cars when you’re trying to rest a bit and take your mind off things.

The show wraps up with a fantastic improv encore, where Wonder actually ‘freestyles’ a song for the crowd. The lyrics are all spontaneous, at times hilarious, and it’s a real treat to end the performance – with one fantastic detail that I will leave up to the listener to find out. I would have enjoyed a performance from this era with horns featured, but the fact that they do so much with such a small band truly says a lot about the musicianship of each player.

Have a listen for yourself, and enjoy. Headphones recommended. Thank you, Stevie!

DOWNLOAD – STEVIE WONDER LIVE @ RAINBOW THEATRE IN LONDON, 1974

Line-up:
Stevie Wonder – Lead Vocal, Keys
Michael Sembello – Guitar
Reggie McBride – Bass
Ollie E. Brown – Drums
Wonderlove (including Deneice Williams) – Backing Vocals

It’s that time of year again, my friends. Spring has sprung and it’s time to get out on the road and have some good times. There are a lot of Bastid travels coming up and I want you to know about them so that you and your bad self can join me and we can get down. Dublin, Galway, Sligo, Loughrea, Ottawa, Toronto, Grand Prairie, Edmonton, New York, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino, Fernie, Nelson, Jasper, Edmonton, Whistler, Banff & Calgary are all getting the treatment between now and June 25th. Racking up those air miles. Read on for show details, flyers, etc….

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It was with great sadness and pain that friends and fans received the announcement of the murder of Montreal musician Paul Frappier p/k/a Bad News Brown this past February. A rising star, smiling face, and one of the happiest people you could be around – it took everyone by surprise. Shocked by the news, word traveled quickly around social circles, responding with sentiments of disbelief, grief and puzzlement. The crime still remains unsolved. (Click here for Montreal Gazette’s coverage of the tragic event.)

I was fortunate enough to work on music and play some live shows with Bad News Brown. He was one of the most professional people I had ever worked with and every rehearsal, gig and even lunch was a good time. What was amazing about that day were all the positive memories that people had of Paul – stories upon stories of good deeds, well wishes and memorable moments shared with a great person. He truly touched everyone that he spent time with and his legacy, both spiritual and musical, will live on.

Paul had traveled far and wide doing his thing, a blend of harmonica, singing and raps. It was a unique approach – he didn’t fit into one category. He kind of fit into every category. I think part of that was shaped by his personality. A group of artists who he has worked with from all over the map has gathered in his memoriam to deliver a high caliber retrospective of BNB’s short but diverse career. Among many Montreal locals who knew News as a friend and co-musician, there are a few large international acts coming in to give back. Australian-born singer Daniel Merriweather who has had recent success on the UK album charts will be at the show, along with one of the most recognizable names, sounds and instrument producers in harmonica – Lee Oskar(!) from the internationally acclaimed band War. (Lee used to call news on occasion to check in with News because Paul exclusively used Lee’s brand of harmoincas. It happened once at a rehearsal to my surprise.) Guaranteed to be a great show.

If you’re near Montreal, do not miss out on an historic evening. Doors are at 7, the show runs from 8-11:30. You can check the Facebook Event page for more info. Below are some videos of music and musicians that you can expect to hear on Sunday night:

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