Northern-Spy Records (Curator)

1) William Basinski's performance of 'Vivian and Ondine' at 110 Livingston (Brooklyn, NY)

The significance of this gig was already apparent before the lights dimmed and William Basinski stepped behind his table for a performance of  the 2008 composition 'Vivian and Ondine'.  The first sound he made was accidental - the apple computer start-up sound.  Drawing chuckles from the crowd, it was a harsh, sharp attack opposite his cathartic, glacially unraveling tape loops.  Behind Basinski, the Joshua Light Show 'liquid lights' highlighted the beautiful interior of the 110 Livingston building, Issue's future home.


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2) Sir Richard Bishop at Zebulon (Brooklyn, NY)

During his 4 week residency at Zebulon, Rick performed a mixed bag of exotic, instrumental guitar songs and classic, surreal story-songs from the SCG catalog.  I attended 3 out of 4 of the shows including one in which he was accompanied by the incredible Bill Orcutt.  To be frank, it was too hot and sweaty to enjoy that one.  I believe it was his opening night that Bishop played 'Eyeball in a Quart Jar of Snot'.  INCREDIBLE!  He asked if there were any requests to which I quickly shouted "play Nancy" drawing a smirk and a "NO".

3) Haunted House at Issue Project Room (Brooklyn, NY)

In 2010, Loren's minimal guitar sets were really inspiring for me.   He is absolutely on fire right now.  But it was his improv-rock group  Haunted House's performance that left the deepest impression.  Suzanne  Langille is a vocalist unparalleled that brings vintage Patty Waters to  mind and Neel Murgai's simple frame drum served as the perfect  foundation for Loren's spidery playing.



photo by Yuko Zama

4) Omar Souleyman & CSC FUNK BAND at Issue Project Room

Everybody danced their asses off and I got hammered.  The CSC Funk  Band opened up spewing fire - deadly percussion and tight guitar  rhythms compliments of Colin Langenus.  Omar Souleyman took the stage  with the aplomb of a prince and was greeted as such.  I still can't  figure out why the guy in the blue shirt would periodically go over to  Omar and whisper in his ear - all this while Omar was still  singing....hmm...

photo by fuquan7777

5) The New Atlantis Sextet ft. Marshall Allen at the 1st Annual Albert Ayler Fest (Roosevelt Island, NY)

At 86 years old, Marshall Allen STILL has it.  I mean, he just  blew everybody up.  Sam Lohman and Andrew Barker (both on their own drum kit) were ferocious and Elliott Levin's poetry honoring Ayler were the  perfect end to a perfect day.

6) Paul Flaherty / Chris Corsano / Okkyung Lee at Issue Project Room

Flaherty's intensity and joy is unmatched.  This was mighty fine fire music - follow the link to listen

7) Michael Chapman w/ Bridget St John at Market Hotel (Brooklyn, NY)

8) Jooklo Duo at Zebulon

Virginia Genta and David Vanzan emerged from deep within the Italian countryside to pummel Brooklyn with a sonic bombardment.  If you were in the audience that night, you left convinced that Albert Ayler is still alive.



poster by Virgina Genta

9) Ed Askew w/ Steve Gunn at Bowery Poetry Club (NY, NY)

Ed may have lost his tiple strumming abilities due to arthritis, but his melodies can still drill a hole in yr soul.  Steve Gunn provided excellent accompaniment.  Below is a video from a different performance at the Stone.

10) Daniel Carter + Joe Rigby + Andrew Lamb impromptu trio performance at the 1st Annual Albert Ayler Fest

Marshall Allen was late coming in from Philly for the Ayler Fest.  As fate had it, this fact ended up providing one of the best moments of day when Daniel, Joe, & Andrew got up on stage for an impromptu jam.