Welcome to the online home of guitarist/bassist/song writer/producer Nick Bisanz.

NEWS
4/9/10-Some tid bits. Recently took the bass chair with "The True Tones".Robbie,Lisa,and John have been really easy to work with and have really treated me nicely. Have a bunch of dates listed and more coming. TTT have a mix of songs ranging from classic rock,standards,country,r&b,soul,pop and more.Lot's of vocal harmony's and Lisa is a really good frontperson.
Still doing the do with Geo & The Komrades, so no need to fret.Between Georgie's commitments with "The Paul" gig and my TTT dates, we are still managing to get dates in. Looking forward to heading in the studio in a couple of weeks with "The Doverboys" to lay down two new songs. That's right,NEW!

11/16/08- Within the next couple of months I will be re-vamping the site, amongst other things.Re-formatting so to speak. Same address, but different server and lay out. Check back for updates. Time to freshen things up for 2009!

10/11/08-Went to open mic with Geo a couple days ago. patty Irish was in attendance and the aroma of sweet nadir was replaced by the stench of spoiled Fluff....But it felt so good to play after the near disaster of almost losing my finger tip. Got my finger caught on the strings a couple of times but the bandage protected from any damage. A few social mutants(rednecks) gave us some shit but that is to be expected from the great unwashed. Maurizio faced the hostile cross bred gene pool with great aplomb and also paid me a nice compliment. You should check him out if you get a chance. A nice guy and solid performer.Tomorrow is the benefit for BJ Dessingue at Positively 4th. St. in Troy. We go on at 2pm. and this one should be fun. Thank goodness I have monday off!!!

10/08/08-medical update..been a week since I damn near lost part of my ring finger on my right hand. my stitches should come out today,at least I hope..gonna try to play bass later today for the first time in a week. started getting depressed yesterday,my whole playing routine has been shot, and I really miss the consistency. as my old man said once to me,"the guitar has been a blessing and a curse to you.while it has given you great joy and opprotunity,it is also a crutch to withdraw to and hide away from difficulties". Dale is a smart man!

10/05/08-A minimalist update, in no particular order. Finger tip sliced in half by malfunctioning window at day job....A wedding gig more like a wake...Mets(enough said)..E-mail from old bassist and roommate Mark Hawksley... Mark introduced me to a lot of crazy stuff, and I appreciate that,especially turning me on to the band LOVE and just different ways of exisisting outside the 'norm" in this world.
Gotta love Mysterio!...Lot's of lessons....Football!!!...Terrified by the thought of a McCain-Palin administration...Still trying to figure out Facebook....

08/31/08-Summer,we hardly knew ye..This one blew by fast, but I guess when you are working all the time that can happen. Outside of the day job,gigs and lessons kept things busy,and for that I am thankful. For the summer school gig, I got to do a weekly music class, which was great,the kids were really into it and I had a blast! My sub genres of rock n roll lecture was a big hit-lol. They were stoic as they waited for me to start musical chairs. Between Georgie,Doc,and some fill-ins the gigs were pretty steady. Lot's of party's and last minute things, but work is work. A couple of Saratoga shots,one a wedding, were fun. The Clarkstock affair marked kenny's "last" official gig with G and the K's. Lord of the Quads!!! did some open mic's with Geo.Pat Irish was also in attendance at some of these and we got to play a bunch this summer. Doc kept things active with the blues band,finishing up yesterday with a very cool gig at the Vermont Garilc fest. The band sounded really good and I am getting the hang of the 'front man" thing. It's good to step out of the sidemouse comfort zone . Had some fill ins with CJ Vibes, thanks to Chris and Jeff for those. Geo was in tow and we had a good time.Also had some fun laying down some tracks for a studio project being done by my old buddy Mike Dunlop. I will post one of them soon.So big thanks to Geo,Pat,Doc & The blues guys,Gary 7,DJB, My Kenezuela,Chris,Rob,Mike,my guitar students(and their parents),and anyone else I may have forgot. Let's go Mets!!

08/27/08-For any of you who read this section--on Sept.21st there will be a benefit for B.J. Dessingue at Pos.4th st. in Troy. B.J. is a local musician and friend who has been stricken by some very serious and threatening health issues. And as we all can imagine, the medical treatments and care are astronomical. There wil be a slew of local musicians and bands there to play some music and raise some money and have some good ol' fashion debauched fun(as B.J. would want it). Me and Geo will be doing some tunes as well as Rant n Rave and a host of others. I will update the lineup as I get more details. This is a good cause and it should be a really good event--not stuffy at all, so keep the sunday free and help out B.J. and have a good time to boot.

7/19/08-Pretty busy with gigs,giving lessons, and the summer school day job...Did Saratoga last thursday. Originally a fill in for myself, one thing lead to another and I got Geo to do the gig as well to help out Chris so he would not lose a good Saratoga gig. Plus, it was a good chance to get up there and poke around. Anyway, it was 'dog friendly" night at this place. A back deck bar filled with dog's. They were all up on the stage and I was on leg lifting patrol. Geo puts his water down ,then yells a minute later as 3 dogs are drinking it!! We got through the show and Chris took good care of us. I love doing Saratoga. Best place to gig around here. g and the K's head to Yanni's this friday, rumor has it that it may be "white jean night". We shall see. Up with the blues band in Hoosic on saturday...

6/7/08-A few bullets to bite on......The Blues band gig on my birthday was a bit of work ,but fun was had by the crowd(which is all that really matter).We made a killing in the tip jar!!Never knew a horn section could be rock stars. ........Went to open mic with Geo. Pat I rish attended as we took in the sweet nadir of a young lady's birthday party. Geo and I, Pat and I, and then all three of us played until Simple theory showed up at 10:40 to play. It was a rip to play with Pat and Geo and it was pretty good.Man did I play a lot.We did not get eaten alive...Did the last Elbo happy hour gig of the season to a way sparse crowd.DJB was on the kit and no problems at all. Me and Georgie's new guitars really helped the sound of the band. Got a duo with Geo at the Garden Grill on friday night and some block party with the komrades this weeknd as well. Thanks to all who made my Birthday week a real special one. You guys and gals rule!!!

5/26/08-Headed down to Athens with Geo to do a Yanni's gig. Small crowd,dinner hour gig. We started out real mellow, and we were still too loud--lol. though we were gonna have to mime the gig.Anyway,my old friend Bob Labarge threatend to come to the gig with Dave Rutherford. I go back over 20 years with these guys, even longer with Bob. Bob was one of my first "band" buddys and we have been tight since high school. Dave and Bob were also in Alternate Route with me from back in the college days. Anyway, they came to the gig. And I gotta tell ya, I don't think those guys have seen me play in about 13 years. Since the Dante and the Dream lovers days, with me, dave , and Russ before I moved up here. Anyway, it was a little trippy and nostalgic to see those guys at the gig, specially since I am on bass. We had some good yuks, Bob regaled Georgie with tales of Mick Rock's younger days---thanks Bob, I would be 45 pounds without you!! DJB was on the gig and it was good to see him. Dave sat in on "Surrender" with me and Geo, and a good time was had by all.
Saturday-Did a golf dinner/country club thing with the blues badn up in Vermont. Typical banquet function. Long story short, after much confusion regarding start time and what we were going to play--we are not a dinner band. It's a big band r&b,blues,rock show.They asked for dinner music and I almost got sent out there to do a solo on guitar, which I was real reluctant to do but would have took it for the team. The problem being, I know all those dinner ,mellow songs on bass and guitar, but since I don't sing them, I don't know the words.Anyway--we did the gig, and the band sounded great. The best yet. Just smooth and in control. Well, little did we know that these people played 36 holes of golf and other festivities and by the end of dinner, they were in no mood to dance. We ended up playing a set and a half. I sure the hell would not go dancing and be into a band after 10 hours of drinking and golf.The ride back was a nightmare. I got stuck in the middle of the truck between Bill and Jim,riding through the back roads of border towns of NY/Vt.,freezing my ass off while those two smoked the nastiest cigars. I HATE CIGARS!!! It smelled like a changing room out side the troture cell at Guantanamo Bay in there. Good god, Fidel's Castro's sock smelled better.Live and learn. Next week, I ride on my own..

5/20/08 The happy recap......Got a call from Geo, wanted to know if I could do the new Scotland Ave. spring fling/civic event raindate with him. A nice morning and the Mayor and other local politicos were there as well as the neighborhood committe. Not a cash deal, but, did get some nice schwag including gift cards from mobil,dunkin donuts,the liquor store and flower shop. Goods for services. Did a high school reunion for the class of 1958 at a local private school. A very cush gig. Wandered into a remarkably clean locker room to change for the gig.The aroma was amazing. I was giddy. Realized that it was the ladies locker room. No one was around so no harm, but that was the cleanest facility ever!!!!The band sounded really slick and pro, and the geddy jazz bass sounded great. kenezuela also confessed to being a dollar store pantyhose guy...Oh my kenezuela also got in a very hushed quad during the gig. Geo endured our Mets deluge like a true fan of a last place team..But ups to geo, he hooked me up this last week, thanks bro..this update brought to you buy Stieneken, the official beer of summer.

Double dipping this weekend.Friday at Yanni's 3 with Geo and DJB on the kit. Supposed to be outside so I hope it warms up. On the water with this chill would be most uncomfortable.Saturday,i head up to Bennington Vt.( a new state to add to the gig list) to do a private function at the Bennignton Country club with the Netherwood Blues Band.Doc has been working us hard..That is one driven guy. I admire that.

5/11/08-In a nutshell..The Elbo room gig was blah. A light but enthusiastic turn out. Much laughter in the air which set the table for the Bas mitzvah we played. That was a nice event. Nice crowd, good food, done by 6. Excellent. Kenny and I tortured Geo with are doom and gloom Mets obsession. Had to take the series fromf the Reds or the season is over. Played are real cool version of Hava Nagila and Fly me to the moon. Had a lot of good ideas on saturday.Shared a lot of them with Geo which kept him laughing. And Kenny...Oh my Kenezuela the "Lord of the Quads"!!! He gave me a lesson on Bernard Purdy..Who knew? All in all, a very good time with the boys and lots of laughs and tunes. And, to cap it off, went up to PArkway today and traded in the hybrid bass for a Fender Jazz Bass Geddy Lee model. Commence laughter. Even though I am not a big Rush fan, I read up on this bass and the neck is slim as per Geddy's specs, thus making it dealable on my guitar hands. After the Mustang for the last year-I could not make a huge jump on a regular scale bass. Anyway, played the bass, and it was perfect. The action, everything. The neck is forgiving so it won't take too long to get back into full scale shape. And it just sounds ferocious. this thing is really versatile. MAde my crappy 15' rehearsal speaker sound really good with minimal tweaking. The blues guys raved about it. Said it changed the whole sound of the band--for the better. Thanks guys.

4/27/08-Here is a quick update of goings on..Last night,Geo hosted the talent show at his school.Also on the bill was the debut of his son's James band. I happen to be James guitar instructor as well. geo asked if I could help backstage and I also wanted to see Jimbo's debut. I wish my first gig at age 17 was as good as those kids last night--and they are barely 13!! the kids were great! James rocked the place with his guitar work on "Paranoid"(which I don't want hear again for a while as we have been working on it for months in the lessons). Gotta admit I got a little choked up watchin Jimbo. I was very proud.He is a great student and a good kid! I was also impressed with how gracious he was after their slot with the accolades they recieved. Thursday,Geo did the Black Bear again and myself and Patty Irish were in tow. Geo and I did a short set that was actually pretty good.We debuted "who'll be the next in line" and it was great. I took the lead vocal and it looks like this will be yet another addition from the Kinks to our setlist. I honestly believe Geo and I play more Kinks songs than any other cover band around.Which is fine by me.Then Pat joined me and the I-man was on fire. taking bass solos,calling out songs,and just really entertaining.He got the house rocking when we did US Blues. Big fun with Pat and he was really on it last thursday. A steady stream of gigs, and rehearsals with the blues band for some future shows will be keeping me busy for a while.Looking forward to a bunch of gigs with Kenezulea at the throne and all the upcoming gigs are on bass for me so that will be a nice switch from the stretch of acoustic gigs we have been doing.

4/10/08-A brief update. March was busy..Muscled through the St.Pats and March rushof gigs and lessons with various illnesses. Damn cold and flu season. Geo and I did a bunch of duo's and manged to eek in a couple of trio's gig with DJB and Kenny respectively. Had a great gig with the Netherwood Blues Band up in Hoosick. Nice place, big crowd, and we are going back there on my birthday for another gig.Also managed to get a Mavens jam in with Pat and Mike a week ago .Pat and I gave the upstanding patrons of the Black Bear a little dose of our original's. A ol' fashioned western gun fight featuring the I-man and Dante vs. the bandido's of Waterviliet. Tall Mary forfeited.......Looking forward to returning to The Kilcar. It's been a while that we drove anywhere for a gig and a nice spring night at the Kilcar is always good for comedy....

3/14/08-What a great time to get an abcessed wisdom tooth. No fear--The show goes on. Thank god for anti-biotics and loritab. Today we are at The Elbow Room for happy hour. Sunday Georgie and I hit the grill for a noon time St. Pats deal and then on St. Pats day we are at the tap room. Next saturday the Netherwood Blues Band hits Carmodys west for a evening show. It will mark the debut of the horn section and the band is sounding big!LAsst night was open mic at the Black Bear in Waterviliet. Patty Irish joined us at the wild west show. Got to witness some real skank dancing in front of us while we played. Not sexy at all. And why are people so fixated on hearing Lynyrd Skynrd? I was never a big fan of them, plus you can here that shit ad naueseum on the radio. If I never get a request for Sweet home Alabama and Simple Man again I would be very happy. Lowest common denominator fluff.Geo and I tore down in a record 6 minutes. Pat joined us for If you could read my Mind--and he was great. Also, PAt and I turned in a good rendition of the O'Jays Love train.

1/20/08-The Return of Kenezulea,My anniversary,and a great gig......We (G & the K's) did the Elbow room happy hour last friday. This marked Kenny's return to the fold and my 3 year anny with the Komrades. Kenny asked me right off the bat why I was not blogging and if i would blog this gig. I told him the blogs will be few and far but for him I would do it. And I am glad he asked. The place was packed. A bunch of my co-workers were there and the Clarkstock crew and Tommy Wiley and Jodie,Kimmy, and kenny's pal Mel(very cool dude) had some people, oh, and BillH. and Jenn showed up and Kevy and Jerry..Anyway,we were all pumped by just being able toplay together again and the full room. I knew from the first song this was gonna be special. Kenny roared out of the gate..And he was ferocious. It was like having your most comfy blanket. Geo picked a really good,upbeat,rocking set.We opened with Revolution and I knew were onto good stuff. The crowd was really digging it and the 3 of us were sweating up good mid-set. A sure sign of a good show. We were loud yet under control and super tight and focused. At one point at looked at My Kenezuela and thought he might of had a tear in his eye. He confirmed he did. I love Kenny..He just has the the thunder soul. We breaked and a bunch of co-workers really swelled my head with some nice compliments. Lot's of good vibes in the room. Original Komrade Tommy Wiley joined us in the second set for a couple of numbers and Jeff Clark blew some trumpet as well. Really good stuff and a pleasure to have Tommy and Jeff with us. Geo propped me on my Anny and that was really nice. I thanked him for the opprotunity. We played so much and so hard that I don't remember the musical highlights. It all felt good. Oh we still know how to bring the rock! At one point during the show, I got to thinking that life is really good.Made me laugh at all the bull shit one go's through and how that feeling on stage made all of that worth it. It was re-affirming.Also made me realize I got some great people in my life. Many thanks to many people. I would like to thank Kenny and Geo for a real good night and a totally righteous gig. My ears rang for the first time in a while and the adrenaline rush was the best!!! Lot's of other curriculars that I won't go into either---wink...We do it again with My Kenezueal in February. "Melt the Valentine".
A quick note.. Pat and I did our last shot at the brew pub in Troy. As Pat is off to St. MArtin's in a couple of weeks and Browns is discontinuing open mic. We got our farewell in on Thursday. We did 5 numbers and a good showing was had. A lot of old faces were there and it was nice to see the folks. I have enjoyed the duo thing with Pat at the pub and it has really been good for both of us. We are planning on a couple of Bull/Dante duo shows in a month or two, as soon as I get settled form my move at the end of this month. Be well. Check back some time...ya never know when the next blog will be. Neither do I.

11/21/07-Had a great time a the Elbo Gig. A very nice turn out and the crowd seemed into having a good time. A lot of my co-workers showed up. the Doody's turned up some people and DJB even brought some folks out. My Kenezuela and Bila were there and came up and jammed with me and Geo, and I also got to do the old T-Rex nugget 20th century boy,in which I got to sing and we swung it trio style. That was a fucking riot. It just plain rocked. Kenny stayed up and drummed while Bill H. and Mike Grundy(Doverboys) came up and joined me on Going to Brazil,Wango Tango,and Dante Dream Lover. That was the first time me, Bill and Mike played together since 1998. I got misty looking over and seeing those two on stage with me.Also,Grundy brought up his P-bass for me to use and man that thing is as sweet as I remember.Very excited about bringing that axe out again.we should have another happy hour/Elbo Room date to post soon. Happy Thanksgiving.

11/13/07-Ok,I am getting excited about this Elbow room gig. Beside a rumored big turn out due to the time and locale, we also have some special guests showing up.First,Komrade extraordinaire My Kenezuela is rumored to be in the house. Not on the gig, but I am sure we can get him up for a couple. A friend of Geo's, Dan, a guitarist, may show up and jam. Now the big news..Doverboys/Lie Cheat Steal(my 3 piece from back in the Po-town days)bassist Mike Grundy is coming up and Doverboy Bill Hunter will be there as well. And I just heard from LCS drummer Shawn Lahey and he said he is going to make every effort to make it up-so we could possibly be looking at a Lie Cheat Steal reunion and Bill joining us for a couple of Doverboys songs as well. I have'nt been this excited in months. Geo asked if we could play for 2 hours so he could go to the bar. A couple of LCS numbers would do my heart and soul some good. I love those guys. They got me, which is scary.

11/04/07-This fall back/clock change thing has got me all off already. Last thursday Geo did Brown's.NOt a big turn out til late so Pat and I played a bunch. Geo was still nursing one from the night before so he was glad to let us go. After the Fire and U.S. Blues were my faves. I also ran into my old guitar player from the Green is Good days Dave Schachne. Have not seen him in a while. Dave got up and played at the end and was awesome as usual. Very good player.Pat and I got to talking about our old band Sleet from back in the day. Well the next day, I get a message from old pal Steve Gordon. Guess they have a project which consists of John Devries(Sleet),Steve and Raissa St.Pierre called The Mermaid Killers.Anyway, their bass player can't do a gig and wanted to know if me or Pat Irish could do it, but Steve saw I was booked when he went to contact me, so John called Pat and I e-mailed Steve and lo and behold, Pat Irish will be playing The Basement in Kingston this Friday night with the Mermaid Killers. I urge you all to attend this gig and I wish I could be there to see it. Talk about time being the great healer, wow. Saratoga is this friday and looks like Geo is back for more cheer and glad tidings for the audience at Browns on thursday.

10/28/07- Le accroche pogne...That was a rough one. We get to Yanni's last night and there are 4 people there. Uh oh. To get to the point, we got cut early and took a cut in the wage. It happen's. A dead night and Yanni's is good to us, so what ever. We were due. The good thing though is we had some fun. DJB was in full ass busting mode and had us laughing all night. We did Ferrry across the Mersey twice. And we did some electric versions of stuff in the acoustic set including Lonely People and Bad Days.Geo riffed on me good after Margaritavile,saying that I played it like Chris Squire from YES,without the high harmony part, and then sang the part I should sing, you had to be there.Geo is hosting open mic in Troy this week. Patty Irish and I will be in tow once more. Talk of a full Mavens jam in the works as well.

10/24/07-Going back to last friday, Geo and I did the duo in Saratoga. A light crowd. The weather was nasty. We availed ourselves well. We introduced some new tunes, including, Ferry Across the Mersey,Lonely People,Gravity, and Bad Days. bad Days marked my lead vocal moment as Geo learned the Adrian Belew tune and I handled the lead vocal. It went over really well and is now a part of the set. I must say, humbly of course, that I was real proud of my vocal. I hate my voice, but for some reason this song works for me and lyrically means a lot. So I guess a little conviction is the ticket. We will be back at it's confidential on the 9th. On Sunday, I did a fill in with Spare Parts. This was at Casey's banquet hall, not the restaurant. Which I found out the hard way by sitting at Casey's with no one there. Anyway, 5 minutes before the start of the gig, Brian H. asks if I know Girl from Ipanema. I know the song but never played. The guys comped me the chords and after the worlds longest blessing, we tore into it. And it was good. We did a lot of standards, including New York New York, which I loathe for so many reasons. Anyway, it was a good gig and the spare parts guys are really cool and excellent players. We even got paid extra! Big thanks to Brian,Brian,Jim,and Mike. I enjoyed the gig and learned a lot. And congrats to my good friend Bill H. and his girlfriend Jen. They got engaged over the weekend and are shooting for a 2009 date. I am very happy for them, they are great people and Bill is a close friend and I am glad he is happy. He deserves it. Let's go Red Sox!!!

10/17/07-Trying to get out of my head so I figured I would make things worse and blog. Have a practice tonight with Geo-a rarity, and tomorrow with Spare Parts,and had one with the blues band last sunday(with Geo, and the horn guys along, man that was big). I am not a huge fan of band practice. I wish I had a dollar for every one of these I did but sometimes ya gotta do the do. Actually, it should be fun. Geo and I will end up getting silly and learn some new tunes so that's good. The Spare Parts gig is basically the same show with a few different ingredients as the G and the K show. This gig is an 80th birthday party.Can't say I have ever done a 8oth b-day party gig. Fucking 80 years old. God bless. I know that my own 40 have taken forever.

10/14/06-So Geo calls with a gig at noon yesterday at Yanni's. Cool, a 7-10 dinner thing. We set up in a corner and realize that this is going to have to be mellow yellow and we will be doing the "soft set".Fine. What we did'nt plan on was a rowdy table of boat people who were ready for some f-u-n. And then some folks at the bar were in a happy mood as well. Long story short, we ended up doing a rock and roll 2nd set because the folks were moving the tables to make a dance floor. So Geo,DJB,and myself actually were sweating like Jimmy Page at the MSG by the end of the night. We also did a cool version of the old Peggy Lee standard "Fever" with the hostess who is a nice young girl going to music school. That was fun. Talk of this gig becoming a regular thing. Works for me.

10/13/07-Found out the private function next sunday with Spare Parts is at Casey's Restaurant in Rensselear. I have been there many times to eat and it is on my list of places I like to go. Very nice. And we get comped the buffet! Oh the irony...Also,"Rueben Kinkade" booked G and the K's at the Elbow room in a few weeks. I hope Mrs. Partridge is proud. She better keep that Danny under a tight leash.This one is for Georgie.."You guys know any Ish Kabibble"?

10/09/07-Been thinking about the "you get laid a lot" question from saturday. I should have responded that guys in polka bands get more action than me-lmao.Anyway,just got done with my lesson and my 5 o'clock no showed. I still am charging them...Anyway, I have 4 students. Ages range from 8 to 27. It's fun to see these kids practice and be excited about playing. All I can say is don't do it for a career....Next step is rock school-lol. Also seems tha JJ Maddens has closed. This was a semi-regular stop for G and the K's and we had some good times there. Except the shrimp po-boy night. That was rough on all of us. The Jeffers and crew were always good to us and I thank them.

10/07/07-Man, the B-Joe's gig was a trip. what a blast from the past. Some shit I just won't get into, but here are the highlights. While loading in, I spot crossing the street my old band mate from the Sleet/Postcard days, John Devries. I have not seen or spoken to John in about 13 years. But man did we run together for a stretch. Any way, we exchange greetings and he was with Raissa from Wormwood and her friend Pete. After some chit chat-they were goingto see Bob and Elvis, I tell them I am at the bar and they said they would pop in after the gig. Sure enough they did stop in for a few and checked it out. It was good to see John (and raissa). Very trippy to see some one you spent a lot of time with and who had an impact in your life(John is older than me and taught me a lot of shit,I must admit it). Especially musically and here I am playing bass in a cover band at a bar in Albany. What we did 15 years ago was the utmost opppsite of what I am doing now. So, the bawdy stuff. Two waitresses (sisters) asked me after the first set,"Do you get laid a lot at gigs"? I laughed. Never heard that one before.Big props to Janine and Liz and Vinne and Maryann and the crew at B-Joe's .Also ups to Rose for getting out of bed to see us.They were really good to us. The band played well and we did an upbeat set. I got to call the tunes since it was "my gig". I even had the boys do "squeeze box" and I took the vocals. That was fun. Thanks to Rod,Dan and BJ for backing my ass up. Good guys.And of course, a little love to my little jorge for hooking us up. A very weird night. And Bob did'nt do Disease of conceit. The reviews I got were that Elvis was great and Bob was ok. Lot's of new songs and he played piano all night. I will wait to see Sarge's review.

10/6/07-To quip a quote from my pal Shanny,who quipped it from somewhere.."Are you ok? No Man, I am far from fucking ok..." Good Stuff. Browns was packed. About 20 people played, a new record. Geo actually had to work, and boy was he unsettled about that-lol. Pat and I went on real late, which just meant I had too much time to drink too much. Anywho, me and Patty did an instrumental 'When we was fab" and "Neanderthal Tool", a tune as Geo figured out was about horse racing.Tonight is the B Joe's gig with the Rant guys. This should be fun, good crowd, downtown,Dan is picking me up,and I actually have to do the business/point man stuff. No pouty,handsome,wise ass sideman stuff tonight. Tomorrow is Doc practice in Greenwich and I guess a horn section is showing up. That should be quite interesting.

10/3/07-Really can't believe who reads this thing. Everyone must love a car crash...I do appreciate it though, in all honesty. We did "The Des" last saturday. Typical Des gig. The oldies, the dancing,etc. Not as crowded as summer time but still a nice gig. The Clarkstock crew were there and enthusiastic. I also learned that the gig I am doing with Spare Parts is Brian Fitzpatrick's regular gig. Brian is the guitarist for the "big" Komrade shows and a real nice guy and a real good player as well. Geo does Brown's open mic tomorrow. Patty Irish will be there with us and Pat and I are NOT doing any of the love lorn shctick this week. Did'nt say that I won't be doing it solo though-lol. Saturday is B Joes at the arena with the Rant n Rave guys. Right after Elvis and Bob! Hopefully I can catch some of that show.

9/29/07-Bad days..Followed by awful nights.. Adrian Belew knows it. Any way-Open mic was pretty cool. Geo and I continue to get the duo thing tighter. Pat Irish and myself played a real strong set. It was our love lorn set as we did It's too Late but the Corneoius bros. and sister Rose, "Every breath you take byt he Police, and Blue by the Jayhawks. google the lyrics if you really want to know where our heads are at. we also did cripple creek. We are at the desmond in about 19 hours. Rumour has it there is a clarkstock reunion going down at the gig. Oh boy! Seriously, it is nice that Jeff and the crew think that highly of us. Big props to Jeff. Oh and the Mets... that smug yankee bastard Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya need to be shit canned as soon as this abortion is over. The bullpen and Jose Reyes are just gutless. No fucking heart at all...that's what you get for having a Yankee manage the team...

9/27/06-I get close to Bob again. As some of you know-I had the pleasure of opening up for Bob Dylan a couple of times about 15 years agao. As a matter of fact, Patty Irish reminded me that 15 years ago at this time we were on the road with Joe Henry opening for Glenn Frey. Man, seems like yesterday.Anyway, Geo got a call about doing this gig after the Bob show next weekend. Geo has to go out of town but my man hooked me up by getting the Rant-n-Rave guys to do the gig with me. So I am taking over the reigns for Geo and me and the Rant guys(BJ,Rod,Dan Blumpkin) are doing the gig. I know their show and they know some of ours so it will be kosher. Plus I get to be near Bob again. I love Bob Dylan. Big fan. So this is kind of a treat to be somewhat related to this gig. Thanks Jorge! Speaking of Geo and Patty, we are all heading to Browns tonight for open mic. Pat and I have some new stuff, and it won't be as epic as Slit Skirts. Geo will be bummed that we are not doing Tormato by Yes. Fair warning, I am in a mood(not a good one)so god only knows what will happen.Stay tuned for some possible big news.

9/24/07-Geo and I trucked up to Saratoga last friday for a duo gig at IT Confidential. A really nice little place on Caroline st. I like Saratoga. Never know whats going to happen. It was a small crowd but nice .Paul the manager was a real nice guy and treated us well, and Amber the bartender was a real pro behind the bar. Got a good feeling we will be back there.Geo and I played really well. I just hunkered down and really got into my guitar. As my Mom would say,and god knows it is not a compliment,"whenever things get bad and you get stressed, you just hide in that guitar and detach any connection to reality". Well, it paid off on friday-lol.We did a nice acoustic take of the Cars tune "Drive" and lot's of acoustic solos for me. Geo and I and the full band hit the Desmond this coming Saturday for a night of "sweatin' to the oldies".

9/19/07-With a hammer in my heart, I survived the hill town gig. No one really cared about the band being there so it was like a paid practice. Screw it, I got paid and had some yuks with the fella's.And no one called us queer, at least to our face.I mean, who the hell in their right mind would think I am gay by looking at me. Not that there is anything wrong with it. I like to think I wreak of hetero. Oh well, I would rather hang out at a gay club than a hilltown red neck joint any day any way.Just picked up a gig with a guy I met at a Gary 7 party this summer. They need a bassist for a gig and I am available. Kismet.Still waiting on word for this weekends gig/s. Geo is doing the next three weeks at Browns so more than likely I will be in tow. Patty Irish will be there next week with us. And yes, I will actually leave my apartment this weekend.

9/15/07-I have made a full commitment to NOT leave my house until the gig tonight. The neighborhood is deluged with gawkers for Larkfest. It's best I stay out of that scene.Speaking of tonights gig, Geo and I are with Dan and BJ from rant n rave doing a pllace out on I88 near Duanesburg or something. I am going to be optimistic, but whenever Geo and I go out to the hill towns to play some woodchuck always calls us gay. Guess we are a little too sophisticated for that lot. But we shall see, I will be positive. Last night was the Wize Wordz gig. The guys are really nice and Bless takes care of me. But it is a lot of standing and very little playing. Oh well, got me out of the house. Thursday at the open mic, Pat and I went old school. For years it's been all about playing the song, total pro style. Pat and I went back to our roots and did a free form art/punk take on everything. As Geo said, there were some home runs, some line drive hits, a few foul balls and a couple of bad swings. Geo gave us about 40 minutes so we went for it. The big perch was on Pete Townshends "Slit Skirts". A very difficult song to recreate. A few more run throughs and the I man and I will have a good one, but man that was tough. I had to do it because lyrically it is fitting my mood. We also did Who are You,Can't Explain,Psycho Killer,Tomorrow never knows,Helpless,On the hudson,a new tune that Pat wrote, Mary Carol and the legendary "Beyond Baghdad". Geo hosts next week as well.

9/11/07-Got word today that Geo is hosting Brown's open mic again this week. Also got confirmation that Pat Irish will be on board this week. And Geo and I may have a very special guest.

9/10/07-This blog thing is cathartic. Had a great talk with Patty Irish today. He read yesterday's blog. For the uninitiated, Pat and I were room mates and band mates in Sleet/Postcard/the mavens and we do a acoustic duo thing currently. We both went through a lot of the same shit with a lot of the same people, a very intertwined exsistence. We have witnessed each others success, failures, heartbreak,joy,and have consistently played music together for the last 15 years. the point is, I want to thank Pat for being a great friend, I love him dearly. With that, we also have a couple of songs we are going to do the next time Geo hosts open mic that will, as Mike Watt says, will be a "mindblow". Speaking of Mike Watt-google it if you don't know- I am hugely influenced by the playing and 'spieling" of Mike Watt. I admit to copping his vibe and some terminology in my blogs and my bass playing and attitude towards a lot of shit. this would freak Watt out, but it's not an idol thing, just a learning tree. Thanks Watt! And thanks to the folks who turned me on to him, they know who they are.

9/9/07-Ok this is a long one. Coming back from the Carrot festival gig with Geo, we get a call that My Kenezuela and Pam are at Geo's house. we tell them that we are a half hour away and to wait. Excellent, we get to see Kenny!! So we all sit down to have dinner and Kenny asks me why I have not blogged or updated recently. It is then I announce that I ham discontinuing the blog. I explain I have not been feeling good and in a bad head space and that I am done with it. Geo then says"c'mon man, you can't do that." Kenny then says how he reads it every monday and looks forward to it, Pam and Kathy give me a look of utter sadness that only women can muster,and then I think of Patty Irish and his unending support. I felt bad "cause Keny has been on hiatus and under the weather, but would still check. So with that all being said, I decided to continue the blog. This one is for them. I also owe big thanks to the Chief and my friend Marisa over the last few days...We will get to the Mayor shortly.
Ok-The Carrot Festival. we do this afternoon shot at some temple for Carrot festival in Niskayuna. A lot of good press. I meet Geo, and he is not feeling very chipper. I am in the midst of a two week haze so I am just rolling with it, also we are both freaked becaus eof the weather. I tell geo and Kathy that I envisioned I was going to die plugging in my bass,playing a gig headlining the puppett show, my last dying breaths a noxious blend of gevelte fish and cotton candy.I tell them that I figured it was an utterly appropriate way to go,and that I was ready.I think I bummed out Kathy-lol. Long story short, the carrot fest. turned out to be a really cool gig. The hosts were very nice. We were under a tent and protected. Never played to a totally empty tent, which was nice. There was an old lady with white socks, and I will post the pics. So we start, and my firend Marisa(aka the mayor) shows up with her daughters Katie and Gianna and Katie's boyfriend. Well, this dear old old lady starts dancing. But she is alos interpreting the lyrics with her dance gestures. truly sweet and bizarre, but also really funny. I had to turn my back during "I started a joke". the Mayor is howling and her kids are taking pics. Dan is cracking up as well. So the gig goes well and Geo took the surly and churlish lecture well from Kathy and I. I love George. We can just be brutally honest with each other.Hhe introduced me as Nick "Jaco" bisanz due to my embellishing of bass riffs during Margaretaville.We are packing up and they ask me to announce the raffle and pull the numbers. I put on my Bob Barker hat and do the spiel. I tell Dan that I am doing this. He says he bought a ticket for the grand prize of a plasma tv. I say if I pick your ticket everyone will think it is rigged. Anyway. I pull the grand prize ticket, all up and up. And read the name and laugh so hard I can't read it. Geo thought I was gonna say D. Sanchez and I was cracking myself up. Lo and behold, the winner is Dan De filips, drummer for Geo and the Komrades!!!!Well the groans started!!! I explain that was not planned . the raffle people back me up. But they were just shocked. Holy shit that was a riot!!! Fucking Dan. Gets paid, eats, and gets a 42' plasma tv for ten bucks!!! Rhythym section gotta stay together!! Doing a Wize Wordz gig again this friday, then a gig in Delanson with Geo, Dan and BJ in which Dan says this will be a gauranteed good time. I better have fun saturday for a 10 to 2 there blumpkin boy!!

9/01/07-Where do I start. Last night was Doc's rhythym and blues review gig up in Saratoga.It was a tight squeeze with all the gear but we made it work. A decent crowd in a small bar at the hotel. So it was decided that I would front the band for the night.It was a good idea. I shocked myself. Usually I don't say much on stage,but then I am always doing sidemouse duty. Tom cattin' the band is a different gig. Cracked some jokes,introduced the songs, and I think it went really well. Never knew I could be so social.The band availed itself well and I think those old coots had a good time. I took lead vocals for most of the 2nd and third sets. At one point,a women comes up to me with a handful of cash and asks where is the tip jar. I laughed, and held out my hand and said"I am the tip jar". She told me to share it with the guys. Looks like I owe them some money.Righteous,a tip!!People were really into the band and the whole vibe in "toga" was just different then anywhere else I gig during the summer. It is very cool.After the gig,since I was sober I decided to head downtown a bit. Holy shit is it hopping! Bands everywhere,tons of drunks stumbling and acting a fool,especially women in heels doing the drunk ballerina. Ran into some folks from the hotel(the ones that tipped me)who were in the area, ran into some drunk guy who kept saying I was a rock star but would'nt admit it. He got pissed when I declined his offer to buy me a beer and play his party in Florida in November, where he assured me I would become a star. Ran into Marcus Benoit who was finishing a gig,and made it home safe and sober by 2:15 a.m.

8/30/07-Feeling real good after a night of insomnia. 4 hrs is not enough at my advanced age. Geo and I go to Browns tonight for the open mic tonight. Tomorrow is Saratoga with Doc's band. This should be fun. Bob Cohen, the keyboard player in the band, put me on the installment for a righteous 1960's vintage bass. It is a Marlin and looks like a spider bass or a Bc Rich warlock type thing, but way retro. As soon as I get a picture I will post it as this thing is so cool it really does'nt matter how it sounds. Now how Bob gets his Leslie speaker in the Sartoga Inn remains to be seen.

8/26/07-Here is a nice testimonial from Jeff Clark regarding Geo and the Komrades:Hat’s off to the greatest most professional cats around…Geo and the Komrades. What a show! You know why Clarkstock is such a success? Simple…A live band. DJ’s suck and should be made to bus tables at events while letting their IPOD do all the work. I’m tired of that same old bullshit line “Yeah, but DJ’s can play anything”. So can Geo and the Komrades. The party atmosphere is totally different with live music as you all witnessed. During Geo’s breaks, when the canned music began to play, I defy anyone to tell me things were not different until the band started playing again. Well, that’s what having a DJ is like for your entire event….a break. Let your friends, and relatives in on this piece of party wisdom….The only thing a DJ is good for is to shove that Chicken Dance song up their ass.

8/26/07-Summer is almost done, and after last weekend so am I!! Athen's Town Park was a sweater in a lot of ways, but we pulled through. Geo says my joy was very evident at certain points o fthe gig. Saturday at the marina,Colin Kelly and Young Victor joined us on drums and fiddle respectively. Although it was really hot outside, the band sounded great and Victor is just awesome on the fiddle. That kid can play anything,anytime. One more prac with the Doc before the friday gig. I am actually singing a bunch on this gig, no golden throat quips......Big ups to Patty Irish. I asked him to learn Pete Townshend's "A Little Is Enough",and sure as shit,I man comes in 3 days later and nails it. Geo gave us props for having the "grapefruits" to do that number. He should know-lol.

8/23/07-Tonight-Geo hosts Brown's open mic in Troy. Patty Irish is ready to go and the selections are really good. I am trying to fight off some "sick bugs". Too much to do to be getting sick . Last night, the Dr. Foot Blues band had an old school throw down practice like back in the day. I remember practicing like that almost everyday back when I was a young whipper snapper. 3 1/2 hours of nothing but playing, aka "running the show". I think after sunday we will be all set and should put on a good show. I am excited for this, especially for Dr. Bill. For those of you who don't know, the doc is my Mom's husband and quite a successful podiatrist.In his younger days, he played drums professionally. He even did a stint in a touring band with Dion from Dion and the Belmonts in the early 70's and he auditioned for Carlos Santana. He picked up the sticks again about a year ago and has really worked hard to put the band together and keep it going. Doc is a blues nut. We got him to throw some 60's rock songs in the mix just to break things up. If you like the Blues Bros.,Cream,The Animals,Beatles,and blues you should check out this gig.I have been trekking almost an hour each way every week for rehearsals. D on't feel bad for me as Mom always makes a big dinner!!Plus,Doc got us into the Saratoga scene with this gig so it has been well worth it. Lot's of Athens gigs this weekend, check the home page.

8/20/07-Last weekend was a lot like work. Fun, but work. I like the Desmond gigs. It's a late night and you got to be on best behavior and put on "the show". I don't mind dressing up for a gig. Actually, I like it. On thursday, Geo(bb) will be hosting open mic at Brown's in Troy. Patty Irish,aka "The I-Man" is scheduled to appear as well.Last week,this kid named "Johnny O" shows up and just blew us away. This guy has a great voice and good songs. But he also has that "thing" that makes him special. Really talented. All the player guys/regulars were really into it. I hope he shows up again. Big weekend in Athens.The park gig on the big stage and some private function thing and a possible TBA down there as well.

8/15/07-On a very sad note,I would like to offer my condolences to the Balodis family in Erie,Pa. on the passing of Suzanne. Suzanne was 35 years old and finally succumbed to cancer after a long and hard 3 1/2 year battle. Suzanne was one of the most gentle,genuine,beautiful souls I have had the good fortune of knowing. We should all be so forutnate. Suzanne leaves behind her husband Eric, and two young children,Caitlyn,age 6,and James,age 9. A scholarship fund has been established and I will be posting the address on the home page when I recieve all the details. If any of you have the opprotunity to contribute anything, it would be appreciated and would go to a truly noble cause.

And on a far more frivoulous note,I will be out and about the next few days. Tomorrow, I will join Geo at Brown's open mic. Since Patty Irish can't make it, I am going to do a little solo spiel. Friday, Geo and I do a acoustic duo thing at Maddens around the happy hour time.Blumpkin boy Geo still has it listed as a solo on his site,so for that over sight, I have to do more solo's during MargaretavilleCan you say octaves?.Saturday, I will be at the Desmond Hotel with the Komrades doing the four piece oldies/dance show. Nowick and Brian Fitzpatrick come on board for a night of "sophistication" from g and the K's. Shit, I have to remember Desperado and Unchained Melody for this.

8/13/07-Clarkstock is in the books and all I can say is WOO!!!!Holy shit that was a great party! Just a ton of booze and food and a very nice crowd. Not to flout,but I thought the band just kicked ass. Jeff Clark and the Pierece brothers jammed with us, and some dude named Stacy sat in as well. And a big surprise was the appearance of Mr. and Mrs.Tommy Wiley at the function. Geo asked Tommy to sit in for a tune. It reminded me of the look David St. Hubbbins gave Nigel Tufnel when he asked him to come onstage after delivering the news about Sex farm hitting the charts in Japan. I really want to thank Geo and Dan for playing a hell of a show and making me bring the A-game. You two Blumpkins rock!!Oh-all night we WOO'd .And the whole place went nuts and would Woo! in response to us. The Woo! is the trade mark call of 16 time world champion Ric Flair. It was a damn woo fest. Go to youtube and type in Woofest to get a dose.

8/10/07-WOO!! 3 weeks off from the day job. Good Stuff. Last night at Browns was a hoot. Geo did a great solo version of I am One from Quadrophenia. I joined geo for rollicking renditions of American Band,Kind of a Hush,our Moody Blues double shot,In My Life,And I Love Her,and Wonderwall. Patty Irish and I followed. We opened with the Ballad of John and Yoko.Some guy handed me cash and requested/challenge that we do something original. Well, little did he know the I man and myself have a catalog of originals. I pocketed the cash and we gave him the Blue Spruce and Molly.We followed up with a tasty set that included Keep on Working,My Flash on You,On the Hudson,Shambala,and This close to you. The I man was in fine form and it was a spirited set. there are pics on the geo website. Check the links. Tomorrow is Clarkstock, the annual party in Rensselear. Geo and myself, along with guesting Komrade Dan dePhillips will be holding court. A few jam sessions will occur and it is open to the public. I hear the food is all kosher..

8/5/07-Interesting wedding/party.The gig was at a town park in E. Greenbush. A big pavillion on the hill housed the reception. We pulled in and there is a ton of beer and food, but no place for us to set up. We find out we are playing in a smaller pavillion 200 yards away from the festivities. That after the food portion people will move down there for dessert and music. we panic-we are seperated form the food and beer!!!! Dan to the rescue!!! He shows up with beer and water!!!!! For all of us!! He is a good man!!Long story short,things worked out well. We did get to eat eventually, and it was SOUL FOOD!!!!!!! We all ate so much we got groggy in the second set and I had to lay down in the van for a few before the third set!! A jam session occured and the highlight for me of the night was GFR's "American Band". Love that song.....

8/1/07-Love the heat. Private function gig with Geo this weekend. It is some wedding/party at some park in E.Greenbush. Ya never know what you are getting into at these gigs. But, a gig is a gig at this point. Been hitting the les Paul a bunch lately. Feeling itchy to do some electric guitar stuff. So if any body out there who is working and needs a bassist or a guitarist, let me know

7/28/07-The G and the K gig at the summer series was a success. Lot's of nice reaction and a cool spot on a perfect,hot,summer day. Hopefully we drummed up some future business. Theanks to the city of Albany and the downtown BID for sponsoring the show. Also thanks to Gary 7 for making a set list. Even though Geo called of a few of the called pitches,it went really smooth. Next weekend we do a wedding/party at some park in e.Greenbush. Rod and Dan from Rant nRave will be joinnig Geo and Myself for the gig. Should be a lot of laughs.

7/25/07-Gotta hand it to Patty irish. I was spieling about how I think only 3 or 4 people look at my site. Typical Nick woe is me....then the I man put me in my place. Told me there are more, to trust him. And it it isn't about volume. Love the I Man.
Madden's was quite an interesting gig. Nice crowd due to some birthday party. We were on the deck. Geo was bedazzling with his new blond coiff and his shirt knotted like a pirate around his waist. We "started out easy" and had some nice grooves. But man did we hit some clunkers as the night went on. All of us were guilty, but outside of that it was a good show. Seriously. I did my best Spampinato/Keith Richards deal and was quite happy with myself. Must have been my Motorhead shirt. I learned that Blue Moon is not a beer to have if you are going to have more than one. I had two and was really full and loagy. And of course we had to do "sweet home alabama". I can honestly say that is the song I loathe most. Geo and I had a "wooo" fest during one song. then we got people in the crowd to Woo. Then they asked what is a "woo". Of course it is the trademark cry of 16 time world Champion Ric Flair. Heady days in blumpkinville indeed.
Tomorrow we are downtown for the summer concert series. 11:30 to 1:30. We are doing a two hour straight shot. Gotta bring Gatorade.

7/21/07-I caught some slack from some quarters about my lack of updates recently. I aim to please...First off, I will be at Madden's tonight with Geo and Gary N. filling the the other Komrade role.8 p.m. start. Always a fun night at Maddens. I like Maddens because i always get goood head sweat there. A ttuesday ago I joined Patty Irish for his running of the colonie Mile. No, I sure the hell did'nt run but Pat is a running machine. This is the third year I have been to the Colonie Mile and Pat keeps getting better. Hardcore dedication from the I man. The following Thursday i joined Geo at the open mic. Well, it turned into a Geo/Nick 2 1/2 hr. gig. One comedian signed up. But hell did we play a lot. The improved subterranean Homesick/Maggies Farm medley was killer. Last saturday saw us at Yanni's 3 on the river in Athens. Suffice to say, this was a geat gig. Fireworks ont he river while we were playing,courtesy of the town of Athens, was a real treat. Dan from rant n Rave continues to get real solid with our set and he was in great form last saturday. Even throwing in some Tommy Ardolino type stuff.Great crowd and hospitality. On Sunday, Geo and I did a duo for a graduation party for the Yanni's. Very nice crowd and much appreciation for the warm hospitality. This thursday we do the lunch time thing downtown. it is gonna be hot. Outside that is.

7/08/07-Just a quickie before I head up to the blues jam with Doc. This coming thursday the 12th Geo is hosting open mic at Browns in Troy. I may do the tag along and would like to do a little solo act stintl. Gonna call Patty Irish as well. This coming saturda the 14th G & The K willactually do a band gig at Yanni's III in Athens. This is the old Hagars Harbor Joint and from what I hear the new owners cleaned it up well. On the 21st,G & The K will be at Maddens in Slingerlands and this looks like it will be the closest "in town" gig we do until the Desmond later in August. Gary Nowick hits the chair for us. Oh-speaking of in town, we will be downtown on the 26th as part of the Summer series. Gig starts at 11:30. Yikes, an 11:30 mid day outside gig. I will try to pull it together-lol. Got a new i pod and if you check the recommendations link, I also got some new tunes.

7/04/07-Ahh the fourth of July. Whatever. Did the Rant n Rave gig last saturday. My last gig with them for a while as their bassist,Nicky Vegas, was returning from his injury. I played the first and third set and Nicky did the second set. Nicky was very gracious towards me and we had a few good bass raps. Thanks to BJ for my Dirty sanchez t-shirt. I enjoyed the gigs with those guys and they are all a good bunch of fella's. Always a laugh to be had. I like to call this summer "my gig elba". Digit's practice starts soon.I will get to make some good tunes with the boys from Catskill, which I am really looking forward to.

6/30/07-First off, a huge shout out to "the old man" who hits 64 today. Happy B-day Chief,you ol' polecat!! The music "business' never gets old. Last night we are scheduled to do a happy hour gig ath the downtown. On the way over to get me,Geo says the gig may not happen as the owner said it was dead in there. We go and suss it out and sure enough, dead as a door nail. No gig. Geo then remembers that Bill from O'Briens Garden Grill called him earlier as he had a cancellation last night and wanted a fill in. Long story short, Geo hooks us up at the Grill for a 9 pm start. My Kenezuela was on the gig, and he volunteered to stick it out and do the gig. Righteous!! We played well and made some dough and turned a bad into a good. Went deep into the Beatles repetoire last night. Fixing a hole,She Said,I'm a loser,Revolution,Something,Norwegian Wood,Hide your love away,Instant Karma,and I am probably missing a couple. Thanks to Bill O'Brien and the Garden Grill, you saved at least one guy a lot mental anguish. Tonight I am Dee Dee's in latham with Rant and Rave. 9 pm start.

6/26/07- Big fun as of late. Last thursday, I hosted the open mic in Troy solo and then co-host with Geo for the remainder og the session. I started the gig out solo. But earlier int he day, I went to get the gear from Geo. JImmy Kelly lives next door to Geo, and he comes running out of his house when I pull up and goes,"Hey you, no best of BTO and Black flag B-sides, ya gotta play something everyone knows!" I laughed as the fella's know me well and my tenedency to want to 'educate' the masses on what is really good-lol. So, I started out with Squeeze Box, my acoustic version of :Helter Skelter", and Tuesday Afternoon. Then it was Pat Irish to the resuce.As usual, Pat and I hit a good mix of tunes which included Psycho Killer, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Let Me Roll It,Let My Love open the door,My Flash On You, Maggie's Farm,and the Agitpop tune On The Hudson. I/We were well recieved and it was a good time. Only 2 people signed up all night, a slow night, and Geo and myself ended up playing the remainder of the night.
Last night was the annual St. Theresa's benefit gig at the Normanside golf club. Jimmy was on drum's and Young Victor joined us on violin. This pick up foursome sounded really good. You would have thought we actually practiced as a band. The food was abundant and good as well as the drink. Oh and there was much ball busting. We had a lot of laughs and the fact that the band sounded really good was just a bonus. But beware the pink sock........

6/17/07-It goes to 11. 11 days since the last update. Friday I did the Geo gig at the Grill. It was a dual birthday party event so there was a decent sized crowd in a festive mood. Dan from Rant n Rave filled the drum chair and acquitted himself quite well. Geo was running all day and he was ready for a pop and to let his hair down a bit. the band sounded well and we did a more upbeat show. And once again I was wrong.Geo gave us a John Mayer tune "Gravity" to learn for the gig. When I first heard it,I thought that the song was so slow that it was definitley gonna make a run of asses and elbows for the door. Well, We caught a nice groove right of the top and the couples came out dancing. What do I know, I would have played Jethro Tull's" Living in the past". Last night, I did a fill in with Rant n Rave at the Last Resort in Schenectady. 1 person showed up. Oh there were 2 or 3 regulars, but that was it. Too bad, as it was a great sounding room and the band seemed to have that little extra going. It would have been a good show. Some drunk y oung kid was doing cartwheels and almost plowed me over. She was obviously on a big day drunk and was about at saturation. Props to Rod,Dan, and B.J., they are a good bunch of guys to gig with and treat me well. One more gig with the R N R boys before "Nicky Vegas" returns from his medical hiatus. dee Dee's in Latham on June 30th. Come out as this will be a fun gig. I hit the Capitol Grille(Washington Ave.)right here in Albany, about 4 blocks from my pad,on Friday 6/29 at 5pm with Geo and the Komrades. Full electric trio and I am excited to 1.be done at 8 pm. B.Be so close to home,and 3. Do the bass. Last night really brought home why I dig the bass gigs so much. Just love the lock in and providing the thud. Even though I am itchy to play some electric 6 string again.

6/06/07-BIG NEWS!!- Yours Truly has accepted a position with The Digits!! Those unfamiliar with The Digits should go to their website which is on my LINKS page. My Kenezulea is the drummer for the Digits so we will spread the rhythym disease in 2 seperate outfits. I am very excited about this as the Digits rock and the they are a great bunch of guys,and of course I get to work with My Kenezuela a lot, which I dig immensley. Thanks again to The Digits for having me aboard!!! Oh you Geo fans don't fret......

5/28/07-The world has definitely lost a good purveyor of laughs with the passing of Charles Nelson Reilly. Google him if you are befuddled of the greatness of Charles Nelson Reilly. Esteemed theater actor,teacher,comedian,television staple,and cultural icon. Yes I said it... CNR's double entendre's on the Match Game are priceless. That was his greatest character. He just amped up part of his personality and took it to the out most points, created a persona on part of his personality. deconstructing it and making fun of him self in the process, all to provide some laughs and entertainment. I am sure it was also cathartic and a lot less cheaper than therapy.His willingness to share and exploit his sexuality back in the 60's and 70's is extraordinary. But you could tel,l he never took himself too seriously. Thanks Chuck, hope you and Paul Lynde have a cocktail. At least I got Georgie to do his spot on Claymore Cregg impersanation.

On June 16th I will be playing wiht Rant and Rave at the Last Resort in schenectady. What is exciting as that I will be taking over some lead vocal chores during the set. Outside of back ups and the occasinal lead chore, I purely sidemouse.( Watt speak for side man musician).Come on out and see my bass/lead singer debut. Then again, you could stay home and I can give you my interpretation of the performance.

5/15/07-Let's start with the Heaven and Hell/Megadeth show from last night. the foursome of myself,Geo,Bill H. and Jen met up at the Fountain for drinks and eats and head down to the gig at the TUC Center/Arena. Mullets and black shirts galore!!! For those of you who don't know, Heaven and Hell is the Dio line up of Black Sabbath. We get to our seats and the four of us five the 8 hand devil horn salute to start the evening. Megadeth was very good. The band was tight, even though Geo pointed out that all the songs were the same tempo. True. A straight up no bullshit set. Peace Sells kicked ass. The bass riff is pure thunder. Then Dio,Geezer,Iommi,and Appice hit the stage. What a blast from the past. Straight up old school metal. Dio still has the pipes. The stage set was pretty cool. Music highlights were "Mob Rules" and the encore "Neon Knights". The new songs were pretty cool as well. Dio flashed a ton of devil horns. Rightous indeed. The whole night was a really cool. Brought back a lot of good memories of the Mid Hudson Civic Center days in the 80's when there was a metal show pretty much every week. Thought about the old crew from then and how the scene of the gig last night kind of froze time and brought me back over 20 years. And of course I was hungover as all hell and went to school, albeit this time to work instead of a student-lol. Man, I needed that last night. All in All a kick ass night.
The Kilcar was a light turn out but we were on fire. Some drunk dude who kept asking us for 'bumps" kept playing stump the band. He lost. Actually we ended up adding about 7 new songs to the set and played a bunch of stuff just for our own head. Kenny does more with a snare and kick than 99% of any drummers do with a full set. Just amazing. Geo and I hit some great vocal harmonies. We even pulled out some old metal like Cat Scratch Fever,Helter Skelter(Crue version),LaGrange,and some other stuff I can't remember.Also did Last Dance with Mary Jane,Cripple Creek,Never Been to Spain,Taxman,Rain,Let's Spend the Night Together,Hello There,and other stuff I can't remember.Lol. Also thanks to the lady who really dug my hair, a definite self esteem boost.

5/06/07-We had a good time at Browns Brew Pub. As reproted it was Geo, Pat Irish and Myself. And that was it with the exception of regula Jim and another guy whose name escapes me at the time. Feeling minimal pain and tons of courage, I joined Geo on stage. We started out with The Story in Your Eyes by the Moody Blues. Sounded good as it is a song we do consistently. Then I get the urge to do the Moody's "Tuesday Afternoon" ,which I had learned just the previous evening. Well, it sounded very cool. Showed Jorge the chords,we both knew the lyrics the other did'nt,and it rocked!!Also did Rockpile's "If Sugar was as Sweet".Pat Irish came up and me and the I man ripped into some nuggets. Kicked off with "Massachusetts",then Cripple Creek",a spirited verison of Dylan's "gotta serve somebeody" which Pat just rocked,and u2's One. Geo and I finished the night with acouple of our standards. I like Browns...The beer is good.....8 days to DIO........

5/3/07-Who says the bass player gets no love? Did the Rant n Rave gig last saturday at Dee Dee's Tavern in Latham. Long story short, I was literally accosted by a drunk soon to be bride who came with a bachlorette party. It's hard to play bass when a drunk chick is grinding her ass against you.The only thing that blocked the "meeting of the minds" was my trusty Mustang Bass!! Her friends had to come on' stage" and drag her off,as they pull her away from wrestling with the Mustang,they are apologizing and look mortified lol. Sure, there's been some occurences off,leers,smiles,subtle and not so subtle innuendo,come on's,etc.thrown at me while on a gig by a drunk lady patron, but man, this was full on aggressiveness. I felt so cheap...... the best was when she danced like Mick Jagger during Satisfaction, making the faces and all. She tried at first to get cozy with Rod, untill she wiped out and kicked the microphone into his teeth. lol.No shit, a true story! Anyway, the gig was cool, Rod,Dan,and BJ are nice guys and we had some rocking moments which included Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo,Walking the Dog,American Band and a lively version of I Feel Good in the key of C. And the wise cracks never ended! Tonight, Geo is filling in for Jimmy at Browns brew pub in Troy for the open mic. I will be tagging along and Pat Irish will be there as well doing some tunes with me and Jorge. Next friday is the Kilcar with Geo, Kenezuela,and myself. Oh, and Josh Riffington. Saturday is Joan Jett in the park about 250 yards away from my house and Monday is the big Heaven and Hell Gig at the arena. Dio is so fucking righteous!!!

4/28/07-A quick note. I am doing a fill in gig tonight with Rant n Rave. The venue is" D.D."s in Latham on Rt. 155 a few miles from Rt.9. 9pm start. Thanks to Geo,Rod Choppy,and Dan DePhillips for the hook up. I also get to try out my new amp that I purchased today. It is a used Ampeg Rocket Bass 100w combo 1x15 (with caster capability). It sounded really cool at the store and has the retro look that I dig. Once in a blue moon you can get some good gear at a big box store. Playing the Mustang tonight so I am really traveling light.Guitar,combo amp,Gig bag,very econo.

4/24/07- It was Shella licious!!!! Geo nailed that one regarding the Irish Tavern.. Wow. Let's just say that we had to play loud, fast, and long as an act of self preservation... Kenezuela drew raves from the crowd, a real bullseye for the ladies dart league.......They had Schaeffer in cans..... And danced on chairs during "Mustang Sally",dangerous stuff believe me.........A litany of nefarious activities amongst the patrons..........I'm sure they thought Georgie and I were gay, not together, but, you know,not that anything is wrong with it,especially that night.....Surrender,taxman,revolution,and Me and the boys ripped....It never ends,thank god......

I am helping Geo at the St. Teresa's annual talent show this saturday.Running lights and sound, stage hand help, and a number with Jorge.Sunday should be another Doc's Blues Band rehearsal. We are doing some 4 part harmonies and I am actually getting a chance to sing a few tunes and do a lot of back ups. The guys are teaching me how to sing,finally, as I am sure a lot fo you are in hysterics at this, especially if we were in bands together-lol.

4/17/07- It' s the first update from the new pad. The place is small but has cleaned up well. I made scarmbled eggs with cream cheese with smoked salmon and tomato. It was good if I must say. I enjoy cooking. This saturday finds G & the K at the Irish Tavern in Rentler... This will be the first trio gig with Kenny since his hiatus and we are all looking forward to it. Georgie promised to dip into the set and play some stuff we normally don't/can't do.Lot's of 'Live in Japan" endings from Kenezuela.Purely stuff for our head. But no worry, there will be plenty of "hits". the Irish tavern is near the train station so it is an easy shot. Speaking of Geo,he has some new pics up on his site. Check the links to get to Jorge's site.The weather and the news is just too freaking depressing lately. What the hell is going on...

4/15/07-A quick one because the Sopranos is almost on. It was just awesome to have My Kenezuela back on the job. kenny is looking and feeling good and brought some much needed 'rock' to the G & K show. It was like having a nice soft pillow to land on! You better Baweev!!!! Kudos to Brian Fitzpatrick as well who added some nice lead work and backing vocals to the band. I highly recomend the 4 piece show to those of you who like the oldies and classic 60's and 70's pop. Not that I am biased. Big Ups to Drea and the American Legion for a fun night. A legion gig is never bad, right Doverboys?Next week we are back in Rensselear with the 3 piece and Geo promised to bring out some of the nuggets in the set list that we don't get the chance to do often. Also thanks to Bliss and Wize Wordz for the friday gig. it was a really good crowd and James blew some sax with me as well. Bass and flute improv at a spoken word poetry slam,and a dj. Who says I sold out.Lol Well, not entirely true, I do get paid. This is a great gig for the chops and the guys are really cool. Man, I hope some on big gets it tonight on the Sopranos.

4/7/07-Ahh yes, 10 days off from the ol' day job..You can't beat that! On a personal note, plenty to keep busy as I have acquired a new pad back in my old Center Square neighborhood here in Smallbany. Not thrilled about the parking but otherwise I am very excited. Huge thanks to Bill H. for his friendship and hospitality. My weirdness was a constant source of amusement for Bill. I know my taste in food was'nt-lol. On friday the 13th I have a solo/Wize Wordz gig. I dig Friday the 13th,so this should be fun. Then the next night, we actually do a G and the K band gig outside of the Grill/Maddens/Kilcar circle and do a retirement party some where across the river. My Kenezuela returns!!! We really can't turn him loose until the following week when we do the Irish Tavern in Rennsselear. And once again, if any bands out there need a bass/guitar hand please let me know, I need to play and work.

4/1/07-A very slow weekend. And for those who care, I was addled by a migraine headache the better part of it. Oh well, looks like next weekend will be a slow one as well. Only2 more weeks until the "the power and the fury" reunite. My Kenezuela returns to the G and the K fold. The first function is an oldies gig with Brian Fitzpatrick joining us on guitar,but the following weekend we get to kick it power trio style at some dart league function in Renesselear. I can never spell that place, besides, it really does'nt matter because if you have been to Renessealer, you know what I mean.And Poughkeepsie may see my shadow next week....I need a bacon,egg and cheese sandwhich and a good slice of pizza. Withthe exception of The Fountain,the pizza in Albany really sucks. And forget finding a REAL bacon,egg, and cheese b-fast sandwhich. But there is fish fry,which can't be found in Po-town.

3/26/07-Just a quick blast...The Garden Grill run is over until the end of April when Georgie and I return as a duo. Bill hunter came up and did a set with us, The stand outs in my mind of the set were 'Sunday Papers"(even though I could'nt hear myself-lol),Melt with You,Hello There and Don't bring me down. Paul from China White came up and did vocals for "Going To Brazil" and fun was had by all. Bill saved the day, if not for him and his friends, we would have ended up playing to the two ladies, four guys,and the bartender. Oh well.... As it looks,I have a couple week gig less run until the 13th of April and things pick up a bit. Plus My Kenezuela returns to the drum chair for a couple of private function gigs with G & the K's. There are some other things going on that I am not at liberty to really discuss, but one thing I may be able to tease is a possible acoustic gig in the near future with my man,the I-man,Pat Irish. Also,had a really good jam last sunday with Doc's Blues Band up in Greenwich. Those guys are loud--lol.
A little movie news. Bill H. got "We Jam Econo" from NetFlix. We jam Econo is the documentary about the band The Minutemen. I dig the Minutemen a lot(more than a lot) and Bill has a passing interest so we finally got down to watching the movie. What was really neat was that some of the old footage of the Minutemen was taken at Bard College in Dutchess Co. in 1985. I was just at Bard recently as my dad Dale is doing a lot of construction on the campus and the campus has really grown over the last 20 years. Anyway, I really liked the movie. I knew a lot of the story but it was really good to see the old footage and hear new takes from the scenesters who were there when it happend. Bill's review was ,"I thought it was boring". I can understand that take.If you are not a big fan of the Minutemen or really familiar with the music or the scene, one could get lost. If you are looking for a history lesson or a a fan, I reccommend this movie.Some of the performances from the old footage is amazing,man,that band could be on fire..

3/19/07-What a weekend!! And I got the pictures to prove it!! I will post some of the pics in the very near future. It allstarted last Thursday at Browns Brew Pub and the open mic. Big fun at Browns as usual and a lot of the regulars showed up late. They are a cool bunch of guys. Friday was sn owed out, but that did'nt stop the party on Grove Ave. Saturday came around and we were looking at a double. We hit SUNY Albany first. We played in the retail cafeteria for the kids. Suny wanted an irish act for St. Pat's so we set up and give the maybe 12 students who were actually paying attention some irish stuff. They were totally disinterested. Then we figure let's try some classic rock, and it worked. The kids passing by seemed into it,as much as a 19 year old can be into anything I guess. The few kids who paid attention were cool and seemed to enjoy it. It was one of those gigs where you say,"what are we doing here". But we have had a lot worse. Our contact at Suny,Rachel, was super nice. She got us some pizza and let us knock of early so we could get to JJ Maddens. Maddens was packed and the place was ready to rock. Then the ladies showed up!! That got us going-lol. Then the Jagermeister showed up, that got me going!!! We went with the up beat stuff and everyone, including us, had a great time. I made Geo and myself Corned beef sandwhich's in the kitchen, everyone was just shot by then. Then the after party. Oh the young ladies took care of me and Geo,(not in that way you perverts)made us feel like young rock stars again-lol. Thanks girls! The 3 of you rock!!! So Georgie and I drag are very hungover asses to the Grill sunday afternoon. Maybe 10 regulars all afternoon but man did we chow. I had French toast,bacon,sausage, and lox and bagels, Geo had fruit and I felt guilty. A few Stella's and I was at it again!! Bill asked us to play an extra set and offered us some really good whiskey. We accepted--lol. Big thanks to Geo, Gary, Maddens, Garden Grill, Suny Albany, the ladies of Grove Ave.,the rock and roll gods,and St.Patrick. This friday the rock show comes to the Grill, with Bill Hunter sitting in on some tunes and some new tunes from us.

3/17/07-Thanks to the snow, the Kilcar was canceled last night. We are still on with the remainder of the schedule but the snow will make everything that much more difficult. It could be worse I know. I am ready for guiness beer... I will post an update for all my fan's. Even the ones in Louisiana...Also,this weekend celebrates the birthday of my late grandmother Evelyn. A great woman and I love and miss her dearly. Happy birthday Vita!! It's almost Mets season!!!Also,huge props to Tom and the crew at PARKWAY MUSIC! They just installed a new pick up in my Les Paul. I had the old humbucker taken out of the bridge and put in the t-50 whatever that comes on a Gibson Explorer. The Paul just really kills it now. What a rock and roll beast!! They do fantastic work at Parkway and are just a joy to deal with. After 15 years and s lot of playing and abuse, they have restored half the frets,cleaned up the bridge and electronics,intonated and tweaked the neck,and now with the pickup installation, it is ready for another 15 years!! Thanks again. The city of Albany actually did a good job on the snow removal this time after the pathetic response to the last storm,so there is no reason not to get your ass out and about tonight.

3/12/07-Since I am sick and trying to get the energy to run some errands,I will leave all you fine folks a little update. First off, I was remiss in not giving a proper update and props to Doc's Blues Band up in Greenwich. We got together twice last week and are making good progress. We added some more songs,one of which I really dig called "Big Mary's House". A lot of these songs I am not familiar with as I was never a big blues/swing blues/jump blues/whatever fan. These tunes are really fun to play on bass and the band is sounding really good. Doc wants to add a horn section and is working on getting us ready and booking the act up in Bennington,Vt. this summer.

This is a big week coming up for myself and Geo and the Komrades. Geo is hosting Browns Brew Pub open mic this thursday and I will be tagging along. On friday,we head to the Kilcar in E.Greenville for a 9:30 start. Saturday,we are at SUNY Albany doing the Irish schtick for the kids for the dinner run at 5 pm. til 7pm. After that we have to hustle it over to JJ Maddens in Slingerlands for some St.Pats fun and a rock and roll show,and the irish stuff of course. On sunday afternoon,Geo and I will be doing the duo at the Garden Grill,the annnual post parade gig. And yes,I will be having corned beef and cabbage!!! Four days after,on the 23rd,we are back at the Grill for a friday night rock show. Bill Hunter will be joining us for a set of rockers which should be a good time!!!

3/10/07-A couple of good nights to report. Thursday,Geo hosted open mic night at Browns in Troy. I tagged along and Pat Irish joined in as well. It was a low turnout so we got to play a lot. I joined Georgie for some of our usual fare,(America,Well Respected Man,Where have all the good times gone,Reason to believe,Squeeze Box,Cruel to be kind and we even threw in "the unicorn song" for some giggles). Next, Pat joined us for "I can't explain","Back in the USSR",and "With or without you". After that,Pat and I went the duo route and pulled out some originals. We did my old tune "Neil's Boutique"Pat's tune "Freezing", and then reached back and covered the Agitpop nugget "On the Hudson". Pat is a machine when it comes to remembering vocals and we put on a spirited set. To fill some time at the end of the night, Georgie and I put on the guitars and Pat handled the vocals for a great version of "Psycho Killer". Looking forward to this coming thursday again at Browns. Last night was a WIZE WORDZ gig in downtown Albany. It was a intimate turnout and Bliss and I were in good form. I have to thank Dion for always giving me big props at these gigs and making me feel welcomed. I even went pick less playing the bass. Hit some nice grooves and it felt really good. I believe the next one is on April 13th. And finally, I went and got my tickets for the big "HEAVEN & HELL" show at the Pepsi arena on May 14th. This is the Ronnie James Dio line up of Black Sabbath and to say I am excited is an understatement. Megadeth is on the bill as well so that is a nice throw in. I just hope I don't throw up on myself like I did the last time I saw Ronnie James Dio in 1983. At least my dad Dale won't wake me up the next day to go to school this time.

3/04/07-The Garden Grill gig is in the books. Not to brag, but Georgie and I put out a really good show. This was the best we sounded as duo to date. Just one of those gigs where everything locked up and we played well together. Big ups to Georgie.Doing the acoustic gig is a whole different approach and it is sort of like learning a new instrument. I chowed big time at the brunch. French toast,bacon,lox and bagels,and some liverwurst/pate type thing,and some Stella Artois beer.We will reprise the duo in 2 weeks for the St.Pats weekend celebration at the Grill. The band hits the Grill on March 23. Gary Nowick is in the drum chair and Bill Hunter is going to join us for a set that should really rock.Georgie is hosting the Brown's Brew Pub open mic this Thursday for Jimmy Kelly. I will be tagging along and am actually going to do a few songs solo, as well as the usual few songs with Geo and there is a good possibility that Pat Irish will show up and jam with us as well.It all starts at 8 and Browns is good hang.Last night,Geo had a birthday party for his wife Kathy.Outside of the usual crew of myself and the Kelly's and the kids, we were graced with the presence of MY KENEZUELA!!!! Kenny Marchesani and his family came up and it was fantastic to see Kenny again. He is looking good and feeling better and were are looking at April or May for the return of My Kenezuela in the drum chair for a G and the K's gig. To say I am excited is an understatement. Friday is my solo gig backing up WIZE WORDZ. Check back as I may have some big news concerning a future endeavor with poet Bliss(aka Dion Burnette).

3/02/07-A few tid bits. First,Bill downloads some real early Ronnie James Dio from the early 60's. The stuff is very indicative of that era and it is a trip. I went and got two really pop/schmaltz songs that Bill probably could'nt bring himself to download. I am a glutton for punishment. Bill also downloaded Dio's pre Rainbow band ELF,from Cortland,NY. Geo knew Mickey Lee Soule from ELF back in his SUNY Cortland days. I have heard many Mickey Lee Soule/ELF stories. I feel like I know them lol. Suffice it to say we are all excited about this.
Also got word that GEO & The KOMRADES are booked once more for the Athens Town Park Summer music series. It's in August so plan accordingly.

3/01/07-A few bits of news for my legions of fans. This sunday I will again be joining Geo for the Irish brunch at the Garden Grill. Last sunday was a lot of fun. We will be going heavy on the Irish tunes as well as some of the usual pop/rock fare. I also really dug the french toast and irish sausage and the lox and bagels. The" mystery shot" of the day was a clear grain alcohol,wow......Join us for the fun as it is a nice afternoon hang out and the crowd is spirited.

On March 9th I will be doing the solo thing backing up the WIZE WORDZ poets. This is a very cool gig as the Wize Wordz guys are always well received, and they let me do my thing musically,no pressure, and they are really supportive.

AHH THE MESSAGE BOARD......... I guess it is safe to be an idiot when you are an ocean away or living amongst the brain damaged below the mason dixon.

2/23/07-I will be joining Georgie this sunday as we do the Garden grill Irish breakfast as a duo. Show starts at 2 pm. We will be doing some new material and geo says the spread is pretty good. Plus, they have Schafer beer on tap!! Oh, and for my old high school friends,I will actually be playing 6 string guitar,which i still know how to play. I know you boys are still regretting the demise of the mullet and the break up of the band Stryper,but things do change. Actually, i love those guys,even Bargio and Red-lol.
Yesterday was a MAVENS jam with Pat and Mike. As always,we just went for it and had a blast. I did play electric guitar Bruce and Bob. Some of the highlights included versions of The Seeker,Do Ya, Hello There, Back in the USSR,and new readings of a few Pat Irish originals, including a great take on his song "Freezing".

2/18/07-Want to thank the fine folks at JJ Maddens for a good night for G and the K's. Always a pleasure to play there. This coming sunday,Geo and I will be doing the Irish Breakfast at the Garden Grilla as a duo. The food is supposed to be good and the atomsphere festive. We are also going to try to debut some new tunes. And this is for you Bill,always remember,Daytona puts a tear in your eye!!!

2/15/07-I guess it snowed!! Two days off from the ol' day job. Nice. Unfortunately,the Wize Wordz gig is off due to the snow. The Maddens gig is stil on for saturday and th ings should be clear so get out of the house and blow off some steam this saurday night. The band has'nt played in a month so we should be ready to rip it up.

2/13/07-It better snow!! I need a day and am already in celebration mode. The snow should be clear by thursday and definitely saturday so get out the house and see a gig. Preferably one of mine.....

2/11/07-Thankfully I am jamming today. The R and B guys in Greenwich are getting together and I am psyched! Besides a Mavens jam(which was very cool to play guitar for a while),I have'nt had a good bass throwdown outside the house in almost a month. It will feel good to break out the new Mustang baby bass for a long walk. I will update this weekends activities in a few days. And,only a few more days til pitchers and catchers.Let's go Mets!!!

2/7/07-Winter is here and it really sucks! Beside being bored and unproductive,it's freezing! Next week I am scheduled to be playing on Thursday and Saturday. Bliss re-confirmed the Simply Fish and Jazz gig today.I also have open dates so if Red(ok,maybe not Red)or Audie Murphy need a bass player let me know...Seriously.

1/25/07-Hells Bells, I am on I Tunes. While checking for artwork on I Tunes-I came across the artwork for a record I performed on and wrote parts for. The record was by Cellophane, entitled "Hang Ups". During the recording, I broke my finger, so some of my guitar parts that I could'nt record were recorded by others as we had demo'ed all of the tunes before hand.The band name was at first POSTCARD, then re-named SLEET, and upon my departure was re-named CELLOPHANE. Not to be confused with the other CELLOPHANE band from Virginia. Members of the HANG UPS line up included John DeVries,Mark LaFalce, and Pat Irish. I do play on a fair amount of the tracks, and some of my parts were pretty faithfully re-produced I must say. I am not listed as a band member due to my departure prior to the record release. I do have a performance credit under the "guest musicians". I was shocked I got that due to the animosity surrounding my departure-lol. The album was recorded in 1993,and was not released in the USA. It was released in England and some other European countries. So check it out if you are on I-tunes. In all honesty, I think the demos of these songs and the slew of other songs that we recorded that never saw the light of day are a hell of a lot better in every way than what is on the hang ups record. Maybe one day they will be made public as I feel they represent that band in its strongest form. But hey, something on I -Tunes is better than nothing.

This saturdays Garden Grill gig is postponed. Geo and I will hopefully have a re-make duo gig to post in the near future.

1/19/07-This saturday Geo and I will be bringing the acoustic duo act to O'Briens Garden Grill. Who the hell knows what is gonna happen at a Grill gig? So come down and share the wonder of it all. The Grill is always fun.
Gary Nowik will be joining us on the kit for most of the upcoming G & the K's band gigs. Gary is rock solid and a joy to work with. He got me into this mess!

On the 15th of February I will be doing a Wize Words(bass and guitar)gig at Simply Fish and Jazz in Albany.

This was a real fun week of gigs.Friday saw G& the K's head down to the Kilcar in Greenville. Gary 7 made the roadie with us in the van so I was relegated to the back seat as his 6'7 frame can't handle the confines of the back seat.I did'nt mind because I was'nt in the mood to be "'deer watcher" for the night. Lot of deer on Rt.81 so it pays to be diligent.The Kilcar is always a interesting gig and we always get a lot of laughs playing there. The marquee had us billed as "Geo and the Gomrads". Geo and I tried out the new axes and the Kilcar faithful were friendly and festive as always. I dig playing the Kilcar, always good stories and the hospitality is kind. Except for the treasure in the mens room. Whew.................We also trotted out some new tunes including "Listen to her heart", by Tom Petty, Michael Penn's "No Myth", and we even toyed with 'take 5", the old Dave Brubeck ditty.

Monday was the MLK Celebration at the Empire State Plaza. This was with 'Wize Words",the poetry troop featuring Bliss,Da Author,and Poeytic Vizion. Sunday was the rehearsal. The convention center was decked out and this was a real pro deal. I found out we were being broadcast live on cable channel 3 NYN and they expected a couple million viewers. Very sweet. There was backline provided so all I had to do was come up with a riff,do the rehearsal,get down to the Plaza at 7:30 AM on Monday with my suit intact. Got my spots and the run through for the Monday show and all went well. Including the chicken sandwhich.Oh-there was an ice strom sunday night and monday morning.Long story short, the gig went well. There were many talented performers on this bill. There were two young kids who are prodigy's, one playing trumpet and the other singing. All of the gospel bands and choirs were outstanding,I got goosebumps,seriously. There was a high school jazz orchestra from Buffalo that did a John Coltrane medley, which was a real bonus as they were fantastic. All of the performers were talented and the show was really smooth. We went over well. The guys got a great reception and were featured in an article in the TIMES UNION the next day. Oh, and there was a nice catered lunch afterward. I have a tape of the even and one day I will post it on the site for all ya all.

On thursday the 18th,Geo was subbing for Jimmy Kelly at the Browns brew pub open mic. Along for the ride was Bill Hunter and Pat Irish. Iwas not feeling great all day but persevered. I figure Jack and Ginger would be a good move. Was I wrong. Anyway, Browns is a fun gig. Nice atomsphere and the open mic regulars are friuendly folk. After waiting a while, we went on as we had different lineups and songs we wanted to do. Pat and I started off,doing the Pete Townshend nugget "Keep On Working. Bill then came up with us and the three of us did 'Dante Dream Lover". Geo joined in on vocals for "Melt with you", and the finale was Motorheads "Going to Brazil", with Geo on harp and myself on vocals. A good time indeed. The Jack and ginger just made my illness worse and man I am sick today. What a idiot!!!

1/7/07-Happy New Year! This one is off to a good start. For a while I have been contemplating a short scale bass. I love the Franken P/J,but on the longer, more rocking gigs/sessions, it takes a toll on my hands(I am a wuss). Long story short, today I went to Parkway music to check some Fender Mustang Bass's. Bill went to see what he could get for some axe's. Get to him in a moment. I picked up a new Mustang, and went to check it out in the room. I loved it. Very retro and fits my deal. Had to have it. So I got it. The Stangs' debut will be the 2/17 Maddens gig, if not sooner. AS we walk in, I spot a Gibson Explorer, which is the apple of Bill's eye and he has been tempted to buy one for months. Bill see's, checks it out,and loves it. The dudes at Parkway were awesome as well as they gave us fair deals and were very cool. As always. So we leave but Bill does'nt pull the trigger. Around 4:10 as the Jets season was ending, he says, let's go to Parkway and get the Explorer. He pulls the trigger! We run up again just before closing and he gets it. It is a righteous guitar. Looks,plays,and sounds great. Bill is going to bring it out to a G and the K gig at the Garden Grill in the near future and sit in for a set. This thing is the real deal. Geo also is waiting on a new Takamine Acoustic and his repairs to his Fender Mustang guitar. Always good to update the machinery.

12/31/06-What a crazy year. Before we wrap this one up, just want to take some time to thank everyone for their support,friendship,and love during 2006. Tonight is the best money night of the year and once again Geo and the Komrades will be ringing in the New Year at the Catskill Elks lodge in Catskill,NY. If it was'nt for a gig, no way would I be out on "amateur night". I prefer any given Monday during the year to go out any way. So tonight we will be sweatin' with the oldies, and prime rib! Yesterday, a MAVENS jam occured with myself, Pat Irish, and Mike Dunlop. I love the Mavens and realized during the jam, how much those years between 1998 and 2004 prepared me for many of the situations I find myslef in on working gigs these days. Pat and Mike really introduced me to improv and jamming and it helped me to listen and sharpen my ear to what was going on at the moment. I owe those guys a lot. I also realized how much playing bass has influenced my guitar playing. For the better. Space,breath ,and melody. Also being able to play about 350 songs at any given time helps. We did some cool stuff yesterday and with the acoustic brought a new thing to the old originals. We went deep for some of our own stuff and the cover high lights were, Hot Legs,Never been to Spain,Cripple Creek,and a hell fire version the Mavens original 'On the floor". Once again, Happy and healthy 2007 .

12/19/06-Merry Christmas to all. This Friday, Geo and the Komrades will do the Garden Grill X-mas Party,2nd. Ave.,Albany, at 9p.m. We go on at 9 p.m. right after Johnny Raab. We will do our full show and probably have some guests sit in. The Grill x-mas party is a rip snort. Throw down on the dirty side with us before the family and good behavior expectations kick in.

12/06/06-A few bits of info in order to stay fresh and exciting. We had a nice crowd at JJ Maddens last weekend. It always helps to play in a crowded room to people who are into it. We(the band) hit the volume and intensity a little bit more than usual and it felt good to have a good ol' sweaty rock out. Thanks again to Maddens for their hospitality. Last thursday,Geo,Pat Irish and myself did a few songs at the Browns open mic. Geo broke out the harp for "Love me do" and Pat lead us through a romp of "Shambala". Pat and I then did a few originals. We reached back and rolled through "Freezing", "Molly", and 'Foxholes of Hollywood." It was good fun to do those numbers with the I-Man again.

11/26/06-I am very excited to announce that the MESSAGE BOARD is up and running. Big ups to Bill H. Speaking of Bill, he has unveiled www.doverboys.com. Bill has a great archive of stuff and as always, has done an exceptional job. This Thursday, the 30th,Geo is subbing for Jimmy Kelly and hosting the open mic at Browns Brew Pub in Troy at 8pm. I will be tagging along with Geo and will do a few numbers with Geo and then Pat Irish is joining us and hopefully Pat and I can get some MAVENS tunes in. Browns is a good hang and a nice place to relax,play,and have some good micro brew(I recommend the cherry/raspberry ale). Also,GEO & THE KOMRADES will be playing JJ MADDENS on Rt.85,Slingerlands this Saturday,12/2. Gary Nowick mans the throne and we are looking forward to the gig. We will be hitting the x-mas music as well as the regular pop/rock show. A good way to kick of the holidays....

The acoustic duo gig for 12/9 is off. Check back as we are going to try to fill it with something else.

11/18/06-Tonight finds Geo and the Komrades at the Union Inn in Schenectady for a 9:30 rock show. I guess the word is we will be laying off the pop/mellow show and bringing the rock. Have'nt brought the rock in a while.Love the rock! ALso, Georgie and I will be doing the acoustic duo show on 12/9 at the Ravenswood Pub in Clifton Park.

Last night I went to see CASINO ROYALE, the new James Bond film. For those who don't know, I am a HUGE James Bond fan.The Ian Fleming novels I highly recommend. As far as the movies go, the Sean Connery films are the far superior works in the franchise(with the exception of Never say Never, which sucked).Roger Moore was too cheeky,Lazenby and Dalton were ok, and Brosnan was good but the films were to0 over the top. Daniel Craig is the real deal heir apparent. Casino Royale was great!!! The film really paid great homage to the novel and the story line was realisitc, and yet captured the essence of the Fleming/Connery Bond. I can't say enough good things about this movie.

11/16/06-A quick one. This saturday finds GEO & THE KOMRADES at the Union Inn in Schenectady.9:30 start. So by 1 p.m. we can stop by the swingers B&B in the Electric City. Gary Nowik mans the throne for this one.Friday night I will be solo for a WISE WORDS PRODUCTIONS poetry slam. Starts around 7 and I may be only playing for a short bit so come down early.

11/10/06-Just some tid bits to let you all know what is happening in my crazy ass life. Last week I did the Wise words poetry slam. It was a small turn out and a lot of big fun. I was the only musician on the gig and switched back and forth between acosutic guitar and bass. The guys made me do a bass solo. That was a first and I was a little freaked out but went ahead and did one and it seemed to go over well. Some of the poets compared it ti Jimi Hendrix on the bass. I was very honored at that compliment. The Wise Words guys are really coll and I dig working with them. Nice people. On 11/17 I will be joining them again and look forward to the gig.There are also some possible December dates coming up.Geo and the Komrades did our annual stint for the Haines Falls Volunteer Fire Dept. last saturday and as usual all went well. the line up was Geo and myself, with Gary 7 and Jimmy Kelly on guitar. Many yuks were had and it was a cold and late night. We even got seconds on prime rib. Last night, Geo hosted the open mic for Jimmy at Browns brew pub. Pat Irish came down and played bass and sang while Geo and I played acoustic. Pat sounded great and we rocked out Sundown,Let my love open the door, and The Ballad of John and Yoko. It was terrific to play with Pat. Next time we hope to do some Mavens songs.Congrats to Pat for completing the NYC Marathon. It's all about the hard work.Also props to the band that played last night. They had a singer/keys/bassist by the name of Nancy who was very talented. This lady was the real deal. Also, they did Badfingers 'Baby Blue' and Robin Trowers "the eagle flys" or something like that. Very cool song selections. Tomorrow night-11/11/06 Geo and I head to the Garden Grill for another acoustic duo show, the last one was a blast and this one should be as well. Come on down as this is a really cool set. If you are jonesing for the band, 12/2/06 will see Geo,Nick, and Gary 7 doing the electric trio at JJ Maddens. Gary is a real good drummer and the band swings, so don't be a bunch of wankers and come on down to Maddens. Also, work still continues on the R and B project up in Greenwich, headed up by Doc(who also happens to be my step father) on Drums and vocals,Jim on Guitar and vocals,Bob Cohen on keys(hammond b3) and myself on bass and vocals. A lot of blues,r and b and swing stuff going on and eventually we will take the project out for a gig. If you like to dance you will like this project. And the PA kicks serious ass. And finally, a big get well soon shout out to MY KENEZUELA. We miss you much and you are in our thoughts. Better baweeve!!!!

10/22/06-Last night, Geo and I performed as an acoustic duo for a 3 hour shot at the Garden grill. Shot will reappear shortly. While the crowd was not large, they were very enthusiastic and really got into the show.In my opinion, Geo and I were all over it last night. We had tons of material and we were really hitting some good vibes. A very powerful yet tuneful acoustic gig. A couple of patrons kept buying us shots and beers and to say we were not feeling it would be a gross distortion of the truth. I thought geo and I played really well and sounded really good. As we were leaving, the owner said to us that on 11/11 he would like us to come back as an acoustic duo because he enjoyed the show so much. We played stump the band and only got stumped once. Pretty good. On the 11th, Geo and I return to the Grill for a acoustic duo show.My finger tips and hand was killing after the gig. Bass strings are soft, and acoustic guitar has always ripped up my hands. Have to toughen up that left hand. At the end, my fingers were swollen and grayish/red from all the playing, it was a good burn. Thanks to all at the Grill for a fun night and the next gig should be a blast.

10/18/06-Just read the Heather Mills McCartney allegations against Sir paul. She claims that Paul choked her and hit her when she questioned his marijuana and alcohol use and the he denied her of a bed pan. Personally, I think she is totally full of shit. This is a vindictive, desperate, gold diggin wench who knows she is about to have her true colors smeared like baby shit in a diaper.I mean, Paul did'nt even have a pre-nup, which was beyond stupid, because he probably loved her to death and she was a horny little minx who got the old man going. Typical.I sure h ope Sir Paul is vindicated.

10/15/06-Geo and I could'nt make t he benefit this weekend due to Geo's bronchitis. I have been assured by the man himself that we will be ready to go this Saturday night for the full trio gig at the Garden Grill.10/21/06 at 8pm. for all you schedule types. Also, Bill and I have dented the fresh box of corn dogs. The Oscar mayer corn dog is way better than the State Fair brand.

10/14/06-I feel the need to blog....I started to hand write my memoirs of my days with Postcard/Sleet/and briefly Cellophane.Actuallt-the name was changed to Cellophane right after I left the band but parts that I wrote and performed were recorded for that album. I'm sure you all heard the HANG UPS record......Anyway, Bill will have to help me format the bio as it is a long and detailed rant. For those who don't know, Postcard/Sleet and Cellophane was spearheaded by John Devries and Mark Lafalce of AGITPOP.After roughly 15 years I am in a good place mentally to spiel about that saga.All though a lot of bitter and nasty shit went down, I did learn a lot from that expierence. Also, I got to do a lot of things that most folks never got to do musically, and for that I am grateful.If you like storys about drama, sex, drugs , and rock and roll then this is for you. Hopefuully someone will make a movie about it so I can quit my god awful day job.Check back as I will get to posting the first installments shortly....Also, I have been really digging the live DRAW THE LINE version by AEROSMITH from their recent live album. Rocking good shit......Joe Perry in the house fo' sho'...........It's hard being crazy....

10/13/06-Just a little blog before I go out. Geo and myself will be going off at 2 pm tomorrow for the Garden Grill benefit show. It is an acoustic set and should be good fun and afternoon pops are always a good thing.

10/8/06-I think the Amish may be on to something. I am gonna try to tap into some of their Zen like thinking. Especially after thursday night when Georgie abandoned me to take Jimmy Kelly's phone call and I got hit on by some bald construction worker type guy.Some other dude said I looked like Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones. At least it was'nt Bill Wyman..The weekend double dip is over and it was'nt bad at all. A lot of work, especially the wedding. The "Pennsylvania polka" was a big hit and we played well. You would've thought we were Jimmy Sturr. We were asked to do some jigs and reels. Where the hell is Jolly Jim Kelly when you need him? I also stepped in a big puddle of kitchen swill while wearing my suit during the load out.Saturday saw a real good crowd at JJ Maddens. As usual we went over well there and the regulars came out to see us. A very good house and hospitality yet again. Geo and I and as of yet unknown drummer will be doing a one hour set this saturday at the Garden Grill. This is a benefit for the NYS Trooper who was killed in the Bucky Phillips ambush. There is a big line up of local music folks coming out and it should be fun. Plus we don't have to hump a lot of gear. We do our show the following saturday at the Grill. And we will have to hump gear. My solo poetry slam dates will be on the end of the month. I think the 27th and the first week of November. I will be doing the bass chores along with a sax/flute player. W e improv behind spoken word artists. It is very urban and trippy and I dig doing this gig.The poetry slam dates and venues will be posted here this week.Godspeed to friday afternoon........

9/26/06-Looks like we are getting busy again. Good! Geo and I did a acoustic duo last saturday at Yannis. It was pretty good and once we get a few more under our belt it will be as sweet as the band. G and the K will also be in regular rotation at JJ Maddens and the Garden Grill this fall. Last night we did a benny for Geo's church/school. It was a a real nice country club and Gary 7 Nowick joined us on the kit. The band sounded good as we have'nt done a band gig in almost a month. The food and hospitality was excellent and Sister even blessed us. You can't beat that!! I am doing the POETRY Slam gig again next friday and this has to be seen to be believed. It is a pick up band just vamping behind spoken word poets. The last gig was very cool, and the Paul Masson brandy hit the spot!!! The venue is great-the WAMC studios and it is from 8-10 so it isn't an evening killer. Ya gotta see this!

9/09/06-First weekend off from gigging in a while. Man, I am bored!! Literally did'nt know what to do with myself for a while. I purchased some I tunes.Nazareth,Steve Earle,Howard Jones,and Roberta Flack. How is that for all over the map?Also practiced a little bit on the acoustic, noodling on Marty Robbins "el paso" and still trying to piece together Blackbird. And of course "Alone Again" by Love.Last week Geo,JImmy Kelly and myself got a last minute gig at Maddens,making it a triple dip. A low turn out but we were paid and thanked as we helped out the good folks at Maddens in their time of need. Just want to say that my day job resumed and man does it suck. It's the adults that make it suck,the kids are allright. Outside of the aforementioned Itune purchases,here are some things I have been listening to lately: Chicago-Greatest hits. This is a Rhino comp that Geo burned for me. Great stuff from the Terry Kath era. Also a Rainbow greatest hits as well. Long live rock and roll!! Right Kenezuela? Also been getting into a Squeeze mode and hopefully will have that soon as well. An update as well on the R&B project that Doc has going in Greenwich. We are learning some more tunes and have come up with a very cool smedley of born under a bad sign and Come together. Fits well with the other stuff and hopefully the horn section will be in soon. That's enough rambling for now. Keep sending those cards and letters.....

9/1/06-Just got a last minute gig.It will be me,Geo,and Jimmy Kelly as a trio at the Old Dublin Inn in Clifton Park.Last night G and the K did JT Maxies with Gary Nowick on drums. The band sounded good even though it gotta a little chilly outside and the karoake inside was a big hit. I hate karoake. Nothing more annoying. The summer season was a good one musically. We were pretty busy and had some very nice engagements. I want to thank Geo for booking the gigs and being a real mench to work with. I am proud to ride shotgun with Georgie. Also want to thank Jimmy Kelly for the Canada trip and for being a real ally in the music biz. I am fortunate to have these guys in my camp.The gigs were a lot of fun(except for the odd occasions of mosquitos,rain,and heat) and my playing really improved over the summer. My vocals are even getting better so that is a big plus. Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday weekend.I really don't want to go back to my day job next week,but what are ya gonna do? My Mets are looking good and I am excited for the playoffs and football season. There will be some Geo and the Komrades gigs in the fall so check back for the dates. Also, Geo has posted some nice pics of the summer season over at his website and on his MY SPACE PAGE. Check the links to get to his site and see the pics.



I NEED TO WORK: Attention bands. I have some time in my schedule this fall and too many open dates so if you need a BASSIST,GUITARIST, or ACOUSTIC GUITAR for a duo or whatever, please let me know. I have a large catalogue of songs that are ready to go. I will take gigs on a first come first serve basis. WORKING SITUATIONS ONLY.

Here is a list of music I have been listening to as of late:
Beach Boys:Pet Sounds
Rolling Stones-Various songs
Tony Levin Band-A ripping version of Zep's BLACK DOG
Stone Temple Pilots-varoius tunes from Bill's I POD.
Pete Yorn-Life on a chain
Simon and Garfunkel-El Condor Pasa
Montrose:Bad Motor Scooter
Bruce Springsteen-Tunnel of Love and live MTV recording of "Light of day"--totally kicks ass!
Jayhawks-Blue
Mel Torme--Totally into the "velvet fog" these days

8/13/06-This weekends gigs are in the books and fun was had by all. The Athens Town Park gig was pretty cool as we had a nice stage set up and a beautiful night on the Hudson River to do an outdoor gig. I struggled with the sound as I could not hear my bass on stage AT ALL. Concrete and wood shell's will do that. Saturday night saw us at a private party. Jeff Clark of Rennselear was the host and it was just a little private shindig in his yard. I will blog more about this on MY SPACE. Vacation for me this week!!! Golf,sleeping,playing, aand minimal commitments. I think I will be heading to Brown's Brew Company in Troy with Jimmy Kelly to do some acoustic stuff during his open mic night. Can't wait to hear the new acoustic. Also,props to Tom at PARKWAY MUSIC for hooking up my Les Paul. I am so happy to have that back in working order and I am very happy with my Takamine Acoustic.

8/7/06-This has been a rough summer for yours truly. On saturday I learned of the passing of Arthur Lee, songwriter,multi-instrumentalist and the driving force behind my favorite band of all time,LOVE. Words can not express the depth of the loss. Arthur Lee's music has touched me deeper than any other I have ever heard. I had the pleasure of meeting Arthur and seeing him perform live in 1992 and 1993. Arthur was gracious and kind and had an aoura about him that was otherworldly. the music of LOVE has affected me like no other. The lyrical content struck my soul. Arthur Lee and Love has inspired everything I do musically and touched me philosophically. I actually cried on saturday, something I do not do often. If you are not familiar with LOVE, I suggest you get the first 3 records. The third record,"Forever Changes", is a widley accepted masterpiece and my favorite record of all time. Absolultey beautiful. Google Arthur Lee for more info. A huge loss was suffered. But the music and spirit of Arthur Lee will remain strong. God bless Arthur, and thank you for making my life and this world a better place.

8/2/06--I blogged on MY SPACE about the past weekends activities. Go there if you need a yuk. Even though it is a scorcher, I am gonna head down to the Plaza for the Blue Oyster Cult gig. On your feet or on your knees!!!!!! I got my 12 pack, and I love BOC--so it should be fun!!

7/25/06-Finally had the time and energy to update. A lot has been going on and things are gettting on an even keel again.Amidst all the chaos has been some good gigs and excurisions. Geo and the Komrades have been cranking out really solid and smooth gigs this summer with My Kenezuela,Gary 7(which is a Geo nickname for Gary-I don't get these Albany guys-lol)Brian Fitzpatrick,and myself and Geo. We have prevailed through double bookings and poor logistical planning done by the operators of the tilt a whirl. Throw in the odd gig and the consistent hangs with Geo and Jimmy Kelly and there have been a lotta of laughs.

Speaking of Jimmy Kelly,he is hosting an open mic at the TROY BREW PUB every thursday until the end of August. This thursday the plan is for Geo, Bill H. and myself to join Jimmy at the open mic. Oh the humanity!!!! Come on down for some good tunes as Jimmy,Geo,Bill and Myself will have a lot of interesting combos going on.Plus you'll get a free improv comedy act....

G and the K are heading down to Greene county this weekend for a private party at 4 and then a 9 PM shot at the Kilcar. Then on Aug.11 we will be doing a real honest to god concert in Athens. New York that is. It is a town event and our friends the Digits did it and said it was very cool.We will be doing a straight up 2 hour show, no breaks. Just like real rock and rollers--lol.It should be fun. Lots of Albany gigs in August,so come on down. Our weekend run at the Desmond coincides with Travers weekend. No, not Pat Travers, but the Saratoga race event. The joint should be hopping.A few thursday happy hours as well.

I hope to have some pics of the Jimmy Kelly Band/Kincardine gig and some odd shots of G and the K up soon.

I have been jamming with my step dad,Dr.Bill, and some buddies of his(Bob and Jim) on Sundays up in Greenwich. It is a lot of blues and R&B,with some 60' pop nuggets thrown in. It is good fun and practice and these guys can play. And just like old 70's guys, they are loud-lol. . These guys have family's and careers, unlike myself, so there is no time table to gig but that is a goal.

7/12/06- I am back on line!! Thanks to Bill H. for everything! This has been a crazy 4 weeks...Some Geo gigs the next 3 weeks. I really recommend a Desmond show. I have a lot of family and friends to thank who provided support and love over the last few weeks. I hope you all know who you are. Much love and respect to you. I will be posting the rest of the Kincardine blog on MY SPACE. My e-mail is nicholasbizz@yahoo.com. Happy summer to all.

7/3/06-We made it back from Canada. I started a blog on my MY SPACE page. Also a new link for a very good band and nice group of guys,Hunting Mcleod. I will also post about my poetry slam,hip hop jam at some point. That was a trip. I gotta move so the site will be inactive for a few days. Come to the gigs,anxious mo fo's!!!!

6/25/06-I will be posting gig reviews later on MY SPACE. Check them out as there are some good stories to come. I am recuperating from a party at the Kelly's house last night. JImmy and Kate and their respective families really know how to throw a soiree. Good food,plenty of drink, lots of laughs and a great vibe! Thanks to all for a great time. We still think Geo is sleeping of friday nights Galliano tirade! Later today I am jamming with my step-dad Dr.Bill and a few of his buddies. Bill is a good drummer and did a stint wiht Dion and the Belmonts,auditioned for Santana back in the day and opened for acts such as Cactus and Ike and Tina Turner. Then Mom is putting on the feed bag!!! Chicken cutlets,mashed potatos and peas,one of my faves!! Check the MY SPACE late tonight for in depth raves about the last couple of gigs.

6/17/06-MILK RUN!!!!!We headed down to E.Durham for a gig at the Creekside. It was a beautiful ride in the warm summer hew and a goregous sunset. Then things got ugly. As we drove through E. Durham and back to no man's land, the sinking feeling of another Shell Inn gig start to hit us. While looking for the mythical landmark the locals call "the milk run",we knew we were heading into the country. We find the milk run, which was actually a gas station, and then we find the tavern. We pull in and there are 2 people there, the owner and the bartender. Geo and I start humping tables around in order to set up. We then discover we have to move the pool table. This freakin' thing was one of the heaviest pieces of recreationI ever touched. Of course Geo and I started thinking of our reproductive organs whilst moving this pool table and figuring,"how the hell did we get into this"? My Kenezuela showed up and that made 5 of us in the joint. The place was ok, clean enough and new, and the owner and bartender were nice ladies,but it was a country folk/locals kind of joint(nascar everywhere)and we knew we would have to do the bar room boogie classic rock schtick if any one shows up.No "I started a joke" here.There was this poster in the bathroom called the "shit list", which classified and named the various types of dumps people take. My favorite was the "elvis" shit.Classy stuff.We get ready to start and find that there is ONE person at the bar eating. The other 2 people(owner,bartender) are outside. So we start rehearsing. Geo showed us some songs he wants to do and we ran them a few times. The highlight was that we learned "Harvest Moon","Love is the Drug", "Mother's little helper",and "Stuck on you". Then My Kenezuela pulls out the intro to "Over the Mountain", with brushes!!!! Love Kenezuela! The owners kid and his friends came in for a moment while we were practicing. They left,and there was NO ONE in the room.We were so bored and uninspired,we actually discussed the line up of drummers in Whitesnake,and homages to Christopher Lee and Anysley Dunbar.We decide to cut our losses and get out as this place was as alive as a senior home at midnight. So with the big 25 bucks a man we got and a query regarding their winter schedule from Geo(he kills me)we turned ass and headed back home. We humped more gear and furniture and drive time then we did playing time, and it was a financial loss for all of us. Oh well, this happens from time to time. So Geo and I spent our 25 bucks at the Fountain on food and drink while enduring the death metal being played in the jukebox. thankfully that didnt last long.Tits and champagne aint offered on The Milk Run!!!!

6/13/06-Sometimes you have to think abaout having good friends. And I have one in Tim Bynum. Tim was the singer in the Doverboys,the best man at my wedding, and still continues to be a "best man". Tim and I have gone on divergent paths in the last few years, but when push comes to shove, we are still there for each other. Beside being ultra supportive during my recent personal life tribulations, he offers to help me move in 2 weeks. You can't ask for a better friend. Also, our mutual friend Bill Ghee, who is about 8 years older than u s, has made me an honorary "70's guy". A 70's guy is one who embraces the mantra of "too much is still not enough". I am honored. Seriously, Tim is a great guy and was a one of a kind vocalist. Check the Doverboys tunes for a truly original voice and one helluva great guy.

6/10/06--I am off to Canada at the end of the month!!! I have been recruited to play some Bass with the Jimmy Kelly Band for a 2 day stint at the Kincardine Scottish Festival in Kincardine,Ontario Canada. We will be doing some traditional music along with Jimmy Kelly band originals!! I have to thank Geo Doody for getting coverage for me for the weekend. Geo is great guy and a great friend and I am proud to roll with him. Also thanks to Jimmy for the hook up. This should be a blast!!!

*** The Mavens jam is in the books. It is always a pleasure to play with Mike and Pat. We really hit some nice grooves and some highlights were:Sunshine Superman,Lyin Eyes,One(u2),Who are you,Going to Brazil,For what it's worth,Essence rare,Let it be *and a slew of originals including Neil's Boutique,Freezing,Dante Dream Lover,and Generic Protest song. A good day indeed.

***Heard a old tape of LIE CHEAT STEAL today courtesy Shawn Lahey. I have'nt heard it in a good7 years and it was of our early material with Nicky DiBlasi. Some if it was very cool and it brought back some nice memories. The band was a helluva lot better than I remember. Thats a good thing...

6/08/06-I will be providing bass on June 22nd at 8 P.M.on a "Poetry Slam" which will be broadcast live on WAMC. Tickets are also available as this will be held in the WAMC studios. Myself and a sax player will be improvising underneath poets from 8-9 pm. Dion Burnette will be reading and he hooked me up with the gig. Who would have thought I would be doing jazz improv with poetry? I am stoked for the gig and if you can't make it to the studios it will be broadcast live on WAMC radio. That's public radio to all you right wing nut jobs out there

In other news,the "Compendium of Covers" project has added 2 more friends,Dennis Blaine(of Lughead fame) and Pat Irish(Mavens,Cellophane,Sleet). Each will be adding 2 songs of their choice to the project. Dennis has some solo acoustic offerings.Pat has chosen some two nuggets that will feature Pat on Bass,vox,and percussion,Bill on guitar and mischeif, and myself on guitar,bass,vox,kitchen sink. There is a good possibility of 2 numbers being contributed to the project from Geo Doody as well. And don't forget My Kenezuela!

I am also excited to be working with Casey Dinkin( formerly off Long Story Short) as she has agreed to do some vocals for my song "Sun Spots". Casey is a wonderful singer and has a great energy and attitude towards music and life. I am thrilled to be working with her again.

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