Oso Closo: First sounds in Hong Kong

Today, I received in the mail Oso Closo's new album "Today is beauty's Birthday." Those musical geniuses in the bands also happen to be marketing geniuses and were able to raise the funds for their albums through presale albums that are signed. My eager ears are already listening to their tunes and I'm diggin' it the pace and surprises here and there with the strings section, wailing guitar solos, and modern yet nostalgic vibe. The funny part about the album is the legalish disclaimer on the actual CD: "Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited by law, but honestly, if you want someone to have this, and finances are an issue, just copy it. Just promise that you'll come to a show next time we're in town. Thanks."


Photographed on Henessy Road in Hong Kong SAR, China

Backside Pick

Backside Pick kicks off their Fall tour today. The band will be playing 15 dates in 14 different cities in 8 states. Here's a video of Backside Pick being photographed at the tour's inaugural venue: Hailey's club in Denton, Texas where they're very excited to be playing with Detroit-based NOMO. Check their myspace for information and tour updates.

Backside Pick is:
Rocky Ottley - guitar and vocals
Justin Stanton - keys
Cooper Appelt- bass
Tony Spiro - drums
Sylvester Onyejiaka - tenor sax
Nick Wlodarczyk- trombone
I previously blogged about Nick's music here.

not pictured, but awesome:
Evan Weiss - Trumpet
Mike Hodges - aux percussion
Chris Villanueva- keys

BAM!

If you're in the neighborhood, Sarah Renfro plays the BAMcafé in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, June 21. This comes in between recording her new album Twig & Owl, and a number of appearances including a cameo on Comical Radio, as well as following a comedy show at the Zipper Factory. Check out Sarah's site for more info on the shows page.

I'm back in Texas!

...In my dreams. That's right, it's April Fools Day so it's time for all things fun & random. Coming up later this month is the Denton Arts & Jazz Fest. In celebration I'm posting a video I did about it a few years ago for a competition I won to work as a photographer/videographer at the University of North Texas. And now playing at every computer on earth with internet access, my youtube channel.



Opening music from Chicago, then "Prospekt Mira" as played by Barbara Buchholz, written by: Tilmann Denhard & "Chameleon" arranged and performed by Gary Eckert. The theremin music Barbara creates has really rooted itself in my brain in an awesome way. She's changed my opinion on and the way I listen to electronic music. Take a listen also to Barbara's myspace page and her side projects: Finnproject, Tango Electrique, and other collaboration with Tilmann.

Wood Are Sick

"Let's start with a controversial example"


A funky jazz cat; a soulful rockstar, with a tenor trombone.
Nick Wlodarczyk. Five consecutive consonants touring the globe with rock band Polyphonic Spree - Jammin' with Paul Slavens, Virtual Insanity, Backside Pick, Little Brian, he's been a Thelonious Monk Institute Finalist, placed high with ITA, and played bone on a Grammy nominated recording with the Mancini Institute. Nick's even been at IAJE as a vocalist, recorded his own CD, and could probably make it as a stand up comedian! He's a swell fellow. (Illustration above by Nick Earl)


Nick, straight up. Below, Nick's CD release party at the Greenhouse restaurant with Tony Baker (left) and LA-based trombonist Andy Martin (left). Not pictured, but still drummin' it up: Michael D'Angelo. Nick Wlodarczyk currently studies under Steve Wiest, and is featured nationally in many performances like this one.


With Jamiroquai tribute band Virtual Insanity, Nick trades his trombone for a tambourine.


I just included the Backside Pick logo 'cause it's so fun! They've recently been on a tour to Costa Rica and have released an EP titled Like I Do

identity

In developing my own style, I've been helped along the way by a number of designers, musicians and other photographers. Much of my immediate identity comes from my business card (front side pictured above) and one of my favorite avatars (below). The business card design is incredibly simple, but between the front & back sides, designer Paul Treviño and I had about 3 hours of discussion on simple spacing, font, font size, printing & cutting. I always have to laugh at how much time is put into good design, and how difficult it is to make something so simply elegant.


The man behind the mask: Daniel Rojas, jazz guitarista from Costa Rica. When you travel that far to live in Texas, it's good to play on a Steinberger


On the same day I grabbed a few shots of saxophonist Matt Gawlik, who is now based in Florida. Matt's also assisted me on a couple of shoots - check future blogs for images.

The Spike Band

The Spike Band! These guys have soul, and that's all you need to know. For the extra curious,
Spike Sikes keys & vocals, Al McIntosh trumpet & guitar, Mike Flores guitars, Ben Jackson drums Daniel Sledge bass, Yugi bass, Colin Hinton (not pictured) also on drums.

Daniel's below:


The man. Spike Sikes:


Mike Flores!


Someone asked me about the chronology of my blog recently. I'm drawing from past and present shots since I'm new to blogging and haven't had the chance to write about shots I love and others commend me on. These shots were taken last summer just after The Spike Band's release of their CD what it is