It’s been a hell of a year, and I have the uncomfortable feeling it’s going to get worse before it gets better, so what I try to find when I perform is some feeling in the room, some sense that we are all doing this together, that we are all fighting and hoping and despairingRead More »

I think it starts with Barry Manilow, who included “Cloudburst” and “Avenue C”, both with Jon Hendricks’s lyrics, in the “Jump Shout Boogie Medley” on his 1977 “Live” album, which I listened to religiously as a child. I think the next thing was that my Dad had Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan Recorded Live at BasinRead More »

When I did Elsie Fest last year, I couldn’t help noticing Todrick Hall, the only performer on the bill who had an actual entourage. I only knew Todrick from his wild and fantastic YouTube videos, but onstage he was a powerhouse performer who held an audience with extraordinary confidence and a surprisingly genuine presence. (WeRead More »

I think I first became aware of Grace McLean through Justin Goldner, her bassist as well as a regular member of the Caucasian Rhythm Kings (and one of the original guitarists for The Bridges of Madison County). Grace is also part of Shaina Taub’s unbelievable circle of incredible musical collaborators, so I’d seen her doRead More »

On the morning of September 11, 2001, my then-girlfriend (with whom I’m still in touch) and I woke up to the sound of my mother on my answering machine, yelling something like “they’re blowing up Manhattan,” and by the time I raced to the phone to find out what she was talking about, she hadRead More »