exposed

Skerik is one of the most interesting musicians running around crossing different scenes at the moment. I caught his show at the Knitting Factory. This time he’s traveling with the Illuminasti Trio (Skerik on Sax, Mike Dillon on Percussion/Drums, and James Singleton on Bass/Horn.) What a surprise it was when after a long hard look, the surprise guest sitting in was Keefus! I haven’t seen Keefus for aaages! 

Skerik - with the Illuminasti, Knitting Factory Hollywood

So, I took the opportunity for being in the city to check out the Stone. I particularly was looking forward to see John Zorn playing there. I had to work a little bit to get the permission to photograph inside the place. Not without Zorn’s chuckling at me about it, I finally got the permission. I think I still need to earn more his trust. Then again, rightfully, once I arrived to the show, I found the intimate venue filled with attentive audience was truly justified in the banning of photography. I only took a few shots when the music was less quiet.

annual valentines benefit show at the Stone, NYC

John Zorn played at the Stone, NYC

Laptop music at the Stone, NYC

How excited I was to finally make the case to be in New York for the first time. John Ellis needs some publicity photos done for his upcoming new release with the Double Wide (album purchase highly recommended!) His new band consists of him on saxophone, Matt Perrine on the sousaphone, Gary Versace on organ, and Jason Marsalis on drums. That’s half New Yorkers, half New Orleaners as a band. John’s background for being from North Carolina, having lived in New Orleans, and currently residing in Brooklyn, his music showcase ALL that. I love this album so much that I would do anything to support it – including making a stop to see him in Brooklyn when I was sh*t faced broke, before I head out to Chicago for my next thing.

John in Brooklyn Park

John at Coney Island

John at the Brooklyn Park

John clowning around

John at home before a gig

We ran around in the park, and hopped on the subway to Coney Island and did some few shots there. John then had to get back and prepare to go to this gig on Valentine’s day. The Gig was at the 55 Bar. I walked about a mile from the Stone to catch them here. It was a little hard to find, I kept walking passed it. 

Todd Sickafoose at 55 Bar

Alan Ferber plays trombone on the same gig

Mike Gamble

Adam Levy