May 20th, 2009
One of Atlanta’s oldest bars, the Park Bench, is opening its doors to the Blues community with a weekly Wednesday night “open Blues jam” hosted by Nick Edelstein. Nick, whose band has opened for legendary Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck and Francine Reed, has many accolades under his belt including endorsements from Holland Guitars and Kampgrounds Of America. Previously Nick was endorsed by First Act Guitars, but he dropped them in favor of Holland’s ”superior tone, 100% customization, and attention to detail – like hand-wound pickups made to pre-CBS Fender specs!”
Nick is extremely excited about hosting the jam. “I used to attend all the jams around Atlanta when I was growing up – it was a type of coming-of-age. Honing chops, networking with local pros, amateurs and fans alike – everyone benefits at a jam. Plus more stage time equals better performer. Sometimes entire bands will show up to try their new songs out on a live audience.”
Park Bench, one of the last remnants of the original Buckhead bar scene, is the perfect place for a Blues jam: The stage is roomy yet not excessively large – it has a warm, cozy feel. There’s a smaller room adjacent to the main area, for fans who need a slightly quieter place to network and mingle. It’s easy to find, on a well-lit street at a major intersection. And perhaps the most important aspect – it has “vibe” thanks to its long history in the Atlanta music scene. THOUSANDS of notable artists – from Angie Aparo to Zac Brown – have graced the Park Bench stage. Now it’s your turn.
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May 16th, 2009
Check out Francine Reed & Java Monkey tonight at Zuffys in Atlanta, GA! Cover is only $10 which is a steal for the amazing fun you’ll have!
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May 11th, 2009
I finished loading the audio from our Friday concert at Atlanta History Center! If you’re reading this blog post on my website, chances are you’re listening to it right now. It’s in the Flash widget atop my website!
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May 9th, 2009
For the past 6-8 months, we’ve been playing a lot of new songs that have yet to be recorded. This is a common way to test a song on an audience before bringing it to the studio. After the success of last night and Thursday night’s shows, I’ve made my final modifications to these songs’ lyrics and structure, and am ready to post the “final version!” Check out the “Lyrics” page for the newest *official* additions to the songbook :p
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May 9th, 2009
Wow! What an awesome pair of shows. Big thanks to the adoring crowd who attended Thursday and Friday’s “Southern Music: Straight Up Blues” concert series at Atlanta History Center.
We truly enjoyed ourselves. Photos and audio recording will be posted soon!
Although the room was large, the vibe felt very intimate as if we were gathered around the hearth in a friend’s living room. The roomy stage allowed us – a quintet – to move and breathe freely. Improvisations were at a peak and the energy flowed all night. We hope to return next season!
Opening for Mudcat and Francine Reed was a great bonus to these already wonderful concerts. After a killer set, we got to kick back and relax to 2 of our most highly regarded local influences (and probably the 2 best-known Blues artists currently representing GA). What a pleasure it was chatting with Danny Dudeck and Marvin Taylor (Francine and Java Monkey’s guitarist) backstage.
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April 2nd, 2009
instruction manual to my Hammond XK-3c organ
I got to meet Booker T. Jones, and it was awesome! Let me tell y’all about it. Started with Twitter, on a Monday afternoon. I follow Criminal Records and they announced Booker was appearing on Wednesday, 4/01. My first thought was “April fools.” Then I discovered that Booker was playing a gig in ATL later that evening. Then two more media outlets announced his arrival so I decided it was necessary to be there.
What to take!?!? I grabbed my Hammond organ manual and ran out the door. It couldn’t have gone more smoothly. Parking was a cinch despite limited spaces and rush hour traffic. I walked casually into the store only to find no line! I was first on line. About fifteen minutes later, the legendary organist walked into the store towards me and about 20 folks. Stopping midway to browse the store’s record selection, it was clear he’s a cool dude. When he got closer I began to feel my nerves! He sat on the provided stool behind a glass display case, and I approached.
I removed a black sharpie from my back pocket and handed it to him, even though there were 5 sharpies laying on the display case. Then I placed my organ manual down and muttered “I was hoping you’d sign this for me.”
“OK” he smiled back. Then slowly he looked up at me, from below his hat brim, and said, “do you have one of these?!?”
“Yes sir!” I quickly replied.
“Can you split it?” he asked. I couldn’t believe that I was having a conversation with legendary Jones. We proceeded to spend about five minutes discussing my modern Hammond – an eternity in the world of autograph lines – much to the chagrin of the folks behind me. While Booker finished his personalized autograph, I felt incredibly giddy. “I really appreciate this, you’re a big influence,” I said.
Walking away towards the exit, I felt compelled to pre-order his new CD, “Potatoe Hole” which will release 4/21.
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March 28th, 2009
Wrote yet another freakin’ instrumental yesterday. The melodies are tight, catchy, and it really rocks. And it was totally inspired so I know it’s good (you know when it comes pouring out from magic-land, with little or no effort?). My problem? Lack of words. Plenty to say, nothing to write. Hmmm. Thinking of opening this up to public submissions. Other artists have contests, I should be able to try this for a spell. Let’s see what you got! Anyone interested let me know (comment here). I’ll continue to plug away . . .
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March 27th, 2009
endless sea of music :p
I’m pleased to say that I’ve gotten a LOT of emails lately from foreign radio stations, requesting my second album Live In 2007. My three faves so far are WYN-FM Melbourne (Australia), 94.1 FM Skopje (Macedonia), and Radio Aria in Longwy (France). I believe the latter is internet-only radio, but I’m not 100% sure. But I think those three places are very cool places to be and I’m thrilled to represent! I will definitely be visiting the post office tomorrow 
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March 26th, 2009
Holland-modified Fender Daphne Blue Strat
Guess what?!? Luthier Jonathan Holland is done hot rodding the strat! He did an amazing job too, its tone is killer. From now on it’ll be known as a Holland “Hot Rod Mod,” retaining the factory Fender “Daphne Blue” paint job and body shape. New neck, custom Holland pickups and controls!
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March 25th, 2009
I updated the Know page today, adding to the discography and “band alumni” sections. There’s still a few pics missing of ex bandmates but lots of fun stuff to explore! Like the addition of an old album, “Sound Tracks & Trails.” This is a previously unreleased compilation of synth beats and rhythms back in 2005. It’s nothing I’d ever perform but, if you’re a DJ or club owner, or House music fan, you’ll enjoy Check it out!
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