Mark Guiliana’s Beat Music @ Rockwood

Mark Guiliana’s Beat Music @ Rockwood

It has been a while since I last heard Mark Guiliana’s Beat Music (formerly known as Mark Guiliana’s Thing). This time it was with Jason Lindner on keyboards, Stephen Wall on all kinds of innovative and traditional instruments and gadgets, and Chris Morrissey on bass. It was really packed in Rockwood (I hope everybody tipped well as there was no admission). I was really lucky to get a seat upstairs, high enough to notice the words of wisdom “Play less” written on Mark Guiliana’s snare drum 🙂 I guess actually this straightforward approach is the big charm of this music: in this uncluttered and seemingly simple groove (not so many fancy time signatures) there is so much inner movement and textures that the space in it is actually the thing that becomes irresistibly addictive…

Musically, I think the project has evolved quite a bit since I last saw them: it’s more thought out although by no means lacking improvisation and spontaneity, still. As a proof to that, vocalist Jeff Taylor (in whose band Mark Guiliana and Stephen Wall play as well) got on stage for a few tunes for even more musical energy.

Mark Guiliana’s Beat Music featuring Jeff Taylor

For my heart’s content, they even played the classic Heernt tune Locked in a Basement 😀

But, I would actually be really worried about my hearing if I’d frequent the place a bit more.

Related articles

• Now vs Now @ Rockwood Music Hall (ineskuusik.wordpress.com)
• Nir Felder Quartet @ 55Bar (ineskuusik.wordpress.com)
• Ralph A. Miriello: My Picks for the Best of Jazz 2011 (huffingtonpost.com)

Now vs Now @ Rockwood Music Hall

Now vs Now @ Rockwood

Went to hear Now vs Now at Rockwood, Stage 2 (they have 2 stages these days, pretty awesome): Jason Lindner on keyboards, Mark Guiliana on drums and Panagiotis Andreou on bass.

Some of the tunes I had heard before (also have their first record, which is great) and some were new (they actually said they might record a live album at Rockwood on their next gig in January).

The concert was quite packed. I thought it got better and better towards the end but somehow I found it more difficult to be swept away this time. Maybe because the sound is just brutally loud at (this otherwise incredibly happening) Rockwood Music Hall. Must have earplugs.

Skinny Fridays & Jeff Taylor Group @ Rockwood

Skinny Fridays

Had a really authentic Lower East Side night – first got a few free drinks from the SKINnY bar & lounge (174 Orchard St) while they were having another open bar event –  just a block from Rockwood . Never really been hanging out in one of those places for the real American young people crowd in the Lower East Side 😀 Was a great spot for people-watching. I enjoyed it a lot. They even had go-go dancers and all.

Jeff Taylor Group @ Rockwood

&Rockwood @ midnight – Jeff Taylor Group. The reason I went there was Mark Guiliana on the drums 😀 Was amazing. Especially as a live show –  on a CD the music would be too indie rock for me, I think. (they were selling CDs for $5 too- the song It Swell on it really sounds like a hit 😉 with really bold lyrics if i get it right… and Blue Bucket is kind of funny- has the melody from I Hear a Rhapsody used in the bridge :)).  I was thinking if rock was always that good, maybe I wouldn’t even listen to jazz. But the secret of the band is Mark Guiliana on the drums, I think. Mike Severson played the bass and then there was Steve Wall, I believe –  guy who did backing vocals, keyboard, effects, killer funky rhythm guitar. Jeff Taylor on vocals and guitar (and some piano) seems to be one of those multi-talented ones. Rockwood was packed – and everybody I talked to were fans of either Jeff Taylor or Mark Guiliana. I don’t see why would anybody even want to go for those over-hyped rockstar groups when there is stuff like that, GREAT musicians playing such rocking super funky shows in authentic places – for no cover. Yeah, but I guess to find things like that is the privilege of being in New York.

Jason Lindner’s Now vs Now @ Rockwood Music Hall

Now vs Now @ Rockwood Music Hall

I’m so glad I made it to this one and even invited some people :). Jason Lindner (keys), Panagiotis Andreou (bass, vocals), Mark Guiliana (drums) and special guest John Beaty on alto. That was so killin’! Panagiotis is such a great find in the scene, with his singing and bass playing… 😀 There was a crowd of French guys in the audience, seemed to be fans – so the live vibe was amazing. Besides everything, Meshell Ndegeocello produced their record. Can definitely hear some influence. It’s going to be out in October. I love that stuff. They’re going to do 3 sets at the Zinc Bar tonight. I guess I should go 😉

Well yeah. This kind of things is why I’m so in love with New York.

Jason Lindner's Now vs Now @ Rockwood Music Hall

Now vs Now @ Rockwood Music Hall

I’m so glad I made it to this one and even invited some people :). Jason Lindner (keys), Panagiotis Andreou (bass, vocals), Mark Guiliana (drums) and special guest John Beaty on alto. That was so killin’! Panagiotis is such a great find in the scene, with his singing and bass playing… 😀 There was a crowd of French guys in the audience, seemed to be fans – so the live vibe was amazing. Besides everything, Meshell Ndegeocello produced their record. Can definitely hear some influence. It’s going to be out in October. I love that stuff. They’re going to do 3 sets at the Zinc Bar tonight. I guess I should go 😉

Well yeah. This kind of things is why I’m so in love with New York.

Mark Guiliana’s Thing @ Rockwood Music Hall

Mark Guiliana's Thing @ Rockwood Music Hall

Great Music venue in Lower East Side with no cover – Rockwood Music Hall. Seems like they have 9-11 1-hour shows per night. The reason I got there was Mark Guiliana’s Thing (the best thing I know about New Jersey 😀 :D).  It was Jason Fratticelli on bass – electric bass this time, he was just as killin’ on it as on Wednesday @ Rose, where he played acoustic bass. And Aaron Dugan on guitar. Lots of experimenting, delay, flanger, nice work with looper.  The live vibe reminded me of Led Zeppelin – incredible grooves and playing together. I got there a little late but just in time to see Matisyahu sitting in for a tune. That was unbelievable. This really random-looking guy strolls on the stage and gives a killin’ performance playing some rap/reggae music with the band and taking a great beatboxing solo. Does that kind of thing happen anywhere else besides New York?

Mark Guiliana's Thing @ Rockwood Music Hall

Mark Guiliana's Thing @ Rockwood Music Hall

Great Music venue in Lower East Side with no cover – Rockwood Music Hall. Seems like they have 9-11 1-hour shows per night. The reason I got there was Mark Guiliana’s Thing (the best thing I know about New Jersey 😀 :D).  It was Jason Fratticelli on bass – electric bass this time, he was just as killin’ on it as on Wednesday @ Rose, where he played acoustic bass. And Aaron Dugan on guitar. Lots of experimenting, delay, flanger, nice work with looper.  The live vibe reminded me of Led Zeppelin – incredible grooves and playing together. I got there a little late but just in time to see Matisyahu sitting in for a tune. That was unbelievable. This really random-looking guy strolls on the stage and gives a killin’ performance playing some rap/reggae music with the band and taking a great beatboxing solo. Does that kind of thing happen anywhere else besides New York?