But some jazz artists are so interesting and unique that they capture my attention – and Mark Guiliana, who has done plenty outside the jazz genre – is one of them. As a drummer, producer and composer, his work often adds in electronics and avant-garde facets that few jazz musicians would dare to.
In support of their new album, “Family First,” the Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet will be doing “The Rockwood Takeover” at Rockwood Music Hall (196 Allen Street) on Thursday, June 4. All three of the venue’s stages will be taken over by Guiliana and crew, which includes bassist Chris Morrissey (also frontman of the excellent band Taurus), pianist Shai Maestro and saxophone Jason Rigby.
More than just an “album release” story, however, Guiliana founded a label last year, Beat Music Productions. “Family First” is not the only release in the BMP discography – as stated below, it’s already the label’s third release in less than a year – and plenty more is said to be expected.
Mark took some time to do some Q&A with Downtown, also answering questions about his work with prominent artists like David Bowie, Meshell Ndegeocello, Brad Mehldau (with whom Mark received a Grammy nomination this year) and Matisyahu.
You’re known to be a drummer, a composer and a bandleader. Which of the three do you identify most with?
Mark Giuliana: All three have been meshing together more and more lately, but I will always be a drummer first.
You’ll be part of a “Takeover” at Rockwood Music Hall, with acts performing on all three of the venue’s stages. Where did that idea come from, as opposed to a typical “record release party” show?
M: Rockwood Music Hall has been somewhat of a home for my music over the last six or so years. I’ve presented many different projects there and my 2012 EP, Beat Music, was one of the first releases on their label, Rockwood Music Hall Recordings. I’m very grateful that they’ve let me experiment over the years, and when I had the idea to present a different set of music in each of the three stages, they jumped on it! Each room has its own unique spirit and I’m excited to see how the music will be influenced by the different environments.
Photo: Courtesy of Beat Music Productions
For the already-initiated fans, how does “Family First” compare to “My Life Starts Now?”
M: Although the way in which the albums were made are very similar — writing the repertoire, rehearsing the band, recording, mixing, mastering, etc. — the end results are quite different. My Life Starts Now was made in a more electronic, production heavy environment, more consistent with the majority of my output as a leader. Family First features a brand new band consisting of Chris Morrissey (bass), Shai Maestro (piano), and Jason Rigby (saxophone), and is the first time I’m presenting my own music in a purely acoustic setting. The compositions were written specifically for this group and are a bit of an homage to the massive influence that jazz and improvised music has had on me.
You’ve performed with a wide array of artists, including David Bowie, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Matisyahu. How do those sorts of sideman usually gigs come up?
M: Each situation comes with a unique set of circumstances, but they often appear through previous artistic relationships. In each of these cases, I was recommended by guys who were already playing with these artists. New York is a great place to build and cultivate these relationships and you never know where they can lead.
Your label, Beat Music Productions, was launched last year. Do you have any goals for the label?
M: The primary reason I created the label was to have a reliable output for my own music. Family First is the third release on the label within its first nine months. Spontaneity is often absent in releasing music, but with my own label, I can create and subsequently release music on my schedule. I have a wide variety of projects, and it’s nice to have them all under one roof.
Having performed in 45 countries among six continents, is there anywhere you haven’t been yet are itching to perform?
Photo: Courtesy of europetheband.com/Taken by: Patric Ullaeus
Photo: Courtesy of europetheband.com/Taken by: Patric Ullaeus
Whether you primarily know “The Final Countdown” as a song that went to #1 in 25 countries, for being regularly-licensed in TV and films (e.g. “Pitch Perfect,” “Arrested Development,” “Glee”), or through its dozens of cover versions, it is important to remember that Europe is still making a global impact 32 years after the release of its self-titled album. Early 2015 brought the release of Europe’s 10th studio album, “War Of Kings,” and the quintet’s first U.S. tour in quite a few years. The band packed Irving Plaza on April 30th with Black Star Riders and the similarly-named Blackfires also on the bill.
I was able to connect with frontman Joey Tempest – who will be featured in a later “Really Busy People column – between their Chicago and New York City tour stops to discuss Europe’s past, present and future. Downtown Magazine’s Darren Paltrowitz:
What do you wish more people knew about Europe?
Europe’s Joey Tempest: That we are probably the “tallest” five piece band in the world. (laughs)
How would you describe “War Of Kings” to someone only familiar with the “Final Countdown”-era of Europe?
J: “War Of Kings” is simply just part of our amazing journey. The same way “Final Countdown” was. It’s all an organic adventure for us. Nothing is really planned, apart from that we strive to dig deeper. We try and find new expressions that touch us and hopefully others.
Photo: Courtesy of europetheband.com/Taken by: Patric Ullaeus
You’ve said in other interviews that “War Of Kings” is the album that Europe always wanted to make. As the 10th studio for Europe, does that set the bar too high for your next album?
J: Yeah (laughs), I might regret that one! Well, in a sense it really is. We wanted to make an album that had a “vibe,” an “atmosphere” and a depth that would remind us of some of the amazing records we grew up with. And it could not have been done without incorporating the thousand gigs we’ve done as a band. We are so proud of this record, it really is a record we always wanted to make and we could never have come close to this not even five years ago.
What should one of the attendees at Irving Plaza in New York City expect from your show on Thursday, April 30th?
J: Well, New York, being one of our favorite cities in the world, the whole band and crew are really up for this one! Coming off a great gig at the House Of Blues [in Chicago], we want to make sure to try and top that one. We will bring four or five new songs, which seem to be going down well on this U.S. tour. We will of course hit you guys with some well-known songs from “Out Of This World” and “Final Countdown.” There are some great live tracks from “Last Look At Eden” and “Bag Of Bones” as well. We’re having a great U.S. run this time and we want to make the New York show very special.
In having multiple platinum albums and having the international reputation as festival headliners, what is it that keeps a legendary band like Europe going? Is there anything left to prove?
J: I guess it’s some sort of a SLOW BURNING OBSESSION that keeps the five us going. We try and keep the adventure going by constantly putting ourselves in new situations that hopefully brings the best out of us.
What’s the best thing about being Joey Tempest?
J: Being a frontman with these amazing musicians and childhood friends is simply the best job in the world. Eternal gratitude to our fans for keeping us in it!
Join FiDi Families this winter at the South Street SeaportCommunity Cube! DOWNTOWN’s very own Family & Lifestyle editor, Denise Courter, doubles as Founder/Publisher of FiDi Families and has been raving about the success of the event, “FiDi Families is excited to announce that we will be extending programming through the end of February! It will tentatively be Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Stay tuned for further information!” The Community Cube is conveniently located, warm, and overall a wonderful venue sponsored by Howard Hughes and New-York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. Partners involved in this programming include GoGo Squeeze, PBS Kids, Fandango, and many more. With all the support and free goodies, these programs have been a huge hit!
This is a great opportunity for parents to keep their children busy and entertained during for the first half of the week, which seems to be the busiest time for Downtown families. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays have all been packed with fun and educational programs. FiDi Families has had some of their favorite performers come, yoga, arts and crafts, movies, story time, and much more! These events are from 10am-12pm with an hour of free play at the end!
If you are looking for things to fill your weekend with, you can even spend your Sundays with Fidi Families at their Character Ice Skate. The skate is from 10am-12pm at the South Street Seaport Ice Rink! FiDi Families looks forward to the continuation of sharing indoor, free, and heated fun with Downtown families!
-by Deirdre McAndrew
*Photography and images: Courtesy of Denise Courter
A star-studded collection of artists from a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines will gather at the Washington Hebrew Congregation to pay tribute to the star of stage, screen and sound.
Among those expect to perform or attend are such luminaries as Tom Paxton, Dr. Hans Peter Manz, Amichai Lau-Lavie and David Amram. Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, and Peter Yarrow are expected to provide video tributes. Mr. Bikel will perform a selection of his favorite songs, accompanied by Folksbiene Artistic Director Zalman Mlotek.
Mr. Bikel was born in Vienna, Austria, but on the eve of World War II emigrated to what was then, Palestine and is now, Israel. He lived on a kibbutz but left when he realized his future was in performing and not agriculture.
He went on to graduate from the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts in London, before moving to America where he appeared in numerous memorable film and TV roles.
He has more than 40 records, founded the Newport Folk Festival with Pete Seeger, and through it all fought for workers, peace and freedom. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in 1958’s groundbreaking film, The Defiant Ones, and has played the role of Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof more than any other actor.
“Theodore is not only an American icon, he belongs to the world,” says event co-sponsor and New York developer and real estate luminary, Elie Hirschfeld. “His work on the behalf of the arts in this country and in support of the State of Israel has been beyond exemplary. I am proud to call him my friend.”
Kyle O’Quin (Left), John Gourley (Center), Zachary Carothers (Right) of Portugal. The Man. Photo: Courtesy of the Honda Civic Tour
Last month marked the end of the 2014 Honda Civic Tour featuring artists Portugal. The Man and Grouplove. The tour showcased the talents of the band members both on and off the stage, with a collaboration of artwork between Portugal. The Man frontman, John Gourley, and Grouplove’s Hannah Hooper.
Gourley in particular has been known for sharing his creative abilities throughout the band’s career leading up to their seventh studio album, Evil Friends. After their most recent appearance in Central Park on September 16th, we spoke to Mr. Gourley on the phone to try and get a look inside his mind and see where their adventures will take them next.
DOWNTOWN: I was at your concert in Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield, which I know was the last show of the Honda Civic Tour. What have you guys been up to since the tour ended?
John Gourley: Man, I guess we pretty much flew straight from New York to Alaska and we played two shows up there. That’s obviously where we’re from originally, so we hung out with family and did that whole thing. We had our buddy Maclay Heriot with us taking photos, and he came up to Alaska so we took him up on some mountains for pictures.
DOWNTOWN: Nice! Yeah I follow you guys on Instagram, your photos are great.
JG: Yeah we can get pretty wild…So we’re in the studio with Mike D right now working on some new stuff, which is a New York connection for ya!
DOWNTOWN: That’s pretty cool—should be an interesting collaboration. I know you guys are heading to Australia soon. When will your next world tour be? Or is it too far in advance to say?
JG: I guess it might be too far in advance. I mean we just started working on the new album, so it’s just all over the place. We have recording times scheduled in all these different places and we’re working on a bunch of different things, so it’s probably gonna be when we finish the new album.
DOWNTOWN:That makes sense. Well I’m excited to see you guys on a full tour again. Next time you’re in New York City, I’ll definitely be there.
JG: Awesome! Hopefully Mike will be with us too. It’s pretty crazy recording with a Beastie Boy.
DOWNTOWN: I know Danger Mouse produced Evil Friends. Are you still collaborating with him?
JG: No, but we’re still super psyched. We’ll probably do some stuff together—it just comes down to schedules, you know? That’s the way stuff always works, especially with Brian [touring with] Broken Bells and producing all the stuff he’s been producing right now. I think he’s playing out here tonight or tomorrow night actually.
DOWNTOWN: Oh cool. So your music is often referred to as Progressive Rock, but you guys really do have a unique sound. Who are some of your biggest inspirations that you always try to hold true to in your music?
JG: It’s kind of weird, it’s not the most obvious stuff in our music. So we do directly reference often enough David Bowie, The Beatles…I mean they’re just so easy. Wu-Tang was like the reason we started this band in the first place. They were a huge inspiration for the band…[and] the Beastie Boys. That’s probably the biggest stuff that inspires our music.
DOWNTOWN: Awesome, definitely a wide range of influences there. So I’ve seen you twice in New York now: once at Terminal 5 and once in Central Park. They both seemed like pretty special shows for you guys. Is there anything you’ve noticed that’s different when you come to New York?
JG: Yeah, New York has always been pretty good to us. Actually I take that back, as soon as New York started being good to us, it’s been really amazing. We came there a few times in the very beginning, and we didn’t have the easiest introduction to the city. It didn’t break right away, but after our second album we played one of our first sold out shows in New York City, and it’s just an amazing place. I mean, it’s the greatest city in the world. Paris has something different to offer than New York, and L.A. has something different as well, but New York is just absolutely unique.
DOWNTOWN:So in relation to your concerts, do you prefer playing music festivals or do you prefer the concert/arena setting better?
JG: Well they’re two different things for sure. The festivals are all about the party. They’ve changed a little bit even in the short time that we’ve been playing festivals just because there are so many. It’s become more about the party scene so you have to kind of plan your set around that, and it’s not necessarily straying from what we normally do. We always throw in covers and we always bridge gaps between songs, but festivals are about writing the perfect set list. At your own shows you can play whatever you want. We’re never trying to snatch fans or grab fans at festivals necessarily—we’re just trying to show everyone a good time and keep things moving for the other artists.
DOWNTOWN: At your recent concerts, you’ve been playing a lot of your current music, which most performers do obviously, but do you ever play any of your older stuff?
JG: Yeah we do. I mean you have to stay up on our Twitter and Instagram and those sorts of things, but we do shows like sideshows and after parties. We play music as much as we can, that’s what we love to do. Those shows are where we play a lot of our older music. The sideshows and the after parties and the smaller things we play are so much fun. We’re having the most fun the band has ever had. We’re actually having trouble in the studio right now because of it…apparently at one point I climbed on Kyle’s keyboard and it all fell apart. But anyway, yeah the sideshows are definitely where we play most of our older stuff. We do play some of it at our shows but we’re in between records right now, so we’re working on our next set list and trying to figure out how to incorporate new stuff. And to be honest, Brian Burton obviously did a pretty amazing job producing Evil Friends, so that album just ended up having a flow to it that we hadn’t had in the past due to his attention to detail.
DOWNTOWN:So you guys have been doing this for a while now. I know you’ve had members of the band leave and new members join, but as a whole, how would you say this entire journey has shaped your music style?
JG: Oh I mean, in every way. Us leaving Alaska in the first place and moving to Portland, Oregon—that was the first step. We knew what we wanted to do, and we literally left Alaska to go on tour. That was how we left. We just knew we had to chase it. But it was going to Portland and seeing five dollar shows and three dollar shows and free shows sometimes and watching bands we loved play for 20 people. And for us it never was that dream of being rock stars or super stars. We just saw people playing for fans and doing what they loved, and we were like, “S*** man, if we can do this for three dollar tickets and play for 20 people, let’s do it.” So we kinda started out like that. All of those experiences…like touring in a mini-van. We bought a mini-van and put all our gear in it, and we bought a rice cooker and a five-pound bag of rice, and that’s all we ate. We would eat rice and vegetables and every now and then we could get something on a dollar menu, and that was a treat for us. But it was amazing though. That’s why we do what we do.
DOWNTOWN: So then when was your transition from that point in your life to super stardom? You know, when was your big break?
JG: [Laughs] Oh right, right when did we become the “super stars” we now are. It was playing Bonnaroo in 2009. We went into the studio to record Satanic Satanist and I was really trying to write a record like the music we used to listen to as family growing up. We listened to oldies stations and it would be The Beatles and Motown and all these three-minute songs. We weren’t trying to write pop songs but I wanted to see if we could write a song in three minutes because it’s so difficult to pick that handful of parts. It’s so much harder than writing experimental music because you’re really constrained, and I think it helped us. We wrote that whole album just trying to write these three-minute songs, and it obviously connected with people. We played Bonnaroo for the first time. It was our first open air festival, and it was massive. And I think because we were all so nervous, we ended up playing a really tight set for the first time in the history of the band. It was so loose and we loved that.
DOWNTOWN: Was that the biggest crowd you’d ever performed in front of?
JG: At the time, it was huge. That was the biggest thing we had ever done by far and probably even so for the next two years before we did our next Bonnaroo. It was huge, and there were a lot of things that worked in our favor that night. Delta Spirit missed their flight and they were playing the slot right before us, so we got this hour and a half long set change, which you never get at a festival. The sound was perfect. It started raining right before we played, and we were playing in a tent so everyone filled into the tent and it just had this big build-up to it, you know? It was massive for us. That was when we decided that, yeah we can play the late night shows, yeah we can do this, yeah we can sign to a major label like Atlantic Records and really try to do this. Not to sell ourselves short because we definitely felt good about what we were doing at the time, but we never felt like, this was it. Being with Atlantic Records for these last two releases, I really feel like this is the start of the band, which a lot of elitists and fans of music would hate to see—when it’s like, “Oh yeah, this is our first record because it’s out of a major label.” But the reality of it is that your first major label album release is like putting out your first record. It’s like your debut. So it currently feels like we’re working on our third record right now.
DOWNTOWN: Yeah, that’s something that a lot of people don’t realize unless they’re experiencing it. Last thought—do you have a favorite moment from a tour in the past? Like an incredible experience that stands out?
JG: It really is kind of all of it. Every step we take, we don’t really get to see it because we’re on tour all the time. During the last tour we did, even before the Honda Civic Tour, it seems likes every tour just gets a little bit bigger, which is what you want to happen. It’s a really amazing thing. But unless you take a step back, you don’t really notice those transitions. You’ll stand on stage one night and go, “Oh, holy s***. Six years ago we opened for this band and it was empty.” So you have moments like that where you really take it in and realize how amazing the experience is.
-Lauren Price
John Gourley during Portugal. The Man’s most recent Bonnaroo appearance in 2013 at one of the venue’s main stages. Photo: Courtesy of Knox Music Today
Lower Manhattan is home to plenty of venues, restaurants, and performance spaces, but New York is a bustling city with a cultural reach extending beyond the streets of our very own Downtown streets. Although there is plenty to do Downtown, once in a while something spectacular comes along that forces us to venture uptown and into the other boroughs.
This year, that ‘something spectacular’ is the citywide performance arts festival, SummerStage. The festival’s 2014 season launched on June 3rd and runs until August 24th, and features over 100 free performances that will tour fourteen parks located throughout the five boroughs. The diverse array of performers include musicians, theatrical groups, and comedians, to name a few. SummerStage began 29 years ago, and since has grown to become one of New York’s most anticipated festivals.
Since its conception, over six million people have enjoyed SummerStage performances; a cultural experience that can only occur in a city as unique, diverse, and lively as New York. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience one of New York’s most coveted experiences.
