Art Miami — the leading producer of international contemporary and modern art fairs — will present the third edition of Art New York and the second edition of CONTEXT New York at Pier 94, opening Wednesday, May 3.
The two highly-anticipated fairs will showcase more than 120 international contemporary and modern galleries from 50 countries, representing more than 1,200 artists who have exhibited at Art Miami, Art Basel, Design Miami, The Armory Show, Masterpiece, Expo Chicago and Art Dealers Association Of America’s The Art Show. The sister art fairs will give collectors, curators and art advisors the opportunity to view and acquire the most prestigious works available to the market from the 20th and 21st centuries.
This year, Art New York will display the finest work of the modern, post-war and pop eras, and feature paintings, photography, prints, drawings, design and sculpture from masters including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Willem de Kooning and Ed Ruscha.
“This will be our most exciting year yet,” said Katelijne De Backer, Director of Art New York. “In addition to high quality blue chip works, we will be offering some truly unique immersive experiences, which promise to engage seasoned and new collectors alike. Art New York will be the perfect launch to New York Art Week, showcasing the most important works from the masters to the emerging artists ready to take fairgoers by storm.”
Gary Lichtenstein Editions will show images by famed photographer Bob Gruen and — for the first time — and works by Metallica’s Jason Newsted in the combined exhibition Rockers Rawk. Gruen’s exhibit features images of John Lennon, David Bowie, Debbie Harry and The Rolling Stones. Half of all sales from both artists will be donated to the Perry J. Cohen Foundation. On Saturday, May 6, the duo will be on-hand for a Q&A session.
“The fair will highlight a selection of work by emerging and mid-career artists that are primed to become contemporary masters within the next few years,” said CONTEXT New York Director Julian Navarro. “The artists for this year’s special projects are taking a vested interest in social awareness and are putting forth works that will drive visitors to ask questions and to participate in the ever-changing social conversation.”
Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel / Photo: Todd V Wolfson
Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel / Photo: Todd V Wolfson
If you are a fan of rock & roll, you have heard Bobby Whitlock play music. Beyond his long-standing solo career alongside wife CoCo Carmel — who herself has performed with Jon Bon Jovi, Dr. John and Phoebe Snow — Bobby also played and wrote on three of rock’s most iconic albums: George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Derek & The Dominos’ Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs and The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street. He is also notably a co-founder of Derek & The Dominos, and was the first “friend” in Delaney and Bonnie. While Bobby has a new album in the works, he and CoCo have opted to travel the road for The Sparkly Shoes Tour, which hits B.B. King’s on Jun. 13.
One thing that makes the Sparkly Shoes Tour even more interesting is that each date of the tour features a special guest guitarist. The Jun. 13 show includes Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd, who played in Joan Jett & The Blackhearts for many years; he has also performed alongside Southside Johnny, The Who’s Roger Daltrey, and Mott The Hoople’s Ian Hunter, among others.
Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with both Bobby and Ricky via e-mail. Interestingly, the two have never met in-person, so day of the B.B. King’s show will likely be their first meeting. Bobby and Coco can be visited online at www.bobbywhitlockandcococarmel.com, while Ricky keeps an online home at www.cleangetaway.nyc.
How did you two first meet?
Bobby Whitlock: We have yet to meet face to face, but have talked over the telephone…
Ricky Byrd: I haven’t actually met Bobby or Coco yet. My wife Carol Kaye is their publicist, so that’s my connection. I had seen a post on Facebook from Bobby that they were playing BB’s in June and I remember my pal Godfrey Townsend — who played with them last year — said he wasn’t available this year, so I asked Carol to reach out to them and offer my services. No doubt I’m honored to play with them. I have also agreed to do a short opening acoustic set of songs from my solo CD Lifer and some tunes I wish I had written. (laughs)
Ricky, you’re considered a sideman yet have also put out solo albums. Do you like being thought of as a sideman, though?
RB: Honestly, I have more of a frontman personality. I have been up front singing lead and driving the bus for so long, it’s a natural place for me to be. With that said, the fact that I’m a professional, I understand the concept of playing a supporting role and I have been that guy many, many times as well. At this point I have quite a list of people I have played alongside…everyone from Roger Daltrey to Smokey Robinson, and now Bobby Whitlock and CoCo Carmel
Sometimes I’m lead dog …sometimes you are there to help pull the sled. I just bring my tools and do whatever job is at hand!
BW: We will be playing the Dominos songs that I wrote on the Layla record and some new originals that CoCo and I have written, along with a couple from my upcoming solo record.
On each date of the tour you’re playing with a guest guitarist. Did you have the cities picked out first? Or the guitarist?
BW: We have the dates and cities picked out before we get the guitarist.
How have you and CoCo been able to keep long-standing relationships as both collaborators and a married couple? I mean, few other musical couples have lasted decades…
Whitlock: CoCo and I are friends, lovers, husband and wife, and also musical partners…And we are together 24/7. We are equals in everything that we do. There is no “mine and yours.” It’s all ours. I never tell her what to play or sing. She knows what to do. We have great respect for each other and each other’s abilities. We are both free to be.
Ricky, where was the first gig you ever played in New York City?
RB: Hmm, probably a church dance in Queens. We were too young to play clubs. Eventually I made my way playing upstairs at Max’s Kansas City and other 70’s rock joints in New York City.
RB: Back in the early 80s, I was out there often because Jett lived there. Over the past few years, I’ve played a few gigs in Long Beach, and you could find me at a restaurant or two there occasionally.
BW: Aside from the B.B. King date. which is in the middle of our Sparkly Shoes Tour, I am working on finishing my first solo recording in years. It has some new songs, some of which we are performing on this tour, and the band is great! Darryl Jones on bass, Colin Linden and Nick Tremulis on guitars, Charley Drayton on drums, with Stephen Barber on keyboards along with myself and of course my darling CoCo Carmel singing and playing sax. She also has about six songs that were co-written with me, and her song “Nobody Knows” is on my new solo record. I could not resist doing her song.
RB: I’m currently working on a CD filled with original songs I play at treatment facilities around the U.S. I have been in recovery since 1987 and a huge part of my world is trying to help those fighting addiction just as I was helped. The songs are about addiction, recovery, hope and inspiration. There will be some very special guests, including Bobby, but in the end the message of recovery is the special guest! I’ll be handing the CD out to patients at my groups. Knowing music is a healer, hopefully it will help save a life.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
BW: When I am not singing and playing or writing a new song or working on my poetry book, I enjoy whatever comes my way by the way of the creative process. I love walking in our woods with our dogs, and simply strolling down the street in our neighborhood with CoCo. I have a passion for working with wood, namely tree stumps. I call it root art. As a matter of fact, some people came from Japan to our home several years ago and they all were captivated with my artwork. I told them that I call it “root art” and they said that it is a very spiritual art in Japan, as it gives eternal life to the root of the tree.
RB: Watching baseball. Trying to navigate around a 15-year-old daughter. And napping. (laughs)
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
BW: I don’t really have a favorite restaurant anywhere, as I prefer CoCo’s cooking at home.
RB: Wo Hop on Mott Street. I’ve been going there since 1974.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
BW: Final word for the children…Listen…Just be still and listen for that still small voice.
RB: If you want to be a music lifer, go out and play the joints to zero people on a Tuesday night. Learn the craft, play every day, make your bones the old-fashioned way, and let rejection roll off your back or you’ll go nuts.
When it comes to Geoff Tate, forget everything you would expect from a hard rock vocalist. He has a multi-octave vocal range. He is very well-read. He makes wine. He enjoys the house restoration process. And 35 years after he co-founded Queensrÿche — whose hits like “Silent Lucidity,” “I Don’t Believe In Love” and “Jet City Woman” remain classic rock radio staples — Geoff is still touring and recording in peak form.
Geoff Tate makes a return to New York City on Feb. 20 with a headlining appearance at City Winery. As part of The Whole Story “Ryche” Acoustic Tour, Geoff will be fronting a seven-piece acoustic band and playing songs from all 17 of his albums. Downtown spoke with the Washington native about his City Winery appearance, his history with New York, and what else he has coming up. Beyond www.geofftate.com, more on Geoff Tate can be found by following him on Twitter via @GeoffTate.
Where was the first concert you ever played in New York City? What do you remember about it?
Geoff Tate: My first concert in New York City was at the Beacon Theatre in 1983. It was my first tour and everything was new and exciting. The theatre, at that time, was fairly run down and dirty. It smelled of stale beer, vomit, urine, cigarette smoke and sweat. The audience was young, angry and physical, punching the air with their fists in a staccato rhythm while my band baptized them with 115 decibels of metal.
GT: This Acoustic Tour is one of the most enjoyable tours I have ever done. The intimacy of the venue really showcases the players abilities and talent. The audience experiences the true emotion of the song in such detail. Every note and each breath is on display.
There are more people in your acoustic backing band than in your typical backing band, yet most artists perform acoustically in a scaled-down format. Is this your first acoustic tour?
GT: When I was in Queensrÿche, we regularly performed acoustically. In fact, almost every song I’ve written, was first written on acoustic guitar or piano. What I wanted for this tour was to have acoustic instrumentation that could creatively represent the songs. Orchestra instruments play a major role in my recorded music, so I wanted to have violin, cello and acoustic bass for the tour.
Another notable thing about your City Winery show is that you make wine. Where did your interest in wine begin? Was it always in your tour rider?
GT: I made my first wine when I was 14 and I’ve been into it ever since. When I became a traveling musician and began visiting the great wine making regions of the world, I was inspired and decided to release my own wine, and in 2007 my brand Insania was released. We make a red which is a Pinot Noir and a white, which is a Pinot Grigio.
You were a part of Hear ‘n Aid. Looking back, was that an enjoyable experience? Or at least as fun as the music video made it look to be?
GT: I was very honored to be part of the Hear ‘n Aid project. It was a very challenging project to lead and Ronnie Dio did a fine job of bringing many great musicians together for a wonderful cause.
When not busy on tour, how do you like to spend your free time?
GT: When I’m not making a record, touring or working on my Insania wine project, my wife and I enjoy house restoration. We recently acquired our second project home. It’s a 110-year old Dutch Colonial Revival. It’s all original, which is rare. We are modernizing it with thought and restraint.
Is there something you wish more people knew about Geoff Tate?
GT: No, not really. It seems my life is an open book.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
GT: It’s a tie between Nomad, because of the roast chicken and The Rolling Stones inspiration, and Trattoria Trecolori for some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had.
Finally, Geoff, any last words for the kids?
GT: Thanks to everyone who has come out to my shows throughout the years and bought my records. I hope to see you at the show at City Winery.ᐧ
The holiday season is now behind us, and 2017 is here. Of those fortunate enough to get some gifts this past holiday season, many of us wound up with gift cards and store credit. In turn, here are 11 ways to use that virtual currency:
Housed in a beautifully-decorated gift box, this limited-edition set from Tocca contains four 7 ml miniature fine fragrance sprays. The set is intended for “girliest” of Tocca fans, as made clear by its product names: Cleopatra, Stella, Florence and Giulietta. Sold exclusively at Sephora.
These Wall Flip Top Mittens were made by Emilime, a brand known for its direct support of female entrepreneurs in Peru. The mittens are cozy and warm, perfect for the early fall and through the dead of winter alike, as made of alpaca. One size fits all.
V76 is known for its American-made products for the well-groomed man — hair, shaving, body, and fragrances all covered. Its founder, Vaughn Acord, has styled for Al Pacino, Bruce Springsteen and President Bill Clinton, to name only a few notables. Blue Cedar by V76 by Vaughn is a woody fragrance for men, as launched last year. The fragrance includes coconut milk, violet, cedar and leather.
DISARONNO is known as the world’s favorite Italian liqueur. The brand recently partnered with renowned fashion house ETRO for a limited-edition bottle. In turn, DISARONNO is dressed up ETRO-style, with inspiration from the fashion house’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The collaboration also includes two different sets of three mini bottles dressed in coordinated looks.
Truly Spiked & Sparkling is a “spiked” sparkling water with only one gram of sugar and 100 calories; not bad for a drink that is 5% ABV. Truly comes in four flavors: Colima Lime, Pomegranate, Grapefruit & Pomelo, and its latest flavor Sicilian Blood Orange — all four styles are made from fermented cane sugar. As an added bonus, all Truly Spiked varieties are gluten-free.
Boden is a British clothing retailer that deems itself “New British,” combining ethical and green policies with quality and fashionability. Its Cashmere Scarf, as woven in Scotland, stands out from the pack in being 100% cashmere yet under $100. Warm, comfortable and free of itch. Boden also sells jeans, coats and tops for men, women and children alike, offering free standard shipping on all orders over $49; it also has a 365-day returns guarantee.
Imagine having wireless headphones which have both voice-controlled and touch-base options, which sync with your online (e.g. Spotify, Amazon, Soundcloud) and offline (e.g. MP3s on a USB) music collections, and offer 3D audio. All of that is possible via the Vinci 1.5 headphones — which were featured on Kickstarter — and more. Vinci can track your heart-rate, has a proximity sensor that stops music when you take the headphones off, and can make phone calls, although it does not require a connection to your mobile phone to work. The future is here.
As featured previously on the Downtown website, Cords For Music was founded in 2013 by Nicholas Coblence, based on the idea that almost everyone feels an emotional connection to music. In turn, Cords For Music designs musically-themed jewelry and some of its proceeds go towards funding music education. Check out its necklaces, stud and bracelets.
Based in California, Dobell makes suits that take you through all of life’s most important moments — from meetings and job interviews, to celebrations and weddings. But Dobell also stands out from similar websites in also offering novelty suits and all suit-related accessories that one would need (e.g. top hats, suspenders, cufflinks, dress canes, sock suspenders). I will likely be wearing a Dobell suit to my wedding in March.
10) New Barbarians: Outlaws, Gunslingers, and Guitars by Rob Chapman
Everyone knows The Rolling Stones, but most Stones fans are likely not aware of The New Barbarians. The New Barbarians was a short-lived group — lasting from 1979 to 1980 — featuring the Stones’ Ron Wood and Keith Richards, legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke, Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan, Stones sideman Bobby Keys, and The Meters’ drummer Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste. Chapman’s book not only looks at the band’s run in-depth, featuring never-before-published photography from Bruce Silberman, but also includes 10 previously-unreleased tracks from the 1979 U.S. tour on an accompanying CD.
A major staple of my childhood was trips to a video arcade. While video game consoles keep getting more advanced, letting users browse the Internet, stream television and movies, and so forth, sometimes there is a craving for the old-school, upright sort of video game. CoinOpStore builds arcade game cabinets, which can be customized to include thousands of games. So whether you are a Pacman fanatic, an Atari diehard, or more interested in the battle games of the 1990s, there will be plenty of fun ahead for you.
Tomoyasu Hotei — also known as HOTEI — is one of the most famous guitarists to hail from Japan. He has sold over 40 million albums in his 30-plus year career, and you undoubtedly know his song “Battle Without Honor Or Humanity.” But HOTEI continually challenges himself as an artist, and his 2015 album Strangers was only his second-ever English-language release; the album features contributions from Iggy Pop, Shea Seger and members of Rammstein, Bullet For My Valentine, and Apollo 440. He is also known to challenge himself off-stage, having uprooted his life in recent years with a permanent move to England.
Downtown had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with HOTEI about many facets of his life and career. HOTEI can be visited online at www.hotei.com, and can also be followed via Twitter and Facebook.
Strangersis your first international release, after being a very successful artist in Japan for decades. Where did the decision come from to break into the United States market?
HOTEI: One word: “adventure.” When I first held an electric guitar in my hand, I dreamt myself touring all over the world on a private jet, just like those rock stars you find in rock magazines! (laughs) That ambition does not fade just because I was successful in Japan. Time flies and this year marked 35th anniversary as professional musician. I questioned myself, “Am I still that same boy at over the age of 50?” I would be a con artist if I gave up my ambition from that moment when my messages to audience is always, “Life is short, be yourself and don’t regret.”
I thought it is not too late to follow my dream. I sold my property in Tokyo — I had a nice swimming pool with that property — and Bentley five years ago to relocate to London to reset my life. I wanted to challenge myself from ground zero. It took two years to complete Strangers with various U.K. producers. Have done some gigs in Europe, then I felt I am ready to check out U.S. market. I know it is not easy, but I’m all excited. I have confidence in my music.
On Strangers, you collaborated with Iggy Pop, Shea Seger, and members of Apollo 440, Bullet For My Valentine, and Rammstein. Are these all people that you had known? Or did you have a list of ideal collaborators that you approached?
H: As for Iggy, I met him in Berlin Airport when he came back from his show in Tokyo, and I was there for my recording in 1985. When I realized Iggy was there, needless to say I was all excited! He was one of my heroes, next to David Bowie. I was debating whether to walk up to him or not to ask for his autograph, when he approached me and asked me, “You are a famous guitarist from Japan, aren’t you? My girlfriend is a huge fan, would you mind giving me your autograph?” When I finished with demos of “Walking Through the Night” and “How The Cookie Crumbles,” I really wanted vocals with strong personality. Through my friend, I sent those demos to Iggy via Don Was to see if he would be interested. Fortunately, he totally loved them.
When I went to Miami for his vocal recording, I mentioned about the story from Berlin Airport, then he said “Oh! that was you!” Thrilled to know he remembered that moment! And Noko from Apollo 440 is my old friend for over 20 years. We share the exact same birthdate. He is my musical partner, feels like part of myself. Matt Tuck and Richard Z Kruspe — I met them through the producer. Shea is my friend in London. They are all amazing artists. We collaborated not just on music but shared more in the depth. I truly appreciated them all for their friendship.
Do you have plans to tour the United States again in support of Strangers?
H: Of course! I had an amazing experience in New York and Los Angeles this year. I’m dying to return in 2017! Also, I want to try other cities as well. I thought the audiences in the U.S. were amazing! I think they know how to enjoy music really well.
In 2013 you played at the Highline Ballroom, and you played there again a few months ago. Was your first time playing live in New York in 2013?
H: Yes. When I first played there, I had this prejudice that I had to sing in English. However, after that first show in New York, I learned it is not the language…with music I’m communicating with audience. I was truly appreciative of so many Japanese fans came to see me there. It was a huge relief moment.
Besides touring, have you spent time in New York City? Do you have a favorite restaurant over here?
H: I have a long-time friend in New York who is managing my schedule while I’m there. Where is the best steak restaurant, newest ramen shop, etc., so I don’t need to open a guidebook. I no longer have energy to go “clubbing” all night, and the size of steak in the U.S. is too big for me, so mainly I enjoy jogging in New York! (laughs)
So you and your family live in London. What inspired you to move to England?
H: I got bored with my life in Tokyo. I think Tokyo is the safest city in the world, everything is well-organized, very comfortable. But now I feel it is too much sometimes. I am quite tall for a Japanese, so everybody recognizes me in Japan. I can’t casually go to a ramen shop. I have not been on [Japanese] public transportation for over 30 years!
I think it was a good thing to relocate, especially to go with new challenges. I rarely had an opportunity to speak English when I am in Japan. London is a huge city, but there are lots of greens. I’m sure Lurie, our doberman dog is all pleased with change of scenery. My 14-year old daughter speaks perfect Queen’s English. I commute to studio by tube and bus. Sometime I feel lonely for not been recognized. (laughs)
Is there a career accomplishment of yours that you’re most proud of?
H: When I see the audience’s faces all lit up by listening to my music, I can reconfirm my message has been delivered through my music. I learned that if I can’t attract one person, I can’t attract 10,000 audience through my long career.
H: Of course! The Rolling Stones! I got great influences from David Bowie and Roxy Music, glam rock from 70’s in general, followed by the new wave movement, and punk killed me. Love all the music which has hint of avant garde. Recently St. Vincent is becoming part of my heavy rotation. I am convinced I may be the only guitarist on the Earth who played with David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Roxy Music, Gang Of Four, Zucchero, Joni Mitchell, Brian Setzer, Chicago — you name it! If I may greedy, I’d really love to play live with Iggy some day.
Do you have a favorite song to perform live?
H: It has to be “Battle Without Honor Or Humanity.” Everybody has heard this tune somewhere, even if they don’t know my name. When I played festivals, people always cold shoulder at the beginning, but as soon as I start this tune, people turn around, and change their attitude toward my performance. It is so obvious. I don’t have enough words to appreciate Quentin Tarantino. I’m totally up for placing it in Kill Bill 3. (laughs)
Aside from releasing Strangers, what else is going on in your career?
H: I can sell out 10,000 tickets, no problem, but still struggling to sell 200. I am really frustrated with this situation, but it reminded me how it was back in 35 years ago when I first started in Japan. If I can reach to audience’s heart with music, I know that they will come back for next time around. Also they will bring their friends to share the excitement. If I repeat that, a 100-person audience will turn into 500, then 1,000, then to 3,000. Nobody told me to do this. I made my choice. I have to find a way to enjoy this frustration.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
H: Sadly, I don’t have any hobbies. No fishing, gold, triathlons. (laughs) If I have time, I would love to spend it with my family. My daughter is a teenager, soon she will never care about her parents, being busy spending time with her boyfriend! I’m very busy to please my daughter, hope to prolong time together. (laughs)
Finally, HOTEI, any last words for your fans?
H: I sincerely appreciate all of your support, regardless of where you are! And those who are not my fan “yet,” please listen to my music and come see me play live! I hope to deliver “positive” vibes into your life!
It’s been more than 50 years since “Satisfaction,” “Get Off My Cloud” and a lot of musical gems by The Rolling Stones first hit the charts. Yet unlike many of the band’s 1960s peers, there is still new music coming out from The Stones. Earlier this month, The Stones’ Blue & Lonesome debuted at #4 on the Billboard charts.
Photo: Darren Paltrowitz
Hosted at Industria in the Meatpacking District, Exhibitionism is a decades-in-the-making exhibit featuring almost everything Stones-related that someone would want to see. Beyond behind-the-scenes video and rare audio content, Exhibitionism includes instruments, studio equipment, and costumes of the band members. Without giving too much away, it also includes a recreation of the apartment where several members lived together in the Stones’ early days.
Now if only more legendary artists would follow the lead and make their own version of Exhibitionism — I’m looking at you, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and Bob Dylan…
