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Here is a picture from the NY4OK benefit I played last night at LPR of me, Eric Day (bass) and Mike Rosengarten (guitar) accompanying Gabrielle Ruiz (In the Heights) on "Live High" by Jason Mraz.
Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors also performed and my 10 year old self was totally stoked. He played two songs - the first was one he wrote about 5 years ago and was great. Of course he played "Two Princes" also and I just had to Vine it!
I'm really in love with my new Roland SPD-SX. In addition to being great for my live performance needs with PitchBlak, it is great to use as a midi device. I used it with Sibelius to transcribe some drums parts for a client and found it really cut down on time. Can't wait to explore it further!
This snare head recently turned up at PitchBlak's rehearsal space. Based on my research, they stopped making them in the late 80's, which is too bad because I really love the sound - warm & thumpy. The only downside that I can see is that they're made of cloth and seems like they'd rip easily if you're a heavy hitter. Anyone know where to pick some up?
I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed smashing instruments! I will post a side-by-side of the video and me recording the track in the studio when I get a chance, so stay tuned!
Heading to Delfest tomorrow. 4 days of bluegrass in my hometown, including 2 sets from my hero, Trey Anastasio! Gonna really focus on how great pickers keep such good time and apply it to my playing.
Saw this at the Hornell gig:
So much fun for me, so not fun for my neighbors!
Some of the PitchBlak crew busking in Harlem last Sunday. Gotta raise some funds for our summer tour! Check me out awkwardly trying to fix my broken drum throne in the opening shot.
Littlefield, 4/21. Photo by Seth Walters
I had a FANTASTIC weekend of music making with PitchBlak. The Balkan Shout Out gig was absolutely off the hook. I don't think the audience stopped jumping once during our hour set. They really knew how to get down! The crowd at Littlefield was equally as awesome, and I really enjoyed watching BatalaNYC do their thing. It was very inspiring!
Additionally, the first round of mixes for our forthcoming album, You See Us, just hit my inbox and my God is it sounding fresh! Aaron Nevezie is the man!
Ashley Baier is a NYC-based drummer and percussionist.
