...For Sure.
Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds put on a nice show tonight at the Bear's Den in Niagara Falls. Lots of new material with a very young band; Kim was in great voice and his harp work is always spectacular. Bruce, Susan, and I went, and we enjoyed the band and the well-handled sound situation (not too loud, but plenty of lows and high-end sparkle). Also, ticket prices were pretty reasonable, by today's standards, anyway...
Added bonus-- Spotting the Who's Who of Buffalo area Blues musicians, including Joney James, Joe Beard, and members of the Blues Hounds.
It's nice to see another good band play every once in awhile!
God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Nashville Cats...
...Apparently do play "clean as country water" and "wild as mountain dew." After a rough week and a crazy start to the weekend (a late night gig at Vizzi's on Friday), I took off for Nashville, Tennessee, oblivious to the Bills' presence; I was there all weekend for a conference put on by Chris Mara and his associates at a relatively new studio down there called Welcome to 1979. Wto79 specializes in retro-style recording (2" analog, lots of vintage tube gear and instruments, and a healthy respect for "live" off-the-floor recording). The conference (called the Producers and Engineers Summit) featured a whole weekend's worth of break-out sessions, clinincs and panels on everything from DIY and vintage gear and "found sounds" to basic music business savvy and two live-to-two-track recording sessions (Saturday night's recording group was the Justin Kaulk Orchestra-- check them out on the web; very cool!).
All of the presenters were top-notch pros (engineers, producers, mastering engineers, musicians, and a major mic company rep), and I did enjoy the whole thing (as much as I could on 35 hours with no sleep), but two of my high-lights were meeting Mark Rubel, a producer from Illinois who shares my passion for whacked-out found sounds and vintage lo-fi noise-makers, and meeting and listening to Bob Ohlson, an engineer/producer/mastering engineer with a storied career that started with him as a 17-year old assistant engineer at the legendary Motown/Hitsville studio in Detroit.
If you're into any of this stuff at all, it would be a great idea to get down there next year and attend this event. Just make sure you don't have a gig the night before...
God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
All of the presenters were top-notch pros (engineers, producers, mastering engineers, musicians, and a major mic company rep), and I did enjoy the whole thing (as much as I could on 35 hours with no sleep), but two of my high-lights were meeting Mark Rubel, a producer from Illinois who shares my passion for whacked-out found sounds and vintage lo-fi noise-makers, and meeting and listening to Bob Ohlson, an engineer/producer/mastering engineer with a storied career that started with him as a 17-year old assistant engineer at the legendary Motown/Hitsville studio in Detroit.
If you're into any of this stuff at all, it would be a great idea to get down there next year and attend this event. Just make sure you don't have a gig the night before...
God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
Friday, November 13, 2009
A light went out over Niagara Falls...
...Or at least it should have. That would have been a humble representation of the light that went out this week, one of Western New York's premier musicians, Niagara Fall's own Chu Nero.
Chu distinguished himself over the past four decades as an example of the finest that the Buffalo/WNY area has produced-- a singer, songwriter, sideman, bandleader, pianist, and saxophonist unparalleled in ability and enthusiasm, and as a stage presence, always humbly entertaining. Chu's roots, and perhaps his heart, were in Jazz music, in which he excelled, but he also played the Blues (for the last several years with partner-in-melody Tommy Z), Rock and Pop, Gospel, and Contemporary Christian music, all with an unmistakeable sound and incredible flair. His considerable chops were always in service of the music, and the soul of the moment, never over-used or over-the-top. I had the pleasure of playing and recording with Chu on a number of occassions over the years, and I was always blown-away by his talent and musical humility.
Chu distinguished himself over the decades outside of the music business and the dimly-lit stage-- many do not know of his humanitarian efforts and his attempts to bring the Gospel to life for disadvantaged people throughout the Western New York area. Chu was involved in prison ministry for many years, at times at great expense to himself and his family.
Chu made mistakes, just like the rest of us, and it was hard to find out that a "hero" (in this case, one of mine), was in reality a human just like the rest of us-- clay feet and all. There was a time when we were pretty close friends. Sometimes friends drift apart for different reasons, sometimes maybe people were only meant to come together for a short time. But I have great memories of gigs together, sharing family times with his wife and kids, and of a few times where I might not have made it through without the support of someone who understood. That someone was Chu.
He is survived by the mother of his children, and a true saint, Mary Nero, and his sons Judah and Solomon, and his daughter Julia.
Godspeed Brother, and Straight Ahead.
God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
Chu distinguished himself over the past four decades as an example of the finest that the Buffalo/WNY area has produced-- a singer, songwriter, sideman, bandleader, pianist, and saxophonist unparalleled in ability and enthusiasm, and as a stage presence, always humbly entertaining. Chu's roots, and perhaps his heart, were in Jazz music, in which he excelled, but he also played the Blues (for the last several years with partner-in-melody Tommy Z), Rock and Pop, Gospel, and Contemporary Christian music, all with an unmistakeable sound and incredible flair. His considerable chops were always in service of the music, and the soul of the moment, never over-used or over-the-top. I had the pleasure of playing and recording with Chu on a number of occassions over the years, and I was always blown-away by his talent and musical humility.
Chu distinguished himself over the decades outside of the music business and the dimly-lit stage-- many do not know of his humanitarian efforts and his attempts to bring the Gospel to life for disadvantaged people throughout the Western New York area. Chu was involved in prison ministry for many years, at times at great expense to himself and his family.
Chu made mistakes, just like the rest of us, and it was hard to find out that a "hero" (in this case, one of mine), was in reality a human just like the rest of us-- clay feet and all. There was a time when we were pretty close friends. Sometimes friends drift apart for different reasons, sometimes maybe people were only meant to come together for a short time. But I have great memories of gigs together, sharing family times with his wife and kids, and of a few times where I might not have made it through without the support of someone who understood. That someone was Chu.
He is survived by the mother of his children, and a true saint, Mary Nero, and his sons Judah and Solomon, and his daughter Julia.
Godspeed Brother, and Straight Ahead.
God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
Friday, November 06, 2009
Early November Update
Hey No-Star Nation;
A few early-November items for you:
1) A couple of important benefit performances are happening in the next few weeks, and we'd love to see those of you that are in the Buffalo/WNY area come out and support these causes.
The first is a fundraiser being put on by our friend and master jazz drummer, Dan Hull, this coming Tuesday night, 11/10 at the new Bobby McGee's (the old Dakota Grill) on Maple Road in Amherst. Danny has been running his weekly star-studded jazz jam session for over 10 years now, and this week's performance's proceeds and any in-coming donations will be to benefit our old aquaintance, and Tommy Z sideman Chu Nero (Blues, Jazz, and Gospel saxophonist, keyboardist, and vocalist extraordinaire). Chu has been battling cancer, is currently undergoing more treatment, and has had to virtually stop working in order to concentrate all of his strength on his fight. Let's face it folks-- full-time musicians don't have a lot in the way of safety nets in this day and age, and Chu has a lot of mounting medical bills as well as daily practical needs to take care of. Chu has been a blessing to many folks through his music for many years; hopefully, we can give some of that back to him in support. Tuesday night at the new Bobby McGee's, at 7:00pm.
Bruce and I will be playing a benefit for a dear friend, vocalist Roseanne Perez, on Sunday the 29th of November in South Buffalo (check your No-Star Update E-mails and our website schedule for upcoming details). Roseanne has been fighting a similar battle as Chu's-- she has been unable to sing or work a day job for months, due to extensive (and expensive!) chemo and radiation treatments. Fortunately for Roseanne, she has some pretty talented friends... Performers at the benefit (besides yours truly and Bruce Rounds) will include Donna Rose, Dolly D, Big Wheelie, Sam Gaurino, Nick Veltrie, Sam Gambino, Jack Civiletto, and many more. Tickets are only $25, and this is going to be quite a show. Stay tuned for more details, and e-mail us directly (Gregg@MightyNoStars.com) if you don't think you can attend, but would still like to make a financial contribution...
2) Look for my byline in this month's issue of Drum! Magazine (issue #162); my debut with the publication as a product reviewer is a feature on the new line of Meinl frame drums, for those of you in a percussive frame of mind (pun intended). Coming soon in an upcoming issue, a review of some very hip, hand-made/boutique djembes and congas from a company called DrumSkull Drums.
3) The band has been laying low lately, dealing with rehearsals and pre-production for our next CD, getting ready for upcoming Christmas shows, and the like. But we've got a gig at Vizzi's next week, Friday the 13th of November. Be there or be extremely square. Vizzi's is always a fun gig (especially if you like sirens). We hope to see you in the crowd (maybe you'll get to dance with Ralph!).
4) Speaking of laying low; not so much! Almost immediately following the gig on Friday, I'm flying down to Nashville for the weekend for a record producer's/engineer's summit at a new retro/analog recording studio called Welcome to 1979. Producers and engineers who have worked with major names in Rock, Pop, R&B, Indie, and yes, of course Country will be there to share experience, tools, and tricks of the trade. We're doing a recording session with a local band on Saturday night (reminds me of the old joke-- How many producers does it take to make the recording session happen? I don't know; what do you think?), and Telefunken is bringing a bunch of microphones that I'll never be able to afford. Sweet! Hopefully, we'll have pictures, annecdotes, and the full skinny for you up on the website when I get back.
Thanks for your attention, and we'll see you at a gig soon.
God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
A few early-November items for you:
1) A couple of important benefit performances are happening in the next few weeks, and we'd love to see those of you that are in the Buffalo/WNY area come out and support these causes.
The first is a fundraiser being put on by our friend and master jazz drummer, Dan Hull, this coming Tuesday night, 11/10 at the new Bobby McGee's (the old Dakota Grill) on Maple Road in Amherst. Danny has been running his weekly star-studded jazz jam session for over 10 years now, and this week's performance's proceeds and any in-coming donations will be to benefit our old aquaintance, and Tommy Z sideman Chu Nero (Blues, Jazz, and Gospel saxophonist, keyboardist, and vocalist extraordinaire). Chu has been battling cancer, is currently undergoing more treatment, and has had to virtually stop working in order to concentrate all of his strength on his fight. Let's face it folks-- full-time musicians don't have a lot in the way of safety nets in this day and age, and Chu has a lot of mounting medical bills as well as daily practical needs to take care of. Chu has been a blessing to many folks through his music for many years; hopefully, we can give some of that back to him in support. Tuesday night at the new Bobby McGee's, at 7:00pm.
Bruce and I will be playing a benefit for a dear friend, vocalist Roseanne Perez, on Sunday the 29th of November in South Buffalo (check your No-Star Update E-mails and our website schedule for upcoming details). Roseanne has been fighting a similar battle as Chu's-- she has been unable to sing or work a day job for months, due to extensive (and expensive!) chemo and radiation treatments. Fortunately for Roseanne, she has some pretty talented friends... Performers at the benefit (besides yours truly and Bruce Rounds) will include Donna Rose, Dolly D, Big Wheelie, Sam Gaurino, Nick Veltrie, Sam Gambino, Jack Civiletto, and many more. Tickets are only $25, and this is going to be quite a show. Stay tuned for more details, and e-mail us directly (Gregg@MightyNoStars.com) if you don't think you can attend, but would still like to make a financial contribution...
2) Look for my byline in this month's issue of Drum! Magazine (issue #162); my debut with the publication as a product reviewer is a feature on the new line of Meinl frame drums, for those of you in a percussive frame of mind (pun intended). Coming soon in an upcoming issue, a review of some very hip, hand-made/boutique djembes and congas from a company called DrumSkull Drums.
3) The band has been laying low lately, dealing with rehearsals and pre-production for our next CD, getting ready for upcoming Christmas shows, and the like. But we've got a gig at Vizzi's next week, Friday the 13th of November. Be there or be extremely square. Vizzi's is always a fun gig (especially if you like sirens). We hope to see you in the crowd (maybe you'll get to dance with Ralph!).
4) Speaking of laying low; not so much! Almost immediately following the gig on Friday, I'm flying down to Nashville for the weekend for a record producer's/engineer's summit at a new retro/analog recording studio called Welcome to 1979. Producers and engineers who have worked with major names in Rock, Pop, R&B, Indie, and yes, of course Country will be there to share experience, tools, and tricks of the trade. We're doing a recording session with a local band on Saturday night (reminds me of the old joke-- How many producers does it take to make the recording session happen? I don't know; what do you think?), and Telefunken is bringing a bunch of microphones that I'll never be able to afford. Sweet! Hopefully, we'll have pictures, annecdotes, and the full skinny for you up on the website when I get back.
Thanks for your attention, and we'll see you at a gig soon.
God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
End of Summer Update 2009
Hey There, No-Star Nation;
We had a great time on the Summer Tour '09! We played "Blues In The Valley" again in Warsaw, NY. We will play that show every year they ask us, honest. One of the best-run events we've had the pleasure to be involved with, and we really enjoyed the other acts on the bill this year (big-ups to The Todd Eberwine Band and the Junkyard Dogs). We also had a great time in Attica, Orchard Park (thanks again for all your help, Don from the Boys of Summer), Boston, Hamburg, at St. Christopher's (the Spirit Ride and the Summerfest this year), the Wild & Blue Outdoor Festival, a new event in Farmersville called the Smokey Bones Music Festival, the Genesee County Fair, and of course at the Double Diamond in Ellicottville and at Joanne's Queen City Grille in Tonawanda. We also thoroughly enjoyed a few multi-band shows we played this past Spring (Jimmy's Jam and the Blues in March event). Thanks to all the fans, event promoters, and our supporters in the Blues Society of WNY for making this a great season of live shows for us! And many, many thanks to our agent and den-mother in-residence, Susan Fischer for her un-ending assistance and energy in the cause of all things Mighty and No-Star...
Don't forget, the upcoming WBFO Blues CD will feature an advance version of one of the tracks on our forthcoming second album ("Memories of Rage" by Bruce Rounds).
A new news-item from the No-Stars' press office-- I'll be writing some reviews and articles for the very popular percussion-oriented publication, Drum! Magazine, so watch for the Gregg Juke byline in an issue coming your way soon!
Once again, it's time for a little R&R (rest and relaxation, in this case). We'll take a little time off to recouperate and regroup and catch a little Summer vacation before getting back on the old "Jetson's treadmill." We're playing a private event in early September, and we've got some Fall dates scheduled at a few of our favorite local venues, but we're planning on taking time over the next several months to get a lot more work done on our upcoming sophomore CD release before the holiday season (it'll be here before you know it, folks).
In the meantime, we hope you really enjoy the rest of your summer; we'll be back at'cha and on stage in no time. Thanks again to all the members of the No-Star Nation for your unwavering support.
Until then-- God Bless & Good Blues...
GJ
We had a great time on the Summer Tour '09! We played "Blues In The Valley" again in Warsaw, NY. We will play that show every year they ask us, honest. One of the best-run events we've had the pleasure to be involved with, and we really enjoyed the other acts on the bill this year (big-ups to The Todd Eberwine Band and the Junkyard Dogs). We also had a great time in Attica, Orchard Park (thanks again for all your help, Don from the Boys of Summer), Boston, Hamburg, at St. Christopher's (the Spirit Ride and the Summerfest this year), the Wild & Blue Outdoor Festival, a new event in Farmersville called the Smokey Bones Music Festival, the Genesee County Fair, and of course at the Double Diamond in Ellicottville and at Joanne's Queen City Grille in Tonawanda. We also thoroughly enjoyed a few multi-band shows we played this past Spring (Jimmy's Jam and the Blues in March event). Thanks to all the fans, event promoters, and our supporters in the Blues Society of WNY for making this a great season of live shows for us! And many, many thanks to our agent and den-mother in-residence, Susan Fischer for her un-ending assistance and energy in the cause of all things Mighty and No-Star...
Don't forget, the upcoming WBFO Blues CD will feature an advance version of one of the tracks on our forthcoming second album ("Memories of Rage" by Bruce Rounds).
A new news-item from the No-Stars' press office-- I'll be writing some reviews and articles for the very popular percussion-oriented publication, Drum! Magazine, so watch for the Gregg Juke byline in an issue coming your way soon!
Once again, it's time for a little R&R (rest and relaxation, in this case). We'll take a little time off to recouperate and regroup and catch a little Summer vacation before getting back on the old "Jetson's treadmill." We're playing a private event in early September, and we've got some Fall dates scheduled at a few of our favorite local venues, but we're planning on taking time over the next several months to get a lot more work done on our upcoming sophomore CD release before the holiday season (it'll be here before you know it, folks).
In the meantime, we hope you really enjoy the rest of your summer; we'll be back at'cha and on stage in no time. Thanks again to all the members of the No-Star Nation for your unwavering support.
Until then-- God Bless & Good Blues...
GJ
Friday, July 10, 2009
LT, NP...
...Which stands for Long Time, No Post; I know. Sorry. Lots happening. We have begun work on our next album, but due to outside constraints have had to push-back the release date. Rest assured it will be killer, and we'll let you know when it's ready. In the meantime, there are still a few copies left of "Blues Power," so pick 'em up while you can! CDBaby is temporarily out-of-stock, but you can get a copy from the home website (http://www.mightynostars.com/) or get the whole album or individual tracks through iTunes, Amazon.com, or a host of other digital on-line retailers. We have a lot of new t-shirts available, which can be purchased from the site or at a live show. You can also get a copy of "WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Volume VII" at the wbfo.org website; the new disc features a track by Bruce Rounds that will appear on our forthcoming new disc ("Memories of Rage").
July and August feature a pretty full concert/live gig schedule, so come out and see the band.
There's a bunch of stuff (tunes, shows, plans) in-the-works, so more info is on the way. Until then, and as always, God Bless & Good Blues, and enjoy your summer!
GJ
July and August feature a pretty full concert/live gig schedule, so come out and see the band.
There's a bunch of stuff (tunes, shows, plans) in-the-works, so more info is on the way. Until then, and as always, God Bless & Good Blues, and enjoy your summer!
GJ
Monday, November 03, 2008
"Blues News Youse Can Use..."
Look. It's been several years now, and I've never used a corny two-bit Title Headline like that before. Gimme a break. This blogging stuff ain't easy...
Anyway, here is some legitimate Mighty No-Star News for ya:
* New Endorsement Deal-- Our favorite guitarist, Your Mighty No-Stars' Bruce Rounds, has inked an endorsement deal with Carr Amplifiers. Very cool, very hip hand-wired boutique amps used by many top stage and studio players, and a lot of the younger generation of up-an-coming musicians (Neko Case, for instance). Check them out on-line, and check Bruce's new amp out at an upcoming gig.
* New Website-- I know, I know, we've made this promise before, and to be fair to us, we've made quite a few upgrades and changes to our home site over the last couple of years, but this is BIG! I'm not talking little tweaks here. We will be sending out press releases soon about Bruce's new endorsement deal and our "Grand Re-Opening" at www.MightyNoStars.com, but suffice it to say that Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars on-line have never looked better. We have lots of new photos, info, and cool features coming your way. We're still under construction until further notice, but you can take a sneak-peek at what we're up to by clicking here: www.MightyNoStars.com.
* Contest & Awards-- Congratulations to Mighty No-Sub J.J. Moscato, lead singer and crack keyboardist for J.J. Moscato and Blue Avenue, who will be representing Buffalo/WNY in the solo/duo competition at the International Blues Challenge this year (along with our old friend Reggie Evans). Great Job guys (it's great to see when one of these things turns out right). Congratulations also goes to a great group, the Todd Eberwine Band, who will represent Buffalo/WNY in the band division. Here's to WNY showing our stuff in Memphis. Go get 'em, boys...
* World Record-- Our drummer, Bret Norvilitis and I spent the afternoon Sunday helping about 150 drummers locally, and who knows how many (totals aren't in yet) Nationwide, in breaking the Guiness Book of World Records record for "Most Drummers Playing the Same Beat at One Time" on a rousing version of "Louie Louie" that lasted over five minutes, followed by some percussion-crazy rock chestnuts from the 60's. This was a great event sponsored by Buffalo Drum Outlet. We'll have a story and pictures up at the home site as soon as we can. In the words of one semi-retired drummer (me), this event was "insane."
* Upcoming Gigs-- Gregg Juke & the Mighty No-Stars will be at Vizzi's in Buffalo, and at the Double Diamond in Ellicottville in November (check our website schedule, or your local listings for more info). Also, 'tis the season, so we'll have information on lots of upcoming Christmas shows for you soon. We're still waiting to find out who will be on the upcoming "WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Vol. VI," but as soon as we know, we'll let you know too.
Until next time, as always-- God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
Anyway, here is some legitimate Mighty No-Star News for ya:
* New Endorsement Deal-- Our favorite guitarist, Your Mighty No-Stars' Bruce Rounds, has inked an endorsement deal with Carr Amplifiers. Very cool, very hip hand-wired boutique amps used by many top stage and studio players, and a lot of the younger generation of up-an-coming musicians (Neko Case, for instance). Check them out on-line, and check Bruce's new amp out at an upcoming gig.
* New Website-- I know, I know, we've made this promise before, and to be fair to us, we've made quite a few upgrades and changes to our home site over the last couple of years, but this is BIG! I'm not talking little tweaks here. We will be sending out press releases soon about Bruce's new endorsement deal and our "Grand Re-Opening" at www.MightyNoStars.com, but suffice it to say that Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars on-line have never looked better. We have lots of new photos, info, and cool features coming your way. We're still under construction until further notice, but you can take a sneak-peek at what we're up to by clicking here: www.MightyNoStars.com.
* Contest & Awards-- Congratulations to Mighty No-Sub J.J. Moscato, lead singer and crack keyboardist for J.J. Moscato and Blue Avenue, who will be representing Buffalo/WNY in the solo/duo competition at the International Blues Challenge this year (along with our old friend Reggie Evans). Great Job guys (it's great to see when one of these things turns out right). Congratulations also goes to a great group, the Todd Eberwine Band, who will represent Buffalo/WNY in the band division. Here's to WNY showing our stuff in Memphis. Go get 'em, boys...
* World Record-- Our drummer, Bret Norvilitis and I spent the afternoon Sunday helping about 150 drummers locally, and who knows how many (totals aren't in yet) Nationwide, in breaking the Guiness Book of World Records record for "Most Drummers Playing the Same Beat at One Time" on a rousing version of "Louie Louie" that lasted over five minutes, followed by some percussion-crazy rock chestnuts from the 60's. This was a great event sponsored by Buffalo Drum Outlet. We'll have a story and pictures up at the home site as soon as we can. In the words of one semi-retired drummer (me), this event was "insane."
* Upcoming Gigs-- Gregg Juke & the Mighty No-Stars will be at Vizzi's in Buffalo, and at the Double Diamond in Ellicottville in November (check our website schedule, or your local listings for more info). Also, 'tis the season, so we'll have information on lots of upcoming Christmas shows for you soon. We're still waiting to find out who will be on the upcoming "WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Vol. VI," but as soon as we know, we'll let you know too.
Until next time, as always-- God Bless & Good Blues,
GJ
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