Fresh Air: Time To Make Some Noise


So upon returning from the east coast life for me has been about restoring, replenishing, and rejuvenating my mind, body, and spirit. I feel the time away has done a lot of good and has helped me to gain a lot of perspective. Though life is seemingly unchanged I have the need for innovation and yet a good amount of revisiting. It really is a good time to begin writing music.

To keep the flow of things I have been lucky enough to be invited by my good friend Brandon Apeles to do a couple of shows with singer/songwriter Erika Elona. So far we go the 27th @Hawaiian Brian's (Kapiolani above the 24 Hour Fitness) and the 31st @Jazz Minds (Across the street!). She's got a really groovy home grown voice that's really soothing to the ears. I have the times posted and will give you more information as the dates get closer. Should be good fun! Come grab a drink after work!

Here's a video!

Sex Puppet goes into the studio tomorrow to begin tracking the newly arrange My Chevelle. This is going to be done once again with our buddy Bran Apeles and with the genius of Shawn Mosely at Soul Sound in Kaneohe. My Chevelle will be featured on the compilation CD, "HI Alternative," which will be released later this year. For up to date information with the project check back here. Should be an awesome CD release party as well!

Also this site is now going by www.nealchin808.com. For your convenience as so I don't forget my name and the area code I live in.

HA!


NY





Just arrived back in the 808 and am happy to be home! Part of me still misses the city but it is nice to see the ocean again.

I spent my remaining time breathing in the sites, checking out various shows, and seeing more art. Pretty much got to see all the major areas and the sites linked to them. Among my favorites were the Lincoln Center (which would have been awesome to see a show in the Rose Theater!), the Brooklyn Promenade (enough to make any human fall in love again), a little club called Terra Blues (the band was mega bitchin by slamming the crowd with some fat blues), and of course brunch at the Blue Note (featuring Mordy Ferber).

I feel seeing all this really brought out a lot of drive in me and makes me want to play twice as much. Inspiration and music are not bad things to live for. So let's do it again.

These Streets Turn You Into Someone Else. . .

So I feel I've been getting a healthy dose of the city, seeing the intended and the unintended. Art and music are my priority. The scene for it here is amazing. As imagined in my mind.

Stopped by the Whitney to check out the current exhibits and their permanent collection. Separated by 5 floors, each one held a character of its own. It was awesome seeing an original Demuth. Just being that close lets you almost feel the brush strokes and the energy from each movement to create a singular idea. It was quite moving and inspirational to say the least.

After went and had probably some of the best ramen I have ever had. This little restaurant called Ippudo had a variety of different style of noodles and broths. I had a heavy spicy miso which gave my sinuses a quick flush. Definitely recommend if you want some extremely flavorful ramen (with great sake too)!

Also got a chance to walk into my first Guitar Center which I have to admit was disappointed. Even with a great selection and extreme organization I did feel like it was a big toy store for musicians. Not in a good way but more in the very gimmicky: let's buy your first guitar for your 8th birthday kind of feel. Sure they did have some great stuff like this beautiful White Falcon but overall not recommend. I did get to try out some stuff with the salesman really being a salesman than an expert which is sort of maddening. So I guess if you are looking for something specific and just want to try it out, they probably have it in stock. Helped me decide on getting a Swolen Pickle that's for sure.

After that took the subway up to Brooklyn to check out some music. At this restaurant/bar we got to see the Rakiem Walker Experience. Drums, keys, 2 guitars, bari sax and the lead soprano sax. The sound was tight and talk about groove. Like a jazzy Curtis Mayfield funk. The keys held down the groove while the rest of the band did their squeaks and growls, whacks and slides. This is that Brooklyn feel.

Finished off this night with the Broadway show Fuerza Bruta. This definitely was a show experience that I have never had before. The lobby was a bar and as you enter the show room they have everyone stand in the center of a large circle in the middle of the room. It's sort of an interactive show with you constantly moving. Through out the show they are playing house music and it almost feels like a party! Totally different compared to Sister Act. I love it

Apple Day 1 & 2






So upon arriving at 1am and then going out to get sleepy, we lost half a day on day 1. Fortunately we jumped on a subway and went down to this chain called the Shake Shack. Like this was just a plain good burger, minus all the fancy toppings and distracting flavors. Definitely a must try if ever encountered.

After it was straight to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art). I have to say it was a breath taking experience. The only trouble was I didn't have nearly enough time to digest all the pieces I wanted to see. I distinctively remember going into this room completely surrounded by a whole bunch of work by Degas. I assume it was pact due to the season but, the moment I walked in this room it was empty. I felt everything go silent and just could hear the sounds of the pieces on the wall. Maybe sounds strange. Maybe just pure bewilderment. But I was completely drawn into that moment.

Next came the BB King night club in Times Square. Robert Cray was in town so it was a must see. The club itself is chill,a little touristy but set aside the gimmicky nature it was a sweet set up. Robert Cray was a beast. His tone and style is that sweet fender slap like Albert King. His tone next to his line up made the whole night worth it. Just an honor to be in his presence.

Concluded the night with an impromptu house party with some jazz cats playing bari sax and this awesome archtop. Rounded out very nicely.


Day 2
Highlights would include walking around town and seeing my first Broadway show: Sister Act! I generally speaking don't care for musicals but I am for sure hooked now. Just a mixture of the music and how everything about the show was tight: entrance, instruments, acting, singing, dancing, and even wrapping up the show was down seemingly flawless. Looking forward to the next one later this week!
We went and grabbed a bite to eat at Carnegie Deli. I wish I had the patience to take a photo of the ruben but. . .man it was just toooooooo good. I understand this whole deli thing. . .got to go try Katz next.
Also walked passed Carnegie Hall and I got chicken skin. Something about being so close just gave me this wild and weird inspiration to play more music. It left me on a good note to end the night. Finding that inspiration is one of the reasons that drew me here. Yet to find what else this city has in store.