Ok, here it is, as promised.
Disclaimer: You will want to add this to your bucket list ASAP.
Disclaimer #2: You will fall for Ben Howard whether you like it or not.
-j
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three hungry ears
Tag Archives: bucket list
gangster of love
So back in June, I got to check something off my bucket list. Like my original bucket list wish list. I was surprised with tickets to see Steve Miller at the Bergen PAC in Jersey. It’s pretty much known that he is my all time favorite, since his greatest hits album was the soundtrack to my summers growing up. Could not wipe a smile from my face the entire night.
Not quite sure how old the guy is but he and his right hand man, Sonny Charles, really got down to it. He played his most popular: opening with “Jungle of Love” and finishing a four song encore with “Joker.” He also played his newer songs, which surprisingly, fit right in with the set list of the 40-year old hits. The songs, including “Tramp” and “Further On Up the Road” had a bluesier vibe. Now I kind of understand why the tickets to see Steve Miller Band are so damn expensive. It’s a good show. He is still touring like a mad man, but who knows for how long. See the joker while you can!
-j
acoustic irie
This past Monday I saw Mishka perform an acoustic set in NYC. I had never been to the venue in the Lower East Side, and if you haven’t either, you must put it on your NYC bucket list. After wandering around the building that was under construction, we found Joe’s Pub tucked inside the renovated walls of a Lafayette Street theatre. Once the doors opened it was like stepping into a speakeasy from the 1920s. The ceiling was beautifully gilded above the the dark wood bar and the lofted sound/lights booth. The chandelier, although not adorned with crystals, dimly illuminated the room enough so that there was a sparkle in everyone’s eye. Perhaps it was the ambiance but I think Mishka’s good vibes were responsible. No more than 100 people comfortably sat comedy club style before the barefoot beauty’s hour and a half acoustic set. I asked a friend of mine if his set is any different with his band and if you can imagine he said that it is that much better.
The Bermuda native radiates cool. His lyrics are truthful and universally relatable as love in and for life is a constant theme. He is truly incomparable, but I found similarities in his sound. He has a raw Caribbean pride like Collie, a relaxed demeanor like Jack Johnson, and a sincere passion for his words like Matisyahu. Interestingly, he was signed to Matthew McConaughey’s label j k livin’. MM himself says that Mishka’s music is “conscious reggae that reminds me to bless up, keep a high eye, work hard, love hard, remember true, hope faithfully, give thanks, and just keep livin.” After hearing Mishka unplugged, I couldn’t agree more. -j
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