After I put last week’s blog to bed, I noticed responses on twitter to a New York Times column that appeared on line last weekend – ahead of its appearance in print, one week ago today. The op-ed played on the apparent rejection by Queens residents of Amazon. The writer – incredulously to this commentator and many who shared their own valid views on twitter – found my home borough “a good place to leave.” Worse, the Times gave a title, “When Queens was lame” that so mislabele...

It was not planned but friends we enjoyed last night’s concert – really more a show – with suggested a blog on little known rock trivia. The really obscure one involved a guitar player and one-half of a songwriting team in one of the long-lasting bands of all time who sang in a children’s choir at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. The story teller was one-half of a hit duo who went on to manage and produce a number of artists including James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. The sh...

Best wishes in this first weekend of the new year. Many recent Gotham blogs looked ahead and share resolutions and predictions for this year. Instead, I continue practice to share a list compiled and commentary posted to my website on the top ten shows I attended in the year just ended. Hope you find the list -- 1) John Fogerty and ZZ Top 2) The Richie Furay Band performs POCO DeLIVErin’ 3) Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers, Ann Wilson 4) Glenn Tilbrook 5) The Eagles 6) Ro...

Music matters to me. (I suspect you know that.)   Ahead of this new year, I offer an updated (and of course verified) “Songs To Ring In The New Year.”     It follows “Light It Up,” my blog four weeks ago, which shared my updated seasonal playlist, Happy Holidays in songs. I hope folks enjoyed this musical cheer throughout the holiday season and that includes celebrations that continue into the new year (think the alternative name of my fave diner).   As wering in the new year...

Not a big brother story like Fred blogged but aerie, but in a nice way.   Oh and it involves a brother, too.   And Fred makes an appearance at that!   On Thursday, my brother, Robby, emailed, “My girlfriend Jen picked me up to get my car from the mechanic. She told me she had a freaky story. She wanted to listen to Dylan songs, but not sung by Dylan. She looked in Apple music, and the top playlist was by.... YOU! We wondered: are you number 1, or is this another example of “...

I intended a blog about a show my daughter (Marisa Jean) attended in L.A. Friday eve and a show by the same artist that Fridays with Fred blogger Fred Klein and I attended last month in Roslyn. However, a review by Fred’s “muse,” Bob Lefsetz emailed last night inspired today’s commentary about both concerts by Poco founder Richie Furay who is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Buffalo Springfield.  The shows featured performances of Poco's iconic first live albu...

I decided to play a playlist on our drive to a show last night.  I bring up my iTunes. Its not there.  Odd I thought. I’ll deal with it later.  I use Waze to help navigate different traffic situations, in part for the headsup, as I know my way around the City and then some.  My iPhone speaker is not functioning correctly with the otherwise helpful App so playing it through the car stereo makes it clearer; thus the need to play something in iTunes.  I selected another playlist...

Today please join me in celebrating two special anniversaries.   One involves music and 50 years.   Another not yet a decade but many people think much longer.   This eve, as some who follow Gotham’s music listserve know, the first of two anniversary concerts recognizing the 50thAnniversary of the iconic Byrds LP, “Sweetheart of the Rodeo,” takes place at Town Hall. I first learned of the tour featuring original members Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman supported by Marty Stua...

A few nights ago, one might say Marisa returned the favor. She took her dad to see a show. A long time a-coming, as the lyrics go. I believe her first time was during the winter a quarter century ago. Marisa was not yet in school. Today’s birthday boy was but several months in First Grade. Only one of three shows I attended that year, all with a Poco connection. Two involved the Bottom Line, site of my first date with Shelly. Indeed, Shelly joined me at those two shows; Poc...

Sometimes a song just sticks in your head. Leaving the gym Thursday was one of those moments. A Traffic song. But just not a song but a live version from a particular LP (“Welcome To The Canteen” featured the original Traffic quartet Steve Winwood, Dave Mason, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood accompanied by Ric Grech on bass, Rebop Kwaku Baah on percussion and Jim Gordon on drums).   I knew several version reside in my iTunes including the original studio version on Last Exit and t...