The Notes Brought My Body to a Climax

In case anybody hasn't heard, and if you haven't it is probably my fault, last week 45 Bleecker began it's adoption process of a Non-Profit called Search and Restore, an awesome organization dedicated to bringing new, hip, incredible Jazz and other music to the people. Last week we kicked it off with Jim Black's insane neo-jazz/fusion/rock/pop/metal group AlasNoAxis which completely melted my brain and then blew, what was left of me, away.

This week is no different. The group Kneebody is doing two sets every night, Wednesday thru Saturday, with different guests each night and really a completely different sound each set. This band takes an old-school bebop sensibility in it's horn sections and dissects it with eclectic, always-changing rhythm, a bassist who does more with one note than most Jazz bassists do in their most complex walking line, and a remarkably tasteful jazzy synth player. Though, I was unable to make it on Friday I have no doubt it was phenomenal, and last night took my breath away, especially with their second set featuring Bus Driver, a unique performer that would best be described as a rap singer, with a tone of voice that threw me back to Cypress Hill's B Real. 

Kneebody will be playing again tonight with Bus Driver and drummer Dan Weiss and on Saturday they will be playing their emmy nominated Charles Ives' Project with Theo Bleckman. If you like yourself or any of the people you know at all you will come to at least one of these shows and bring them all. You will thank me. And Kneebody

Blue Bossa Gypsy: Glenda Pezuela sings Bossa III - Tuesday February 16th @ 8pm at Theatres at 45 Bleecker - http://www.telecharge.com/BehindTheCurtain

After two sold out shows, the Cuban born singer makes a third appearance at 45 Bleecker interpreting her love for Bossa Nova and the lovely and melodic sounds of Brazilian Jazz. She is a soulful talent influenced by her Cuban grandmother, She sings with a sort of joyful nostalgia and speaks of her musical interpretations and experiences. This show will feature a guitar, flute and cello; very appropriate instrumentation for this Genre. The young singer is revisiting the 45 Bleecker stage hoping that we all fall in love.

Bleecker Sandwiches Steal The Show

After leaving their long time home, Crosby Connection -- now better known as Crosby at 45 Bleecker-- has found their niche in the multimedia lobby of The 45Bleecker Theater. I challenge you to walk into this historic building without being tempted into a snack by Joe Crosby and his team of Sandwich engineers; I don't think I've walked in here once without getting a one, and I don't plan to anytime soon. With combinations ranging from famous Crosby Special (hot meatballs witha schmear of ricotta, topped with a tomato/basil sauce,fresh mozzarella, and a touch of pesto), to the Avocado Brie Dill (avocado, brie, honey mustard, sweet roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, and a touch of Julien-ed apples and fresh dill) the sandwiches served up fresh everyday at this NYC landmark are physically impossible to refuse. In an article for Time Out New York, the then Crosby Connection owner/worker noted that they "don't make customers. They make friends," and in their new Bleecker St. location this sentiment has been allowed to flourish. Lower Manhattan college students, couples from out of town, mother-daughter Pinkalicious dates, all gather at the tables or the bar, surrounded by visual and dramatic art and captivated by the unique, unpretentious air about this Sandwich shop. Right now, as I sit in the lobby enjoying my favorite sandwich, the Suzy Special (2 slices of Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, sweet roasted peppers, avocado, basil, virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinagrette), I look around and see a local NYU band that will be playing our new after hours show this week, each with a sandwich of their own, an older couple splitting a Smoked Gouda and Ham (slice of ham, smoked gouda, honey mustard, granny smith apple slices and fresh dill) two college students sucking down coffe with buds in their ears and eyes glued to computer screens, and a row of eager friends competing to get a word in to the man himself (in between bites, of course). For Joey and Bleecker Sandwiches, "huge portions, cheap prices (ALL SANDWICHES ARE $6) and top-shelf ingredients are secondary to the small-town vibe he engenders among his devoted clientele." As if all that isn't enough, I haven't even mentioned my favorite item sold at Crosby at 45 Bleecker: old-style Boylan Cream Soda (and Root Beer, Orange Soda, and Orange Cream.) In an article from last November's New York Times, Crosby at 45 Bleecker's sandwiches were said to "evoke the New York of Ed Koch," and "made with great affection, if not outright love." (Images from Time Out New York and NYC Food Guy)