Completed my 3 day support tour with Wild Beasts!

The tour took place in America. The plane landed in Philadelphia and as soon as I walked of the aircraft I could instantly feel the vast temperature change compared to London. Philly was so hot and humid, felt like Floridian heat. Jumped on a train to take me to Rittenhouse Square were I met up with Alyssa. Crashed at Alyssa during my one in a half day stay. The following day I did an interview/performance with WXPN Radio. That session was recorded in a studio. The auto harp was plugged in for the set but I  opted to let the violin sing out naturally with amplification coming only from my vocal mic. The interview should hit the air ways and internet in the upcoming months. Next on the list was to do a sound check and play the show at The World Cafe. As for the my performance that night I felt as if it was a 3 on scale from 1 to 5. 

After the show, managed to set aside some time to work and jam with local Philly artist, Jamil Kayin. He makes music and rides a mean bike. Here's a link to his music.http://www.jamilkayin.com

The next morning I toke the Megabus to New York City and the first place I visited was good old Brooklyn. Met up with friends in Williamsburg and made my way over to Le Poisson Rogue for soundcheck.While in New York I played Le Poisson Rogue 2 nights in a row. The performance was also streamed live on the venues website. On the night of the first New York gig friends from high school traveled from DC and Charlottesville, Virginia.

There were only three dates for me to play with the band because I play the Latitude Festival in the UK July 17.

Williamsburg spontaneity

Photos by  Elliott Easterling

These photos were taken about a month ago when New York was still warm and the chill of winter had not yet made its presecene known. One thing I love the most about Brooklyn is the spontaneity of the day. Whenever I am playing Williamsburg I always bump into someone I know.  These photos are an example of that.

Marques Toliver Plays on Monday

The average day for you is not the average day for me.

     Having recently wrapped my fingers around Sonata I in g minor, all I must do now is work on memorizing it. I can already feel lyrics sprouting, but before I dive into molding words I must focus on the colors within the sonata. Every now and I then I am reminded of the sounds of the symphony. There's something about the tone of a full string a section that sparks a magic and life. Wish I could describe it better than I am. I know I'm not alone in my thoughts when it comes to this particular matter. By colleagues in New York could probably elaborate on the topic, I'm sure.

                                          http://www.myspace.com/claraplayscello
 

Back in Brooklyn I'm mostly in my own creative colony/world. Talking music with cellist, Clara Kennedy or working alongside budding composer, Joseph Reuben take up parts of my day. I was first introduced to Clara via Scott Mathew while working on his record. Actually it could have been on Bedford while Scotty and company were having frozen margaritas during happy hour. Yeah, that's  what happened. That was same day I met Timmy Mislock. 

Joseph Reuben and I met via William Carol Cameron and David R. (of which I have blogged about). Joe's creative work speaks volumes. He is able to be so multifunctional as an artist. He paints,draws,composes,and sings. Whenever in Williamsburgh I swing by the the Rueben's headquarters catch up. Currently, Joseph is working on a few pieces for audio books. When he's not making the d'argent he's composing his own works. You can feel the many influences tumbling around in his mind. The works of Joe Reuben are melodious and also coated in sharp and bright dynamic markings. At the moment I'm working out a few bowings for a piece composed by Mr. Reuben.

                           Joeseph Reuben

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is my older brother

There was a gathering in memory of John Lennon at Glasslands a few hours ago. When I walked in it resembled a scene out of "Short Bus" (minus the public sex). There was a string trio to stage right, keyboard,drummer,bass,and guitar were all present. The lighting was minimal and the audience was reverberating with the joy of yesterday. The atmosphere was alive. Landing in New York just a few hours ago it just so happened that I bumped into my dear friend, Miles benjamin Anthony Robinson.

Standing on the stairs leading to the bathroom, I could spot him within the crowd. I was so glad to see him! It had been at least 4 months since our last interaction. I was scheduled to go on tour, playing violin with his ensemble, but piles of opportunity with my solo work began to take a front seat.

I first worked with Miles back in 2007, thanks to Kyp. I was busking in Williamsburg and Kyp had me come in and play violin on a album he was in the studio producing. The album turned out to be for Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson.

Miles is a great art that has his own distinct voice. His recordings will be something "music fans" will talk about for years to come. I'm pretty sure that when we are all dead Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson will have a slew of cover bands attempting to give us their best renditions of Burriedfed.

Love you Miles