Rock Candy Funk Party in NY (Page 8 of 10)

Rick - From what we understood, the early shows were sold out. Yesterday's 8PM was a full house. I know 10PM was not, but Natasha/Phil will know how many turned out. We were lucky to get there in perfect time from Baltimore - we stood right next to them in line. [The Iridium holds approx 140 downstairs.]

You're right - this music is too good not to spread around. Many fans here may not be early (or late) adopters, however, there is nobody else (that I know of) that is turning out such creative stuff from the 70s-80s and putting a new spin on it. In fact, feeding off each other all of them perform at or near the top of their game - it is a joy to watch. I also liked the fact that (at least at the Iridium) Joe was placed left/back near Renato. Personally, I think it allows for an even match, such that the crowd can equally appreciate everyone's contributions. Brilliant if you ask me. Takes the pressure off.

I had tried to work out going to this for at least one night but between everything else I've done this year and the expense of NYC I had to pass.  Somedays there just isn't enough time or money to go around.  Joe - you should try Sculler's with these guys sometimes - would work for me!

Appreciate all the video/picture sharing, and happy anniversary Phil and Natasha.

Sandy

Wow, thanks all for videos, photos and impressions!  What a first class group of musicians!  Budget crunch this year but I so hope next they will do more gigs and we will get there. Happy late anniversary

Yes, it was great hanging out with you as well. Us stragglers at the end, waiting while the stage set up was broken down. What an amazing weekend it was. Phil was so touched by the fact that Ron DeJesus came over after the guys did their bow on the last song of the shows and placed his guitar pick in Phil's hand. It's a really cool pick that is a lot thicker than Joe's and has a dragon image on it. Great to get a last hug from Tal, what a wonderful guy he is. Joking about me being his Official unofficial videographer. Poor Joe having to do an interview at 1 in the morning. He never gets a break. Nice to have a final parting goodbye so that we could give him some of the recordings Phil did of Saturday's show. Always worry that we're bugging him, but he did seem happy to get the discs. Lasting image will be of him walking alone down the streets of Manhattan guitars in each hand, backpack on his back, to anyone who sees him, just some average "Joe" walking home after a gig.

Phil and Natasha you guys are the best. It's honestly so humbling to see how much you support us in whatever musical adventure I do. The tracks sound great its a big help when selecting the final versions of each song. I hope had as much of a blast as I did these past three days. It was exhausting honestly. What a great band and group of fans to hang out with!!

Off to California and to learn 20 songs for the Beth Hart tour.

Joe B

Joe - the pleasure was all ours, believe me, and I'm sure I echo everyone else's sentiments as well. Being part of a single set for us was magical, and we'll remember it for a lifetime. The humble and oh-so-grounded nature of the entire band is such a joy to behold. I hope you guys continue to churn out stellar stuff - sure it is exhausting, but you guys make it look so effortless and easy!!

So now......what's next on the horizon..... a N'Awleans style romp with Wynton Marsalis....at the Carnegie We're all eyes and ears..... :pray :pray

That is very sweet, Rocket. We think the world of you, too. We wish you could have been there. Timing really is the pits sometimes. Next time we will hang out with you for sure.

Rick, I just have to begin by saying that your generosity last December of a drumstick sent as a gift for my friend's daughter, set off a chain of conversations and events that have totally changed our lives and I just want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are a wonderful person, and I feel so fortunate that you and Helen have become a part of our lives. You taught us well at the Potato shows, and our early arrival insured the best seats. The pictures that I took are somewhat misleading as far as capacity of crowd because that was before everyone was in. When the shows started, the place was packed and there was almost no way to get up from your seat. They suspended food and drink service during the performance so as not to interupt people, which I wish they would do everywhere. Very courteous of them. The seating was very tight. Once I turned to face the stage, I was sitting next to the professional videographer who was doing the handheld shots. He used an enormous camera that weighed probably 30 lbs. I could barely lift it. At times he and I were practically sitting in each other's laps, which I certainly didn't mind because he was really cute . He was a really nice guy and we had kind of a little dance we played out where he was over and I was under. I kept the camera down on my legs so as not to interfere with anything or anybody and he was moving his up by my shoulders, sometimes tapping me on the arm so that I could move my head back out of the way when he had to get shots of Renato. It was tricky to film because the guys were all spread out, Renato was hidden most of the time by his keyboard and Joe was tucked way in the back corner. Ron was in front on the right side on a stool and I was able to get some really good video of him. The way he plays is just so cool to watch. It is entirely different from Joe's and as Mike Hickey told us, no one can play quite like him. No wonder there was a lot of worry when he wasn't feeling well before these shows. Ron is the one who brings the funkiness to Rock Candy Funk Party.

What a nice surprise and so sweet of Joe to reach out to you two :-)  A well deserved shout out for all your dedicated support of shows as well as sharing pics and awesome videos with us all.

So glad we got to experience a night with you all and the RCFP band.  Was so good!

Till next time... stay cool and enjoy life as you are doing now 8-)

-Gloria