Mahalia Jackson queen of gospel

   I was in Oakland this past weekend with my girlfriend and a couple of friends checking out art boutiques, when I came across the rich gospel voice of Mahalia Jackson. Then again last night while watching the 1959 version of "Imitation of Life" starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore, I hear Mahalia voice again in one of the scenes. 
  Mahalia Jackson is viewed by many as the pinnicle of gospel music.  She was born on Oct 26, 1911 and was the third child of a Barber and Preacher who died at age 25 when she was only 4.  At age 16  she found plenty of work singing as a soloist at churches and funerals. In 1937, she began recording with Decca records but her albums didn't sell as they expected.  From 1946 to 1954 she was with Apollo records, but it wasn't until 1954 to 1967 when she joined Colombia records, that she gained broad recognition as a spiritual singer. 

  For more information on Mahalia Jackson visit http://www.mahaliajackson.us/

Mayer Hawethorne

     Multi instrumentalist Mayer Hawethorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan listening to classic soul and jazz tunes with his father. His sound makes me reminisce back to the low rider/motown jams I would hear during my early childhood, but with a modern twist. For more info on Mayer Hawthorne visit http://mayerhawthorne.com/

Audrey Kawasaki

  Influenced by both Manga Comics and Art Nouveau, Audrey Kawasaki's work is seductive and innocent at the same time. Her art is painted on wooden panels giving it a natural texture. With her fluid lines and soft warm colors, Audreys paintings give me a feeling of being awake in a dream. If you are interested in Audrey Kawasaki's art work go to http://www.audrey-kawasaki.com/sale/

  

The Trims

   San Jose Californias indie rock band (The Trims,) formed in 2009 when Gabriel (vox/guitar) and Eric (bass) decided to collaborate on a project that would bring a new sound to the bay area music scene. Bryan (lead guitar)soon joined to add his own cutting edge guitar sound and songwriting talents to the mix. The trio continued to write and practice, but were still in need of a permanent drummer. Finally Billy (drums) joined the group bringing the creativite dynamic the band sought.

  In Feb 2011 "The Trims" released their debut album "We Cried For Fun." This was quickly followed with a music video for the song “The Breeze” and a 6 song E.P. “Cut To Fit”.

For over a year, The Trims have played dozens of shows in venues all over northern California including: Bottom of the Hill, Avalon, and The Blank Club. In May 2011, from over 150 entries, The Trims were selected and then voted to play Live 105’s BFD Festival at the Shoreline Amphitheater. In October, they were invited to play San Jose’s Left Coast Live festival. The band is currently touring and working on new material.

The Trims have received press and radio support from KITS Live 105, KNCL 104.9, SaveAlternative.com, KSJS, FCC Free Radio, San Jose Metro, BAYFashion Magazine, and Cabo Wabo Tequila.

For more info on The Trims, visit: www.TheTrims.net

Starfucker

  Portland Oregon based band Starfucker was founded by Joshua Hodges in 2006. Starting as a solo project, the band now includes Shawn Glassford and Keil Corcoran. As the band grew in popularity, they recieved touring help from Partick Morris and Ian Luxton. 

  Starfucker plays a well blended mix of electronic, pop, and dance music. The thing I enjoy about thier tunes is that it's dance music you can actually listen to, or go out and have a dance revolution.

  Starfucker released their first album self titled "Starfucker" in 2008. In 2011 they came out with the albums "Reptilians", and "Jupiter."  For more information about Starfucker click strfkr site or myspace

That sketch/ Messer Chupps

  These are some drawings I've been working on.

Work in progress

 I did this one about 1 year ago.

  My girlfriend Nico is a big fan of zombie films. She has a passion for cooking, so I drew her as a zombie cook. Nico has so many amazing food recipes that if i'm craving something but don't know what, I go to her blog for ideas on what to make to eat. You can view her blog at www.satinandsalt.com

  I would also like to share some surf spacey horror music for today. I would like to introduce Messer Chupps. They are a 2 piece band from Russia. The came out with their first album Monster and Monster in 1999. Have a taste of their bloody killer sound. For more info on Messer Chupps click Messer.

   

Koop

 Swedish band Koop was formed in 1997 by Magnuss Zingmark and Oscar Simonson. Inspired by hip hop, jazz and house dance, Koops sound is laced with sensual rhythm that will keep you wanting more. 

  Collaborating with a series of talented artist, the pair released their debut album Sons of Koop in 1997. Their music is created through a series of sample and overlays, thousands of short clips of sound and music reworked to create the unique Koop sound. The final piece that brings the composition together are the guest vocalist which include Yukimi Nagano, Rob Gallagher, Mickael Sundin, Ane Burn and Hilede Louise Asbjornsen.

  For more info about Koop go here or there.

  

Alisha Ripatti

   Alisha Ripatti, a very talented Santa Cruz 

County local artist/musician, became obsessed 

with drawing in the 2nd grade. 

  "I would study animals and the way they 

moved for what seemed like hours. Later in high 

school I would stay up until 2 am searching for 

artist who's style I admired." 

  Alisha has always been drawn to surrealism 

and particulary artist with morbid undertones. 

  "I became fixated on skeletons and skulls in 

particular. They have a purely asthetic feel."

  Aside from being an amazing artist, Alisha 

is an incredible guitarist and guitar teacher. 

If you are interested in guitar lessons or want

to know more about her artwork, you can contact 

her at ladiablow@gmail.com or facebook. 

      

Here is a list of artist Alisha admires: Dali, Escher, Naoto Hattori, Alex Pardee, Murakami, and Marlo Meekins.

Simple Citizens

 

  I came across the Simple Citizens one night when I was passing by the Crepe Place in Santa Cruz. I was lured by colorful jazz chords and 60's soul influenced rhythms blended perfectly with the 90's hip hop asthetic.
   The Simple Citizens are a LA based band that quickly grew recognition in the LA scene in 2008 with their single Early Morning. Since 2010, The Simple Citizens have been expanding both as a band and an in demand rhythm section.
Different members of "SC" have been recording and touring with other LA groups such as Oregone, Jeremy Sole's MUSAICS, Emily Wells and Bei Bei. For more information on SC go to SCfacebook or website.

Caricatures

These are some caricatures I drew about 2 weeks ago. Enjoy!

 Can I stop smiling now?

Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Today I was reminiscing about my trip to Brazil. So I uploaded some old pics of the street art I saw in Brazil, along with some Brazilian songs I really like. 

                      Marcelo D2 & Claudia - Desabafo Deixa Eu Dizer 

Jorge Ben- Carolina Bela

Quarteto EM CY

                                                            Mural in Sao Paolo Brazil

                                                                125 ft. of Jesus  

            
                   Street art in Rio   "Come on guys, Yeah!"

       Local street artist in Rio

 Tudo bem

  Rio from a different view

  Street art in Rio

Rio de Janeiro is full of life, white soft sandy beaches that feel like stepping on powdered sugar, crystal clear warm water, delicious hearty food, amazing music and art. I had the privilege of being there during Carnival, which is a Catholic festival that leads up to Ash Wdednesday. The streets are filled with dancers, singers and musicians dressed in elaborate costumes. However I didn't take as many pics because I didn't want to risk getting robbed. Which reminds me, if you decide to visit Brazil, try not to wear anything that is (or looks) expensive when your out in the streets. Hope you enjoyed. 

Street art in Europe

      One of my favorite things about traveling  is seeing new art or hearing new music. Here are some pics I took of some of the interesting street art I saw throughout Europe.

Animals and flowers carved out of carrots, jicama and other fruits and vegetables. This was in Milan Italy.

Ludwig Van Beethoven painting I saw in Bonn Germany. The birth place of Beethoven

                       Prague, Czech Republic

          This was pretty awesome. Also took this pic in Prague. 

                  "Bloody Wanker!" London, England

                                   Barcelona

   Here is something I drew while traveling. I got the idea from a flyer in Berlin

Thank you come again.