The Historical New Orleans Collection 3D Exhibit...

Here are some samples from the 3D Exhibit on display at The Historic New Orleans Collection.  My song "Nouvelle Orleans" will be archived with these stereo photos from the 1800's.

KingQueen Sessions I.....

The KingQueen Sessions have been going well.  Josh Werner and Dave Burnett came down to New Orleans to track some drums and bass last month and it went well.  Mostly though, it's been me and Danny Blume(pictured above) working through emails and countless phone calls.  When you work with someone you trust, there's a lot of unspoken communication.  Danny and I had a lot of success with film work in the past and I feel we're onto a nice new sound that we'll be able to find placements for in the future.  

In August, Amanda and I went up to Brooklyn and were lucky enough to be sent keys to Megan and Josh's beautiful Williamsburg apartment.  The place is located in my old neighborhood and brought back many memories of recording my first  record.  I remember going into the diner in my slippers and pajamas for a brownie and milk while the rest of the hood was partying.

Danny and I had come to the conclusion that we needed a female singer and through working with Dave I got to hear Margo Valiante(above) and knew instantly we'd sound good together.  We booked a session at the Kennel studio and it turns out it was my old friend Prince Polo's studio.  New York can be a really small world.  Within a few days so many dots were connected and realized how many projects are there waiting for me.  I think a uHaul will be in order at some point after the winter.  

Margo tracked "The River Song" and "KingQueen" during these sessions and simply created magic.  We are planning on writing some stuff together and doing some shows in NY.  Lots of good vibes from she and Dave.

The next day as I was floating on air from the sessions, we met Aaron and Esther at Balthazaar for brunch.  I'm so excited to have a clear vision of a musical path again.  It's been awhile, everything so foggy not knowing what direction to take.  This picture makes me feel good, this woman truly has my back.  

Of course shopping was in order, though we hardly bought anything.  Only in NY can you see something that you didn't know you needed so badly.  Check this out by Our Legacy.

This suit fit me perfectly.  Maybe one day I'll get it for the stage.  I'm excited for the times to come!

The River Nile Sessions....

Last weekend I escaped the storms on the coast of Louisiana and drove to Atlanta to begin my sessions with River Nile.  After and eight hour drive, I arrived at the studio and crashed for a few hours.  When I woke up in the morning, I realized I was the first one up until I saw this little fella lying on the floor staring at me in silence.

His name was J'adore not sure if this is the correct spelling but his name quickly became "Poncake".  He didn't say anything to me for the first hour and followed me around the kitchen while I searched for coffee.  After and hour of silence, he looked at me and said, "me want poncake".  I was in love with this little guy.

Gary and I spent the time getting my computer straight with all the necessary programs and refills needed for our collaboration.  The project will be a mix of 70's Dub, old R&B, and a dash of Velvet Underground.  

Here are some of the elements we're limiting ourselves to in the studio for the River Nile Sessions:

Lunch @ Houmas House

Today my mom took me to Houma's House for our yearly birthday luncheon.  We had crab cakes, arugula salad, sweet potato fries, crawfish, crawfish curry soup and iced tea over looking the gardens.  The year really went in a flash but have written some of the best music I've done to date.  It's nice to be in the sultry heat and let the melodies of the past soothe knowing fall is around the corner.

Eating here is all about the walk to the restaurant.  The sound of rolling water from the water falls and fountains and the smell of jasmine. 

Bill Cunningham New York...

"If you seek beauty, you will find it"-B.C.

Last week in NY we went to see a documentary on Bill Cunningham at the IFC Theatre.  While I had heard of Bill and read his section of the times, I had no idea about the man.  I was basically going to be with my wife and good friend Oliver.  I knew it was going to be good but man did I get hit over the head.  The simplicity of this mans life and the passion in which he lives it is so inspiring.  

Cunningham dropped out of Harvard in 1948 and moved to NY, where he initially worked in advertising. He then quit his job and started his own hat company until being drafted in the army.  Upon returning from the war, he began his career as a writer for the Chicago Tribune.  During his years there he contributed to fashion journalism, introducing Americans to Azzedine Alaia and Jean Paul Gautier.  While working at the Tribune he began taking photos on the streets of NY.  As a result of a chance photograph of Greta Garbo, he published a group of his impromptu pictures in the Times in 1978, which soon became a regular series.

Bill in his French Chore Coat.  I have one on order.

It was so great to see a modern man living in simplicity.  He lived in the old artist studios in Carnegie Hall up until last year.  He slept on a cot, surrounded by file cabinets filled with the history of New York fashion from the past 50 years.  He eats one meal a day, doesn't have a cell phone and is invited to every party in town.  He doesn't except pay checks because he wants control over his work.  What an ode to the path of integrity!

Euterpe & Barber.....

Last night I had a dream that I was the proud owner of a place called Euterpe & Barber, where I groomed gentleman and told and collected stories.  The place was impeccably designed with a beautiful espresso machine and a bar.  There was Hemingway waiting for Fitzgerald to finish his shave as he scribbled notes before heading off to the Jockey club to have another drink before the races.  Ms. Euterpe was reading her scrolls, hanging from the walls exuding her silent music.  

Each patron would whisper a different note of the melody in my ear before leaving and in the evenings I would weave them all together as I swept up the place and poured a skotch.  It was all like it was in the books about the 20's in Paris but it was 2013 New Orleans just after the crash of the market place.  Ms. Euterpe had one rule.  No one could enter who was pursuing a gold watch from the corporation.  

Norman Mailer came in for a trim and requested I keep a secret, "Hipsters have the best orgasms!"

FSC Barber, San Francisco

FSC Barber, Greenwhich Village New York

New Orleans French Film Fest.....

Gainsbourg: a Heroic Life  

Last night I went to the beautiful Prytania theater for the opening night of the French Film Fest and saw Gainsbourg: a Heroic Life and was so engulfed in the picture I never wanted it to end.  I wanted to be with him as long as I could.  This is a must see.  This guy was not only a talent but a great visionary.  A very brave soul!