>>> MARCH 15 : the Year of the TIGER

Last week, I was pleased to find many of my friends and family popping up in the mainstream media. Sometimes, I just have to pause and thank the universe that I have such dynamic people in my life who are doing challenging and inspired work.

1 ) New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff featured the work of Bead for Life, an organization in Uganda started by my sister Devin and Torkin (her mother) that helps women run their own businesses and market their goods at home and abroad. BEAD For LIFE | NY TIMES ARTICLE

2 ) In addition to a great feature in the NY Times Magazine, Joanna Newsom (from Nevada City, CA) appeared on the late nite TV (with Neal Morgan on the trapkit), and managed to offer a dose of grandeur and class to the late night palate. Joanna’s latest release – the 3xLP “Have One on Me” – raises the bar a few notches higher than it’s been in a long, long while.

3 ) The Park (3/4 of Happy Mayfield) has a collaboration underway with Keelay and Ragen Fykes that is getting some spontaneous and very positive attention. I’m thinking their trip to SXSW 2010 may open up some new horizons … Grillade = Keelay + Ragen Fykes + the Park : URB magazine |
SXSW info !

4 ) Dan Elkan (also from Nevada City) and Jonathan Hischke (L.A. via Nevada City via Nebraska) appeared on Letterman as 2/5 of Broken Bells, the new collaboration between Dangermouse and James Mercer (from the Shins):

Right ON, Right ON! Looks like YEAR OF THE TIGER is turning it’s tale around!

>>> DEC 31 2009 … a look back at the ’00s with videos of friends doing things out in the real world …
Jackpot on Fox TV. I dont remember doing this, but I’m looking pretty “Black Crowes” on the right, right?

Aaron Ross Warlock @ The Fader Party, CMJ.
We hauled our gtr and voice acts thru NYC amidst a zillion next big things, then A Ross stunned the culturati for a second.

Darondo came back with Nino Moschella and the Park backing him.

Kevin Seconds said “I think you should play with Golden Shoulders“. Adam showed with Jo on keys and they slayed me, naturally.

Did a gig with Cake in Denver, then I fell asleep to Springsteen across the western U.S.A. The next morn I woke to 9/11 on talk radio.

The Park toured with British soul singer Alice Russell and came home to 2 sold-out nights at Yoshi’s.

Kings and Queens Sign of Life. Couples Rock and often give you a place to sleep.

Two Sheds To Be Alive. Couples Rock and give you an earful and some books to read.

Jackpot Chemical Reaction. Rusty abides.

Did a lot of gigs around the nation with the Mother Hips. This is the view I had many nites from sidestage, taking in one of the last great rock n roll bands.

After making a real record ( Aficionado ) in a real studio ( Station to Station ) David Luraschi made a real video for one of my songs.

10 years in the womb and Happy Mayfield was born, Nov ’08.