Hidden Track

Words: David Schultz

Focusing primarily on Tibet, the Rubin Museum hosts a wide selection of art from the Himalayas region. It’s not a venue typically associated with music much less one to feature one of the country’s preeminent, though unheralded, guitarists. Then again, as many who have seen Willy Porter would attest, a museum might be the proper locale for his prodigious skills.

The Wisconsin-based guitar wizard’s latest New York City appearance came as part of Naked Soul, the Rubin’s unique twist on the singer-songwriter concert series. In a room with perfect acoustics, Naked Soul strips away everything unnecessary from the performance: no amplification is needed and no electricity is used; every note strummed, beat and sung is heard unfiltered. The elimination of any type of sound system in museum quality environs fosters a warmth and intimacy unparalleled by the majority of basement stages and coffeehouses.

The environs couldn’t have played more to Porter’s strengths as a performer. He possesses the type of talent must be seen in order to be truly understood. It’s one thing to hear Porter play, quite another to see how he coaxes the sounds out of his guitar. His fingers glide across the fretboard with a natural ease that seems otherworldly, as if he’s channeling a higher musical force. Often it’s difficult to believe that many of the sounds coming from his guitar are actually being played with his fingers.

READ ON for more from David on Willy Porter…

The second weekend of Jazz Fest is upon us and one of the more intriguing shows in the French Quarter takes place at Tipitina’s French Quarter late night on Saturday

The hottest tickets in the U.K. this year seem to be ducats for Gorillaz’s performances tomorrow and Friday night at Camden’s Roundhouse. While tickets sold out immediately, you’ll be able

Every Memorial Day Weekend Perpetual Groove fans from across the country gather at Cherokee Farms in Lafayette, GA for the group’s annual festival – Amberland. Over the course of the

Perusing the handbill for the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, one can’t help but notice the degree of music related content prevalent throughout this year’s festival. From high profile documentaries, to risqué themed narratives, to films with excellent soundtrack material, the Tribeca Film festival provides music-loving film buffs with plenty to ponder seeing.

Since few folks actually have the time and energy to really dig into the festival in great depth, we thought we’d give a brief rundown of some of the compelling content to be on the lookout for as many of these films will surely find their way to wider releases over the course of the coming year.

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage – Already one of the most highly regarded films at the festival regardless of genre, this Rush documentary is garnering some serious praise. From interviews with contemporary heavyweights like Billy Corgan, Kirk Hammett, and Jack Black, to heaps of rare live and behind the scenes footage, Rush fans may finally have their defining documentary. By most accounts, this is one of the highlights of the entire festival and a masterpiece for fans of either the band or music films in general.

Last Play at Shea – Set to the music of Billy Joel’s final performance at the storied ballpark in Flushing, Last Play at Shea ties together the history of the stadium, it’s Amazin’ Mets, and one of its most beloved musical performers in what sounds like a pretty touching documentary. Review

READ ON for more musical-themed flicks at the Tribeca Film Festival…