http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html Shoehorn: News/BLOG Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:13:25 -0700 http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#24 http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#24 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#23 http://www.shoehornmusic.com/photos.html

Coincidentally, May 25 was also Memorial Day this year. I personally hope we will stop sending our young people off to be killed in armed conflicts so this holiday loses some of it's sting over time. In my lifetime it seems all of the wars we were in were tragically bogus. As the father of two young Americans, my heart goes out to the families of those killed in action, regardless of differences of opinion about U.S. foreign policy.
Sincerely, Shoehorn

Buy the CD! I will be out of the hole soon on this one! Thanks for supporting my work!
http://cdbaby.com/cd/shoehorn2

--the White Eagle Saloon
Wednesday, MAY 27

Shoehorn and the Hatband - 8:30 to midnight

Come and hear us- NO COVER!

The White Eagle is located at:

836 N. Russel Street, Portland OR 97227 503-282-6810

NO COVER!
Shoehorn's Hatband with Skip Elliott, Ezra Weiss and John Keyser plus special
guests.

Also: More of Shoehorn's solo act at the 2009 Portland Rose Festival
Dex World Rhythm Stage
Noon on May 28th,
2pm on June 4th
There is a $5 cover to get into the Portland Rose Festival Waterfront Village, with some free days and kids under 7 free.]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#23 Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#22 For my Rose Festival Schedule please see the Calendar page. I am doing four shows at the World Rhythm Stage this year and I will also do some of my popular horn-walks through the grounds at various times! I will also do a special Memorial Day version, since this year Memorial Day falls on the the 25th of May, birthday of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, which means it is also National Tap Dance Day as declared by Congress. So hopefully I will have Happy Feet!]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#22 Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#21 http://www.kurumiglass.com/
We got there a week early to set things up. I was able to check out the tap scene right away when I performed with Sam and his trio at the Trank Room in Kyoto. Sam was fascinated by my special lightweight ( the tappercussion superlight tap instrument) which I had carried with me to make sure I could get my tap sound.
A couple of days later I performed at a banquet for the Kyoto Lion's Club with Mari Fujibayashi of the international tap duo Tappage, a friend of mine from the tap circuit. We had previously performed on the same bill in concerts and festivals in New York and Russia. This was different, as we had never actually done an act together. Her sister Yuri played the piano and I sang, played sax and tapped while Mari tapped. It was great fun and the audience loved us. The following week I taught a rhythm tap workshop to Mari's Kyoto students, which was also very fruitful.
After playing at Kurumi's opening I headed down to the Tokyo area, staying with an old buddy, Grego, and his wife and ferrets. I made it to the Thursday tap jam at Ance Yoyogi, which was very cool and where I was able to meet some more of Japan's young tap talent and some friends of friends. They dug what I had to offer.
Friday I headed out to Yokohama to play on Isezaki-cho, where I used to busk a lot back in the day. It has become quite popular with younger Japanese performers in recent years. The area was a hub of jazz in post-war Japan, and the song Isezaki-cho Blues is included on my latest CD, Cafe Cirque. Mrs. Okubo showed up along with Mr. Mori the photographer and Mr. Ikuo Mitsuhashi, founder of the Mogongekki Company and also of the Noge Daidoge Festival. We met later at Papa John, the fantastic watering hole in Noge with it's priceless collection of modern jazz and enka LPs. Papa John, the colorful and hard-working bar master recently passed, may he rest in peace. He was a real character! His son has taken over.
Papa John is one of those unique little joints that can never be replicated any where else. I offer a toast to it's continued success!

The next day I hooked up with my old pal Andy Matsukami, aka Kento Freaky, a very talented drummer, rhythm dancer, singer, comedian and sound effects guy. I later joined him for an impromptu set at rock gig at an English pub called What the Dickens in Ebisu. That was really a blast as this guy is a great improviser and seamlessly weaves comic notions into tap, scat singing, beat boxing and drumming. I played sax and tapped.
The finale of the Tokyo area trip was a visit to the CAN English School, at a party for me hosted by Mr. David Claypatch aka Zat Amazing Guy. There were many friends there old and new, including Okubo-san from Yokohama and David Ramsay, plus Guts and Yoko of Sublimit, whom I had worked with in Toronto earlier this year.
By the time I got back to Portland after security checks/annoyance galore and hours of trains ,planes and automobiles, I was happy to be home. I really over-taxed myself hauling my sax and tap boards through the Tokyo train system for 4 days, but I had to represent!
I love Japan.]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#21 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#20 http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/11/20/community/obituaries/doc492501d1e4328983214863.txt
And here is my statement to the world on this personal loss:
To the friends and family of Windsong, aka Mark Hampson, who I knew for a good 30 years. My heart reaches across the country from Oregon as I share your grief in this sad moment of farewell and remembrance. I am known to many of you as Shoehorn, and although Windsong and I had not seen much of each other since I settled down in Portland, I considered him one of my closest friends. We performed together as "the Funtones" and in the drum line Bisbee Boombah with Jeri Doud. He was certainly a formative influence on my musical personality, which is to say, who I am today.
Windsong and I shared a musical bond which transcended music- steeped in full-moon mysticism, expressed in rousing existential blues and irreverent quasi-operatic spoofs and organic, breathing percussion. He could strum his own essence from the strings of a guitar and merge it with my musical spirit in a uniquely supportive yet assertive role. My horn answered his voice, his guitar laid down the structure for my sax solos, my tap dance boosted his big beat and we would sing it together on the chorus . It seemed we could read each other's minds. His musicality went beyond technical mastery- he played his very being.
The man had a big laugh and could turn it on himself when caught in an ironic twist or flaw in his rap or rant. We shared many, many laughs at the sublimely ridiculous aspects of the human condition. He could be a keen judge of character and intent, vigilant, yet generally trusting and forgiving. The guy liked a good time more than anything else.
He brought his family all over the place to perform. Tucson, Tempe, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, then New Orleans, New York, Montreal, Quebec City and his native Massachusetts are all places I played with him. I also flew him out to Key West, Florida for a recording session once. He wound up taking the bus back home after missing his return flight, one of a number of travel mishaps that must have made Bisbee seem a lot cozier than life on the road,
I dug his kids and spent a fair amount of time with Star when he was little, and I thought Windsong and Rosie had a pretty sweet thing going there for a while. I thought of Windsong as an attentive father, who included his children in his daily activities to an unusual extent. I have become re-acquainted with Star and can attest that his strong character was evident from his boyhood. I can imagine his girls Serena and Maya share that resilience.
I say Windsong had a good heart. I believe that the young Windsong was an extremely perceptive and sensitive individual who, initially defiant to the injustice and indifference of the world, retreated into a smokey cocoon - dissolution begat of disillusion. This perhaps clouded his vivid philosophical insight and loosened his grip in recent times. No doubt he might have disagreed with these impressions.
There was bluster and bravado not only in his music, which I found compelling, but also in his pride in his other skills, which were numerous. He inspired me with these abilities, as I taught myself to repair and make things. He was really intelligent, independent and capable.
Windsong was like the older brother I never had, who showed me many things and shared almost everything with me. He was a generous friend, and we trusted each other in a way that allowed us to create something greater than what our individual capabilities
allowed. We were also, at times "obviously oblivious", in the words of one disgruntled citizen.
I urge you all to join me in a meditation on his being- a prayer for his soul- and a song for his memory.
LOVE,
Michael "Shoehorn" Conley
Portland, Oregon
November 20, 2008]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#20 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#19 In August I played at the Festival of Fools in Burlington, Vermont, a new festival lovingly curated by my old friend and colleague Mr. Woodhead. The audience responded well to my act and was very supportive of the busking concept. Burlington is a cool little city and it was fun to go back there after so many years.
Next I played in Port Credit, Ontario, at their Buskerfest. The folks there treated us very well, including luxury accommodations and some very nice little spots to play. This town is just outside of Toronto, and the Toronto International Buskerfest was the biggie. The whole thing is organized by Epilepsy Toronto under the direction of the very capable Mackenzie Muldoon. The festival showcased acts from as far away as Australia and Japan and we also raised a heap of money for a good cause. A highlight was accompanying other acts in the group shows, where all the proceeds went to Epilepsy Toronto.
There are a couple of reviews of my show at this festival on the press page of this site. In addition to my other skills, people seemed to be blown away by my MIDI tap rig- the Tappercussion Mark VII. Incidentally, I have one ready to go if anyone wants it. It is surprisingly affordable, and like I tell the youngsters- the field is wide open- you could write your own ticket with one of these things!
I seriously am looking to share this instrument with the world and actively seek artists to help me carry on with this thing.
The freedom of the busking life is not to be under-estimated. It is great to connect with people in a purely random manner via the open air and public spaces. While there can be severe limitations and even legal hassles in some communities, the potential for artistic growth and performance experience which can translate very well to the stage is significant.
I want to thank every one who ever gave me a donation and encouraged me over the last 30 years!]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#19 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#18 Shoehorn’s - Cafe Cirque 1/22/08 Big Red Studio

1. Okonomide
This tune is by Shiina Ringo, a sensational artist from Japan. She has done various versions of it on CD and video, including one with a jazz piano trio and a big string section. The title , roughly translated means “As you like”
2. Carbon Footprint
This tune is a feature for burning footwork based on “rhythm changes” a common 32-bar structure for jazz performers and composers.
3. Wet Foot Blues
is a fun blues number born at the Portland Sat
urday Market where I occasionally perform Need I say? It was raining that day.
4. When it’s Sleepy Time Down South
This was Louis Armstrong’s theme song later in his career, and Pops has always been one of my all-time idols since I saw him on TV as a kid. We take it even further south with a bossa feel.
5. La Lluvia (the Rain)
I wrote this several winters ago on a kid’s Casio sitting at my performing partner Rhys Thomas’s kitchen table. It was raining that day too.
6. Waking Up in Mexico
I actually wrote this one in Japan one morning as I woke up at a friend’s house after a night of music and visiting. Since I was sleeping in his studio with my head next to the piano I immediately worked it out and wrote it down. The song is featured in my comedy video “Jump Start” on youtube.
7. Isezaki-cho Blues is a noir-ish Japanese Rumba. Isezaki-cho is a shopping street in Yokohama, Japan, where I spent time busking on nights I was not gigging. It had been the center of a bustling post-war jazz scene in the 1950’s. The famed singer Misora Hibari came from the neighborhood. Guys used to stop and listen, pretending they were Humphrey Bogart while they enjoyed a cigarette. last time I was there it had become a mecca for youngish singer/guitarists.
8. The Strawberry Waltz
I felt the record needed a waltz and I loved this one by my daughter Isabel Sakura who wrote this at age 11.
9. Fuego Azul (Silk Road)
This piece led off my last CD, Trio Calzador, from 2003. I wanted to show a different side of it with the drums and piano, using the same setting on the Tappercussion Mark VII e-tap instrument
10.Raptapsody in Blue
I originally performed this one at the 1993 JazzTap/HipHop festival in Boston. I recorded it in 1994 as a solo piece on my 1st CD, World Beat Ragtime, but I wanted to give it the full band treatment.
11. Remember My Forgotten Man
I discovered this great Harry Warren song when I got the DVD of Gold Diggers of 1933, a depression-era behind-the-scenes musical with Ruby Keeler, Ginger Rogers, Joan Blondell, and Dick Powell with elaborate choreography by Busby Berkely. In an early scene the song is done as a demo for the producer character and then closes the show as a huge production number. I was struck by the relevance of the lyrics to the current situation of war veterans and the unemployed and homeless. I also really love the dramatic intervals and mood of the song.
12. Wilt’s Walk
Wilt’s Walk is a bass clarinet feature I use on variety gigs for puppet characters and comic effect.
Shoehorn - CAFE CIRQUE
Michael Shoehorn Conley:
Alto Saxophone, Tap Dance, Tappercussion Mark VI e-tap instrument (tracks 9,10), Harmonica (3,10), Vocal(3,10), Clarinet (10), Fife (10), Bass Clarinet (12)

Ward Griffiths : Drums
Dan Gaynor : Piano, Organ (3,10)
Skip Elliott Bowman: Bass

Michael Shoehorn Conley has been described as a Neo-Vaudevillian Jazz Master. He was inspired to develop his special combination of talents by his love of various forms of musical expression, from folk and blues to jazz, musical comedy and world music. While he occasionally forays into free jazz and hard bop, the instincts of a true entertainer permeate all that he does. This also enables him to interface with variety performers of various stripes, for whom he improvises intricately timed live soundtracks in theatrical performances. In addition to various saxophones and clarinets, he plays harmonica, fife, keyboards, percussion & drums, sings in 3 languages, and writes poems and lyrics. He also invented and built his own tap dance interface for electronics, the TAPPERCUSSION MARK VI e-tap instrument
www.shoehornmusic.com

TAPPERCUSSION, e-tap, and Cafe Cirque are trademarks of Michael Shoehorn Conley


Track list: all songs by Michael Conley, kutsubera music, except as noted
1. Okonomide (Shiina Ringo, Kronekodow )

2. Carbon Footprint

3. Wet Foot Blues

4. When it’s Sleepy Time Down South
(Rene, Rene & Muse)

5. La Lluvia (the Rain)

6. Waking Up in Mexico

7. Isezaki-cho Blues
(Youichi Suzuki, Victor Japan)

8. The Strawberry Waltz
Isabel Sakura Conley

9. Fuego Azul (Silk Road)

10.Raptapsody in Blue

11.Remember My Forgotten Man
(Harry Warren)
12. Wilt’s Walk

Recorded to analog tape, mixed and mastered by Billy Oskay at Big Red Studio in Oregon, January and February 2008. Thanks to Klaus Heyne & Alan Garren for providing customized microphones and vintage electronics. www.bigredstudio.com
Acknowledgements: Shoehorn would also like to thank Kurumi Conley, Eileen Konomi & Isabel Sakura, Dr. Olando Tognozzi, Bert Wilson, Bob Mover, Joe Donato, Rhys Thomas, David Lichtenstein, David Carlos Valdez, Pere Soto, Prince Spencer, Savion, Dianne Walker, Brenda Buffalino, Roxy and Max, Artis, Baby Gramps, Curtis Chamberlain, Chuck et al at Wally’s Music Service, Stevie G., “William Batty”, Jeri Doud, Gerry Slate, Mark Z., Hiroko, Mampei and Oka-a-chan, Multnomah County Library, and last but not least, Kristin, Jeffrey, and William & Elizabeth Conley]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#18 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#17 I was able to release another CD the same night, Shoehorn the Blue Monk, a raw, live document of a gig at the Blue Monk, a club which no longer books live music. Recorded to minidisc, it features Pere Soto on guitar and electronics, Artis the Spoonman on spoon percussion and electronics (plus spoken word on track 1), Dan Gaynor on keyboards and electronics, and myself on sax, clarinet, fife, e-tap, tap, percussion
etc. We are joined on tenor sax by David Valdez on 3 songs and by Sean Congos on trombone on 2 songs. It is a rollicking improvised joyride! Hop on!]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#17 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#16 With my two long-time friends and performing partners Leapin' Louie Lichtenstein and Rhys Thomas, I just returned from an 11-day tour of New Mexico as Madcap Variety Company, playing college towns like Silver City, Las Vegas and Socorro, as well as Tucumcari, Taos, Artesia and a Navajo reservation. Leapin' Louie is a juggler who also has impressive skills as a cowboy roper and he gets a lot of down-home harmonica playing from me as well as a rather novel arrangement of "Im an Old Cowhand" Rhys Thomas and I have done occasional tours for years now and have integrated jazz ballads with plate juggling and lively fake Latin drumming with crazy plate spinning and absurd multi-tasking stunts, such as when he hits a paddle ball with one hand, juggles two balls in the other while he spins a ring on his leg and a ball on a mouth-stick, and I play piano with my right hand, snare drum with my left, and harmonica in a rack while tap dancing!
Needless to say, audiences love our zany shenanigans! It is hard not to like, and it even sounds good! (They say I have been making juggling sound better since 1983!)
Madcap Variety Company has invented new tricks just for this show including a wonderful number involving over a dozen ordinary packing boxes!
we will be editing some video soon and are seeking to book our special Holiday Show as well as more tours and local gigs.
Please contact me for information about details and dates.]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#16 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#14 My buddy Stevie G (no relation to Kenny) has posted a comic short film I wrote and starred in on you tube as well. It is called Jump Start.
I will be on tour in New Mexico in February with MadCap Variety Company as their one-man pit orchestra. I have recently acquired a banjo and a flute, both in need of repair. I will be attempting to release a couple of CDs in the coming months and am looking forward to gigs with my band, Shoehorn's Hatband, February 8th at the Laurelthirst and March 14th at Jimmy Mak's with special guests tap dancer Max Pollak of NYC and guitarist Pere Soto of Barcelona.
Please come to these shows as tour presence is very important to us!
Have a great 2008!]]> http://shoehornmusic.com/news.html#14 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Tap Dancing Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, TAPPERCUSSIONIST (tap dance synthesist) - Shoehorn - News/BLOG