In the true spontaneous spirit of jazz, I hadn’t met my bass player and drummer till the day we began recording my holiday album. I walked into Chicago’s CRC Studios, sat down at the piano, and 20 minutes later, the three of us cut the opening track of the album on take 2.
Check out my arrangement of Joy To The World, a track that has brought me a great deal of personal joy -- and I hope it does the same for you. Happy Holidays! Listen/purchase on Bandcamp: https://skafish.bandcamp.com/track/joy-to-the-world
Happiest Holidays to you!
It’s that special time of the year again! Check out Tidings Of Comfort And Joy - A Jazz Piano Trio Christmas, the 1st Skafish holiday jazz album. 68 minutes of real jazz, and real holiday magic! Purchase/Listen: https://linktr.ee/skafish
#CoSojazz
3-The Ramones were in attendance at the April shows and that's when I first met Joey.
One thing I'll never forget is that for the December shows, a female Cramps fan literally screamed at the top of her lungs through their entire set, matching the volume of the PA.
Looking back, there was a collective energy that anything musically was possible & that the world was being changed. That certainly happened and I'm thrilled to have been a part of it.
Image: Stephen M.H. Braitman
2-In April we played with the Mumps, and in December, we were on the bill with the Cramps (both great bands). One of the things that really surprised me was that club owner Hilly Kristal was so friendly and welcoming to my band.
As usual, our performances were highly avant-garde and the audiences connected with what we were doing.
Image: Stephen M.H. Braitman
1-I know some of you were there, so this recent question I was asked is for you and everyone who loves the music!
RE: What was it like playing at CBGB?
First, I want to say that my band was excited to be the first Chicago Punk act to play CBGB in April of 1977, and once again in December that year.
Image: Stephen M.H. Braitman
10/78: Before Kurt Loder became an MTV host and well known author, he was a journalist. I first met him when he came to one of my New York concerts in the mid 70’s and he wrote this piece in Circus. My favorite line is "Hide your daughters, America - and stash away your sons, too."
Kurt also wrote about Skafish in Creem and Rolling Stone.
In September 1989, IRS Records released the 10 year anniversary CD/Cassette, These People Are Nuts. I also flew out to California and performed at the anniversary party on the A&M Records lot.
It was great performing alongside guitarists Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter (Lou Reed), guitarist Robbie Krieger (the Doors), & Concrete Blonde, whose drummer Harry Rushakoff was a friend of mine since the early days of the Chicago punk scene.
Rear cover pic provided by Dave Buco. #CoSoMusicians
As some of you know, I released my cover of (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone a few weeks ago. Share what you like about the track the most. Is it the vocals? Is it the piano? Is it the drumming? Is it the unique interpretation of this classic rock gem?
If you haven't heard the song, here's the YouTube link to check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL76pb28cJk
I thought you’d be interested in the coming book by true crime author Jesse P Pollack that details the relationship between Sid Vicious and Nancy, and her murder.
I was interviewed for the book because Sid’s last public event was a brawl he caused at my NY concert 12/78. At the show, Sid was flirting/harassing former Skafish drum roadie Tara and he attacked Todd Smith (Patti’s brother).
Check out the video of Jesse's interview with the BBC:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAGbHqvOpGm/
I love the pics @GlindaHarrison takes of me - the lighting effects are really good on this one, too!
Please join me in wishing my son Jamie Harrison a very happy 38th birthday!
Jamie is a phenomenal musician and tremendously multifaceted in his gifts. In a world that celebrities cruelty, he is also empathetic, compassionate and ethical. These qualities are rare and valuable. Let’s all salute Jamie and wish him a fantastic day and year ahead!
Pic by Jamie's mom @GlindaHarrison when he was going through cancer treatment at age 3. Thankfully, they got the cancer and it has not returned.
RE COVER DESIGN for (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone: In the midst of the rockstar performance fanfare we see, the gold digger within the song only sees him as a mark. He is completely objectified and that's why he’s in the distance. Still, he’s singing how he's not going to let her take advantage of him. Cover design: View Maniac. Purchase/Listen on Bandcamp: https://skafish.bandcamp.com/track/im-not-your-steppin-stone
Please make sure to vote! Pic: @GlindaHarrison, when we were mailing our absentee ballots a few weeks ago! #Vote2024 #CoSoMusicians
The recent release of (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone is part of a joyous plan to get my back catalog plus new music out there for everyone! What I'm asking you to do is to support the releases in any way you can. Purchase, listen, stream, share, and spread the word. Your support makes all the difference for the better.
Here's the ink to listen/purchase (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone on Bandcamp: https://skafish.bandcamp.com/track/im-not-your-steppin-stone
This promo pic from the legendary concert film Urgh! A Music War was taken when my band was performing Beefcake Touch in France, while on tour with The Police, XTC, UB40, & The English Beat. This never before released track is now on Conversation & The Rejects! Listen/Purchase on Bandcamp: https://skafish.bandcamp.com/track/beefcake-touch-bonus-track-live-in-france
RE LEAD VOCAL for (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone. The vocal engineer recommended that I sing the track in different sections because the range is quite large (two and a half octaves), to make it easier to do.
However, I thought his approach would diminish the intensity, so I decided to sing the song all the way through, which I did from beginning to end. Check it out!
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL76pb28cJk
I'd love for you to join me in wishing former Skafish band member, phenomenal musician, amazing attorney, and long time friend, Karen Winner, a Happy Scorpio Birthday!! Karen’s powerhouse guitar work and crystal clear singing voice added a fantastic dimension to the Skafish band. As an attorney, Karen is currently representing Joey Ramone’s brother in legal issues regarding the Ramones, who Skafish opened for while Karen was in my band. Pic: Danny Winner, circa 1978. #CoSoMusicians
For some holiday cheer and real jazz, check out Tidings Of Comfort And Joy - A Jazz Piano Trio Christmas. Purchase/Listen: https://linktr.ee/skafish