Talk Music Talk With Boice

Is "Haunt" a musical genre? If not, may I humbly nominate Brooklyn duo the Bright Smoke as its progenitors? Consisting of Mia Wilson (vocals/guitar) and Quincy Ledbetter (multi- instrumentalist/filmmaker), their second full-length release, Terrible Towns, is the 2015 album most likely to break your heart before putting it back together. With Mia's soft-focus vocals and the evocative landscapes Quincy builds beneath her, the sustained mood is the highest example of why albums still matter. And if only to sweeten an already delicious aural dish, Quincy directed a video trilogy of Terrible Towns songs that premiered on Diffuser.fm. Yes, "Haunt" definitely feels correct. Visit the Bright Smoke online:                                        http://www.thebrightsmoke.com/ Purchase the Bright Smoke music on Bandcamp: https://thebrightsmoke.bandcamp.com/ Watch the Bright Smoke Terrible Towns video trilogy:                             http://diffuser.fm/the-bright-smoke-terrible-towns-video-trilogy-premiere/   Talk Musi

Singer-songwriter and up-and-coming pop star Ellis Martin has easily fulfilled the willful maxim, "Give the People What They Don't Know They Want" with an innovative amalgamation of electronica, '60s Motown and doo-wop that he calls "Molly Pop". Although the label might ring as provocative, it doesn't detract from music that is simultaneously contemporary and timeless. For proof, just listen to his debut EP, Pornotopia, co-produced by fellow Stanford U. alum, Jidenna, whose "Classic Man" hit was released on Janelle Monae's Wondaland label. Originally from South Side Chicago, Ellis is now based in New York and working on volume two of Pornotopia which will see a 2016 release. In the meantime, he's preparing to spread his titular concept, an insanely melodic stance against society's inauthentic view of sex and love, with a slate of live performances. Welcome to Planet Pornotopia! Visit Ellis Martin online:                                                                     http://ellismartin.com/                

In just over five short years, Mindy Abovitz has expanded the narrow definition who gets to drum with Tom Tom magazine, the only magazine dedicated to female drummers. As its founder and editor-in-chief, Mindy has fused her passions of feminism and drumming to create a platform designed to dispel the ignorance, misogyny and flat-out neglect often lodged at female percussionists in a male-dominated field. What started out as a personal blog quickly grew into a printed quarterly that features an intentional broad palette of diversity from race to class to sexual identity that celebrates women and girl drummers and beatmakers from all over the world. The revolution begins with a pair of sticks and a dream! Visit Tom Tom magazine online:                                                    http://tomtommag.com/ Read full issues of Tom Tom magazine:                                                   http://issuu.com/tomtommagazine   Talk Music Talk Playlist/052: She's the DrummerAfter interviewing this week's guest, Mind

With a four-octave voice and a madhouse sense of wonder, perhaps an influence of her Coney Island rearing, Carol Lipnik is not your usual cup of tea. She is without peers. Her buoyant performances are only equalled by the twisted beauty of her recorded output including this year's highly praised sixth album Almost Back to Normal. Released through her own Mermaid Alley imprint, it was generously funded by a grant from the Peter S. Reed Foundation. Produced by Jacob Lawson, who also played violin, Normal prominently features accompaniment by pianist Matt Kanelos who serves as the anchor to Carol's flights of fancy. Carol and Matt's musical collaboration can be experienced during their weekly Sunday residency at Pangea, an East Village cabaret and Italian-Mediterranean restaurant. New Yorkers? Run don't walk! Out-of-towners? Book your flight! Welcome to the wonderfully eccentric world of Carol Lipnik. Carol Lipnik Online:                                                                         http://carollipnik.com

As the Brooklyn Rail's Music Editor, critic at the New York Classical Review and with his own Big City blog, George Grella covers the musical waterfront with an informed and creative point of view. Often forceful and always entertaining, George doesn't shelter his opinions in hyperbole including in his just-released book on Miles Davis' Bitches Brew. It's the Brooklyn writer's exploration of the 1970 classic that isn't quite jazz and isn't quite rock; but its own island of a genius working at the peak of his powers. The book-length essay is the 110th volume in the 33 1/3 book series and also their first jazz title. George's writing provides an aerial view of not only the innovative creation of the album but also its history and influence. George Grella's book is the definitive map of a masterpiece.   Visit George Grella online: The Big City:                                                                             http://thebigcityblog.com/ The Brooklyn Rail:                                                    

Music business consultant Rick Goetz is standing tall at the crossroads of a rapidly changing industry where the gatekeepers are fewer and the musicians posses more beneficial options than ever. Your favorite band at the local dive bar can now foster their audience through social media, YouTube or SoundCloud. Between sluggish album sales and low-paying streaming, companies like Rick's appropriately named Music Consultant are giving the indie artist the chance for a fulfilling career sans a major label, but still providing many of the same advantages like creating marketing plans or A&R services. In an uncertain landscape, even major artists like Elton John and Sting have utilized Music Consultant to increase their odds for a blockbuster album. With 20 years of experience under his belt including stints as a major label A&R representative, a music supervisor, an artist manager and as a bassist in his own 90's band Dine-O-Matic, Rick has truly seen the music industry from both sides now. Visit Rick Goetz

I'm extremely honored to interview Highsnobiety's Jeff Carvalho for Talk Music Talk's 50th episode!!! As a partner and executive editor of the daily news site and coffee table worthy magazine (and their menswear site Selectism), Jeff is an astute overseer of what's vital in fashion, art, design and of course, music. Highsnobiety regularly features aural tastemakers like Pharrell and Oh Land with sumptuous layouts and insightful articles. Jeff says he's obsessed with music which is evident by Highsnobiety's consistent coverage and also through his lively Twitter feed. It's wonderfully common for Jeff to recommend the latest video or song that currently excites him. One more thing...he's also quite hyped about the return of cassettes. Sounds good to me.   Visit Jeff Carvalho online: http://jeffcarvalho.com/                                                                                     https://mobile.twitter.com/jeffcarvalho                                                 http://www.highsnobiety.com/      

1WayTKT are hardly your typical DJ/production duo. Comprised of DJ U-Kno and J-Glaze, their singular blend of house music and live trumpet infuses their performances with an energy and soul so often lacking in computer-generated EDM. The same heart can also be found in their recorded output which has collectively garnered over 500,000 plays on SoundCloud. From remixes to original cuts, every sound that 1WayTKT create is designed for maximum joy through BPM. Visit 1WayTKT online:                                                                  http://1wayTKT.com/                                                                         https://soundcloud.com/1wayTKT   Talk Music Talk Playlist/048: BPM JoyThis week's Spotify playlist is for the dancer in you. Inspired by 1WayTKT and the pleasure dance music creates this mix includes both past and recent favorites of mine: classic Gwen McCrae and Ten City to new music from Disclosure and Janet Jackson's comeback...and of course a selection from 1WayTKT. Enjoy! htt

A renowned former music critic, Kandia Crazy Horse's journey from scribing about music to performing her own happened unexpectedly. A Country-Western blend is her milieu which naturally reflects her rural Southern roots of Hee Haw and 1960s-70s free-form radio. Her exquisite 2014 debut, Stampede, was awarded "4-stars" from the British MOJO magazine. This year will hopefully see the release of Canyons, the second installment of a planned tetralogy. Fingers are crossed!   Visit Kandia Crazy Horse online: http://kandiacrazyhorse.com/     Talk Music Talk Playlist/047: Country-Tinted Dreams This week's TMT Spotify playlist begins with the Country-Western sounds of Kandia Crazy Horse as the inspiration. From there it zig-zags through the Americana of the Handsome Family and Wilco, singer-songwriter heroes Townes Van Zandt and Gram Parsons, a country detour from Elton John, pure country from the Carter Family and classics from Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. All that and more in a varied 90 minutes of Country's best. E

Rony's Insomnia is the creation of Rony Corcos and is a brilliant summation of her numerous talents: singer, songwriter, lead guitarist, producer and engineer. Count to Ten, the first title under her group name, is a dark and brooding song collection featuring mostly personal accounts with the exception of "Rose," which was inspired by the life and murder of four-year old Rose Pizem. The Jerusalem-born artist currently resides in New York where she regularly performs her unique brand of rock featuring threads of her jazz training and assorted influences. Count to Ten is one of the best albums I've heard this year; it should be yours, too! Visit Rony's Insomnia online:                                                       https://www.facebook.com/RonysInsomnia Learn more about Rose Pizem:                                        http://www.angelizdsplace.com/child438.htm   Talk Music Talk Playlist/046: Rony's Insomnia Edition In this edition of the weekly TMT Spotify playlist, I took my inspiration from the darker

The upward trajectory of R&B singer/composer/producer Daniel Bazán, Jr. is undeniable. An alumnus of NYU's acclaimed Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Check! Profile in JAY Z’s Life + Times magazine. Check! Performances at SOB's and Pianos in New York City. Check! These exciting milestones are merely the evidence of hard work and talent from this Queens native. Raised in the Dominican Republic, Daniel started playing the piano at the age of eleven which led to him defining his craft in churches, schools and cultural centers before a return to his birthplace. Eventual forays into jazz and hip-hop were integral stepping stones to the artist he is today. After a recent rebranding, Daniel is crafting a new chapter that finds his music style more soulful with an underpinning of jazz chops. His recently released demo "Wrong For You" is a glorious example. In addition to music, Daniel's also a distinctive photographer with a beautifully-curated and well-respected Instagram account. Daniel Bazán, Jr. is defini

In addition to being a singer-songwriter, Bryan Wade has created a practice to help musicians deal with anxiety called the Connected Musician or as Bryan explains: the intersection between music and mindfulness. Some musicians are at a loss for words between songs or judge themselves harshly at band rehearsals. Whatever the case, the CM is designed to allow musicians to fully enjoy their passion for music minus the tension and self-criticism. Even if you're not a musician you'll find plenty of transferable tips that will inspire more inner peace, along with discovering Bryan's personal journey of music, mindfulness and meditation. For more information on Bryan Wade and The Connected Musician, visit him online:                            http://theconnectedmusician.com/                                                http://bryanwade.com   Talk Music Talk Playlist/043: Twisted Mister                                                                                                                              This

Israeli born jazz guitarist and composer Idan Morim currently resides in New York where he recently graduated from the New School for Jazz. Prior to his move he'd been a professional musician since he was seventeen in his home country, served in their military (and band) and also toured China as a part of a theater company. Since graduation, Idan's  been busy overseeing group performances as a bandleader before heading into the recording studio. Look for his debut album late 2015/early 2016. Visit Idan Morim Online:www.facebook.com/IdanMorimMusic                                                   www.IdanMorim.com (COMING SOON)   Talk Music Talk Playlist/042: Jazz Guitar TownThis week's Spotify playlist serves as both an inspiration of Idan Morim and a stopgap until his debut is released. And how can one go wrong with this eclectic collection of stringed heavyweights. From the hard bop of Wes Montgomery to the mystic duo of Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin. Plus, my favorite guitarist Frank Zappa in full j

Witnessing Josh Dion drumming is as equally exciting as listening to his soulful voice. Whether he's performing with other acts (including previous TMT guest Nate Wood, episode #37) or in his own band Paris Monster, Josh's unique style is a visceral experience. Along with bassist Geoff Kraly, Paris Monster is the ultimate example of musical multitasking where Josh simultaneously drums, plays keys and sings. Their debut EP, It Once Had Been Kind, sacrifices none of the thrills of their live performances with five stunning examples from your new favorite duo. Visit Josh Dion online:                                                            http://parismonster.com/                                                  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Josh-Dion/105801923478   Talk Music Talk Playlist/041: Some RandomThis week's Spotify playlist might be inspired by Josh Dion and Paris Monster or it simply might be a collection of songs, new and old, that sound good keeping company with Paris Monster. A little Beck, some

JOE BUCKingham is a painter, illustrator and graphic designer. His connection to music is vast and celebrated beginning with his big break designing 1991's De La Soul is Dead album cover. Since then his artistic journey has been a series of reinventions and milestones including projects with Ecko and The Fader magazine, album covers for Redefinition Records and even the classic Native Tongue logo. Whether creating an aesthetic for brands or creating his own fine art, Joe's unique style is simultaneously timeless and fresh. Visit JOE BUCKingham online:                                            http://josephbuckingham.com/                                                       http://hollispark.com/   Talk Music Talk Playlist: This week's playlist is gently used. Previously owned. Twice! But if you missed out before-- twice!--then it's new to you. In honor of Joe's hip-hop inspired work, I'm bringing back my exclusive Spotify four hour hip-hip digital box set of my favorite rap music. Enjoy!                      

Brooklyn-based Songwriter/Musician/Artist Zachery Allan Starkey may find his inspiration in iconic synth touchstones like New Order & Depeche Mode but the glorious results are all his own. From working class Ohio to art-infused Bushwick, Zachery's path wasn't without challenges but it was all a set-up for his three solo albums. The most recent, 2013's DIY, was entirely performed and produced by Zachery and features the frosty new wave track "Into the Sun," inspired by the passing of his grandfather, who ignited his interest in the arts. His latest project is ZGRT, a collaboration with Rob Interface and Jo-Anne Hyun. Released April 2015, their debut single "Hard Power" was co-produced by Zachery and Gavin Russom (DFA Records, LCD Soundsystem) and is the first taste of more to come. Visit Zachery online:                                               https://www.facebook.com/ZGRTnyc                                          http://www.facebook.com/ZASmusic                        http://ZacheryAllanStarkey.tumbl

Shilpa Ananth, creator/bandleader of SA, tags her music Indian Soul. An amalgamation of East and West influences; an original stew consisting of Indian root melodies and lyrics with Jazz, R&B and Soul. Indian Soul is also the title of her debut and is a manifestation of a musical dream that began in India for Shilpa before moving to the States to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston and then New York City in 2014. With the release of Indian Soul under her belt, Shilpa, along with SA, is currently sharing her beautifully expansive music on tour.    Visit Shilpa and SA online:                                                       http://www.soundsofsa.com/#music-2   Talk Music Talk Playlist/038: Robert Glasper's Black Radio SamplerThis week's playlist was inspired by two influences Shilpa Ananth cited in our interview: pianist Robert Glasper who fused Jazz, R&B & hip-hop on his pair of Black Radio albums and vocalist Lalah Hathaway who is featured on both volumes. From back to front, there's an a

Multi-instrumentalist and mastering engineer Nate Wood first came to my attention through his singing and guitar playing via a live performance. In addition to his three solo albums, Nate is also the drummer in the Grammy-nominated jazz fusion group Kneebody. As Nate states, the primary difference between his solo and group are the lack of his vocals. For the complete Nate Wood, one should turn to his excellent third album, Another Time (2014), performed and recorded entirely by himself. Nate's Another Time is undoubtedly one of the best albums of 2015 despite its 2014 release date. Hey, it's new if you haven't heard it...and you definitely should. Available on iTunes: https://itun.es/us/FTq61 Visit Nate online:                                                                    http://natewoodmusic.net/   Talk Music Talk Playlist/037: The Steely Dan MixThis week's playlist was inspired by Nate Wood claiming Steely Dan as one of his childhood influences. In this TMT mixtape, their seamless blend of jazz, rock an

When I first interviewed jazz singer Sarah Elizabeth Charles on episode #21, she was just days away from the release of her transcendent Inner Dialogue album. How fitting that my first repeat guest and I speak on the eve of her debut headlining performance at NYC's Blue Note with her S.E. Charles Quartet. In this mini-episode, we catch up on the time in between our conversations and discuss what she has planned for the future. Listen to our first conversation:                                                   http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkmusictalk/durastar_150324_sarah_charles.mp3 Visit Sarah Elizabeth Charles online:                   http://www.sarahelizabethcharles.com/ The S.E. Charles Quartet will be performing at the Blue Note on Saturday, July 25 at 12:30 a.m. This is an early Sunday morning show.                                              For ticket information:                                                               http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=13008     Subscribe to

Harlem born and bred singer/songwriter/performer Dandy Wellington is both a delight to the eyes and ears. His seamless integration of music and style files him into that rarefied club of the Björks, Bowies and Madonnas. What makes him even more unique is that his taste harks back to the golden era of big band jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Columbia-era Billie Holiday but with a modern Dandy-twist. His new album Harlem Rhythm is a prime example of his inspired originals and a redux of a classic 60s chestnut. Dandy's live shows are not to be missed where his thrilling performances are a highlight of the New York scene featuring His Band in accompaniment. On a stage or through your speakers, Dandy Wellington is a consummate experience. Visit him online: http://www.dandywellington.com/index.html   Talk Music Talk Playlist/035: The Dandy Wellington ExperienceThis week's Talk Music Talk Spotify playlist features classic big band music as inspired by Dandy Wellington. From Duke to Billie and