Bobby Syvarth: News

June 15th, 2008. 7pm Sharp. First long live set in a while.

The Hotel Cafe...voted as one of Americas top 40 music venues. I couldn't agree more. I love this place! It's fathers day...so bring your dad and I'll buy him a drink!

Hotel Café - Hollywood, Calif.
Best place to catch a live sneak preview of next week’s TV-show soundtracks: Gary Jules showed up with an amp one day back in 2002 and, gradually, this small club transformed into the meeting place for an extremely tight-knit and talent-rich music community.
Introduced the world to: Rachael Yamagata, Alexi Murdoch, Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin, Brett Dennen
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd., HotelCafe.com

Greetings...

The groovedude has signed a deal with Unison Music in West Hollywood, California! Recording sessions began this week and will continue until Ocotber 8th! Three weeks of studio time, with the new cd due out in early 2008! While in LA, there will be one live show at Hotel Cafe on Friday, September 28th at 7pm.

Early in 2000, I had a wonderful group of NYC musicians together. After a month long residency at The Sidewalk Cafe in the East Village, we entered DUMBO Studios in the flower district on the West side of Manhattan. Dan Myers engineered the sessions, and played sax on the final track. The first three tracks feature Gregg Gerson on flute, Jeff Berman on Vibes and the singular drumming and harmony vocals of Carey Harmon. Mark Covel, the rookie in the crew played solid upright bass. The Big Apple Sessions EP is available for free mp3 downloads in the music section. Following are bio's on the featured soloists.

Jeff Berman (Vibes):
As one of the musicians of choice in what has become known in NYC as the "downtown" music scene, Jeff Berman has played (vibes, drums & percussion) and recorded with Tony Trishka, Blue Gene, Tyranny, Peter Gordon's Love of Life Orchestra, Frank Christian, Andy Statman, Peter Stampfel, and The Longtoe Band, to name a few. Moving freely between the worlds of jazz, folk and the avant-garde, Berman's take on the vibes is characteristically intense: "There is a dark side of the instrument's character that I explore through my composing and playing".

"...Berman spins evocative arabesques whose form and function are defined as much by what is not said as that which is actually stated..."

-Jazz Times

"...there is a depth to Berman's music that bears repeated listening...this is laughing mallet music..."

-Victory Review

"...hypnotic vibes work...he sounds like he created the instrument".

-Jazziz

Gregg Gerson (Flute):
Over the years, drummer Gregg Gerson has either recorded or performed alongside some of rock's biggest names - including Billy Idol and the Who's Roger Daltrey, among others. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Gerson started playing drums at the age of six, and just four years later, was playing in front of audiences at small local clubs. During his teenage years, Gerson broadened his horizons by studying timpani, vibraphone and traps at the Settlement School of Music in Philadelphia, and becoming proficient at other instruments as well - flute, guitar, bass, and keyboards. Although he was fast becoming one of the most renowned all-around musicians working on the Jersey Shore club circuit, Gerson opted to relocate to New York City during the summer of 1976. Soonafter, he landed work alongside guitarist Jack Sonni (Dire Straits), as well as Carlos Alomar (David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Paul McCartney) and John McCurry (Cyndi Lauper, Alice Cooper, Billy Joel). Further gigs followed (with Ronnie Spector, Benny Mardones, and Mayday), before friend/guitarist Steve Stevens offered Gerson to join Billy Idol's backing band in the early '80s. Gerson accepted, and lent his drumming talents to arguably Idol's best album, 1983's Rebel Yell, which spawned such hit singles/MTV videos as the title track and "Eyes without a Face." During the early '90s, Gerson signed on for the recording of Roger Daltrey's 1992 solo outing, Rocks in the Head, and eventually toured alongside the former Who frontman during the latter part of the decade, as a member of the British Rock Symphony. Additionally, Gerson has served as a touring drummer for Steve Jones (ex-Sex Pistols), Wayne Kramer (ex-MC5), Belinda Carlisle, Michael Bolton, and even his old pal Steve Stevens, and has played on various jingles and commercials.
When Gregg Gerson picked up his first set of drum sticks at the age of six and later while touring with Billy Idol, he never imagined that he would one day put them down in favor of an acetylene torch.
In many ways, he represented the quintessential New Yorker. In 1978, he moved into his two-room studio on MacDougal St., "a dump," as a young, struggling musician. Though a successful artist - he's also played with the Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop and Mick Jagger - he still lives in the modest walk-up, with the shower in a closet in the living room. But on Sept. 11 he briefly abandoned his drum set, compelled to help in a long and grueling rescue effort.

Later he would say the event transformed him - into a real New Yorker.

From the corner of MacDougal and Bleecker Sts. he watched a ball of fire erupt from the World Trade Center's south tower, and continued to watch in disbelief as the giant fell, and still his eyes were glued to the sky as the north tower pancaked, in an eery, almost graceful manner, 110 stories to the ground.

"I was in shock. It was insane. Then I stood there and I had this void. Later on, I saw the south tower drop...and I'm watching this, and I just dropped down on my knees and started crying," said Gerson.

That night he went to the Salvation Army headquarters on W. 14th St., hoping to help in the rescue effort some way. He was told no volunteers were needed, but Gerson wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I said, 'tough. I'm here,' and I just pushed this guy aside and helped some guy that was unloading supplies. I said 'I'm not just going to stand here.' "

He went back the next day, and found himself on a van, seated next to Kathleen Turner, and headed down to "ground zero."

He returned again the next day, and the next day, and the next. By day three, he "wanted a shovel." The scene was a "war zone," he said, the atmosphere "chaos." Understanding of the difficulties, but tired of waiting around, he decided to take the initiative and walk onto the rescue effort himself.

"I just walked into the supply area and got dressed in all the gear you would need for a recovery and search and I just grabbed a shovel and started walking south... I just went," said Gerson. "It was chaos down there. I was looking for a crew to work with."

He walked into a crew of steelworkers and dockbuilders, an elite crew of metal workers and welders, several of them Ecuadoran immigrants living in New York City. He would spend the next 10 days cutting steel I-beams and delicately removing debris in a bucket brigade. Nevermind that he didn't know how use a blow torch, or that he knew virtually nothing about steel or excavation.

"I just started working with this crew and never left. I worked that day for about 22 hours. A foreman came over and said, 'you can leave, your shift is over,' and I said, 'no this is my time.' He gave me a pat on the back and walked away. We were on a search and rescue operation. My attitude was I'm on a search and rescue. In my mind, in my heart, I wasn't ready to accept that the majority of the missing were gone. I came back the next day. I didn't even sleep that night."

Gerson soon befriended Charlie Rouff, a dockbuilder who took the drummer under his wing. They worked well together. Gerson would follow him for most of the next week, cleaning off steel with a shovel so Rouff could burn through it with a torch. Riding in a bucket attached to a giant crane, he had an awesome aerial view of the mountainous pile of debris, a terrible mess of twisted metal and smoldering rubble.

"When I said I wanted a shovel in my hands, I got it. We went right into the belly of the beast. I stayed right with Charlie. He took me under his wing, and that's how I stayed," said Gerson, who was later invited to join the dockbuilders union, Local 1456, which he will probably do. "I was basically learning as I was going. I was a real quick study."

He worked nearly 144 hours in "a week and change," and still has blisters on his feet from the work. The will of all remained strong, and he called everyone a hero, from the Red Cross volunteers and E.M.T.s to the teenagers from Kansas City who massaged his tired feet during breaks. Even friends far from ground zero helped out. One did his laundry. Another fed Alexander the Great, his cat.

He's uncomfortable, however, with being called a hero himself.

"I'm not a hero. I'm a drummer. That's what I do. But I'm a human being first, and I'm an American, a New Yorker. I just did what came natural to me. I would do it again," said Gerson.

Although the prospect of finding survivors dwindled as the days passed, it did not affect the resilience and determination of Gerson and other volunteers.

"Everybody down there was motivated. Morale dropped as we realize that we hadn't found anyone. We were finding remains. As it was diminishing, morale had definitely dropped, but it didn't slow the effort."

Now that he is no longer, as he put it, "in the belly of the beast," Gerson has had a chance to process the experience, and although he still is not sure he understands the ramifications of it all, he's certain he'll never be the same again. Mundane things like a flat tire that used to bother him now seem "minuscule." He's more patient, and he's a tenant activist turned - gasp - Giuliani fan.

"I think Giuliani is amazing. I love him," he said, adding that if the Mayor were to finagle a way onto the ballot despite term limits, he'd vote for him. "Giuliani is really, truly...," he paused, "I love the guy."

Coping with the terror has been difficult. Although not a packrat, he's been unable to throw away a letter announcing the funeral of the wife of an acquaintance, a World Trade Center employee who was killed in the attacks.

He left the interview to meet a friend's therapist for a little assistance.

"I saw some pretty horrible stuff down there. I can't even describe it," said Gerson. "I haven't had a decent night's sleep since [Sept. 11]. I just keep tossing and turning. I'm emotionally, physically and spiritually tired."

©The Villager 2001

Another fantastic live recording from the Whitney Chapel has been brought to my attention. This was the CD release concert for the Alive at Sarah Street Album, October 30th, 1999. This combo features Jai Dillon on bass, Alan Bowers on drums, Carey Harmon on percussion/vocals, John Skehan on acoustic guitar and mandolin, Tim Carbone on violin, Tim Kropp on trumpet, and very special guest jump ups by Mark Clifford on banjo, Ansel Matthews on vocals, and BJ Ward with spoken word. Wow...that's quite a few people! Mark Clifford has since gone on to record banjo on Bruce Springsteens "Seeger Sessions". Carey Harmon, John Skehan, and Tim Carbone have gone on to international recognition with Railroad Earth. Tim "Obie Wan Carbonie" has also done gigs with Phil Lesh and friends, String Cheese Incident, and too many others to list. In other words...this recording features some KILLER world class cats!!! Free mp3 downloads of the entire concert in the music section!

On December 12, 2000 I had the honor of opening the show for jazz guitar virtuosso Stanley Jordan at the Whitney Chapel on the campus of Centenary College in Hackettstown, New Jersey. I've been told many times that a great little bootleg recording had been floating around, and I've finally gotten my hands on it after seven years! I had a KILLER band together for the gig. Carey Harmon on drums and vocals has since gone on to national and international recognition with Railroad Earth. Dan Myers on saxophone, well recognized for his work with From Good Homes, Guster, and frequent guest spots with Dave Matthews Band plays beautifully. Last, but most certainly not least, bassist Jai Dillon steals the show. Jai has since moved to Austin, Texas and we don't get to play together much, but this recording captures his artistry and jaw dropping chops like no other recording we've done. If you dig great bass, drums or sax check this out! The entire show is up in the music section and available for download.

Stanhope House History and Information

The Stanhope House, circa 1790, began life as a private residence in a small quaint village in Northwest New Jersey. Beginning in the early Nineteenth Century the House was transformed on many occasions to include a Stagecoach stop on the Morris and Sussex Turnpike, a Boatman's hotel serving the employees of the Morris Canal, a Post Office, a General Store and a Roadhouse Tavern and Hotel...some say brothel! In the mid 1960's, the House was once again transformed into the premier venue for the presentation of live musical performances. The House became widely known for presenting the finest musical artists in various genres to include bluegrass, rock, folk and America's indigenous musical art form...the BLUES.

While it is impractical and almost impossible to catalogue all of the great artists that have performed at the House, below we are pleased to present a representative listing:


Muddy Waters
John Lee Hooker
Willie Dixon
Albert Collins
Homesick James
Snooky Pryor
James Cotton
Pinetop Perkins
Hubert Sumlin
Luther Allison
Sam Lay
Johnny "Clyde" Copeland
Honeyboy Edwards
Robert Jr. Lockwood
GE Smith
Detroit Junior
Junior Wells
Buddy Guy
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Warren Haynes
Big Brother and the Holding Company
Paul Butterfield
Doc Watson
Bill Monroe
Steve Forbert
Albert King
Eddie Shaw
Son Seals
Dr. John
A.C. Reed
Charlie Musselwhite
Sugar Blue
Lonnie Mack
John Hall
Jimmy Rogers
Carey Bell
Bob Weir
Sam Myers
Bobby Rush
Jay Geils
Richie Havens
Jimmy Dawkins
Carl Weathersby
KVHW
Hot Tuna
Roger McGuinn
Koko Taylor
Derek Trucks
Sam & Dave

Today, ever mindful and respectful of its great and glorious tradition, the Stanhope House continues to present, in a most authentic environment, the finest in live musical performances. The philosophy of the House is quite simple..."the artist is the attraction... not the distraction!"

On Tuesday, November 8th, 2005 Bobby was invited to play an unplugged set with Marc Anthony at the United Nations in New York City. See the webcast!

http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/specialevents/se051108pm.rm

Once again, I will find the musical force with Obie Wan Carbonie...the master of improvisation and musical exploration into the ears and minds of all in the room and perhaps the great beyond. I love to play with Tim...he's one of the best in the world...no shit...go to his website from my links page to learn about his many notable performances.

This Wednesday Tim Carbone will join me as I return to Cafe Arabica after a very busy week recording in Los Angeles. I'll also be hosting the open mic/jam at Cafe Arabica on Tuesday night, covering for Robert Matarazzo who is touring the East Coast.

This Wednesday, August 10th I'll be a guest speaker in the music business class taught by my good friend Jeff "Pesci" Gray at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California.

Bobby performs in Hollywood, California at Room 5 Lounge on Tuesday, August 9th. 8PM.
http://www.room5lounge.com/

I promise you...if you haven't heard Obie Wan Carbonie play the violin, do yourself a favor and come listen. Tonight at Cafe Arabica in Mo'town New Jersey.

The regular gig at the hideaway is cancelled tonight to allow me to head to New Brunswick for my first night at HARVEST MOON!
Great new gig!

From August 9th thru August 16th, Bobby will be in Los Angeles, California recording tracks for the next cd. May have a gig or two as well.

Gregg Gerson will join me at the Lemon Lounge. Gregg is an amazing flute player and has recorded and or toured with many notable musicians such as Jason Mraz, Jeffrey Gaines, Roger Daltrey, Mick Jagger and many more. This is our first time at the Lemon Lounge...should be a good one!

www.gregggerson.com

Tonights show at Evelyn's is New Brunswick is Cancelled. We've all decided to go to the beach instead. Happy 4th of July...see ya next Sunday!

Starting on Monday, June 27th, Bobby hosts open mic every Monday night at the Crossroads in Garwood, NJ. Great stage and PA.

Ah the acoustic lifeÐthere's nothing more pure or to the point musically in my opinion. It was in this frame of mind that I went to a recent Artkore event in Hoboken, NJ. This one was held at The Goldhawk and was hosted as usual by the wonderful Ivy. This particular night I caught the tail end of a set by Matt Mead which was quite good in the most organic sense; just a man, his voice and his guitar. Solid, heartfelt tuneage. Next up was a guy named Bobby Syvarth who many in the room were talking about in anticipation of his set. Bobby performs with some groovy, looped tracks, his guitar and smooth vocals. Syvarth's music captivates and entrances with great lyrics and infectious hooks. Ya really gotta go see this guy. Catch a glimpse at bobbysyvarth.com.

At a recent performance in mid-April, a core realization blossomed
as I listened to Bobby perform at a last-minute gig at Satalla. The sound of layered melodies was so rich and moving, a feeling rose in my chest, up into my throat and my eyes grew moist. These words formed in my mind: "Bobby's playing fills me with so much joy, it brings me to tears."

That's just the way it is.

-Richard Cuccaro. Acoustic Live In New York City and Beyond.

Opening for Panjea...doors open at 8:30pm. The times have been pushed back a bit and it will be a little loose...