Author Archives: Rob

About that Picasso at The MOMA that got a tear in it

About that Picasso at The MOMA that got a tear in it: you can’t tell, at least from the news photos.
And that is the True Genius of Picasso.

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Songwriting: ‘Finding The Game’ Of A Song

In Theater Improvisation (which I’ve practiced for over 8 years), we’re taught how to create realistic two-person scenes out of nothing. One technique for this is to ‘find the game’ of a scene, as it unfolds. The game of a scene is defined as an unusual thing that repeats, but not exactly: it rhymes. [...]

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New Year, New Venue: Gizzi’s Coffee, Sat. Jan 9th

Just one email, and one listen to my song ‘What Did I Miss?’ was enough for booker Mike McHugh to give Shoot The Messenger a double slot (2 hours) on Saturday, Jan. 9th, 7 – 9pm.
Mike McHugh has booked many hot acts over 25 years including: Regina Spektor, G.E. Smith,  & Michelle Shocked.

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Solo Performance @ The Bowery Poetry Club, Nov. 25, 2009

STM-BPC3-2009-11-25

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STM @ The Shrine, Nov 17, 2009

Tom & I switched off between guitar & drums for a single 75 minute set. Peter was great on bass & 3rd harmony on some songs. Shrine audiences are discerning music lovers; Shoot The Messenger loves Shrine. The house band for the open mic afterwards had amazing talent; as usual.

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Heard Any Good Songs Lately?

My recent favorites:
Pretend You’re Alone,  by Keane
A Brit-pop masterpiece by some Brits
Crown Victoria, by Robbers On High Street (or here)
A Brit-pop masterpiece by some New Yawkas

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It Was 8 Years Ago Today I Met Paul McCartney

I had yellow tape stretched right outside my cubicle, saying “Police Line, Do Not Cross.” This was a Mad Serious, Don’t-Breathe-Unless-You-Have-To Anthrax Scare.
..
He extended his hand to me and said:

“I’m sorry, but I don’t sign autographs in public — but I will shake your hand”

This was unintentionally, but pricelessly ironic: the guy who wrote “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” wanted to hold my hand!

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Larry Coryell @ Iridium, 10/19/09

As Larry stood at the mic and said goodnight [he] gave me a Shout Out as one of his best students.

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Who Is Shoot The Messenger?

My Biodata

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