Though we were all on needles Friday night at the Knitting Factory for our second-anniversary party featuring DJ Rob Swift, Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers, Apse and Venn Diagrams, I believe we pulled off a properly successful evening. Rather our CEO and editor, DaVe Lipp worked his eclectic network of stars.
The night began with the modern-day cabaret, two-man duo Venn Diagrams. Jeffrey Marsh on vocals and Rick Sorkin on guitar were one-part David Bowie and one-part…um, something else. The artistic-duo entertained us with a blend of witty banter, snarky commentary, show tunes and original songs to include a strange and delightful number featuring a guitar, a bow and a saw.
As the energy increased (and the drinks), ambient-rock band Apse also made a lasting impression. Aside from a lead singer who largely wailed and a bass player who often kneeled while playing, the band was an eclectic and impressive mix of multi-instrumentalist. At various points throughout their rock/instrumental set, the keyboardist switched to a clarinet, tambourine and then a guitar; while the guitarist played the organ. Apse could be described as progressive rock, in an peculiar sort of way.
What can I say about Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers? Well, her “Happy Hookers†are three dudes that have performed with her at SXSW, among other popular events and spaces. Her sound is a twisted fusion of perverse blues, rock, punk, and jazz. Her onstage presence is loud and disturbing. Her instrument of choice: the harmonium. To be honest, I believe the bulk of the music heads in the audience came for Shilpa Ray. Though Rob Swift headlined, she rocked it as people danced, bobbed, semi-moshed, screamed, and heckled her throughout her 35-minute performance.
Wrapping the night was X-ecutioners lead man, DMC East Coast champion and NY Scratch Academy instructor DJ Rob Swift. As a member of the innovative 90’s turntablist crew which featured the late Roc Raida; Total Eclipse and Mister Sinista, Rob’s 50-minute set was a mix of old school hip hop, funk, jazz and Latin rhythms that reflected upon his Bronx upbringing.
If there were a proper checklist to showcase the ridiculous skills of Rob Swift, it would go a little somethin’ like this: Chose the right records, check. Beat juggled, check. Proper mixing, cutting, scratching, stops, spinbacks, ill mixes, insane tricks, and an ending that rendered a crowd speechless…check, check, check, and muthaf**kin’ check.
ND McCray + Photos by Leslie Torre
great show!! you should put on another one!!!
Shilpa rocked the house!
Shilpa rocked the house!