Absolute jumbo-wumbo of a post. But it must be said. It must be done. This year would not have been as great if it weren’t for any of the bands that I have played alongside with. These five specifically. I get asked all the time “How many bands are you in?” So i thought I’d introduce them all.
The Funky Souls - I would not be the musician I am without funk and soul. This outfit gave me the chance to play the very music that got me here. All thanks to the fantastic work done by band leader/arranger/drummer Shawn Mou: The Soul to my Funk. 3 long years of this outfit, with a reunion show capping it off. Eternally grateful we were able to get all the musicians who worked on this with us.
House Band: Now known as the House Band Collective, I joined this band my 2nd year of college, and I’m still playing with them. All those shows, jams, and buskings were just secretly hangs with a family who has changed me for the better. We have grown from playing covers for singers to expressive singer-songwriter folk/rock champions. My original songs with yall have never sounded better. Thank you Jackson, Shawn, Laya, Josiah, and the collective as a whole.
Diamanta: I first met Dee when they were a drummer, and I had no idea of the incredible material that they had, but I knew they wanted me along for the ride. You have shown me how to be a true rockstar because that’s what you are too. Infectious pop blends, indie production, and friends for a lifetime. Thank you Dee, Billy, Paul, Nico, and Nash.
Awful Christine: The most recent group, but prosperity awaits. Don’t let the name fool you. When Holland and Priscilla write together, you get a blend of sounds you never thought were possible. Somber yet warm. Heavy but clear. Add in Simon’s tightly wound chops and hits, and you’re gonna be inspired just as I was. Thank you guys
NEJ: What can I say that hasn’t been said before?These guys are my brothers. In every sense of the word. My eyes and ears have been opened to experience music in ways that I have never conceived of. I won’t label us, but if you like music, you love NEJ. We each help each other listen, play, and learn, and we are much better musicians now because of it. Thank u.
Haven’t posted some bass content in a while, so here’s some content. I tried to get the city view in the shot cause I’ve always wanted to record something by the skyline. First time for everything. I am exactly where I need to be.
But where YALL need to be (on November 15th 9 PM exactly) is at FirstLive in Brooklyn where @youlovenej is playing. That’s where yall should be…
#music #bass #bassplaying #nyc #bassplayer #localmusic #electricbass
HVML Presents Jazz Trio: Julian Cotom,
Bella Sera, and Prince Tchalla.
If you've ever been to our venue, youve likely seen pictures of these 3 Houstonian musicians as teenagers printed on our windows and door.
Though they each have extensive backgrounds in multiple genres, they decided to come together to bless our stage once more with some smooth jazz.
Head over to the link in our bio and subscribe to our youtube channel to see this, and many more performances recorded live at our venue.
Exciting week of shows ahead!
July 24th, 8PM, @housebandnyc Sing Sing Kill Brewery (Free Show, Tip Your Bartender):
/events/sharif-montague-josiah-luftig-laya-nambiar-live-sskb/
July 26th, 6PM, @housebandnyc Sugar Mouse Game Hall NYC (Ticketed Event):
/e/an-evening-with-the-house-band-collective-benefit-show-for-gaza-tickets-1502008430649?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=2d6802d997af95c59c8e65c7959b517ccacb2adfc03cbfdc517526e48ea2bd3febafd03f8bdf2985650c05aba8568290be784b35726bcbcc360ac978974866940a6e9ff08f43e66d6a43d8eb2417
July 26th, 10PM, @youlovenej The Bayou Restaurant (Free Show, Support The Business By Purchasing Food And Drinks):
bayourestaurantny.com
#localny #localnewyork #newyorklocalbusiness #livemusicnewyork #thingstodoinny #localmusic #localmusicians #nyc #newyork #music
WHOOPS! Forgot I graduated…
Four years went by incredibly fast. So fast, that I don’t seem to remember any of it. Probably because I spent all night cleaning up my dorm, and I never actually went to sleep. I’ve never had the best memory, but what I do recall is the pouring rain pounding on the tent as people were speaking. The crowded reception happening in three locations at once. The excitement. The relief. The bittersweet realization that we were ready to go, but we weren’t ready to leave. And all of the hugs, tears, and screams.
The feelings will remain for the rest of my days. This was one of the happiest days ever. Because of the lack of sleep, I wasn’t as present as I should’ve been, so apologies to all of those that I didn’t get pictures with, didn’t congratulate, and never said “see you later” We will meet again.
I am so proud of my class. Nearly everyone stood up to protest the college president’s speech. Keffiyehs decorated those who stand for freedom and those who fought continuously to educate and inform across the college. And Palestinian flags flew high despite the college’s demands. I am so grateful for the time spent here, and I have so much love for all of the people who have made me a better person during my time. In such instances, words fail me. However, I remember my parents just standing in awe as one by one, people came by to give me hugs and congratulate me. They told me I “under-sold” my reputation here, and through their realization came mine: I could never see myself at any other school. The advantages of such a small school revealed themselves that day, and I thank all of you who have seen me in my many shades, been with me through thick and thin, or simply shared a moment that will become a treasured story I hope to share.
To those whom it may concern, you guys have changed my life.
To the Class of 2025, congratulations again.
See you soon.
A clip from Jazz at the Square with the Prince T’Challa Jazz Trio! I had so much fun playing with these amazing friends who were part of my musical journey from the very beginning, and now we played in front of Sugar Land City Hall!
Check out the video of us recording “Feel Like Making Love” by Bob James on Youtube now!
If you tuned into the live, PLEASE leave whatever you commented in this comment section, I wasn’t able to see any of it. 🥲
🎹: @prince_tchalla_official
🥁: @b_the_drummer
