Week 6 in Seattle: Poison

Last year I had the opportunity to photograph so many musicians. It's a pretty cool gig. Being from New York I was not really that aware of west coast bands. And actually, I was pretty out of the cool music loop all together. I grew up listening to mom's music- Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray, James Taylor, etc. You get the idea.

One year for Christmas my grandmother got me a Phish CD. I thought I was the coolest kid ever. Turns out I was the last human on earth to get "Billy Breathes" as a gift. That Christmas my sister was pissed at me. *I* got the Phish CD and she didn't. I never really liked her taste in music but I did like Phish!!

In 2001 I started dating James. He introduced me to so much: Stereolab, Steely Dan, MMW, Nickle Creek (note: NOT NICKLEBACK)... Within a year of dating I got to meet his brother's girlfriend (now wife) Liz. Liz, let me tell you, is the shit. She was really the person who influenced me the most in this area of my life: Old 97's, Liz Phair, Belle and Sebastian, Wilco, Billy Bragg... See where I'm going? This girl was my hero.

I'll get to the point here. I don't remember anyone introducing me to early 90's R+B. I guess it just kind of happened? This week I got to photograph... drum roll please.... Bel Biv DeVoe. HOLY HELL. I love these guys!! And to top it off, the other artists there (that you would know) were Jon B, Al B Sure!, and SWV. What a rockin' show!!!! I mean seriously- who wouldn't like hearing BBD's song "Poision" last 15 minutes with an awesome DANCE OFF!?!? My life sure can be pretty darn fantastic.

Cheers!
Jill Rachel

[For a full review with photos from that concert, visit http://backbeatseattle.com/wordpress/?p=43722]

Week 6 in New York: Thrifty Socialite

I'd like to say for the record, that I promise next week's photo won't be a tight, over-exposed, "stuff" shot! Clearly, I like these types of shots, perhaps too much. I'll switch it up. PROMISE.

I decided on Saturday afternoon, that it had been far too long since I'd been inside a thrift shop. There was a time that I couldn't make it a full week without stopping into any given shop, the thirst of the hunt too intense to be sated. Recently though, I've become jaded by Westchester thrifts - their ridiculously overpriced used goods, the lame selection that is most likely going to be picked over by the ever growing populace of those hipster folk. And, in truth, I've too, probably just become lazy. So, I decided to make the journey to my local Salvo - all of 1 mile away.

It was like a big warm (if slightly moth-ball smelling) welcome home hug. This particular Salvo has been a big letdown in the past, especially considering the shear magnitude of this place. The first floor is full of your random odds and ends, the second floor is entirely dedicated to women's clothing and the third floor is a mix of men's and children's. That's right. A three level Salvation Army. You'd think this would be fortune and glory personified - but the ratio of awesome to tragic in this place is 1:150. However, I felt like today was the day, and I ended up being at least 80% content by the time I left two hours later. I not only picked up this amazing brand new Zara dress for $4 (yellow tags 50% off!), but I also came out with a cute plaid tunic and business dress & blazer combo. Not my usual bag, but they definitely suited my current needs. Not much in the way of functional vintage on this day - so I'll have to try again in a few weeks.

Armed with this amazing steal of a dress and feeling good about getting out and about, when my girlfriend called in the evening and asked me if I wanted to grab a drink, I was only too excited to oblige. What could have easily been a jeans & tee night out, became a 'let's dress up like real girls!' outing. I would never ACTUALLY describe myself as a socialite - but it's great little finds like this one that make me want to get out there and wear my thrifty threads loud and proud.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

p.s. bonus!

Week 5 in Seattle: Seattle Center

There are so many things I love about Seattle. The culture, the food, the scenery, and the weather (yes, even the rain!) top that list. This here is one of those things I love. Right in Seattle Center which is home to the Space Needle (seen behind the trees), lives this popcorn cart. I've never seen anyone actually selling popcorn or even a human inside the cart. During the day Seattle Center is bustling no matter the season. It's full of locals and many visitors. In the late evening there is hardly a soul around. This night I went to the Pacific Science Center to see "Laser Floyd"- a live laser light show in the planetarium to the music of The Dark Side of the Moon- and enjoyed a peaceful walk through the tree lit walkways of Seattle Center. For me, walking through this area is a staple of my living in Seattle.

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 5 in New York: I Say Bagel; You Say Bagel

This is a two part story - one half food, one half linguistics. It's hard to say which comes first, or which is more important - but the end result is that these are two things that help to define me as a person.

My love affair with bagels started so long ago now that I can barely remember life before them. It's like they've always been there - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, warm and delightful - taunting me from both near and far, seemingly calling out to me saying "Eat me, Brianna, I'm delicious." So I do. And often. I've had good bagels, amazing bagels, mediocre bagels and bad bagels. It's not that I blame the bad bagels, though. I blame their makers - and their unfortunate lack of the proper setting, because I think we all know, there are no bagels in the world...like those in New York City. I'm sorry, but it's just fact.

When I first moved to Westchester, Carlo introduced me to the tiny hole in the wall known only as the Wykagyl Bagel Shop. This place...really doesn't even have a name. It doesn't need one. It's so incredible, that Westchester-ites know it, or have heard tell of it no matter where they live, where they've come from, or how long they've been here. It's legendary.

As often as I can possibly get there, I go. The pumpernickel has become my standard. With a giant slab of cream cheese. And though this place doesn't toast - the bagels are always fresh, warm, and crispy, making it a nearly magical - definitely spiritual - experience, and wonder to behold.

This all being said, it's not without tribulation that this miracle of bageldom is enjoyed, which brings us to part two. Linguistics. I know up until now you've all been reading about bagels and saying 'bay-guls' in your head. Your vowel here is a close-mid front unrounded vowel that borders on diphthong where as my vowel is a near-open front unrounded vowel. Try it and see what you come up with. In fact...try it while eating a bagel. Just for me.

I bring this up because I'm probably the only person EVER to say this 'incorrectly'. I've tried to change, to no avail - and trust me there are no shortage of people in my life that think it's hilarious (and possibly annoying) that I can't say this the way they can. So, while I will continue to enjoy this absolutely unparalleled carbo-creation...I'll do so at the mercy of those around me...and their giggles.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 4 in Seattle: Meeting Sean Lennon

For the last 2 months I've been taking a mini hiatus from doing Music Photography. Between Moving, my new commute to work, the holidays, and attempting to unpack and settle in, my time has been precious. When I did have free time I was just exhausted.

On Saturday, my first show of 2011, I had the privilege of being the photographer for the last tour date of GOASTT. The band is comprised of Sean Lennon (yes, John Lennon's son), Charlotte Kemp Muhl, and CJ Camerieri on the horn. Usually there are 5 photographers there for various publications, but this night I was the only one! Duma Love from Cibo Matto and Laura Gibson were the opening acts. The show was great. Really low key, not too packed, and full of laughter. After the show I got my CD and set list signed by Sean as well as a hug and photo-op.

Some days I just want to shoot for a living, but I know that's probably not feasible unless I can invest a lot of money and time- both of which I am lacking. So for now, back to the day job.

Cheers,
Jill Rachel

Week 4 in New York: Becoming a Bikram Yogi

I've never been an athlete. More than that though, I've never really even been physically active. While I love walking aimlessly around cities or through forest trails, I've never had a burning desire to just get out there and exercise. In high school, I was introduced to yoga in the boys wrestling room in our school basement. Although the gnarly lingering scent of sweaty boys was ever present, I found that I enjoyed the stretching, the postures, and the meditating - the getting in touch with your body and the getting out of touch with everything else that plagued you in a day. Even the stench disappeared after a while. After high school, I went in and out of yoga classes. Never really finding the time or the energy to continue to practice it seriously, and never really being that interested or excited to stay focused.

But, I've always been achy. Bad hips and knees, and a worse back. I needed to find something that would keep me fit and make me feel better - or at least make me feel like I'm not a 74 year old woman. One day a friend suggested that I needed to look into Bikram yoga. He told me how it helped his aches and pains go away - how it made him feel great. I listened and went...and fell in love. Although it's not for everyone - with the room set to a hot 108 degrees fahrenheit and 40% humidity, for 90 minutes of intense physical drilling - it certainly felt like it was for me. For a brief time before moving from Los Angeles to New York, I practiced here and there, as often as I could be bothered. I wanted more, but my circumstance at the time was not particularly conducive. Once I moved back to New York, I found that it was a rare find to come across a Bikram studio, and ended up not continuing to practice. A year later, after a serious amount of life changes, including another change in location, I've found my way back, with the help of that same friend. Carlo and I, now together, also practice together. I have a renewed vigor for the high I feel when I come out of that room, knowing that I'm alive. That I've survived another class. My aches and pains have been replaced with sore muscles, but in a way that actually makes me feel good. I can't get enough. On days when I don't go, I tinker at home with the postures I struggle on, and am excited to get to my next class. On the days when I do go, I feel more whole, more happy, and more able to do whatever it is that I need to do.

Maybe I'll practice a little pada-hastasana before bed.

Cheers,

Breezer M.

Week 3 in Seattle: Birthday Celebration!

Saturday the 22nd was my 28th birthday. I spent the early part of the day lounging around and chatting on the phone. I met 12 friends at Benihana in downtown Seattle for a nice dinner. Benihana is awesome- it totally reminds me of Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse in Liverpool New York, but not as good. Ichiban holds my heart. Benihana is as close as I can get out here. It's one of those we-cook-for-you-at-your-table types of places that also serves sushi and non-hibachi foods. I had my usual "Land & Sea" combo which comes with a shrimp appetizer, onion soup, salad, cucumbers, onions, mushrooms, fried rice, chicken, and beef. DELICIOUS. Oh yea- creme brulee for dessert as well. It was really nice to have my friends join me for a couple hours to celebrate. After dinner ended I headed over to AMC and watched The King's Speech. Highly recommended. I wish my birthday was full of more exciting things, but it was still nice to have down time and just relax. I don't take time to relax enough. This 28th year will be more about me: relaxing, vacationing, creating, and loving. I suggest you do the same.

Cheers,
Jill Rachel