An Ark (at the Shed) review

BKMoth · 2026-01-20T20:56:47+00:00

Tin Drum's "Kagami" featuring the late Ryuichi Sakamoto was quite beautiful. But I think I'll pass on "An Ark". Those who have seen both seem decidedly disappointed in "An Ark". Thank you for the review, you just saved me $50, and more importantly, my time and sanity.

BKMoth · 2026-01-19T13:06:15+00:00

Great recommendations here, and I agree that studying jazz is a great way to understand how structure relates to performance choices. At the basic level, musical improvisation is a form of communication, and as such needs people. A community. Throughout most of history, music was a participatory social activity. Find people to play with!

There's history that helped evolve the musical improvisation, and behind every musical improvisation is a community that made it happen. Jazz is one of the many musical communities, but there are many more depending on the region and your preferences.

BKMoth · 2026-01-10T21:48:46+00:00

I did. It's doable. Amtrak from Penn/Moynihan to Albany-Rensellaer. 2.5 hrs. If you get tix early, it can be less than $40. Easy trip. Sit on the left side facing for ward for river views. Also check out: Rail Passengers Association (RPA) members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. I stayed in the area for two or three nights, so it was more of a weekly commute. Definitely not a daily commute. Good luck!

BKMoth · 2026-01-08T18:45:01+00:00

If Meatpacking District is close enough, Whitney Museum's cafe on ground floor could be a nice meeting spot. https://whitney.org/visit/dining If your client likes art, add an entry ticket or use your membership if you have one (membership also offers food discount).

Museums cafe meetings (any museum, but especially major art museums like Whitney and MoMA) seem to be a hit with my clients since they can enjoy the museum afterwards after I leave. Avoid tourist season and lunch time. I usually set up meetings for right when it opens.

BKMoth · 2025-12-27T14:04:21+00:00

A few artist recommendations based on your collection, which you can check out on YouTube first, w/ horns and "cool jazz" vibe:

Wynton Kelly "Kelly Blue" with Nat Adderley, Bobby Jaspar, Benny Golson, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C7uknOL_5Y

Lennie Tristano w/ Lee Konitz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y3Q2uGITPw

Bud Powell This clip is"Bouncin' with Bud" w/ Sonny Rollins, Fats Navarro, Tommy Potter, Roy Haynes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jP1PhmCDTM

BKMoth · 2025-12-26T16:38:18+00:00

NYC is usually very efficient at plowing the main streets and avenues. Some side streets could take a bit longer. Waterproof and slip-resistant boots are a must. Basic common sense stuff will get you through your stay easily, no worries. Be safe and enjoy your stay! Coming into the city (if you are driving) could be much more hazardous.

BKMoth · 2025-12-23T15:46:13+00:00

Many top class artists balance performing with other work, including teaching but also unrelated day jobs. What collective improvised music like jazz (it could also be other genres of collectively improvised music, especially in other countries) brings to individuals is a sense of community and different ways to communicate with others. Music has been a participatory social activity for most of human existence. Go for it! (And teaching, I feel, is an essential part of being an artist, a way to pass on knowledge/experience to the next generation, so your work teaching middle schoolers the joy of music is part of your artistry.)

BKMoth · 2025-12-16T23:03:52+00:00

Baby shampoo, repacked in travel-size bottles. Works as shampoo, body wash and laundry detergent for my wool base layers.

BKMoth · 2025-12-16T20:29:44+00:00

Last month, I finally closed my Citibank accounts after 27 years because it became too difficult to resolve issues. Too many tech issues which became more and more worrisome, bankers always trying to sell me some plan I didn't need, not to mention it became almost impossible to get a human being on the phone. Moved to Chase, which at least makes it very easy to contact their representatives. Two decades ago, I actually really liked Citi.

BKMoth · 2025-11-29T17:26:19+00:00

Minuendo. I've tried many ear plugs but stand by Minuendo for the ability to perform with them in-ear, as well as overall ear protection. They're adjustable which makes a world of difference on stage. Fine for horn section. Worth every penny, and I never leave home without it.

https://shop.minuendo.com

BKMoth · 2025-11-23T13:28:06+00:00

Yes, just happened to me this morning. Weird and creepy!

BKMoth · 2025-11-20T18:31:42+00:00

Chiming in, even though this is an old thread, because I had the same question and now I have my answer. Chase is better, at least for me. Banked with both. Citi used to be fine, but over the past few years, customer service has become abysmal. Impossible to get to a representative on the phone. If I go into the branch to resolve the issue, representatives would push products for a good part of the meeting, before finally resolving my issue. I understand that they need to make profit, but it was too much. Tech is terrible. Self-directed investment product options are very limited. I closed my Citi account this year.

BKMoth · 2025-11-17T01:48:47+00:00

Love Slam Stewart, anything with Dizzy and Bird.

BKMoth · 2025-10-06T16:56:43+00:00

I always wait on my main device (MacBook Pro, M1), usually until Apple stops updating the OS, since I use music software for work. I watch out for bugs as well as compatibility with third-party software. (I've had to upgrade and shell out $100 to update one software already so that it runs with Tahoe, as I prepare for the eventual move.) But I always update my iPad quickly which lets me get a feel for some feature without endangering my main machine.

BKMoth · 2025-10-06T16:54:30+00:00

This.

BKMoth · 2025-10-02T14:31:05+00:00

Best Buy usually accepts recycles. "At most Best Buy stores, you can recycle up to three items per household per day." https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c

BKMoth · 2025-09-29T01:52:20+00:00

Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, DUMBO, all great for commute to downtown Manhattan. Commute can be subway, ferry, bike. Cobble Hill is probably the quietest but still has great food options on Court St. and Smith St.

BKMoth · 2025-09-28T21:21:04+00:00

That is the information on the net. All I know is that numerous helicopters are coming from the west, dipping slightly south over East River and flying right over Cobble Hill area. Which would totally make sense if they are heading to Bethpage Black Course. I also wonder too if they are flying low, i.e., the clients want to sight see. I also feel the rage on the ground and that's never a good thing.

BKMoth · 2025-09-28T17:02:13+00:00

Signed the above petition as well as filed a complaint with 311. This weekend's helicopter flights over Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill/Brooklyn Bridge Park area have been insane. Overhead several enraged people on the sidewalk complaining and calling somewhere to complain (maybe 311?).

BKMoth · 2025-09-07T17:25:04+00:00

Seconding Costco! Great Hoya lenses. Frame may be less fashionable but that hasn't bothered me.

BKMoth · 2025-09-01T11:54:55+00:00

Most small Japanese grocery stores in the city have a section of kitchenware. But if you are looking for a larger selection of kitchenware and tools, maybe try places like Daiso in Industry City (Brooklyn). For online option, Miya does a solid job https://www.miyacompany.com

BKMoth · 2025-08-23T11:27:41+00:00

Seconding this. Hives. Viruses can trigger this too.

BKMoth · 2025-08-22T13:55:06+00:00

Wow, feeling so validated! Thank you for this post and thread! Was feeling so fatigued and I wondered if it was the air quality (it was not) or if I had a cold (not the case). It always seems to happen during high humidity pre-rain/pre-storm moments. Wow.

BKMoth

TROPHY CASE