Lithium Milkshake digital single

Surplus 1980-The Golden Bull, Oakland CA; 8/24/17

Not one note had been played at this show before some really disappointing stuff went down. Baltimore band Multicult, out West on tour, had their van broken in to. They bummed heavily and split town for Eugene, leaving everyone saddened. I don't understand why people would rip off musicians that are pretty clearly not living the "good life". Didn't they ever learn the Golden Rule? I guess it will come back to them in some way, so no need for me to pontificate about it.
Surplus 1980 had a bit more time to fill in our set, so we started a bit later than expected and hit. Right off, it felt to me like one of those sets where good things were happening, and that there was no stopping us. That delightful "on" feeling where even errant stick patterns cannot stop the groove and vibe. I don't know if the rest of the group felt that way, but bassist Nelly was smiling grandly: a good sign.
We performed our most epic tune, the ten minute Temporarily Present, for the second time live. Its changes seemed to fall in place really well. Things progressed from it, our set opener, in a rockin', manic way. On account of space issues at The Golden Bull, Moe! did not bring his drum set, and we stuck to songs on which he plays guitar: Failure of Commitment, Question After Ended Question (well, bundt pan on that), Morale Is High, 99 Is Not 100, an improvised piece, and a surprise Ed Saad. That last one because we had more time to fill. Things flowed, guitars chimed, it all just seemed to click. The kind of set where its ending has me wishing that we could rehearse tomorrow.
Reptoid slayed. Definitely seek his gonzo Noise/drumming mashup out.
Hopefully we'll get another chance to play with Multicult.
Many thanks to ace sound engineer Justin at The Golden Bull for dialing it all in.
Below: my drums; Surplus 1980 preparing to hit

Above: best surreal shot of Nelly; a bill torn asunder by thievery

Surplus 1980 this Thursday in Oakland!

A short opening set planned for this Thursday.

Thu. 8/24
The Golden Bull
412 14th St.
Oakland CA 94612
Reptoid
Multicult
Surplus 1980
9:00 PM
$10
We'll continue to play some newer songs, as well as older Surplus 1980 songs. Multicult are on tour from Baltimore. Oh yes. 

Will Alexander/Mark Pino Duo-House show, San Francisco CA; 8/20/17

Los Angeles poet and musician Will Alexander's work been shaking my perceptions for several years now. I was happy to play with him on sets with Cloud Shepherd, and continue to love to read his writing. Hence, when Will contacted me to ask about my being available for a house show in San Francisco, with me on drums and he on piano, I jumped at the opportunity.
What a great house it was, too: the kind of place, filled with fascinating art and ideas that one just knows exists within a place such as SF, but may have to really seek out in order to find. What a gem.
It's my hope that the duo music that Will and I played reflected well upon this environment. We played two sets; the first was comprised of Will's piece "North And South of C", five loosely linked movements connected by brief instructions for the drums, along with a free improvisation. The second set, after a nice, conversation filled break, was a 45 minute improvisation. The playing felt good, dynamic and responsive. As stated, Will's output is very inspiring to me. Hopefully my playing showed that. Towards the end of the second set, I simply stopped playing my drums and listened to Will, more as a fan than a duo partner. I guess I kind of got lost in that for a few minutes. Will's Surreal Trance moves will have that effect!
All told, a very fun, inspiring, and just downright lovely evening spent in the Haight Ashbury District.
Many thanks to Will for including me, and to Soloman for opening his space to us.

Below: drums and musicians

 Recordings were made, and it's my hope that they'll be made available at some point.