James Blunt's latest hit is a person. Blunt, with his beauty Petra Nemcova, ran over an autograph seeker in Hollywood the other night. The "fan" seemed to have some possible injuries to his leg and foot, no doubt making lawyers all over L.A. salivate at the prospect of suing a chart topper.

Portishead, who've seemed to be in the studio as nearly long as Axl Rose (ok, not that long) performed a live short set last night. Geoff Barrow was scheduled to DJ at a club, but surprised the crowds when he and his band mates jumped on stage for a couple of songs. A message on their Myspace page indicates some 2007 deadlines for the new music. Maybe they'll get their disc out before Chinese Democracy!

MP3 and Video offerings:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: Mystery Train (mp3) / (video)
Dr. Dog (new record in stores today!): Alaska
Field Music: Sit Tight (mp3) and In Context (video)
The Old Soul: River of Daughters (video)
Lost in the Trees: I've Always Loved the Fall and Tall Trees.

If you're in NYC tonight, swing by Pennang on the Upper West Side to see Kierstin Gray. I've been a fan since May 2005 and the rest of the world is starting to catch up.

Chris Cornell, recently departed from Audioslave, is set to release his new solo record on May 1st. The disc will include a cover of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean." No word on whether Cornell will don a white glove when performing the song.

Labels: Chris Cornell, Dr. Dog, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, James Blunt, Kierstin Gray, Mp3s, Portishead

Some of the brightest talents in indie singer-songwriter genre will perform Sunday, November 27th at the Earvolution.com New Music Showcase.



For more information on the performers, check out their websites:

7pm - The Sharp Things (Bar/None Records)
http://www.thesharpthings.com/

8pm - Justin Jones
http://www.justin-jones.com

9pm - Kierstin Gray
http://www.kierstingray.com

10pm - Adam Mugavero
http://www.adammugavero.com/

11pm - Rebecca Hart
http://www.rebeccahart.net

12pm - Like So
http://www.myspace.com/likeso

Labels: Kierstin Gray

Very few singer-songwriters can deliver a performance that not only pulls you into the show from the start, but leaves you saying "wow" and wanting more when its over. Kierstin Gray did just that this past Saturday night at the world famous Laugh Factory in New York City. Exuding grace and presence, Kierstin captivated the crowd at a party for legendary music PR man Howard Bloom with a jaw-dropping performance at the Global Entertainment and Media Summit.

A soulful storyteller, Kierstin's musical strengths have deep roots. Not only were both of her parents performers in their youth, Kierstin is classically trained in violin, piano and voice. Since taking her show beyond her Philly/New York City "backyard", the Bryn Mawr College graduate has traveled coast to coast and across the Atlantic. Kierstin has used her musical skill to support different communities in raising awareness on a number of issues, from AIDS in Africa, to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in urban areas, to drug rehabilitation and counseling for women and children. In December 2003, Kierstin was a featured soloist with the Tim Janis Ensemble as part of a United States tour by the Sinikithemba Choir of South Africa.

What is also unique about Kierstin is that she left her very good job at an advertising agency to pursue her dream of playing music full-time. In addition to working on her own career, the selfless performer also founded the "Skylark Series" to showcase other female musicians.

The joy of a road trip, the loss found in maturity, and the beauty of love are themes found within Kierstin's latest disc, anything and everything: the second edition. The disc includes one of her signature tune's "Wildfire" (one of my favorites!), which is an ideal soundtrack for your next roadtrip or just cruising around on a summer day with the top down.

Back from a 10 date swing through London, Kierstin is playing throughout the New York metro area:

5.21.05 - Kili Lounge Jazz Brunch (81 Hoyt btwn Atlantic & State, Brooklyn) - 11am
5.21.05 - LREI: Human Rights Coffee House (40 Charlton btwn 6th Ave & Varick) - 8 pm
5.21.05 - Trash Bar (256 Grand, Brooklyn) - 9:30pm
5.29.05 - The Wicked Monk (8415 5th Ave, Bay Ridge) - 8pm
6.8.05 - Coda (34 E. 34th St.) - 7pm
6.17.05 - Rockwood Music Hall (196 Allen Street btwn E. Houston & Stanton)- 7pm.

Kierstin Gray is no doubt an artist to watch and a name to remember.

Labels: Kierstin Gray