Recording Session 2/16/14 HesDeadJimStudios - Queens, New York

You put your right foot in

You put your right foot out

You put your right foot in

And you shake it all about

From The Hokey Pokey written by The Good Yeggs

(Cacciola, Genalo, Roberto)

We know it's a stupid song so we decided never to record it, would have been a complete failure. 

It fit the picture though.

Our follow up session was scheduled to capture Lead Vocals, Background Vocals and Percussion overdubs. Pictured above is a small portion of some of my toys, Cabasa, Mountable Tambourine, Triangle, Shaker and Stuffed Peppers (with Prosciutto and Romano).

Thomas had a fantastic idea to overdub some "Ricky-Ticky" percussion onto "Gets In My Head" to act as a supporting bed to fill out the sound even more. Here I am utilizing a pair of Pro-Mark Hot Rods (thanks for the gift Scott) on Thomas $3000 recording console, well hey it sounded the best. 

I also learned at this juncture that as a Drummer I should practice my rudiments a lot more, I had to be "punched in" several times playing a simple Double Stroke Roll, mind you quite a fast one.

Thats a Whole Lotta' Gummy Candy Goin' On.

He may be handsome now but he was somebody's baby once.

- Spike

Recording Session 2/8/14 HesDeadJimStudios - Queens, New York

Here we have a lovely photograph of the Cherry Pepper filled with Goat Cheese which is regional to Pastosa Ravioli company on 65th street and New Utrecht avenue in Brooklyn, New York. It is a well guarded secret on how the goats mate with the cherry peppers but they are certainly a steal ($12.99/lb) and were mostly enjoyed by myself but Joe did have a few, Thomas declined as he is anti-cheese. This is a half pound portion, it was the weekend and I wanted to leave some for the visiting Benedictines in town for the Corn Dog festival.

Joe and Thomas pondering the fact that maybe these tracks we were about to record might sound better without any Drums at all, I won out, I threw my shoes at them.

It is hard to believe that is has been a year since we first convened to finish our first CD (Get Yer Yeggs Out) but here we are Reconvening to start work on number two. Lots got done today as we laid down basic rhythm tracks for seven tunes. for the record Gets In My Head, Little Brown Valise, Second Hand Coat, Come Up And See Me Some Time, I Dont Have To Win, You Are The One and Tuna Fish were captured to our satisfaction within only a few takes at most.

Ibanez Roadstar ll

What is wrong with this picture ?

A Bagel in the mouth is worth two in the bush.

This happens to be Scallion Cream Cheese on a Garlic Bagel as I wait at the bus stop.

As a note to readers : The Garlic clashes with Flavored Cream Cheese's, next time go for a Plain or Egg Bagel to bring out the nuances in a Flavored Spread, Then Again.

There are No Rules.

- Spike

Three Jolly Pigeons 1/11/14 with Frankie's Attic, SMOOCH and Little Old Ladies - Brooklyn, New York

Four bands in one night with a few of us playing double duty in more than one band at the Three Jolly Pigeons, quite the festival by the standard usually set by two, maybe three bands tops. What made this night special was that nearly everyone knew each other, I knew everyone except Rich Taglieri the drummer for Little Old Ladies and now I know him too (Really good drummer, very nice fellow) and all the bands were there for each other with a true sense of camaraderie. Brian Dillon pretty much emceed the whole night and a splendid time was had by all.

Frankie's Attic started the evening with a tasty set of acoustic numbers (amplified acoustic) featuring Fran-Simpson Cozzolino on vocals and as I am prone to say to her "You were great but I expected as much anyways", Fran also brought her Harmonizer so she could double track her vocals live. Frankie's Attic tonight were my old comrades Thomas Roberto, Franklin Poska and Nina Roberto,.... Nina Roberto ?!!!

And there she is Nina on Tambourine, I had no idea, I know she is a burgeoning Percussionist but did not know she was performing, great Job too, take it from me.

The Good Yeggs opened the noisy electric portion of the evening with a tight and concise set (all that rehearsal is paying off) premiering a new original song and one of our musically densest yet entitled "She's Gone" which was a tough one to nail down not so much due to its standard enough song structure but closely paid attention to "parts". Are the Good Yeggs becoming RUSH ?, not if Joe and Thomas have anything to say about it.

Resplendent in his Pink & Black RUSH related bowling shirt as he writes about himself.

Next up was SMOOCH for their sophomore performance. Unfortunately no photo's exist from this performance as legal advisors from KISSNATION were in attendance and all members of the SMOOCH ARMY were asked to please not take any pictures flash photography or not. If there are any photo's out there please contact us and they will be added here. The band introduced its new feature KISSAOKE tonight and Fran Powers (Little Old Ladies) took a crack at "Strutter" as well as Sal's brother in-law Ralph on "Rock And Roll All Night", Tom Roberto (Good Yeggs) was slated for a song but the clock ran over. Premiered tonight were the fan favorites "Rocket Ride" and "Parasite"

Earlier this evening I spoke to Brian (Gene) Dillon regarding Fran Powers stage wear (see below) and he asked me to add to this entry "I will no longer be breathing fire or spewing blood, I choose now to shit money"

The Enigmatic Fran Powers (Fran-Ma) sports a Flowery "Duster" as he leads the troops in the Little Old Ladies through their set. I am told these were mostly new songs from their upcoming CD. In typical Fran fashion he is not a man who is at a loss for words.

After the Little Old Ladies set I mentioned to Carl how his playing and riffing reminded me of Hawkwind.

Why ?, I completely forget, Will have to hear the material again but it did.

Brothers In Bass (L to R - Brian Dillon, Joes new Hofner Bass, Joe Cacciola)

Steak Chimichanga from Pancho's Restaurant just down the block, its part of the package.

This Is Show # 13

- Spike

Freddy's Backroom 1/8/14 Blues Jam - Brooklyn. New York

So we went down to the Blues Jam.

Being "steeped" in the Blues so much as two noodle eating Italians and one rice eating Korean can be (and as members of "The Sub-Basement Blues Band") we stepped in with our Kimchi Parmigiana taste with foresight.

  The Good Yeggs took a visit to our friend and partner in Musical "Crymes" Joe Filosa's Blues Jam which he was holding at one of our favorite watering holes the one and only Freddy's Bar of which the "Backroom" holds a most intimate setting. 

Two Jack on the Rocks for my friends and a Guinness for me. 

Why I would ever have a Guinness again after the Heritage Pub is beyond me but it does whet the whistle.

The Blues Jam Bloom's. Props to the Uke player, Joe and I were very impressed (Thomas too).

Well,... These things can go Really Sloppy, In-Between or Really Well. This one went Really Well, All good players and all could play fluently. 

Joe Filosa played Drums for the first few numbers and then I did for the next bunch, Everyone had a great time doing what we all do,... PLAY MUSIC.

The most endearing moment of the night non musically was from Joe on the ride back home. 

I took this photo right before he called his wife and Joe said "Wow, this is the first time I am calling Jennie in my new Pilot's cap". 

God bless them both and the pilot's cap too. 

1/9/14 - The Bass amp with accoutrements at Good Yeggs rehearsal the very next day.

Well I guess the Blues Music Brings On The Booze.

This Is Show # 12

- Spike

Greenhouse Cafe 9/27/13 Brooklyn, New York

This was the first time the Good Yeggs played at The Greenhouse Cafe in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and my second time having sat in on one tune with the Rockinghams some years back so I was aware of the stage dimensions, not too big, not too small, OK maybe a little on the smallish size and located at one end of the bar. There is a dining area in a separate room adjacent to the bar room.

We played well enough even though I gave the wrong count in to "Great Balls Of fire" and had to start that one over again.

Premiered tonight was "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Rattled" by The Traveling Wilburys, a hybrid Stones/Temptation's version of "Just My Imagination/When The Whip Comes Down" medley and "Baby's In Black" by a band called The Beatles.

Thomas Under Glass.

Joe wearing a very nice shirt.

This gig was the most backing vocals I have sang yet.

Mozzarella sticks, Beer, Butter Patty, Nachos supreme.

Good Mozzarella Sticks, not so good Nachos as I did not care so much for the chips.

Online and Paper Ad.

This Is Show # 11

- Spike

Three Jolly Pigeons 7/27/13 Brooklyn, New York

There was indeed a festive atmosphere for tonight's performance from the get go because it was our friend Vlad's (Subway Serenader, Black Death) Birthday eve celebration so spirits were high and The Yeggs played exceptionally well tonight. Thomas played some Excellent Blues Guitar and we were a well relaxed outfit performing to some of our 3JP peers (Box Of Crayons, Joe Filosa, MC Too Tall) who were there to see the bands but also for the festivities and some bar patrons whom had not previously seen our show highlighting some good old Blues and Country Music that is become scarcer on the Brooklyn scene.

Premiered tonight was "Jumping Jack Flash", "Hey Good Looking", "Till The End Of The Day", "Baby, Lets Play House" and a new original tune from Thomas "Unfaithful Lady".

Thomas brandishing his 2005 Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue, He also brought his guitar along as well.

My main Drum Kit, Ludwig Accent CS Custom with Ludwig and Tama Hardware, Sabian AAX and Zildjian "China Trash" Cymbals played with Pro-Mark 747 Nylon Tip Drumsticks. LP Cowbell and Vater stick holder included.

Joe rocking it with his Ibanez Art Core semi-hollow body Bass with double cut aways and F-Holes finished in an Amber Brushed finish. Jeans by Levi Strauss.

Supporting The Good Yeggs tonight were SMOOCH a KISS tribute band of which I am also the drummer. This was our debut gig and went very well, Brian made sure all contractual obligations were met and obeyed. Brian/Gene and Carl/Paul have previously played with us in the Subway Serenader band.

Box Of Crayons performed between our two sets and proved once again that if you aren't Irish you might want to become one. Featuring the incomparable Fran Powers on vocals along with Brian Dillon.

Setting up Vlad's Birthday Feast, this photo was taken before the Bagel Wheel came out. The Good Yeggs missed the Bagel Wheel as we were performing at the time but a high time was had by us in the "Green Room" between our sets. It was discovered that I only had my first Rice Krispie treat maybe 5 years ago and me and Jennie discussed how the Cheddar Cheese on offer was an excellent Mild variety but a crappy Extra Sharp depending on what the packaging advertised, the packaging never showed itself so this shall remain an enigma.

Brian/Subway Serenader/Box Of Crayons/Pocket Monster/Black Death/Gene from Smooch with the birthday boy Vlad.

I may have missed the Bagel Wheel but I did succeed in making my 3JP sojourn down the block to Pancho's Restaurant for a few Taco's. Pictured here is (1) Bistec/Steak Taco and (1) Pollo/Chicken Taco, I wanted a Tinga/Spicy Chicken Taco but that was not on the menu.

This Is Show # 10

- Spike

CD Release Party 5/11/13 Three Jolly Pigeons Brooklyn, New York

You know that old saying "The Burrito Got The Best Of Me".

Well that was tonight's Gig, I had a Burrito and I played my best pretty much aside from warmup pains for the first few songs (of which I recently bragged to Tom that I no longer suffered from) and dropping my stick during the third encore (of three) at the end of our rendition of B.B. King's "Sweet Little Angel" (no one noticed and SHIT I almost played a perfect show), Forgot my high-hat stand at home of which Joe came to the rescue and brought his and propped Tom's flashlight on my Burrito filled bag for my printed/teleprompter lyrics to The Beatles "What Goes On" of which I sang and there was also a U.F.O. sighting. That said and done lets get on with the gist of the evening.

The Good Yeggs arrived with our gear and a Box of CDs to celebrate the digital fruition of our recordings made over a few years time and we promise ourselves and You the beloved listener that it will be a much shorter gap in production now that we are out in the open with our debut CD and the natives clamoring for more.

To me this was the best show we have played to date, songs were fluid and the Drink's were fluid as well. During the encore portion we had planned out "Johnny B. Goode" but were asked for two more before night's finish. The Yegg's played a sublime version of the Sub-Basement Blues Band warhorse "Coney Island Summer" and if that wasn't enough we ended with "Sweet Little Angel" (mentioned above) with some very tasty dynamics as called upon by Thomas during his guitar solo (Keep it Low and then Blow It Out).

Thanks for the Good Yegg's photo's by Matt Shanley.

Photo Via Vlad Viz

The Subway Serenader had the crowd in Punk Rock Anarchist mode with Vlad and Carl on the Guitars along with Thomas, Joe and myself providing the Rhythm/Lead Guitar section. Add the heroics and conducting from The Subway Serenader and it was a Great set.

Most of us being New Yorkers well,... we understand what a song like "Hate The T.A." is all about.

Costume Changes and stage props abounded in abundance. The Santeria doll was left out by accident but let's leave that to the Santerians, I think the Thorny Devil Horn's made a better, positive and effective Christian impression.

There was Moshing too, from The Subway Serenader himself and the crowd was Most Receptive.

Harold the Horny Hunter had an Enormous Horn.

In this case it's Joe with his Longhorn which is light in weight and has become Joe's favorite weapon of choice, so much so he is considering purchasing the company and their forefathers and their forefathers forefathers.

Thomas with his Tasty Tone On Tube amp.

My Favorite Drummer in the World.

Jazelyn our Banshee Singing Friend, Cohort, Noisemaker, Criminal and Sweetheart joined The Yeggs for "American Crank" of which she is on the official recording as well.

My Friend and Blues Guitarist Stephen made it down to the show all the way from Jersey City. A nicer man you will never meet.

Blue Moon in the glass, Pro-Mark Hot Rods on the snare (These are used during Johnny Cash' "Folsom Prison Blues") They compliment each other. Beer and Wood or if you prefer Wood and Beer.

I captured video of what I was looking at all night through the window 2 feet to the left from me behind the kit. A U.F.O. that is plain to see. 

It's a reflection of one of the light fixture/fans on 3 Jolly Pigeon's ceiling for all you naysayers and unbelievers.

This Is Show # 9

- Spike