OurStage

My my miss May, how’s your first day? I’m thinking I’d like to be groovin. As it’s said in a Cameron Crowe film - every passing moment is another chance to turn it all around. There’s a lot of truth in that. Last night I got a chance to see a co-writer (Mark Luna) perform at a songwriters night. The added bonus was Rob Giles. I’ve featured him in the past - Boom Bang. Mark’s voice was in fine form. Having not seen Rob it was a treat. That boy has got some very cool ideas for songs. My favorite of the evening was Blame LA. Absolutely funny and brilliant lyrics. That was at Cafe Cordial. Another co-writer (Aubrey Richmond) joined me for a while and from there we went to Ireland’s 32 to see some friends of her playing. In addition there was a band called Bourbon County playing as well. They were the Should I Stay or Should I Go band from last friday on Frost, Heidi and Frank (KLSX 97.1 free FM). I introduced myself to them when they were done so that I could talk to them about featuring them here on Single of the Day. As I was there I was thinking to myself, it’s interesting in LA that so much can happen in a single evening and yet so few people were out and about on a wednesday evening. I know I go through bouts where I’m not pushing myself as hard as I usually do, but are people no longer happy to keep moving? Which brings me to today’s selection. Jaik Miller. Don’t ask me to pronounce that first name, I’m not sure what it would be. However, from the moment I heard this song start I was hooked. That guitar riff and the crazy wha effect he’s got on it was too cool. Along with the bouncy head bobbin’ groove, it all combines to be seriously cool. Vocally I was taken back to some things my dad used to play while I was a sprouting boy. I’m kinda thinking elements of things like Elvis Costello and David Lindley. Of course there’s the obvious stuff musically like Bob Marley, but I’m sure there’s a lot more than that. I can’t quite place my finger on it. Which is a good thing cause that means I can think of Jaik as original in my book. Besides, who really doesn’t want to keep moving and who doesn’t dream? Show me someone who isn’t dreaming or moving and I’ll show you someone who is dead. You don’t want to be dead right? That’s what I figured. Go get some life and pick up Jaik. I think it’s a matter of life or death! - single of the day (May 2, 2008)

On May 6th, Truth Movement records will release the self titled debut album from Jaik Miller Band. Jaik Miller, the singer, songwriter and namesake of the band has been around the New York music scene since the early 1990’s having fronted Xanax 25 a well known and loved band. Xanax 25 worked with the likes of Warren Haynes, Suzanne Vega & Elijah Allman, all who appeared on now hard to find Xanax 25 albums. Through the years, Jaik has played with countless New York music legends. That was then, this is now. Jaik has found a great group of musicians to join him, foremost among them JP Bowersock who many of you will know from his long tenure with Ryan Adams & The Cardinals and his work with The Strokes. JP produced the new Jaik Miller Band album and is also a full time member. The other members of the band are; Max Tucker (drums/vocals), Garth MacAleavey (guitar/keyboards/vocals) and Craig Robison (bass). Jaik Miller Band has been playing shows throughout New York City since their inception in May 2007, consistently honing and fine tuning their sound. They recently started to get recognized by the online music community in Europe having had their new album reviewed by the Rootstime blog out of Belgium March 2008 (note, blog not in English). They were also featured in the March 2008 Dressed Up and Stripped Down Podcast on The Next Big Hit. This coming Friday, April 11th Jaik Miller Band will be playing songs from their new album at the world famous Bitter End which has been showcasing music in New York City since 1961. Some of the many artists that have graced The Bitter End stage over the years are: Miles Davis, Donny Hathaway, Etta James, Billy Joel, Dr. John and many more. The band hits the stage at 10 PM sharp. This is a band that has found the right mix of players and the right groove. If you live in the New York City area go see Jaik Miller Band this Friday and hear for yourself what the fuss is all about.