Spring break spectacle ... SXSW and more.
My spring break in three bullet points? I will give it a try.
1) Riding an Austin Convention Center escalator to street level, a man behind me offered his hand to a gentleman across the way. "Hey, you're Eldar," the guy said. Sure enough, the brilliant, young jazz pianist who performed at this year's Grammy Awards was right there. About four hours later, I shook his hand and attempted to show my admiration before he took the stage for a Friday night showcase. He then proceeded to manhandle his grand piano like a young Art Tatum. My question: how the hell did he open the show? What act would volunteer to follow that?
2) After Story of the Year delivered an ear-splitting performance at an Ernie Ball showcase Friday night, I went over to congratulate the band members on a great show. When I moved to shake rhythm guitarist Philip Sneed's hand, he grabbed the nutsack area of my jeans and pinched it. "Damn, you're equipped," he said. The band does get along with its fans, doesn't it?
3) see Saturday
A quick South by Southwest top 5
1. Eldar
2. Trombone Shorty
3. Alex Skolnick Trio
4. Flyleaf and Serj Tankian
5. Jesca Hoop
Here is the full list of what I saw:
WEDNESDAYBuffalo Billards
Jesca Hoop, Los Angeles CA
Victorian Room at The Driskill HotelRodney Fisher, New Plymouth NEW ZEALAND (Folk/Country/Rock/Singer-songwriter)
BarcelonaDr. Delay, Brooklyn NY (Electronic-DJ)
Flamingo CantinaFREE Sol, Memphis TN (Reggae/Hip-hop)
Esther's FolliesKim Taylor, Cincinnati OH (Singer-songwriter)
Stubb's BBQPapercranes, Gainesville FL (Rock)
Dead Confederates, Atlanta GA (Rock)
R.E.M., Athens GA (Rock)
Cedar DoorBo Bice, Birmingham AL (Southern rock--this rocker lost to Carrie Underwood on season 4 of American Idol).
Comments: After anticipating a tremendous, lively set from alternative rock icons R.E.M., I instead received 75 minutes of musical masturbation. The group did play "Drive," "Electrolight," "Imitation of Life," "The Great Divide" and a few other recognizable gems. The focus on new and recent material bored the crowd and Michael Stipe's incessant political propaganda became more irritating than endearing. I also left before the group played "Losing My Religion" and "Man on the Moon." Those could have saved the performance from its masturbatory and dreary failure. I cannot fault my decision to split Stubb's to hear former American Idol contestant Bo Bice rock out original and traditional blues jams. My problem with the set: why did only 15 people show up?
THURSDAYNinety Proof LoungeTremor, Buenos Aires ARGENTINA (Electronic/Eclectic)
Austin Music HallYo La Tengo, Hoboken NJ (Rock)
Fado PatioTrombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA (Jazz/Funk/Rock)
La Zona RosaBlack Tide, Miami FL (Metal)
Flyleaf, Temple TX (Alternative/Hard rock)
Serj Tankian and the
Flying
Cunts of
Chaos, Los Angeles CA (Rock/Metal--Serj is System of a Down's lead singer)
Momo'sMarcelo D2, Rio de Janeiro BRAZIL (Hip-hop/Rap)
Comments: Trombone Shorty's ridiculous trumpet and trombone playing was jaw-dropping. The New Orleans native and his outfit had a packed venue (an outdoor tent) jumping, singing and smiling in ways R.E.M. could not the previous night. You know Texas product Flyleaf from popular radio hits "All Around Me" and "Fully Alive," now go see them rip those tunes live. Trust me, this Christian-oriented quintet is worth your time. I still contend that Serj Tankian is the most eccentric lead vocalist this planet offers. His voice may alter from that of a booming dictator to a testicle-pinched school boy, but he performs one helluva show.
FRIDAYEmo's Main RoomYeasayers (Indie rock)
Emo's Jr.A Place to Bury Strangers (Crap rock)
Austin Convention Center Day StageLykke Li, Stockholm SWEEDEN (Singer-songwriter)
Smokin' MusicEldar, New York NY (Jazz)
Elephant RoomZona Tango, Buenos Aires ARGENTINA (Jazz/Tango fusion)
Glen David Andrews & The Lazy Six, New Orleans LA (Jazz)
Esther's FolliesSuperdeluxe Presents Comedy Death Ray
Reggie Watts, Seattle WA (Comedy)
Paul F. Tompkins, Los Angeles CA (Comedy)
Janeane Garofalo, Newton NJ (Comedy)
Habanna Annex BackyardStory of the Year, St. Louis MO
Comments: Thank God I did not wait in that ghastly line for Vampire Weekend. I heard from friends the buzzing New York band was blood-suckingly bad. I saw Eldar and you did not. From an Oscar Peterson tribute to metal riffs and a mosh pit--that is what I call an evening variety! I relished the few Argentine artists on the bill, can't you tell?
SATURDAY
Austin Convention Center Day StagePaul Kelly, Melbourne AUSTRALIA (Singer-songwriter)
Auditorium Shores Stage at Lady Bird LakeLyrics Born, Los Angeles CA (Hip-hop/Rap/Funk)
Pete Rock, New York NY (Hip-hop DJ)
Jean Grae, Brooklyn NY (Hip-hop/Rap)
Talib Kweli and Strong Arm Steady, Brooklyn NY (Hip-hop/Rap)
CopaShiko Mawatu, Shisa CONGO (World)
Boubacar Diebate, Boulder SENEGAL (World)
Club 115Fuet & Os Cozinheiros, Puerto Alegre BRAZIL (Rock/Samba)
Telerama, Fortaleza BRAZIL:(Rock)
Valerio Renaldi, Buenos Aires ARGENTINA (Rock en Espanol cover artist)
Lucy and the Popsonics, Brasilia BRAZIL (Electronic)
The Ale House
Alex Skolnick Trio, Brooklyn NY (Jazz)
Comments: I managed to get to the front row (the railing) in time for Talib Kweli. If you see that white guy on the video dancing like an idiot with his hands up like he's under arrest, that's me.
How often can an American listen to a band from Africa in his backyard?
The South American artists performing at Copa Bar and Grill had some swell moments on stage--some off-key singing and one rhythmless drummer irritated me. However, I met a gorgeous woman from Puerto Rico who offered the best conversation I have had in months. We bought each other drinks and danced. Funny how great company makes listening to "at-least-they're-trying" rock worth every minute.
I ended the festival the only way I could have: my second Alex Skolnick Trio show. Skolnick was the lead guitarist in 80s thrash metal powerhouse Testament. He postponed his headbanger ways to learn jazz guitar. With his trio, he takes classic and hard rock standards and gives them the jazz treatment. Imagine Rush's "Tom Sawyer" of Aerosmith's "Dream On" with a melody, head and multi-minute solo improvisation sections. Yes friends, that means order one of this trio's CDs now!
A great week of music ended in spectacular fashion. I have yet to cut off my music wristband--one sign that I cannot admit the festival has ended.
Rockets achieve 22 in a row, Spurs slump.
The Houston Rockets demolished the Los Angeles Lakers 103-92 to win their 22nd consecutive game this afternoon. Even without Pau Gasol, the Lakers still boast the best athlete in the world in Kobe Bryant - a guy known for Hollywood-worthy finishes. The blue collar Shane Battier suffocated Bryant into an 11-for-33 shooting performance.
Rafer Alston is a shooter now? My God - eight three pointers and 31 points. I thought for a second Kobe had switched teams and uniforms.
He was one of many non superstar Rockets who contributed to a big win. The Rockets are in sole possession of first place in the air-tight Western Conference. The streak means little when it comes to playoff success and there are plenty more games to be played to determine seeding. For now, I'll just enjoy the damn streak, thank you.
However, the San Antonio Spurs are struggling. The team has lost five of six and will have no easy time with the Boston Celtics on Monday night. Am I worried or upset? No: read my spring break entry.
Power rankings and a Ginobili for MVP push
I will save you the page-long eyesore. If I had to rank teams now--and if my list meant something--here is how I would do it.
1. San Antonio Spurs - Coach Pop told reporters he does not think this Spur team has progressed to point of last year's eventual champion. Suns Coach Mike D'Antoni doesn't buy it. I don't either.
2. Boston Celtics - After a rocky West coast swing, the Celts have regained that stingy defensive identity. Admit it, you did not think this team could be this good defensively. Championship level teams play with a purpose (it also helps to have Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce) and I see it in this squad. Veteran point guard Sam Cassell just joined the Boston party. Good news for them, bad news for everyone else.
3. Detroit Pistons - If Rasheed Wallace decided to give a damn every time he played, he could be the best player in the world. His and the other veterans' sometimes lethargic play concerns me (see entry, Pistons lose to LeBron James in conference finals). However, a young bench and loads of playoff experience make doubting this Eastern Conference giant a stupid move.
4. Houston Rockets - Read the entry below before calling me a homer.
5. Los Angeles Lakers - I must agree with Coach Popovich - a committee should be in place to swat away rotten deals like the Lakers get Pau Gasol for nothing trade with the Memphis have-no-brains Grizzlies. To say that pairing a World-class power forward with the best athlete in the Milky Way Galaxy scares me would be an understatement. Kobe can already beat teams by himself. I shiver when I imagine what he'll do with better players around him. If this team plays better interior defense and gets that opponent field goal percentage down, the Lakers will move up.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers - The Cavs are not a better team than any of the others that trail them on this list. But they have the MVP and a solid supporting cast. Give LeBron James four guys from your local YMCA and the ball and he will win you a ballgame. If Boston or Detroit wants to dance in the Eastern Conference Finals, one of them will have to beat LeBron. Good luck with that.
7. Utah Jazz - Jerry Sloan's bunch plays like a champion at home but falters like clay pigeons on the road. This team should also play much more consistent defense. Memo to West playoff hopefuls: do not draw this team in the playoffs without home court advantage (or leave a player with the same nickname open from behind the arc). Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams surprised pundits with a conference finals trip last season. Anybody with eyes and ears (tuned to the crowd at Energy Solutions Arena) knows it could happen again.
8. Dallas Mavericks - Struggle, schmuggle. The Mavs may have lost two important games to their interstate rivals in the last week, but that means little come playoff time. Call them chokers and underperformers. I don't think this team can win it all, even with a hall of fame point guard now running the offense, but no one will beat them in a series if they treat them like pushovers.
9. New Orleans Hornets - The West is so good, isn't it? How is this stunning squad in ninth place on your list? How can a team with a stealin', assistin', scorin'--I have run out of superlatives for Chris Paul--machine not crack the top six? Answer: the West is good. See above.
10. Phoenix Suns - Shaquille O' Neal has lifted the Suns' rebounding and shot blocking numbers. Trouble is, they also have to guard somebody, which has rarely happened in a miserable stretch of allowing more than 116 points per game. A team with two-time MVP Steve Nash should never be ignored. However, if the Suns want to advance to the NBA Finals, they might do well not ignoring that guy in the corner. Or that guy dunking in the paint. Or the All-Star with a wide open 20 footer. You get the idea.
11. Denver Nuggets - I question this team's streaky defense. Marcus Camby cannot swat or rebound this team to defensive respectability by himself. Still, the Nuggets have two shotjackers in Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony who can torch anybody with sudden scoring outbursts. The latest mile-high victim is number one on this list. When those two pure scorers get going, prepare for a long night and a really cold shower afterward.
12. Orlando Magic - Dwight Howard was Superman at an engaging All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. His team was not so super in a blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. I keep waiting for this team to explode on a furious run. A lot of teams could be inserted here in Orlando's place, but why not go with the team whose second most productive player is an ugly guy from Turkey?
MANU FOR MVP?
My vote would go to LeBron James, but why is Emanuel Ginobili not mentioned in this year's Maurice Podoloff Trophy discussion? What does this superstar and multi-league champion have to do to nudge himself into the MVP talk?
To prove I have not taken up a crack habit, here is a quote from Phoenix Suns Coach Mike D'Antoni from a Mike Monroe piece in the San-Antonio Express News.
“I’ll tell you what,” D’Antoni said, “since watching him in Europe and watching his maturity here, and this is a shame, he’s one of the best players in the world, without a doubt, but he never gets mentioned. He didn’t even make the All-Star team, which is a travesty.
“I think he exemplifies everything you want a player to be: great in the clutch, great at getting after a loose ball, great at defense, great at offense, unselfish; takes a contract for less money to make his team better.
“I don’t think there is one superlative you can say that is too much about him. Not (in San Antonio), but in the world he is unappreciated. Maybe because he is unorthodox, whatever. I don’t know. But I’ll tell you what, you can’t get a better player than him.
“You can debate Kobe or LeBron. Fine. But he is right there in the debate.”
Rockets win again but not everyone feels the excitement
As the Houston Rockets have spent the entire February and early March stretch of the season surging to 18 straight wins, they have heard every criticism imaginable.
Let me know if I leave one out in the following list.
Charles Barkley: "They ain't played nobody."
Charles Barkley: "The Mavs will stomp the Rockets tonight [last Thursday] (game turned out the other way Chuck)."
Jon Barry: "They have not played anybody, yet. Indiana, Chicago, Memphis - give me a break."
Stephen A. Smith: "No question the Houston Rockets have been sensational winning 15 in a row, but the real story is the Los Angeles Lakers."
Charles Barkley (he appears a lot on this list): "They're on a high right now, but they're not going to make the playoffs without Yao. They're gonna' start losing soon."
I will toss out a few others I have heard but cannot put with a name: Yao's absence will sink in and kill the team. The Rockets are not good enough to make the playoffs. The Rockets cannot beat any plus .500 teams without Yao and will be the ninth seed at best.
So, with the above criticism heard loud and clear, I decided to let the Rockets inspiring 18-game winning streak speak for itself.
Jan. 29 vs. Golden State Warriors W 111 - 107
Feb. 1 at Indiana Pacers W 106 - 103
Feb. 2 at Milwaukee Bucks W 91 - 83
Feb. 4 at Minnesota Timberwolves W 92 - 86
Feb. 7 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers W 92 - 77
Feb. 9 vs. Atlanta Hawks W 108 - 89
Feb. 11 vs. Portland Trail Blazers W 95 - 83
Feb. 13 vs. Sacramento Kings W 89 - 87
Feb. 19 at Cleveland Cavaliers W 93 - 85
Feb. 21 vs. Miami Heat W 112 - 100
Feb. 22 at New Orleans Hornets W 100 - 80
Feb. 24 vs. Chicago Bulls W 110 - 97
Feb. 26 vs. Washington Wizards W 94 - 69
Feb. 29 vs. Memphis Grizzlies W 116 - 95
Mar. 2 vs. Denver Nuggets W 103 - 89
Mar. 5 vs. Indiana Pacers W 117 - 99
Mar. 6 at Dallas Mavericks W 113 - 98
Mar. 8 vs. New Orleans Hornets W 106 - 96
Gee Jon Barry, you're right. No good teams in that list. Denver sucks, Golden State is awful, the New Orleans Hornets are nobody, Cleveland has the worst player in the NBA, Portland did not win 13 games in a row and the Dallas Mavericks are worse than the New York Knicks.
I hope that sarcasm rapid fire did not injure you when you put that microphone down, Jon.
Let's be clear: 18 consecutive victories now wins the Rockets nothing in April, May and June. It does nothing to cement them a playoff spot. All this winning has Houston buzzing about basketball again and a three game drop off could usher the red-hot Rockets out of the playoffs. Sad, huh?
The Western Conference is that ridiculous and the finish will be as wild as it sounds.
But, the Rockets should not continue a brilliant start to 2008 without proper recognition. I predicted this Rockets team would be good enough (with Yao Ming) to win the West. I had some company then, when the team had not played a game, and have much less now, after the team has proved it will not surrender because of a fallen star.
The Chuckster (that would Barkley) may see a team doomed to implode.
Here is what I see:
-An 18-game W streak where the Rockets have beaten opponents by an average of 17+ plus points. Only four of the 18 were not double-digit wins.
-Every NBA team must play the schedule in front of them. These Rockets have played theirs. Its toughness or softness in the season's second half cannot diminish this franchise-record accomplishment.
-The night after Yao Ming announced he would miss the remainder of the season, the Rockets hold a capable Washington Wizards team to 69 points. The shock of the terrible news could not have worn off, and yet, the resilient Rockets won by 25 points. You try dominating a team (with or without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler) the night of your squad's worst day in years.
-The Rockets survived a fourth quarter run by the New Orleans Hornets and the incredible Chris Paul (how does he not remind you of Isiah Thomas in a Pistons uniform?) to win comfortably Saturday night. You think this team would have gutted out a victory of this quality in November (see entry, blowing 17-point lead to Dallas Mavericks)? No way.
I wish I could punch through my television screen anytime someone plays the undermanned card against the Rockets. No Dirk Nowitzki, David West, Caron Butler?
Give me a break, you embiciles. The Rockets will be performing without the best center in the NBA, Yao Ming, for the rest of the season and playoffs--if they get there. It looks like remarkable rookie forward Carl Landry will also miss a few games.
Allow to give that weak "well, this team was missing player x" argument a ceremonious finger wag.
What does all this winning mean? What do you make of the Rockets scoring at least 100points in every game since Yao's injury announcement and no opponent hitting that mark in the six-game stretch? Can the Rockets keep up the defensive intensity and ball movement long enough for a deep playoff run?
We will know the answers to those questions in little more than a month. For now, Rockets fans, sit back and enjoy this wonderful team's wondrous run. If the streak continues next week, maybe some national sportscasters and analysts will step back from the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons lovefest and see how good this Houston team can be--even without its 7-6 centerpiece.
Maybe some of them will say the Rockets are on an historic roll--without adding an asterisk.
