Back to Basics

Both Rob Blaine and I got back to basics this week with the Acoustic video of "Must be Nice" off his Album Rob Blaine Big Ottis Blues. Rob Stripped the electric rig and changed it in for a beautiful Steel National. An amazing guitar, maybe not the best for playing outdoors on a cold December night, but it sure sounds good. When I started college it was for video. Something I loved, but a very restricting art form that required lots of money, and an east or west coast move. During my college years I fell in love with photo. It was very similar, only more controlled and I could stay in the great city of Chicago doing it. I could take my time and light a shot perfectly without worrying about the subject moving freely through the space. In the last couple years Digital SLR's have made incredible advancements in the HD video department. With the high quality lenses I use for photo I can also now shoot video. I have been working on getting back to my roots of video, while I still love photo, I'm looking forward to blending the two more often in intimate performances like this. Enjoy.

Gogol Bordello and Devotchka

Gogol Bordello and DeVotchKa passed through Chicago Last night on their "Trans-Continental Hustle" Tour and I had the opportunity to participate in all the madness that is Gypsy Punk! DeVotchKa opened the show with a sound that's a little Eastern-European, a little rock, and a little punk, which makes it a lot of good. The exceptional vocals of Nick Urata filled the high domed ceilings of The Congress Theater while the band played an exceptionally tight set full of tuba, accordion, cello, violin and of course, the theremin. After a short break the nonsense continued as Gogol Bordello and his band of Gypsy Punks took the stage. Bordellos Energy was plentiful and infectious. It only took a few strums of his beat up old guitar to have the whole crowd jumping in unison, screaming every word along with him. It was my first time seeing Bordello, but I have listened to his music for a while and always wanted to photograph him. By the end of the show Bordello and his band looked emaciated, and exhausted. It was a treat to see such a passionate group of musicians give it their all and put on one hell of a show.

Gogol Bordello from Chris Monaghan on Vimeo.

Here's a little clip of the nonsense that went on last night at the Aragon, enjoy! I will post more when I get around to it. Also, first video I shot with my new Rhode Stereo Video mic. I was right up against the speakers so the bass is still a little overwhelming on some other videos I will post later I was posted up by the soundboard. It sounds great! so hang tight.