September 25, 1941, seventy years ago today, the first Aquaman story hit the stands, printed in More Fun Comics #73. Created by writer Mort Weisinger and artist Paul Norris, he is one of a handful of superhero characters to appear continuously since those early days of comic books. Here’s a little painting I did of the sea king a few years ago.
Soon after the release of the one and only CD by my first band, The Smarties, I recruited some friends to help me record a solo project, The Aquatones. Named after my aqua-colored Fender Mustang, The Aquatones consisted of musicians who had all been members of The Smarties at one time or another. Mark Bilyeu, one-time bass player for The Smarties, engineered the recording and also played guitar and sang back-up. Jay Williamson was the original percussionist for The Smarties and played snare and bongos here. Matt Netzer played bass and Sheri Hurst sang back-up and played tambourine and maracas. We recorded all 6 songs ‘live’ in the living room of a house in the woods that belonged to Mark’s family on a Sunday night in October of 1996. The set consisted of one of my songs and others originally done by Ricky Nelson, X, Lone Justice, The Jive Five, and Madonna. Considering the constraints of having only one night to record and recording without overdubs, I think it turned out pretty good. Now you can check out The Aquatones on the internet.
Keep an eye out for a new recording from my current band Spoilsport. We’ve been working on it off and on for a while now but we’re getting really close to finishing it up. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer!
My painting exhibit is still up at SPACE 242, and I’ll be there Tuesday, August 18, 7-8pm for an artist talk. The other artists and I now showing at the gallery will discuss our current exhibitions, our work process, and answer questions. If you still haven’t had a chance to check out the exhibit it would be a great time to stop by.
Spoilsport is very excited to be playing at Jacque’s Cabaret Friday, August 21 2009. Jacques is located at 79 Broadway, Boston, MA in the theatre district. Admission is $10 and gives you access to both the drag show(!) and rock show. 21+ 8:30pm-12am. Nearest subway stops: Green Line-Arlington Street, Orange Line-New England Medical Center. Our friends Thick Shakes and The Great Buriers will also be playing.