The Mastersons at SXSW 2011

Tonight’s show at The Bowery Poetry Club is a very solid double feature.  Up first is The Mastersons, a band formed around Chris Masterson and Eleanor Masterson (nee Whitmore), a married couple who have had separate careers but have recently started performing together.  Chris was in Son Volt (version 2.0) and plays electric lead guitar; Eleanor plays acoustic guitar and fiddle and has performed with many folks including James Maddock and Kelly Willis and has a fine solo album out.  They’ve put together a band and written some new songs which range from rock to Americana.  A debut album is also in the works.

The top of the bill belongs to The Jim Keller Band.  Back in the early 80s, Jim wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays (including Chris Masterson).  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.

The Mastersons and The Jim Keller Band, The Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery, between Houston and Bleecker Streets (F Train to 2nd Ave, 6 Train to Bleecker Street), 8:30pm

Here are the second five albums in my Best of 2011 list; you’ll find the first part here.

Israel Nash Gripka – Barn Doors and Concrete Floors: Israel’s last record made my Best of 2009 list, and this one is equally good.  I’ve been explaining what Barn Doors and Concrete Floors sounds like to people by saying it is as if Neil Young and John Fogerty met in 1971 and formed a band.  But don’t let that description make you think that Israel Nash Gripka is anything other than someone who is using a classic sound to create some wonderful brand new guitar band music. Fools Gold and Goodbye Ghost are the standouts here, but in any event this is a good record to play loud.

Jim Keller Band – Soul Candy: After being away from writing and performing music for a number of years (he was in Tommy TuTone and co-wrote 867-5309/Jenny), Jim Keller has collected a band full of top notch musicians and been performing in small local venues and recording.  Soul Candy is Jim’s second album in as many years.   You’ll find 10 soul tinged songs on the record ranging from rockers like Meltdown and Giving It Up To Love to ballads like Julianne and Modern Girl.  And of course Jim makes skillful use of a horn section.

James Maddock – Wake Up and Dream: The hardest thing in writing about James Maddock is coming up with an apt short description of his music.  Folk Rock might be close, but much of James’ work is close to anthemic.  That aside, the new album from James, Up and Dream, is a delight.  There are 12 songs that range from energetically uptempo (Beautiful Now, Living A Lie) to the more introspective (Mr. Universe, Keep Your Dreams) and points in between (the title cut).  The same band that played on James’ last two records as well as his live shows is back again and providing a very full sound.  James has played many of these songs live over the past couple of years and it’s good to have them finally recorded.

My Pet Dragon – Mountains and Cities: Met Pet Dragon has taken elements from 80s synth pop and from that era’s U2 and combined them into anthemic and danceable rock.  This album includes two excellent songs previously issued on EPs last year, Lover in Hiding and Flow and adds more standouts including Majestic Lovers, Moonshine, Lightning Inside and Songbird.  This record sounds good turned up as well.

Bess Rogers – Out of the Ocean: This wonderful record full of power pop is the follow up to last years EP, Bess Rogers Presents Bess Rogers.  Out of the Ocean was inspired by a book about evolution, but the lyrics are broad enough to be more than just about that.  The songs here are well crafted, the arrangements inventive and Bess’ vocals are exactly what is called for.  I always have a tough time moving past I’ll Be Gone, but other standout tracks include Math & Science, Anchor and Water & Dirt.

Bubbling Under

I had a hard time cutting this list down to 10 records. There were a number of records which I liked a great deal but which found themselves just below the line.  So here are those albums of exceptional merit which did not make the list this year, but which you should pick up and enjoy:

Julia Haltigan - My Green Heart

Madison Square Gardeners – Teeth of Champions

Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now

Amy Speace – Land Like A Bird

Ursa Minor – Showface

Wait Till Next Year

I also left off two records which have not been officially released but were being sold at live appearances by these two bands.  Their official release should occur in 2012 and they’ll be as close to a sure thing for next year’s Top 10 list as you can get:

The Mastersons – Birds Fly South

Melody Kills

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums of 2011 list.  And Jim and the band are in the studio now recording the followup to that album, so I’d expect to hear some of the songs they’ve been working on tonight.

The Jim Keller Band, Spike Hill, 184 & 186 Bedford Avenue between N. 6th & N. 7th Streets, Brooklyn (L Train to Bedford Avenue) 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums of 2011 list.  And Jim and the band are in the studio now recording the followup to that album, so I’d expect to hear some of the songs they’ve been working on tonight.

The Jim Keller Band, Don Pedro, 90 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, between Boerum and McKibbin Streets (G Train to Broadway, J or M Train to Lorimer Street or L Train to Montrose Avenue), show 9pm, No Cover

This is the second of three Monday night shows for My Pet Dragon at which Todd Michelsen and Reena Shah of the band are trying out new material.  Todd describes each of these shows as as a “funky acoustic, stripped down set with loops and trumpets and new sounds.”  Last week’s show was fun and some older songs were mixed in as well.  If you like seeing music grow before your eyes, this show is for you.

Stick around after My Pet Dragon leaves the stage, as they will be followed by another  Now I’ve Heard Everything favorite, The Jim Keller Band.  Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums of 2011 list.  And Jim and the band are in the studio now recording the followup to that album, so I’d expect to hear some of the songs they’ve been working on tonight.

My Pet Dragon (10pm), Jim Keller Band (11pm), Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), No Cover (but a contribution for each band is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums of 2011 list.  And Jim and the band have been in the studio recording the followup to that album, so I’d expect to hear some of the songs they’ve been working on tonight.  This is an early show (7pm), so if you can’t stay out late on a school night, it’s perfect for you.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 7pm, No Cover (but a contribution for each band is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums of 2011 list.  And Jim and the band have been in the studio recording the followup to that album, so I’d expect to hear some of the songs they’ve been working on tonight.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 11pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums of 2011 list.  And Jim and the band have been in the studio recording the followup to that album, so I’d expect to hear some of the songs they’ve been working on tonight.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 11pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums of 2011 list.  And Jim and the band have been in the studio recording the followup to that album, so I’d expect to hear some of the songs they’ve been working on tonight.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums list a few years back.  And Jim and the band have been in the studio recording the followup to that album.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 10pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums list a few years back.  And Jim and the band have been in the studio recording the followup to that album.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Stage 2, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  The Jim Keller Band is made up of some of New York City’s musical mainstays.  One thing for sure, these guys know how to rock.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums list a few years back.  Even though Sunday is a school night, this show starts early and you’ll be able to get home before it gets too late.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  Jim’s album, Soul Candy, was on the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums list a few years back, and he has a brand new album, Heaven Can Wait ready to be released next month (and yes, it is a good one).  All this takes place at Beast of Bourbon.  It features BBQ, 42 beers on tap, an extensive selection of bourbons, and is less than five minutes away from the G Train.

Jim Keller, Beast of Bourbon, 710 Myrtle Avenue between Walworth and Spencer Streets (G Train to Myrtle – Willoughby), 9-11pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Tonight, Jim Keller plays the record release show for his just about to be released album, Heaven Can Wait (I’ve heard it and it’s a real good one).  This show gets going at 8pm and you’ll thank yourself if you get down to The Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 to see it.

Here’s what you need to know about Jim.  Back in the early 80s, Jim Keller wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  About five years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.

This time out, The Jim Keller Band will consist of Jim on vocal and guitar, Rich Hinman on guitar, Adam Minkoff on bass, Yuval Lion on drums, Glenn Patscha on keyboards and Geoff Countryman on sax. Also sitting in with the band at some point during the set will be Shawn Pelton, Byron Isaacs, Erik Deutsch, Teddy Kumpel, Jeff Hermanson, Rick Parker and Alex Hamilton.

The Jim Keller Band, Rockwood Stage 2, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Regular readers of Now I’ve Heard Everything are already familiar with Jim Keller.  For those of you who are not, here’s the story: Jim was a member of Tommy Tutone back in the 80s and a co-writer of the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny.  Although Jim stopped writing and performing after that band broke up, he’s been back at it for a while now.  The live shows of  The Jim Keller Band, originally at The Lakeside Lounge and now mostly at The Rockwood Music Hall, are high energy and rock your socks off.

Jim’s latest record, Heaven Can Wait, is being released this coming Tuesday, June 10th.  It’s a bit of a change of pace for Jim.  It’s an album set in the wee hours of the night, so the usual horn section doesn’t make an appearance this time around.  Jim’s vocals are upfront and soulful.  Heaven Can Wait is an excellent album and you should get a copy.

But two of you out there can win your copy of Heaven Can Wait, courtesy of Jim Keller.  All you need to do enter this giveaway is to leave a comment to this post.  Since this is a summer weekend, I’ll wait until Monday, June 9th, to pick  a winner at random.  The winner will be announced that morning.

Read the complete rules and enter the giveaway after the jump.

Here are the Now I’ve Heard Everything Jim Keller Heaven Can Wait Giveaway Rules (aka The Fine Print):

Enter the Now I’ve Heard Everything Jim Keller Heaven Can Wait Giveaway by leaving  a comment to this post, no purchase of anything is required.  Free access to the Internet and entry to this giveaway may be available through your local public library.  All entrants must be residents of the United States, be at least 21 years of age and your completed entry shall constitute your certification that you comply with these requirements.  Only one entry per person permitted; any additional entries shall be disregarded.  Inappropriate, obscene and spam comments shall not be considered as entries.  Employees of Now I’ve Heard Everything and their families are not be eligible for entry.  All entries must be received by 7:00 am Eastern Time on June 9, 2014.  The decision of Now I’ve Heard Everything as to the validity of an entry shall be final.

The prize for the Now I’ve Heard Everything 4th Anniversary Giveaway is a CD copy of Yes, You.  The value of the  prize is $15.  There will be no substitution for the prize.  Any taxes on the prize are the responsibility of the winner.

Two winners will be chosen at random from all valid entries.  Your chances of  winning depends on the number of entrants.  Winner will be contacted by email as to how the prizes will be provided to them. In the event that a prize winner does not claim the prize, that prize will be forfeited.

The total liability of Now I’ve Heard Everything, its employees and its agents shall have with respect to the Jim Keller Heaven Can Wait Giveaway, no matter what theory of liability or recovery, shall be limited to the value of the prize as defined previously in these rules.  Your completed entry shall be your acceptance of this limitation of liability.

Good luck!

Here’s what you need to know about Jim Keller.  Back in the early 80s, Jim wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  Some years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  Jim has released three albums over the past five years including Heaven Can Wait, which was issued earlier this year.

This time out, The Jim Keller Band will consist of Jim on vocal and guitar, Rich Hinman on guitar, Adam Minkoff on bass, Yuval Lion on drums, Glenn Patscha on keyboards and Geoff Countryman on sax.  Also sitting in at some point during the set will be Andy Hess, Jon Cowherd, Shawn Pelton, Jon Graboff,  Jeff Hermanson, Rick Parker and Alex Hamlin.  Jim calls this collection of additional musicians Jim Keller’s Revolving Door.

And Jim’s earlier hit?  You’ll undoubtedly hear 867-5309/Jenny tonight, and it will most likely be the best version of that song you’ve ever experienced.

The Jim Keller Band and Jim Keller’s Revolving Door, Rockwood Stage 2, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Here’s what you need to know about Jim Keller.  Back in the early 80s, Jim wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  Some years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  Jim has released three albums over the past five years including Heaven Can Wait, which was issued earlier this year.

This time out, The Jim Keller Band will consist of Jim on vocal and guitar, Rich Hinman on guitar, Adam Minkoff on bass, Yuval Lion on drums, Jon Cowherd on keyboards and Geoff Countryman on sax.  Also sitting in at some point during the set will be Bob Glaub, Scott Sharrard, Todd Caldwell , Shawn Pelton, plus some horns.  Jim calls this collection of additional musicians Jim Keller’s Revolving Door.

And Jim’s earlier hit?  You’ll undoubtedly hear 867-5309/Jenny tonight, and it will most likely be the best version of that song you’ve ever experienced.

The Jim Keller Band and Jim Keller’s Revolving Door, Rockwood Stage 2, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Sometimes the universe conspires to place an astonishing number of top notch musicians playing on or close to the same time on a single night.  Tonight is one of those nights.  Here are six wonderful choices for you to mix and match.

Over at the original stage of The Rockwood Music Hall you can go early and stay late.  The Lascivious Biddies, take the stage there at 7pm.  Time Out New York describes them as having “angelic vocal harmonies, wordy humor, jazz chops & pop moxie.”  That sounds as good a description as you can find of them.  Next, long-time Now I’ve Heard Everything favorite Julia Haltigan will play a duo show with mandolin and harmonica player Emmet Haltigan, her dad.  Julia is a wonderfully eclectic songwriter with a powerful voice.  The duo will get going at 8pm.  Then, at 9pm,  the Tony Scherr Trio with Anton Fier and Rob Jost will play another show in their long-running Monday night residence.  You can expect to hear crunchy guitar parts, slide work and extended jams.  But there can be more introspective numbers too: I’ve even seen Tony unplugged his electric guitar for a quiet song.

Now let’s turn to the cozy and subterranean Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3, whose entrance is on Orchard Street.  At 7pm you find enough songwriters there to field a baseball team.  That’s when the latest installment of  The 9 Songwriter Series will start.  Tonight’s participants are Jes Hudak, Abby Ahmad, Joel Streeter, Bryan Dunn, Justin Trawick, Ina May Wool, Andy Mac, Markeisha Ensley, and Jacqueline Pie Francis.

Back on Allen Street, at Rockwood Stage 2, Jim Keller will bring his band and the accumulation of additional musicians that are now know as Jim Keller’s Revolving Door at 8pm.  Jim plays soul-tinged rock.  This year he released a fine new album, Heaven Can Wait.  He was also in the band Tommy Tutone back in the 80s, and yes, you’ll likely hear 867-5309/Jenny tonight.

Finally, in Williamsburg over at Pete’s Candy Store, old friend Milton will be leading a group of musicians pick for the occasion through a tribute to George Harrison.  This show gets started at 9pm.

The Lascivious Biddies (7pm), Julia Haltigan and Emmet Haltigan (8pm), Tony Scherr Trio with Anton Fier and Rob Jost (9pm), Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), No Cover (but a contribution for each band is highly recommended)

The 9 Songwriter Series featuring Jes Hudak, Abby Ahmad, Joel Streeter, Bryan Dunn, Justin Trawick, Ina May Wool, Andy Mac, Markeisha Ensley, Jacqueline Pie Francis, Rockwood Stage 3 , 185 Orchard Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 7pm, $10, with a $10 drink minimum

Jim Keller’s Revolving Door, Rockwood Stage 2, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Milton and friends play a tribute to George Harrison, Pete’s Candy Store, 709 Lorimer Street, Williamsburg (G Train to Metropolitan Avenue or L Train to Lorimer Street), 9pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly encouraged)

Here’s what you need to know about Jim Keller.  Back in the early 80s, Jim wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  Some years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  Jim has released three albums over the past five years including Heaven Can Wait, which was issued in 2014.

This time out, The Jim Keller Band will consist of Jim on vocal and guitar, Rich Hinman on guitar, Adam Minkoff on bass, Yuval Lion on drums, Glenn Patscha on keyboards and Geoff Countryman on sax.  Also sitting in at some point during the set will be Byron Isaacs,  Kevin Bents and Shawn Pelton.  In addition, Jim’s bandmate from Tommy TuTone, Tommy Heath will play with Jim for the first time since 1985.  Add a horn section and backing vocals, and you have what Jim calls Jim Keller’s Revolving Door.

And Jim’s earlier hit?  You’ll undoubtedly hear 867-5309/Jenny tonight, and it will most likely be the best version of that song you’ve ever experienced.

The Jim Keller Band and Jim Keller’s Revolving Door, Rockwood Stage 2, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 8pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)

Here’s what you need to know about Jim Keller.  Back in the early 80s, Jim wrote the still ubiquitous 867-5309/Jenny and was part of the band that recorded it, Tommy Tutone.  That band broke up shortly after that and Jim kept working as musician.  After a few years, he put his guitar away and ended up working for the music company of composer Philip Glass, licensing Glass’s music.  Some years ago, Jim dug his guitar out of the back of the closet and started writing and performing again.  Jim has released three albums over the past five years including Heaven Can Wait, which was issued in 2014.

This time out, Jim is playing with a new configuration, called Keller, Minkoff and Friends.  The band will consist of Jim on vocal and guitar, Adam Minkoff on bass and vocals,  Robbie Mangano on guitar, Scott Chasolen on keys and Tony Leone on drums.

Keller, Minkoff and Friends, The Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 9pm, No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended)