Lettuce with John Scofield @ SF JAZZ 3/24/2019

Lettuce's 2018 Winter Tour hadn't come to an end yet before they announced a handful of Spring time shows. Back in December, the funkadelic jam-band from Boston revealed they'd headline shows through out March in L.A., Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Colorado. Known for blurring the line between funk and jazz, their 4 night residency in San Francisco was at SFJAZZ Center with famous jazz guitarist, John Scofield March 21st - 24th.

Lettuce @ SFJAZZ 3/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Lettuce @ SFJAZZ 3/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Their set was held in The Miner Auditorium on the first floor of SFJAZZ Center: a good size room, open and accommodating with standing room on the dance floor and tiers of amphitheater seating.

Lettuce @ SFJAZZ 3/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

The lobby was bustling with people shuffling around either getting drinks at the bar, a bite to eat at B-Side restaurant, picking up tickets from will-call, checking out merch or finding their way to the show they were going to. 

The demographic of the diverse crowd there to see the special Lettuce show was to be expected given the fan bases of the artists sharing the stage and the venue itself. Thirty something year old burners, some "dirty" hippies, OG Dead Heads and grown Summer of Love hippies filled the space on the floor or took their seats for the 7:00 show. Being my first time seeing a show at SFJAZZ Center and not particularly a jazz show goer, I'm not accustom to such an early start time but it was kind of nice. Early start, early finish. 

Lettuce with John Scofield @ SFJAZZ 3/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Guitarist Adam Deitch, bassist Erick "Jesus" Coomes, keyboardist/vocalist Nigel Hall, saxophonist Ryan Zoidis and trumpet player Eric Bloom of Lettuce quietly came out and started the show with three instrumental songs. Their sound was crisp and clear as they jammed with precision in a room that takes pride in making each musician sound their very best. The songs had a distinct ending so you could tell when one song ended and the next song began which isn't typical with jam bands or funk bands for that matter.

Lettuce with John Scofield @ SFJAZZ 3/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

The crowd stayed relatively quite too but that didn't stop them from dancing out on the dance floor. After the first three songs, John Scofield came out and joined Lettuce. Stationed stage left, his addition was seamless as he humbly lent more jazz guitar to the set.








Not only did they play alongside each other but  Scofield and Erick "Jesus" Coomes played off of each other. Feeding off of each other they created groovy vibes from their respective guitar and bass felt throughout the room. All you had to do was look around to know that everyone there was digging it.
I'm not sure if their forth and final show together that Sunday night was sold out like their previous three shows at SFJAZZ were. If it wasn't, it was pretty close and for good reason. Even if jazz and funk aren't your scene, it was pretty cool to see artists who do what they do so well on stage together at a venue that doesn't typically hold shows like these.

Lettuce with John Scofield @ SFJAZZ 3/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Lettuce's last 2019 Spring show is tomorrow night at The Roseland Theater in Portland Oregon.

Lettuce with John Scofield @ SFJAZZ 3/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019

Last month the LA based band Cherry Glazerr released, Stuffed & Ready their much anticipated third album. Then they did what bands tend to do, they hit the road on tour in support of their new album. 

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

Cherry Glazerr’s  SF show at The Independent on March 10th was quick to sell-out regardless of the fact that they played here in October.

Starting with the mellow sounds of Palehound, the Sunday night show slowly but steadily filled to the expected intimacy of a sold-out show. Opening for Cherry Glazerr since the start of the tour in February, Boston's Palehound played a longer, 45 minute opening set in SF. Except for a couple quick, bashful words from lead singer Ellen Kempner, they kept to themselves, playing their music in the murky club lighting.  

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

The anticipation in the air came to ahead around 9:30 when Clementine Creevy and the rest of Cherry Glazerr behind her started their set. They're back down to a three piece after synth player Sasami Ashworth bowed out to go solo last year. Fans at The Independent saw Creevy holding it down on vocals and guitar, Tabor Allen on drums and Devin O'Brien on bass. 

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

They opened with "Ohio" the first song off of Stuffed & Ready. The song walks the fine line between hard and vulnerable with an upbeat energy (as far as indie music goes). A good recipe for a set topper.

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

As a whole, the new album offers a softer sound than previous releases from the grungy, indie-rock band with more of a fuzzy reverb and those breathless vocals from Creevy in conjunction with bouts that have her shouting. Like with the openers, the venue remained dimly lit and the addition of swirling lights made the music from Cherry Glazerr almost hypnotic, like one might find themselves feeling at a psychedelic rock show. 

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

They played a lot of new stuff like "Wasted Nun", "Juicy Socks", "Dadddi" and "Stupid Fish" along with some of oldies but goodies, like "Trash People", the instrumental "Apocalipstick" and one of my personal faves "Grilled Cheese" (apparently a song written when Creevy was hungry). 

There was no moshing or thrashing of any sort in the crowd and things remained pretty low key on stage as well for the hour or so that they played. After 18 songs, their set came to an end with their classic, guitar lick rich, girl power, head banging anthem "Told You I'd Be with the Guys". 

Cherry Glazerr @ The Independent 3/10/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

Cherry Glazerr will continue touring the states after returning from their spring tour around Europe. 

Green Velvet Cupcake from Urban Cookies in Phoenix

There was so much to see and eat on my vacation to Arizona and I fully enjoyed taking it all in with good friends. Since it was my first time in Phoenix, my friend who used to live there brought me to Urban Cookies, a must-stop: a bakeshop that specializes in cookies but they also have cupcakes.
Delicious cookies and cupcakes recommended by friend who knows their stuff? 

Sold. 

We were engulfed in a sensory overload of yum as soon as we walked into Urban Cookies Bakeshop on 7th Street in Central Phoenix.  I deeply inhaled the warm scent of baked butter and sugar that swirled in the air. It smelled so good it made you want to eat the air. Imagine walking into a chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven, that's what walking into Urban Cookies for the first time is like.

Cupcakes at Urban Cookies in Phoenix Arizona
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Cupcakes at Urban Cookies in Phoenix Arizona
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Along with cookies and cupcakes, Urban Cookies also has donuts, desert bars, cakes, ice cream and coffee on their menu. Their gourmet pastries are always made from scratch using the most natural ingredients possible including organic sugar, as well as ingredients free of artificial additives, colors and preservatives. 

Taking up a better portion of the wooden counter top, the spread of scrumptious cupcakes sprawled like a cute flower bed blooming with different flavors. 15 different flavors to be exact. Three of which were St. Paddy's day Specials: the not kid friendly Irish Cream and Irish Coffee and the kid friendly Green Velvet. The gluten free chocolate cake with green cream cheese frosting and a glittery green, lucky clover topper of the Green Velvet called me. 

Wrapped in a single brown kraft paper wrapper, my to-go cupcake was neatly popped into to matching brown Chinese to-go box. I really liked the simple rustic aesthetic of Urban Cookie: it's not a shabby or Bohemian chic that you see in so many bakeries these days. It's wood and metal fixtures let the baked goods sell themselves (the delicious aromas help too). 

Cupcakes at Urban Cookies in Phoenix Arizona
photo by Nikki DeMartini

The chocolate cake of the cupcake was very, cakey. The word moist is used a lot to describe cake and this one was moist but there was something more to it. The gluten free, velvet cake recipe (which can involve baking soda and vinegar or sour cream) made for a more gooey, cake texture. The chocolate flavor itself was just a hint but it worked with the rich cream cheese frosting. Thick, smooth and well balanced, the cream cheese frosting wasn't too sweet and was definitely, classically, cream cheese frosting. Every bite was velvety and fresh and just sweet enough.

I also got a cookie from Urban Cookies, how could I not? And, like the cupcake, the cookie did not disappoint. 

I'm lucky to have friends to tell me where the good cupcakes are when I visit and luckily for you, now you know to give Urban Cookies in Phoenix a visit, too! 

Jungle @ The Fox Theater 3/5/2019

Jungle @ The Fox Theater in Oakland 3/5/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

London's Jungle headlined at The Fox Theater in Oakland on the very night I returned to the Bay after working Envision in the middle of jungle in Costa Rica.

Jungle @ The Fox Theater in Oakland 3/5/2019
photo by Marc Fong

The funky disco beats of the neo-soul band had fans dancing throughout the sold-out show, making what was a chilly Tuesday night in downtown Oakland a hot one. 

Jungle at The Fox Theater in Oakland 3/5/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

The last stop on their North American tour is at Marathon Music works in Tennessee on March 23rd. For Ever is out now.

Jungle @ The Fox Theater in Oakland 3/5/2019
photo by Marc Fong

set-list 3/5/2019 

1. Smile

2. Heavy, California 

Jungle @ The Fox Theater in Oakland 3/5/2019
photo by Marc Fong

3. The Heart 

4. Julia 

5. Beat 54 (All Good Now) 

6. Cherry 

7. Pray 

8. Lucky I Got What I Want 

9. Crumbler 

10. Casio 

11. Drops 

12. Platoon

13. Busy Earnin'

14. Time

Jungle @ The Fox Theater in Oakland 3/5/2019
photo by Marc Fong 

Albert Hammond Jr. @ The Independent 2/27/2019

The 27th Annual Noise Pop Festival welcomed Albert Hammond Jr. to The Independent on Wednesday February 27th.

Albert Hammond Jr. @ The Independent 2/27/2019
photo by Marc Fong



As of 2006 The Strokes guitarist has made quite a solo career for himself with 4 albums and a steady stream of touring. His last stint in SF proved he's still a popular draw as his show with In The Valley Below and The She's was sold out.

Albert Hammond Jr. @ The Independent 2/27/2019
photo by Marc Fong

There's a certain nostalgia in the charismatic post-punk, indie-rock he creates and brings to the stage with passionate vigor. This might be lost on Millennials but not in the memories of that often forgotten generation who came before them.

 Hammond's lively delivery is as expressive as the lyrics in his songs. Like the lovable Ace Ventura, his face stretches to get the point across clearly as he sings. 

Albert Hammond Jr. @ The Independent 2/27/2019
photo by Marc Fong

The set flourished with tracks off of his latest release, 2018's  Francis Trouble and he even treated fans to the bright layers and relaxed tone of his brand new single, "Fast Times". Hammond's rhythmic guitar hooks and eighties, new wave aesthetic seem to be something that will never get old. 

Albert Hammond Jr. @ The Independent 2/27/2019
photo by Marc Fong

set-list 2/27/2019 

1. Dvsl 

2. Rude Customer 

3. Caught By My Shadow 

4.  GfC

5. Far Away Truths

6. Drunched In Crumbs 

7. St. Justice 

8. Side Boob 

9. Rocky's Late Night 

10. Fast Times 

11. Holiday 

12. Harder, Harder, Harder

13. Set To Attack 

14. Carnal Cruise 

15. Tea for Two 

16. In Transit 

17. Screamer 

Looking forward to new music

2019  going to start heating up real quick, real soon with all the new music slated to be released. Alice Merton and Weezer  dropped new records in January. Cherry Glazerr dropped their third studio album, Stuffed & Ready  on February 1st. Magic Giant, The Black Keys and FOALS are just some who have already given us some fresh new singles and there's more where that came from and even more new music to look forward to!

Billie Eilish: She looks like a ghetto fabulous tomboy, sings like a sweet indie prodigy and is probably the most in demand performer right now. Everyone wants Billie Eilish. 

On March 29th, after three years of touring, dropping hot singles and collabs, we finally get the 17 year old's very first, full length album. Her wildly anticipated, When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? is a line plucked from her latest single, "Bury a Friend" and she's announced a tour in support of her album debut. 2019 might be Billie's biggest year yet and we couldn't be more excited about it. 

Chemical Brothers: April 12th is the day we get No Geography, the 9th studio album from the English electronic wizards Chemical Brothers. They've also announced an extensive world tour following the release. 

There are only three cities that make up their up-coming North American tour in support of their upcoming new album: Mexico City at Pepsi Center WTC on May 12th, Los Angeles at Shrine Expo Hall on May 15th  and the third and final one is at The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on May 17th. These dates mark the first time since 2015 that Chemical Brothers have played live in the United States. 

Cage The Elephant: On November 26th 2018, Cage The Elephant announced that their fifth studio album was complete. On January 31st, the band officially released, "Ready To Let Go" the first single off of the new album. Within in that same week, Cage revealed the April 19th release date of Social Cues. This will be the Kentucky bred rock n rollers' first album since 2015's Tell Me I'm Pretty and like so many other bands do when they release a new album, they'll be hitting the road in support of their new tunes. Catch Cage The Elephant at some Summer Music Fests before kicking off their co-headlining tour with BECK in July. 

Lizzo: Around the same time as announcing her third, full length studio album, Lizzo dropped two new singles, the 80's inspired "Juice" and sassy love ballad "Cuz I Love You". Cuz I Love you is also the name of her new album which is slated to drop on April 19th. Coachella and two Faux-chella shows at The Warfield in SF on April 22nd and 24th are the first stops on her Cuz I Love You tour. 

Lux Prima: It's rumored that the record created by the forces of Karen O and Danger Mouse was 11 years in the making. The record, Lux Prima is the out come of their joint effort of the same name. Their sound is ominously optimistic with some of their previous works with Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Black Keys lurking in the undertones. Singles "Lux Prima" and "Woman" are already out for your listening pleasure and the whole album comes out on March 15th. 

Ellie Goulding: Last year the pop starlet released "Close to Me" a collaborative single with Diplo and after five long years since Delirium, Ellie Goulding is said to return this year with a brand new album.   It's unknown when her new album will be released or what the name of it is but we can expect a bolder sound with fewer collabs from the English sensation. 

Sylvan Esso: Since their 2017 sophomore album, What Now? Sylvan Esso have given us a few new singles: "PARAD(w/m)E" and "Funeral Singers". 

 With Amelia back on the road with Mountain Man, touring in support of the band's 2018 album Magic Ship could there be a third Sylvan Esso album in the works?

The Raconteurs: It has been 11 years since one of Jack White's many projects, the rock ensemble band The Raconteurs released an album. Late last year they surprised us with two new songs, "Sunday Driver" and "Now That You're Gone". The delivery of their new moody blues did not disappoint but there hasn't been any follow up about a full length album since. 

 Will 2019 be the year we get the third album The Raconteurs? Have they hopped on the "only releasing singles" bandwagon? 

In true Jack White fashion, he's keeping us guessing in anticipation. 

Grouplove: 

Grouplove has said that a new album is in the works which would be the first new tunes we've heard from the "Tongue Tied" stars since 2016. Hopefully we'll get a better idea of when we can expect to get a forth album from them during their set at Shaky Knees Festival in May. 

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Since their 1988 debut, Belgium's edgy  New Beat band, Lords of Acid have seen a lot of changes in terms of members and contributors.One of the things has remained the same for the last 30 + years is their raunchy, borderline hardcore rock with outrageous, sex-driven lyrics.  

Last year they released Pretty in Kink,  their first album in 6 years, which coincidentally is also their 6th album. A pioneer of the rave and hardcore scene, Lords of Acid founder and current keyboardist/ back up vocalist Praga Khan and the current LOA ensemble announced they'd be going on tour across The States shortly after the release of the album. 

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

The Pretty in Kink tour made it's way to the UC Theater in Berkeley on Sunday February 24th with Gabriel and The Apocalypse, Genitorturers and industrial techno favorite from the 90's, Orgy. 

Sweet Sound Bites contributor Marc Fong was not familiar with Lords of Acid and their antics: here's his first hand experience of what the first time with LOA is like. 

After three opening acts the nearly sold-out crowd was eager and more than ready to get their fill of the headliners. It was getting late for a Sunday night and just after 11:00, Lords of Acid finally took the stage. Lead by Marieke Bresseleers with Khan on keys, the whole band sounded great on the elevated staged as they shredded their sexy ballads. But what do you call a band like Lords of Acid? An Industrial band? Dark Techno? Acid House Dance? However you categorize them, they know how to give fans what they want. 

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

In a bondage fashioned one-piece, black fishnets and boots, Bresseleers, who's been with the band for about 8 years now, sashayed on stage like a prize winning fighter. Her alluring stage presence was theatrical and engaging as she interacted with her band-mates and fans. Everyone's energy was interchangeable. 

Her powerful vocals remained strong as she belted out old and new favorites while writhing around like the rascal that she is. Khan held it down on keys, calm and steady like the pro that he is, really letting the rest of the band drive the show that went on well into the early morning hours of Monday.

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

There's a reason why Lords of Acid have remained relevant over three decades: sex sells and they're ability to mix that fun with heavy industrial and techno beats has created a signature sound that keeps fans coming back for more. They say you never forget your first time and this introduction to LOA will not be forgotten.
Lords of Acid gave Berkeley a great show and they will continue to spread their love as their U.S. tour rolls on.

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

review written by Nikki DeMartini and Marc Fong