There really is nowhere quite like New York when it comes to music except perhaps Nashville and Austin. NYC for me wins by a nose as it has the superb Vanguard and in the last 7 days I have already seen Fred Hersh and Bill Frissell and will be back for a second Frissell show this weekend. It is literally like having an artist play in your front room if you get there early and sit in the first two rows. The above clip is not from the Vanguard, but the track was the finale of last night’s set.
I also got to see the terrific Ronnie Earl at BB Kings and as usual on his 65th birthday, he was extraordinary. There is IMO no better blues player alive today.