I know what you're thinking. He's been focusing on his "work blog", ignoring the personal stuff, and now...he's doing a blog about Christmas movies? He's a nice Jewish kid...why is he writing about Christmas movies? Well, this blog was inspired by Eric Fischgrund's new blog entry on his favorite Adam Sandler movies and partially by a conversation I had over the weekend with my wife. I think you will find my list to be unique, so here goes...my Top Five Christmas Movies.
5. Gremlins - He should have followed the three simple rules. But Billy didn't listen and paid the price. Phoebe Cates wasn't quite as good as she was in Fast Time at Ridgemont High, but memorable nonetheless.
4. Home Alone - Does anything really say the holidays like an eight year old kicking some burglar butt? I don't think so. In my opinion, the last great work by an amazing writer, John Hughes, who defined suburban family comedy in the 80's.
3. Bad Santa - Now this is really my kind of Christmas. Billy Bob Thornton at his raunchy best, stealing, cursing, and beating up kids and midgets. RIP Bernie Mac.
2. Die Hard & Die Hard 2 - These movies sparked the conversation with my wife. She asked if I had ever seen a Christmas Story or a Christmas Carol...who knows. Anyway, my response was that my idea of a Christmas movie is Die Hard. And Die Hard 2. John McClane saves the day...in both movies...on Christmas! The first time, in LA at a Christmas party he wasn't really invited to and the second time in DC at an airport after which his wife asks, "why does this keep happening to us?". He's a modern day superhero. Sadly, the third and fourth installments of the franchise didn't have anything to do with Christmas, otherwise, they too would have made the list.
1. Rocky IV - Could there be a bigger Christmas miracle than Rocky beating the Russian giant Ivan Drago and ending the Cold War? Rocky explains democracy to the Russians (with the help of an interpreter) and then wishes his son, who's home, a Merry Christmas. My all-time favorite Christmas movie moment.
And there you have it. What are some of your favorites? Leave them in the comment section. And if you haven't checked out the "work blog", check it out at www.NeuerSpace.wordpress.com.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive!"
JN
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Mariano - The Greatest of All Time
It's no secret that Mariano Rivera is the Greatest Of All Time with regard to baseball closers. Monday, I was lucky enough to be at Yankee Stadium when he broke the career record for regular season saves. Needless to say, Mariano is already the career leader in postseason saves. October is really where Mariano has defined his greatness.
I could list all of the accolades...12 time All Star, five time Rolaids Relief Man Award, ALCS MVP (2003), World Series MVP (1999) and five time World Series Champion...and on and on. However, the theme that kept coming through during the interviews on Monday was that he is an even better person than he is a player. That's a tall order.
One of the things that struck me about the record breaking save was the Minnesota Twins coming out of the dugout to applaud Mariano. Throughout his career, he has been humble, talked about the team first, and I can't ever remember him showing anyone up. He never had a confrontation on the mound and while he looked like he was having fun, it never appeared at someone else's expense. A lot of players, in all sports, can learn from the way he carries himself on and off the field.
I was there when Mo was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of the 1995 ALDS against the Mariners, a game that lasted 15 innings (3.1 innings, 2 hits, 5 K's). I was there when he closed out the Mets in 2000 and I am glad I was there Monday as I was for so many others. As many said, with Mariano on the mound, as a Yankee fan, there was and remains an extreme confidence that he will come through and a shock when he doesn't. He has 42 career postseason saves (and counting) and three heartbreaking blown saves that still give me nightmares. But not even Mo is perfect.
So today, in a short blog, I pay tribute to Mariano Rivera, the career leader in saves. When thinking about Mariano, I always come back to the quote from The Natural, which is actually modeled after a Ted Williams quote. Williams said, "A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine, to have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived'. In the movie, Roy Hobbs said, "And then when I walked down the street people would've looked and they would've said there goes Roy Hobbs, the best there ever was in this game."
Well, Mariano....you are the greatest.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive"
JN
I could list all of the accolades...12 time All Star, five time Rolaids Relief Man Award, ALCS MVP (2003), World Series MVP (1999) and five time World Series Champion...and on and on. However, the theme that kept coming through during the interviews on Monday was that he is an even better person than he is a player. That's a tall order.
One of the things that struck me about the record breaking save was the Minnesota Twins coming out of the dugout to applaud Mariano. Throughout his career, he has been humble, talked about the team first, and I can't ever remember him showing anyone up. He never had a confrontation on the mound and while he looked like he was having fun, it never appeared at someone else's expense. A lot of players, in all sports, can learn from the way he carries himself on and off the field.
I was there when Mo was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of the 1995 ALDS against the Mariners, a game that lasted 15 innings (3.1 innings, 2 hits, 5 K's). I was there when he closed out the Mets in 2000 and I am glad I was there Monday as I was for so many others. As many said, with Mariano on the mound, as a Yankee fan, there was and remains an extreme confidence that he will come through and a shock when he doesn't. He has 42 career postseason saves (and counting) and three heartbreaking blown saves that still give me nightmares. But not even Mo is perfect.
So today, in a short blog, I pay tribute to Mariano Rivera, the career leader in saves. When thinking about Mariano, I always come back to the quote from The Natural, which is actually modeled after a Ted Williams quote. Williams said, "A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine, to have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived'. In the movie, Roy Hobbs said, "And then when I walked down the street people would've looked and they would've said there goes Roy Hobbs, the best there ever was in this game."
Well, Mariano....you are the greatest.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive"
JN
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Ten years ago...
I woke up on Labor Day 2001 in my sister Linzy's Monmouth Beach condo planning to make an early drive to West Orange (where I was living for the summer) to beat the inevitable "Shore traffic". While getting dressed, I received a phone call from my friend, Brian Kirk.
The back story is...Brian is the front man for Brian Kirk and the Jirks, a wildly popular Shore cover band and if I had to guess, 2001 was near the peak of their popularity. Brian had befriended Anthony DiAco years earlier and Anthony was friends with both local rock stars, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Anthony's son Nick was either in high school or college at the time and was also a musician. Nick played with The Jirks pretty often at Donovan's Reef. Back story complete.
So Brian calls and says that Anthony is bringing Bruce to Donovan's that afternoon to see Nick sing with the band. Brian was trying to figure out how to make sure that Bruce came up on stage to play with him and band. I told him that he had to just make it really easy for Bruce and suggest songs that Bruce knows the words to (since there was no teleprompter) and I mentioned Mustang Sally as a possibility. He asked me to take some pictures with his camera if Bruce decided to play which I was more than happy to do.
Needless to say, I hung around the Shore for the day and headed to Donovan's in the early afternoon where I was joined by my sister and her crazy boyfriend at the time, Asher. We took a spot on the sea wall right in front of the stage. Part of the way through Brian's set, the DiAco clan appeared on top of the sea wall with none other than Bruce and Patti. Brian let the band play a song without him while he went up to chat with Bruce. When he came back to the stage, I taunted him to play Rosalita in front of Bruce. Little did I know what they had discussed.
Brian ran through a few more songs including Sweet Caroline during which I noticed Bruce singing along during the chorus and pumping his fist during the "so good, so good". Nick DiAco did a two song set and then it was show time. Wearing the ever present Dolphins hat from the era and overalls, Bruce and Patti made their way to the stage and Bruce took Brian's acoustic guitar. The band launched in to Rosalita and just crushed it. YouTube Link Now, remember that during the previous tour, Rosalita was played only once, so this was a big deal.
No one, especially Brian, was letting Bruce go after just one song so he asked Brian what other songs the band knew. They decided on 10th Avenue Freeze Out YouTube Link and Bruce even changed the "Big Man" lyrics to "Giles" to reflect the Jirks' sax player. After 10th Avenue, Bruce removed the guitar, but the crowd was going crazy. Brian suggested Mustang Sally and Bruce obliged. He led the band through the bar room favorite pointing to different band members to take solos. Keyboard player Bryan Douglas played his solo so hard that Bruce walked over to hold the keyboard steady.
After a loooong version, Patti whispered something in to Bruce's ear. He then went over and asked Brian a question to which he responded, "I know all the words!" Brian then started playing the chords for Jersey Girl, YouTube Link but there was one problem. Brian was playing it in the wrong key. Bruce leaned over his shoulder with a priceless look that said, "Nice try, but not quite". Brian changed to the right key, sang the first verse and then Bruce took over. (Except, when he got to the third verse, he forgot the words! Brian fed Bruce the lyrics until he caught on. Where's the damn teleprompter when you need it?
Bruce then said "Happy Labor Day Jersey Shore"...and with that, disappeared back in the crowd. It was a true highlight for everyone in attendance that day, many of us Donovan's regulars.
Little did we know, eight short days later, the world would change forever.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive..."
JN
The back story is...Brian is the front man for Brian Kirk and the Jirks, a wildly popular Shore cover band and if I had to guess, 2001 was near the peak of their popularity. Brian had befriended Anthony DiAco years earlier and Anthony was friends with both local rock stars, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Anthony's son Nick was either in high school or college at the time and was also a musician. Nick played with The Jirks pretty often at Donovan's Reef. Back story complete.
So Brian calls and says that Anthony is bringing Bruce to Donovan's that afternoon to see Nick sing with the band. Brian was trying to figure out how to make sure that Bruce came up on stage to play with him and band. I told him that he had to just make it really easy for Bruce and suggest songs that Bruce knows the words to (since there was no teleprompter) and I mentioned Mustang Sally as a possibility. He asked me to take some pictures with his camera if Bruce decided to play which I was more than happy to do.
Needless to say, I hung around the Shore for the day and headed to Donovan's in the early afternoon where I was joined by my sister and her crazy boyfriend at the time, Asher. We took a spot on the sea wall right in front of the stage. Part of the way through Brian's set, the DiAco clan appeared on top of the sea wall with none other than Bruce and Patti. Brian let the band play a song without him while he went up to chat with Bruce. When he came back to the stage, I taunted him to play Rosalita in front of Bruce. Little did I know what they had discussed.
Brian ran through a few more songs including Sweet Caroline during which I noticed Bruce singing along during the chorus and pumping his fist during the "so good, so good". Nick DiAco did a two song set and then it was show time. Wearing the ever present Dolphins hat from the era and overalls, Bruce and Patti made their way to the stage and Bruce took Brian's acoustic guitar. The band launched in to Rosalita and just crushed it. YouTube Link Now, remember that during the previous tour, Rosalita was played only once, so this was a big deal.
No one, especially Brian, was letting Bruce go after just one song so he asked Brian what other songs the band knew. They decided on 10th Avenue Freeze Out YouTube Link and Bruce even changed the "Big Man" lyrics to "Giles" to reflect the Jirks' sax player. After 10th Avenue, Bruce removed the guitar, but the crowd was going crazy. Brian suggested Mustang Sally and Bruce obliged. He led the band through the bar room favorite pointing to different band members to take solos. Keyboard player Bryan Douglas played his solo so hard that Bruce walked over to hold the keyboard steady.
After a loooong version, Patti whispered something in to Bruce's ear. He then went over and asked Brian a question to which he responded, "I know all the words!" Brian then started playing the chords for Jersey Girl, YouTube Link but there was one problem. Brian was playing it in the wrong key. Bruce leaned over his shoulder with a priceless look that said, "Nice try, but not quite". Brian changed to the right key, sang the first verse and then Bruce took over. (Except, when he got to the third verse, he forgot the words! Brian fed Bruce the lyrics until he caught on. Where's the damn teleprompter when you need it?Bruce then said "Happy Labor Day Jersey Shore"...and with that, disappeared back in the crowd. It was a true highlight for everyone in attendance that day, many of us Donovan's regulars.
Little did we know, eight short days later, the world would change forever.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive..."
JN
Monday, August 15, 2011
Life Changing Music
I was listening to E Street Radio recently and caught a clip of Brian Fallon, the lead singer of Gaslight Anthem, doing a Guest DJ spot. Fallon is a Jersey guy, in his early 30's, has played with Bruce and is even on the recent DVD release, London Calling, guesting on No Surrender.
The clip that I caught was of Fallon introducing Backstreets. He referred to Born To Run as an album that changed his life. I could certainly relate and all of a sudden found myself wondering:
"Will an album ever change my life again?"
The sad news is...I don't think so. I think when you are young and trying to figure out who you are, it's an amazing gift to find an artist, an album or even a song that can change your world or at least your perspective on the world. When you are young, your world is infinitely smaller. Music can open you up to what the world has to offer...what it might bring.
I remember driving at around 17 for hours listening to Bruce cassettes over and over. Hitting rewind and listening to Jungleland over and over. The romantic possibilities were intoxicating. The promise of something better that Born To Run offered made being a teenager a little easier.
Then in college, the world got a little bigger, but music could still make the same impact. Falling for a girl and then getting dumped by the same girl sucked, but it helped to know that there was somewhere somewhere who had gone through the same things. We knew because it was coming through the speakers in our dorm rooms. We knew because August and Everything After by Counting Crows was an album about being miserable about girls. Right?
At the time, it seemed like there was nothing better than these songs. Not to be overly dramatic, but they became entrenched in my soul. The songs that I connected with during those "growing up" years are the ones that I still listen to, still find comfort from, and still give me goosebumps at times. I was having a rough day last week and randomly Incident on 57th Street came on the radio.
For seven minutes and forty five seconds, everything was right in the world.
A piece of music might never change my life again, but I am certainly glad that there was a point in my life when it did.
Now that's not to say that new music doesn't move me or I don't fall in love with new records. Warren Zevon's last album, The Wind, was amazingly moving as he knew he was dying and wrote about it. It remains an amazing piece of work and gave me a new perspective I didn't have before. I don't remember enjoying a new album as much as Pills and Ammo, the new Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes record. It's tremendous. I just wish I was open enough to have them be life changing.
What music changed your life? I'd love to see a list from anyone who's reading.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive." - BS
JN
The clip that I caught was of Fallon introducing Backstreets. He referred to Born To Run as an album that changed his life. I could certainly relate and all of a sudden found myself wondering:
"Will an album ever change my life again?"
The sad news is...I don't think so. I think when you are young and trying to figure out who you are, it's an amazing gift to find an artist, an album or even a song that can change your world or at least your perspective on the world. When you are young, your world is infinitely smaller. Music can open you up to what the world has to offer...what it might bring.
I remember driving at around 17 for hours listening to Bruce cassettes over and over. Hitting rewind and listening to Jungleland over and over. The romantic possibilities were intoxicating. The promise of something better that Born To Run offered made being a teenager a little easier.
Then in college, the world got a little bigger, but music could still make the same impact. Falling for a girl and then getting dumped by the same girl sucked, but it helped to know that there was somewhere somewhere who had gone through the same things. We knew because it was coming through the speakers in our dorm rooms. We knew because August and Everything After by Counting Crows was an album about being miserable about girls. Right?
At the time, it seemed like there was nothing better than these songs. Not to be overly dramatic, but they became entrenched in my soul. The songs that I connected with during those "growing up" years are the ones that I still listen to, still find comfort from, and still give me goosebumps at times. I was having a rough day last week and randomly Incident on 57th Street came on the radio.
For seven minutes and forty five seconds, everything was right in the world.
A piece of music might never change my life again, but I am certainly glad that there was a point in my life when it did.
Now that's not to say that new music doesn't move me or I don't fall in love with new records. Warren Zevon's last album, The Wind, was amazingly moving as he knew he was dying and wrote about it. It remains an amazing piece of work and gave me a new perspective I didn't have before. I don't remember enjoying a new album as much as Pills and Ammo, the new Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes record. It's tremendous. I just wish I was open enough to have them be life changing.
What music changed your life? I'd love to see a list from anyone who's reading.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive." - BS
JN
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
#3000 and Why We Care
I stalked Derek Jeter's 3000th hit. I admit it. I wanted to see it. I needed to see it. So, of course, I did. Yet in conversation with my friend Jack on Monday, he suggested that maybe people care too much about sports and hinted that maybe I was one of those people. He asked...who cares? I did and I do.
There are a few marquee names in sports. Those players create a aura of success and perform best in big moments. Young boys grow up wanting to become those players and fathers dream of their sons playing those positions. Fathers wanted their sons to be the next Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Don Mattingly, Nolan Ryan, Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, etc. Derek Jeter leads that list for people of my generation.
Derek Jeter has been the starting shortstop for the Yankees since 1996, the same year I graduated from college. Meaning, he has been The Man my entire adult life. Father Time may be catching up on him. Thirty-seven is old for a shortstop (thankfully not old for a real estate broker since he and I are the same age), but for this summer day, July 9, 2011, he turned back the clock, went 5-5 with a home run, a double, a stolen base, and the game winning hit.
I have always said that if I could change lives with someone, the only person I would pick is Derek Jeter. We have spent the last 15 years watching Derek carry himself with class and dignity as the de facto Prince of The City. He says the right things, he play hard, he gets clutch hits, he dates the women we want to date, he treats the game and his elders with respect, he is respected by his competitors, he calls Joe Torre "Mr. T", he loves to win, hates to lose, he knew the right things to say when they closed The Stadium in 2008 and he smiles on the field because he's playing the game he loves. But still...why do we care?
I can't speak for anyone else, but I care because I love the game and Derek reminds me of what it was like to dream in the backyard as a kid. Back then, I was Don Mattingly getting a big hit or Dave Righetti striking out Wade Boggs to finish off the no-hitter. Do I wish I was the one that hit the ball to Jeffrey Maier in 1996? Do I wish I led off Game 4 of the 2000 World Series with a home run? Or was the MVP of the All Star Game and World Series in the same year? Do I wish I was the one that made "The Flip" in 2001 and hit a walk off home run in Game 4 of the World Series? Do I wish I had five World Series rings? Do I wish I had 3000 hits and was a lock to be a first ballot Hall of Famer? You bet your ass I do!
We care because as kids, baseball players were our heroes. We collected the baseball cards, memorized the stats, copied the batting stances, and needed to wear the same numbers as our favorite players when we played Little League. Some of our heroes let us down along the way, but that's not what today is about.
Derek Jeter hasn't let us down. Ever. He's not only the baseball player I want my son to be, but he seems like the kind of person I would want my daughter to marry.
We care because we haven't seen this before and it's always fun to see something we haven't seen before. The Yankee Tradition is long and storied and Jeter has written an important new chapter. I am lucky enough to say that I was there when he dove in to the stands against the Red Sox, when he hit the home run in Game 4 against the Mets 2000 and the walk off against the Diamondbacks in 2001, when he got his 2000th hit, when he made his speech closing The Stadium in 2008 and now I can say I was there for his 3000th hit. When he did, I high fived strangers and shared with 50,000 people a moment of pure elation that almost felt like we won the World Series.
We care because Derek Jeter is our guy and you don't have to be a Yankee fan to feel that way.
If you don't care...I kind of feel bad for you. You are truly missing out.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive" - BS
JN
PS A big public THANK YOU to my amazing wife who is nine months pregnant and yet insisted I attend the games necessary to see the 3000th hit.
There are a few marquee names in sports. Those players create a aura of success and perform best in big moments. Young boys grow up wanting to become those players and fathers dream of their sons playing those positions. Fathers wanted their sons to be the next Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Don Mattingly, Nolan Ryan, Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, etc. Derek Jeter leads that list for people of my generation.
Derek Jeter has been the starting shortstop for the Yankees since 1996, the same year I graduated from college. Meaning, he has been The Man my entire adult life. Father Time may be catching up on him. Thirty-seven is old for a shortstop (thankfully not old for a real estate broker since he and I are the same age), but for this summer day, July 9, 2011, he turned back the clock, went 5-5 with a home run, a double, a stolen base, and the game winning hit.
I have always said that if I could change lives with someone, the only person I would pick is Derek Jeter. We have spent the last 15 years watching Derek carry himself with class and dignity as the de facto Prince of The City. He says the right things, he play hard, he gets clutch hits, he dates the women we want to date, he treats the game and his elders with respect, he is respected by his competitors, he calls Joe Torre "Mr. T", he loves to win, hates to lose, he knew the right things to say when they closed The Stadium in 2008 and he smiles on the field because he's playing the game he loves. But still...why do we care?
I can't speak for anyone else, but I care because I love the game and Derek reminds me of what it was like to dream in the backyard as a kid. Back then, I was Don Mattingly getting a big hit or Dave Righetti striking out Wade Boggs to finish off the no-hitter. Do I wish I was the one that hit the ball to Jeffrey Maier in 1996? Do I wish I led off Game 4 of the 2000 World Series with a home run? Or was the MVP of the All Star Game and World Series in the same year? Do I wish I was the one that made "The Flip" in 2001 and hit a walk off home run in Game 4 of the World Series? Do I wish I had five World Series rings? Do I wish I had 3000 hits and was a lock to be a first ballot Hall of Famer? You bet your ass I do!
We care because as kids, baseball players were our heroes. We collected the baseball cards, memorized the stats, copied the batting stances, and needed to wear the same numbers as our favorite players when we played Little League. Some of our heroes let us down along the way, but that's not what today is about.
Derek Jeter hasn't let us down. Ever. He's not only the baseball player I want my son to be, but he seems like the kind of person I would want my daughter to marry.
We care because we haven't seen this before and it's always fun to see something we haven't seen before. The Yankee Tradition is long and storied and Jeter has written an important new chapter. I am lucky enough to say that I was there when he dove in to the stands against the Red Sox, when he hit the home run in Game 4 against the Mets 2000 and the walk off against the Diamondbacks in 2001, when he got his 2000th hit, when he made his speech closing The Stadium in 2008 and now I can say I was there for his 3000th hit. When he did, I high fived strangers and shared with 50,000 people a moment of pure elation that almost felt like we won the World Series.
We care because Derek Jeter is our guy and you don't have to be a Yankee fan to feel that way.
If you don't care...I kind of feel bad for you. You are truly missing out.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive" - BS
JN
PS A big public THANK YOU to my amazing wife who is nine months pregnant and yet insisted I attend the games necessary to see the 3000th hit.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Big Man - Part II
In most Jewish synagogues, the rabbi is the spiritual leader of the congregation. He sets the tone, the message, and is responsible for being a teacher to the congregation. The cantor, or hazzan (cooler word) leads the congregation in prayers, typically by singing and through music.
For the better part of the last 19 years, Bruce Springsteen has been my rabbi and Clarence Clemons has been my cantor. Stay with me...I will explain.
The E Street Band is definitely a band where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. They play together, even though guys can stand out during certain songs or certain solos, and are truly in sync with each other and with Bruce. They are a well oiled machine able to pull out songs that they haven't played in years (or ever) without rehearsal or even notice. As much of a unit as the band was (or still is), Clarence Clemons always stood out.
When Clarence stepped forward to play a solo or even a quick riff, the entire arena would cheer. He made it look effortless. The notes would just ooze out of his sax and wash over crowd. While his body was failing him and he may have hit a few bad notes over the last few years (or more than a few), he always looked like he was having as much fun as anyone in the arena, except for maybe Bruce. Even as his role as the main on stage foil faded because he couldn't move, the fans still went wild for the solos.
I have a pretty great life, but everyone has good days and bad days. When having a bad day, there's nothing like the redemptive spirit of rock n roll and when having a good day, it can take you higher and higher. There's really nothing like a live rock concert to lift your spirits and for me, my redemption comes charging through the strongest when the E Street Band takes the stage.
Bruce is my rabbi with or without The Band, but everyone knows that the E Street Band has a power like none other to take it to another level and take the crowd with them. As I said earlier, musically, Clarence stood out. He always has, for MANY reasons. But the ones I am talking about relate to the power of his sax and his presence. The power of those solos as they washed over me these last 19 years, lifted me up when I needed it and took me higher when I didn't. As we have read and heard over the last two weeks, Clarence was a lot of things to a lot of people. I knew when I posted my earlier blog post that I hadn't captured the essence of what I was trying to say. It's really very simple.
Clarence led my congregation in music and he is irreplaceable in that role. He helped my rabbi deliver his message, set his tone, and tell his story. Someone (or several someones more likely) will take his place when Bruce reconvenes the E Street Band again. Someone will play those solos, probably even Jungleland. But it won't be the same. I just hope it's close. There's really nothing like it.
Rest in Peace Big Man.
JN
For the better part of the last 19 years, Bruce Springsteen has been my rabbi and Clarence Clemons has been my cantor. Stay with me...I will explain.
The E Street Band is definitely a band where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. They play together, even though guys can stand out during certain songs or certain solos, and are truly in sync with each other and with Bruce. They are a well oiled machine able to pull out songs that they haven't played in years (or ever) without rehearsal or even notice. As much of a unit as the band was (or still is), Clarence Clemons always stood out.
When Clarence stepped forward to play a solo or even a quick riff, the entire arena would cheer. He made it look effortless. The notes would just ooze out of his sax and wash over crowd. While his body was failing him and he may have hit a few bad notes over the last few years (or more than a few), he always looked like he was having as much fun as anyone in the arena, except for maybe Bruce. Even as his role as the main on stage foil faded because he couldn't move, the fans still went wild for the solos.
I have a pretty great life, but everyone has good days and bad days. When having a bad day, there's nothing like the redemptive spirit of rock n roll and when having a good day, it can take you higher and higher. There's really nothing like a live rock concert to lift your spirits and for me, my redemption comes charging through the strongest when the E Street Band takes the stage.
Bruce is my rabbi with or without The Band, but everyone knows that the E Street Band has a power like none other to take it to another level and take the crowd with them. As I said earlier, musically, Clarence stood out. He always has, for MANY reasons. But the ones I am talking about relate to the power of his sax and his presence. The power of those solos as they washed over me these last 19 years, lifted me up when I needed it and took me higher when I didn't. As we have read and heard over the last two weeks, Clarence was a lot of things to a lot of people. I knew when I posted my earlier blog post that I hadn't captured the essence of what I was trying to say. It's really very simple.
Clarence led my congregation in music and he is irreplaceable in that role. He helped my rabbi deliver his message, set his tone, and tell his story. Someone (or several someones more likely) will take his place when Bruce reconvenes the E Street Band again. Someone will play those solos, probably even Jungleland. But it won't be the same. I just hope it's close. There's really nothing like it.
Rest in Peace Big Man.
JN
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Big Man
It took me a few days to figure out exactly what I wanted to write about the passing of Clarence Clemons. I couldn't not write something, but I also didn't want to write something you could read somewhere else. So, I am going to write about some of my favorite Clarence moments.
June 24, 1993 - I have written about this show is a past blog post. It was the second to last show on the 92-93 Tour, Bruce's first without The E Street Band, and the show was in The Meadowlands Arena. The show was amazing up until the encore and then it went to another level. Little Steven, Southside Johnny and The Miami Horns had already made their way on stage when Bruce turned to the horns and the band, flashed ten fingers, and started yelling "tenth, tenth". Southside went backstage as the band launched in to 10th Avenue Freeze Out. Now, this was very early in my concert going career, so I didn't expect what happened next. When Bruce sang the line, "When the change was made uptown and The Big Man joined the band", Clarence ran out from from backstage and nailed it. The crowd went CRAZY!
When they finished 10th Avenue, Bruce said "Can't have The Big Man here without doing this one...it's the Jersey set" and launched in to Born To Run. I had seen Born To Run previously on this tour, but this was something totally different. It was transcendent. Sitting behind the stage, I could see that Clarence wanted his mic turned up throughout the song. I guess they never turned it up because when it came time for his solo, Bruce walked over and stuck his mic right in to Clarence's sax. Simply amazing.
January 31, 1998 - Another show that I have written about previously. Clarence mentioned in a radio interview that he would be playing with "some friends" while in town so it was obvious that he would sit in for the Jon Bon Jovi and Friends show with Bruce, Little Steven and Southside. While the entire show was amazing, there is one Clarence moment that sticks out.
The band launched in to an impromptu, unrehearsed version of The Fever. Bruce came out to sing the second verse and by then, La Bamba had tracked down Clarence to come out and sing the part he recorded for the original "he's got the fever for the girl". Truly the highlight of one of my all time favorite shows.
July 18, 1999 - My first time seeing Jungleland, I was sitting in 9th row with my father on the same day David Cone threw his perfect game. I remember tearing up during the intro and the sax solo. When they announced the tour, I remember thinking, I have to go every night in case they play Jungleland, Incident or Frankie. I am glad I did.
I really could go on and on. Clarence's sound is The E Street Band. He was larger than life and had more nicknames than Muhammad Ali. He was The Big Man, The Kahuna of Surf and Soul, The Duke of Poduca, and The Biggest Man You Have Ever Seen, among others. While I think The E Street Band will live on, they can get someone to play the notes, but not someone to play the role. There's only one Big Man.
"Teardrops on the city, Bad Scooter searching for his groove"...he found it when he found Clarence. Rest in peace Big Man.
JN
June 24, 1993 - I have written about this show is a past blog post. It was the second to last show on the 92-93 Tour, Bruce's first without The E Street Band, and the show was in The Meadowlands Arena. The show was amazing up until the encore and then it went to another level. Little Steven, Southside Johnny and The Miami Horns had already made their way on stage when Bruce turned to the horns and the band, flashed ten fingers, and started yelling "tenth, tenth". Southside went backstage as the band launched in to 10th Avenue Freeze Out. Now, this was very early in my concert going career, so I didn't expect what happened next. When Bruce sang the line, "When the change was made uptown and The Big Man joined the band", Clarence ran out from from backstage and nailed it. The crowd went CRAZY!
When they finished 10th Avenue, Bruce said "Can't have The Big Man here without doing this one...it's the Jersey set" and launched in to Born To Run. I had seen Born To Run previously on this tour, but this was something totally different. It was transcendent. Sitting behind the stage, I could see that Clarence wanted his mic turned up throughout the song. I guess they never turned it up because when it came time for his solo, Bruce walked over and stuck his mic right in to Clarence's sax. Simply amazing.
January 31, 1998 - Another show that I have written about previously. Clarence mentioned in a radio interview that he would be playing with "some friends" while in town so it was obvious that he would sit in for the Jon Bon Jovi and Friends show with Bruce, Little Steven and Southside. While the entire show was amazing, there is one Clarence moment that sticks out.
The band launched in to an impromptu, unrehearsed version of The Fever. Bruce came out to sing the second verse and by then, La Bamba had tracked down Clarence to come out and sing the part he recorded for the original "he's got the fever for the girl". Truly the highlight of one of my all time favorite shows.
July 18, 1999 - My first time seeing Jungleland, I was sitting in 9th row with my father on the same day David Cone threw his perfect game. I remember tearing up during the intro and the sax solo. When they announced the tour, I remember thinking, I have to go every night in case they play Jungleland, Incident or Frankie. I am glad I did.
I really could go on and on. Clarence's sound is The E Street Band. He was larger than life and had more nicknames than Muhammad Ali. He was The Big Man, The Kahuna of Surf and Soul, The Duke of Poduca, and The Biggest Man You Have Ever Seen, among others. While I think The E Street Band will live on, they can get someone to play the notes, but not someone to play the role. There's only one Big Man.
"Teardrops on the city, Bad Scooter searching for his groove"...he found it when he found Clarence. Rest in peace Big Man.
JN
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Random Thoughts
Some random thoughts to ponder...
- I just don't see how this Yankee team is that good. I know they had a strong start, and the starting pitching has overachieved. However, the age of the team, the lack of athleticism, the lack of depth, and reliance on the home run to score are all worrisome. I hope I am wrong.
- That said, Mariano remains the greatest. I was at a charity event with him last week (more on that later) and two people said that he is a better person than he is a pitcher. Is that possible? I just watched him strike out Adrian Gonzalez and it didn't even look fair.
- The Knicks need a new coach before I will take them seriously. Even if they move Chauncey Billups' expiring contract for a third stud, the fact that they don't stress defense will hurt them in the long run. Look at the two teams in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls have the best defensive coach in the game and the Heat play tough D. I know everyone thinks that Phil Jackson should come back and finish his career in New York, but I don't see it.
- Oklahoma City vs. Memphis was a GREAT series to watch. If they can keep that Memphis team together, they will be better than the eighth seed next year.
- I hope the NBA learns something from the NFL and avoids a lock out. Interest in the game is high, they have bankable stars, up and coming teams in small markets, and they can't afford to alienate their fans with a lock out or strike. The players can't afford it so the owners will jam them, but it's important not to lose the momentum in place.
- The NFL owners and players can't figure out how to share $9.3 billion annually? Really? Really???
- I am watching the Yankees/Red Sox game on the Optimum app on my iPad. Finally, Cablevision got something right. I can't watch the ESPN or HBO apps because they won't allow me, but at least they gave me this.
- Speaking of the iPad, if you have one, you have to try the Flipboard app. Thank you Rob Fisher for giving me the heads up on this one. It's a great app for aggregating your social media/news feeds.
- When my son was born 18 months ago, I started a small baseball card collection for him. Since the baseball card store is above my barber shop, I have slowly expanded that collection and I can't tell you how much I still enjoy opening packs of baseball cards. Each pack is like a present. You don't know what's inside...and can't wait to find out.
- The big trend in baseball cards now is autographed cards and cards with game used memorabilia inserted in to the card. It's very cool.
- Speaking of my son, his new thing is that he climbs on a chair in the kitchen, goes from the chair to the kitchen table, stands up on the table and tries to swing from the light fixture. He needs to wear a helmet at all times.
- My wife is a superhero. She is seven months pregnant and still runs around after the kids, runs the house, and does an amazing job. I am not sure which superhero...but definitely a superhero.
- The new gig at work couldn't be working out better. My only regret is that I didn't make the change sooner. Thanks for asking.
- I mentioned a charity event earlier. I attended Brandon Steiner's charity event last week. Brandon and his wife have built homes for children who either have no homes or can't live in their current environment. The room was filled with athletes including former Rangers, former Knicks, and former and current Yankees who all showed up for Brandon and the kids. It was a great event, but more than that, it was great to see a super successful man giving back in his community. Great job to the Steiners.
- I will leave you with this tidbit. I recently visited The College of New Jersey campus and had lunch with the former president of The College, Dr. Harold Eickhoff. It had been years since I had been to campus and actually grabbed a map to try and figure out all of the new construction, but it felt like home. A home that someone has remodeled, but home nonetheless.
That's all for now. More soon.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive".
JN
- I just don't see how this Yankee team is that good. I know they had a strong start, and the starting pitching has overachieved. However, the age of the team, the lack of athleticism, the lack of depth, and reliance on the home run to score are all worrisome. I hope I am wrong.
- That said, Mariano remains the greatest. I was at a charity event with him last week (more on that later) and two people said that he is a better person than he is a pitcher. Is that possible? I just watched him strike out Adrian Gonzalez and it didn't even look fair.
- The Knicks need a new coach before I will take them seriously. Even if they move Chauncey Billups' expiring contract for a third stud, the fact that they don't stress defense will hurt them in the long run. Look at the two teams in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls have the best defensive coach in the game and the Heat play tough D. I know everyone thinks that Phil Jackson should come back and finish his career in New York, but I don't see it.
- Oklahoma City vs. Memphis was a GREAT series to watch. If they can keep that Memphis team together, they will be better than the eighth seed next year.
- I hope the NBA learns something from the NFL and avoids a lock out. Interest in the game is high, they have bankable stars, up and coming teams in small markets, and they can't afford to alienate their fans with a lock out or strike. The players can't afford it so the owners will jam them, but it's important not to lose the momentum in place.
- The NFL owners and players can't figure out how to share $9.3 billion annually? Really? Really???
- I am watching the Yankees/Red Sox game on the Optimum app on my iPad. Finally, Cablevision got something right. I can't watch the ESPN or HBO apps because they won't allow me, but at least they gave me this.
- Speaking of the iPad, if you have one, you have to try the Flipboard app. Thank you Rob Fisher for giving me the heads up on this one. It's a great app for aggregating your social media/news feeds.
- When my son was born 18 months ago, I started a small baseball card collection for him. Since the baseball card store is above my barber shop, I have slowly expanded that collection and I can't tell you how much I still enjoy opening packs of baseball cards. Each pack is like a present. You don't know what's inside...and can't wait to find out.
- The big trend in baseball cards now is autographed cards and cards with game used memorabilia inserted in to the card. It's very cool.
- Speaking of my son, his new thing is that he climbs on a chair in the kitchen, goes from the chair to the kitchen table, stands up on the table and tries to swing from the light fixture. He needs to wear a helmet at all times.
- My wife is a superhero. She is seven months pregnant and still runs around after the kids, runs the house, and does an amazing job. I am not sure which superhero...but definitely a superhero.
- The new gig at work couldn't be working out better. My only regret is that I didn't make the change sooner. Thanks for asking.
- I mentioned a charity event earlier. I attended Brandon Steiner's charity event last week. Brandon and his wife have built homes for children who either have no homes or can't live in their current environment. The room was filled with athletes including former Rangers, former Knicks, and former and current Yankees who all showed up for Brandon and the kids. It was a great event, but more than that, it was great to see a super successful man giving back in his community. Great job to the Steiners.
- I will leave you with this tidbit. I recently visited The College of New Jersey campus and had lunch with the former president of The College, Dr. Harold Eickhoff. It had been years since I had been to campus and actually grabbed a map to try and figure out all of the new construction, but it felt like home. A home that someone has remodeled, but home nonetheless.
That's all for now. More soon.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive".
JN
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Quick Look Back
Tomorrow starts a new chapter in my professional life. I start at CBRE in East Brunswick after almost ten years at Cushman & Wakefield. I would like to thank all of my friends at C&W. As I look back tonight, it was really an amazing time in my life. It was a time of amazing growth professionally and personally. During my time at C&W, I met my wife, got married, had two amazing children, celebrated a Giants Super Bowl, a Yankees World Series, moved from Belmar to Laurence Harbor to Livingston to Whippany, saw the world change on 9/11, lived through two economic downturns, won clients, lost clients, made some amazing friends, became a Yankees season ticket holder, and grew up a lot. And there were some concerts mixed in also.
The new challenge starts tomorrow. I am up for the task and can't wait to see what the next ten years brings. Hopefully more of the same. Life is pretty amazing.
Tomorrow's theme song: Don't Look Back - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCG0i1z6rRE
"Put your foot to the floor and darling don't look back" BS
JN
Monday, January 31, 2011
Local Heroes
My friend Sammy sent me an email today reminding me that today is the 13th anniversary of the Jon Bon Jovi and Friends concert at the Count Basie Theater in 1998. I wrote a blog entry about it three years ago (http://jn19.blogspot.com/2008/01/13198-come-together.html), but it spurred me to gather the thoughts that have been kicking around my head the last few weeks.
I was lucky enough in less than two weeks to see Bruce Springsteen perform in Asbury Park as part of the Light of Day Benefit and to see Jon Bon Jovi at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville to benefit the Parker Family Medical Center. I thought about reviewing the shows, and I will throw in my two cents. However, what strikes me most about seeing these two shows is that "our guys", meaning our guys from New Jersey, really get it.
Now you can throw stones at Bon Jovi for loving the spotlight, and for doing a lot of charity in the public eye. You can throw stones at Bruce for his politics. However, year in and year out, these guys show up...at home...for some cause or another. Whether it's Light of Day, The Hope Shows, Holiday Shows, or shows for the kids' schools, these guys can raise some money. It's easy to sit back and write checks when you have the kind of money that they have. But these shows aren't just about raising money. It's about spreading awareness, raising money, and having a great time for a great cause.
Bruce shows up pretty much every year for Bob Benjamin and Light of Day. This year, he changed up his set a little bit. After coming out to play one song each with Jesse Malin, Willie Nile, and Alejandro Escovedo (who did a ridiculously good acoustic set), Bruce walked out on stage with his acoustic. While he typically is happy to blend in, it was clear that he was itching to play.
He started out with You're Own Worst Enemy. Now, after over 150 shows, my goal when I see Bruce is to see something I have never seen before. That was taken care of with the first song. From there, it was an acoustic version of This Hard Land and then he brought out Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers and strapped on the electric guitar.
The set was heavy with material from the Darkness on the Edge of Town period, both from the record and from the recent box set. The highlight of the night was, by far, One Way Street. He truly went to another place while singing this song. A soul singer. See for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knWyxAynOnE
At the end, with a stage full of people at nearly 1:00 a.m., Bruce pulled out the acoustic again and led a slow singalong version of Thunder Road (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izPRG0B5_3Q&feature=related). He could have mailed it in, played some stuff that he has played with The Houserockers a bunch of times, but he showed up to rehearse and he SHOWED UP for his fans.
Jon Bon Jovi also showed up for his show. His Bon Jovi tour started up again this week, so he could have stayed home, hung out with the family, etc. However, he asked Bobby Bandiera to put together a band and a show so they could raise some money for one of Jon's favorite charities. Apparently, he has been raising money for the Parker Family Medical Center for about 10 years and he took the time during the show to let us know why it's a cause close to his heart.
It was a nice of mostly covers with members of Bobby's band taking turns stepping forward to share the mic with Jon...or simply take the lead. Jon was gracious to all of the singers, allowing them each time to shine. The highlights for me were the songs Southside came up for. Hold On, I'm Coming (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byo_eTaW1kY) and 634-5789 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yckn6zSZmx0) were amazing and every time Jon plays with Johnny, it's obvious that he holds him in a special place. Seeing the Bon Jovi material in a small club setting was also very cool too. Songs that fill stadiums in a small venue is always a great thing.
So...as I sit here thinking about these shows...I thought it was important to help them pass along their message. Throw your stones if you choose, but these guys are "our guys" and they get it. I am proud to say that they are from New Jersey...and so am I.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive".
JN
I was lucky enough in less than two weeks to see Bruce Springsteen perform in Asbury Park as part of the Light of Day Benefit and to see Jon Bon Jovi at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville to benefit the Parker Family Medical Center. I thought about reviewing the shows, and I will throw in my two cents. However, what strikes me most about seeing these two shows is that "our guys", meaning our guys from New Jersey, really get it.
Now you can throw stones at Bon Jovi for loving the spotlight, and for doing a lot of charity in the public eye. You can throw stones at Bruce for his politics. However, year in and year out, these guys show up...at home...for some cause or another. Whether it's Light of Day, The Hope Shows, Holiday Shows, or shows for the kids' schools, these guys can raise some money. It's easy to sit back and write checks when you have the kind of money that they have. But these shows aren't just about raising money. It's about spreading awareness, raising money, and having a great time for a great cause.
Bruce shows up pretty much every year for Bob Benjamin and Light of Day. This year, he changed up his set a little bit. After coming out to play one song each with Jesse Malin, Willie Nile, and Alejandro Escovedo (who did a ridiculously good acoustic set), Bruce walked out on stage with his acoustic. While he typically is happy to blend in, it was clear that he was itching to play.
He started out with You're Own Worst Enemy. Now, after over 150 shows, my goal when I see Bruce is to see something I have never seen before. That was taken care of with the first song. From there, it was an acoustic version of This Hard Land and then he brought out Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers and strapped on the electric guitar.
The set was heavy with material from the Darkness on the Edge of Town period, both from the record and from the recent box set. The highlight of the night was, by far, One Way Street. He truly went to another place while singing this song. A soul singer. See for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knWyxAynOnE
At the end, with a stage full of people at nearly 1:00 a.m., Bruce pulled out the acoustic again and led a slow singalong version of Thunder Road (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izPRG0B5_3Q&feature=related). He could have mailed it in, played some stuff that he has played with The Houserockers a bunch of times, but he showed up to rehearse and he SHOWED UP for his fans.
Jon Bon Jovi also showed up for his show. His Bon Jovi tour started up again this week, so he could have stayed home, hung out with the family, etc. However, he asked Bobby Bandiera to put together a band and a show so they could raise some money for one of Jon's favorite charities. Apparently, he has been raising money for the Parker Family Medical Center for about 10 years and he took the time during the show to let us know why it's a cause close to his heart.
It was a nice of mostly covers with members of Bobby's band taking turns stepping forward to share the mic with Jon...or simply take the lead. Jon was gracious to all of the singers, allowing them each time to shine. The highlights for me were the songs Southside came up for. Hold On, I'm Coming (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byo_eTaW1kY) and 634-5789 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yckn6zSZmx0) were amazing and every time Jon plays with Johnny, it's obvious that he holds him in a special place. Seeing the Bon Jovi material in a small club setting was also very cool too. Songs that fill stadiums in a small venue is always a great thing.
So...as I sit here thinking about these shows...I thought it was important to help them pass along their message. Throw your stones if you choose, but these guys are "our guys" and they get it. I am proud to say that they are from New Jersey...and so am I.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive".
JN
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Random Thoughts on New Year's Day
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy 2011. Here are some random thoughts to ring in the new year:
- The pace of technology continues to amaze me. It seems that the folks at Apple and Google are some of the brightest, but whoever invented Angry Birds might be the smartest of them all.
- The iPad was definitely my favorite gadget of 2010, but it does so many things, that calling it a gadget is severely selling it short.
- 2010 included the birth of my niece Addison, Sammy and Jen's wedding, my son's first steps, my daughter's ever expanding vocabulary, two fantasy baseball titles, and a new pool in the backyard among other amazing things. It was a great year all around. I have a feeling 2011 will be even better.
- The Giants are wildly disappointing and while they can still sneak in to the playoffs, they don't deserve it based on the last few weeks. The last time I was this convinced that they had to fire Tom Coughlin was three years ago. Yes, they won the Super Bowl that year.
- I have a ton of respect for Cliff Lee taking less money to play in Philadelphia. Granted $120m is nothing to laugh at, but he still left millions of dollars on the table and I think it's awesome.
- The Red Sox got a lot better this off season. A lot.
- How good is Blake Griffin? Is anyone else watching this guy? He looks like he is playing on an 8' rim against kids five years younger than him on the school playground.
- Any news on global warming? Seems pretty cold to me.
- We saw Black Swan with Natalie Portman tonight. Great movie, but my favorite Natalie Portman movie (other than the Star Wars prequels) is Beautiful Girls. If you haven't seen it, rent it immediately. That said, if she doesn't in an Oscar for this role, it's a crime.
- Bruce playing The Old Carousel House in Asbury Park as a promo for the new material on The Promise (Darkness outtakes) was VERY cool. The fact that I didn't get in is VERY uncool.
- The box set for the Darkness On The Edge of Town reissue might be the best thing that Bruce and company have ever put out. The DVD's are amazing and the packaging is wildly impressive. With excepts from his writing notebooks and video footage from rehearsals and the studio, this set really takes you inside the inner workings of how the record was made. Great stuff.
- I almost switched companies this year. During the process, I learned some things about myself. Luckily, they were all positive.
That's all for tonight. I will try to blog a little more often in the coming year. I don't really believe it resolutions, but let's just say I am going to try.
"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive."
JN
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