Adam Shenk (Again) Commands Artistic Excellence At NYC's The Duplex

Imagine a stage 12 feet across, perhaps 8 feet deep, packed with five musicians, three dancers, a rapper—and, uh, a tap dancer. Fortunately, there was still room for preeminent presence, singer/songwriter and preeminent entertainer Adam Shenk, performing Friday night to a packed house at New York's Duplex in the West Village.

I last saw Adam perform at The Bitter End in May, and he has evolved from spectacular to stupendous (get it: "t" comes after "p"), commanding the audience with loose, casual patter, alongside a tight playlist that displays his acumen at the piano, as a blue-eyed soul vocalist (with moves), and convincing showman at the mic.

In addition to songs from his 2010 disc "Suitcases"—produced at 2C Studios in Brooklyn by Ayhan Sahin, with liner notes (and his web bio) written by Chuck Taylor—Shenk premiered several new compositions, hopefully destined for a follow-up project. In all, he appeared at total ease delivering an electrifying evening with an enthused fan base that is in for the long term with this uber-talented showman. Neil Patrick Harris, watch your back, baby.Above: With Adam and Leonard Barton after the show. Below: Left, Adam and his background singer Ashton; right, rapper Heightz with his lady Layla.

Chuck Taylor (thesmokingnun.com)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011

Working with Australian Idol jazz artist Garth Ploog
on piano/keyboard tracks for Tinatin's EP "Wild"

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2011

Finalizing the "Ayhan Sahin Crystal Ball Remix" of
Matt Zarley's new single "We Belong"

Matt Zarley's "We Belong - The Trevor Project Single"

While writing and recording new songs for his upcoming CD "Change Begins With Me," Matt has taken the time to record the iconic 80s anthem "We Belong" to release as a single charity track to benefit The Trevor Project.

All proceeds from the sale of this song will be donated to help The Trevor Project continue it's vital work as a provider of life-saving and life-affirming resources including nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.

From Matt: "I assume that the song (when Pat Benatar recorded it) was a love song. I hear the song as an anthem of unity. I think that regardless of your orientation or viewpoint, we are all of the same earth... and we are all the same. We truly all belong TOGETHER."

The main version was produced by Matt's longtime collaborator, Grammy and Emmy winning producer/engineer, Andy Zulla (Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Rowland, Rod Stewart, Backstreet Boys). Included in the 2-song download is a Remix by DJ Bill Bennett & Pete Masitti

We invite everyone to download the song and celebrate the spirit of unity Matt brings to this reimagining of this classic song. And in doing so, you will be supporting an incredible organization that focuses on helping LGBT youth.

TAM RECORDS RELEASES "CAMOUFLAGE" IN ITALY

Tam Records artist
Simone Sfriso
covered Karine Hannah's "Camouflage" for the Italian market.

Here is a link to the song:



"Camouflage" will be performed at San Remo Music Festival this month with Simone singing it.

Tinatin Gets 'Wild' For Album Cover Shoot

This afternoon, a full-on team including photographer Devin Delano, videographer Christopher Holmes, 2C Studios intern Colin Bryson, producer/songwriter Ayhan Sahin and meese as liner notes writer gathered in the East Village to shoot the artwork for Tinatin's upcoming "Wild" EP, due for release on Young Pals Music in March 2011.

This was one of those ultimate New York experiences that makes you proud to be part of the arts and love life. Preposterously fabulous afternoon.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2011

PHOTO SHOOT FOR TINATIN'S EP ARTWORK "WILD"

with photographer Devin Delano

This afternoon, a full-on team including photographer Devin Delano, videographer Christopher Holmes, 2C Studios intern Colin Bryson, journalist Chuck Taylor and East Village location aficionado Donna Delmas, and producer/songwriter Ayhan Sahin gathered in the East Village to shoot the artwork for Tinatin's upcoming "Wild" EP, due for release on Young Pals Music in March 2011.

Tinatin's vintage gown and accessories were generously furnished by NY Vintage Club, while dive haunt Niagara on Avenue A—courtesy of owner Jessie and tavern barkeep Ethan—were hospitable in providing space and time for the shoot.

Karine Hannah Lenses 'Frida's Sonnet'

"Frida's Sonnet," a song composed and produced by Ayhan Sahin, which Karine Hannah recorded for her second self-titled album, is getting a breath of new life. Yesterday, the pair, with videographer Chris Holmes, lensed a music video for the track, here at 2C Studios in Brooklyn.The production took place all over the apartment—and up on our rooftop—where it was cold enough to freeze one's sonnet off.

courtesy of THE SMOKING NUN blog by Chuck Taylor (thesmokingnun.com)

Astoria Boulevard "My Buddy"

This trio of cute, talented guys known as Astoria Boulevard was at 2C Studios a couple months ago, where Ayhan produced the music for their song "My Buddy." Check out the video here; it's absolutely adorable. Link to YouTube here.

courtesy of THE SMOKING NUN Blog by Chuck Taylor

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2011

Making a video of Karine Hannah's song "Frida's Sonnet"

from her second album "Karine"

under the direction of Christopher Holmes

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Listening session with Tinatin for her upcoming EP "Wild"

Ingenue Tinatin came to 2C Studios tonight for a dinner date and a listening session for her upcoming EP "Wild" which will be released in March on Young Pals Music. The macaroni was delicious as were the musical selections. Many details to come. Please stand by.

Astoria Boulevard Records The Buddy Group Music Video

Emre Returns to the States... And The Studio

It's been six months since our beloved Emre headed back to his native Turkey to complete requisite military service—a requirement of the nation, no matter where you live or how old you become, you've got to put in your time.

During the visit, Emre made inroads with his recording career and is now actively working on his long-awaited first full-length album, sung in Turkish. At last...

Yesterday, he reunited with Ayhan and intern Collin for a recording session here in Brooklyn at 2C Studios.

courtesy of THE SMOKING NUN Blog (thesmokingnun.com) by Chuck Taylor

TUESDAY, February 1, 2011

Recording with Emre Yilmaz