Author Archive
The View
Shanghai
As I awake from my pre-show nap in somewhat of a daze.. I look out at the view from our apartment on the 23rd floor. Sometimes reality seems more like a dream than the dream from which I awoke..
Featured on Boston Blues Society Blog
While I’m in China, the Boston Blues Society has asked me to write a fortnightly blog entry about my experiences overseas!
The first one was just published today!
Mike Null
Special to The Killing FloorIt’s finally starting to hit me. In less than forty-eight hours I will be waking up on the other side of the world! My life as I know it is about to be turned upside down. My new band, The Soulcasters, will be playing a residency at The House of Blues and Jazz in Shanghai, China, starting next week. I can’t believe I’m going back!
This week has been busy. The band has been getting together every day to rehearse with an enthusiastic and anxious energy that keeps us burning the midnight oil. We have a lot to prepare for; three sixty-minute sets six nights a week is a lot of material for any style of music. That in combination with last minute visa applications and honoring other commitments, this trip is consuming just about every free minute I have.
The biggest priority is preparing for the unofficial ceremony that takes place upon arrival. Every band that gets the gig agrees to host a blues jam every Sunday. After the plane touches down and the band is given an opportunity to shake off a little jet lag, they suit up and head to the club to make their first impressions.
This event is promoted and usually well attended. In addition to the draw from the previous band, the crowd also consists of many of the movers and shakers in the local music scene. The resident band calls up the new band to showcase a few songs and they are given one shot to make a strong impression, a trial by fire of sorts. If the band lacks skill or isn’t rehearsed, there is a good chance they’ll lose a good percentage of the crowd for their entire residency. First impressions are everything, especially in Shanghai.
Fortunately, we will have a chance to warm up before we get on the plane. We’re having our own state-side ceremony tonight at Smoken Joe’s in Brighton. Last year’s lineup, The Mike Null Blues Band, will open, followed by Boston legend Toni Lynn Washington. Closing out the night is the debut of the new Asia-bound lineup, The Soulcasters.
I’ll be writing about it here in more depth, as well. Stay tuned! We leave first thing tomorrow.
Don’t forget about the send-off party tonight! Hope to see you there!
Send-off Show / Party!
Save the date!
June 18th, 9p – 1am, at Smoken Joe’s in Brighton Center, MA.
We’ll be having a big send-off party for the Soulcasters! The show will consist of performances by the Mike Null Blues Band, the Soulcasters, and Boston legnd, Toni Lynn Washington.. in addition to some special guests sitting in!
Hope to see you there!
Shanghai here we come!
Soulcasters Sneak Peek
Here’s a video of the band we made at a jam last week!
This is the lineup, minus our pianist, Gabriel, who was unable to come up from New York.
Dana Shellmire - vocals, Chris Sublette – bass, and Max Zemanovic – drums.
More to come, stay tuned!
Rock the Cantab
Holy smokes! I’m excited about this new band!
The official name of the new Shanghai lineup is “Mike Null and The Soulcasters”. Now that the lineup is solidified, I had to see what it would be like for everyone to play together. With the exception of our pianist, Gabriel Guerro, who couldn’t make it from New York, we were all there at the Cantab Jam last Sunday. We only had time to play one song because Max (drums) had to catch a late bus back to Brooklyn.. but that was all I need to see the vast potential of this group.
We decided to play “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, and let me tell you.. we blew the roof off the place! Chris (bass) and Max (drums) threw down a groove so solid I thought the stage was going to cave in! Dana (vocals) sang the song with conviction and power.. and every time I looked up to check out the crowd, I saw we had the entire room’s attention. The groove was so tight, it would have been more difficult to play with poor time than to lock in! Everyone agreed that it felt REALLY good on stage. Everyone’s excitement about the trip poured into the music. I can’t wait to hear what this group will sound like after four months of playing six nights a week!
Next step, meeting with Dana today to get our tune list sorted out, then the band starts rehearsing toward the end of the week.
Shanghai doesn’t know what’s about to hit ‘em!
Returning to Shanghai
As many of you know, I’ve been searching for a lineup for a return trip to the House of Blues and Jazz this summer. Without further delay, I present to you..
THE SOULCASTERS.
On vocals, Dana Shellmire
Dana Shellmire is an American Rhythm & Blues singer, composer, dancer, bassist, and visual artist from Los Angeles, California. Blessed with a remarkable talent and stage presence, she leads her own professional live band & creative lab in Boston (After School Kids) and has toured and recorded extensively throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia with an array of International Blues, Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Rock & Roll and Acoustic acts. Dana was most recently featured in Boston as a vocalist in “The Rock & Roll Supergroup with Chuck Berry,” alongside world-famous band mates: Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones), Simon Kirke (Bad Company/Free), Marc Orrell (Dropkick Murphys), Barry Goudreau (Boston), James Montgomery, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Steely Dan), Woody Giessman (The Del Fuegos), and Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett).
In addition to her vocal chops, she also happens to be one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Her radiant personality is contagious!
Check out the embedded player below to hear some samples of her singing.
On drums, Maxwell Zemanovic:
At twenty-four, G. Maxwell Zemanovic has established himself as a consummate touring/session percussionist and clinician. Having completed performance and clinic tours of the United States, Canada and Australia by age seventeen, the Massachusetts native was bound for a life of musical expedition. Music to which Maxwell has contributed has reached global audiences, appearing on records that have been heard on American television networks including MTV, E!, ESPN and FOX. As a clinician, Max has conducted private and group workshops throughout the country, most notably at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Max is also one of the nicest and most engaging people you will ever meet.
On bass, Christopher Sublette
Chris Sublette is a bassist who will be graduating Berklee College of Music this May. He has studied with teachers rooted in the traditions of jazz and R&B and is proficient on upright and electric bass. He grew up in Kansas City playing bluegrass and traditional country and upon moving to Boston in 2005 he started making a name for himself in Boston’s music scene. Now, Chris hones his craft at esteemed Blues and R&B clubs in the greater Boston area and is well known for his great attitude and dedication to his art.
Chris also happens to be one of the nicest, genuine and enthusiastic people you will ever meet.
On piano, Gabriel Guerrero
New York based Colombian pianist/composer Gabriel Guerrero is a classical trained pianist / composer who comes from a new generation of contemporary musicians emerging in the Jazz scene. Addressing music for its drive, direction and roots rather than styles, Gabriel has gone from South American rhythms, Contemporary Improvisation, Avant Garde to the traditions of Be-Bop and Jazz. Gabriel exalts his music with a high understanding of its roots bringing his experience and diversity to the table. Having started piano at age five, giving concerts and TV appearances at age nine, Gabriel has performed in Jazz Festivals in South America and USA and is a high demand musician in the scene today.
New Sunday Residency
EDIT: This Residency has been canceled. But check the CALENDAR PAGE for other local shows!
ATTENTION BLUES FANS!! SUNDAYS, SUNDAYS, SUNDAYS!!!
Fresh off of a 3 month run in Shanghai, The Mike Null Blues Band brings their high energy blues show to Cantab Lounge (downstairs… aka Club Bohemia) EVERY SUNDAY starting February 28, 2010!
…And don’t forget the special guests! In addition to the weekly show, there will be regular appearances by some of Boston’s best and bluesiest talent!
The Cantab Lounge is located at 738 Massachusetts Ave. (Central Square), Cambridge, MA 02139
By T: Take the Red Line to CENTRAL SQUARE.
As many of you know, I used to play here every Thursday with The Chicken Slacks, so I can vouch for what a lively scene this is. This is a great place to see live music! Get ready to get down and get into it! Bring your friends! Hope to see you there.
Seeking New Lineup for Shanghai
The Mike Null Blues Band is currently seeking musicians for a return trip to China.
We were asked back to the House of Blues and Jazz this July – September, and I’ll need a new lineup of players. It’s a long story, but in particular, I’m on the hunt for a great female singer to go with me.
Send me an e-mail if you want to go, or know someone who might, or to find out more information!
DVD Teaser
If you’re going to play in Shanghai for three months, you’ve gotta have something to show for it, right?!
While in China, I happened to meet a great guy named Ludwig Fella of Fella Film Studios. He filmed a typical Saturday night show and turned into a DVD! We’re still working out some kinks, but know that it will be available for purchase and download soon!
In the meantime, here’s a teaser clip:
Find this clip and a handful of other vids at my YouTube Channel.
For those of you in China with no access to YouTube (aka victims of the Great Firewall of China), please let me know of a good video hosting site to which I can upload the videos so you can see them!
We also got some great audio recordings of the shows and are in the process of editing and mixing a live album!
So what else? After taking a much needed break for the holidays, I am now beginning to book and play shows in and around the greater Boston area. You can find an up-to-the-minute list of places I’ll be playing on my calendar.
Lots goin’ on. Stay tuned!
Happy Holidays
Here’s wishing you a refreshing, relaxing and wonderful holiday season with family and friends.
