We had a great Blues Jam last night, so many great musicians in one setting! As always, the Cazanovas rocked it out. Truett Lollis was awesome as always. We had great return performances from Stoney Brooks, Mary Raindrop, Hobo, and several other regulars.
Maurice Nazzaro @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Bob Coyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
I was quite surprised by newcomers Allen, Lyle, and Wes…these young musicians came last week and showed up for a slightly nervous performance. Speaking to them after the show, they told me they were more nervous about performing in front of other musicians rather than the audience. I can relate to that, as I’ve YET to get up onto that stage! They stepped up and rocked it out this week, good job guys!
Allen, Lyle, and Wes @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Wes @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Lyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Wes and Allen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Truett Lollis and Jonathon Norwood @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jonathon Norwood and Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s
Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Gary Dixon @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s
Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Stoney Brooks @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Mary Raindrop @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Michael Bradford @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Last but not least was Katie Martin, who closed up the night with a solo acoustic performance. I could listen to Katie sing all night, I love her voice! Keep your eye on this up and coming artist, she’s just getting started!
Backyard Fun – I was on my patio and saw this grasshopper hanging out on the rail. I decided to play with my macro-lens attachment that I bought on ebay for $10. It’s essentially 4 magnifying glasses screwed together…but it works…
Grasshopper Macrohe jumped away before I could get closer.
Leaves on a tree macro
Hole in the wood macro
Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – As usual, my night started at Darwin’s. After I posted the pictures of my Garlic Grilled Cheese w/ Chicken Salad yesterday, one of the regulars came up with his own concoction: The Chicken Salad Cole-Trane. That is a chicken salad sandwich topped with chili and slaw!
Mark’s Chicken Salad Cole-Trane @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Ross Pead came out and played a great acoustic set with his buddy on harmonica. The perfect accompaniment to my sandwich.
Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place – I hung out at Darwin’s for a few hours and then made my way over to Nick’s. This was my first time seeing John McKnight play. Wow, what an incredible drummer! He made everything look so easy and effortless, I think I even saw him checking out his watch in the middle of a fill. I saw some great acts jump on stage from John Rose to Truett Lollis and Jonathon Norwood! I hope to see more of these guys come play at Darwin’s someday.
Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – As usual, my night started at Darwin’s. I wanted to make sure I caught at least one set of Little G before I headed out for the night. G was brilliant as always!
Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Tonight for dinner I came up with the best sandwich I’ve ever had at Darwin’s. A Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed with Chicken Salad…I inhaled it in about 20 seconds! Just a protip: you can absolutely order things off the menu!
Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed w/ Chicken Salad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Zuffy’s – So I’m branching out on my photography. I figure you guys come to see me at Darwin’s, now it’s my turn to come see you! First on the list was Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place.
I was really interested to see a Jam Session headed up by a keyboardist. Lola is an incredibly entertaining front-woman and was cracking jokes all night with the patrons. Using topics thrown out by the audience, at one point Lola improvised a hilarious song about “boobies”. What can I say, I love Lola’s voice. Even when she’s just singing “boobies” repeatedly, she still sounds amazing!
That’s the first thing that was said to me the first time I met Rod Hamdallah. It was nice having Rod out at Darwin’s these past 2 weeks. He’s a phenomenal musician, but his set made me a little sad. Such talent on stage yet it was nearly an empty room last night. I guess it’s hard to compete with Monday night football these days.
In any case, it was awesome to get an intimate set where Rod played anything we requested; Black Keys, White Stripes, Nirvana, Slayer, whatever! I can’t wait to see your full band Rod!
09.17.2011 – Atlanta Blues Society Meeting – We hosted the Atlanta Blues Society meeting on Saturday afternoon at Darwin’s. The whole thing is pretty much a big excuse to have a big jam session during the afternoon, hosted by The Cazanovas!
Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Lola Gulley @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Lola Gulley @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Lola Gulley @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
09.26.2011 – Rod Hamdallah – Due to prior engagements, Jim Ransone was unavailable this week and next. Rod Hamdallah was nice enough to come fill in for Jim for the next two weeks.
I showed up a little late for the set. As I walked up the back steps I thought, “Is that the Black Keys?” Sure enough, Rod was on stage jamming out on an older Black Keys song. Next was Muddy Waters followed by White Stripes! I knew in the first 5 minutes I’d really enjoy this set. He even mixed in a little blues version of Nirvana!
Jim Ransone showed up at the tail end of Rod’s set and performed one song for us on Rod’s guitar!
Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Nice Tie! Jim Ransone @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
This one is a picture of my dinner, it was phenomenal! Akin’s Hot Honey Mustard is AWESOME!
Hot Honey Mustard Wings @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
09.20.2011 – Little G Weevil – We love Little G! Not only is he a fantastic musician, but he’s just a fun guy to have on stage. G wanted to have fun with some friends tonight, so he did a duet with Danny Vinson as well as the young Cody Matlock. You’ve got to come out and check this guy out, he’ll be with us every Tuesday!
Little G Weevil @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G and Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G and Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G and Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G and Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Patio Break @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
PRODUCT SHOT: We will be cross-promoting with Sweetwater 420 and we needed a way to tie in Darwin’s and Sweetwater in a single image. BOOMSAUCE! Beer. Wings. Little G. Can’t make a better ad than that! I’ll be gussying this one up in Photoshop.
Sweetwater/Darwin’s Print Ad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Finished Ad. Sweetwater/Darwin’s Print Ad
By the way, the wings were DELICIOUS!
09.22.2011 – Darwin’s Blues Jam – I love the Blues Jam, and you know it’s going to be a good night when Truett shows up with Theron and Jonathon to play. Despite the rain, we had a great turnout! I’d like to thank everyone who came out in the rain to support us and we hope it was well worth it!
Maurice Nazzaro @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Alan @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jim Nicoletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jam Session @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jonathon Norwood @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Theron Peterson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Full House @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Dancing to Truett @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Corndog Bites @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Roger Wasserman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jonathon Norwood @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
09.23.2011 – The Hollidays – came out and played a great set last night! It was nice to finally meet Art after Jacob had talked him up so much! We had a great crowd and I hope everyone had a blast!
The Hollidays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Art Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Art Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
The Hollidays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
The Hollidays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Art Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
09.23.2011 – FYN – I left The Hollidays a bit early so I can go see my friends play over at North River Tavern. FYN knocked it out as usual! Chris Love sounded great, despite being sick.
Darwin’s Blues Jam was great as always. Ira Malkin was a fantastic fill-in for Maurice Nazzaro! It was great seeing some new faces coming out and enjoying the music, keep spreading the word!
Ira Malkin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Eric Pullen, nice shirt! @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Ira Malkin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jim Nicolletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jim Nicolletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Dave Cunningham @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Mark and Jim @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Mike Holley @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Ernie and Ellen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Dustin Sargent @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
@ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jen Kasten @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Jim Nicolletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam
Graham’s Number was an interesting band. They were a mix of reggae, rock, and funk who covered 90’s alternative songs in a reggae style. I wasn’t too happy with my shots, but their management pulled me aside and asked me to stay out of the way so I only had a few minutes to shoot. It was a little weird being asked to stop shooting at my own bar, but I obliged.
Nic Sanders of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Nic Sanders of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Brandon McKinney of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Andy and Nic of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Andy Scherm of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Andy Scherm of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
I thought I’d take a break from posting new stuff and showcase some of my old stuff. I got into light-painting for a few months a while back and wanted to show some of my stuff to those of you who haven’t seen it. All of these photos were taken SOC (Straight Out of the Camera). No Photoshop tricks, just me and a camera…and some close friends who let me boss them around in the pitch black.
Light painting is simply painting into the camera with light. Instead of brushes or pens, I use different types of light from flashlights to LEDs tied to wires. I posted these in basically chronological order so you can see how I improved over time.
Ross Pead @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues My night started out with a nice chill acoustic set with Ross Pead. It’s been a nice change of pace having some relaxing acoustic music in the evening these past few days, but now I was ready for some heavier music!
Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Novakord: I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich and chili cheese fries and headed down to Atlanta! I popped in my Cazanovas cd hopped on the freeway own to East Atlanta. First up was Novakord. I’d met these guys several times at various other shows, but was never able to catch their set until now. I made it a point to get there on time so I could see their act! It was well worth it, this 3-piece set produces a rich soundscape! All 3 of them have laptops within reach to add another layer of sounds to the music, very cool stuff!
Johnny Cunningham of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge
Wes Daniel of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge
Wes Daniel of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge
Billy Snyder of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge
Johnny Cunningham of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge
Novakord @ Eastside Lounge
Winter Ransom: Next up is Winter Ransom. This time Homer stayed on for the whole set, and they played several new songs! I’m not sure if it was the sound system, or the addition of another guitar but some of the heavier parts got a bit muddled. Matt’s drums, Drew’s bass, and Jordan’s vocals really stood out and was able to break through the wall of guitars. All in all, Homer’s guitar noodlings really help round out the band’s sound.
Andrew Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Josh Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Nice Shirt! Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Matt Donald of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Matt Donald of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Andrew and Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge
I’ve been getting very behind on my posts on my personal site, everything recently has been posted directly to darwinsburgers.com. Today I’m going to play a bit of catch-up and show you guys what I’ve been up to.
09.07.2011 – Homer’s Acoustic Set – We didn’t have anyone playing this night, so Homer was nice enough to come out and play for us for only some food and a little booze. I brought out my loop pedal and him jam around with that. That kid is sick, after 10 minutes of fiddling, he was playing it like he’d owned one for years! I hate you Homer, and I can’t wait to see you play again.
Homer Wed. Acoustic Set
Homer Wed. Acoustic Set
Homer Wed. Acoustic Set
09.08.2011 – Thursday Blues Jam – Thursday Blues Jam is my new favorite night of the week. It’s so much fun every time, I can’t wait for the next one! I’d like to thank the Cazanovas for signing their framed pictures!
Cazanovas @ Thursday Blues Jam
Danny and Jake @ Thursday Blues Jam
Jake @ Thursday Blues Jam
Eric @ Thursday Blues Jam
Danny @ Thursday Blues Jam
Cazanovas @ Thursday Blues Jam
Jim @ Thursday Blues Jam
Cody and Jim @ Thursday Blues Jam
Rodger Wasserman @ Thursday Blues Jam
Joe Clover @ Thursday Blues Jam
Tamara @ Thursday Blues Jam
Cindy @ Thursday Blues Jam
Hobo @ Thursday Blues Jam
Cindy @ Thursday Blues Jam
Cody @ Thursday Blues Jam
@ Thursday Blues Jam
Katie Martin @ Thursday Blues Jam
@ Thursday Blues Jam
Katie Martin @ Thursday Blues Jam
09.09.2011 – Truett Lollis – Truett was amazing! Rhetta Akamatsu gave a fantastic review of Truett Lollis and Darwin’s in The Examiner. She liked our food!
Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Truett Lollis Trio featuring Jeff Baker
Truett Lollis and Jeff Baker @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Theron Peterson of Truett Lollis Trio
Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Listen to that video crowd! @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
I spent too much time getting this shot. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Truett Lollis and Jonathan Norwood @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Jonathan Norwood of Truett Lollis Trio
Jonathan Norwood of Truett Lollis Trio
Cody Matlock is an amazing little ball of talent. At 15, this young man is already jamming with the best players in town and soaking up advice and pointers from Truett, Little G, Danny Vinson and anyone else who happens to be in the room. Seeing Cody and Truett play together was history in the making!
Love the shirt! Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
History in the making. Truett and Cody @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
09.10.2011 – The Cazanovas – It was great to finally see the Cazanovas do a full set! I’m used to just seeing them in small chunks while hosting the Blues Jam. Maurice Nazzaro, Danny Vinson, Eric Puller and stand-in bassist Harold Pattillo did a great job! Towards the end of the night, they were joined by Frankie Robinson, Little G, Cody Matlock, and Matt Smart for a bit of a jam session.
Maurice Nazzaro of The Cazanovas
Harold Pattillo
Danny Vinson of The Cazanovas
Eric Pullen of The Cazanovas
Maurice Nazzaro of The Cazanovas
The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Matt Smart @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Saturday Night Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Frankie Lee Robinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Frankie Lee Robinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G. Weevil @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G. Weevil & Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
School of Blues w/ Little G, Danny Vinson, and Cody Matlock
09.12.2011 – Jim Ransone – Jim Ransone of The Breeze Kings played a nice chill set where you can come in and enjoy some food and conversation with some light acoustic blues in the background.
Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
09.13.2011 – LITTLE G – WOW! I can listen to this guy play all night, oh wait I just did that! I had so much stuff to do last night, but I ended up sticking around for the entire set! I’m going to love having Little G here every week. You will too, just come out and watch him for a night. Here’s a little taste of what he’s bringing:
Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Little G’s Cigarbox Guitar Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues
Making of a Mammoth – Now for a bit of food porn. Little G ordered a Mammoth burger and I decided to document the making of it.
2 Big Bang Patties w/ Cheese and fried jalapenos. Mammoth Burger
First patty topped w/ Bacon. Mammoth Burger
2nd patty, fried jalapenos, then chili. Mammoth Burger
Sprinkled with chopped onions. Mammoth Burger
Toasted bun on top. Mammoth Burger
Little G’s Mammoth Burger and Fries @ Darwin’s Burgers.
“Ok. To me, Darwin`s is the best blues club in the ATL area. That`s bottomline. The staff is so friendly, makes everyone feel like family. Bottomline. But where on earth have these chefs been? The Mammoth burger is so good i`m totally speechless. You want a bar burger? Well, try elsewhere. This is serious soulburger my friends!” – Little G Weevil
COMING SOON: Novakord + Winter Ransom + Ross Pead + Darwin’s Burgers Case Study
