Tag Archive | Songwriter

The Art of Graham Nash at ACA Galleries

Oct21

Graham Nash Self Portrait Mirror Trio
Three Self Portraits By Graham Nash (All Photos By Gail)

You’d have to be dead from the neck up to not know who musician and songwriter Graham Nash is. Between his work in The Hollies and his decades-long collaboration in Crosby, Stills and Nash, he’s written some of the best-loved songs in the American rock catalog. Nash been an avid photographer since he was 10 years old, but you might be surprised to find out that his impressive art portfolio also includes an extensive collection of pastel drawings, abstract photography, and politically themed, large format photo assemblages. You can see a broad sampling of Graham Nash’s art now through October 27, 2012 at ACA Galleries in the Chelsea gallery district.

David Crosby and Phil Collins
David Crosby and Phil Collins

Bob Dylan Joni Mitchell Elvis Costello
Bob Dylan with Leon Russell, Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello

I was fortunate to attend the opening night reception for this exhibit, and to also briefly meet Graham Nash, who is extremely friendly and down-to-earth. While Nash’s realist portraiture is among the most vivid and iconic photography in the rock realm, I was also wildly impressed with his more abstract works and his provocative digital collages.

Citizens United By Graham Nash
Citizens United

Nash is widely known as an activist in support of causes related to social justice, peace, environmental issues and progressive politics. He addresses these issues in several pieces included in this exhibit.

Hearts Desire By Graham Nash
Hearts Desire

This Could Be You
This Could Be You

Tape Abstract by Graham Nash
Tape Abstract

What’s most remarkable about Nash’s work is how consistently high quality his pieces are. He seems to be equally talented at just about everything he sets his hand to. His abstract photography is particularly sharp and clever. I recommend this exhibit especially to fans of Graham Nash’s music, because I think it will really blow your mind to see what else this guy can do. The exhibit is only up for a brief time so you just have one more week to check it out. Don’t miss it!

Graham and Liz D at Opening Reception
Graham Nash Poses with Friends at the Exhibit’s Opening Reception

The Art of Graham Nash will be on Exhibit only through October 27th, 2012 at ACA Galleries, Located at 529 West 20th Street, 5th Floor, NYC.

Graham Nash Self Portrait in the Flag
Self Portrait in the Flag

Neil Young is Young
Neil Young

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Remembering Harry Nilsson on his Birthday

Jun15

Harry Nilsson Grave Stone

The late, great singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson was born on this day, June 15th, in 1941. I recently watched the unbelievably well-made documentary, Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)? which is now available on DVD via Netflix.

I’m a huge fan of Nilsson’s music, as he reached the height of his popularity in the sixties and seventies, when I was growing up, so I thought I knew a lot about the guy. But Who is Harry Nilsson? gave me quite a schooling on the details of Nilsson’s life and career that I couldn’t have imagined.

This insightful documentary goes way back to his childhood, his family life, his early career writing songs for others that grew into his own recording career as a solo artist, his film soundtrack projects, personal friendships with other songwriters and musicians (Nilsson was a favorite artist of all four Beatles and he maintained close friendships with John Lennon and Ringo Starr until his death) and a wildly in-depth overview of his recording process via interviews with those he worked closely with (the interviews with producer Richard Perry alone are worth the time it takes to watch the film).

Of course, it’s not like you don’t know how the story is going to end. A well-covered topic in Who Is Harry Nilsson? is the artist’s ridiculously indulgent and debauched Rock Star Lifestyle, which lead directly to his early death at age 52 – a tragic waste of an extraordinary and irreplaceable talent.

I was entirely captivated, entertained and profoundly moved by the life story of Harry Nilsson, who was extremely respected for his talent and considered by his peers to be the greatest American singer of his generation. There is no doubt that his influence is vast and deeply felt even today. Harry Nilsson died on January 15th, 1994 from heart failure brought on by a lifetime of alcoholism and hard drug abuse. If he were still alive, he would be celebrating his Birthday today. Happy Birthday, Harry, we still miss you.

Larry Dvoskin, Grammy Nominated Songwriter, Producer and Creator of American Pride

Jun1

Gail is Rock & Roll personified: sexy, edgy, inspired, unpredictable, radical, hot and moving with the beat of the new generation. When approaching a story, she is a true artist: a craftswoman weaving words, feelings and images which are creative, sexually charged, inspired and touching.