Steve Gunn at Acme Records in Milwaukee on December 30, 2025

My first recordings of Steve Gunn for this blog were in April 2018 at Acme Records, both solo and in his duo with percussionist John Truscinski, so it seemed appropriate when I heard that Steve would be returning to this amazing performance space just before New Years' Eve for a solo show.

A lot has happened with Gunn since this first recordings; he signed and eventually moved on from Matador Records, and then released albums on Three Lobed and No Quarter. This past week he released an EP as well.

Gunn's performance was peppered with more distortion than I had expected and some noisy yet subtle electronics as well. 

It seems that before the show, he noticed a patron purchase a Velvet Underground box set and slipped in the lovely cover song, "I'll Be Your Mirror" into his set.

I was very fortunate to be sitting next to local photographer Ryan Sarnowski at this show, and his very much appreciated images are as follows:

Purchase his latest release here.

Recording information:

STEVE GUNN

2025-12-30

Milwaukee, WI

Acme Records

Steve Gunn: guitar and vocals

Setlist

01 Jam (1:50)

02 On the Way (8:29)

03 Morning on K Road (6:16)

04 Way Out Weather (7:14)

05 I’ll Be Your Mirror [Lou Reed] (3:56)

06 Hadrian’s Wall (4:27)

07 Another Fade (10:33)

08 Old Strange (8:00)

09 Nearly There (8:10)

10 Morning Is Mended (9:03)

Total time: 67:58

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Source: SBD feed

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (406 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (178 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

Jason Stein, Damon Smith, and Adam Shead at the Sugar Maple in Milwaukee on December 9, 2025

I've been a little behind in posting shows lately -- especially jazz shows from the last year. I'll do my best to get caught up with the backlog in the next few weeks.

This upload focuses on a superb trio featuring bass clarinetist Jason Stein, double bassist Damon Smith, and percussionist Adam Shead. Smith hails from St Louis and the other two are based in Chicago. They came to the Sugar Maple back in December as part of a short tour of the Midwest.

Stein is perhaps best known at the moment as part of Natural Information Society, but he has been a stellar part of the Chicago jazz scene for decades. Smith has worked with many significant names in jazz including Marilyn Crispell, Henry Kaiser, Alvin Fielder, and Roscoe Mitchell. For many years he has run a wonderful record label named Balance Point Acoustics. Shead is perhaps a bit less known than either, but he has been participating in several impressive local groups including Microplastique and his quintet.

Buy their most recent album here

Recording information:

JASON STEIN
DAMON SMITH
ADAM SHEAD
2025-12-09
Milwaukee, WI
The Sugar Maple

Jason Stein: bass clarinet
Damon Smith: double bass
Adam Shead: drums

Set list:
01 Set One (30:57)
02 Set Two (26:13)

Total time = 57:10

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF in front row
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (347 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (190 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of the first set:

Spiral Galaxy at the Milwaukee Psych Fest on May 11, 2024

Steve Krakow has been a frequent visitor to the Milwaukee Psych Fest, having performed at the music festival several times under the moniker of Plastic Crimewave. His new project with flautist Sara Gossett, Spiral Galaxy, explores a somewhat softer, more intimate version of psychedelia.

For this performance they were joined by Przemyslaw Krys Drazek on trumpet and Brent Fuscalso on bass. Drazak and Fuscalso at one time were collaborating with a range of musicians as Mako Sica, but since primarily been working as a duo and have changed their name to Drazak Fuscalso.

Buy their latest album here.

Recording information:

SPIRAL GALAXY

2024-05-11

Milwaukee, WI

2024 Milwaukee Psych Fest

Steve Krakow: keyboards

Sara Gossett: flute

Przemyslaw Krys Drazek: trumpet

Brent Fuscalso: bass

Setlist:

01 One (14:41)

02 Two (9:44)

Total time = 24:25

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in X-Y

Additional source: Excellent SBD feed via Max Nemer

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre3 at 24/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (167 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (78 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of an excerpt of this performance:

Nicholas Elert at the Milwaukee Jazz Gallery on August 2, 2025

Here is a brief and enjoyable set from synthesizer wizard, audio engineer, and film composer Nicholas Elert from the Milwaukee Jazz Gallery back in August. It's a very enjoyable 21-minute set featuring two pieces build from sequencers and synthesizers which build up to a dizzying climax.

Buy his most recent album here.

Recording information:

NICHOLAS ELERT
2025-08-02
Milwaukee Jazz Gallery

Nicholas Elert: synthesizers

Setlist:
01 Performance (21:17)

Total time = 21:17

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for the blog www.milwaukeetaper.com

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (122 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (62 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of this performance: 

Wife at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee on September 25, 2025

Wife is a San Francisco-based punk bank formed in 2021 who came through Milwaukee back in September as part of a national tour in support for their new album on Recess Records, The Importance of Daydreaming. Their music and energy was exhilarating -- surprisingly catchy riffs in short songs bursting with jittery drama and howling poetry. 

Buy their latest album here.

Recording Information:

WIFE 

2025-09-25

Milwaukee, WI

The Cactus Club

Char: vocals

Liv: guitar and bass

Lucky: bass and guitar

Siena: drums and vocals

Setlist:

01 Until Then I’ll Be Flying (2:40)

02 Five (2:21)

03 Wish on A Number (2:39)

04 Play Pretend (2:46)

05 Splintered Smile (2:53)

06 Growing Means Going Old (2:15)

07 Sing to Me Dream (3:36)

08 Crashbox (2:57)

Total timde = 22:07

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF

Additional source: SBD feed from Alex

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (154 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (77 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

here is the official video for the song "Until Then I'll Be Flying"

John Dikeman, Thomas Florin, and Nicolas Field at the Sugar Maple in Milwaukee on May 3, 2024

John Dikeman is an American saxophonist who grew up in Wyoming and currently lives and works in Amsterdam. His recent collaborations have included projects with Hamid Drake, William Parker, Joe McPhee, Jeb Bishop, and many others. He brought a trio featuring pianist Thomas Florin and drummer Nicolas Field to the back room of the Sugar Maple last May for two sets of fiery improvised jazz. 

Purchase his most recent album here.

Recording information:

JOHN DIKEMAN

2024-05-03

Milwaukee, WI

The Sugar Maple

John Dikeman: tenor sax

Thomas Florin: piano

Nicolas Field: drums

Setlist:

01 Improvisation One (34:50)

02 Improvisation Two (33:31)

Total time = 68:21

Recorded with artist permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF and a Shure SM58 in the piano

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96

Software: Audacity, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (410MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (193 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of the trio at Black Mountain College a few days after this concert:

Part Chimp at Club Garibaldi in Milwaukee on May 24, 2024

Part Chimp is an experimental noise rock band from London, England (formed in 2000) who made a rare US appearance at Club Garibaldi in Milwaukee as part of Minneapolis' Caterwaul Festival. I was primarily at the show to record the Isolation Tank Ensemble (a Louisville, KY-based "trash prog" band) but was very surprised at the how great the other groups (such as Part Chimp) were at this mini-fest. I'm happy the band allowed me to post this recording and I hope they are able to return to the US soon. 

Buy their most recent album here.

Recording information:

PART CHIMP
2024-05-24
Milwaukee, WI
Club Garibaldi

Tim Cedar: guitar and vocal
Iain Hinchliffe: guitar
Joe Mclaughlin: bass
Jon Hamilton: drums

Setlist:
01 One in the Eye (3:35)
02 Back From The Dead (3:02)
03 Solid Gone - USisA (7:35)
04 Namekuji (4:09)
05 Mapoleon (3:06)
06 Drool - Up With Notes (8:26)
07 Worms (4:01)
08 Trad (5:05)
09 30,000,000,000,000,000 People (6:26)

Total time = 45:25

Recorded by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC930 in ORTF
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (301 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (124 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible

video of their performance at Caterwaul the next day in Minneapolis:

Chris Forsyth at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee on April 9, 2023

Chris Forsyth along with his band consisting of Tom Malach on guitar, Doug McCombs on bass, and Ryan Jewell on drums toured the midwest in April 2023 and appeared at the Cactus Club on April 9th. They co-headlined a tour with Garcia Peoples that was characterized by wonderful and creative jamming.

Purchase his latest album here.

Recording information:

CHRIS FORSYTH

2023-04-09

Milwaukee, WI

The Cactus Club

Chris Forsyth: guitar and vocals

Tom Malach: guitar

Doug McCombs: bass

Ryan Jewell: drums

Setlist:

01 Tomorrow Might As Well Be Today (3:48)

02 Bad Moon Risen (5:09)

03 Experimental and Professional (12:14)

04 Dreaming in the Non-Dream (15:42)

05 Powderfinger [Neil Young] (6:42)

Total time = 43:35

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC930 in ORTF

Additional source: SBD feed from Alex

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (284 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (123 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

video from a performance in San Francisco a month prior to this concert:

FACS at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee on April 6, 2023

FACS was formed in Chicago in 2017 with members Brian Case, Noah Leger, and Jonathan van Herik. Just before their first album was released, van Herik left the group and was replaced by bassist Alianna Kalaba.

Their name is a reference to the catalog numbering system of Manchester's legendary Factory Records, home from 1978-92 to many amazing bands including Joy Division, New Order, and Section 25.

Purchase their most recent album here.

Recording information:

   

FACS

2023-04-06

Milwaukee, WI

Cactus Club

Brian Case: guitar and voice

Alianna Kalaba: bass

Noah Leger: drums

Setlist:

01 Ordinary Voices (4:47)

02 When You Say (5:57)

03 Constellation (4:08)

04 Skylarking (5:39)

05 Teenage Hive (3:10)

06 Slogan (4:46)

07 Strawberry Cough (5:37)

08 Dub Over (5:18)

09 North American Endless (4:15)

10 New Flag (9:50)

Total time = 53:27

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC930 in ORTF on stand at back of room

Recorder: Sound Devices MxPre6ii

Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (356 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (136 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

video of FACS in San Diego a few months after this show:

Frank Hurricane at the Thawed Out Fest in Chicago on April 26, 2025

No one is quite like Frank Hurricane. His boisterous stream-of-consciousness delivery and cosmic phraseology may seem like an act to some, but after posting on social media about seeing him perform live, one of my followers came forward to tell me that he had been Frank's roommate in Philadelphia years ago and that Frank had been exactly the same in person in their apartment as he is onstage. 

My favorite aspect of Frank's music is his irrepressible and irresistible positivity. This can be seen throughout this set, which came early in the afternoon at the wonderful 2025 Thawed Out Fest in Chicago at the legendary iO Theater. 

Purchase Frank's most recent album here.

Recording information:

FRANK HURRICANE

2025-04-26
Chicago, IL at the iO Theater
2025 Thawed Out Fest
Outside stage

Frank Hurricane: guitar and voice

Setlist:
01 Intro (0:30)
02 Good Mornin Sun (2:43)
03 Introduction to Girthworm Jim (2:49)
04 Girthworm Jim (5:47)
05 Banter — You Like It Spicy? (2:47)
06 Addicted to Thrill (3:55)
07 Banter — Super Bowl (2:39)
08 Holy Michael Loves the Birds (5:21)
09 Quartz Blues (4:27)
10 Cinnamon of the Mountains (3:14)
11 Holy Weekend (3:25)
12 Sneedville Blues (6:25)

Total Time = 44:02

Recorded with permission by Richard Hayes for this blog

Microphones: Beyerdynamic MC930 in ORTF
Recorder: MixPre3 at 24/96 resolution 
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct

downloads:

16bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC files (242 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that sort of thing

320 kbps mp3 files (119 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible