Fountains of Wayne to honor Adam Schlesinger, set to perform at JERSEY 4 JERSEY on April 22nd

This just landed in my inbox and wanted to share. Make sure to tune in this Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT)...Robert Kinsler

Fountains of Wayne with Sharon Van Etten

Honor Adam Schlesinger With First Live

Performance In 7 Years For

JERSEY 4 JERSEY Benefit Show

April 20, 2020: On Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm ET, as part of the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund’s JERSEY 4 JERSEY benefit show raising funds to fight the impact of COVID-19, the remaining members of Fountains of Wayne will reunite for their first live performance in 7 years to pay tribute to songwriter, bassist, and vocalist Adam Schlesinger who passed away earlier this month. The band’s Chris Collingwood, Jody Porter and Brian Young will be joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter and New Jerseyan Sharon Van Etten to fill in on bass and backing vocals.

“Brian, Jody and I are honored to be part of the Jersey 4 Jersey benefit, and grateful that Sharon was able to perform with us,” Collingwood says. “Adam would have been proud that Fountains were helping to raise money for fellow New Jerseyans.”  

“As a New Jersey native, it means so much to me to participate in the NJPRF charitable event that gives back to this community,” says Van Etten. “Adam was an incredible songwriter and I am truly humbled to join Fountains of Wayne in his honor."

“One of the great unheralded songwriters of our time” (VOX), Schlesinger was a founding member of the bands Fountains of Wayne, Ivy, and rock supergroup Tinted Windows, as well as a regular writer and producer for Brooklyn synth-pop duo Fever High. Despite modest record sales, Fountains of Wayne, which Schlesinger co-founded with singer, songwriter, and guitarist Chris Collingwood in 1995, was loved by critics and became a cult favorite with songs such as “Radiation Vibe,” “Utopia Parkway” and “Red Dragon Tattoo” before their 2003 hit “Stacy’s Mom” brought them into the mainstream.

From the beginning of his career, Schlesinger also found success writing songs for film, theater and television, most notably penning the theme song for the Tom Hanks directed film That Thing You Do!, and writing and producing songs for the TV comedy show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Over his uniquely distinguished career, Schlesinger won three Emmy Awards, a GRAMMY Award, the ASCAP Pop Music Award, and was nominated for Academy, Tony, and Golden Globe Awards. He had most recently been collaborating with Sarah Silverman for the stage adaptation of her memoir, “The Bedwetter,” which was scheduled to begin performances this month.

News of Schlesinger’s passing shook all corners of the entertainment world. “With a career unlike any other indie songwriters” (Rolling Stone), he was paid tribute to by Tom Hanks, Stephen Colbert, Rachel Bloom, Conan O’Brien, Jack Antonoff, and countless others who were impacted by the songwriter’s undeniable talent.

Collingwood and Van Etten, along with Fountains of Wayne drummer Brian Young and guitarist Jody Porter, will come together for The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund’s (NJPRF) JERSEY 4 JERSEY benefit, a one-night broadcast fundraiser to fight the medical, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities. It will be broadcast at 7 PM ET on Wednesday, April 22, on Apple Music and AppleTV apps, worldwide. This special evening will feature New Jersey’s biggest champions and celebrities participating from their homes, including Saquon Barkley, Tony Bennett, Jon Bon Jovi, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Halsey, Chelsea Handler, Charlie Puth, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, SZA and more.

About the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF)

The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) was launched March 24, 2020 to marshal resources to meet critical needs and fight the economic and social impact of COVID-19 within New Jersey.

NJPRF will provide grants to existing organizations with a demonstrated track record of caring for vulnerable communities. One hundred percent of every dollar received online by NJPRF will go to organizations that provide essential services to those in need and to assist those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NJPRF is proud to be hosted by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, which has been serving the needs of New Jersey non-profits and philanthropists for more than 40 years.

For additional information please visit: https://njprf.org/

Celebrating the legacy of Adam Schlesinger

Adam Schlesinger, on the right, with Fountains of Wayne.
Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

As I write this column it's unbelievable that more than 337,000 Americans have been stricken during the coronavirus pandemic; sadly more than 9,600 persons across the U.S. have died as of April 6, 2020. 

Among those who have lost their life from complications caused by COVID-19 is singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/music producer Adam Schlesinger. The famed artist — only 52 and the father of two young daughters — died on April 1, 2020 in an Upstate New York hospital after reportedly battling against the infectious disease for more than a week. 

Although Schlesinger was best known as a member of groundbreaking New Jersey-spawned power-pop quartet Fountains of Wayne, over the past 25 years he was an in-demand tunesmith and producer who achieved acclaim for far-flung projects that earned him a Grammy win along with multiple Emmy wins and even an Academy Award nomination. 

Sprinkled across Fountain of Wayne's handful of full-length albums are countless masterworks (FoW also featured lead vocalist Chris Collingwood, lead guitarist Jody Porter and drummer Brian Young). Here are some of my favorites songs that benefit from Schlesinger's artistic touch.


Fountains of Wayne

"Radiation Vibe" — A stellar cut from FoW's eponymous 1996 debut, "Radiation Vibe" is bolstered by edgy guitar (including a touch of artful feedback), a driving rhythm section and an anthemic chorus. 

"She's Got a Problem" — Another standout from Fountains of Wayne, the wistful "She's Got a Problem" is a wonderful song that is more ballad than rocker but nevertheless has a driving quality that warrants the fuzzy guitars and sonic shadows of Lou Reed. 

"Sick Day" — Brilliant. The mix of literate and observant lyrics about the challenges of going into the office day after day enhanced by a rich melodic rockscape combine for a powerful punch. Another highlight on FoW's debut. 

"Hackensack" — FoW is best known for their gloriously uptempo power-pop-meets-indie rock. However, immerse yourself in "Hackensack" (off 2003's Welcome Interstate Managers), a baroque pop ballad that is as tender and affecting as anything put on disc that decade. 

"Mexican Wine" — We could all use a little hope in these dark times, right? Just listen to the melancholy-drenched chorus from "Mexican Wine" off Welcome Interstate Managers: "The sun still shines in the summertime / I'll be yours and you'll be mine / I tried to change but I changed my mind / Think I'll have another glass of Mexican Wine." A witty and tuneful song that kicks off the album, the ambitious harmony vocals and dramatic dynamics on the track make this one of the band's most interesting cuts.

"Stacy's Mom" — Fountains of Wayne's biggest-ever hit, the 2003 single "Stacy's Mom" reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The infectious track revisited the sound of the Cars to be sure, and the accompanying much-played music video starring model Rachel Hunter (conjuring up the 1982 teen coming-of-age flick "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") helped solidify the song's success.

 "The Girl I Can't Forget" - One of the standouts on the 2005 compilation collection Out-of-State Plates is the exuberant "The Girl I Can't Forget." Few artists have ever delivered as convincing a story of youthful lust-meets-enduring love with as much force and cleverness wrapped in melodic sheen over a mere 3 and a half minutes as Fountains of Wayne achieved with this joyful ride.

"Strapped for Cash" — I was listening to "Strapped for Cash" (off 2007's Traffic and Weather) recently and memories of FoW tearing through the rocker on the main stage at Coachella in 2007 came flooding back to me. Like so many of FoW's greatest songs, there is a combination of brilliant storytelling, smart wordplay and undeniable song craft that makes for required and repeated listens. 

"Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" — When FoW released their brilliant album Sky Full of Holes via Yep Roc Records in summer 2011 few knew this would be the band's final studio effort. As years go by, I become more bewitched by the musical magic and lyrical poetry painted across its lucky 13 tracks. "Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" is just one of the classics on the disc. The lines enthrall, none more than this: "Melancholy comes like a robin at your window." 






Favorite Other Projects

"That Thing You Do" — The instantly-memorable title cut from the Tom Hank-directed film "That Thing You Do!" sounds as great today as it did when we first heard the Beatlesque gem in movie theaters and over the airwaves in 1997. Schlesinger wrote the song and sang back-up vocals on the recording as well.

"Work To Do" — The duo America's bona fide comeback album, 2007's "Here and Now" featured the legendary act performing Schlesinger's inspired "Work To Do." The breezy folk rock song blends the strains of Americana and tuneful pop in a beguiling track custom made for America singers Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. Here and Now also features the winning "Ride On," an acoustic-flavored nugget he co-wrote with Bunnell.

"Our Own World — Monkees fans will always be grateful for Schlesinger's production on the band's most recent two studio albums (2016's Good Times! and the 2018 holiday album Christmas Party). On the wonderful "Our Own World," Schlesinger's contribution includes writing the inviting track and playing bass guitar as well.  

"Me & Magdalena" — One of the most beautiful pop recordings in recent memory, the Ben Gibbard-penned "Me & Magdalena" may well be the highlight on the Schlesinger-produced Monkees LP Good Times! The nuanced production showcases Schlesinger's all encompassing gifts as a master in any corner of a recording studio.

"House of Broken Gingerbread" — Schlesinger teamed up with American novelist Michael Chabon to co-write the rollicking power pop salvo "House of Broken Gingerbread" for the Monkees' Christmas Party. Don't let the title fool you; Micky Dolenz delivers an amazing lead vocal performance on an instant classic that sounds as good in summer as around Christmastime. 



Robert Kinsler

Wild Honey presents The Beatles' 'White Album' live on stage

The Beatles, the ninth studio album released by the Fab Four and better known as the White Album, was one of the group's most unique titles. The two-disc release, issued in November 1968, spelled the beginning of the end of the group (Ringo Starr briefly quit the band during the recording sessions and missed recording drums on several tracks). Yet, there is no doubt that the White Album is filled with timeless and brilliant classics. Now 45 years after the album's release, a special performance of the entire album by a number of wonderful musicians will raise money for an important cause. Read the just-issued media release below...

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Benefit-concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation will present the classic Beatles self-titled album, better known as The White Album, performed in its entirety and in order by a star-studded house band and guest singers. The event, which will benefit the Autism Think Tank, will take place Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. in downtown Glendale, Calif.  

Current members of the Wild Honey Orchestra include a who’s who of respected L.A. recording artists: musical director Rob Laufer, guitar, vocals; Jim Laspesa (Dave Davies/Susanna Hoffs), drums; Derrick Anderson (The Bangles), bass; Rusty Squeezebox (Baby Lemonade, Love), guitar; Willie Aron, keyboards, vocals; Jordan Summers, keyboards; Darian Sahanaja (Wondermints, Brian Wilson Band), keyboards/vocals, Damon Fox (Big Elf), keyboards, Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson Band), percussion, vocals; multi-instrumentalist Probyn Gregory (Brian Wilson Band); Sarah Kramer, horns; and Kaitlin Wolfberg, strings.

Guest performers include: Dave Gregory (XTC), Vicki & Debbi Peterson (The Bangles), Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne), Mitch Easter (Let’s Active), Susan Cowsill, John Cowsill, Alain Johannes (Eleven, Queens of the Stone Age), Dream Weaver Gary Wright (Spooky Tooth), Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention, Matthews’ Southern Comfort), The Muffs, Paisley Underground legendsThe Three O'Clock, Christine Collister (Richard Thompson band), Cindy Lee Berry Hill, Steven McDonald (Redd Kross) stellar 1960s sideman Keith Allison (Paul Revere & the Raiders), Cosmo Topper (Just Imagine Show), Anna Warnakor & Rachel Haden (That Dog), Nick Guzman,  Thomas Walsh (Pugwash), Skylar Gudasz, Brett Harris, Django Haskins (The Old Ceremony), Lyle Workman(Todd Rundgren, etc.), Dirk Hamilton, John Wicks (The Records), John Easdale (Dramarama), Steve Stanley (The Now People), Translator, Morty Coyle (All Day Sucker), and the always-possible Very Special Guests.   

As with last year’s sold-out Revolver/Abbey Road show at the Big Star Third shows at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, this event will benefit the Autism Think Tank. The non-profit organization brings together a team of top autism specialists, via an Internet medical conference, to tackle the seemingly intractable and painful medical/psychological problems faced by kids like Wild Honey co-organizer Paul Rock’s ten-year-old son Jake, whose own issues have improved since his involvement with the group.

Dating back to 1994, the 501(3)(c), non-profit Wild Honey’s numerous grassroots benefit/tribute events have featured appearances by Brian Wilson, Dave Davies from the Kinks, the late Alex Chilton, the Bangles, Al Stewart, Denny Laine, Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, Matthew Sweet, Colin Hay, Dan Wilson, P.F. Sloan, John Brion, Peter Case, The Plimsouls, Victoria Williams, The Williams Brothers, Dave Alvin, The Blue Shadows, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Scott Miller from the Loud Family, Ann Magnuson, and so many more. The shows have been produced at various Los Angeles-area locations including the Morgan-Wixson Theater in Santa Monica, the Roxy, the Knitting Factory (Hollywood) and the El Rey Theatre.  

Over the years, Wild Honey shows have raised funds and awareness for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Habitat for Humanity, the Liberty Hill Foundation, USC Norris Cancer Center, and the Coalition to End Gun Violence while paying tribute to musical idols: Brian Wilson, The Kinks, Big Star, The Byrds, The Everly Brothers, The Hollies, Harry Nilsson, Pete Townshend, solo Paul McCartney, and Elvis Costello.

For more information about the Autism Think Tank, please go to http://www.autismthinktanknj.com/ 

For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/