Uncle Monk

This time next Friday I'll be in the Highline Ballroom grabbing a space near the stage to see Buffy Sainte-Marie.

But before I see Buffy I'll have to watch the support band, Uncle Monk. And who is half of Uncle Monk? None other than Tommy Ramone of The Ramones! So, nearly 30 years after first seeing Tommy, I'll be seeing him again. Check out his MySpace to listen to his music these days - I quite like what I've heard.

Uncle Monk is an alt-country/indie-bluegrass duo featuring Tommy Ramone on vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo and dobro, and Claudia Tienan on vocals, guitar and bass. Uncle Monk's music is rooted in old-time and bluegrass influences. To this mix they have added unique musical textures to create a sound with a new sensibility. Tommy Ramone began his musical career as Tom Erdelyi an engineer at the Record Plant recording studios. In the musical doldrums of the 70's he, along with the great Johnny, Joey and Dee Dee Ramone, formed the rock group Ramones and participated in the birth of New Wave, Punk Rock, and Alternative music. As manager, producer and drummer for the band, Tommy Ramone helped create the sound, style and ideology for what was to become modern rock. Claudia Tienan, formerly with the group The Simplistics, is a partner with Tommy Ramone in Uncle Monk. Her penetrating lyrics and haunting vocals add facets and dimension to the songs. The music of the two artist complement each other. There is a Yin and Yang sensibility at work, a touch of light and dark, of bitter and sweet.