Need dinner? I am a {self} trained chef

I'm a pretty avid cook when I'm off the road and out of the studio. It started quite rudimentary with the simple and ubiquitous hamburger, steak, and the like. I've moved on to breaded veal in a red wine reduction over sun-dried tomato pasta and other Italian inspired dishes, after living in Florence, Italy for almost half a year. Yes, I am a lover of the Food Network. Giada De Laurentiis is gorgeous.

I was giving this recipe to a friend via email and thought I'd also share it with the world, to those interested in trying. It's an easy one, so don't be turned off by the length here. I'm just really verbose.

VODKA CHICKEN CASSEROLE with PROSCIUTTO

Your Ingredients:

-Box of ziti
-jar of vodka sauce
-3-4 breasts of boneless skinless chicken
-1/4 lb of good sliced prosciutto
-good extra virgin olive oil
-fresh parmigiana cheese
-fresh mozzarella cheese
-lots of garlic
-Half a red onion
-package of small mushrooms
-fresh flat leaf parsley
-fresh basil


So, dice a few cloves of garlic, toss them into a hot pan with olive
oil. Let them sweat for a few seconds. Slice red onion and add those
to the garlic and oil. Slice the shrooms into small-medium pieces and
add those also. Let it all mix together with salt and pepper for a
minute so the flavors blend.

Cube up your chicken breasts. Salt them. Pepper them. Touch them. Add
them to the pan with the onions, garlic, etc. Dice up your prosciutto into small
pieces or strips only an inch in length. Add those to your chicken pan AFTER the
chicken is cooked through. Grab a pasta pot. Boil water and salt that water for the ziti.

Time this right. The pasta cooks faster than the chicken. So, put the
pasta in the water at the tail end of the chicken's cooking time. You
want the chicken to be brown. While all of this craziness is going on,
pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees.

A minute or so before the pasta is finished, open the jar of vodka
sauce. quickly sauté some more garlic pieces in olive oil in a sauce
pot (medium size). Add the sauce to the oil and garlic. keep the heat
on low for the sauce. When the sauce is hot, add the
chicken/onion/mushroom mixture from the pan directly into the sauce
pot. Stir well.

Grab a casserole dish, that is deep. Add the ziti into that casserole
dish. Add the sauce with all the goodies into the casserole dish. Stir
well and mix. Spoon over a liberal amount of parmigiana cheese over
the top as well as a nice helping of freshly minced basil. Slice your
mozz cheese into olympic medal-sized circles. Place those on top of
the casserole.

Put the dish into the over for about 15 minutes...but keep a close eye
on it. You want the cheese to melt, but not burn. After that, take it
out, sprinkle more parmigiana on top and finish with freshly minced
parsley.

cookin' love to all,
-Alex

video news

I had a late night with the director of my video, David Ambrose, in the Carol Gardens section of Brooklyn last night. I'm pretty happy with the footage thus far. We filmed much of it in Brooklyn (Red Hook, DUMBO) and also parts of Chelsea in Manhattan. There is a somewhat gritty feel to the video overall. I should have a preliminary cut within the next week.

-AN

POSTED FROM NEW YORK, NY AT 3:38PM

Thoughts on memory

Rainy, overcast Friday in New York City. I've been getting a few things together today for my short trip to Birmingham, AL this weekend. I'm back at Workplay Theatre, which will be very cool. But, I'm solo acoustic...a kind of show I haven't done in awhile. It's a bit bizarre for me to say that, though, because I started the first 4 years of my career doing nothing but solo acoustic shows (over 400 of them). So, why would I feel odd about going back to my roots? I guess I'm just really comfortable now with the guys I'm playing with. They know my songs well enough to tell me when I made a mistake in rehearsal.

Moving on....There are also a ton of new ideas for songs in my proverbial "song hopper." The topics have changed slightly from direct love ballads to memory and nostalgia. I find it fascinating how small elements in life trigger really profound and poignant memories. A song on the radio, a smell in a restaurant, a scene in a film. All of these things have become the backdrop and the under-coating of many of my new songs.

I don't think one ever forgets a memory. It just needs to be resurrected sometimes by a link between past and present. Comments?

~Alex

POSTED BY FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK @ 12:35PM

Sunrise Falls - the new album 2006

on sale right now at www.alexnackman.com, alexnackman.co.uk, Apple iTunes, and many other areas worldwide.

LIVE in LONDON

NOVEMBER 9, 2006
THE BORDERLINE
LONDON, ENGLAND

Back to London. I’m really getting to know this city pretty well—even how to deal with the drunks who have approached me on Charing Cross over 7 times. For some reason, they’ve always asked me for a sausage. This is peculiar. Being back at the Borderline was a great feeling--so much history in there—sort of like the CBGBs or Bitter End of England. The Borderline has a chronology of bands who’ve come through posted on the stone walls. Let’s just say that the Rolling Stones have graced the stage in their younger days. The room itself looks as though it could’ve served as a dungeon for King George or even earlier, maybe William of Orange (is that 1066? Who says musicians aren’t up to date on their English medieval history).

Room was filled and the audience was into it---I tried to be extra funny that night, but I failed. My jokes were less effective. Perhaps the music was more effective. I hadn’t played “Roll With It” in such a long time and broke it out of the vault at the risk of forgetting entire verses at a time. Fortunately, all was nailed without a hitch. Chatted it up with some fans post show. C.R. Avery, from Vancouver, played after with his awesome beat poetry---he jumped on the bar and grabbed my hat while I was having a pint…crazy kid. Great to be back in jolly ‘ol. At a Starbucks and I hate paying 8 pounds for an hour of internet…exchange rate bastards. Tonight I’m off for some London fun—no gig. I think I’ll see a flick with some mates and eat Indian food---yes, off to Leicester Sq kids.

-AN

Setlist:

DIONYSUS
SUNRISE FALLS
AMSTERDAM AVENUE
WINGS
PROXIMITY
ROLL WITH IT
OCTOBER


POSTED FROM LONDON, ENGLAND AT 4:17PM

NYC Return, Full Band, LIVE @ THE BITTER END

August 2006

Studio notes from Alex

There will be a quick preview/tease of one of the brand new songs next week on Myspace.com, 6/26 and 6/27. It will only be up for 48 hrs, so I hope you all will check it out...and quickly. The new songs have really been coming along great. Mixing engineer Jeff Juliano (Ben Folds/Dave Matthews/John Mayer) and producer Todd Wright have both been amazing. I am truly excited to get these tracks finished and into your hands. Your support and podcast enthusiasm every week has been appreciated more than you know.

My Best,
AN

Podcast Now on Week 3

Hey Everyone,

If you haven't already subscribed, please check out the brand new iTunes Podcast at the iTunes Store. Fans are able to directly send questions to Alex to be answered on each week's podcast. Fill out the podcast form at www.alexnackman.com or send an email to info@alexnackman with "PODCAST" in the subject line.

Great interaction and a cool way to hear Alex in a very open and relaxed setting.

-Susan
ALEX NACKMAN STREET TEAM, London and New York
================================
ONLINE OFFICIALLY AT:
www.alexnackman.com
www.alexnackman.co.uk
www.myspace.com/alexnackman

ROAD JOURNAL: NEW YORK, NY

May 17/2006
THE CUTTING ROOM
NEW YORK, NY

Such an awesome night in New York and my first NYC show in nearly 3 months, after all the studio work I've been caught up in this winter season. The Cutting Room, in Chelsea, had been an old burlesque theatre and the room has that 1930s Moulin Rouge feel. The sound of the high ceilings was also great.

The room was packed with eager New Yorkers. It was so great to see everyone out, especially on a Wednesday night. I even got a chance to hang with many of you at the bar before and after the show. I love the interaction. I played mostly new stuff, with a few older tunes thrown in. Sorry for the short set people...flying to Washington DC tomorrow and in the studio with Pat McGee boys.

Super Short Set-List:

-WINGS
-TUESDAY
-STARS
-AMSTERDAM AVENUE
-DIONYSUS

+Alex
p.s. I know, I know, the photo has nothing to do with the show. Visuals often put a face with the words, don't they?

BACK TO NYC MAY 17 :: THE 'BARRY Z SHOW'

Catch Alex back home in NYC on MAY 17, after spending most of this winter in the studio. He'll be making a special performance at the Cutting Room, which will be televised nationally in Miami, Philly, NYC, and Los Angeles for Time Warner Cable. Alex is a featured artist for New York City's venerable music reviewer, Barry Z.

The Cutting Room
19 West 24th St. at 6th Ave
New York, NY 10010

This is an event not to miss. Tickets on sale at www.thecuttingroomnyc.com or at the door. Doors open at 7:30p.

NOTE: Alex's set is on the shorter side, so it is advised that you arrive between 7:30-8:00p.

Studio update: NEW YORK to L.A. travel and work

Still more work being done in the studio, but it's sounding terrific. The new record has a much different vibe than the current releases. After spending some time in England as well as having a hectic winter season of traveling and being away from home in New York, Alex surely has some stories to tell. The Brit-rock influence has seaped into the new songs. "Proximity," an upcoming track, was leaked for one week on MySpace (www.myspace.com/alexnackman).

In addition, "Tuesday" is currently at www.alexnackman.com as the start-up song. These new songs will only be available for a limited time, up until the album is released.

FYI Tour News: Catch Alex back in New York City on MAY 17 at THE CUTTING ROOM. More info very shortly.

+Mark

Current Releases

ALL ALBUMS ON SALE HERE

NEW EURO TOUR DATES TO BE RELEASED!

CORRECTION (as of APRIL 17, 2006): the UK run has been temporarily postponed due to schedule conflicts related to Alex's new record release this summer. This does not mean the tour is cancelled. We had an absolute blast in the UK last fall '05 and we're not forgetting how much you all mean to the team back in the States. MORE INFO VERY SOON.

=========================================================================*
Alex will be returning to the UK this May for a terrific ten day run. More info soon as details are confirmed. Tell all your friends!

Cheers,

Susan
-THE ALEX NACKMAN STREET TEAM, London

Los Angeles road journal: LIVE @ THE ROXY THEATRE

Well, back to NYC from L.A. We had a great time back at the Roxy Theatre. I truly love this room, and it's got so much history. I caught Pat McGee and Stephen Kellogg at the Roxy the night before...followed by a little after party at the Rainbow Room next door on Sunset.

Ok, another point: i can't stand snoring. I shared a hotel room with my bassist Pat Porter--I love this guy, but he snored like rhino for 5 hours straight. It was a like tuba shouting at an elephant farting. I finally passed out from pure exhaustion at 5:30 AM and managed to rack up 2 hrs of undisturbed sleep. I think Pat slept just fine.

Onto the show. soundcheck for our show was a little crazy on 3/16, but the show was great, despite being a somewhat shorter set. Thank you Cali for all the support. It was terrific seeing all you out there. I debuted several brand new songs including "Dionysus" and "Proximity." Drummer Chris Williams (from the Pat McGee Band) was with me as well as guest bassist Patrick Porter, hailing from Richmond, VA. L.A. has always been close to me and it's exciting to be back in town.

Setlist Roxy Theatre for March 16

STARS
WINGS
APHRODITE'S SKY
DIONYSUS
PHOTO
AND SHE'S BEAUTIFUL
PROXIMITY

-AN

www.alexnackman.com
www.alexnackman.co.uk

From Alex: What is he listening to?

Alright guys,

i'll admit it, i've nearly maxed out my credit card at the iTunes store. I can't help it. 99 cents feels like a penny, until you realize that it's not monopoly money. But either way, here's what's caught on repeat in my iPod and everything else technologically advanced.

-josh rouse
-athlete
-rhett miller
-spoon
-embrace
-red house painters
-david gray (never get tired of this guy)
-van morrison (classic)
-longwave
-matt pond
-ambulance Ltd

That should get you started. This bunch makes me laugh, makes me cry. Hope to see as many of you as possible on March 16 for a special acoustic trio night at the Roxy in W. Hollywood, CA. New release is coming soon my babies (Conan joke).

Very Best,
Alex

Special Event:: LOS ANGELES::

Back L.A. on March 16, Alex will take the stage with his acoustic trio at the Sunset strip landmark, The Roxy Theatre. Tickets are on sale. This is a show not to miss as Alex will be debuting news songs from his upcoming 4th release, currently being recorded back home in New York.

www.alexnackman.com [USA]
www.alexnackman.com [EUROPE]

Bio

New York City based rocker Alex Nackman is climbing to the top of the proverbial singer-songwriter music scene with his personal blend of acoustic rock fare that critics have described as insightful and introspective, yet also melancholy and inquisitive. His well received 2003 studio debut “Good Impressions”, and following tour, gave Nackman the chance to hone his live performance. After a solid year of touring in the northeast, Alex’s songs could be heard on College-town coffee shop mixes from Washington DC to Bangor, ME. With continued self-publicity work, touring, and free sampler mailings to all fans (at which point three post offices in three states in the northeast knew Alex’s first name), Alex’s honest songs were spreading. Soon, he garnered opening spots for an impressive host of headliners including The Roots, Norah Jones, Glen Phillips (formerly of Toad the Wet Sprocket), Pat McGee Band, and Ari Hest among many others. Peter Baker of Fly Magazine said in 2003 of Alex’s “Good Impressions” release, “He writes lyrics that betray the fact that Nackman himself is just 20 years old.”

Nackman has toured extensively and successfully throughout all parts of the U.S. and many parts of Europe hitting top venues, colleges, and universities. With the amount of touring and road experience Alex has under his belt, there’s little mystery as to why press from L.A. to London has continued to back him. Now 22 years old, Alex has managed to rack up hundreds of shows (including two separate full European tours) with an international following, on the strength of his sharp and clever songwriting, and personable stage appeal. It also should be noted that as the consummate businessman and negotiator, Alex has booked every single show he has ever performed.

In August 2004, Nackman released a live EP entitled “Stages | EP,” bringing together live tracks recorded at Eddie’s Attic (Atlanta), Makor (NYC), and The Point (Bryn Mawr, PA). It was in September 2004, when Alex first brought his touring to Europe, as he earned a residency at “Loonees,” a well-regarded club in Florence, Italy. In addition, he was offered multiple playing opportunities in London highlighted by opening for UK based “CoStar” at the 12 Bar Club as well as a co-headlining date with fellow songwriter Sylvie Lewis, at the Lush Bar also in London.

Alex has always had a penchant for connecting with people through the music. His willingness to open himself up is shown brightly in the honesty and intensity of his songs that discuss real issues and ask moral questions. Where some songwriters find it difficult to face the realities and utter failures in life, Alex has embraced them as driving forces behind his songs. It seems as though his approach has been right on with the fans and listeners from L.A. to Italy that Alex has swooned. Through grassroots promotional efforts of a dedicated street team, Alex has impressively created a strong legion of fans from all across the country and abroad, earned growing album sales, and has been gaining enthusiastic response from U.S. and UK press. “His energetic and upbeat melodies, coupled with insightful lyrics and superb guitar skills make this young artist one to watch,” writes Cheryl Zack of Vibe-Rate Music, Philadelphia. The BBC in London also jumped in writing, “Nackman, a New Yorker, dishes acoustic fired gems.” Drawing influence from Ben Folds, Van Morrison, Pete Yorn, Paul McCartney, and James Taylor, Alex has been able to solidify his fan connections with artful melodies and infectious hooks.

From Los Angeles to New York to London to Rome and everywhere in between, Alex Nackman has grown well beyond the days of his earliest efforts and has turned into a true craftsman. On June 21, 2005, Alex released his 3rd studio release, “A Boy Who Thought He Knew,” with the aid of producer David Shaw (Van Morrison, Jerry Garcia, Etta James) and performance appearances from Fred Berman (of the Amos Lee band) and former Ray Charles bassist Steve Beskrone. The critically acclaimed record was backed by a 25 city U.S. and UK summer tour. He is currently working on his forth release.