Fred and Matt are hard at work in Woody's House producing tracks for the upcoming Gillen & Turk debut.

The title has not yet been inked, but our reliable sources assure us it will not be called "The Black Album". Many tracks have been cut. Some hit the heart, others the hips and still others the spirit.

How are they getting it done? We hear there have been a lot of shipments arriving at the studio of Newman's Dark Espresso Chocolate. As well there are constant sightings in Croton-on-Hudson's Black Cow. Fuel for the Revolution indeed! Fred was spotted wheeling a shopping cart to the studio for a noisy session involving clanking and banging. The washboard happily now has a playmate. Stay tuned, Gillen & Turk will be announcing a release date soon. G&T's debut CD is coming.

Matt Turk's version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with Matter and Gaby Moreno can be heard in David Dobkin's movie, "Fred Claus," and appears on the film's soundtrack as well. "Fred Claus" opened November 9, 2007, and the soundtrack is available on Warner Brothers. Matt recorded the track at Matter Music in Los Angeles in August, 2007. In addition to singing the lead vocal, Matt plays a Depression-era Martin nylon-string guitar, lap steel, banjo and mandolin.

Though Washington Arms was recently released, Matt returned to the studio in early October 06 to record an anti-war song, "The Fog of War." Cut at the Farm House in Croton-on-Hudson, NY with producer/multi-instrumentalist Rob Morsberger, the track features Pete Seeger, the musical conscience of America, sitting in on banjo. "The Fog of War" is available now for free download.

Fred Gillen Jr. and Matt Turk won a coveted spot in the Metropolitan Transit Authority's Music Under New York program this May, 2007. The auditions were covered in the national and major New York media. News of the washboard and harmonies went out over the Associated Press newswire reaching Hong Kong, Singapore and who knows where else. Fred and Matt will be performing for straphangers in the subways this summer. Check the gigs page for details.

Matt, Dave Blackshire and Fred Gillen Jr. performed 3 sets on April 7 at The Bayou in Mt. Vernon, NY--Westchester's premier roadhouse and one of the best Cajun eateries north of Lafayette, Loo-siana. Highlights included killer renditions of "Gimme Shelter," "Are You Experienced," and Turk originals "Stranger," "History's Gripping," and "Silver Ring." Thanks to James O'Rourke and The Journal News for a great write up.

Congratulations to Matt Fried on releasing his new CD Days of Hope, produced by Kevin Hupp in the Groove Room. Matt Turk plays guitar, mandolin and sings on this fine recording. Matt Fried is a fantastic songwriter and musician who began his career years ago with Al Cooper. Please visit his website for more information and to pick up Days of Hope.