Hello, hello. Last time I was here, I said that my new record would be properly released in July… Well, needless to say that did not happen. Sophia and I got very busy with our wedding in August, and then teaching obligations swallowed me whole in September. The records also took longer to produce than I initially expected — I ended up making 50 small paintings in total for the sleeves.

All that being said, I am super excited to announce that I’ve planned a proper release show for The Americanization of Shmuel in December with an absolutely wicked line-up. It will be a special night, with Ella Heron up from Philly, Sydney Spann coming from New York, and Oliver Strand driving down from Gloucester.

I hope to see you there!!! It’s Friday December 12, 7:30pm at the Repair Atelier on Church St, Providence. There will be a modest cover to support the out-of-town artists.

As part of the show, I am very excited to display the edition of 25 lathe-cut records.

Every record sleeve has a unique 12 × 12 in. painting/drawing on both sides. They are done in oil, graphite, and charcoal on gessoed archival 350gsm paper. They came out really beautifully, with variations of angel motifs, along with wind, barracks, and fragments from Walter Benjamin. For the show I am making some wooden structures to display both sides of the records.

Here are six of them to get a taste, with both sides shown:

I also have CDs in; they look and feel great too.

And all editions of the record come with a special poster.

The CDs are $10 + shipping and the records are $100 + shipping. About 10 records are already spoken for, FYI, and I imagine that many will go on December 12. So do let me know if you would like one.

You can email me, or buy this junk on bandcamp: https://elgallo.bandcamp.com/

I will start shipping after 12/12. And hopefully see some of you there in person.

Lastly, before signing off, I have to pay tribute to my dear, beloved dog Ozzie (2009-2025). Some of you have heard that Ozzie passed away this past weekend. A part of my soul has left with him; my consolation is that part of his soul has stayed with me. He was a wonderful being, as anyone who knew him will remember. Rest in peace dear friend.

-Eli