Brooklyn-based Black Taxi are accustomed to rocking a variety of venues and creating waves of enthusiasm in their audiences. On August 6, 2009, the quartet rocked a boat for their second time at the 9th annual “Rocks Off Boat Concert Cruises Series” in New York City, and kept their cool riding the waves of the East River. A dusk departure of the Half Moon cruise ship from the Skyport Marina on FDR Drive in Manhattan offered awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Big Apple’s notable sights; the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building astonished as the sun set and the city lights brightened. Featuring a bar and lounge in the lower level reminiscent of an upscale living room, and an enclosed stage area and outdoor viewing deck on the upper, the floating venue vessel filled to its 200-person capacity for the sold-out event. Some guests dressed to impress; others, including the Black Taxi gents, donned traditional white, cruise attire; and a few turned to pirate and sailor garb. Illuminated by a full moon, The Half Moon wove its way under and through the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges, and circled the Statue of Liberty while the opening band Carlon, and headliners Black Taxi provided “moving” sets.
With their debut album scheduled for release on September 26, Black Taxi cruised through a song list that amped up the guests' enthusiasm for the new record and made their experience of seeing a rock show in the middle of the East River one of a kind. Adjusting to their tipsy setting with ease, and a few technical blips, the band anchored themselves for a fine selection, highlighting “Pretty Mama,” “It’s a Ball,” “Shoeshine,” “Get To Know You,” “Wanted Man,” “Down for Dancing,” “Love Song For a Ghost,” “Can't Bring Myself to Care," a superb cover of The Talking Heads’ “Life During Wartime,” and encore “Ticket.” Ezra Huleatt (vocals/trumpet/glockenspiel/keyboards, etc.) hung from the boat’s rafters and traveled in and out of the fans' frontlines. Krisana Soponpong (bass) encouraged audience participation by melding with the crowd in the close quarters. Bill Mayo’s (guitar/vocals) solos and vocal harmonies perked the ears of cruisers and land listeners as the Half Moon sailed by the shore; and Jason Holmes (drums/vocals) propelled a steady pace despite his shifting drum kit. Tossed to and fro, the crowd’s usually uninhibited dancing was exaggerated by the choppy 
water’s unpredictability but not dampened (Attendees must have taken their Dramamine.). Mid-way, the Statue of Liberty appeared behind the band, creating an unforgettable combination of sound and scenery.
Black Taxi returned to landlubber status to celebrate New York Underbelly’s 7th Anniversary at Crash Mansion on August 21, and boosted the entertainment at the Wonderwheel at the Coney Island Boardwalk on the 22nd. Between concerts stay in touch with the band at www.blacktaxi.com, and on Myspace (where Black Taxi will be posting a new track each week until the album release), Facebook, iTunes, and be sure to join Black Taxi on September 26, at New York City's Gramercy Theater in honor of their much-awaited first full-length album.
