The Brakes and American Babies, two trad-rock bands with roots in the improvisational music scene, have spent the past week on the road together. The current incarnation of American Babies, which features Tom and Jim Hamilton, Joe Russo and Scott Metzger, is touring in support of the new album American Babies, while the Brakes are previewing tracks from their forthcoming live album (which was recorded for Relix Records). The two bands have been collaborating quite a bit over the past few days as well and, each night, the Brakes Zach Djanikian and Adam Flicker have played saxophone and trumpet, respectively, with American Babies. On Friday, Tom Hamilton also joined the Brakes for a cover of Tears for Fears ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ at Bostons Harpers Ferry. On Thursday, Jay Blynn , of the tours opening act Pete and J, also appeared on a cover of Traffics Empty Pages at Newmarket, NHs The Stone Church.

Tomorrow night the Brakes and American Babies will appear at New Yorks the Knitting Factory. The marquee slot is fitting for both bands, since the Brakes recorded their new live album in the venues Tap Bar and the members of American Babies have performed at the Knit on numerous occasions in a number of different bands (including Brothers Past, RANA and, of course, the Duo).