NYS Music 20​12

Author: William Shanks

  • Dark Star Orchestra delivers at The Egg, December 5th

    It was my first time seeing Dark Star Orchestra at The Egg in Albany on December 5th. They had a high reputation among many of my friends and there was much anticipation built up around the show. The lobby area was packed, mostly with everyone waiting on the beer line and sitting in group circles chatting. As guests made their way into the show room, the aisle escorts did their best to find everyone to their correct seats. Once the first notes of “China Cat Sunflower” started, it was a party. The sold out crowd was thrilled to catch one of the last four shows of Dark Star Orchestra’s tour.

    Even better for fans at The Egg was Jeff Chimenti playing keys all night. Jeff is best known for performing in RatDog as well as other post-Grateful Dead bands such as The Dead and Furthur. He was steaming as he pounded the keyboards throughout the night and especially during “New Minglewood Blues.” Lisa Mackey on vocals was mesmerizing as she twirling around the stage, flawlessly joining the boys with great harmony. Rob Eaton was center stage, bringing energy with his every guitar note, especially during “Mexicali Blues”, while Kevin Rosen sent out groovy bass rifts.

    “New Speedway Boogie” started the second set and the band was more fired up than ever. Jeff Mattson on lead guitar was more than I could handle. He was rock solid on jams, playing with great concentration and ease. Dino English and Rob Kortiz had an intense drum solo during the beginning of the 2nd set that blew everyone to their seats; lesson learned that two drum sets are always better than one. Everyone seemed quite warped after the drum solo plus from the jam session of “Space.” Each song flowed into the other with the night ending with a good wakeup call from “Casey Jones” and a surprise encore of “Quinn The Eskimo.”

    Dark Star Orchestra pays tribute to the Grateful Dead by recreating past shows, song for song, at each of their shows. If you want to hear and experience the closest thing you can get to a Grateful Dead show, you go to a Dark Star Orchestra show and you get exactly what you pay for. To describe DSO simply as a cover band is incorrect. Everything about the Grateful Dead’s music history is legendary and for DSO to perform their music is more than half the battle. To try to replicate note for note, the music of one of the greatest bands in history, I’m sure can be more than overwhelming. Dark Star Orchestra delivered an amazing show, filled with great jams and feelings. Like fellow writer Lenny Stubbe, I was left with a “useless smile.”

    For setlists, music and more, go to Dark Star Orchestra’s webpage.

    Setlist

    Set One: China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, New Minglewood Blues, Tennessee Jed, Mexicali Blues > Jack A Roe, Queen Jane Approximately, Loser, My Brother Esau, Bird Song > Victim Or The Crime > Bird Song

    Set Two: New Speedway Boogie > Man Smart (Woman Smarter), Crazy Fingers > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance > Drums > Space > Foolish Heart > Comes A Time > I Need A Miracle > Casey Jones

    Encore: Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)

  • Eli-Fest at The Bayou in Albany, November 30th

    Eli-Fest, a benefit concert was held at The Bayou in Albany on Friday November 30th was held for Eli Ramos, who was injured in an accident on July 1st. To celebrate Eli’s strength and courage, bandmates, friends and fans gathered for a night full of groovy jams. With first walking into the front of Bayou, you wouldn’t even know that there was a huge show going on. Heading through the various sections of the venue, the smoky atmosphere hits you and so does the music.

    There was constant music being pumped out of the speakers all night. When the bands were not on stage, there was a mixing table set up to the right with DJs, responsible for keeping the party mode at a constant level. Insidious started the night off to a small, eager crowd, ready for the night to begin. His beats were enough to catch everyone’s attention and head to the dance floor. Inverspace was up second with a set that was light and upbeat. It was an easy groove to get into after Solaris. The last DJ for the night was General Korn whose big hit of the evening was a remixed Talking Head’s song, “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody).”

    Solaris, the three man instrumental band from Ithaca took the stage and quickly warped the crowd. With a slow easy start, they hit hard into jams such as with great fluidity from song to song. The boys debuted a new song, “Deacon”, which had a fast tempo, enthusiastic start and a high build up jam. The trio has been logging in more practice time and it certainly shows on stage where they each have such control of their instruments. They are clean- cut and fresher than ever with their electro-fusion melodies and beats. Their authenticity brings the music to the next level and it’s been a thrill to watch them grow as a band.  Their set is available for free download.

    Solaris Setlist: Complete, Chapman, Deacon, Infrared, Cosmo

    It was my first time seeing digiMUN, which is a collaboration between members of jamtronica bands Digital Dharma, Wiley of MUN and Dan Gerken of Timbre Coup. With the huge crowd and high energy, it was a delicious recipe for a chaotic dance floor. Their entire set was improv, showcasing the vast talent that had come to pay tribute to Eli. Each jam had a funky rhythm, plenty of electronic beats and surprises around every trance infused melody. The encore was a Digital Dharma original entitled “Cloud 9” which featured Eli himself on the iPad. Their set is also available for a free download.

    One of Albany’s finest, Timbre Coup, was last to take the stage that night to the packed out venue with the snow falling outside. Early in the set, the progressive rock band dedicated the song “December” to their dedicated fans in November, an upbeat groove with hypnotizing melody. They covered Rick James’ “Give it to me Baby” as well as The New Deal’s “Deep Sun” both instant crowd pleasers and fed more energy to the band. Timbre Coup looks like they are having as much fun as the crowd and it’s a treat to watch them dance on stage and even switch instruments.

    Timbre Coup Setlist:  June, Jam->December. Give it to me Baby, 55->Jam&->Don’t Fly a Key on a Kitestring, September, July, Something About Radio->Jam->Mother Nature’s Baby Daddy, Verbal Kint->Jam&->55 end, Deep Sun, I Didn’t Know She Had a Moustache

    Throughout the night, all anyone had to say was how lucky we all were to share in the great music and help out a more than worthy cause. The event raised over $1200 and if people would like to still donate they can contact Steve Mink or Aaron Zarabi.

  • Jams for Tots – Give Back and Get Down

    With the Holiday Season under way, there is no better time to help those who are less fortunate. For the past few years, Luke Weiler, aka Positive Mental Trip, has been spreading holiday cheer as well as musical jams around NY. Going on its 7th year, Jams for Tots teams up with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots to raise money and donate toys at shows. “Every kid should feel that someone cares enough about them to get them a present. That’s the reason we do this” Luke Weiler, Jam for Tots Coordinator. Each event hosts different musical acts and talents that play for free to support the cause.

    Concert goers are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy worth $5 or more retail value and they will get into the show for free. Those who don’t bring a toy will pay a cover fee, with all funds getting donated to purchasing toys for children this holiday season. All toys and cash donations go towards the Marine Corps Toys for Tots except for the Athens Jams for Tots where the donations go specifically towards the children in Greene County.

    The following are the 5 Jam for Tots scheduled events:

    December 1 at O’Tooles– 1814 Central Ave Albany, NY: Live Music from 6PM – 2AM Bands include Positive Mental Trip, Catalyst, Of the Mountains and many more.

    December 7 at Trexx Nightclub- 323 N. Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY Bands include Positive Mental Trip, Mikey Parkay, True Risen, The Blockheads and many more.

    December 8 at Upper Deck– 1 West Street, Gloversville, NY Bands include Positive Mental Trip, Weather Machine, Of the Mountains, Catalyst and many more.

    December 14 at Crossroads Brewing 10 2nd Street, Athens, NY Bands include Positive Mental Trip, Phil Massaro Symphony, John Pinder Band and Billy Lester.

    December 15 at The Finger Bullet 1692 Bennett Street, Utica, NY Bands include Positive Mental Trip, Sassafrass Jenkins, Joe Sweet, Catalyst and many more.

  • Dark Star Orchestra Due at The Egg in Albany on December 5th

    Dark Star Orchestra Due at The Egg in Albany on December 5th

    Dark Star Orchestra has been heavily jamming all across the country on their fall tour this year and will be making a stop to play at The Egg in Albany, New York on Wednesday December 5th. DSO uses entire shows from the Grateful Dead‘s era to recreate song for song performances from historic set lists. At the end of each performance, the band announces the date and venue where the original show just covered took place, making the night a fun guessing game for fans. With each show, DSO performs with extreme precision to creating a sensational experience that new and old Grateful Dead fans can both appreciate.

    dark star orchestra Frontier FieldThis Dark Star Orchestra show at The Egg in Albany is sure to be extra special, besides the fact that it’s one of the last four nights of their tour, but also to the fact that Jeff Chimenti of Furthur will be sitting in as keyboardist.

    The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 and is open to all ages. Concert goers can buy tickets at the eggs website and can get more information on the bands website

  • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, November 16th

    I had never been to the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and was beyond excited to be visiting the venue as well as catching  contemporary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. My friend and I rushed up the stairs through the hallways with the screeching of horns, echoing off the walls. Each section has a tall, skinny lettered door that opens up into the main area of the venue. The rich colorful music hall has a three-story ceiling with a grand organ stretching up to the very top and below on the long stage, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy made themselves at home.

    The nine-man band, all looking dapper in their pinstripe suits and hats, had a full audience packed in, ready for action. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy started the night out by setting the scene of New York City in the late 20’s and introduced the song “Reefer Man.” The music came with a sharp flow of constantly climbing up and down the scales on the various instruments. Lead singer and original band member, Scotty Morris conducted the band with ease and a smooth humor throughout the night. BBVD played a range of their music history by touching base on almost each of their nine studio records. With constant encouragement to have the crowd sing and clap along with the music, Scotty assured all, “It’ll make you feel good.”

    It was fun to watch each band member dance around the stage, groovin’ with their instruments, delivering high energy throughout the show. Their earlier songs such as “Mr. Pinstripe Suit” from their self-titled debut album had a very heavy bass line with a stronger percussion. Their more recent songs such as “Let it Roll Again” and “Diga Diga Doo” had more pep. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy explained how they have two styles that they perform New York City and New Orleans both late ’20s and ’30s. They paid tribute to the city of New Orleans by playing “Save my Soul” a swanky, jazzy melody that had couples upstairs dancing in the aisles.

    I couldn’t help notice but after every song, there was an introduction to the next song that was about to be performed. Each song had a little music lesson/history about how it came to be and why it was so special. It was great to not only hear great music but get to know the band on a more personal level. I’m accustomed to shows were the transitions are almost as cool as the songs they lead into so it was refreshing to have the band, stop to pay respects to each song.

    The night ended with their popular hits, “You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three”and “Go Daddy O!” The room buzzed with excitement and delight especially with the various horn styles. Glen “The Kid” Marhevka on trumpet blew the audience away as did Andry Rowley on baritone saxophone and Karl Hunter on saxophone. With close enough seats, you could actually see the boys hearts and souls come blowing out of their instruments.

    Big Bad Voodoo Daddy sang, swayed and smiled the night away. The boys said, “What a honor to perform in such a beautiful theater built in 1877.” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy offers free music on their website as well as on their Facebook page. Closing the night with “So Long, Farewell, Goodbye”, the swingers thanked the crowd and left us all hoping for a return show next year.

  • Pretty Lights is more than just Pretty Lights

    Despite the cold November Third wind outside, Pretty Lights fired up the Times Union Center on the inside. Albany’s biggest venue hosted producer Derek Vincent Smith, better known as Pretty Lights, and his electronic dance beats. Doors opened at 7 with the show kicking off at 8 but I arrived around 9 in hopes of beating what was sure to be a crazed mob of teens trying to get it. The TUC had a beer garden set up for the one night event, much to the disappointment of the older crowd but a wise decision considering the mass of underage concert goers. There were large black curtains blocking the view of the show from the beer garden area, making the beer garden all the more obnoxious.

    The stage was filled with multiple towered structures aching to be lit, while a clock on a big screen counted down the time until Pretty Lights’ performance. The floor was open to the first 3500 people inside, most of whom were covered in neon, glow sticks, face paint, furry boots and many other costumes. There was a good amount of people in the seats but all the action was on the chaotic dance floor. Pre-show was the ever popular panic of concert goers rushing, trying to find your friends and a good spot to watch the show. Most of my friends and I were content with hanging back in our own dance space, and always the best place to people watch too.

    With the countdown over, the audience erupted and Smith took his place atop the stage. To watch the jam packed crowd bounce in almost perfect union to the beat of every song was astonishing. The shows at the local Washington Armory I was accustomed to had nothing on the force of Pretty Lights and the fans. The music started and the energy never stopped, the frenzy of dancers helpless against the electronic beats and  flashing light show. It took everything I had NOT to blink for fear that I would miss the hundreds of lazers shooting across the arena and futuristic images being blasted across the huge screens outstretched across the stage.

    The music that blasted from Smith’s speakers was welcomed and embraced by the thrill seeking crowd. Ranging from a wide array of hip hop, a little soul and a great deal of electronic mixed with some house and dubstep, Pretty Lights knows what works and can easily control the crowd. One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Smith performed “Finally Moving” which features the ever popular Etta James, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” amping up the crowd to all sing along and groove to the beats. This was a great set up for the next big song of the night, a remix of Jay Z’s “Empire State of Mind”, a recent New York anthem and a refreshing hot remix.

    Pretty Lights is more than just a really intense light show, it has an unrelenting carousal of beats and melodies that keep your mind, body and soul in party mode all night. Pretty Lights offers free music, as well as wallpaper and icons on his website and after touring the U.S. he will ring in the New Year with a two-night stand in New York City.

  • Dr. John and The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Palace, November 1, 2012

    I was filled with wild thoughts of Mardi Gras and voodoo magic as I walked into The Palace Theatre in Albany, NY this past Thursday. Far from the bayou, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. John made a stop in the Capital District on November 1st with his Spirituals to Funk Tour featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama.

    Dr. John strolled on stage, wearing a blazing purple suit, took his place center stage in between a piano and an organ, both decorated with jeweled skulls. The band jumped right into the night playing some tunes off their newest album, “Locked Up” which was produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach. One of the songs, “Revolution” gave off a whimsical circus vibe from Dr. John’s organ and featured a strong brass solo from the female trombonist. “Big Shot” had an easy flowing groove, with a simple beat and an eerie harmony, making Dr. John’s vocals intimating and hypnotizing. The top hit song “Right Place, Wrong Time” started and the audience cheered in excitement. The people sitting next to me politely excused themselves before immediately jumping out of their seats to start dancing in the aisles. This funky jam made for an excellent electric guitar solo and it’s understandable as to why it was such a chart topper.

    After that song, Dr. John was joined by the gospel legends, the Blind Boys of Alabama. The quartet eased on the stage with one member announcing, “Can’t believe I’m here at the Palace with the great Dr. John…and we don’t sing to a conservative crowd.” The audience grew loud and stood to their feet as the Blind Boys began to belt out ”People Get Ready” strong harmonies that I never saw coming. The boys each had a chair and would periodically stand for their solos or sing relaxed in unison in their seats. It was great entertainment to see the Blind Boys feel the music as they each jived to Dr. John and his band’s music. They covered one of my favorite songs, Norman Greenbaum’s, “Spirit in the Sky” with serious swag. The Blind Boys continued to bring a heart-lifting performance especially during “There is a light” with their comforting and strong vocals.

    As the Blind Boys made their exit, the crowd was treated to Dr. John laying down some serious notes on his guitar before returning back to the keys for “Mos’ Scocious.”I watched in awe as Dr. John could play the piano to his left or the organ on his right or both at the same time. Each song oozed New Orleans charm with a perfect mix of jazz, the blues and funk. As quickly as they had left, The Blinds Boys were back to help end the show with a bone chilling, slow tempo, “Amazing Grace.”

    Much to my disappointment, the show ended before 10pm but it gave everyone a chance to have a meet and greet with the Blind Boys in the main lobby for autographs. The Spiritual to Funk Tour will be making stops in New Jersey and Virginia for the month of November. You can find more information about Dr. John by going to his website here. You can find more information about The Blind Boys of Alabama at their website here.

  • Preview moe. at The Capitol Theatre

    This Friday, November 9th, rock jam-band moe. is scheduled to play at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. The event is 18 and over, with tickets going for $35. There will be a general admission standing room only floor and a reserved seated Lodge and Balcony area. If you get tickets for Reserved Lodge and Balcony, you will NOT have access to the general admission floor. The doors open at 6:30 and the show is scheduled to kick off at 8. The Capitol Theatre’s box office will be open Friday from 12pm-6pm, you can call via phone at (877)435-9849 or Tickets can always be purchased at ticketfly.com

    Moe. was one of the first bands that got me into the entire jam-band scene. Moe. is a great band to introduce friends into this musical genre and they always deliver with an unforgettable performance. The crowd is usually full of dedicated fans, better known as moe.rons, who can appreciate the Buffalo, NY band for bringing them a unique, heartfelt experience at each show. After being together for three decades and producing 17 albums, there is more than enough music to be played at any moe. show. Band members Al, Chuck, Rob, Jim and Vinnie continue to gain fans with their high energy performances, individual talents and sense of humor.

    Moe. has played at a number of festivals such as Bear Creek, Gathering of the Vibes, All Good and Bonnaroo. The quintet also hosts their own festivals such as moe.down and snoe.down. They will be ringing in the New Year once again in Portland, Maine, sure to be a sellout.

  • JGB with Melvin Seals at Putnam Den, October 20th

    After catching JGB with Melvin Seals at the Catskill Chill festival this year, I was not missing their show at the Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs on Saturday. Melvin Seals, one of the original Jerry Garcia Band members, leads the band JGB and together they play tribute to Jerry Garcia, playing his music around the country. I arrived to the venue to find the outside porch area lined with tables of people selling art pieces, pins and shirts, very similar to a shakedown scene you would find on any Phish lot or Deadhead scene.

    A man with long dreads stepped on stage and started strumming a guitar, which at first I assumed he was doing a sound check but it turned out to be Jimmy Tebeau. The soft and familiar guitar melodies beckoned the crowd outside to the dance floor like mice to the Pied Piper and caused a gentle group sing along. Tebeau’s voice had everyone swaying to the music and energizing for the big band noise that was soon to come. Jimmy played some of my favorites like “Sugar Magnolia” into “Scarlet Begonias” into “Sunshine Daydream”.

    After a quick set break, the entire JGB took the stage and the venue was packed. The band opened the night with “Cats Under the Stars”, the perfect song to wake up the audience and get grooving. The two female singers were incredible with their angelic harmonies, I couldn’t get enough. Melvin Seals is a true sight to be seen on his organ, I was in awe of his powerful key playing. The music melted over the crowd and everyone rejoiced. The familiar songs played with a rock and roll, gospel flair was guaranteed salvation from whatever the outside world had brought down on you. The entire night was rejuvenating.

    My favorite song of the evening was “I Saw Her Standing There” when the band slowed down the tempo and you could really feel every note, it was a great build up. The JGB ended the night with a classic “One More Saturday Night” encore that shook the venue with a funky vibe that couldn’t be stopped.

    JGB with Melvin Seals will end their East Coast touring in Fairfield, CT after playing at the Brooklyn Bowl on the 26th and 27th. They are set to play a 4 night run in Denver, CO for New Year’s Eve. For more information about touring, go to their website or like them on Facebook.

    Setlist:
    Set 1 (Jimmy Solo Acoustic) : Walkin’ Blues, Jack Straw>Box of Rain, Cumberland Blues>Maggie’s Farm>Cumberland reprise, New Speedway Boogie>Other One>New Speedway Boogie>Goin’ Down the Road, Looks Like Rain>Women Are Smarter, Ripple, Sugar Magnolia>Scarlet Begonias>Sunshine Daydream

    Set 2 : Cats Under the Stars>And It Stoned Me, Evageline, I’ll Take a Melody, I Saw Her Standing There, Who Was John>After Midnight

    Set 3 : Stop That Train>I Want to Tell You, Sitting In Limbo>Don’t Let Go>Waiting for a Miracle, I’ll Be With Thee>Breadbox

    Encore : One More Saturday Night

  • Max Creek’s “Haunted Halloween Bash” October 26th and 27th in Lake George

    Max Creek is hosting a “Haunted Halloween Bash” this coming weekend in beautiful Lake George, New York on Friday October 26th and Saturday October 27th. Connecticut’s legendary American rock jam band will be preforming at the Fort William Henry Hotel with tickets available for single nights or weekend days, ranging from $25 to $40. Max Creek will share the stage with Conehead Buddha on Friday October 26th and Dr. Jah & The Love Prophets on Saturday October 27th.

    The fright fest kicks off each night at 7pm and is a 16+ event. There will be a costume contest for each night with categories for Scariest, Most Creative and Sexist, and winning prize tickets for Floodwood, Kung Fu, Marco Benevento plus a 4 pack to Max Creeks New Years Eve Masquerade Ball. Don’t miss this weekend, one that’s sure to be full of spooky fun and a musical adventure!

     and also available at the door. For more information, visit Max Creek’s official website  or like them on Facebook.