NYS Music 20​13

Author: jg

  • K-Rockathon 18: Photo Gallery

    Sometimes as a photographer you are lucky enough to shoot a decent band or two.  As a concert photographer I have been lucky enough to photograph some of the best in the business.  On July 27th, I was able to shoot a whole shitload of great bands in one place, just a couple hours from my home at K-Rockathon 18 at the Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds.  Bands like Sevendust, All That Remains, Chevelle, Skillet and many more shared the stage with Three Days Grace.  Luckily for me my relationship with 3DG helped get me access to everything to bring those photos to you… the fans.  The readers of Upstate Metal are the greatest fans in the world.  We know it, and every band that visits our region knows it too.

    I’m not going to spend a lot of time with words on this one… it’s all about the photos for me.  I hope you enjoy and I hope to see you at the next show.  If you see me out there in a vest, a couple cameras and my hair blowing all over the place, yell out “Upstate Metal” or “JT”.  I will be sure to answer!  Until then, “Horns Up!”

  • Jonesin’ for more Counting Crows at Turning Stone on 7/2

    When Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers came out to the cheering crowd at Turning Stone on July 2nd, the electricity was in the air – people were ready to dance and sway in their seats. The Wallflowers set included favorites like, “One Headlight” and “6th Avenue Heartache”.  They also covered a couple classics, first a Box Tops song, “The Letter”, early on in the set that the crowd really seemed to enjoy.

    Later in the set they performed a Rolling Stones tune, “Loving Cup”.  The sound was crisp and while Jakob seemed to be slightly on autopilot he interacted a few times with the crowd.  Mostly seated the whole set, he encouraged the over-30 concert goers to get up and move a little.  It took a little coaxing but by the time the last song of the set “The Difference” came around, most people were up and dancing.

    Adam Duritz and the Counting Crows on the other hand started off with a bang.  They came onstage and played one of their most famous songs to get things heated up in a hurry, “Mr. Jones”.  This led into one of Adam’s chats with the crowd while the band changed up instruments.  The music was flowing nicely and the crowd seemed to be on their feet for the whole set, except perhaps during the intimate “A Long December”, where Adam played piano under a warm spotlight. The Counting Crows also played a number of covers along with their big hits from the 90’s.  One of the covers during the main set was extra special, “Return of the Grievous Angel” by Gram Parsons, with co-writer Thomas Brown in the audience at Turning Stone.  The set ended with a long and powerful “A Murder of One” as seen in the video below.

    When the set ended, Adam didn’t want to get off the stage and was milking every last minute he could.  He talked about acting locally and the Greybird Foundation (greybirdfoundation.org).  The Greybird Foundation was founded because people feel small as the world expands and they need to feel like they can make a difference. So, the Greybird Foundation helps find the people down the street from you who are trying to do their part to help.  Typically at Counting Crows shows there are booths of local non-profits but the comfortable indoor seating that we were all thankful for wasn’t large enough or able to accommodate that part of the experience.

    The Counting Crows wanted to stay on stage so badly that they did two difference two-song encores.  The first included a cover of the Grateful Dead classic, “Friend of the Devil” and another well-known Crows tune “Hangin’ Around”.  The second encore was Bob Dylan‘s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere” followed by “Holiday in Spain”.

    The festivities at Turning Stone didn’t stop when the show ended either.  As with most shows at the casino, there is a drawing that every ticket holder is eligible for to win a signed guitar.  This time it was autographed by the members of both bands, and the lucky winner was Cassie from Oneida (just down the road from Verona). It was a great night of music helping to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the casino.  Many more great shows are coming up, be sure to keep an eye out for them.

    Set: Mr. Jones, Untitled (Love Song) (The Romany Rye cover), St. Robinson in His Cadillac Dream, Hanging Tree, Hospital (Coby Brown cover), Colorblind, Start Again (Teenage Fanclub cover), Anna Begins, Hard Candy, Meet on the Ledge, A Long December, Return of the Grievous Angel (Gram Parsons cover), A Murder of One

    Encore: Friend of the Devil (Grateful Dead cover), Hanginaround

    Encore 2: You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere (Bob Dylan cover), Holiday in Spain

  • Prog Rock Angels RUSH Turn Back the Clock at SPAC June 25th

    RUSH bring out the crowds at SPAC every time they perform at the open-air amphitheater.  This year was no different.  A little bit of rain before the show was little deterrent to the droves of RUSH fans that came from throughout the region and beyond to see the prog rock trio light up the stage.  As well they should as 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and one of the few Prog Rock bands given the honor to have a permanent place in Cleveland.

    Known for their elaborate live shows, with a mini-movie, a lot of stage props and of course, incredible solos.  RUSH didn’t miss a beat with the Clockwork Angels tour.  Two years ago when RUSH played SPAC they performs two numbers off the album, “Clockwork Angels,” “Caravan” and “BU2B”.  It was at that show that this reporter/photographer became well-aware that the new material was going to be spectacular. In fact, “Caravans” that opens this year’s second set is one of my personal favorites.

    The Clockwork Angels tour also highlights a special string ensemble consisting of six violins and two cellos placed directly behind Neil Peart’s drum kit.  The setup allows for a bigger sound and an orchestral feel that SPAC is well accustomed to.

    Neil Peart’s kit rotated so that the drummer could play his signature 360 degree setup.  Intense focus and absolute precision is guaranteed when Peart plays.  Fans are rarely disappointed.

    Geddy Lee’s vocals were spot on and the high-tone lead singer and bassist for the band was energetic and theatrical at times.  Facial expressions and primal screams to well-known lyrics that had the mostly male crowd chiming in at the top of their lungs.

    Guitarist Alex Lifeson knew what he was doing when he founded the band RUSH 45 years ago.  Named as a top 100 guitarist by Rolling Stones, the Canadian born guitarist can lay down a serious lick and keep up with other guitarists less than half his age.  Like Peart, the concentration and  intensity is mesmerizing to watch.  Lifeson plays a Gibson Les Paul and the sound couldn’t be better.

    After nearly a half a century RUSH doesn’t show much signs of slowing down.  With tragedies behind them, the trio is looking forward and the new album and tour is proof that we can expect more from these legends from the north.

    Set 1: Subdivisions, The Big Money, Force Ten, Grand Designs, The Body Electric, Territories, The Analog Kid, Bravado, Where’s My Thing? (including drum solo), Far Cry

    *Set 2: Caravan, Clockwork Angels, The Anarchist, Carnies, The Wreckers, Headlong Flight (including drum solo), Halo Effect (guitar solo intro), Seven Cities of Gold, The Garden, Manhattan Project, Red Sector A, YYZ, The Spirit of Radio

    Encore: Tom Sawyer, 2112 Part I: Overture, 2112 Part II: The Temples of Syrinx, 2112 Part VII: Grand Finale

    * entire set with Clockwork Angels String Ensemble

  • Click Click Boom – SALIVA Lights up Lost Horizon

    When covering a show, I try to get there early to catch all the local acts. It’s good to see what talent (or lack of talent) is coming up in an area. After going to enough shows and seeing a variety of local acts and some of the same ones over and over, you can get a feel of what is happening in the scene. Since I live in the Albany area, I know the Capital region’s scene. The metal scene is much more of a hard core, heavy, scream-o thing with various bands coming and going and a few staples, like Brick by Brick or bright up-and-comers like Restless Streets.

    I will be the first to admit that I’m not too familiar with the Syracuse scene. I will also tell you that after the Saliva show at the Lost Horizon, this NEEDS to change. Saliva was great and I will talk about that later, but the locals were exceptional. East Coast Live Entertainment and 95X put together an awesome lineup that kept moving at a great pace. The breaks between sets were minimal, and welcomed so we could go outside and take in some cool summer evening air. I’ve rarely seen a promoter hustle the day of the show as much as Chuck from East Coast Live. He was working harder than anyone there and I think sound, lighting and musicians can appreciate that effort and put that much more into their own work. Perhaps all of that combined made the night of music so incredible.

    Starting off the show was Hitting on Amber. Designated by 95X deejay, Dixon, as the most improved band on the Syracuse scene. I’m not sure what they sounded like a year ago, but I can tell you that they immediately set the bar high for the locals following them. Simply put, they rocked. Sound was clean and their performance was solid. This is a band that could open for any touring hard rock or heavy metal act coming to the region and will start seeing their own following grow in the meantime. Like most locals, time in front of audiences and growing their footprint are the first steps. Look for Hitting on Amber on more local shows and get there early to support them, you won’t be disappointed.

    Catastrophe Me was next up and while I enjoy female lead singers (I am currently really into Maria Brink’s new stuff), this performance was the one exception to a night of hard rockin’ goodness. I found myself cringing at some parts hoping that the set would hurry along, the shrieking would stop, or the choreographed headbanging would cease to exist from rock ‘n roll entirely. While the performance wasn’t a complete catastrophe, vocal work and stage presence issues need to be addressed before being taken seriously in the rock world. There is a lot of potential in the young lead singer, something maturity and a good manager can work with and I hope they seek out that guidance and continue to grow within the local scene.

    Auburn stoner metal band, Stone Soul Foundation, took the stage and as far as I was concerned, this could have been the start of the touring bands. The quality of performances from this point forward made the cost of admission worth it at twice the price. This dread-lead hard rockin’ gang of misfits had great vocals, guitar licks, and the drummer set an energetic pace.

    As I walked around the Lost Horizon between sets I noticed more Crows Cage t-shirts than all the other bands combined. Their local following came out in droves and I was anxious to see if they could live up to the hype. Being placed between SSF and Devour the Day would have been tough for Saliva to live up to. Yes SSF and DTD were THAT good. Luckily for Crows Cage they were that good, too. They took the challenge and kept the night moving. The venue was hot and sticky, and people were still dancing to real rock ‘n roll. If this show is any indication, the Syracuse scene is strong. A lot of talent and some national touring potential.

    Devour the Day is made up of past members of Memphis, Tennessee band, Egypt Central. No strangers to national tours and big stages, they didn’t miss a beat. Their new material is solid and already getting airtime on Sirius XM’s Octane, along with a lot of attention from local rock station 95X. Within the last month since the show at the Lost Horizon, DTD has shared the stage and is planning to with Sevendust and Otherwise in July 2013 and currently a June run with Hinder. After their set I turned to Joy (my girlfriend who joined me for the show) and we agreed that if the night ended right then, it would have been a great night. How can Saliva top this?

    Well, Saliva couldn’t top it, but they did keep the night going with bright lights, strong vocals from their new lead singer Bobby Amaru and new songs that seemed a lot harder than their old material. Time away did not hurt this band that is known primarily for the huge hit, “Click Click Boom”. A couple of the new songs will get airtime that will hopefully help eliminate the one hit wonder status that they are unfortunately labeled with. Their talent and energy combined with the new songs should generate new fans.

    Other highlights of the evening included the fans and the venue. First off, two young rockers with cerebral palsy were there and apparently get free tickets to all East cost Live Entertainment shows. Why? Because besides busting his ass to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable at the show, Chuck understands that rock ‘n roll is about passion. These young fans love rockin’ out and Chuck loves giving the gift of music. Not only did they get free tickets, they got free shirts and the bands came out and got their photos taken with them. It warmed my heart to see someone giving back. Rock used to be a lot about helping each other out and when I look at Chuck and other promoters like Mike Valente from Black ‘n Blue, who is known to throw benefit shows often, and I hope for their success. Fans often think promoters cash in, it’s simply not true for most. Many shows lose money and the occasion that money is made, they are quick to help out the locals that play for gas money or drinks.

    The venue was great and if you live in central New York and haven’t been to the Lost Horizon for a show, you need to go. Legends passing through the valley have played there over the past 40 years. Names like Guns N Roses, Bon Jovi, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Upcoming shows include The Front Bottoms and Earth Crisis. Add this venue to your rock ‘n roll bucket list. You can thank me later.

  • Mountain Jam 2013: A Photographer’s Perspective

    While Thursday at Mountain Jam 2013 was rainy and cold, the music kept things warm.  People braved the weather to enjoy incredible sets from Rubblebucket and Primus.  Along the hillside were even some fire dancers and fire eaters.  The ceremonies started with a smudging to purify the air and good vibes for the weekend.  Mountain Jam was about to begin and Thursday was full of energy and excitement.  How better to end the night than a late night set from the powerful duo known as Big Gigantic.

    When the sun came up on Friday, it was sadly behind thevclouds.  Most campers slept in their cars as tents were blown over and rivers of mud passed through the grounds.  Braving the weather, coffee was my original quest.  After that first cup of Joe, it didn’t matter how much it rained, music was in the air and caffeine was in the blood.  Friday brought  incredible acts such as Nicki Bluhm, Deer Tick, The Avett Brothers and Widespread Panic.  Mud wasn’t going to stop Mountain Jam, it was just going to add character.

    Saturday finally came with a weather report that included No Rain! Yay!  And what a day on Hunter Mountain.  From Swear and Shake, Amy Helm and Gary Clark, Jr. on the side stage to Michael Franti, The Lumineers and Gov’t Mule on the main stage, Saturday was non-stop jams, non-stop dancing and well, still a little slippery in the mud, but at least it wasn’t raining.  The theme of the day was going into the audience, as Franti and the Lumineers got up close and personal with the crowd.

    Sunday fit it’s name perfectly – it was a sunny day and finally the mud started to dry up and spirits were truly soaring.  While some people left early for their Monday lives, the ones that were able to stay saw some great performances.  London Souls bassist passed out backstage Soulive bassist filled in.  ALO, Dispatch, Jackie Greene and of course Phil Lesh and Friends.  I even got a sneak peak of upcoming Spencer on the inside stage.  Remember that name, you will be hearing it often and soon on the radio.