NYS Music 20​13

Category: Features

  • Strange Blues Rock The Capitol Theatre

    A Thanksgiving tradition has been born at The Capitol Theatre with Strangefolk’s return to the classic venue. This time the group played for two nights alongside Blues Traveler, leading to collaboration between the two each night, not to mention memorable sets of their own. Friday proved to have a good turnout, keeping the adjacent Garcia’s filled before and after the show, and found Jon Trafton sitting in with Blues Traveler to rock the Capitol Theatre.

    rock capitol theatreA two hour set of crowd favorites including an upbeat “Rachel”, an always beautiful and welcome “Speculator”, and a lengthy “Faces” and “Alaska” made for an excellent start to the weekend. Strangefolk played patiently and effortlessly, focused on taking these songs casually out into improvisation. The incredibly vibrant projections pleasantly distracted the audience from the view on the stage. Peter Shapiro, owner of The Cap, initially wanted Strangefolk to play the re-opening weekend back in November 2011, as reported by Jambands.com, but the band would ultimately reunite five months later at Brooklyn Bowl, also owned by Shapiro. It looks like Strangefolk fans can make plans for 2014 and enjoy an early holiday treat.

    Setlist: Poland, Sometimes, Rachel, Rather Go Fishin, Sinner, Chasing Away, Speculator, Faces, Blue&Grey, Stout Hearted Man, Furnace, Alaska, Roads

    Blues Traveler came out and the audience crowded the front row, packing in nicely to see John Popper look skyward with eyes closed as he belted out song after song. And if he wasn’t singing, he was digging through his various harmonicas for the right tone for the song or regular solo. That or drinking a variation from four separate solo cups on his harmonica table. Inside – a variety of drinks that he selected from methodically. A performance at the Cap allows a better and closer view for nearly all on the floor, bringing the band seemingly closer to the audience. During “Mountains Win Again”, Popper danced around lightly while the Tad Kinchla’s bass and Chan Kinchla’s guitar stretched the tune out. While Popper played harmonica, a casual observer might thought he spent this song taking small bites from his microphone at breakneck speed; Popper is a site to see tear into a harmonica.

    Long jams on newer and older tunes ensued, with few breaks in between. A Ben Wilson keyboard jam led into “Run Around”, followed by Popper inviting Strangefolk’s Trafton to play guitar on “Mulling it Over”, where Trafton and Chan dueled and mutually shredded.  His brother, Tad, tore through “What I Got”, before a segue into a drums segment and finally, “Hook”. A short “La Grange” encore, sung by Wilson, capped the night at the Cap.

  • Mike Gordon set to Bring His Band to MASS MoCA This Coming Spring

    In what is sure to end up being the beginning sign of a full-fledged tour, Mike Gordon will be bringing his band to the Hunter Center at MASS MoCA on April 5th, 2014.  It was announced on Wednesday via iberkshires that he would be playing a date during MASS MoCA’s Spring Season, marking the first announced shows with his solo band in almost two years. The most recent lineup of Mike Gordon Band included Scott Murawski on guitar, Craig Myers on percussion, Tom Cleary on keys and Todd Isler on drums. Expect an announcement from the man himself in the near future, but for tickets and more information on the show, visit MassMOCA.org.

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  • Railroad Earth, Peter Rowan Recreate ‘Old and in the Way’

    “Panama Red, he’ll steal your woman then he’ll rob your head,” which is just what Peter Rowan did November 30th at The Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA. Peter Rowan stole the hearts of all the boys and girls as he fronted Railroad Earth in a recreation of Old and in the Way, the timeless bluegrass album from 1975.  There were tears of joy and hands on hearts as the collaboration channeled the late, great Jerome “Spud Boy” Garcia.

    peter rowan railroad earthA Thanksgiving weekend tradition has emerged with Railroad Earth’s Horn-O-Plenty Getaway. The much-anticipated second night began with a solo set from Peter Rowan. His guest performer, Tibetan singer Yungchen Lhamo (meaning “Goddess of melody and song”) captivated the spirit within.  Her high-pitched vocals pierced the ego and reached the soul as her dark eyes and doll face breached the ugly in her song about forgiveness.  It was in that moment the audience was able to purge their own darkness and their own sins. She made the whole room beautiful, giving permission to live, to feel, and to love from the soul. Heads were robbed, but hearts were broken open, ready to receive. The transformative chanting prepared the crowd for what happened next.

    peter rowan railroad earthPeter Rowan and the Railroad Earth fellas emerged to the darkened stage. The backdrop was a lighted bear paw that alternated colors throughout the set. Start to finish, they played Old and in the Way in the order the songs appear on the album.  As “Pig in a Pen” unfolded, it was clear that the level of musicianship was astounding in their arrangement and interpretation.  Todd Sheaffer humbly stood farther back on stage, giving what could only be one of his legendary idols full access to his own band’s talents. The visibly happy Sheaffer was enough to break a heart into a million pieces of joy and then passed around to each member of the audience. At one point Sheaffer raised his fist into the air as if he too was an onlooker rather than a participant.

    The ever-charismatic Rowan flirted with music and his swagger fancied the crowd. As he approached Timothy Carbone in “Midnight Moonlight,” his advances were returned with an over-the-top fiddle that Vassar Clements would delight over.  “Wild horses couldn’t drag [anyone] away” at this point, and the bluegrass rendition of The Rolling Stone’s cover was enough to melt a packed house into a giant blob of waterworks – joyous tears of course. Yungchen Lhamo was invited back to the stage for “Land of the Navajo” where the depth of spirituality was captured via an ethereal arrangement of vocals and instrumentation. The collaboration had cultivated a most sensual and spiritual purging that was most transformative.

    peter rowan railroad earthRowan handed the reigns back to Sheaffer for set two, which was equally as special as two new songs off the upcoming album, Last of the Outlaws (January 2014) was introduced for the first time. “Chasin’ a Rainbow”, an upbeat, happy dancing feet kind of tune that followed the omnipotent “Seven Story Mountain.” The closing song, “One More Night on the Road” introduced John Skehan on keys, a new addition to the ever-growing family of instrumentation who presented elements of rock and jazz and sounded a bit like something The Band would have done. However, the set took the crowd full circle when Peter Rowan came back for more.  A carefully crafted set list merged the Garcia-Rowan-Monroe connection when a haunting “Cold Rain and Snow” and “Walls of Time” were played back to back, during which Lhamo’s chanting bellowed throughout.

    Sadly, all good things must come to an end but hearts were settled with a nurturing encore of “Railroad Earth.”  A special night of song and dance opened the gates of freedom of the soul. “Oh mama, ain’t it good to be alive.” Indeed, it is.

    Railroad Earth will be at The Space at Westbury in Westbury, NY Saturday, December 7th.

    Special thanks to media contributors: Timme Newman, Anita Riley, Susan Skidmore and Pati Bobeck.

  • Hearing Aide: John Medeski’s ‘A Different Time’

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    As a member of the avant-garde jazz trio, Medeski Martin & Wood, John Medeski’s experience as a musician is largely defined by his groove-based keyboard work. Originating in New York City, MMW has stood out as one of jazz’s most talented, innovative acts over the past twenty years. The group’s discography represents a range in style and genre achieved by incredible musicianship, and John Medeski’s influence as a keyboardist has made MMW’s work so consistently creative.

    A Different Time marks Medeski’s debut appearance as a solo recording artist. Released by Okeh Records, a recently revived jazz imprint on Sony Masterworks, the album features the unequivocal combination of Medeski and a 1924 Gaveau piano. A Different Time is the product of a season spent in Upstate New York’s Hudson Valley, where Medeski recorded the album in a 19th-century church-turned recording studio known as Waterfront Studios. Throughout the album’s nine tracks, Medeski explores a style of music characteristic of an earlier, more modestly ambitious time period.

    Medeski has described the album as “meditative” and “contemplative.” In its opening, self-titled track, sparse melodies and alluring structures induce a sense of calm while provoking a level of insight generally brought about by weighty lyricism. Medeski’s work communicates sentiments in its composition; A Different Time is a compilation of poetic music. Concluding with two improvised tracks, “Lacrima” and “Otis,” the album is a clear illustration of Medeski’s talent, a progression in his career as a musician.

    Key Tracks: A Different Time, I’m Falling In Love Again, Lacrima

  • Watertown is blown away by Halestorm

    The Grammy award-winning band, Halestorm, came to Watertown, N.Y. this past Saturday (November 30th) and rocked the thousands in attendance at Jefferson Community College.

    Opening for Halestorm was local legends, Lake Effect Mud, promoting their album, Eyes Open Wide. They wasted no time in showing us why this small town band belongs on stage with big names like Halestorm.

    Lead vocalist, Jason Johnson, commanded attention from his audience with a powerful voice. He kept the energy alive and engaged the whole room. The fans loved him. Johnson’s vocals, combined with the incredible talent of Bryant Pignone, Kyle Pignone, and Jessie Hall, made Lake Effect Mud an unstoppable force. Personally, I can not wait to see what is next for them.

    Halestorm followed in the wake of Lake Effect Mud’s energy. I had previously heard nothing but wonderful things about Halestorm in concert, but even then I had no idea for what I was in store.

    The rockers from Pennsylvania opened the show with a few high energy songs like “Mz Hyde.” Immediately we can see what a powerhouse Lzzy Hale is. Between her vocals and incredible energy she is captivating. Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith compliment Lzzy very well with amazing talent and energy. Then we have Arejay Hale on the drums. I have found in many bands the drummer just fades into the background, not really seen, but not Hale. He is as much a part of the show as Lzzy is up front and center. You can see he really enjoys what he is doing, and we enjoy watching him do it. They continue the show with hits like “Dirty Work” and “Familiar Taste of Poison.” Then the guys exit the stage leaving Lzzy alone on the keyboards. She begins to play “Break In”, her voice is beautiful and haunting. Lzzy ends the song and we move onto Arejay’s drum solo.

    For five minutes you can’t look away as he plays his drums with a variety of tools – sticks, large sticks, and then just his hands; he doesn’t just play the drums, he puts on a show! If you don’t enjoy watching this man perform you are not paying attention. The band returned to the stage and closed the show with their hit “I Get Off.”

    Watertown experienced a night of music we wont soon forget. If you are a metal fan, or even just love live music, these are the bands to see. What an incredible night.

  • All the Fun and All the Thanks at Valentine’s Final Funsgiving

    Valentine’s of Albany hosted the 6th annual B3nson Funsgiving event for the last time on Saturday, November 22nd. The night consisted of seven diverse Upstate New York bands, alternating on the stages of the two story venue with familiar faces around every corner. With Valentine’s set to close and relocate by the end of this year, it was only proper to gather with friends to make a few more memories at the music hall and beer joint one last time.

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    Hammer Hawk was the first on the lineup, a trio of musical muscle who greeted the venue with edgy rock angst. Bear Grass had a consistent growing sound with pleasant echoes of Indie folk throughout the set. Lead female singer, Katie Hammon, is a great compliment to the harmonies of the five piece band as their music was an easy listen with relaxing melodies and joyous tempos. Rival Galaxies was an intergalactic experience with their high energy robotic futuristic rock and one of the highlights of the night. Rival Galaxies has a familiar sound to Daft Punk, especially with their disco dueling keyboards. Confetti rained down on the audience along with the steady beats, mighty guitar riffs and lyrics being sang via megaphone.

    The Parlor performed some of the best dance music with their Indie Jazz sound complete with a solid horn section and funky bass line. The Parlor introduced new songs to the crowd with vocalist Jen O’Connor singing soft lyrics to Eric Krans’ smooth guitar licks. The carefree duo of Scientific Maps joked with the audience that it’s been years since they’ve practiced but you wouldn’t have known without them saying so. Aaron Smith plays with a nerdy and slightly rebellious grandeur as he strums with a carefree tone.

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    The night ended with the annual Beard contest with categories for both men and women, making for some interesting facial hair and accessories. Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo Banned was unofficially the winner of the best/most beards in a band category. They have a gypsy sound with the accordion and powerful guitar strumming, giving off a sincere bohemian madness that they crowd couldn’t get enough of. Barons in the Attic concluded the event with their usual wild and riot starting music, making for a serious floor shaking set. Valentine’s has given the B3nson Funsgiving family a place to call home for the past few years and for that, we are all grateful. Be sure to visit Valentines before it’s too late!

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    wants to hear what your favorite memories are from any of the past B3nson’s Funsgiving’s at Valentine’s. Please comment below for your chance to win a poster from this year’s Funsgiving with signatures from members of each band! A winner will be chosen on December 20th.

  • Billy Joel to Play Madison Square Garden Once a Month, Every Month

    Rumors had been swirling ever since a press conference for a Billy Joel event at Madison Sqaure Garden was announced last week.  The speculation varied from playing a show once a month for just the year, to playing a different album for four announced shows.  The announcement ended up being that Billy Joel will play at the legendary venue as “the first-ever music franchise” and will play the building once a month for the foreseeable future. This is the first time a venue, anywhere in the country, has done something like this.

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    The Piano Man was already scheduled to play the venue on January 27, February 3, March 21, and April 18 next year.  With this announcement, a birthday show is scheduled for May 9 when Billy turns 65, has been added.  The plan is to continue to play shows as long as their is demand for there to be more.   Billy also got his own logo for the venue to go alongside The Knicks, Rangers, and Liberty.  More shows will be announced in the future.  If you are a fan of The Entertainer, there is no reason to not go down to the Garden in the near future and catch one of these shows.

    Billy was quoted at the press conference saying, “Performing at Madison Square Garden is a thrilling experience. I’ve played different venues all over the world, but there’s no place like coming home to The Garden. Since my first show in 1978, I’ve always looked forward to the energy of the crowd. I’m honored to be joining the Madison Square Garden family and look forward to taking the stage of the newly transformed Garden to create many more memorable nights.”  More information can be found at the new website for the partnership here.

    Tickets for the May 9 show have a presale that started on December 4 at 10AM and goes until Friday and a general on sale on December 7 at 10AM.

  • Thanks be for Timbre Coup and Solaris at Red Square

    The jamtronica trio Solaris finally returned to Albany on Thanksgiving Ever, after a summer full of festivals and shows all over the East Coast. The boys hit Red Square with a blast of energetic beats and melodies to a small dedicated crowd.

    Their sound gives you the feeling as if you are soaring through outer space with the top down in a Jaguar F-TYPE as you blast a fusion of  rock n roll, 80s techno and metal at top volume. They are one of the few bands where you can appreciate their sound individually and in unison as it makes for an unforgettable show every time. One of the highlights of the night was when guitarist Dan Gerken from Timbre Coup joined them on stage, adding raw attitude and explosive dance party. Solaris has big shows lined up in their hometown of Ithaca, including opening for the international dance punk band, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) on Saturday, December 14th at the Haunt and ringing in the New Year at The Gates December 31st.

    After Solaris’ long opening set, Timbre Coup took their turn and played well into the night. A regular treat in Albany, Timbre Coup gave a powerful performance on Thanksgiving Eve, heavy on improvisation. After a hypnotic synth jam and “55” to open the show, fan favorites “August” and “June” came early in the two hour set, with Matt Pickering’s vocals on “June” a fine pairing with the entrancing beat had a 1980s Nintendo game feel via Andrew Chamberlain, while Steve Mink, guitarist for Digital Dharma, sat in. The heavy improv night was rounded out with two of the band’s more popular improve vehicles – ‘How to Fly a Kite’ and ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger’. Timbre Coup show the influence of prog-rock bands like Umphrey’s McGee, but convert this into their own sound, a defining characteristic of the rising tide of bands making their own mark on the scene. Satisfied and hungry for turkey, the crowd dispersed back to their families, another Thanksgiving Eve of partying and dancing at Red Square in the books.

  • Conehead Buddha and Funktapuss Lay it on Thick in Buffalo

    Funktapuss-ConeheadBuddhaA little cold weather and snow has never gotten in the way of a Buffalonian’s plans. On Saturday, November 23rd, the city experienced the first bitter cold temperatures of the year, but that didn’t stop the funk fanatics of the Queen City. Conehead Buddha and Funktapuss were in town and Nietzsche’s was packed with eager fans that fought the elements just to check these two out.

    With Conehead headlining the show, Funktapuss kicked things off with their soulful/bluesy style of funk. The five-piece from Cape Cod opened their set with a new song titled, “Unmistaken Reality.” While it started off like a slow rolling funk current, it really opened up as Ryan Tivey took the night’s first solo on sax and got the crowd buzzing. The end of the song had a heavy feel to it, similar to Lettuce’s brand of funk, and will keep me Googling the song name waiting for its official release. The band kept the pace after that, but really hit their stride on an old school/new school, back to back, funk history lesson. The guys took on a classic, covering Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”. Lead singer Latez Crawley’s voice shined with a couple of fans drawing comparisons to James Brown. From there, they went into a cover of the Lettuce song, “Do It Like You Do”, showcasing the bands tight control of rhythm and wrapping up the history lesson.

    As the set progressed, the band played songs off of their self-titled album as well as some other fitting covers. Brian Vanderbeek’s virtuosic bass opening to “Shakey Ground” was Wooten-esque and only reinforced why this guy should be known worldwide for what he can do with his instrument. It would be an insult to say he’s one of the best up and coming bassists as his skills are on par with all of the top names we’re familiar with. The band kept the funk pumping all night, only stopping briefly in between songs to really pack their set. Besides the opener, the group played two other new songs, “February” and “Soul Specific”. The three new songs as a whole were delivered with rhythmic precision and illustrated how Funktapuss is continuing to evolve their sound. Whereas their first album rode the soulful side of funk, the new album might see them kicking things up a gear as the three newbies on Saturday were simply incessant. To cap off their set, the group threw in one last cover, Tower of Power’s “What Is Hip”. This is a staple of theirs and the group absolutely nails it every time. Brian Vanderbeek’s heavy bass on the closer really drove the set home and had the entire crowd dancing to the throwback. With the band still relatively new, there was a resounding buzz in the crowd preceding the performance, wondering who these guys were and where they came from. This band is due to break out anytime now, and with every show it seems they’re gaining more and more momentum.

    Setlist: Unmistaken Reality > I Got to Groove > I Know > Higher Ground > Do It Like You Do > Lesson > Shakey Ground > Threadin’ the Needle > The Truth > Go If You’re Gone > February > Night Life > Soul Specific > What Is Hip

    Conehead Buddha took the stage next to keep the crowd moving. There was a lot of anticipation for these guys, which wasn’t surprising though as their blend of influences results in a feel-good vibe that anyone could dance to. The appropriately titled, “Aint No Better Way,” was the perfect way to start off the set. The high energy of the song immediately had people smiling and grooving around the dance floor, setting the tone for the remainder of the night. The stage was just as packed as the dance floor with the eight-piece band settling in to Nietzsche’s cozy stage. As the Latin rhythms carried in “Cielo Drive,” more and more of the crowd began to join in, coaxed from the outskirts of the club. The show was in full swing now and it seemed like Conehead had full control over its momentum. Mid-set approached and the band slowed things down with “Fly on Your Bedroom Wall.” The reggae feel was the perfect break to all of the energy that preceded it. The highlight of the night though, was during their song “Rockets,” as guitarist Justin Cross came out of nowhere and electrified the crowd. Up to that point, he was just blending in and contributing to the great feel, knowing all along he was going to blind side everyone in attendance. The solo lasted almost four minutes and showcased his chops while proving he had the control to hide it up until that point. For any musician, it’s a skill to know when to take the lead, but even more of one to show restraint. His surprise attack easily topped the night and left the crowd begging for more. These guys have been around the block a few times and tricks like this only reinforce that. They closed the night with an encore of “Safety in Numbers”, leaving all sweating and looking forward to the cold air. The walk back to the car was a welcomed one and definitely not requiring the jacket in tow.

    Setlist: Aint No Better Way > Mind the Question > Cielo Drive > Forget Me Not > Fly on Your Bedroom Wall > Crumbs > My Way > Wear You Down > Rockets > Vinnie > My Side of the Story > Present Perfect > Shades of Green

    Encore: Safety in Numbers

  • The Rascals Brought Broadway to The Palace Theatre

    The Rascals pulled into The Palace Theatre on Sunday, November 24th with their beautifully orchestrated Broadway concert to an ecstatic crowd to end their four night run of Upstate New York cities.  Playing 31 songs over a span of over two hours, the band showed why they were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s.DSC05558 (1) copy

    “Once Upon A Dream” is not your usual concert.  Throughout the show, the history of the band is told on a gigantic video screen between songs by both the band and actors playing younger versions of the band.  To be able to see all of these hits and get the group’s history all at once is amazing.  Little Steven, best known as one of the guitarists in The E Street Band, helped bring the group back together for this show.  It had been his dream for years to see these four great musicians play together again.  He is also a history buff when it comes to music, so he made sure that the two were paired together, and it really could not have been better.

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    The show was split into two sets with the first set getting more of the history of the band from song to song.  By the end of the set the band is getting into the big hits, playing “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore” right into “Good Lovin’ ” to close out the show.  The audience showed their appreciation for Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Dino Danelli, and Gene Cornish, giving the group a standing ovation at the conclusion of the set as well as at the beginning of the second one.DSC05681 (1) copy

    The second set saw less video interruption and more musical performance.  A major highlight was “How Can I Be Sure” which let Eddie shine on lead vocals.  He looked to have been taken aback by the ovation from the crowd.  Each member had a chance to shine with Gene doing great guitar work all night, Dino pounding on the drums like a machine, and Felix sounding great vocally and laying down perfection on the keys.  They all seemed very excited to be in Albany as they got quite the ovation after their last song “People Got to Be Free (reprise).”  They thanked everyone, including those who help put the show on, and then sent the crowd home with “See” capping off a great evening.

    The show was supposed to return to Broadway in a few weeks, but it has been cancelled.  The band is hoping to reschedule it sometime next year.  Once the dates are announced, you would be wise to make sure you get tickets as this show is not to be missed.  They may be getting up there in age, but the music is still vibrant and the band is in high spirits throughout the show.

    Setlist: Set 1 – It’s Wonderful, I’ve Been Lonely Too Long, What is the Reason, You Better Run, Carry Me Back, Slow Down, Mickey’s Monkey>Turn On Your Lovelight>Mickey’s Monkey (Reprise), Come On Up, Baby Let’s Wait, Too Many Fish in the Sea, If You Knew, Hold On, I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore, Good Lovin’

    Set 2 – Good Lovin’ (Reprise), Love is a Beautiful Thing, Groovin’, Do You Feel It, Away Away, It’s a Beautiful Morning, Sueno, Find Somebody, A Girl Like You, It’s Love, How Can I Be Sure, People Got to Be Free, Heaven, A Ray of Hope, People Got to Be Free (Reprise)

    Encore – See