NYS Music 20​13

Category: Capital Region

  • Orchard Lounge, Mentally Ill and Leila to Tear Up ‘The Den’, Friday October 25th

    Orchard Lounge, DJ Leila and Mentally Ill are all scheduled to perform what will be a fantastic show at The Putnam Den tonight,  October 25th. All three acts played a show earlier in the year at the formerly named Bayou Cafe, now the Hollow, in Albany, NY. With excellent feed back and a large draw, they will once again take stage, this time in Saratoga, NY.
    olounge

    Orchard Lounge is known for bringing their fusion of a wide variety of genres together to create unique sets that keep the masses coming back for more. O lounge is the collective of Bethany Lokken and Spencer Lokken who have set themselves apart from the typical club DJs we have all become accustomed to hearing night after night. The duo has toured festival to festival as a fan favorite, opening for major bands such as Sound Tribe Sector 9, The New Deal, The Disco Biscuits and Future Rock.
    Both Dj Leila (Leila Harrison) and Mentally Ill (Jon Santolla) bring high energy, hard hitting sets compiled primarily of Drum and Bass with gritty beats. Both artists run the Drum and Bass Coalition out of Albany and tour extensively on the East Coast festival circuit.

    This is going to be a show you definitely do not want to miss.
    This show is ages: 18+ and doors are at 8 pm, show starts at 9 pm.

  • Conspirator and Jeff Bujak Electrify Putnam Den

    Jeff Bujak was the perfect opener for a high energy act such as Conspirator at The Putnam Den on October 17th. He busted out new material from his album User Correction which stays upbeat in true Buj fashion, but has deeper and slower samples intertwined within heavy synth and upbeat drum tempos. Jeff Bujak has a way of pounding on his keys like the phantom of the opera with such passion and involvement that it is difficult to stand still during one of his sets. The crowd seemed to be loving it from start to finish keeping the energy at a constant high before Conspirator took stage.

    Conspirator took to the stage with impressive intensity as the crowd rushed back into the Putnam Den. The set started off slower with the down-tempo, heavy synthed “Velvet Red.” Starting slow and permeating the crowd with its groove, when the “Velvet” bass dropped, the entire venue came alive. Conspirator’s new drummer Torch left absolutely nothing to be desired. He brings a new sound and liveliness to the band and highlights aspects of each song that otherwise would go unnoticed. Watching Torch lay it down on the drums during “Liquid Handcuffs” proved that he was more than capable of keeping up with the rest of the guys in the band. Aaron Magner is more or less the Neil Pert of keyboardists and it is only a matter of time before he’s going to need to be airlifted into a full circle of his various keyboards. The intricacies he brings to each song is unparalleled by any other keyboardist in the electronic music scene. Chris Michetti shined throughout the entire set. Both Michetti and Marc Brownstein were completely in sync throughout each song, and where one took a step back the other took a step forward and the spotlight was equally shared by both.

    The hardest part for Conspirator is trying to shake the concept that they are trying to follow in the Disco Biscuits footsteps. Conspirator is comprised of four very talented musicians that all bring something new and fresh to the table that is new and different from the projects they have been a part of in the past. It is easy to be overly critical as a Biscuits fan of what Conspirator does, but as a true critic one needs to step back and recognize the talent and passion each member of the band brings to such a brilliant collaborative effort of music. Overall, the show was phenomenal and you can definitely tell each member of the band is truly passionate about the music they create.

    After the show Marc Brownstein stepped out from back stage to meet and snap photos with his fans. After a long, hot and tiring set, the last thing most musicians want to do is be swarmed by their adoring fans. It was definitely admirable too see a musician be so humble with his fanbase. At one point during the show, Brownstein mentioned that Saratoga held a special place for him because it was the place he saw his first Grateful Dead concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Sharing information like that with a crowd of people who are primarily from the Upstate region is what makes a show like this so personal and awesome. It was definitely an amazing experience to see this many talented musicians on stage together in such a small venue and it is evident that Upstate New York loves Conspirator.

    Setlist: Velvet Red ->Retrograde ->Liquid Handcuffs -> Bella’s Ball -> Up -> So Much More -> Legalize It-> Flash Mob -> Struts -> Fascinate -> Retrograde

    Encore: Oname-wa

  • Gusto’s got somethin’ for you in “Packin Heat”

    I pride myself on being an objective critic.  This admirable characteristic of mine enables me to review metalcore bands and express to you their merits, without personally possessing the urge to run out and buy the CD for myself – just not my thing.  But, my thing is irrelevant to providing you a proper review.  Afterall, I have you in mind with every review and it’s my job – nay, it’s my duty – to assess each CD on every merit and shortcoming. It’s a daunting task, but I do it for you. You are welcome.

    But, sometimes I come across a CD I instantly like, and it makes it impossible for me to remain objective.  Such is the case with Gusto’s “Packin’ Heat.”

    Gusto is a three-piece, garage punk band out of Saratoga Springs, NY that’s just making it out in the world.  In fact, Josh Robin tells UpstateMetal how they all got together, signed a contract and recorded their debut album in one short weekend this past August.  Blessed with either luck, or good karma, Gusto has overcome obstacles the same way in which one would expect with their namesake. Prior to their first show in June, their drummer canceled due to scheduling conflicts. Zach Edwards stepped in on “an hour’s notice” but was unfamiliar with the band’s sound. Regardless, Robin said he “Killed it!” and was immediately signed as their regular drummer.

    The majority of their songs are short and quick paced, with light-hearted lyrics written by Robin. A favorite of mine would be “Gettin Old,” which at a little over four-and-a-half minutes, is the longest song in this ten-song collection. With lines like “Woke this morning and my back was sore/took some drugs for the pain/from a pillcase, not from a bag/I’m getting old,” it’s made me chuckle, as I can somewhat relate.  Of the ten, “Gettin Old” is the most polished.  I’ll admit to being immediately hooked in by the introductory guitar rift from “On and On”.  It’s hard not to bob your head to the beat of this catchy tune.

    Throughout the CD, Robin’s clear vocals is backed evenly and adequately by Edwards’ drums and Jason Brown’s bass (who also double times as the band’s producer).  Which, with Robin predominately on vocals, it makes for a two-piece band! Their collective sound reminds me a little of Blink 182 or Weezer, if only to distinguish them from a different sound, like The Dead Kennedys.  Packin’ Heat is garage punk at it’s most primitive.  The sound is not over-produced in the studio.  The band is not dealing with any heavy political statements, no obscure references to Margaret Thatcher, or stances against clubbing baby seals.  Gusto gives you a fast-paced beat, with easy lyrics on light-hearted subjects.  You turn them on – preferably loud – and get yourself moving.  This is a CD I plan on buying for once. If you have any appreciation for punk, you should find room to slip this one into your collection too.

    Go to www.Gustoband.com for more information.

    You can also buy “Packin Heat” here.

  • Umphrey’s McGee 2014 Winter Tour Announced

    Umphrey’s McGee has released their winter tour schedule for 2013 and  2014. The band will be making a stop in Buffalo, New York October 26th at the Town Ballroom and continuing their lengthy tour into 2014. Later in their tour, Umphrey’s McGee will be making a stop at Upstate Concert Hall February 2nd in Clifton Park, New York as well as the F Shed at the Market in Syracuse accompanied by Kung Fu on February 8th, and the Harro East Ballroom in Rochester, New York the following day on February 9th.
    UMp
    They will also be playing two nights at the Beacon Theater in New York City on January 17th and 18th.

    This tour celebrates 16 years of touring coast to coast and will be shared with many special guests throughout the tour including, The Werks, Kung Fu, Moon Taxi, and more TBA.

    October
    10.21 State Theatre, State College, PA
    10.23 House of Blues, Cleveland, OH
    10.24 Sherman Theater, East Stroudsburg, PA
    10.25 Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
    10.26 Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY
    10.30 State Theatre, Kalamazoo, MI
    10.31 The Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI (w/ London Souls)

    November
    11.1 The Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI (w/ Cosby Sweater featuring Joel Cummins)
    11.2 The Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI (w/ Boombox)

    December
    12.16-20 Mayan Holidaze, Puerto Morelos, MEX
    12.28 The Fillmore, Denver, CO
    12.29 The Fillmore, Denver, CO (w/ Joshua Redman + Dumpstaphunk) SOLD OUT
    12.30 Venue TBA, Denver, CO
    12.31 The Fillmore, Denver, CO

    January
    1.17 Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
    1.18 Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
    1.29 Track 29, Chattanooga, TN
    1.30 Tennessee Theater, Knoxville, TN
    1.31 LC Pavilion, Columbus, OH

    February
    2.1 The Fillmore, Detroit, MI (w/ The Werks)
    2.6 Upstate Concert Hall, Albany, NY
    2.7 Lupo’s, Providence, RI (w/ Kung Fu)
    2.8 F Shed at the Market, Syracuse, NY (w/ Kung Fu)
    2.9 Harro East Ballroom, Rochester, NY
    2.13 The NorVa, Norfolk, VA (w/ Moon Taxi)
    2.14 Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville, NC (w/ Moon Taxi)
    2.15 The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD (w/ Moon Taxi)
    2.16 The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD

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  • Connecting With The Creators of Jungle Boogie: A Chat With Dave Risen From Lock42

    After chatting with one of the creators of Jungle Boogie, Dave Risen, it becomes clear just how much thought and dedication has been put into making this one of the state’s finest and most outrageous Halloween gatherings of the year! The resort party’s theme is based on the endangered wildlife foundations which the event is supporting through its endeavors. Proceeds will be given to the Pantera Foundation which is a wildlife sanctuary for endangered big cats, as well as the SavetheKoala Foundation.

    “After years of being in the business, you begin to notice the connection we all make through music, why not connect for a cause other than ourselves. We have a lot to learn from these animals and we are going to miss our chance if we don’t stop and do something to help them,” said Risen. Jungle Boogie gives people a chance to get dressed up and party in costume for Halloween while resting assure their contribution is going to a good cause and their involvement matters.

    jungle boogieDave Risen and his production company came up with the idea for the event back in April. Through mutual ties and working events, Lock42 was able to team up with Dave Ehmann from Improv Records.  Over time things developed and the event started coming together. They were able to land a brand new venue, the beautiful Roaring Brook Ranch in Lake George to host the event. Jungle Boogie will offer three stages and each stage will show a different genre of music. The idea behind this was to “Bring together a mix of people and scenes in order to create a larger more progressive and forward thinking movement” says Risen.

    The Electronic Stage will house bass heavy dub, drum n bass and techno genres, and will offer beats that flow with the jungle theme nicely. The Boogie Stage will feature live music and jam bands and as for the third stage, it will have its own tricks and treats. Hosted by the Radial Engine Tribe, the Psy Stage is for anyone who is into psy-trance and getting down with the underground DJs. There will also be live painters, performance art, glow body paint and dancers.

    As far as booking goes the promoters were looking for world class talent as well as trying to support local musicians. Dave says he wanted to bring in an older more rooted producer from the UK where drum and bass began and the artists have more history within the genre. He is very pleased to welcome Adam F, who co-founded Breakbeat Kaos, all the way from England to the event. Upstate favorite like Twiddle, Lucid, Aqueous, Formula 5 and the High Peaks Band will be jamming on the Boogie stage all night. These performers were chosen to keep variety in the mix and to support and offer local music to join Jungle Boogie.

    lock 42The “resort style” party suits this event best. This way guests can get a room, safely stay in one place all weekend, and get down until the sun comes up. The resort will be decked out by professionals, VIP passes are available to anyone and there will be an array of vendors featuring home-made crafts and creations as well as healthy organic food options. Music lasts until the sun comes up!

    Buy your tickets here and will see you there!

  • The Future History of Valentine’s will be Written at Quail & Central

    The end is nigh. Valentine’s, the longtime Albany music venue and home to many a metal, moe. and Dr. Jah show, will soon close its doors as the Albany Medical Center expansion clears out the Park South neighborhood, taking with it many memories and a location that was tough to beat, both for up and coming bands and established acts over the past 20 years.

    Nothing will replace Valentine’s, but owner Howard Glassman isn’t throwing in the towel. Sometime in the new few months, Valentine’s will relocate to 335 Central Avenue, most recently occupied by Cagney’s, right next door to Pauly’s Hotel and across Quail Avenue from The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio. While the name is still up in the air, Glassman says that after coming up with a name for the new venue, a search of a name revealed a bar in Albany years ago that already had that name, but shares, “We’ll come up with something. It’s 50/50-60/40 that it’s going to be Valentine’s. It’s of a time and a place, I don’t think you can take this here and call it Valentine’s but, you never know. Maybe we’ll open a bigger place and call it Valentine’s.”

    The new venue has about the same width as the current Valentine’s location, but with an Adirondack feel to the room as all the wood interior and surfaces give a North Country cabin feel that fits right in for Capital District live music fans; the bar will look and feel great. The stage will be located in the back of the venue, stretching the width of the room and have installed LED lights and a soundboard built into the end of the bar. While there is a lot of history at this new location (who in Albany didn’t go to Cagney’s when they were in high school/college?) and while some of this history will come from Valentine’s (The PA, Hank Williams and Muhammad Ali are coming along, per Glassman) the rest of the decor will start from scratch. Glassman adds “We’ll probably have some sort of garage sale for some stuff. People have already asked if they can have certain things. Someone already asked for the ‘No Pepper’ sign.” Fans can expect similar capacity and amenities akin to the current Valentine’s, but a big highlight to the new venue is a great amount of free parking on Central, Quail and in The Linda parking lot, which is free after 6pm – a big improvement on the crowded New Scotland/Park South area streets, which fans will quickly appreciate.

    The last couple months at Valentine’s is shaping up to send the venue out with a bang. Many bands are planning to perform, including Subduing Mara, who according to Glassman have been “Putting the feelers out for getting together and coming to play. Can’t Say is doing a gig (December 27th) and The Disenchanted are back together (December 28th). Greg (Bell, of Guthrie/Bell Productions) has Wreckloose, they’re doing a night and the next night he’s got (Peter Prince and) Moonboot Lover and Dr. Jah (and the Love Prophets) and I think he’s putting one more on that bill.” These final shows are expected to be announced for mid-late December and will confirm as soon as the dates are firm.

    Yet there was only a brief moment when Glassman was not considering to open another Valentine’s. “There was a small, small window of a day or two when my wife was like ‘Well now you gotta go get a job’, and I am uniquely unqualified for anything, so I had to go find the place.” The search had been ongoing since December 2012, but “Push came to shove and it was like, ‘Let’s do this’. The staff’s all on board, everybody’s ready to pick up and come on over here.” But the reality of the new venue and what is being left behind is not lost on Glassman. Not by a longshot. Howard’s views on the history of Valentine’s and his vision for the new location, whatever its name, are reassuring and inspiring to current Valentine’s patrons:

    “It’s gonna be a little different, only because it’s going to be our bar. It’s going to be our building. We can do whatever we want and not have to worry about getting kicked out. This is what I do, so this will be around as long as I’m around. I think people need to feel like they have their place. Think about all the bars that have closed. CBGB’s, Maxwell’s, think about when the Palais Royale was still open. It’s not the same (as Valentine’s) but it’s not the same for different reasons. But once we open up, hopefully the first Wednesday when The Deadbeats play, and people come in and they’re like “Ah there’s Grumpy and there’s Chris’, and they settle in, and I think when their ass makes an indentation in the seat, they’ll be cool and say ‘Alright. This is where we’re gonna hang for the next 20 years.’ I think it’s the vibe. It’s totally a vibe thing.”

    Stay tuned to Valentine’s for upcoming acts in the next few months. Stay tuned to on Facebook and Twitter for updates and news throughout Upstate New York.

  • Preview: Thriller A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson

    Thriller Tribute Cd Cover ArtCleopatra Records is set to release a rather interesting compilation cd on Oct. 22, 2013. Thriller: A Metal Tribute To Michael Jackson, with artists past and present on this project, I am really hoping that this is going to be a really good cover album and not a bust. I guess it all depends on the musical arrangements for each track for success, and I can’t wait to see what these artists come up with.

    Although it’s labeled as “Thriller,” it is not a cover of the “Thriller” album itself, but rather many of MJ’s hits are covered instead. In fact, 13 songs are covered on the disc. I wish the Three Days Grace’s cover of “Give In To Me” made it on the cd and rounded it out at 14 tracks.

    Nonpoint’s Elias Soriano is on the track “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground).” Chris Jericho of Fozzy does a version of “Dirty Diana.” Asking Alexandria’s Donny Worsnop and Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan are one the track “Man In The Mirror,” and the cd would not be complete without the Alien Ant Farm cover of “Smooth Criminal.”

    Track Listing for Thriller : A Metal Tribute

    1. Thriller – Chuck Billy ( Testament )
    2. Man In The Mirror – Danny Worsnop ( Asking Alexandria) Billy Sheehan ( Mr. Big)
    3. The Way You Make Me Feel – Angelo Moore (Fishbone) Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) Rudy Sarzo (Queensryche)
    4. Black Or White – Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust) Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss) Tony Franklin (The Firm)
    5. Beat It – Pirya Panda (Diemonds) Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses)
    6. Billy Jean – Corey Glover (Living Colour) Phil Campbell (Moterhead)
    7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) – Elias Soriano ( Nonpoint)
    8. Rock With You – Doug Pinnick (King’s X)
    9. Dirty Diana – Chris Jericho (Fozzy)
    10. Bad – Paul Dianno (ex-Iron Maiden) Craig Goldy (Dio)
    11. They Don’t Care About Us – Icarus Witch
    12. Never Can Say Goodbye – Lonnie Jordan (War)
    13. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm

  • Pre-Phish Show Art Show: Dinner & A Movie in Glens Falls, October 23rd

    Picture 8Dinner & A Movie Art Show, presented by Manifest Glassworks, will be held on October 23rd at Aimiee’s Dinner & A Movie, located at 190 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY.

    Running from 2pm-until 630pm, the art show will feature many artists including Tripps Prints, Isadora Bullock, Pin Me Down Designs, Bill Pompeii of Pompeii Prints, Ant Pharms Pins, StuPINdous Creations, Brian McGowan of GowyGear, PhanArt, Noah Clein and local glass from Manifest Glassworks, Liffiton Fine Arts and others.

    Admission to the art show is free and will feature Live Music from High Peaks Band at the adjoining bar, Wallabee’s. This is a rare chance for Glens Falls residents to view and purchase art from vendors that travel the nation, to meet up with friends new and old and to celebrate Vermont’s greatest band visiting Glens Falls!

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  • Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck Rocked Out at The Palace on October 8th

    Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck make for an unlikely pair to headline a tour, yet their individual sets provide an interesting contrast of the music from the 1960s and 1970s. Wilson with his Beach Boys tunes, Pet Sounds and more experimental material are starkly opposite to Jeff Beck’s guitar sound that can be heard emulated in heavy metal songs to this day. Together, the show they put on at The Palace Theater in Albany over the course of two separate sets and one stellar group encore made the night truly memorable.

    brian wilson jeff beckBrian Wilson and musicians were set up Big Band style with 12 others in his group, performing an acapella tune, “Their Hearts were Full of Spring” by The Four Freshmen, to start the night off on a weird yet intriguing note. Following familiar Beach Boys tunes like “Do it Again” and “Don’t Worry Baby,” the first half of the set was focused on the singer/songwriter, giving intros to songs before performing them, familiar or not.  A sign of a musician in his later years, discussing the history and background of the music, was well-received by the audience and the stories elicited knowing nods from the mostly seated crowd. “Sail on Sailor” and “Heroes and Villains” stood out among these tunes,  the former off the forgotten Holland album while the latter was quite psychedelic in the vein of Pet Sounds, as the backup band sang a synthesizer friendly ballad that could substitute as music for a montage in any 1980s film.

    brian wilson jeff beckSet highlights included “God Only Knows,” Brian Wilson’s signature work and one he spoke with great pride of, recalled Big Love and sister wives; “Sloop John B”, with vocals from the diminutive Al Jardine were accompanied with soft flute and the harmony of guitarist Jeffrey Foskett, and “I Get Around,” which has forever ingrained the image of sperm navigating Fallopian tubes in the memories of Gen Xers, was as good as any other Beach Boys tune that night, something the crowd was excited to hear, even though it seemed repetitive from last year’s 50th anniversary tour. “Good Vibrations” and “Fun Fun Fun” closed out a set with the crowd rising to do their best white-hair surf rock boogie to, if their hips could manage.

    Brian Wilson Setlist: Their Hearts were Full of Spring, California Girls, Do it Again, Then I Kissed Her, Don’t Worry Baby, Little Bird, Old Man River/Cottonfields, Til I Die, Sail on Sailor, Heroes and Villains, Marcella, Pet Sounds, God Only Knows, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t it be Nice, Help me Rhonda, I Get Around, Good Vibrations, Fun Fun Fun

    If Brian Wilson’s set was the Obi-Wan/Luke side of the force, then Jeff Beck and his band represented the Dark Side, but Jeff made a much better offer towards crossing over than The Emperor ever did. Opening with “Eternity’s Breath/Stratus”, the soaring prog-rock sounds wowed the crowd in a manner befitting the Maxell ‘Blown Away Guy’ ads of the 1980s. Drummer Jonathan Joseph powered “You Know You Know” with loud, sharp intensity, a tune whose guitar riffs recalled Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality”. Beck traded licks with guitarist Nicolas Meier and plucky bassist Rhonda Smith, who had Wooten-esque chops honed from her days with Prince. In fact during the brief bass/drums segment, there was more than a hint of jazz improv with a nod to a Flecktones style of jamming spreading to all five band members. “Little Wing” – well, if one of the members of the Yardbirds can rock it, why can’t two?

    brian wilson jeff beckThen, the anticipated collaboration came and what a treat it was and finally, we saw why these two musicians were touring together. Members of both bands converged and played party to “Our Prayer”, with its trippy humming/vocals, while “Surf’s Up” had skyward vocal peaks. Beck’s “Brush with the Blues” was deep and soulful, painful almost. “Rollin and Tumblin” recalled Robert Johnson’s “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day” and gave some gritty blues equal time on the stage, to complement the jazz influence in the first set “A Day in the Life” was nasty and dark, rocked out perfectly.

    For the encore, all of Brian Wilson’s 13 band members and Jeff Beck’s quintent polished off the night with “Barbara Ann” and “Surfin USA.” I’ve never seen Jeff Beck perform before but he did not look comfortable on such unchallenging pieces, but when it came time for Beck’s performance of “Danny Boy,” he once again pressed play on the Maxell tape, leaving the audience with a reminder that the Boys were in the first set and the Men were in the second set, with the Rock God having the final word.

    Jeff Beck Setlist: Eternity’s Breath/Stratus, Even Odds, You Know You Know, Yemin, Pump, Little Wing, You Never Know, Corpus Christi, Big Block, Our Prayer*, Surf’s Up*, Brush with the Blues^, How High, Rollin and Tumblin^, A Day in the Life

    Encore: Barbara Ann#, Surfin’ USA#, Danny Boy#

    *With members of Brian Wilson’s Band
    ^Brian Wilson vocals
    # featuring all members of both bands

  • Taking the Ride with School Bus Yellow at The Hollow

    The Hollow in Albany overflowed with jams last Saturday, October 5th, with the help from rock veterans School Bus Yellow. The dancing never stopped with high energy music lasting late into the night. School Bus Yellow opened the night by shouting “Thank you, this is a very important venue for us”, only to have the crowd yell “Thank You!” right back. An authentic Upstate band, School Bus Yellow has been around for almost a decade and it’s no surprise given their unexpected splendor of light reggae rock tunes.

    Greg Bell from Guthrie/Bell Productions attended the show stating, “This is the band that got drum circles cancelled at BellStock,” an understandable fact when those bongos add a unique and ear catching rhythm, causing a primitive stir that unfolded in the crowd. Their set included teases of the Harry Potter theme as well as the Indiana Jones theme song, plus fresh psychedelic funky jams. As the saying goes, “You’re either on the bus…or off the bus” so trust , when we say make sure you get on board when they stop in your town.

    It has been months since Formula 5’s last show in the Albany area, creating much anticipation among fans and the band. The almost three hour set was a nonstop musical roller coaster ride, complete with guest sit-ins, plenty of teases and a few solid covers. As the band urged Chuck Valentine from School Bus Yellow to join them on stage.

    Few bands can take on the challenge of covering the legendary jam band Phish but Formula 5 always rises to the occasion, especially with their rendition of “Weekapaug Groove.” Strangers quickly became friends as anyone on the dance floor got caught interlocking arms in a huge crowd free for all. One of the highlights was the short riot caused during “3 Ring” when Formula 5 teased “Killing in the Name Of” by Rage Against the Machine, a harder look into their upbeat jazz styling. Each band member shone as their music blended perfectly together, a key ingredient for any successful band. Formula 5’s improvisational jams have reached new levels as there were consistent peaks with jaw dropping flow that Albany has been sincerely missing.

    Setlist: The Clear -> Goin Down, Earthbound Tim, Rising Tide, Chuck Song@ -> Drums -> Weekapaug Groove+, Nu-Gen -> 3 Ring -> Perch -> 3 Ring%, Movin On* -> Catch Me, Excalibur, Sledgehammer -> The Clear Ending, Hot Box
    E: Grey Seal #

    @ Impromptu Band and Crowd collaboration to urge Chuck out of the basement and onto the stage
    + w/ Chuck Valentine of School Bus Yellow on guitar
    % “Killing in the Name Of” (Rage Against the Machine) teases
    * “Backstroke” (Fatback Band) teases throughout, “Push On Til the Day” (Trey Anastasio) teases
    # Elton John Cover