NYS Music 20​13

Category: Schenectady

  • Michael Franti and Spearhead Coming to Upstate Concert Hall, Monday September 16th

    Through his music, Michael Franti delivers a message of hope, justice, and peace. That message will ring loud and clear Monday, September 16th as Michael Franti and Spearhead bring their unique blend of hip hop, reggae, jazz, and funk to the Upstate Concert Hall (Clifton Park, NY). Special guest The Kopecky Family Band, will open the show.

    Michael Franti and Spearhead continue to enjoy the success of their 2010 album release, The Sound of Sunshine, which reached the number 17 spot on The Billboard 200 list. It features 12 tracks including four hit singles, “Shake It”, “The Sound of Sunshine”, “Hey, Hey, Hey”, and “I’m Alive”. In July 2013, Franti released his eighth studio album entitled All People.

    Ticket prices for Monday’s event are $25 in advance or $28 at the door and are available through Ticketmaster, the Northern Lights Smoke Shop (518-453-3402), or at the Upstate Concert Hall box office. Show time is 8:00PM.

  • Camp Bisco 12: Raising the Bar

    Over the past 12 years Camp Bisco has climbed the ranks of EDM festivals becoming a Mecca for electronic music lovers all over America. Camp Bisco is an annual event that I look forward to from the very first moment early bird tickets go on sale. Each year I meet friends, new and old, for a three day gathering of amazing music, art and people. This year certainly did not disappoint and was one of the best Camp Bisco experiences I’ve had. Every aspect of the festival contributes to the foundation of a phenomenally amazing experience, and it’s so close to home you really can’t go wrong.

    The past two years, I spent the extra money for a VIP ticket, so this year I left Wednesday night to ensure that my friends and I would miss traffic and have a full day of live music Thursday afternoon. What I have found in the past years is that there will always be traffic. I often like to think that I’m the only person in the world who is belligerently excited to be back at Camp, and I am always sadly mistaken when I hit that line of traffic miles from the Indian Lookout Country Club. Overall it wasn’t too bad and I was happy we made the trip up a day early so we had a full day of music on Thursday.

    Thursday afternoon started the weekend off right with a beautiful blue sky and some great daytime music. Although the day began a little rocky for my friends and I, as we ended up locking the keys in our car with the engine running and spending hours trying to break in with a bent hanger, we were lucky Camp Bisco has AAA on site, so clearly this fairly common predicament for campers was solved for us. Judging by the amount of people I ran into who had also locked their keys in the car throughout the weekend, it’s safe to say that AAA should be on site for every festival.

    With the release of Daft Punk’s new album Random Access Memories, it seemed to be a major trend within many sets throughout the weekend to sample or cover one of their new songs. Twiddle and Digital Tape Machine kicked it off with the first sets of the weekend mixing in a little Daft Punk, which the crowd certainly did not contest. The Manhattan Project took over the label tent with a phenomenally large crowd for an early set, which was no surprise. This was The Manhattan Project’s third year at Camp Bisco and it has been amazing to see their talent and fan base grow so immensely year to year. RubbleBucket Orchestra took the main stage in the late afternoon with the perfect upbeat, feel good music. One thing I can say about the sets at Camp Bisco is that they are almost always spot on with separating the beautiful and relaxing day time sets with the late night high energy sets. I, of course, had to check out a little bit of Macklemore’s set on main stage (“Thrift Shop” is quite possibly the most catchy song in the entire world.) I’m not really a huge fan of live rap shows simply because the sound is extremely difficult to emulate the quality of a studio recording, which sometimes make it difficult to hear the vocals. Still, it was an entertaining set with hilarious moments. Camp Bisco does a great job of bringing in different genres, and especially with their rap acts, getting the latest and greatest artists.

    Although I’ve never really been the biggest Umphrey’s McGee fan, I was definitely impressed by their set, despite bassist Ryan Stasik not being in attendance, as his daughter was born that weekend. Bryan Dohery of Digital Tape Machine, Dave Murphy of STS9 and Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits filled in on bass during the set, with Brownstein stepping out to play on a cover of the Biscuit’s own “Home”, to welcome everyone back to the festival we have all grown to love so much year after year. Being a huge Sound Tribe Sector 9 fan, I went over to Main Stage 2 early so I could be front and center to see what they had in store for their sunset-set. Some of the craziest shows I have ever seen in my life have been at main stage of Camp Bisco during sunset (Shpongle live of Camp Bisco X was mind blowing). Sound Tribe certainly did not disappoint. Some highlights included “Scheme”, “Inspire Strikes Back” and “Vibyl”. They were also accompanied by live saxophone and trumpet who brought the level of energy and the complexities of each song to new levels.

    Overall all of the Biscuits sets were absolutely amazing and this year brought some of the best Disco Biscuits sets I have seen at Camp since Camp Bisco 8. The Disco Biscuits started their first set of the weekend on a very high note, including a 20 minute “Spaga” and a stellar 25 minute “I-Man”. All around, the Biscuits gave a great performance. Oh, and the new light show? C’mon. Insane.

    Late night in the Label tent consisted of Com Truise and Squarepusher, two highly anticipating artists. Com Truise had a lot of energy and was an all around feel good show. Squarepusher was quite possibly the most chaotic and amazing set I have ever seen at Camp Bisco, and having wanted to see him live for almost eight years, I was unbelievably floored that he was playing a festival in Upstate New York. His set, true to his nature, was insane. I think a lot of people expected something else and were very confused when they walked into the tent. Squarepusher focuses mostly around heavy drum and bass and electro-acoustic music, so often times the progressions are spastic and abrupt. He took the stage donning an intense mask that lit up in sync with the projections behind him, and to his music. It wasn’t until he stepped away from his table and picked up his bass that I was truly blown away. This set was certainly one of my highlights for the entire weekend. After Squarepusher, I walked down to the hill stage for some Silent Disco, but once the sun started coming up, I made the responsible decision of getting some sleep before the next long day of music.

    Friday was another beautiful day, and completely unlike the average Camp Bisco weekend, as there was absolutely no rain and it was not 100 degrees, making for absolutely perfect weather during daytime performances. If you’ve never been to Camp Bisco, or even if you have, one thing to do is ride the Ferris Wheel, which provides the most amazing view from the top and really puts into perspective how enormous this festival has become. I didn’t end up spending the money on the air bag dive, but it was entertaining enough watching other people jump off that I think it is a great addition to Camp Bisco’s tomfoolery. I popped in and out of the Label tent during Govinda which surprisingly packed for such an early set. Watching the crowd, I was very much blown away by the dedication some of these attendees have. I don’t understand how they have the energy to dance that hard for that long and not be passed out by 5 o’clock.

    Being clock-less via dead cellphone made it difficult to ever know what time it was. I was happy that I stumbled upon Toro Y Moi on the main stage, who I was very much looking forward to seeing. The set was very low key and an awesome way to spend a Friday afternoon. His music is very different from most of what’s around, which is why I was so excited to see what he would pull out in a live performance. This performance proves what I said about Camp Bisco’s set placements for each artist always being incredibly on point. The schedule for Friday was shifted around a bit due to issues with Animal Collective. In true Camp Bisco fashion, the moment Animal Collective couldn’t perform, they had the legendary Thievery Corporation on a flight from across the country to fill their slot. By shifting the set time an hour earlier, Thievery Corporation was a perfect cap to the day and beginning to the night. After Thievery Corporation I took a short break before hitting up the Bassnectar set, sandwiched by double Disco Biscuits sets. I didn’t stay for all of Bassnectar because the crowd was a little crazy, but nevertheless, it was a high energy show and the crowd clearly enjoyed themselves.

    Both sets from the Disco Biscuits were, once again, spectacular. Each set seemed to get better than the last. As a Biscuits fan, it can be easy to be cynical and walk away from some shows feeling a little let down, but there was none of that this weekend. Each set was absolute fire. The highlights of all of night two included “Lunar Pursuit”, “Helicopters” and a “Highwire” encore.

    Gigamesh, Aeroplane and Lotus were all awesome late night sets. Gigamesh and Aeroplane were so high energy I was physically exhausted when it was time to switch tents for Lotus. Luckily, Lotus was a little slower and more ambient which was a nice end to a long day of music.

    Saturday mornings are always the best and the worst at Camp Bisco. You know you have a whole day of music ahead of you, but there is still a looming reality of it all coming to an end. By the time I had gotten myself together to head down to the main stage for the noon Indobox set, it appeared there were some technical difficulties with the stage and music would be pushed back until it was figured out. Music was pushed back for a few hours so I popped into the label tent until the first Biscuits set. Everyone seemed to be having a great time despite the mishap at main stage. By the time The Disco Biscuits came on, the excitement level was high. The daytime Biscuits set is always something I look forward to. They’re often more low key than their usual sets and great to relax in the sun during. However, this set was high in energy and packed with gems. The main highlight of this set was the “Spy” although I am always a fan of a good “Magellan.” I quickly left from main stage so I could catch Break Science who had been moved to the label tent.

    Each time I have Break Science, the energy is high and the talent is mind blowing. Adam Deitch is the kind of drummer you need to see to believe. I almost always try to find my way to the front just to be able to see both artists work their magic in synchrony. I wish I had been able to catch more of their set, but I was definitely happy I didn’t miss it. The next act I caught was Passion Pit on the main stage, which was definitely a highlight of the weekend. Passion Pit is just the kind of feel-good, upbeat night time set you want to see on your last day of Camp Bisco. The crowd chimed in, singing each song and waving their rage sticks through the light show that stretched across the grounds. Immediately after Passion Pit left the stage, the Disco Biscuits quickly filled in for their last two sets of the weekend. It was a treat being able to see two Disco Biscuits sets back to back, giving the crowd a full Biscuits show on the last night of their festival. Highlights included, “Story of the World, “Run Like Hell,” and a personal favorite, “Little Shimmy in a Conga line.” This was a brilliant way to end a weekend of some of the best Biscuits sets I’ve seen in a long time. After the two sets I needed a long break to recollect myself and rest before late night. The last set I ended up catching was Boombox at the Label Tent. I have seen Boombox a handful of times and they never disappoint. They put on a psychedelic, funky, disco-esque set that kept us all dancing and put the close on a phenomenal weekend at Camp Bisco.

    Each year Camp Bisco stretches its potential and our expectations. The festival has branched out to include acts and artists that might not ever share the stage otherwise. Each year is an experience, and a mind blowing one at that. At one point during the weekend Marc Brownstein exclaimed, “It’s been 12 years! That means combined we’ve been at Camp Bisco for almost a month!” It’s crazy to look back at what the festival started as and what it has now become. It is so much bigger than anyone ever truly anticipated, but hey, Upstate New York knows how to party. Thank you Camp Bisco for another brilliant weekend.

  • Ten Tips for Camp Bisco That You Will Thank Us For Later

    This will be my fifth year attending Camp Bisco in Mariaville at the Indian Lookout Country Club. As a Camp Bisco veteran, I have a few tips and suggestions that I wish someone would’ve told me before my first Camp. Following these guidelines can only help make your festival experience run smoothly and make fora successful weekend.

    1. Use a marker for your camp site. This is something I’ve always put number one on my list. As the festival has grown, the grounds have become a maze, making it difficult to find your friends and campsite. Use whatever is easiest to transport. In the past I have seen everything from flags to balloons and “rage sticks” to identify where you are in the labyrinth of easy ups and tents; whatever it takes to make sure you don’t end up sleeping in another person’s tent. If you choose to bring a balloon, make sure you bring ample string or rope and tie it tightly. I’ve seen all too many fallen balloon-soldiers to the weak ribbons of festival land.

    2. DON’T bring glass. Just don’t do it. If you look at the Camp Bisco website  you will see this clearly indicated under numerous times in the “What Not To Bring” portion of the site. Your car is going to get searched and there is nothing that holds up a line like a couple glass jars or bottle, whether full of beer, salsa or other things. You’ll end up having to throw out your stuff and you’ll probably make a lot of people mad. This is your warning.

    3. Always buy warm beer. A rookie mistake at a festival is buying a 30 pack of ice cold beer thinking that it won’t become skunk after day one. At a festival, ice is a privilege, not a right, so if you have things you need to keep cold, you have to wake up early to get to the general store and pick up a bag or two. With the thousands of people attending Camp Bisco, there is no way that you can plan on keeping ice forever on site for your crew, especially in the warm July heat when you’re gonna need it. Don’t pack things that you know need to stay constantly iced, because chances are you’ll run into a time where you’re going to have to wait for the festival to restock their ice supply. It isn’t fun having a cooler of food that’s gone bad, that’s for sure.

    4. Stay hydrated. Another rookie mistake I’ve seen year after year is the first year festival goers putting back beers in the 100 degree weather waiting in line to get in. Yeah, it’s nice to have a beer after a long commute but you have a long day and a long weekend ahead of you. The amount of people that collapse from not properly staying hydrated in the heat is outrageous. No matter where you go within the festival grounds, keep water on deck. You certainly don’t want your festival experience to be ruined by waking up in the EMT tent due to dehydration.  Bring TOO MUCH water; it’s better to be safe than sorry. The pump water is completely kosher for a quick rinse down in the morning, but bring your own water to drink. Water is a huge necessity at a festival, don’t make the mistake of not bringing enough. Last year between two people, we went through a case and a half of water. Given, it was peaking 98 degrees during the day, but with all the dancing and sweating you’ll be doing, you’re going to need a ton of H20.

    5. Map out what music you want to see prior to getting to the festival. Chances are there will be a million things going on at once that you want to experience and enjoy, so make sure you have a clear path cut out to ensure that you get the best of your festival experience. Also, do not lose your schedule. By day two everyone and their mother is going to try and borrow your schedule because they lost their own. Make sure you keep your schedule somewhere safe so that you’re not missing out on the awesome acts throughout the weekend. And make sure you see something new! Camp Bisco has introduced me to some of my favorite bands and DJs that I would not have heard otherwise. Venture out, follow the crowds and jump from stage to stage. You will not regret it.

    6. Pack appropriate clothing; It seems like a given, but sometimes you need to be reminded. I’ve seen past Biscos that have rained the entire time and I was definitely happy to have a pair of rain boots, umbrella and rain coat on deck. You can never be sure what the weather will bring when you’re camping outside vulnerable to mother nature’s wrath. In the same breath, bring sunscreen! I have also seen a Bisco where it has been 100 degrees every day with nothing but beaming, hot sun (i.e., last year). I made this mistake my first year and have always made sure I bring ample sunscreen every year since. There is nothing worse than being brutally burned for an entire weekend of sun, dancing and music. Also, don’t bring an expensive pair of shoes that you value. Regardless of the weather, somewhere there will be mud. If there wasn’t, it wouldn’t be a festival. I’ve seen people go barefoot the entire weekend and it just isn’t a good idea. You never know what lies in the depths of a muddy field that you really don’t want in or around your bare feet.

    7. Bring a solar powered charger. You’ll be happy when you’re not standing in line at a charging station or killing the battery on your car. There is little to no cellphone service at Indian Lookout so you’re phone will die almost immediately. Honestly, the best advice I could give you in regards to your expensive smart phone is lock it up. You won’t have service, it’ll constantly be dead and you’ll probably end up breaking, losing or dropping it in a port-o-potty; just lock it up and forget about it. Sounds unbelievable, but I promise you’ll survive.

    8. Get some sleep. As tempting as it is to pull all nighters for an entire weekend, your body will hate you come Sunday morning when it’s time to make that commute back to wherever you live. Even if it’s only a couple hours a night, make sure you sleep. This could be difficult due the constant thumping bass from your neighbors and the mandatory Five a.m. drum circles, so bring ear plugs, maybe a sleep mask and catch some shut eye. I have never been happier at a Camp Bisco than when I am fully rested and ready to keep moving.

    9. Wet wipes are God’s way of saying “You don’t need a shower to smell clean(ish)”. The shower lines at Camp can get pretty long. The best way to ensure a shower is to go at night, but then you’re risking missing an epic set on main stage. Wet wipes are cheap, easy and will keep you relatively clean. At least clean enough to not be that smelly guy in the crowd.

    10. Lastly, have fun! A day at Camp Bisco can feel like a week in real-time. Take things slow, don’t get overwhelmed and enjoy your time at one of the fastest growing, greatest electronic music festivals in the world.

  • Top 10 Artists You Don’t Want to Miss at Camp Bisco

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    With Camp Bisco almost a month away, it’s time to start mapping out your schedule and narrowing down what artists you want to see the most. I’ve compiled a list of my top ten need to see artists, which was no easy task with Bisco’s extensive lineup spanning everything from hip-hop, dub step, electronic, house, jam, indie and so much more.

    1. The Disco Biscuits- I mean, seriously. These guys have made such a serious name for themselves in the music scene that they are now being compared to the likes of Phish and The Grateful Dead. This festival was their baby and watching it grow has been a crazy experience. They started off playing on one small main stage for a few thousand people and now step out onto dual stages with 20 thousand or more people cheering their names. That’s gotta count for something. Plus they’re all amazingly talented musicians. Whether you’re a “biscuits kid” or not you have to be able to see how unbelievably brilliant each member of the band is when they pick up their instruments. They play the most sets, so chances are you wont be able to miss them, but while you do see a few of their sets, appreciate how far they’ve come and how far they’ve brought this festival because without them it would never have existed.

    The Disco Biscuits on Twitter and Facebook

    2. Squarepusher. If you haven’t heard of this guy, I really wouldn’t be too surprised. I have been trying to catch Squarepusher, or Tom Jenkinson, for years but with his rare sitings in the U.S I have yet so see a live set. Squarepusher is an artist from the UK who focuses primarily around drum and bass, acid house and jazz. He uses live instrumental playing as well as digital processing to make some seriously mind blowing beats. He has releases such a vast array of music that it is difficult to pinpoint once particular style he likes to follow, but trust me you won’t want to miss this legend.

    Squarepusher on Facebook 

    3. Sound Tribe Sector 9. Of course, a Camp Bisco favorite. I have been a huge fan of STS9 since 2002 when I was a pretty young kid. Their music stays consistently amazing and their live performances are nothing short of spectacular. STS9 is an instrumental band with a strong focus on electronic, hip hop, drum and bass and funk. Whether these guys end up as a late night set or an evening set it is bound to be an amazing time. If you’ve never seen them before, you’ll be in for a serious treat.

    STS9 on Twitter and Facebook

    4.Toro Y Moi– I’m not even really sure how to describe this guy. I discovered him about a year ago and fell in love instantaneously. He is described as indie-pop, “chill-wave,” synth-pop and electronic. I really don’t even know how to describe him other than saying he is amazing and if you miss his set you are making a serious mistake. There are not many artists out there similar to Toro Y Moi so I suggest you give him a listen before Bisco rolls around just for your own aural pleasure.

    Toro Y Moi on Twitter and Facebook

    5. Boombox. Although I’ve seen Boombox a pretty significant amount of times I think I have still yet to see them on stage at a festival. Their style is unlike most bands I’ve seen in that they pull inspiration from all facets of the music community. They are a steady mix of psychedelic, funk, rock and blues. At each show I’ve seen, they drive each set with the energy of the crowd so it will be interesting to see them in front of a crowd as huge as Bisco.

    Boombox on Twitter and Facebook 

    6.Paper Diamond. Paper Diamond has been around for a while, just not under that particular alias. Alex Botwin started as the bassist for Pnuma Trio, and if you’ve heard the Pnuma Trio you know that he’s a very talented musician. Paper Diamond is Botwin’s solo DJ career, as he also takes on electronic production. Paper Diamond is another feel good DJ that will make you move. Definitely don’t miss his set this Camp.

    Paper Diamond on Twitter and Facebook

    7.Animal Collective. Over the past five or so years Animal Collective has grown rapidly in popularity and become a household name in the music scene. They are considered “experimental-psychedelic” and encapsulate a slew of different styles and genres within each song. You will without a doubt dance from start to finish when Animal Collective takes stage.

    Animal Collective on Twitter and Facebook

    8. Gigamesh. You’ve probably heard Gigamesh’s remix of Foster the People’s single “Pumped up Kicks,” or perhaps his work on Mike Posner’s “Cooler Than Me,” so you know what he’s capable of. His talent as a producer and a DJ is unparalleled. His music derives from a mix of influences, but will not fail to keep you dancing. Make sure you save your energy for this set, because you’ll need it.

    Gigamesh on Twitter and Facebook

    9. Lotus. I know, I’m clearly showing biases towards the band I’ve seen a million times, but in the same breath they have yet to let me down. Lotus is another band who has gained serious popularity over the past few years and made their own mark on the music and festival scene. Similar to Sound Tribe, Lotus is an electronic jam band who incorporate many sounds and genres within each song. Their music can be fast and hard or slow and melodic. That spectrum is what makes bands like Lotus such an awesome live act to see.

    Lotus on Twitter and Facebook

    10. Com Truise. Com truise started as a drum and bass DJ and slowly shifted into a more 80’s, chill-wave sound. His music is completely different than anything else in the music scene. I don’t even think there is an artist I could compare him to wholeheartedly, which is why he made the top ten list. An artist with that unique of a sound does not go unnoticed, even within a lineup as insane as Camp Bisco’s. It is artists like this that make Camp Bisco have such a wide variety of sounds and genres that grace their stages throughout the festival.

    Com Truise on Twitter and Facebook

    Honorable mentions:

    The Manhattan Project, Twiddle, Break Science, Zoogma,

    Also, In an effort to help rebuild the community that was impacted by the wake of the tornadoes MCP Presents is putting out a National call to all of its supporters and fans, who converge upon the region each July. A page to collect donations has been set up through rally.org, where people can show their support and make online donations. Fans are asked to visit www.rally.org/supportschenectadycounty – cb12 or through the festival site at www.campbisco.net.

  • Jim Weider’s ‘Project Percolator’ at The Egg, May 18th

    Straying from the norm, an instrumental performance of jazz, blues and hard rock might be difficult to pull off successfully if your name wasn’t Jim Weider, but for a man with a resume longer than some of us have been alive, he has the know-how and talent to accomplish such a feat.  The intimate Swyer Theater at The Egg in Albany housed the axe-wielding artist and his all-star cast in a mid-spring fling.  Weider presented songs uniquely fashioned by way of a lifetime of influences and study culminating into two sets of musical conversation. Project Percolator is the brainchild of Jim Weider’s imagination and artistry.

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    He created a band that breaks common musical expectations – especially since he is widely known for his tenure with The Band.  The core of the group includes: Rodney Holmes (Santana) on drums, Avi Bortnick (John Scofield) on rhythm guitar and Steve Lucas (Bruce Cockburn) on bass.  Together the four stretch out, noodle, pound and thump to a point where they aren’t just playing a show, they are experiencing it right along with the crowd.

    The first set began with the foursome showcasing their skill level; it only took halfway through one song before the crowd was completely absorbed in the music.  Holmes introduced “Squirrels in Paris,” on drums, but he quickly handed the song over to Weider and his Telecaster guitar.  His fingers glided along the fingerboard where ultimately he landed on the high notes, hitting the sweet spot that screams rock and roll fun.  Indeed, this was a heavy rock song complete with multiple and smooth change-ups rounding out in conclusion the way it began – on drums.  Weider, et al. used their instruments to capture the essence of story telling among old pals full of personality, inviting the captivated audience to listen to their banter.

    And just like each song molded and changed with twists and turns, the set took a turn too; Weider welcomed long-time friend and colleague, Garth Hudson to the stage.  If these guys were characters in a book, then Hudson was the playful imp bringing that same quirkiness to Project Percolator that he had in The Band.  Continuing with the conversation, Weider stepped aside humbly and joyously listened as his buddy told another story.  Hudson’s beard was as white as the keys on the board in front of him. A wide-brimmed hat mostly hid him, but even still, his jolly soul shined.  And he brought the comedy utilizing his instrument as a tool for his humor.  Hudson did his own thing for a little while, playing as if he were sitting in his own living room.  The group expectedly joined together for a reggae rendition of “The Weight.”  They veered into a groove that changed the direction of the conversation.  Each one took a turn and a crescendo swerved the song into yet another dimension until there was an abrupt stop, then the jam concluded with the last few bars of the same familiar song.  Surely there is not any arrangement of this song quite like Weider’s presentation.  Project Percolator moved through Dylan’s, “Just Like a Woman,” and then to another Band song, “Rag Mama Rag.”  The quintet told a familiar tale, but dazzled the crowd, offering up a new point of view, a convincing new perspective on a batch of old songs.  It’s as though we’re watching the guys reminisce of the good old days – and what fun those days must have been!

    After a short intermission, the core four reentered ready to tickle our fancies once again.  A Weider original, “Pulse” opened set two – a set that contained similar elements of structured instrumentals leaving room for weaving and stretching.  Hudson then once again joined Project Percolator.  Quietly and respectfully, the band watched and listened, as they too became the riveted audience, as Hudson took his opportunity to solo and the freedom moved him through a multitude of familiar, traditional folk tunes.  Part reunion and part nostalgia, it was fitting Weider dedicated “Caledonia Mission” (The Band) to his former band mates that have passed.  Weider closed out the set with “Man Cry,” in a song that winds down a path leaving no stone unturned.  One by one each member stepped off stage, leaving the musical discoveries up to those that remained.

    In spite of Project Percolator’s rock and roll appearance, there was something rather sweet and humbling; this is not an in-your-face-I-play-the-guitar rock fest.  Rather, it was a no frills invitation into the lives of people who simply love their craft.  The instruments spoke for themselves as their masters allowed the creativity to flow, sharing their point of view so that we might understand more of the story.  Jim Weider ‘shreds’ a new light.

  • Former Members of ‘The Band’ to Play The Egg: Jim Weider and Garth Hudson in Project Percolator May 18th

    Woodstock native Jim Weider heads up the Thruway to present Project Percolator featuring Garth Hudson at The Egg on Saturday, May 18th. Jim Weider talked with about his project, growing up in Woodstock and fondly recalls his time spent as a member of The Band.  His resume is long, his music is well crafted and he aptly presents something that is uniquely him.

    JW

    Tabitha (TC): Let’s start off by talking about Project Percolator.  Describe what people can expect from a live show.

    Jim (JW):  It’s all groove instrumental with my Telecaster Guitar. It’s rock style and blues over the top.  We have several albums out and it is structured songs. I like to write instrumentals that are structured just like vocal tunes.  There will be verses, bridges and everything.  Then we have sections in the songs where we stretch it out. We play them differently each time. We might go into a Led Zeppelin line so it’s as exciting for the audience as it is for the band.  All the musicians are so great behind me; depending who takes off, we follow the other.  We try and jam out on certain songs.  We’ll do “The Weight” by The Band, with a reggae feel and then in the middle we’ll jam it out then go into double time. If Garth Hudson (The Band) takes off on the keyboard, we’ll all follow him.  So we do everything differently each night.  It’s kind of exciting for both of us – the audience and us.  I always have a blast playing with these guys.  Rodney Holmes is just an amazing drummer to be seen. Avi Bortnick (John Scofield Band) is on guitar and he plays much different than me. Of course having Garth is a true dream. We’ve been together for many, many years. Garth comes up with amazing sounds. You’ll hear Garth Hudson like nobody’s ever heard him before because the way this band opens it up and lets us play. Everybody has a blast.

    TC: How did you determine with whom you would work with for Project Percolator?

    JW: It started about seven years ago with Percolator. I wanted to branch out from my blues – rock records into something different. I just felt like I was cornering myself. I wanted to get into groove music. I started writing and came up with drum loops. I was lucky enough to get Rodney Holmes. He played with Santana and Brecker Brothers. He freed up and joined me. Once I got Rodney, we toured Europe and United States. Rodney’s been with me the whole time. The bass player, Steve Lucas (Bruce Cockburn) joined up on the Pulse record. We’ve been together for quite a while now. We’re going to play some new tunes, and we’ll bring in some Dylan stuff and some Band tunes also, which we do our own versions.

    TC:  You have worked with Garth Hudson for a number of years, most notably with The Band.  How is working with Garth similar or different in Project Percolator than prior commitments?

    JW:  Garth does some shows with us.  He just fits in because Garth always made all the great atmospheric sounds for The Band.  He was always into effects and sounds so putting him in the midst of Project Percolator works out perfect.  He goes with the flow.  He uses his ears and comes up with some great stuff and then we’ll break it down, then it’ll just be Garth by himself.  He just fits right in with this kind of music because it’s wide open and flowing.  It’s like a glove and very entertaining.  I get a kick out of it and so does the band.  I think the audience will too.

    GH

    TC:  What sparked the idea for Project Percolator?

    JW:  I had done a couple of blues-rock records.  There were a million blues bands and I had done the roots rock thing with The Band.  I just wanted to stretch out more.  Get more down to the R & B feel where it’s about the groove.  So I started with loops. I started recording by myself.   On the first record the drums were over-dubbed.  We’ll do some songs with some loops still.  I just wanted to get out of that corner write something totally unique that’s not your standard blues shuffle.  I really felt like I needed to come up with something fresh and I just stayed with it.  Of course I still played with Levon up until his time of passing.

    TC:  We just past the one-year anniversary of Levon Helm’s passing.  Having worked closely with him for many years, how has his passing impacted you both professionally and personally?

    JW:  Well, you can’t put a finger on when you lose someone you’ve been with that long of a time.  We played a lot of shows.  It’s deep rooted and it’s a huge loss – as a friend and a musician.  About four years ago, Jimmy Vivino went back to Conan on the left coast.  When he did, I joined up.  I still kept Percolator going but it was great to be back playing with Levon.  We did a lot of shows.  I never saw him happier.  He was on top of his game.  He was just very happy and it was great to be with him.  He really inspired me.  He had my back and looked over my shoulder since we started to work together.

    TC:  Do you have a favorite pastime or memory of Levon?

    JW:  Laughing across the country in the back of the bus at three or four in the morning.  That’s what keeps coming up.

    TC:  How has being born and raised in Woodstock contributed becoming a musician?

    JW:  Everybody was playing music.  One after another a new group would come out. Then The Band, from our hometown, came out and that was a huge inspiration.  It was just one thing at a time that led to the fire burning to be a musician.  All these great players were playing around town.  I never went too far.  I went down and saw Paul Butterfield playing at the local café.  All these great musicians playing live and then I saw Sound Outs (impromptu concerts) before there was the Woodstock Festival.  It was a big inspiration living around this area.  It was a fantastic time to be alive for music.  All the sounds were inspirational.

    TC:  When did you first begin to play for an audience?

    JW:  Early on we would play high school dances.  We practiced in my grandmother’s garage.  We had cookies and coffee and just practiced for a high school dance or a hippy party in some older person’s backyard barn until I was old enough to play in bars.

    TC:  What was your first band?

    JW:  It’s hard to remember.  I think I came up with a brilliant idea smoking something other than cigarettes looking up at a bunch of trees laying in the woods going, “hey, I got a great idea for the band, Leaves of Green!”

    TC:  Your resume of musical endeavors is jam packed with various projects.  You’ve done everything from session work, to production, touring, and even large telecast concerts.  Is there and event or a project that stands out for you?

    JW:  Well I guess playing at Dylan’s 60th Anniversary at Madison Square Garden.  We were doing all Dylan tunes with The Band.  Playing the Berlin Wall with Roger Waters when that went down.  Just being able to play Carnegie Hall was fantastic.

    TC:  What was your most surprising, yet satisfying collaboration?

    JW:  Being able to produce tracks on a Mavis Staples disc and playing with her was fantastic.  I also recorded with Scotty Moore, so that was full circle.  I also got to lead The Band at South-by-Southwest in Austin.

    TC:  Is there a collaboration you have yet to do that you would like?

    JW:  I’m not quite sure.  I have to think about that.  People ask me that a lot.  I am starting to write a new album and I have a new live CD that I’ll have at the show.  I had Blues great, James Montgomery play with us.

    TC:  What do you believe was a defining moment in your career?

    JW:  I’d say when I joined The Band in 1985 changed everything.  Levon getting me in the band was pretty amazing.

    TC:  Besides music, do you have another passion, hobby or activity that you enjoy?

    JW:  Yes!  I like to be outside.  I like to go fishing and talk a walk in the woods in stuff.  There is a reservoir not far from me, which is where I like to relax.

    TC:  What is your secret to longevity in the music business?

    JW:  Keep listening, keep the glass half full and just stay at it, don’t give up.  It’s harder now than it’s ever been, but you just have to keep an open mind.  Play for the love of music because if you do it for any other reason, you should get out.

    Preview the sounds in this video:

    Squirrels in Paris

  • Mike Gordon’s ‘The Egg’ Live From Albany. Now Available

    After becoming a phan-favorite in a short amount of time, the intimate show with Mike Gordon and his band at The Egg in Albany will be released as a 3-CD set and a free MP3 download; Simply titled The Egg.  The December 2011 show produced remarkable acoustics in which the entire band drew energy that night so it’s no surprise this show was picked by Gordon for release.

    For a full review of the show please check out Pete Mason’s article here.

    You can get the free MP3 download at LivePhish.com. The 3-CD set is available as a very limited physical run, with deluxe packaging that includes a custom round tin with three discs tucked away inside a custom Egg cotton stash bag. It is available for pre-order now exclusively at Phish Dry Goods and Mike’s online store and available for shipping by April 30th 2013. It will not be available in stores.

    The show features originals from Mike’s catalog, including “Horizon Line”, “Only A Dream”, “Voices”, and “Hap Nappy”. Phish fans will recognize “Sugar Shack” and “Suzy Greenberg”, which included The Dude Of Life on vocals. To round out “The Egg”, three tracks were selected  from Mike’s March 26, 2011 show at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT, including an extended version of “Mound”.

    The Egg track listing:

    Disc 1
    1. Horizon Line
    2. Only A Dream
    3. I’m Deranged >
    4. The Way It Goes
    5. Just A Rose >
    6. Voices

    Disc 2
    1. River Niger
    2. Don’t Do It
    3. Horizon Line
    4. Funky Bitch
    5. Sugar Shack
    6. Hand In My Pocket
    7. Dig Further Down
    8. Crumblin’ Bones

    Disc 3
    1. Skin It Back >
    2. Hap Nappy
    3. Won’t Get Fooled Again
    4. Suzy Greenberg
    5. Filler: Mound (3/26/2011 Burlington, VT)
    6. Filler: Got Away (3/26/2011 Burlington, VT)
    7. Filler: Black Tambourine (3/26/2011 Burlington, VT)

    The Dude of Life on vocals for “Suzy Greenberg”
    Recorded by Rachel Bischoff
    Mixed by Jon Altschiller
    Assisted by Danielle Warman
    Mastered by Jonathan Russell
    Technical Assistance by Kevin Shapiro
    Package/Design by Julia Mordaunt

  • Albany Gets Ready to MOVE This Saturday April 27th

    Albany will be overrun with music this Saturday April 27th as the city hosts 100 bands at 10 venues for the annual MOVE Music Festival.  A fairly new event, MOVE aims to highlight the growing music scene in Albany by giving musician’s exposure as well as insight on conducting themselves in today’s independent music industry.

    Albany was recently ranked within the top 20 Metro Areas in the Nation in regards to musicians and music related business, making it the ideal location for the MOVE Music Festival. Concert goers can purchase wrist bands for $15 at any of the participating venues, which grants them all access to every show that day. The musical genres vary from Indie, Americana, Alternative, Rock, EDM and Fusion, catering to Albany’s widespread taste in music.

    moveflyer

    Besides the musical acts, the festival will host a merchandise trade show and interactive round table sessions with music professionals at the Hotel Albany lodging and convention complex in downtown Albany. Artists will be given the opportunity to meet with various companies that will offer guidelines, strategies and vital information about furthering their music careers.

    Some of the VIPs for the meet and greet  are Lou Plaia, (Co-Founder of ReverbNation), Benji Rogers (the Founder of Pledge Music), Craig Sala (Drummer for Paranoid Social Club), Veronica Grettonfrom (401K Music) and many more.

    Hotel Albany will be offering $5 parking all day in their garage and the city has free street parking on the weekends. Albany also had a solid public transportation system with CDTA offering multiple routes that make stops at the various locations.

    With the weather scheduled to be sunny and 60s, it’s not a bad idea to even bike or walk, giving folks time to take in the sights and sounds of Albany.

  • Hearing Aide: Eastbound Jesus “Northern Rock”

    Northern Rock is a bold title for an album – Eastbound Jesus define themselves with the release of their third album in as many years.

    Northern Rock not only gives rise to the sextet’s own sound, but perhaps defines something that had previously been elusive – a sub-genre of music pumping out of the northern region of this country.  It’s something a kin to southern rock, but not quite; Northern Rock encompasses a variety of musical elements from rock to alternative country to folk-like story telling lyrics neatly packaged within each strategically placed song for an album that redefines the boundaries of Americana in the north.

    Eastbound Jesus Northern Rock

    Gentle drops of rain and soft plucking in album opener, “Out Yonder,” breaks open into a welcoming harmonization of vocals and the listener is hooked. “54 Miles”, a clap along song, would surely have the masses marching to the beat of their own drummer, in this case, Carl Anderson.  Northerners are often known for their attitudes (albeit misperceived), which forlorn and edgy lead Adam Brockway captures by strumming his acoustic amid the electric instrumentation.  Dave Wright on bass provides the needed counterpoints for a smooth, rounded balance of sound while Dylan Robinson (electric guitar) pushes the limits on “Kate Belle.” Getting down to the nitty gritty, Luke Anderson takes lead vocals on “I Wouldn’t Know”, letting his punchy personality flow into his banjo, crafting character into Northern Rock.  But, the congealing medium throughout the disc is the intrinsic lap steel interjections of Zach Infante.

    Eastbound Jesus will be unraveling their disc for the masses at a release party open to the public at Revolution Hall on April 19th.  Northern Rock is an expression of what it’s like to experience the north. A style of catchy rhythms, contextual lyrics (relevant to the day in the life of a small town northerner), and a homogeneous blend of instrumentation, Eastbound Jesus established a foundation for the sound of northern rock music.

    Key Tracks: 54 Miles, North Country Girl, Where the Winter Goes

  • Summer in Saratoga: A Rock Art Exhibition’ poster show to be held during Phish’s three-night run at SPAC

    Summer in Saratoga will take place at The Saratoga Hilton on July 5, 6 & 7 th. Admission is Free and open to all ages. The exhibit will run all three dates from 10am-3pm. The poster show will feature the best Phish inspired art, including limited edition art made specifically for the show.

    The poster show featuring Phish artists from around the country was developed and produced by a group of artists and fans, this poster show will be held in the middle of a weekend of Phish.

    Phish poster shows have been held over the years with great success, as unique posters made for the Phish shows that weekend and stop on the tour feature some of the best concert art being produced today. ‘Summer in Saratoga’ is the second event produced by The Mothership Art Collective, a group within the Phish community, comprised of artists and organizations who promote the art inspired by the band Phish. Their initial poster show, ‘First Tube’, was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 16th, 2012 and was a success for all who participated in the event and raised $2000 to benefit The Mockingbird Foundation. The eclectic artists featured at this poster show displays the broad scope of Phish related art and capture the inspiration of the band in their art. The creative fan base that Phish has makes for amazing art inspired by the band, the locales and the music. The collective works hard to bring an art show to the Phish touring public each year.

    In keeping with the great tradition and success of past poster shows, Summer in Saratoga will offer free entry to all patrons, tubes available for purchase, charitable donations from the event made to The Mockingbird Foundation and a wide array of artists with posters to fit any budget. Artists will be announced in early May, as well as any special edition works that will only be available at the show.

    The Saratoga Hilton is located in downtown Saratoga Springs, only 3 miles from Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).