Category: Western NY

Wooten Brothers Bring the Family to Albany and Buffalo for the Holidays

Musical families have been around in the business for quite some time with last names like Jackson, Dylan, and Marley indicating an extensive lineage of artists. There have been few that have the collective talent the family of the Wooten Brothers possess. While not as known as some of the aforementioned examples, Victor, Joseph, Roy, and Regi have already left a lasting mark in the industry and continue to widen their influence today.

This Sunday, December 15th and Monday, December 16^th, The Wooten Brothers will be taking the stage at at The Egg in Albany and The Tralf Music Hall in Buffalo, respectively. It has been several years since the foursome have toured and they should be firing on all cylinders with the Albany and Buffalo dates being two of the last three of this incredible tour. It is rare that these guys get together, so this is a special one for not only the fans, but the four on stage as well. The show that awaits is a night of pure fusion as each have a huge array of influences that could be pulled from at any point. Roy, also known as Futureman, is the drummer with brother and bassist Victor in Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Roy plays what he calls a “drumitar” which looks similar to a guitar, but employs various drum sounds via an array of buttons. Those familiar with classic rock might also know of Joseph who is the keyboardist for the Steve Miller Band. Something must have been in the water because there was no shortage of talent to go around this family.

If still needing more of a push though, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll catch one of the world’s best bassist that night. Victor Wooten, yes from above, is one of the most recognized and talented bass players both currently and overall. Youngest of all of the brothers, Victor has won five Grammy’s with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones adding his smooth groove and virtuosic touch to a bluegrass/jazz fusion. Among other awards, Victor was also named the tenth greatest bassist of all time by Rolling Stone readers in 2011. The sounds he pulls out of his bass could go unexplained by a seasoned musician.

Albany and Buffalo were luckily selected as two of the 13 dates along the East Coast for this two-week family jaunt. Thanks to the brothers, Upstate gets an early gift this year.

December 13, 2013
All I Want For X-Mas is More Nugs: Aqueous Releases 4th Live Album

Buffalo’s buzztastic groove rockers Aqueous have announced a New Years Eve release date for the fourth release in their Live Nugs series. The Nugs started smoking in 2010 with Volume One and Two, then took a two year hiatus before returning with Volume Three in 2012 prior to the groups debut at moe. Down 12. The discs feature an assortment of tracks from the bands live shows for each era. Live Nugs: Volume 4 has a mere five tracks running an astounding 73 minutes. Like jams? Us too! Beyond that, it is also the first in the series to feature 100% original material. It will be available for purchase at the bands New Years Eve celebration in Erie, PA at the crooked i and online in 2014.

Watch for a review of the album coming soon from ‘s Jeremiah Shea!

Catch Aqueous next in Upstate NY on January 3rd at The Lost Horizon in Syracuse.

December 13, 2013
Get Lucky this Friday the 13th with The Kollectiv and Groovestick

This Friday at 9pm don’t miss two of Upstate New York’s fresh and funky bands, The Kollectiv and GrooveStick, appearing at The Hollow in Albany. Groovestick has become a growing Capital District sensation with their heavy organ infused, progressive funk. The trio is a collaboration with Dan Gerken on guitar (Timbre Coup/Mirk), Chris Carballeira on organ/keys (Dirty Paris, Funk Evolution) and Frantz Celestin on drum kit (The Kollectiv, Dirty Paris).

This will be a special reunion show for The Kollectiv, since they have had band members living on the west coast and haven’t played together for months. The original lineup consists of keyboardist Eric Luba, guitarist Jaden Carlson, Frantz Celestin on drums (GrooveStick), Chris Duffy on bass (Dirty Paris), Lars Viola on turntables (M.A.E.), and guitarist Taylor Frederick (Technicolor Tone Factory). Deep into December, they are staying true to the old holiday saying, “There’s no place like home for the holidays” and eager to see long awaited fans and friends in Albany and at the Black Oak Tavern in Oneonta on Saturday.

Before their big weekend, was lucky to catch some free time with Taylor Frederick about their time apart, practice and the year ahead.

Susan Rice: It’s been quite some time since the Kollectiv performed in Upstate New York. What have you guys been working on since your time off?

Taylor Frederick: Well Duffy is finishing up college in Albany as of right now, Lars is down in NYC producing and working with his hip-hop projects at True Statement., Frantz has been hard at work with his new funk trio Groovestick, and Eric and myself moved out to Boulder, CO at the end of May, and dove into the music scene out here pretty quickly. He is now in The Jaden Carlson Band, and I am now playing with Technicolor Tone Factory. As for Eric and myself, I know JCB is planning on a two month national tour starting at the end of February or beginning of March, and TTF will also be on tour at that time heading west toward California, and also heading south into Texas around the same time. Tour dates are going to be released in early 2014.

SR: Do you find it difficult to keep in touch with band members living across the country? Do you log in practice time with each other?

TF: It’s a little difficult at times. You tend to get caught up in life, and sometimes that makes time fly by a bit faster than one would like. But we do keep in touch quite a bit. Since Eric and I are out here we have been running the old stuff and some new surprises for the run and the rest of the boys have been doing their own individual runs on the material.

SR: Do you guys feel like you will need like you need a lot of practice before the show? I would be nervous if I had to play with a band that I haven’t seen in month’s haha.

TF: Well the funny story is the band was founded on straight improv, even the songs. We just kind of get lucky that we all know them well enough that when we hear a tease of something, we all pick up on it and can go right in. It’s a pretty amazing bond to have with a group of musicians. It doesn’t happen often but when it does its magic. For the run however we have been learning a bunch of new material on our own, and whatever we decide on, the setlists will kind of determine what we can fit in between point A and point B.

SR: What is the band most excited for on your Holiday/reunion run in Upstate NY?

TF: We’re just pumped to be playing music together again. It’s always a good time when we get together. Our friends from all over the place always come out as well and we seem to make new ones at ever show. It’s slowly turning into just a giant family reunion.

SR: Does the Kollectiv have any plans for 2014 that fans can look forward to? New music? More East Coast shows?

TF: As far as 2014 you never know. There have been some old studio recordings that just may resurface, and maybe a couple festival appearances? We’ll have to wait and see. Right now just keep an eye out for JCB, TTF, Groovestick, M.A.E, Dirty Paris and our other respected projects!

December 13, 2013
Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City Tour

Following two great sets by the talented Rochester band “Aminal” and the New York band, “MS MR”, Vampire Weekend took the Main Street Armory stage by storm. They jumped right in, opening with the hugely popular track, “Diane Young” off of their new album Modern Vampires of the City. The crowd was hooked immediately, going wild at first note of the familiar song with screams and applause.

The energy inside the Armory in Rochester was as high off the stage as it was on. Fans sang, snapped iPhone photos and danced along with each tune the band turned out. Boyishly handsome front man Ezra Koenig delivered a smooth and passionate performance during the nearly 90-minute set.

Vampire Weekend has a sound like no other; one that has become easily recognizable and points to a bright future for the talented band. The bouncy “A-Punk,” one of their biggest hits, had the crowd hopping in rhythm while singing along with the band “Hey, hey, hey!” Playing other favorites such as, “Holiday”, which became popular thanks in part to a Honda commercial, “Horchata” and “Unbelievers” kept the audience happily cheering from beginning to end. They ended the night with a 3-song encore and bid the final farewell with the tune, “Walcott”. A song close to their hearts and one they end every show with.

Setlist: Diane Young, White Sky, Cape Cod Kwasssa Kwassa, Unbelievers, Holiday, Step, Finger Back, Horchata, Everlasting Arms, Cousins, California English, A-Punk, Boston (Ladies of Cambridge), Ya Hey, Campus, Oxford Comma, Giving Up the Gun

Encore: Hannah Hunt, One (Blake’s Got a New Face), Walcott

December 10, 2013
Alan Evans Trio Provides Black Friday Funk in Buffalo

Walking into Nietzsche’s Saturday, November 29th, you could instantly feel something in the air that was different. One by one, people made their way passed the handlebar-mustached doorman and grabbed a beer with apparent anticipation. Drummer Alan Evans was born and raised in Buffalo, and one thing the city does well is welcome home one of their own. There were several family members and close friends present and that was in addition to the growing fan base that the Alan Evans Trio has quickly established here.

Starting the night, Kid Splendor & the Royal Fortune took to the stage and, ironically, had the fortune of a Royal Family instrument upgrade. Earlier in the day, Kid Splendor drummer Jacob Leckey got a text saying he could use Alan Evans drum kit. Hesitating with disbelief, he almost brought his drums just in case. Lucky for Leckey though, the text was no hoax and he got to take full advantage of the incredible opportunity. As the band opened with their song “A Go Go”, Leckey channeled Evans and commanded the opening groove. Describing the experience, Jacob said, “I wasn’t as concerned that it was Al’s as I was with the fact that it was setup directly in the front of the stage. I have never played a show as a drummer like that and being the main thing people would focus on was new. Adding to it, the guy who normally gives me most of my cues was behind me and made it a bit daunting.” The hurdles went unnoticed by the crowd though as the band’s sound was tight. Once they were a few songs in, the band pulled out a cover of the Neville Brother’s “Fire on the Bayou,” satisfying the longtime funk appreciators of the crowd. Throughout the set, guitarist Mike Hogan and keyboardist Mike Kausner traded solos with a solid foundation laid down by the rest of the band. The addition of the Harbor Horns, a three piece horn section that played with Kid Splendor during their set, added brass accents and a rousing rotating solo on “Smaller the Club (Better the Party).” Kid Splendor closed their set with “Floyd” which was led by the rapid pace of Leckey, still feeding off of the high. The energy of the song capped off a great opening to the night and propelled the crowd right into AE3’s set that shortly followed.

Set List: A Go Go, Chicken Strut, Fire on the Bayou, Mah Na Ma, Hey Pocky Way, Sissy Strut, Smaller the Club (Better the Party), Laminak, Floyd

As Alan, Beau, and Danny made their way through the crowd and up the stairs in the front of the stage, people began filling in and really packing the small club. With the upper levels filled, it really felt like the band was only going to make it out if they satisfied the surrounding group. They took the challenge in stride and easily surpassed all expectations. The set started off blazing right from the get-go, leading with the fast-paced “They Call Me Velvet.” Beau Sasser’s solo on the song stomped on the gas, but Danny Mayer’s answer sent the crowd into orbit. Alan Evans was equally adding to the sound, beating his drums harder than I have ever seen him play. The fact that his kit held up for the entire set was honestly surprising as he was relentless from the beginning. Even with the focus they put forth, you could see the fun these guys were having as it was written all over their faces. After every solo or lead, you could always spot one of them giving a nod to the other as if they were just as excited to hear that as we were.

As the middle of the set approached, the group dove into another highlight of the night on the Hendrix cover of “Ain’t No Tellin,” which really captivated the crowd. Beau Sasser showcased his ability on this one and proved that he should have his own “Beau Knows” marketing campaign for his B-3 prowess. What he did on that solo caused most people to stop dead in their tracks and pay attention to his rapid-fire delivery. As the energy reached a high point, the band thankfully slowed things down with “The Laydown.” Danny Mayer led this song as it began with a slow-rolling Strat solo that was beautifully colored with a muffled wah tone. The slow pace allowed Mayer to float some powerful notes into the night air, leaving room for Evans to accent in between. While they’re only a three-piece, they understand how to strike a perfect balance between each other. The balance of improvisation and structure was explored throughout the night with an almost undetected form of communication between the guys. Wrapping up an incredible night of funk, the guys came out for an encore of the Buddy Miles song “Them Changes.” The song was fitting for the evening and left the crowd with one last high. Mayer’s solo on this one had his Strat screaming with every note being further punctuated by Evans’ play.

At any given point during their set, you really felt as though these guys were somehow able to talk to each other while they played. They pull off of a completely synchronized feel without coming off as rehearsed. It’s pretty obvious why they continue to draw more and more at every show and will continue to with the drive they have. Thankfully for us, Alan is a hometown guy who always sets aside time for a trip home.

Set List: They Call Me Velvet, If You Want My Love > If You Want Me To Stay > If You Want My Love, Thor, I’m Coming Home, Ain’t No Tellin, The Laydown, Nothing to Say, Who Dare Knock, Cosmic Hazel Dust

Encore: Them Changes

Photography by Kyle Hess

December 9, 2013
Conehead Buddha and Funktapuss Lay it on Thick in Buffalo

A 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

December 4, 2013
Buffalo Based Blue Stream Productions Announces Nietzsche’s Partnership

Blue Stream Productions (BSP) an Upstate New York based artist management agency, has announced a partnership with Nietzsche’s located at 248 Allen St. in Buffalo, NY.

BSP will start promoting and presenting a few shows a month at the hallowed musical venue that has hosted thousands of top notch shows over the past 30 years. BSP president/founder Josh Holtzman will be handling the bookings and plans to bring tons of great music and up and coming talent to the Western, NY region.

Nietzche’s is open daily from 12 Noon – 4AM with live music every night. Parking is limited to the street, but taking public transit to the venue is a breeze.

For more information on upcoming shows you can call (716) 886-8539 and for Booking information please contact Josh at josh@bluestreamproductions.com

will keep you informed of these shows as they are announced. Blue Stream’s artist roster currently includes Buffalo’s Aqueous and Rochester’s Ocupanther.

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December 3, 2013
Ocupanther Playing a Free Show at Dub Land Underground in Rochester on December 6th

Rochester New York’s Ocupanther has had a big year. Between their critically acclaimed spring 2013 release Progressor and multiple appearances with some major league artists, including Marco Benevento, Schleigho, The Grandmothers of Invention, Jimkata, Twiddle and more, the band is gaining some well deserved traction in the music loving community.

They will bring this buzz and their own unique brand of progressive filthy funk psychedelia to the Dub Land Underground for a free two set hometown show. December 6th, 18+ 10PM FREE (surcharge for under 21). Mark your calenders now, this show is not to be missed!

December 2, 2013
Buffalo’s Own Alan Evans Returns Home to Nietzsche’s on November 29th

Alan Evans is a true Buffalonian – hard-working, humble, true to himself and fiercely loyal. He recalls growing up in the Queen City saying, “I was just lucky enough to be accepted at a very young age by seasoned musicians when I was coming up. I never felt like I didn’t belong or like I was just some little kid hanging on. That feeling of acceptance really made me feel like I could do anything in life. I’m forever grateful for that.” Fast forward to today and his passion has not only taken him around the world, but continues to lead him to new and exciting ventures. Anyone that’s been a fan over the course of his career knows this and will continue to look his way for anything he contributes to. It’s to nobody’s surprise that when the longstanding Soulive drummer ventured out and started another band, that success would soon follow.

Seemingly overnight, the Alan Evans Trio was born when Alan enlisted the help of Beau Sasser on organ and Danny Mayer on guitar to bring a fresh approach and round out the new outfit. Their sound harkens back to the days of Freddie Hubbard and George Benson, while raising the ante for the next generation. Each of the guys are outstanding musicians in their own right which allowed them to hit the ground running with their first album Drop Hop, released in 2012. They quickly established themselves and followed that up with their sophomore album, Merkaba, the very next year. The organ trio might have historic roots, but these guys are determined to carry that torch and continue to evolve one of music’s simplest arrangements. The subtle interplay of each member’s strengths is unbelievable for the short amount of time they’ve been together. There’s just a natural connection that Al anticipated when he assembled the band, and he couldn’t have been more spot on.

This year in particular though has been a great one for the guys. Not only did they get the chance to host the first live album recording at the Woodstock Sessions, but they also made their first trip overseas as a band. The jaunt to the UK was filled with new experiences, but the overall trip was what really captivated Alan. He explains, “The highlight of the trip has to be the trip itself. I’ve been all over the world many times with Soulive, but there was something really special about getting out of the country for the first time with AE3. It just inspires me to keep pushing forward.”

Even for someone as seasoned as Alan though, the return home is always something special. The Trio is headed to Buffalo Friday, November 29th, for a night at his old stomping grounds. When Nietzsche’s was brought up, Alan Evans said, “One thing you have to love about that venue is that it’s pretty much the same since my days playing there as a teenager.” He goes on about his hometown, “I just love the vibe in Buffalo. It’s just a very unique place in this world of ours.” We’re in for a treat indeed as Alan has always been known to pull out the stops for his Buffalo family. When asked about whether he would be doing anything special, Alan responded with, “I’m starting to write some new tunes for a new AE3 album and we have been rocking some of the new stuff live.”

Alan continues to prove why he should be considered music royalty in the Queen City, and Friday won’t be any different. Get there early, stay late, and take note, because the only time you’ll ever catch him slowing down is when the song calls for it.

November 26, 2013
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Sebastian at Cafe Veritas on December 7th

On Friday December 7^th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Sebastian will be playing an intimate solo acoustic performance at the Cafe Veritas in Rochester, NY. Sebastian is one of rock and roll’s most prolific singer/ songwriters, beginning his journey as a founding member of the Lovin Spoonful, then moving through a fruitful career as solo artist and most recently performing as a member of the ‘J’ band, and collaborating with David Grisman.

The iconic vision of Sebastian performing solo, enveloped in tye dye at Woodstock 1969 is indelibly etched into the graffiti filled walls of rock history. Sebastian, remembered for such towering classics as ‘Daydream’, ‘You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice’, ‘Darlin Be Home Soon’, ‘Summer In the City’ and ‘Welcome Back’ will tell tales of his hazy days in rock, in addition to picking, singing, and blowing some of the most lonesome blues harp you will ever hear. You know that smokin’ harmonica on the Doors track ‘Roadhouse Blues’? That’s Sebastian.

General admission tickets for John Sebastian at Cafe Veritas are available for $25.00 and $50.00. The upper level price includes early entry and a meet and greet with Sebastian. You can purchase tickets here. The evening of music and conversation begins at 7:30. Do not miss this rare opportunity to witness the music of a rock legend in a cozy and personal environment.

November 25, 2013