NYS Music 20​13

Tag: railroadearth

  • Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth Make Tracks Through Upstate NY

    Yonder Mountain String Band Railroad EarthBluegrass all-stars, Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth will bring their respective signature bluegrass/jamgrass sounds to fans in both Buffalo and Utica this August. With both bands performing at nearly all the major summer festivals this year, the intimate settings in which these two shows will bring is something to look forward to.

    The summer of 2008 with Yonder Mountain in Lafayette Square is one of legends, if you were there you remember the funky, sweaty, down right dirty dance party we all were in! Jeff Austin began the night with a thank you to Buffalo for the kickstart to their summer tour, while Ben Kaufman took time to thank the great people of the Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital for allowing him to still feel his fingers and toes after an ‘accident’ having fun in the ocean.

    06/12/08 (Thu)  Thursday at the Square @ Lafayette Square – Buffalo, NY

    Set 1: Crow Black Chicken, Sometimes I’ve Won, Get Me Outta This City, This Train Is Bound For Glory, Ten, Town, Yes She Do (No She Don’t), Loved You Enough, On The Run, Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie, Keep On Going > Fine Excuses > Keep On Going

    Set 2: Peace Of Mind, Just The Same, Long Time, Southbound, River, Night Is Left Behind, If You’re Ever In Oklahoma > Sidewalk Stars, 8 Cylinders, Redbird, How ‘Bout You?, New Horizons > Mother’s Only Son > New Horizons, E: Crazy, Bloody Mary Morning

    This year Yonder Mountain returns and they’re bringing their equally admired and talented friends – Railroad Earth! The first show for the two nights they will be traveling through New York State is at The Canalside venue in Buffalo, NY on August 1st (Jerry Garcia’s Birthday). The show starts at 5:00PM and ends at 9:30PM. The concert is Free to the public and you can expect to have access to food and beer at the show. For directions to the venue please visit Canalside Buffalo.

    Next up, both bands will play the Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY on August 3rd. The show starts at 7:00PM and tickets are $25.00. Grab your tickets online HERE to save yourself $5 off the price for ‘day of’ tickets.

    For all their tour dates please visit Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth online.

  • Album Review: George Kilby Jr. serves up a Six Pack

    George Kilby Jr., a singer-songwriter originally from Alabama, has released the album Six Pack, a collection of songs demonstrating his wide range of bluegrass, folk, blues and classic Americana music. He is accompanied by his long time band members, Neil Thomas (keyboard, accordion), Eric Halvorson (drums) and Arturo Baguer (bass). Kilby Jr. is also joined by Jono Manson on guitar and vocals for “When the People Sang” with Railroad Earth member Tim Carbone on fiddle. Andy Goessling, also of Railroad Earth, joins in on “Sunshine of Your Love.”

    sixpackforGeorge

    George Kilby Jr. credits Pinetop Perkins, the famous blues pianist, for teaching him almost everything he knows about playing the blues. With his influence, Kilby pours soul into his music and has his own rocker attitude of never regretting saying and playing it how it really is. The entire album is laid back and an easy listen. Each song carries lyrics meant to make you stop and think of the past, present and future. Kilby’s album reminded me that music can be used as one of the strongest weapons we have, more often than none; all you can do is sing and play.

    The album kicks off with “When the People Sang” a gentle, country vibe with simple strumming and soaring fiddle. The song is a helpful reminder that the 60’s are still alive and well.  The low, vocal notes Kilby Jr sings during “I Love You in Brooklyn”, a ballad in tribute to New York’s boroughs was sublime, plus it helps that I’m a sucker for love songs. Neil Thomas’ accordion gives the song a vintage charm. “Something I Can’t Find” is what Kilby describes as “bluesy rocker with a trippy side” and it’s easy to see why with all the strong, multiple guitar riffs. Kilby takes a break from his original songs to put a fresh bluegrass spin on Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love”. He delivers the lyrics with a smooth and slow croon while sharp guitar and banjo picking is added for a great pick me up. I hate to say it but I might love this version better than Cream’s. The final song on the album, “You Never See the Hand Throw the Stone”, a haunting, blues melody from Kilby and a killer harmonica thanks to Phil Wiggins.

    Key Tracks: When The People Sang, Sunshine of Your Love, Something I Can’t Find