Author: Jeremiah Shea

The New Mastersounds and Orgone Meet in the Middle

One band from Leeds, England and the other from Los Angeles.

Meeting in Buffalo last Wednesday, Orgone and The New Mastersounds packed The Tralf for a soulful throwback with a good helping of funk thrown in for good measure. With one making the far trip east across the U.S. and the other coming west across the pond, Buffalo was treated to a perfect pairing of solid musicianship all on one stage.

Frontwoman Adryon De Leon

Orgone kicked things off, and while they may have opened the show, this is FAR from your typical opening act. The band came onstage Wednesday night and laid it right out for the Queen City, jumping into a tight melody that rode along the rhythm and combined to pull at people’s feet and sway their hips. The band blends funk and soul in a very classic, yet powerful way, emitting a surplus of energy that immediately powered the crowd. The Wednesday night audience was sparse at the release of the first note, but had the floor covered by the time the song wrapped up.

Singer Adryon De Leon joined the band onstage after the start, gracefully stepping up to deliver her powerful voice. She didn’t let the crowd have it right out of the gate, opting to ease in with a soulful, yet jazzy hook. Her full capabilities were quickly realized by the city’s funky fans. The diva commanded the stage with her presence and elevated the already incredible musicians who backed her.

The band was able to walk around the venue before the show started without many noticing, but that is sure to change after the performance they put on. The sitters were soon standers and standers quickly became dancers. Their sound was the catalyst to a shift in energy in the room. Other music websites must not have caught an Orgone show yet, because this band is without a doubt worthy of a mention when talking about the Top 10 Current Funk Acts if you’ve seen them live.

The enthusiastic crowd that filled the place on Wednesday let the band know how they were feeling during any lull in the action, screaming and encouraging the band to keep it up. Orgone’s throwback sound was refreshing and deeply intoxicating. The way the instruments played off of De Leon’s voice left many with eyes closed, fully embracing the sound. In retrospect, the West Coasters damn near stole the show.

De Leon sat out for a few songs, allowing the rest of the talented group to share in some of the spotlight. All around, this is a special mix of people, from guitarist Sergio Rios to percussionist Chuck Prada who ripped a solo all his own earlier in the night. As De Leon stepped back out though, her quickly developed fan group cheered her back on. Her multifaceted approach was showcased through her ability to groove through low-end melodies and belt out highs that sent the crowd reeling.

Keyboardist Dan Hastie

Before finishing their set, guitarist Sergio Rios said, “That’s what it feels like to love.” Surely it was a setup though as the blistering solo he saved for the final song completely blindsided the crowd. He just let us have it, throwing everything he had through the six strings of his guitar. With how powerful of a set overall, and especially in closing, this band put on, it wouldn’t surprise me if Orgone packed the same room on their own next time they come back.

The New Mastersounds were up next and did not have an easy act to follow. Guitarist Eddie Roberts’ suave and dapper attitude was quickly exuded though as he setup, letting everyone know that they were up for the challenge.

Kicking the night off, the band immediately showed the crowd their stripped down and organic approach, while simultaneously filling the room and proving the old adage of “less is more” to be true. With little to no introduction, the band went from the first song into “Dusty Groove”, leaving only a rhythmic reset in-between. This may have been the first date of their U.S. tour, and also the first time they had played together in over two months, but the crowd would have been oblivious if the band hadn’t told them. The four-piece from across the pond settled in rather quickly with no visible rust.

Drummer Simon Allen and bassist Pete Shand were tightly synced from the start, becoming even more intertwined as the show wore on. Their direction provided a moving treadmill that the other two members had to jump on with their melodies. While the lengthy break might be a detriment to some bands, The New Mastersounds seemed to be actually using the reunion to their advantage with an excitement you could feel through their music.

In true testament to how rhythmically tight this band is, Eddie Roberts played a tambourine with his foot as he started the opening line of “Morning Fly” through his ’65 Gibson hollow body guitar. As Eddie ripped through jazz scales, Simon built the beat while the remaining members would join for support. The undeniable swell captivated the whole room and pushed everyone to dance harder into the night. It was as though the band just picked up their musical conversation right where they left off. And just like a renewed friendship has those exciting moments, so too did this night with the entire band sharing smiles with the crowd when they would particularly nail a segment.

As individuals and collectively as a band, their simplistic approach utilized spacing as tension that fought an incessant rhythm. By laying back, the band drew your ear in and allowed the music to breath before taking off again. As they launched into the opening track “Old Man Noises” from their latest album Therapy, the band brought an unmatched ferocity to whatever song they damn well chose. Organist Joe Tatton threw his heavy Hammond overtones out into space while Eddie took that same foot he used for the tambourine and turned it loose on his wah pedal, creating a tremelo effect on an incredible rendition of that song’s solo.

Many people were caught deeply entrenched in the music throughout the night. The positive and soul-quenching material was absorbed by everyone who happened to venture out and written across their faces even after it came to a close. It may have been a trip for both bands, but the crowd was thankful for the night of music and everything the bands put forth on stage. As for the battle of who had the better set, well, it would be a tie in this writer’s eyes, but you can decide for yourself…

Thanks to our friends at WNYmedia Network, we have audio of both band’s full sets:

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All Photos by Thomas Sgroi

September 10, 2014
Leading up to Night Lights: An Interview with Michelangelo Carubba of Turkuaz

Anyone who lives in the Upstate region knows that summer is not something to be wished away. The short season of nice weather is always packed full of barbecues, weddings, family get-togethers, and weekends enjoying the outdoors. That being said, if there was one reason to look past the shorts and tank tops this year to hoodies and jeans, it would be Night Lights Music Festival. The festival is held in Sherman, NY (directions here) and has continued to get better with each proceeding year. The team who puts it together always does a great job, but this year they have set the bar quite high for western New York festivals with an incredible lineup that had most ready to smell the pumpkin spice back in the spring when the bands were announced.

Some of whom you will see include such acts as Snarky Puppy, Dopapod, Consider the Source, Turkuaz, The Mike Dillon Band, Jimkata, Big Mean Sound Machine, The Manhattan Project, and Aqueous. If that lineup in and of itself isn’t reason enough to come out, there are also a whole host of great up and coming local acts that you’ll want to see. Speaking of locals, one of the headliners, Turkuaz, has a tie back to the area that most don’t know about.

Drummer Michelangelo Carubba of Turkuaz is actually a Buffalo native who grew up in the area and still has family who lives there. I was able to catch up with the man who keeps each member of the funk army marching to the same beat. Below, we talk about his hometown roots in Buffalo, his band, and Dave Brandwein’s trip to SkyNet, among other things.

You’ve lived on both ends of New York State now and have experienced many cities on tour. What are your top three favorite places and why?
This country is so vast and varied. I’ve toured 49 of 50 states (still waiting on that call to go to Alaska). New Orleans has always been one of my favorites. There’s something in the DNA of that town. It vibes harder than most cities. The food, the music, the people, everything. It’s great. Denver has been really good to us. The fact that you can buy herb with a credit card is pretty mind-blowing. But my favorite place is New York City. There’s nothing like it on earth. There’s everything for everyone and it’s always ready to go. It can be peaceful if you want, or it can rage harder than anywhere else. You can live at an ever-changing pace and it’s always right there with you. And I’m a native New York, East Coaster, and you just can’t get better Italian food than in New York.

How did you end up in NYC with Turkuaz after growing up in Buffalo?
I moved to Boston in 2006 when I was 21, after touring for 3 years in various bands. I moved there to attend Berklee College of Music. There, I met a lot of the people I still make music with today. When everyone was graduating, almost my entire crew was making the move to NY, en masse, so it was the logical next step. If you’re going to make a run for it with a band, New York is the place to do it.

Who are some of your biggest influences and why?
Muhammad Ali. He was the first hip hop poet. He could knock a man out like no one’s business. And he knew it. Queens of the Stone Age, musically, have been fueling me for the last ten months. I saw them at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, and I’ve never been rocked so hard. Great songwriting, and an aesthetic that’s dripping with sex and pain. I love them. Snarky Puppy has been inspiring me as well. I won’t try to articulate why. Go and listen.

Tell your fans something they might not know about you or the band.
We’re insane.How did Jaguar start and what’s the current state of that band? Will you guys eventually record an album and tour?
Alan Evans’ PlayonBrother and Turkuaz were on the road together for six weeks. I had known Danny Mayer and Beau Sasser for a long time. Beau had always been a mentor when we lived together in Boston. I think the band was actually born out of a few rounds of whiskey shots. Musicians are always looking for outlets, or ways to say what you want to say. We all thought it would be great to play together. Jaguar hits are all improvised at this point. We all have pretty open ears, and we’re all close friends, and that translates into the music. Everyone is very busy at the moment with main projects, but Jaguar is looking to hit again in the fall in the Northeast. I’m sure an album and touring will happen at some point.

How did Turkuaz grow to include so many musicians? Was that by design?
Unintentionally, yes. The bands sound was created by Dave Brandwein and Taylor Shell, our guitarist and bassist. They were making demos together in the Berklee days, and someone passed a demo off to Berklee’s record label, Heavy Rotation Records. The label asked Dave and Taylor to perform at the record release show at the Berklee Performance Center for 1,000 people. The demos were so musically dense, that to recreate the sound live, they needed to call eight or nine people. And it always stayed like that. It works.

The band has springboarded pretty quickly in terms of popularity. What do you think that is attributed to?
A relentless touring schedule over the last two and a half years has had a lot to do with our growth. We’re very lucky. People are coming out to shows and having a blast. We are too. When you’re in front of that many people, day in and day out, all over the US, you hope that something sticks in people’s minds. Our music and vibe seem to be sticking. We also just have fun. I think people read that. I think they realize that we’re up there giving our all every night because we want others to be happy.

How is Dave Brandwein’s hand? Has he made a full recovery from the injury?
We sent Dave off to SkyNet and he now has a fully bionic set up from the elbow down. It’s indestructible and it’s always set to rock.

What influences do you bring to the table outside of funk?
This is a hard question to answer. It would be a waste to say, “well I like rock and jazz and blues, etc.” The influences I bring, to make the music that I’m playing come alive, are things like my love for boxing, stand-up comedy, faith, sex, cinema, and animals. The playing is gonna be there, I can play these tunes with a blindfold on and one arm tied up. What makes it happen, what really gets me and the band and the crowd off, is when we bring real life into the music. How ever I’m feeling, I’m putting that into the music. Life is my influence.

What are some of your favorite things about the city of Buffalo?
The people. They’re kind, empathetic, and real. The food. I mean, come on. I just love what Buffalo means to me. I have such a connection to the city. I was born and raised there. My father owns Carubba Collision, and anyone that’s a Bills, Sabres, Bandits, or Bisons fan recognizes that name. “The Carubba Collision of the Game” has been a great part of Buffalo sports for the last 35 years. When I think of Buffalo, I think of the times spent at the Aud, at First Niagara Center, or at the baseball field, (whatever it’s called now). Buffalo will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Alan Evans is another big drummer from Buffalo and it seems, on social media, that he has become a friend. What experiences has he shared with you as an up and coming drummer?
Al has become a close friend. Al is a great musician. Not just a drummer, but a guitarist, bassist, singer, and producer. We share a similar sense of humor, and a similar understanding of things. Al is a true Buffalonian, and I think I am too. I feel like we subconsciously relate to each other along that plane. He’s taught me about humility, hard work, and ambition. Al’s kind, generous, loyal, and most of all, real. There’s a lot of people on his level that are fake. Al is not fake. Al is the shit.

Who are some of the bands you still haven’t played with, but would like to?
Well, Snarky Puppy for sure. I’m going to kick that off the bucket list on September 13th, at Night Lights Music Festival. That’s going to be incredible. I get to play a show, walk off stage, and watch one of my favorite bands in the world play right after. You can’t ask for much more than that.

What is up next for Turkuaz?
Finishing up festival season now, with the exception of a few late in the year (Bear Creek Festival in November in FL). For September, we’re locking ourselves away for the month and recording our next album. We have a few shows during the month that we’re thrilled about. On the 19th we’re direct support for Bootsy Collins in Baltimore. That is a dream come true. He wrote the book on a lot of what we’re trying to do, so to get to share it with him and a huge audience, is amazing. Aside from that, we’re touring. We’re always touring. It never ends. And we love it.

Are you a Bills and Sabres fan? What do you think about the state of both teams?
I love all Buffalo sports, like I said earlier, but the Sabres are the closest to my heart. Growing up, a lot of the old Buffalo Sabres were around my house and at family parties. John Tucker and Paul Cyr (throwback) used to come and cut their Christmas trees down on my families land. John Tucker gave me my first Labatt Blue when I was five years old. Rob Ray taught me how to swear when I was seven. I remember watching Dominic Hasek play horrible golf, yell in his native tongue, and throw golf clubs. The Sabres organization will always be very close to me. As for the state of the team, I think the entire city, and everything and everyone involved, is on the rise. Companies are investing in Buffalo. Neighborhoods are being revitalized. Restaurants, shops, homes. Everything is coming back. I think the Sabres and the Bills are headed in the same direction. I think by 2020, Buffalo is going to have a new identity. It’s not going to be “that places where it snows”. Its going to be a Championship city where people go for music, food, and living life. I love Buffalo.

If the lineup somehow doesn’t convince you, there’s also this little side element that not a lot of people realize, even with it being in the festival name: THE LIGHTS! Night Lights Music Festival is one part music festival and one part light display. This isn’t just stage lighting though as the Night Lights HQ sets up an enormous and truly stunning display throughout the woods. I can leave this description brief as words simply don’t do it justice. Check out the pictures from Arthur Kogutowski below and we hope to see you dancing under the lights next weekend.

If you’re now looking for tickets to Night Lights Music Festival, you can grab them here. They’re $75 presale and include camping and parking.

September 9, 2014
The Nth Power Makes Debut in Buffalo on Chillgrimage to Hancock

Just over a year ago, five musical soul mates came together to form The Nth Power and have seamlessly risen to the top, carrying the power of love and transcending the senses in the most purely uplifting manner. The supergroup of sorts is comprised of keyboardist and singer, Nigel Hall, whose raw emotion and passion is one of the many driving forces within their music. Drummer/vocalist Nikki Glaspie, who recently parted ways with the NOLA funk outfit Dumpstaphunk, truly believes in what The Nth Power is doing and made the band her primary focus with the decision. Rounding out the group is Nick Cassarino on guitar and vocals, Nate Edgar who holds down the low-end on bass, and percussionist Weedie Braimah. The band may be less than two years in the works, but have an immense amount of experience with members playing with such acts as Lettuce, Beyonce, John Brown’s Body, Warren Haynes Band, Toubab Krewe, and the aforementioned, Dumpstaphunk.

Taking on the soulful side of funk, the group embraces a mutual love and respect for music’s power and utilizes the tool to take people on a roller coaster ride of emotions, hitting them right where it counts. Their live show has been described as more than just music and, as the band rolls into town next Friday, Buffalo is ready to embrace the band’s love with open arms.

The Nth Power is set to play Catskill Chill Music Festival the following night in Hancock, NY with a late night set start time of 1:15am. For those in the western N.Y. region, this is a great opportunity to check these guys out if you’re unable to make the fest. Being that this is the band’s first time to the Queen City, they’re hoping to see a good turnout and mutual love for their overall mission. If you have ever checked out their Twitter page, you will see a lot of hashtags that say #thenthpowerlovesyou, and it’s through their music that it’s expressed. On the flip side, I can say to them that #buffalovesyouback and the excitement and anticipation for the show is washing over the city with less than a week left.

Photo by Joshua Brasted

Opening the night will be Jamestown’s smackdab. The funk band not only draws influence from the headliner, but was extremely excited to be announced as the opening act. The five-piece is fronted by singer Jon-Marc Johnson and also includes Matt Baxter on guitar, Mark Cooper on keys, Ryan Ecklund on bass, and Daniel Witherspoon on drums.

Tickets are only $10 in advance and can be purchased here. They can also be purchased at the door for $12.

If you’re still on the fence, check out a video of The Nth Power below. Being that this is their first show in Buffalo, the band is sure to dig deep and put on a great performance for all who show up to The Tralf next Friday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0-WQ7zCsBY

August 30, 2014
The New Mastersounds Kick Off Tour in Buffalo Next Week

Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds

Over the years, music has become more accessible than it’s ever been. With internet radio sites, 160GB iPods, satellite radio, YouTube, and every other outlet, the amount of choices out there are near limitless. Listening to music in your headphones and in the car are one thing though, while actually experiencing the collective force of a live show is far different. Even with how accessible music is, shows are still something that unfortunately can’t be everywhere, all the time. We’ve yet to figure out the whole geographical boundary thing, outside of live streaming, which is ultimately a better-than-nothing alternative. The further a band is from you, the lower the chance you will see them. It’s still just as dead simple as that. Thankfully for one band, that is all about to change. This Fall, The New Mastersounds, a band whose roots in Leeds, England has limited their Stateside exposure, are making their rounds with a first-time stop in MANY Upstate cities with three nights in Brooklyn (9/11-9/13) and closing Catskill Chill (9/7), the band will be making first time trips to Buffalo (9/3), Rochester (10/7), Saratoga Springs (11/8), and Syracuse (11/9).

The New Mastersounds are riding on the heels of their latest album Therapy, which was released back in March. While they will surely play a few off of the album, the depth of their catalog should bring out some longstanding favorites and a few surprises. The show in Buffalo will be the tour kickoff and is being held at one of Buffalo’s best venues in The Tralf. On the same stage where Lettuce played earlier in the year, the British funksters will bring their jazz-spiked flavor out for all to hear, and finally see. The anticipation around the city for fans is getting stirred into a frenzy with less than a week before the show. The band is known for their blending of old school tone and approach with pure energy. Their music’s simple mission is the passing of kinetic energy, whether through dance, foot tapping, or a neck-jarring head nod. There’s just no way to shake that.

With the Catskill Chill Music Festival looming, the Wednesday night show is the perfect setup for anyone who is looking to get a sneak peek of what they’ll be in for down in Hancock. What you won’t find at The Chill though, and coming to Buffalo for only their fourth show, is West Coast-natives Orgone. The band calls Portland, Oregon home and, again, with the geographical divide, the band has not made it over on this side of the country as much as fans would like. With the funk scene thankfully growing stronger in every city, this band can now make a worthwhile trip to help spread their word.

The combination that was put together by ECE Presents for this show is worthy of an applause. And while we’ll get the jazz side of funk from The New Mastersounds, Orgone plays on the soul side of funk’s fence. Regardless of style, both bands have been around a while and surely will not disappoint the expected packed house at The Tralf.

Grab your tickets now to these shows throughout New York State:

| Buffalo | Hancock (Catskill Chill) | Brooklyn (9/11, 9/12, 9/13 Early, 9/13 Late) |

| Rochester | Saratoga Springs | Syracuse |

August 29, 2014
Aqueous Announce 2014 Fall Tour and Album Release Party

Buffalo’s Aqueous just announced their 2014 Fall tour schedule and, even with losing long-time drummer Nick Sonricker, the band refuses to take their foot off of the proverbial pedal. Locked and loaded with the newest member, Ryan Nogle, the band made a solid showing at The Peach Music Festival this past weekend with a sizeable crowd that latched on to the band’s infectious sound. With summer still not exactly over, the band will head to moe.down next weekend for a prime slot and two sets on Sunday night opposite of moe..

Getting back to the announcement, the band will embark on a heavy rotation throughout the Northeast on tour this Fall, touching down in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania among other states. The band will travel as far south though as North Carolina and as far west as Indiana, ultimately wrapping up at Nectar’s in Vermont. Along the way, Aqueous will be joined by their friends in The Mantras, The McLovin’s, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Knowing that the band has a great relationship with each, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw some fun guest sit-ins.

If the tour itself doesn’t have you excited, the band will be debuting their newest album on October 25th in their hometown of Buffalo at Iron Works and will be joined by The Mantras. With their last album being almost two years old, this has been long-overdue and overly anticipated by fans.

Check out the dates below and make sure to mark one down on your calendar as the new lineup has the band full of energy and ready to bring it to your hometown.

August 19, 2014
Playonbrother Did Just That and Beyond at Larkin Square in Buffalo

Despite a small setback and some unusual weather for the time of year, Alan Evans’ Playonbrother had the mixed crowd that attended their show in Buffalo on August 13th packed in tight and listening intently. Alan is a Buffalonian, born and raised, but this was the first time playing Larkin Square, and with the combination of the opening band and some enthusiastic fans, the homecoming couldn’t have went any better.

Larkin Square is easily one of the newest gems in Buffalo. The mere revitalization and beautification of area was astounding, proving that the city is on the verge of turning the corner. The venue, which opened up in 2012, had so many great things going for it that it’s hard to list them all. Two pickle ball courts with equipment provided, free parking, numerous food trucks on site, a beautiful covered area for the stage and music, and an all-around good atmosphere for congregating; this is how you host a concert and all venues in the area need to take note.

The night got started when the Forealists took the stage, and if you couldn’t tell by the name, they didn’t just come to warm up the crowd. With special guest/semi-official member Nelson Rivera on saxophone for the night, the band came out strong and immediately grabbed those wandering around the venue and drew them in. You can mark my “Favorite Up and Coming Band from Buffalo” on my ballot right now as the ensemble had a perfect mix of raw talent and control over each and every song. The band laid smooth melodies on top of an ever-pressing rhythm that was propelled by the combination of drummer Deshawn Jackson and bassist Zuri Appleby. The band’s sound was sprawled across multiple genres without being watered down. A Snarky Puppy-esque vibe is all that’s needed to describe what they’re capable of. The band shined on some of their faster-paced songs and had the crowd moving right away. It wouldn’t be surprising if this band one day took off; they just need the right visibility. Knowing that, we worked with our good friends at WNYmedia Network who captured some of their set from last Wednesday for our loyal readers. With a new album due out this Fall, check back at soon for our interview with the talented Zuri Appleby.

After the Forealists finished up, the crowd needed a collective breather to digest what they just heard and prepare for what was on deck. Alan Evans, Danny Mayer, and the newest member, Kris Yunker took the stage behind their respective instruments. The venue was packed, but that didn’t stop people from finding ways to fill in the cracks as the everyone seemed eager to welcome home one of their own. Playonbrother started things off with a song I had yet to hear live. “Tammi”, also the name of the band’s Tiger that sits on stage during their set, came out with a fierce, rhythmic onslaught. If it was any indication of the direction of the new album, you’re going to want to make sure you grab it as soon as it drops. The band paused for a four count before launching right into “Who Dares Knock at my Door”. The newest member Kris Yunker took his first solo with a tone that was muddied and modulated through various effects, creating a spacey feel, rich in the stench of funk that the band is known to dabble in. From new to old, Yunker slipped in without anyone knowing he was only twenty or so shows into his POB tenure.

With the band locking in, the outdoor setting began to rear its head and provide some challenges. It started with the wind creating some noise on Alan Evans’ microphone. That was just a harbinger though as shortly thereafter, his mic completely dropped out on their song “Easy Meat”. It’s impossible to say for sure, but the band seemed to angrily throw themselves into the solo section, taking every note out on their respective instruments. You can’t always prepare for the elements, but the band played on without missing a beat. Their entire set weaved like a car in the thick Buffalo snow, touching on deep grooves before sailing smoothly out of them. Unlike a car though, the band was in tight control, driven by the rhythmic steering of Buffalo’s own Alan Evans.

Leaving the set list on an off-the-cuff whim, Playonbrother took on a Jimi Hendrix cover in “Ain’t No Telling”. The deviation was akin to a quarterback calling the perfect audible. It was on that song that the band turned a corner, syncing up on an undeniable rhythm that transcended the entire crowd.

The venue mid-set resembled a mini-festival with people dancing freely, kids playing catch, and hula hoopers spinning circles in the grass to the music that blanketed the entire area. More venues need to take this approach to shows as it created a spirit and environment that went hand in hand with the music. If adds a “Best New Venue” category to its end of the year writers poll, you know where my vote will lie.

Guitarist Danny Mayer was the nexus between Alan and Kris the entire night, standing in the middle of the stage and using his experience with both to lead the way. There was no denying the effect he had on the crowd either. The guitarist made some easy side money as a fan felt compelled enough to rush the stage and start throwing singles during his blistering solo on “Buffalo”. Post-show, Danny mentioned to me that it was the first time that had ever happened to him. What’s there to say? Buffalo flat-out appreciates a man with a talent.

As their set ended, the crowd beckoned for another showing, and to the surprise of many, both Playonbrother and Forealists joined the stage together, being dubbed as either the Foreal Playonbrother Superjam or the simpler Playonrealists. Either way, pupils were dilating at the expectation of what was about to start. Phones were up in the air recording the members setting up, not wanting to miss the start of jam. There wasn’t even enough room on stage for everyone and Forealists drummer Deshawn Jackson ended up setting up on the side of the stage, directly on the floor. Once everyone was set, the nine piece band dove into the Cream hit “Sunshine of Your Love”. The absolute climax of the night came blasting through the brass in the hands of Nelson Rivera. He cut through the other eight members on stage ripping a solo that exuded his feeling, the crowds collective spirit, and the night as a whole. It might have been a cold night in August, but there was no stopping the positive energy that this show thrust upon all who gathered. It was a great night to be a Buffalonian.

August 19, 2014
Alan Evans Playonbrother Ready for Free Show in Buffalo

Alan Evans might be a seasoned vet in the Buffalo music scene and beyond, but with a new member recently brought into Playonbrother, there’s a freshness and excitement that has been propelling the band as of late. Just over a month ago now, longtime keyboard and organ player Beau Sasser left the group and was replaced by a new, yet familiar, face in Kris Yunker.

To backup, Alan originally met Danny Mayer, Playonbrother’s guitarist, when Danny’s On The Spot Trio went to record at Alan’s studio. The keyboardist for the group was none other than Kris Yunker, so when Alan had to begin looking for Beau’s replacement, he didn’t have to look very far.

The energy within the rejuvenated band is at an all-time high with Kris adding an element of musical excitement. The band has always been a creative powerhouse, churning out two studio albums in their short existence, but they are visibly feeling it now with the latest addition. Just four shows in to Kris’ Playonbrother career, the band made a stop at Evergroove Studios in Colorado while on tour back on July 14. What was initially setup as a free, live webcast eventually turned into the first recording of the new arrangement.

Listening to the show live, you could already hear the chemistry and potential the new lineup has. The album opens with two Playonbrother classics in “Who Dare Knock” and “Drop Hop.” It understandably takes those two songs for Kris to get his feet underneath him, but as the band dives into the new material on the remaining tracks, it’s clear to see what the newest member brings to the table. As a side note, the new music heard on this live cut will be part of their latest album that is set for release at the end of September. All and all, if you want to get a taste for this new lineup, you can listen or buy the EP here, or check out the video at the bottom of the article of the studio session itself.

If reading that get’s you excited, the band is set to play a free show in Alan Evans’ hometown of Buffalo, NY tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13 at Larkin Square. Being that it’s been over a month since the lineup change and having around twenty shows under their belt, Playonbrother is bringing a highly anticipated set back to where it all started for Alan. As for any show in his hometown, Al always seems to bring something extra on those nights, so make sure to head to Larkin and catch what the new lineup has in store for us.

Opening the night will be Buffalo’s own, the Forealists. This is a band you’ll want to make sure to arrive early and check out. They feature one of the top up and coming musicians in the Buffalo music scene in bassist Zuri Appleby. Her ability on the instrument far surpasses what you might expect a local musician to be capable of. Her talent alone should put whatever project she is involved in on everyone’s radar, and that is on top of the other talented members of the band. What is extra special about the Larkin Square shows as well is the collaboration between the opening and headlining acts that closes each show. We saw local music critic Jeff Miers and his band mix it up with Aqueous just a few weeks ago and now there are high expectations, at least from me, to see what Wednesday’s collaboration will churn out. As the title states, the show is free, so there is no excuse why you shouldn’t stop down and check out two incredible acts tomorrow night. The show has an early start at 5pm, so don’t be late!

Also to note, Playonbrother will be hitting a few other dates throughout Upstate New York in case you can’t catch their show in Buffalo. Check them out at the following shows:

8/14: Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse, NY
8/16: Mazzstock in Marlboro, NY
8/17: Newbury Life Food & Music Festival in Buffalo, NY (FREE EVENT)
8/23: Bella Terra Festival in Stephentown, NY
9/5: Catskill Chill Music Festival in Hancock, NY
9/23: The Oncenter in Syracuse, NY**
9/25: Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, NY**
**in support of Tedeschi Trucks Band

August 12, 2014
Show Number One: Phish at CMAC
It’s interesting how perception can alter your own reality. For the longest time, I wanted nothing to do with Phish, jaded by some fans who surrounded me growing up. As I got older and ultimately left that circle, my musical journey continued. While that bad taste was always in the back of my head, I began liking bands of similar ilk and that perception towards Phish started to be internally questioned. One week ago today, I stepped through a door and saw my very first Phish show.

While it’s slightly embarrassing now, I realize what I’ve missed all of those years and now know why so many bands I enjoy today list them as a huge influence. Here are my takeaways from my first Phish show at CMAC on July 15, 2014.
- Unique hardly describes Shakedown Street. Every walk of life was there peddling their skill, from music and glass work to food and jewelry. It’s literally like a small, self-sustaining village that is temporarily setup and torn down offering anything you might need.
- There’s a communal feel like nothing I’ve ever felt before in the music scene. I was told by a friend that you can hold one finger in the air to let everyone know that you need a ticket. Within minutes, I bartered with a guy who was more than happy to take an uneven trade just to help me out.
- Holy sh** – lot food is SO damn good!
- I thought I’ve seen some of the best lights, but Kuroda easily puts them all to shame.
- Even though the music has always come first for me, I can now see why people see Phish just for the party.
- During the first set, someone turned around and told me, “Nobody has crowd participation like this band. Nobody!” My observation: the fan couldn’t be more right. I have never seen a collective fan base that knows every song in and out and participates as much.
- A three-dimensional matrix of lights swept the stage in hues and shades that only added to the spectacle. Fans were literally sent into pure elation through simply color and sound.
- In any public space, people usually put a guard up; guards don’t exist at a Phish show though. Everything seemed to be simply accepted here with a smile and friendly interaction.
- I’ve honestly never been a fan of Phish’s vocals, but if you can step back and see it as a piece to the overall musical puzzle, the blended effect is actually pretty good. The lyrics are still another story for me.
- The band works the room. In the same way where a comedian has ups and downs throughout a show, so does Phish. It’s not by mistake though as it sends the highs higher. To draw an easy parallel, Stevie Ray Vaughan didn’t go all out, all the time for a reason.
- Their songs sometimes end in the softest of landings, similar to a feather; I mean that as a compliment.
- Smiles continued to get bigger as their set progressed.
- Towards the end of the first set, the band took a long pause which lead directly to an outpouring (and I don’t think that word is big enough) of appreciation. Watch the video all the way to the end and tell me it doesn’t give you chills.
- Dammit, they’ve converted me…at least partially.
- The art they produce is pure professionalism in a varied state, making each night deeply meaningful to a true follower. Think about it; could a circus come to town and just wing it? Does Broadway just ad lib each night? What Phish does has an infinite vision and breadth.
- People were just FEELING it. If at some point we need a unit of measurement for “feeling it”, can we call it a Phan?
- You can literally feel the band get their feet underneath them.
- Chris Kuroda doesn’t even flinch when he’s hit by a glow stick. The man is just as focused and dialed in as the band. As lights trigger, Chris will occasionally snap a finger in the air right on beat.
- The reason why Chris Kuroda defined the Lighting Director position in the jam scene is because he puts as much thought and energy into his contribution as the band does.
- In the same way a blender can puree multiple parts into a unified substance, Phish does the same with music. I know that their base is blues, jazz, rock, and a few other genres, but the sound that emanates is Phish and only Phish.
- Best salesman pitch from a peddling fan: $5 heady vegan water
- I would’ve liked to see more personalization from the band. I was honestly surprised with how dedicated the fan base is that, minus some jumping and smiling, the band was fairly robotic onstage. There was limited talking between songs, and while I don’t like that to go on for too long, it’s nice when a band mentions the city or tells a little story about it.
- My biggest surprise/let down was the encore. A one song encore from any band is pretty weak, but this is the biggest jam band in the world. Not only was it only one song, but it was one of the shortest of the night.
The crew during set break

While I don’t think I’ll ever be the guy who researches every version of every song, intently listening for subtleties and memorizing Phish’s musical footprint, I think the band, at least for now, has converted me from a cynic to an appreciator of all that they do. I know for sure that even though I can’t follow them around the country, I will definitely catch them the next time they’re in town.

Set List

Set 1: Buried Alive, Twist, Heavy Things, 555, Halley’s Comet, Bathtub Gin, Wingsuit, Divided Sky, Wombat, Bowie

Set 2: DWD > Back on the Train > NICU > Gotta Jibboo > Theme from the Bottom > Meatstick, Fuego, The Wedge, Antelope

Encore: Character Zero
July 22, 2014
Foreigner Taps Local Talent for Performance at CMAC

Mick Jones of Foreigner

The picturesque venue of Canandaigua Music and Arts Center, CMAC, located about 20 minutes outside of Rochester N.Y. was the setting for Don Felder, Styx and headliner Foreigner.

What stole the show was when Foreigner brought the Canandaigua Academy Jazz Choir on stage with them for a song. The Choir had been asked by Lou Gramm to sing with him at the Rochester Jazz Fest and later was asked by a representative from Foreigner to be the choir vocals in the hit 90’s ballad song “I Want to Know What Love Is”, which was gladly accepted by Amy Story, Academy Choral Director.

The stage is set under the shell with seating. Typically, no one is allowed to stand in the aisle that is in front the first row seating; an exception was made for this special occasion. Both supporters of the choir and fans of Foreigner crowded up to the front to get an up close, personal view and experience. The second to last song in Foreigner’s set, the choir came on the stage. The facial expressions and radiant glow from the smile of the choir member faces was contagious. The voices of the inspired younger generations seemed to exude the emotions of appreciation for the opportunity Foreigner had given them.

Sounds of voices quickly filled the air and were received with an energetic welcoming enthusiasm from Foreigner. The audience was feeding off the energy from everyone on the stage. By the looks from one gentleman in the front row, he had enough energy for the entire audience. He was proudly looking with a twinkle in his eyes at the stage as he stretched one arm out in front of him, singing with all his heart. This gentleman could only have been a proud Papa bear by the amount emotion that he was watching someone up on stage. The choir was professional the entire evening and did a tremendous job and were truly wonderful ambassadors for their school.

Kelly Hansen (Foreigner) and the Canandaigua Academy Jazz Choir

Although the choir stole the show, Foreigner was a class act and there is more to be said than just a great performance by these guys. They covered the stage like they were 16 years old still. Running from one side to the next, playing up to the audience. The interacted with the choir and made sure the focus was about them. Foreigner is a group of musicians that are quality people. They gave to a community; to a group of young adults by providing an incredible opportunity to perform with such a large act, instilling a memory that so many more than just the choir will never forget, impacted lives by just being able to experience and see that performance. If only more musicians and people could be like this the world would be a better place. Photo credit: Tony DeLeo

July 21, 2014
Deltron 3030 Takes Buffalo Back to the Future

Seeing a band or artist for the first time can be a unique high that is only escalated by how long you’ve waited to finally catch them. It’s quite rare though for that personal experience to be shared by an entire room. As the futuristic rap group Deltron 3030 ascended upon Buffalo this past Friday, it’s likely that the majority of the crowd was collectively sharing a moment of seeing a longtime favorite for the first time, at the same time. Walking into the Waiting Room in Buffalo, you could feel that energy of built-up anticipation. The hype for Deltron was everywhere with small groups arguing over his best track and why he ever went on hiatus. Regardless of the reason, Del was in Buffalo and, judging on how packed the venue was, every die-hard in the city was clearly not missing this one.

Kid Koala, Del’s trusted turntablist, played a DJ set before the full group joined him onstage. For most DJ’s that open up for a group or band, they are typically there to warm up the crowd who is usually less than interested. This was not the case tonight as hip hop appreciators from around the city came out in droves and weren’t just going to grab another drink while waiting for the main act. The sea of heads nodded to every scratch as the Kid took to three separate decks. As if for only a taste of what was to come, beats were served up raw, giving samples of samples while juggling all that was coming out of the speakers. Kid Koala’s prowess was immediately noticed as he sliced and spliced his way through his set. As it ended, the crowd bellowed in enthusiasm and appreciation for how he started things off.

With Del up next, nobody seemed to move during set-break. For anyone who thought they’d be able to sneak up to the front, like me, they were sadly mistaken as everyone was holding their ground for the best seat possible. The crowd continued to bob their heads through the intermission as whoever was in control of the house music knew exactly what to play. Classic hip hop from A Tribe Called Quest was sent blasting through the speakers with songs from their ’93 album Midnight Marauders like “Sucka N***a”, “Midnight”, and “Electric Relaxation” all playing back to back. True hip hop is alive and well in America, you just have to know where to find it. We can only hope that with this many appreciators in Buffalo alone, that groups like Deltron 3030 eventually make it back to the top.

As each song finished, every head would turn towards the stage before another would begin to play over the PA. You could feel the tension across the room as everyone wanted to make sure they were ready to catch the first glimpse of Del when he finally walked out. Kid Koala and Dan the Automator were the first ones onstage along with, oddly enough, a full band. There were instruments setup from the time everyone walked in, yet it still took everyone by surprise when band members began picking up their instruments. As Del prepared to make his grand entrance, Kid Koala started spinning “State of the Nation”. Del the Funky Homosapien came out on fire as he launched into “3030” and “Positive Contact”, immediately feeding off of the crowd’s bursting energy. His older rhymes might be dated, technically, but they’re still just as relevant today as they were fourteen years ago. Everyone in the room was expecting Del, Automator, and Koala on their own, but with the band, the music from the past decade plus came alive through full instrumentation.

With so much love and appreciation filling the room throughout the entire night, the group made their way through a mix of songs from their two-album catalog. Kid Koala continued to showcase his skills, switching records mid-song and doing some serious scratching. The ying to Koala’s yang is Dan the Automator. While Kid Koala is a traditional DJ, employing three turntable decks, Dan the Automator embodies the next evolution, utilizing multiple gadgets and adding to the futuristic vision that’s realized through Del’s words. The group wasn’t leaving anything on the table for their first show in Buffalo.

About midway through the set, the group asked for some crowd participation during the new track “Nobody Can”. Dan the Automator asked the crowd to sing along with “Deltron is our hero/If he can’t do it, nobody can”. Del ripped into the intro, swiftly spitting and reinforcing the crowd’s anthem. The room was hotter than it had ever been, but that didn’t stop anyone from moving or getting down. As Deltron 3030 touched on old favorites like “Mastermind”, it was clear the crowd still preferred the old tracks with cell phones being taken out regularly to capture the moment. Throughout then night, the entire group brought so much energy to the stage. Hearing Del’s words live after listening so many times was electrifying, and you could tell the crowd was just absorbing that and giving it right back.

Taking a break, the band and Del left the stage to regroup. Dan the Automator stayed on with Kid Koala as Dan wanted to bring some much-deserved attention to the Kid. He specifically called out that the DJ only spins vinyl, poking a little fun at himself in the process. He went on, describing the inherent risk in Koala’s job as the needle can skip due to crowd noise. The paradox is that it’s the greatest shame for him to have his needle skip as he takes great precaution to stop that, yet it’s the biggest honor when the crowd is going crazy enough to make it do that. Kid Koala then dove into a solo segment like nothing I’ve ever seen live. His ability alone left a lot of jaws open, and upon finishing, had the crowd in a downright uproar.

After coming back out and playing a few more, Deltron 3030 finished up their set with a huge favorite in “Memory Loss”. For everyone who had the album version engrained in their brain over the years, being able to see it live was a real treat. You could see how much Del was enjoying the show as well with frequent grins and clearly giving it his all on the closer. As the song finished up, there was no way the crowd was going to let the group just go home. With some of the loudest cheering I’ve ever heard at a smaller venue, Deltron 3030 happily came back out for a two-song encore of new song “Do You Remember?” and the Gorillaz track “Clint Eastwood” to close out an incredible night of historic futurism.

As Kid Koala spun his turntables into a swirling build, it sounded as though the futuristic spacecraft known as Deltron 3030 was taking off again, leaving the crowd left to wonder when they would see the group again. I can’t say I’ve ever been to a show like this one where eagerness, anticipation, history, and appreciation ran so deep. Knowing it was the first time many in the room got to see Deltron 3030, it’s tough to say if I’ll ever run into those same circumstances; maybe in the future though we can all do it again.

Set #1: State of the Nation, 3030, Positive Contact, Stardate, Pay the Price, Nobody Can, Mastermind, Melding of the Minds, The Agony

<DJ Kid Koala Solo>

Set #2: Virus, Madness, City Rising from the Ashes, Memory Loss

Encore: Do You Remember?, Clint Eastwood

July 14, 2014