NYS Music 20​14

Author: Michael Hallisey

  • Aqueous Drummer Says Goodbye

    Aqueous, the four-piece groove band out of Buffalo, parts ways with its drummer.

    Nick Sonricker, both singer and drummer, released a statement today on the band’s Facebook page that he says goodbye, with a smile on his face.

    aqueous drummerTo my Aqueous friends and family –

    “This band has provided me with some of the best years of my life. Growing on a personal level from a being supporter of the band in high school, to playing percussion in the band, to playing drums in the band, and growing on a group level from getting kicked out of bars for being under-age as we’re setting up our gear, to playing our first out of town show, to touring a good portion of the country, it has all been an adventure-filled experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

    Being on the road with my 3 best friends (since before the band) is something I feel I am very fortunate to be able to say I’ve done. This decision I’ve made to leave this behind I cannot contribute to anything negative about the band or really anything negative at all. We are exactly how you’ve viewed us. We’re on stage smiling and laughing about whatever we were joking about earlier in the day, we hop off stage, the jokes continue, and we’re laughing about something new the next night in a different city. The positive environment that was created by being on the road with this band is something that I am proud to say I was a part of. My decision to leave was influenced by a change in me, and change in ideas, a change in direction. Knowing this band and all of its components so well, I know that Aqueous needs all parts of the machine to be in full force in order to move forward. I was no longer able to provide that. While I still would give full passion while on stage performing our songs, I just no longer had the drive off the stage.

    I have no doubts as I leave my throne to Ryan Nogle that he is the guy that is up for the task. Nogle has been here with us along this whole journey. In fact his first show working as “some sound guy we hired” in 2008 was the very same first show that I played percussion with the band. So if it would feel appropriate to pass the torch on to anyone else, it would be him. An incredible drummer, a good guy, and with the knack to fix just about anything anywhere, he will be quite an asset on the road.

    Possibly the most important thing I want to touch on would be the relationships I’ve formed with people that I otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths with if it weren’t for this band. I hope you all know who you are. Thank you. These people have never ceased to amaze me along the way with continuous support, understanding, and devotion to the band and the music it makes. It would always amaze me how Aqueous could ignite a room full of strangers. By the end of any show no one’s a stranger and everyone leaves feeling like they’ve made a new connection with someone that night. I’ve always been impressed with our fans. In the past year or two as the crowds started getting bigger, and even though I had not known as large of a percentage of the faces in the audience, I could see that these new faces were just continuing the positive trend that Aqueous emits. This is probably the best feature of the band and I hope that it never changes as the band continues forward.

    These last few shows I played with Aqueous are the best shows I’ve ever played personally, and I would consider the best shows the band has ever played as a whole. With the awareness of the situation between my band mates and myself, I felt that we communicated on stage better than we ever have. An unknown sense between the four of us that felt as if no words, cues, or signals had to be given for fluent improvisational music to be performed which is the exact reason Aqueous exists and doesn’t get tired of itself. I’m happy to know that this generation of Aqueous went out with a bang and performed a hell of a good run of shows before I hung it up.

    This isn’t the last you’ll see of me. My life wouldn’t feel right if music were not a part of it. If nothing else, those of you who are familiar with Boss Tweed and the Carpet Baggers – be expecting a showing of three weird dudes wearing lucha libre masks to be performing a show together at some point in the future.

    Thank you to all of you who have played a role in my irreplaceable life experience with this band.”

    We’d like to thank Nick for his years of amazing playing and friendship, and we promise to rock harder than ever as we move forward. Onward!

  • Massry Center for the Arts Announces 2014-2015 Season

    The Massry Center for the Arts announced their schedule for the Premier Performances series for the upcoming 2014-2015 season that kicks off in September.

    Premiere Performances is a series of musical presentations that reflects the mission of The College of Saint Rose and calls attention to the importance and the position of the Massry Center for the Arts and the College in the cultural life of the Capital Region.

    The schedule showcases a number of gems that include a Grammy Award winner and a number of internationally recognized talent.

    John Pizzarelli, the world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer, takes to the stage September 27. On March 14, 2-time Grammy Award winning artist, Terrance Simien, brings a taste of Louisiana Creole to Upstate New York. Russian guitarist Anton Baranov has earned numerous accolades in the world of international guitar competitions, including the Koblenz Guitar Competition, Andrés Segovia Competition, Agustín Barrios Competition, Robert Vidal Competition, and Pittaluga Guitar Competition – and he plays to a local audience on April 12. And, come December, Albany can celebrate the holidays with The College of Saint Rose as they present It’s a Jazzy Christmas! A Celebration of Vince Guaraldi’s Holiday Jazz Music, an unforgettable, family friendly evening of Guaraldi’s signature style of jazz made famous in the “Peanuts” holiday specials.

    The Massry Center for the Arts, provides a showcase for music and the visual arts at The College of Saint Rose. It is located at 1002 Madison Avenue in Albany. More than an academic facility, the Massry Center is a 46,000 square-foot “cultural focal point” to establish St. Rose’s mission as an engaged urban campus.

    Featuring the Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall, the Esther Massry Gallery, and the William Randolph Hearst Music Wing, the Massry Center for the Arts serves as the primary venue for concerts and exhibitions by the college’s students and faculty each year, and a performance and exhibition space for talented artists, musicians, vocalists and orchestras from around the world.

    To purchase tickets to any of the performances listed below, please visit the school’s website.

    Premier Performances 2014-2015

    massry

    Mehregan – Celebrating Women of the Middle East:  9/12/2014 | 7:30pm | $20 / $10 Student |

    Saint Rose Camerata: 9/20/2014 | 7:30pm | FREE

    An Evening with John Pizzarelli Quartet: 9/27/2014 | 7:30pm | $30 / $15 Student

    Mary Lambert with Howie Day: 10/17/2014 | 7:30pm | $30 / $15 Student

    The Weight – Playing the music of The Band with Sean Rowe: 11/14/2014 | 7:30pm | $25 / $15 Student

    Saint Rose Camerata: 11/15/2014 | 7:30pm | FREE

    It’s a Jazzy Christmas! Massry Center Family Concert: 12/5/2014 | 6:00pm | $20 / $10 Student/ Free for Children 5 and under (ticket required)

    An Evening with Tim Reynolds Solo Acoustic: 1/29/2015 | 7:30pm | $25 / $15 Student

    Gleb Ivanov— Solo Piano Recital: 1/30/ 2015 | 7:30pm | $20 / $10 Student

    Saint Rose Camerata: 2/14/2015 | 7:30pm | FREE

    The Bridge Jazz Fest Presented with the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall: 2/27 & 2/28/2015 | 5:30 | Massry Center for the Arts and the Troy Music Hall | $40/ $30 student per night or $60 / $40 Student for both nights

    NOLA FEST with Terrance Simien: 3/14/2015 | 7:30pm | $20 / $10 Student

    Saint Rose Camerata: 4/11/2015 | 7:30pm | FREE

    Guitar Foundation of America Concert with Anton Baranov – Presented with the Classical Guitar Society of Upstate New York: 4/12/2015 | 7:30pm | $20 / $10 Student

    The Funky Meters: 4/16/2015 | 7:30pm | $45 / $20 Student

  • Locals Only Festival at Oswego County Event Center Saturday

    Sixteen bands. Ten bucks. The exchange is in your favor, people. Syracuse’s 95X has put together the Locals Only Festival, a one-day fest hosted by the Oswego County Event Center, to take place Saturday, August 9.

    From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. the playbill promises a load of hard-rocking talent who dares people to call them anything buy “local” – If Hope Dies, Era, Stone Soul Foundation, Nasty Habit, After Earth, Snapmare, The Afro Nips, Ohne Ka & The Burning River, One Step From Falling, Ah! Ethernauts, Department, Feast of the Superb Owl, Human Lanterns, Bridge Under Fire, Damon Larus, and Civil Servants.

    “The boys in Era and I just wrapped up an awesome jam session,” said Barry Huribut last week through the event’s Facebook page, “and we are gonna be debuting some BRAND NEW brutality at this event.”

    Era, who earned Syracuse’s Sammie Award for Best Heavy Metal band back in March, is among the headlining acts from a quickly emerging music scene.

    “The local music scene in Syracuse is rich with talent,” said 95X radio personality, Scott Dixon. “We have a plethora of amazing bands in a multitude of genres.  From straight forward radio ready rock like Cry To The Blind and Jeremiah’s Razor to post rock stalwarts like How To Disappear Completely and Ohne Ka and the Burning River to hardcore from Thoughts In Reverse and Snapmare to college/indie rock standouts like Department and Feast Of The Superb Owl.

    And, those are just the bands that fall into an easy category.”

    Dixon is a veteran to the scene. In his 20 years, he proclaims having booked more than 2500 shows. He has seen almost every local band over each stage of their existence. He name drops Nathan Angell as an example of the “hard work pays off” idiom, but explains there are dozens of locals who have persevered and reaped the benefits from a strong work ethic over the years. Dixon finds inspiration in such examples.

    “That is what inspires me, seeing things move forward,” he said. “The better the scene gets, the more inspired I am to do more shows.”

    Labeling a band as “local” often times presents a limitation; watering down each complimentary adjective that follows, because it seems to suggest the band is only adequate for local audiences. But, the Locals Only Fest turns that moniker into something equivalent to “VIP”.

    “The goal of 95X Locals Only Fest is to demonstrate to the listeners in our area that we have a very talented and diverse local music scene,” said Dixon, “and that they deserve their own festival. … In a self-serving way, it’s also a chance for me to see 16 bands that I adore on a big stage with big production in front of what will hopefully be a big crowd.”

    Dixon also suggests that the festival provides an opportunity for these bands to network and collaborate on ideas to help each one succeed, a chance to establish a community.  A far different environment from the competitive scenes other locales endure.

    Wagner 3000 Out for Locals Only Fest

    Named on the original list of headlining acts, Wagner 3000 is a scratch from the Locals Only Festival’s playbill due to an accident that has left the band’s lead singer happy to be alive.

    “So, I got injured pretty bad,” stated Dan Wagner, on the band’s Facebook page on August 1. “[I] shattered my heel, fractured my pelvis, and shattered some back bone.

    No other details were released on the nature of the accident, or when it took place.

    Wagner 3000 is an alternative rock band that formed out of Syracuse back in 1997. They are known for providing a unique blend of music inspired by Cat Stevens, AC/DC, Nine Inch Nails and King Crimson.

    “We will be performing later on in the fall,” stated Wagner. “Really bummed to not be able to perform, really glad to not be dead. Be safe, Dan Wagner.”

    Damon Larus, a four-piece jam band that focuses on a wide variety of genres – blues, metal, funk, classic rock, alternative – was announced as a replacement on July 28.

  • Legendary Rappers Descend Upon Rochester on 16th

    Rochester is putting on a show that promises an elite class of rappers that reads like a Who’s Who of MCs.

    Rochester’s 103.9 WDKX-FM is featuring a show that includes legendary names – hence the name The Legends of Hip-Hop.

    Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Doug E. Fresh and MC Lyte are among a few names who expect to rock the mic at Sahlen’s Stadium Aug. 16, when the doors open at noon.

    rochester rappersSlick Rick, EPMD, Whodini, Biz Markie, Special Ed, and Dana Dane round out a cast of superstars from rap’s Golden Era, when high tops, gold chains and ghetto blasters were staple fashion statements. We’re talking the ’80s, when MTV relegated rap videos to a half-hour segment late in the evenings, so as not to interrupt the steady flow of Duran Duran, Robert Palmer and Kenny Loggins.

    But, once rap finally broke through what many considered a color barrier established with the music video mogul, it was names like Rakim who “kicked a hole in the speaker and pulled the plug” on how mainstream music would be played forever.

    Loads of respect has been bestowed upon these artists. Big Daddy Kane is a Grammy Award winner. Rakim has earned the moniker as Best Rapper of the ’80s. MC Lyte is credited as the first female solo rapper to release a full album, and did so before turning 18. And, Doug E. Fresh still goes by “the original human beatbox.”

    By no means is it hyperbole to describe this line-up as a Hall of Fame roster. Click on the Spotify image above to access a playlist showcasing a sampling of their work. Listen and learn. rochester rappers

  • Jerod Mankin to Leave Bobaflex

    In a Facebook statement early Saturday morning, Bobaflex member Jerod Mankin announced he will soon be leaving the band.

    It’s with a very heavy heart that I make this statement.This next west coast tour will be my final tour with Bobaflex.The road life has taken its toll on me and I’m just not made for the lifestyle any longer.  I have zero regrets and have loved every minute I’ve spent with this band.  These guys are not only my band mates, but have been my life long friends.  We knew each other way before the band and will continue to be friends throughout the rest of our lives.

    I can’t thank all of the fans out there enough for all of the support and love you’ve all given me over the past 13 years.

    Most of all, I can’t thank the band members themselves enough for all of the opportunities and experiences they’ve given me.  I love every one of these guys like family and will forever be their biggest fan.  They are, without a doubt, the hardest working band out there.

    I’m completely confident that big things will continue to happen for them and I’ll be cheering them on the entire way.

    Thanks again for all of the years of joy and fun that everyone has given me.  Hope to see you all soon…

    Love,
    Jerod Mankin

    The bassist stated how life on the road has taken a toll on him. He married his wife Ashley in 2012. And, in a recent interview with , he had spoken of the sacrifices band members often have to take to pursue their dreams. In that interview, when asked what he would do if not playing in a band, he said he would continue to work in music as a producer.

    Bobaflex kicks off their West Coast tour with a show in Scottsdale, AZ on August 1. Mankin has been with the band for 13 years.

    jerod mankin bobaflex

  • Hearing Aide: “Weird Al” Yankovic ‘Mandatory Fun’

    It’s hard to comprehend a time when there has been so much fanfare surrounding a “Weird Al” Yankovic release; nonetheless, in 2014, Mandatory Fun is here.

    Mandatory FunThe 54-year old from Lynwood, CA launched his career tape-recording a Queen parody from inside a bathroom.  Today, he is using the numerous tools of the Internet, launching eight videos in eight days upon the consumer world. It’s the most aggressive marketing ploy from the three-time Grammy award winning artist, since he was able to take over MTV’s broadcasting with previous releases.

    The media blitz is still upon us, but we wish to provide you a collection of three cuts from Mandatory Fun.

    First World Problems:

    Yankovic invokes the musical style of ’80s alternative group, Pixies in “First World Problems.” This track is a joke on all of us, as we have all suffered from at least one affliction referenced in the song – from having someone call our cell phone (instead of texting), to purchasing an extra item online only to qualify for free shipping. It’s a song full of chuckles, until you reach that awkward moment when you realize you’re guilty of doing this too.

    Word Crimes:

    OMG! Dis video will 4ever circulate da Internet for as long as theirs social media ant pour grammer.

    (Please tell me you saw what I did just there. Anyway.)

    Yankovic goes the way of They Might Be Giants to help educate the English-speaking world on grammar usage by doing a spoof off of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” The highly controversial song, the live performance with Miley Cyrus, the lyrics, the subject matter, and just about everything involving this song has been a dumpster fire despite its popularity. Yankovic turns Blurred Lines into a song music critics love to hate, into one they adore.  The potential uses for this 3-minute-plus video is endless – from business seminars to teach technical writing, to an addition to Common Core’s academic curriculum. But, likely, you will be seeing this for the next twenty years as a witty response to whomever attempts to write something online without consulting a dictionary. This is another track that will have you laughing until you find yourself questioning why one (or many) reference(s) is (are) funny.

    Mission Statement:

    The 1980s is when hippies turned to yuppies, casting aside their collective search for free love and peace for monetary growth and addressing sound investments to build an adequate retirement nest egg.  Here, Yankovic takes a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young tune and affects your brain somewhat differently than a contact high, intoxicating listeners with annoying corporate buzz phrases.  Any white-collar worker is nodding his head to this right now.

    Mandatory Fun is Al’s 14th release, and by far his masterpiece.  Like Warner Brothers through Looney Tunes, Yankovic is able to tie in current events with references to the past, allowing listeners from multiple generations to enjoy.

    Key Tracks: Word Crimes, Mission Statement, First World Problems

    You can purchase Mandatory Fun through most retailers.  For more information please visit his website.

  • Otherwise Tour Launches in September

    Otherwise is set to release their fourth studio album in September, and with that they recently announced the dates to their upcoming tour. 20140722-214830-78510384.jpg

    The tour stops at New York City’s Webster Hall on September 29.

    Peace At All Costs comes at the heels of their 2012 release True Love Never Dies, which charted as high as No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers Album chart.

    “Peace comes through struggle,” stated the band through a press release from their label Century Media Records.  “It’s a reward that’s earned rather than simply given. It’s the product of tireless work and an unbreakable spirit against all odds and opposition. Otherwise are no strangers to that struggle, rising up to become rock ‘n’ roll contenders in the face of a tumultuous musical climate and a series of personal hardships.”

    The boys out of Las Vegas plan to pair up with Islander and Like A Storm throughout the tour, which kicks off September 11.

    Peace At All Costs is to be released September 16.

  • Hearing Aide: AFR “Psychopath of Rightousness”

    Aaron Smith, of the Rochester-based, metal core band AFR, turns the drums into a concussion instrument. Throwing their latest EP, Psychopath of Rightousness, into my stereo only reminds me of how my high school music teacher had it so wrong to call them otherwise. Psychopathofrighteousnesscover

    AFR dropped the EP late last month, their second in two years. It consists of six, heavy tracks that promise to beat the hell out of your ears once you’re done. In fact, the band’s bassist Todd Church received my email shortly after I was done listening, simply stated: “Wow!”

    AFR is a five-piece band, featuring two guitarists and a bassist, that had started out back in the spring of 2012. Naturally, there has been a few line-up changes. Church was brought into the fold last year, and Aaron replaces Brandon Lewis behind the drum kit. Despite the short amount of time, the group is already signed to a label (Dead Trash Mob Records/Buffalo), and they’ve garnered a healthy respect from local fans for their abundance of showmanship, with or without the support from the crowd.

    Psychopath comes at the heels of last year’s release, A Hero to Villians, which in itself was a polished display of talent. Edwin Hernandez and Zack Sweedler continue to supply some tight guitar riffs, and Church lays down the bassline. Alan Rohr’s lyrical presentation again lends the band its metal core characteristics. But, what seems to separate this newest release from the last is its focus on the percussion. There is a subtle shift to the bass and percussion that gives Psychopath a slightly, but noticeably, harder sound than their last EP.

    Each track starts off quickly, with the exception of “DeFeo”. Amityville Horror fans will recognize the name and correctly associate the song title with that of the tragic events which ultimately inspired the book and subsequent movies. This track starts off with audio from a news broadcast reporting the details of the murders, scantly accompanied by guitar and cymbal, before tearing through their power chords. Otherwise, the boys like to rip it up right at the start.  Perhaps the best example of this would be “Bring on the Destructor”.

    Destructor is a favorite. It sets the tone for the rest of the EP.  The report from Smith’s drums is what resonates with me after putting the headset down. Those familiar with AFR’s repertoire won’t be disappointed. But, that hard edge was achieved through a subtle tweak in focus towards the percussion and bass from the new guys.

    AFR valiantly represents the emerging music scene out of Rochester. It’s a scene that has the attention of people in and out of New York State. And, with that said, the fact that this band is only two years in the game, and already making a name for themselves, is a testament that speaks louder than their music. (If that’s even possible.)

    You can purchase Psychopath of Rightousness from iTunes or through Reverbnation.

    Key Tracks: Bring on the Destructor, One in the Chamber, DeFeo

    Tour dates:

    August 2 – Rochester – Firehouse Saloon

    August 5, 6 – Syracuse – Lost Horizon (BATTLECROSS headliner)

    August 15 – Canandaigua – Villager Pub

    August 16 – Jordan – Hagefest (2-day fest)

    August 30 – Bridgewater – Xtravaganza2 (2-day fest) at Club Aqua

  • New Work for Hootie & The Blowfish Possible?

    When Darius Rucker was approached about the possible return to his roots, he didn’t blow off the question about Hootie & The Blowfish.

    20140721-224649-82009642.jpg

    The rock artist turned country music sensation was originally the front man for Grammy Award winning Hootie & The Blowfish.  Hootie formed in 1986 on the campus of The University of South Carolina at Columbia, where Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber and Jim Sonefeld attended.  It was in 1994 that they came into popularity with the release of Cracked Rear View. The album charted four, Top 20 hits in the United States, ultimately going platinum 16 times, ultimately earning the distinction of best-selling album of 1995.  It is considered one of the best selling debut albums of all time.

    Rucker announced the launch of his solo career in 2008 and has since achieved accolades from Nashville as a country music artist.  His second solo album Learn to Live reached platinum in 2009.

    Hootie & The Blowfish never broke-up.  In fact, the band still performs together at least four times a year for their charity endeavors. Rucker told Contactmusic.com in 2008 that he would consider bringing Hootie and the Blowfish back to the studio after he has recorded, “three or four country records.”

    Rucker’s 2013 release True Believers is his fourth country music album.

  • Albany Blues Musician and Teacher, Tom Healey is Dead

    Albany blues musician and Albany High teacher, Tom Healey, died unexpectedly Monday, according to several news reports.

    News of his passing has trickled across the Internet over the past several hours, prompting a flood of tributes on his personal Facebook page, and that of his band, The Tom Healey Blues Band.

    Tom Healey
    Photo Credit: Wanda Callagy as shared on Tom Healey’s Facebook page

    “Tom was one of the smartest and funniest men I have ever met,” stated Albany High math teacher, Michael Justice, on Healey’s personal Facebook page. “This school year I had the pleasure to eat lunch with Tom, Greg Baker, and my sister Jen just about ever day. It was my little slice of sanity in a crazy place. Tom’s unfiltered comments about all things Albany High and beyond were not to be missed. I will miss him dearly…”

    A note from Dred Scott stated that Healey’s last performance was at a private show in Vermont this Friday.

    In addition to his work as a blues musician, Healey taught social studies teacher at Albany High. Healey had only just retired from his teaching position.