NYS Music 20​14

Author: Susan Rice

  • Al Kooper Celebrates Belated 70th Birthday with Friends at The Egg

    Al Kooper, one of Rock n Roll’s most historic musicians, performed at The Lewis A. Swyer Theatre inside The Egg in Albany on May 17th in celebration of his 70th birthday. The small theatre held less than 400 people who greeted Kooper with a standing ovation. Al Kooper has quite the resume, recording with such musicians as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, B.B. King, and dozens more. Kooper thanked the audience for attending his belated birthday party since he had to reschedule due to his age and New York’s harsh winters. It was just Kooper on stage for the first few songs as he went back and forth between the electronic keyboard atop his vintage Hammond organ. His vocals were tender and worn, but sincere. He was then joined onstage by a bassist and his drummer “The Sheriff” as Kooper himself switched to electric guitar to play a slightly off-key version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing”.

    Kooper has classic “Dad Humor” that anyone can relate to with corny puns and jokes about being clueless as to what all the buttons are for on his electric keyboard. Keeping the atmosphere light and funky with his Funky Faculty band, Kooper led the way into Booker T’s classic “Green Onions”, a laid back summer time groove. One of the highlights of the show was to hear his version of “Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones where you can hear Kooper’s organ playing on their original album. He has a smoother jazz vibe to him but can pack a big punch like The Stones. The Funky Faculty built up repetitive peaks with vintage guitar riffs, funky bass rhythm and blaring horns to make a solid, modern day groove.

    For the second portion of the show, Kooper was joined by longtime friend and guitarist Jimmy Vivino, known to today’s youth as a member of the house band for Conan O’Brian. The Sheriff jumped on the cymbals and was joined with a quick bass as Vivino lets out the long echoes of his guitar strings. The whole crowd felt it and began to sway from the pressure of the heavy blues being played out. Vivino sounded like he was revving an engine, a lot of built up energy waiting to zoom by and sent hearts racing to keep up. Given the Upstate NY location, they were eager to pay tribute to both the late Levon Helms, performing The Band’s “The Weight” which sparked an endearing sing-along, and Bob Dylan on their rendition of “Highway 61” which caused the band members to pause and join in on the rhythmic clapping. Kooper ended the night by introducing the last song by saying, “This was the word to me” as he went into Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” another album you can hear his gospel organ playing. After all these years, Kooper still performs the classic hits with a youthful kick that is easily recognized and cherished.

  • John Legend Charms Proctors Theater

    The Capital Region was romanced by nine-time Grammy award winner, John Legend, on Friday, May 16th at Proctor’s in Schenectady.

    Despite the Spring chill and light rain, some guests were dressed to the nines with fur and silk as others could be seen in the occasional flannel for the sold out show. As the lights dimmed, the spotlight shone on a four piece string section and an electric guitarist, that got the crowd buzzing with excitement as it was close to show time. Suddenly, the shadowy outline of a figure standing on stage, and as the lights went up, you saw John Legend dressed in a sharp white suit jacket and a smile that made the whole crowd melt. He opens the show with one of his newest singles, “Made To Love”, a strong battle cry of emotion that flew at the crowd with acoustic intensity. He gave shout outs to Albany and Schenectady as he playfully warned, “Tonight’s the Night”, another song focused on the here and now.

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    Throughout the show, John Legend told stories from his past, about his family and fellow musicians, experiences that all brought him to this moment right now. He explained how his first show was in a small bar called The Living Room in Manhattan and he wanted to create the feel of a small show in a comfortable setting again, which was brought to life by the acoustic performances on his All of Me tour. He spoke humble words with a sophisticated manner that was warm and welcoming. He encouraged crowd participation for all his songs, which the audience happily responded with lyrics, cheers and plenty of female screamers. Legend even took a moment to play matchmaker as he joked with the couples and single folks, “I’m warming them up for you fellas. There are no guarantees in life, but you got a good shot tonight.” He took requests with one of them being “PDA”, perfectly setting the mood underneath the golden stars and arches of Proctors.

    One of the most touching moments was John Legend explaining his early childhood with his family attending church on Sundays. He acquired his piano styling from his grandmother, who taught him gospel piano every week and said, “So when you hear me, you are still hearing my grandma.” He dedicated Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge over Troubled Water” to her as he performed with heartfelt execution and precious timing. John Legend has a range of vocals with a flavor of attitude that spices up his piano playing for an unforgettable performance. There are not enough things in the world as smooth as John Legend and it’s no wonder that his shows have been selling out on this rare and more intimate tour. His soulful keys and romantic lyrics give hope that Love in the Future is within reach for all of us. Limited tickets are still available for The OnCenter Crouse Hinds Theater on June 12th in Syracuse.

  • Schwing! B3nson Does Blue: Tribute to Weezer at The Low Beat Tonight!

    Tonight in Albany, The Low Beat on Central Ave will host a night dedicated to the familiar sound of the 90s, Weezer. Members of the neighborhood B3nson Recording Company will come together to form B3nson does Blue: a tribute to Weezer. The cover fee is $5 with the show set to start at 9pm with The Pistol Whips. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Weezer’s Blue Album released on May 10th, 1994. This album helped launch their career with such songs as “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.” The age of music videos was also still alive then, and with help from director Spike Jones, Weezer became a mainstream success. So get ready to get jiggy with it, crimp your hair, throw on a slap bracelet, and grab your homies for a night of the nineties.Dan Maddalone, singer and guitarist for Barons in the Attic, was and still is a proud Weezer fanatic. He had time to chat about tonight’s show and all things Weezer related.

    Susan Rice: How has Weezer’s music influenced your music? They are classified as “unashamed nerd rockers.” Can you relate to this?
    Dan Maddalone: I listened to Weezer a ton during High School. Their album Pinkerton made me feel feelings I didn’t know existed and I always loved their songs and videos. I am a nerd and I feel no shame ever so I guess I can relate to that. Also, everyone covering them this Friday are nerds too, so I’m sure they relate as well. They’ve personally influenced my music by helping me love pop melodies and heavy guitars.

    SR: The name of the band you are playing with is named after The Benson Recording Company/Family. Which members belong to which band?
    DM: The B3nson Recording Collective is an entity that has existed since 2009. It’s a group of friends that help each other out, make records (60+ so far!), and put on shows. We also do RestFest, which is a big concert that happens every August. This band is comprised of members from bands within the collective. Matt Ferguson from Rival Galaxies, Steve Stanley from Careers and Bear Grass, Adam Zurbregg as curator and former Sgt. Dunbar bassist, Eric Krans from The Parlor, and Tim Koch from Dunbar and the Parlor.

    SR: Have you seen Weezer live before?
    DM: I saw Weezer live in 2010. It was in Massachusetts somewhere outside of Boston. They crushed it. I know they’ve gotten “lame” as time has gone on, but I suppose that happens to most bands. They’ve lost their “cred” according to everyone and yet it’s funny, as you talk to people and the older they get, the earlier they got shitty. Brian Bell (guitarist for Weezer) once said “you can’t truly be a Weezer fan unless you are disappointed in what the band’s currently doing”. But if you go see them, you will not be disappointed.

    SR: There are multiple ways that artists pay tribute to other musicians. Do you plan on playing the album note for note or improving a bit? Are you more celebrating the album itself turning 20 or you are just that big of a Weezer fan?
    DM: Anything from listening, to singing karaoke, to playing, or recording a band’s music can pay tribute. We’re attempting note for note, but these songs are quite tough. The dudes shred and we’re just using this as an excuse to crank our guitars real loud and party. 20 years is just a good reason to book a show and hangout at The Low Beat.

  • Al Kooper to play 70th Birthday Show at The Egg Saturday May 17th

    Al Kooper will be celebrating his 70th Birthday with a performance at The Egg tomorrow night, Saturday May 17th at 7:30pm.

    The legendary musician will be joined with his group the Funky Faculty, guitar virtuoso Jimmy Vivino and some very special unannounced guests. Tickets are still available for $35 and can be purchased at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone – 518-473-1845 or online. This show will be part of The Egg’s continuous American Roots and Branches concert series, celebrating the classic music that still continues to influence generations today.

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    Al Kooper is a legendary musician with a career spanning 50 years whose trademark organ riffs can be heard on classic recording by The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Tom Petty, George Harrison and countless others. He was especially close with Bob Dylan, playing with him for many years live and in the studio, and is well-known for his work on “Like a Rolling Stone.” Kooper played a key role as a member of The Blues Project, Super Session and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch a part of Rock n Roll history tomorrow night as well as an awesome birthday party.

    al kooperclassic

  • Get Strange at StrangeCreek Music Festival Memorial Day Weekend 2014

    Wormtown Trading Co. will host the 12th annual StrangeCreek Music Festival next weekend, May 23-26, 2014 once again at Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, MA. The Memorial Day weekend event will host a diverse lineup with multiple stages, cabin jams, a silent disco and plenty of food and craft vendors. Major headliners include Rusted Root, Donna The Buffalo, Ryan Montbleau and two shows each from Max Creek and Zac Deputy. Click here for the weekend schedule of StrangeCreek.

    strangecreek 2014A portion of the StrangeCreek Campout tickets will be donated to Camp Kee-Wanee, an inclusive children’s summer day camp of 33 wooded and open areas, with an emphasis on arts and fostering self-esteem. Strangers Helping Strangers will be conducting a food drive with proceeds going to local food pantries, be sure to bring non-perishable food, toiletry, feminine or personal hygiene or baby product donation.

    For those eager to start the weekend and a chance at prime camping spots, there is a Thursday Early Entry fee for $30 a person at the gate starting at 5pm and is cash only with no ATM on site. The Early Entry Fee also treat’s guests to Cabin Sets with performances by Love Whip, Gratefully Yours and Van Gordon Martin Band. Gates open at 9am on Friday and the campgrounds will close on Monday at 1pm. Weekend tickets are still available only $125 with Sunday Day Passes available for $50, including night camping. RV Passes are sold out. All tickets bought online will be available at Will Call and you MUST bring a picture ID. Click here to purchase tickets today.

    The Festival is family friendly, offering secluded Family Camping and plenty of activities for kids of all ages at the Kids Cabin and TEEN Scene. There will be a Holistic Village offering group activities to engage each person’s mind, body and soul. Don’t forget your discs for your chance to explore the StrangeCreek Disc Golf Course. The night will light up with the community bonfire plus the FireWormz Fire Show each night. The festival has become a tradition of music, community and camping in all kinds of weather for fans that wouldn’t have any other way.

    With over 60 musical acts, has broken it down to FIVE acts you need to see at StrangeCreek: The Hornitz, Wild Adriatic, Eastbound Jesus, The Primate Fiasco and The Juicy Grapes.

    The Hornitz is a dynamic duo from Boston creating big band sound as they use horns, keys, live-looping equipment and their beatboxing skills to form high energy dance parties.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp6XInb9ROw]

    Wild Adriatic one of Upstate’s own is a trio of pure rock n roll with more than enough soul to go around.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS8ZNOt3Li8]

    Eastbound Jesus is a Northern Rock band from Upstate with a dedicated following due to their hard hitting bluegrass and foot stomping Americana.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYBJwJNJ2EE]

    The Primate Fiasco is best described as a psychedelic dixieland, creating parades of music down every street where ever they go.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=742PkGAIf4s]

    The Juicy Grapes are based out of Connecticut with funky and soulful rhythms to get you grooving, blended with some light rock melodies.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU7GbyreJcM]

  • The Man, The Myth, John Legend comes to Proctors Friday May 16th

    John_Legend-0934_V2John Legend, the nine-time Grammy Award winning recording artist, is coming to the historic Proctors Theater in Schenectady tomorrow Friday 16th.

    His All of Me Tour has been selling out shows across the Upstate region and beyond, making tomorrow night a special show for those lucky enough to snag tickets. The show is set to start at 8 pm with no intermission during the 2 hour performance. One of the reasons this tour so special is that Legend is performing acoustically with just his piano, making for a more raw and intimate show each night.

    Legend’s tour is part of the promotion for his fourth studio album release, Love in the Future, produced by Kanye West and David Tozer, giving the classic soulful feel with a twist of modern sound. After a decade on the Billboard charts and with his new album, John Legend recently landed his first Hot 100 No. 1 spot with “All of Me.”

    The singer songwriter has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people and is celebrated for more than just his music. Legend is honored for his social activism with launching the Show Me Campaign, a nonprofit organization fighting poverty around the world. He is also a part of The Education Equality Project, Teach for America and the Harlem Village Academies.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsYrpNHQ6hg]

  • Grand Opening Celebration of Grandma’s Studio & The Albany Barn

    The Capital District welcomed the newest addition to the music community on Friday, May 2nd, with the grand opening of Grandma’s Studio at The Albany Barn.

    The recently renovated St. Joseph’s Academy building was turned into a 22 low-cost live/work residence for artists in the area with the concept of creating affordable living and wide open, creative work space. The idea for bringing a community together to work towards the goal of building art, music and relationships gifted the appropriate title, The Barn. Within the walls of the new venue, Bryan Brundige owns and operates the multi-track recording studio, Grandma’s, dedicated to the creation and capturing of music in comfort.

    20140502 - Grandma's Grand Opening 1

    The fresh new venue has bright, white walls that were lit up with multi-colored changing bulbs and were the perfect highlight for the local art on display throughout the two floored area. The first concert at the new performance space kicked off with Palatypus, Kimono Dragons, Le Rubb and PJ Katz & the Fat Buckle Band. Guests could enjoy the music from the main floor in front of the grand stage or with the open aired, walkway of the second floor. New to the scene and already set to perform at this year’s Tulipfest, the Kimono Dragons bring a much need surfer rock vibe to land lovers in Albany with fast riding riffs and rhythmic swells. Le Rubb is a unique quintet that brilliantly fuses electronica and jazz creating their own sound with echoes of digital turntables, horns and wind instruments with the classic percussion set up and bass. PJ Katz, multi-instrumentalist and producer, joined forces with the Fat Buckle Band for a high energy rocking set to close out the event.

    20140502 - PJ Katz and The Fat Buckle Band 13

    There’s nothing like the thrill of a new venue opening that can send the heart racing with hope and imagination. Just think of all the new show possibilities that are now plausible. is a strong supporter for the growth of music in Upstate New York and beyond. We congratulate and thank Grandma’s Studio and The Albany Barn on their opening and efforts to create a space for artists to “live, work and inspire.”

  • May Day Throw Down with The Word & Kung Fu at The Cap

    The historic Capitol Theatre hosted a night of funk and soul on May 1st thanks to supergroups Kung Fu and The Word. The small crowd of over 500 people left more than enough dance room on the wide open GA floor and prime seating in the loge/balcony with universal grand views of the architecture and visionary light show. The Cap is larger than life with its numerous chandeliers, deep colors of carpeted floors and tall ceilings that glow with the psychedelic projections that glide over the venue.

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    Kung Fu started the evening with a brief set of electrifying rock and funky heavy jazz with members of RAQ and The Breakfast. The dirty rhythm of Adrian Tramontano with the deep bass notes of Chris DeAngelis was the ideal groove to get the night moving. Todd Stoops kept both hands busy on two different sets of keys throughout the set as Rob Somerville blasted light-hearted funk melodies. Kung Fu will bring their lethal funk to festivals this year such as Disc Jam, Gathering of the Vibes and Catskill Chill.

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    The Word was greeted with overwhelming cheers and general excitement for a night with the quintet of musical masterminds, as well as this being a rescheduled show for the original date in February. The Word reunites Robert Randolph on steel lap guitar, John Medeski on keyboards, Chris Chew on bass and brothers Cody Dickinson on percussion and Luther Dickinson on guitar for the first time since 2012. The Word performed an outstanding three-hour set full of slip sliding guitar licks, crashing cymbals and rejuvenating organ chords full of bluesy rock. Medeski swam laps over the keys with hard-hitting strokes of spiritual reckoning.

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    Randolph is an A+ entertainer as he karate chops and both figuratively and literally licks the lap steel strings with a smile in his chair or on his feet. Luther Dickinson energized the crowd with his head to head strumming with Randolph and overall, southern rock flair. The big man himself, Chris Chew, laid out a consistent, booming rhythm much to the delight of the fans and band members after his personal health hiatus back in 2012. The Word will be performing at the Jam Cruise 13 but you can catch individual members, Robert Randolph and the Family Band at Mountain Jam Music Festival, John Medeski will be at this year’s Lockn’ Festival and North Mississippi Allstars members will be touring Europe for the summer. The Word continues to bring together music lovers and band members for a fusion of gospel rocking funk to create a unique and instrumental experience.

    Download the show from etree 

  • Albany’s Alive at Five Concert Series Lineup for 2014 Announced

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    Albany’s Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced the Alive at Five Summer 2014 concert series lineup at a city news conference this morning. The Alive at Five Thursday tradition of free music brings together thousands of people to the Capital District each week featuring local and national acts of various genres. This year the series will return to the beautiful Corning Reserve in downtown Albany, overlooking the Hudson River and will run from June 12th to Aug 7th.

    The acts of 2014 Alive at Five are:

    • Fitz and the Tantrums, an Los Angeles-based pop act, headline the first show on June 12th with The Features.

    • Easy Star All-Stars headline reggae night on June 19 with John Brown’s Body.

    • Dwele, a Grammy-nominated singer, headlines R&B night on June 26 with Mirk.

    • Lord Huron, a Michigan-born folk singer, performs on July 10 with Mary Leigh Roohan.

    • Eastbound Jesus, Stellar Young, and Hard Soul will perform on Albany Invasion Night on July 17.

    • Dustin Lynch headlines Country Night on July 24 with Jacob Powell.

    • ’70s rockers Grand Funk Railroad plays on July 31 with local stars Wild Adriatic.

    • Sheila E. plays on Aug. 7, the final show with Conehead Buddha.

    For more information about Alive at Five, visit albanyevents.org and stay up to date on your music news with  on Facebook, twitter and Instagram.

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  • The Good News is The Word, May 1 at The Capitol Theatre

    The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester will host The Word, a quintet super group, and supporting act, Kung Fu tomorrow night May 1st.

    The Gospel Rock band is made up of pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, John Medeski from Medeski Martin & Wood, and brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson with Chris Chew from North Mississippi Allstars. The show is a must see given the limited tour dates of this rare lineup combining forces for a night of soul strengthening grooves. The Word began over a decade ago when North Mississippi Allstars toured with Medeski Martin & Wood and were joined in the studio with Robert Randolph, recording their debut album and gaining recognition for their fusion of gospel, blues and rock.

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    John Medeski will perform at this year’s Lockn’ Music Festival with Phil Lesh & Friends for both nights. This will be your last chance to catch The North Mississippi Allstars before they leave for their European Tour in June and July. Robert Randolph will tour with his band, Robert Randolph & The Family Band this summer making stops at Mountain Jam and FloydFest. Each of these artist shine with their respectable bands but together, The Word is a high energetic, funky blues reunion with tour dates few and far between. Tickets are still available ranging from $35 to $45 with the doors set to open at 7pm and show at 8pm.

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    Kung Fu returns to Upstate after a successful spring tour of powerhouse funk sets with back to back sell out shows during the New Orleans Jazz fest. Yesterday, it was announced that Kung Fu will be returning to this year’s Catskill Chill Music Festival. Their electronic funk music is prime for any dance floor and is a solid choice for the sure to be jazzy funk filled evening ahead.

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    Author’s Note: This is a never before seen video I recorded at my first Word show at Terminal 5 in New York City on Dec 27th, 2007 with lifelong friend and photographer, Bryan Lasky.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSikToyAeT0]