NYS Music 20​14

Author: Susan Rice

  • The Palace Welcomed the King of the Blues, B.B. King on the 17th

    The Palace in Albany hosted the legendary B.B. King, one of the greatest guitarist of all time, and King of the Blues, on Thursday the 17th of April, to a crowd of all ages and backgrounds who all shared a love for the blues. The venue buzzed with teens in blue jeans and adults in fur, parading in the lobby and the aisles, eager for the magic of B.B. King and his guitar “Lucille.” The band warms up the stage with instrumental jazz, each stretching their musical muscles as guests take their seats. The introduction was made and B.B. King was escorted onto the stage, making for a grand entrance as the crowd greets him with a standing ovation. He takes a seat at center stage and goes through the introductions of the band, poking fun and setting the laid back tone of the evening.

    “Here is something for the lovers tonight,” B.B. cooed as the band opened with “I Need You.” His voice is still strong as his vocals are crisp and echoed beautifully around the Palace. He plays each note on purpose with an incredible ease and care. The long exaggerated plucking is second nature to him and so are the blues. “You Are My Sunshine” started a massive sing-along that was adorable coming from everyone in the audience. As the lights would begin to darken, B.B. would request them to be brighter as he got a kick from looking out at all the fans trying to get his attention; this shifted the focus off of the music and was a bit irritating.

    But the show went on to “Rock Me Baby,” a sophisticated, sexy song with a slow tempo, consistent buildups from the band, and rebellious guitar riffs from B.B. The show came to an end all too soon as B.B. said his good nights with a very slow exit. B.B. King still performs with a smile, booming vocals and mighty hands, but it was a disappointment to have the show end so early with such a short setlist. Despite his distracted stage presence, the 88-year-old musician is still a must see act as he continues to spread the blues to Upstate NY and beyond.

  • Local Limelight: Familiarize Yourself

    Based out of the extended Capital District, Formula 5 has been gaining fans from over the Upstate region and beyond with their improvisational funky jams. Familiarize yourself with Formula 5 consists of Joe Davis on guitar, Mike McDonald on keys and Bill Shattuck on bass.

    Their live performances are nonstop dance parties as they combine elements of funk, jazz, rock and more to their own original music. Besides their unique sound, each show sends the crowd soaring with covers and teases from a never ending list of musicians such as Phish, Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Steve Miller Band, and Was Not Was.

    Ever-changing melodies with familiar sound and catchy lyrics are enough to turn anyone into a lifelong fan. Formula 5 has performed at Upstate festivals such as Strange Creek, Backwoods Pondfest, Green Mountain Getdown, Autamation Indoor Music Festival plus many others. Don’t miss their new album Edging on Catastrophe release party Friday the 18th at Red Square in Albany with The Hornitz and Suitable Groove or Saturday the 19th at Monopole Bar in Plattsburgh with North Funktree. The boys will always be a part of this year’s Spring Revival festival May 8th-11th in Macedon, NY.

    Susan Rice: You are parting ways with your bassist, Bill Shattuck. What is one of his strengths as a musician that you will miss most?

    Formula 5: Well anyone that knew Bill knew that he had quite the presence, whether it be in person, on stage, or when we were writing new material. His stage presence is something that we will surely miss and his ability to completely take over or lead a jam was second to none. Bill was an extremely creative person, our friend, and has been a huge part of what we’ve developed with Formula 5.

    SR: With the addition of a new band member, how does this effect your band’s formula for practices and live performances? Does each member find himself adjusting drastically or is this an easy transition?

    F5: Any time you bring in a new member and especially because we are a very improvisational “jam”-type band, there will always be a significant difference in the dynamic of the band. James has a very different style and with it a different set of influences that shape his playing A large reason we were so impressed with James was with his ability to just fit into our style so quickly, it was like we had been playing with him for months and this was literally his first time playing music with us. In terms of our live connection as a band, we’ve felt that progress abnormally quickly.

    SR: Formula 5 is known for their original improvisational tunes as well as some recognizable covers, especially from Phish. How has their music influenced you? Any specific shows? Do you have plans in the works for any Phish after parties during the summer tour?

    F5: Phish is obviously a very big influence on us and they helped pave the way for artists in this broad genre of jam music. Our favorite part of Phish is that they span so many different styles of music and their extensive list of covers helped open our eyes to some amazing artists that came before them. The question about specific shows that have influenced us is a GREAT question, Joe would have to nod to the 12-29-97 MSG show as he felt it was some of their best playing as a group. Mike’s would have to be 6-11-94 (Red Rocks) because it was one of the early SBD bootlegs of Phish (long before the days of Live Phish and torrents) he received on cassette tape and it was some of their most polished, energetic playing or go with the Colonial Theater show from 7-12-91 with the awesome addition of the Giant Country horns. James’ favorite would be the infamous 10-31-94 Glens Falls show because he remembers his friend burning him a copy and recalls it as an “eye opener” musically. As for after parties, we will have to see…..

    SR: With the release of your new album, ‘Edging on Catastrophe’ what are you hoping to achieve with new and old fans? Why that album name? I would think that you are on the edge of a great explosion of success.

    F5: The album is definitely a step in the right direction, we were trying to illustrate how our songwriting has developed but we are also trying to push our music in different directions. And yes, that means there will still be a healthy amount of “jamming”, or improvisation, on the album but we have a few shorter ballad type songs that show another side of us as well.

    The title “Edging on Catastrophe” specifically comes from a lyric on the second track on the album “Earthbound Tim”, to us it represents a sort of fearlessness and freedom that comes from living in the moment. This theme is represented lyrically throughout most of the album and in the overall musical layout of the album as well. We like to push the energy live and improvise as a group in the moment, which adds a lot of risk for “catastrophe” but can also create special moments of musical connection that otherwise won’t be attained.

    SR: It’s almost festival season, if you had the choice to play at any festival in the United States, which
    one would it be and why?

    F5: Right now, I think it would have to be gathering of the vibes. It’s such an amazing festival and has been the ultimate festival in the northeast for years now. This year’s lineup is ridiculous.

    SR: In efforts to help fund your latest album, you went thru Indiegogo to request contributions from fans. What was the easiest part of the process? What was the hardest?

    F5: The easiest part I suppose was the setup of the actual campaign. The indiegogo service is great and they help bring some amazing independent art and music projects to life. Honestly the hardest part was “panhandling” to people who love original music. Fans may think we are just being lazy with it and asking for additional handouts to be able to play music, but when it comes down to it, there is a lot more time and money that goes into being in an original band than most people know. We know these are not the best of times economically but through our fans, friends, and family we were able to help pay for this album which has been our focus for the last 4-5 months and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the final product.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X45ewXJZIms

    Keep up to date with all things Formula 5 on their website, Facebook, Twitter and download their shows for free via their archive page.

  • Sunday Sensory Overload with Mike Gordon at Bearsville Theater

    Bassist Mike Gordon of Phish tackled an impressive tour, promoting his latest album Overstep all over the country – plus a show in Canada – all within a month before returning to Upstate New York to the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock. Nestled in the Catskills, the venue holds less than 500 people with multiple viewing areas of the stage in what feels like a luxurious half barn, half log cabin. The cold and damp spring evening didn’t keep fans away who know better than to miss a Sunday night show. As the lights dimmed, Mike Gordon took the stage with guitarist Scott Murawksi, keyboardist Tom Cleary, percussionist Craig Myers and drummer Todd Isler.

    The lighting effects were ideal in an otherwise intimately dark setting. The lighting changed throughout the night, either synchronized with the music or completely off to focus a dramatic spotlight on Gordon and Murawksi. Everything on stage was used as an instrument, whether it was the actual instrument itself or the microphone stands, they all played a key role in a unique sound for the show. A mind game of shadows questioning your sight and perception, a recurring theme with Phish shows, of which Gordon is a master. Cleary led the way with vocals and strong keys for “Pretty Boy Floyd” that built up rockin’ harmonies along with a stand out, strung out, hi-bred Sitar solo from Myers.

    Mike took a moment to encourage the crowd to start a mosh-pit; a “friendly, Ska one [and] not the one resulting in blood everywhere,” he joked.

    After a brief intermission, the band was back on to start with a newer Phish song “555” with a recognizable melody that charged the crowd. One of the highlights of the second set was the jammed out versions of “Ether” and “Yarmouth Road” that had Gordon jogging and bouncing in place with a deep bass rhythm and alternating tempo. One of the coolest backgrounds was the scrolling city scape during the encore of “Cities”, clearly a big fan favorite. The entire show felt like a music video for an episode of the Twilight Zone with experimental jams that were unpredictable and forced the crowd’s attention to every detail. There was an eclectic blend of genres covered for everyone’s entertainment, with a variety of bluegrass, cosmic poetry and sci-fi jazz.  Mike Gordon’s shows aren’t dance-crazed parties; they are a chance to appreciate the bizarre twist he and his band create on old and new songs alike. Gordon’s tour will end this week with stops at Tarrytown, Mass MoCa and finally, the sold out show at Higher Ground in VT. Try very hard to get tickets to any of these shows.

    Mike Gordon, Bearsville Theater, Woodstock, NY – March 30, 2014

    Set One: Couch Lady, Face, Peel, Mrs. Peel, Dig Further Down, Pretty Boy Floyd, Spock’s Brain, I’m Deranged > Take Me to The River Jam> Tiny Little World

    Set Two: 555, Jones, Sailin’ Shoes> Ether, Yarmouth Road, Barton Hollow, Long Black Line

    Encore: I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate, Cities

    Download a recording of this show from Etree

  • Musical Force: Alan Evans Playonbrother and Turkuaz hit Putnam Den

    Putnam Den hosted two soulful bands, Alan Evans Playonbrother and Turkuaz, this past Thursday the 27th of March that rocked the roof off the venue. Both acts had new music to share with fans that eagerly filled up the dance floor.

    alan evansWith their most recent name change, Alan Evan’s Playonbrother started the night to prove that they are more than a jazz trio. Were they always this edgy? The new name was the boost the group needed to give them more of a dark rock sound. Guitarist Danny Mayer was relentless in his strong guitar riffs throughout the set, never slowing down as Beau Sasser on keys cranked out sharp notes for the familiar jazz like sound that fans have always loved. Alan Evan’s passionately beat his drums and cymbals with a new found fiery confidence, not his usual cool, calm and collected manner. One of the highlights of the night was their rendition of Cream’s “Sunshine of your Love” and subsequent jam, an out of control, hard hitting masterpiece. The trio recently released a new album, Woodstock Sessions, Vol 1. that is available online or at their shows on their current tour with Turkuaz.

    The well-oiled funk machine known as Turkuaz shook the crowd and Putnam Den with their explosive dance music. The 9-piece band from Brooklyn resembles a modern day Talking Heads but with more funk, some Motown flavor and a touch of techno. The band has harmonies coming from every direction and member, not to mention a great chemistry that makes each show fun and special. Their synchronized dance moves were contagious to the crowd and kept everyone pumped up throughout the night. Guitarist Dave Brandwein dances in the eye of the Turkuaz tornado, being a strumming, sturdy force. Geneva Williams and Sammi Garett showcased a wide range of vocals, both in unison and in the solo spotlight. Chris Brouwers was a treat to watch perform in that he can multi-task like a boss as he plays the trumpet and keys at the same time. They are set to release their newest album, Future 86,on April 1st with all pre-orders (digital or physical) receiving a code to download it the day it comes out, no joke. To quote one of their new songs, “The future is coming now” and it is Turkuaz. Be sure to see Turkuaz and Alan Evans Playonbrother at Rock n Roll Resort v4: The Dream Machine, and get your hands on their latest music.

    Setlist: Typa-Lika, Night Swimming, Coast, Rules, Murder Face, 20 Dollar, Chatte, Lookin’ Tough, Can You Handle It?, Tiptoe Thru Crypto, It’s Hard, Honky Tonk, Future, Bubba, Take me to the River, Monkey Fingers

  • Preview: Rock and Roll Resort: v4, The Dream Machine

    The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa in Kerhonkson, NY will greet festival goers once again to host Rock n Roll Resort: v4 The Dream Machine on April 4th-6th. A unique and intimate music experience produced by Wicked Cool Productions offers a weekend full of music, art installations, fun activities and workshops plus much more. Perfectly located between Albany and New York City in the heart of the Catskills, The Hudson Valley Resort is the ideal festival retreat offering plenty of space to unwind, recharge and enjoy the beauty of Upstate NY.

    Besides the nonstop music, Rock n Roll Resort offers multiple activities that include a mini-golf tournament, the first annual Disc Golf tournament, daily yoga as well as various instructional classes in the Holistic Village. Plus each night will have different theme night with costumes encouraged. The themes are Friday: Decades of Decadence, Saturday: Superheroes vs. Villain’s and Sunday: Pajama Party. The most creative characters for each night will be gifted a Rock n Roll Resort T-shirt and Event Poster.

    The 2014 lineup features a variety of musicals performances offering something different for everyone throughout the weekend. Big acts include Dumpstaphunk, The Motet, and The Everyone Orchestra featuring Steve Kimock, John Morgan Kimock, Reed Mathis, Jennifer Hartswick and Natalie Cressman. The music will start on Friday around 4pm and go until 4am Sunday night for the dedicated ragers with more than enough music in between.

    has dissected the lineup and has come up with the Top 5 acts to catch at Rock n Roll Resort v4, The Dream Machine: Solaris, Bobby Paltauf, Tauk, Mister F and The Motet.

    Mister F combines members of Upstate’s own Timbre Coup and Capital Zen for a quartet of high energetic, dark rock that thrills and urges you to keep dancing.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arlC0BUwcH0]

    Bobby Paltauf is a artist on the rise in that he has played with a long list of notable musicians and is only 14 years old. Do not miss him on Friday as he is one of the starting acts and is sure to set the bar high for the weekend.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dchgTntthfA]

    Solaris is an all instrumental trio from Ithaca that creates original compositions fusing electronica with jazz and funk with plenty of improvisation making each show unique for new and old fans alike.

    Tauk is a four piece experimental rock band that breathes music into their shows with an intensity of all instrumental jamming. They have performed at a number of festivals and recently worked with Grammy-winning producer Robert Carranza on their newest album.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTrdwUNtU6c]

    The Motet is THE improvisational funk band of today. The seven piece band from Colorado is always a special treat when they travel out to the East Coast with their reputation for throwing the funkiest dance parties.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUHOTiPPQC4?list=UUB40I1T1eQDV7YpOGcJrW7w]

    There are multiple ticket packagesavailable from single day passes to Rock star VIP status. For $125, you get a 3 day pass, not including meals or lodging plus you can only stay as late as 2 am. Single day Friday or Saturday go for $68 and single day Sunday goes for $37. But your best bet is to get a standard room package and split it up with your festy friends. The standard room package includes a 2 night stay, 2 event tickets, plus first class food. The more people you have in a room, the cheaper the package but with a 5 person maximum brings it to only $230 a person. Guests are encouraged to carpool, those with groups of 3 or more will have free parking, any less and it’s a $5 parking fee. There will be food vendors available 24 hours a day and reasonably priced alcohol for the adults. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this growing festival that continues to combine all the fun of a summer music spectacle within a historic and luxurious resort.

  • Groovestick with The Jauntee & The Assortment of Crayons TONIGHT at Red Square

    Tonight in Albany, Red Square and Guthrie Bell Productions will host a trifecta of bands to make one helluva dance party. Albany’s own Groovestick and New Paltz natives The Assortment of Crayons will be joined by The Jauntee from Boston, MA. Each band overflows with an intense energy during their live performances that you will still be buzzing the next day. Do not miss these bands as they are on the rise and your best bet for a good time in Albany. Doors open at 8pm with a $10 cover charge and The Assortment of Crayons set to start at 9:30pm.

    groovestick at red square
    Groovestick at Red Square

    The Assortment of Crayons is a multi-genre band that isn’t afraid to color outside the lines as their unique arrangements are endlessly entertaining and surprising. With an eagerness to experiment, the Crayons pool together their musical influences to create a sound that has a little something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors but not strangers to Upstate New York, The Jauntee return to the Capital District to once again melt faces with their original improvisational jams. The four piece band has been gaining attention across the East Coast for their psychedelic, welcoming music often being compared to Phish, a comparison that should not be thrown around lightly but regardless, The Jauntee has a growing fan base in Albany that is eager to get the show on the road. Groovestick is one of Albany’s newest bands, a trio just under a year old with heavy organ melodies and a new age funk. Their fusion of progressive jazz with a touch of rock is brilliant as their rhythms are contagious and undeniable for all dancing feet.

  • Hearing Aide: LYON ‘Onyx’

    Daniel Lyon, drummer from Ithaca’s electronic trio SOLARiS, has released his first solo album Onyx under the name LYON. The album is under an hour with a range of 11 ambient tracks, an easy listen that is ideal for relaxing at home or in the car on a road trip. LYON is a drummer who literally steams during live performances with hard hitting beats and a dark rhythmic sound with focused energy. His solo work is no different, showcasing detailed and digital emotions that we can all relate to. His new album is available for free download and streaming via Bandcamp. You can catch LYON in action with his SOLARiS band mates at The Beagle Pub in Johnson City on the 21st of March and The Other Side in Wilkes-Barre, PA on the 22nd. SOLARiS will also be performing at one of Upstate NY’s newest Festivals, Rock n Roll Resort, in Kerhonksen, NY with tickets and rooms still available.

    onyx
    The album starts with the roar of “Animal”, a simple beat that eases you into the album with gentle echoes and light funk vibe. “Without Her” begins with beautifully sorrowful strings before it mixes with a techno melody combining a modern yet vintage twist on lost love. “Meridian” contained limitless echoes of all tones with a quick pace making for an easy groove. “Onyx” features SOLARiS keyboardist Jared Raphael, adding a futuristic funk with disco that was captivating and “The Overlook” with a groovy bass line with jazzy flair. “Small Beginnings” is the perfect ending to the album, the upbeat melody that has a great build up throughout the song, giving a taste of what’s to come with LYON’s solo work.

    Key Tracks: Without Her, Meridian, The Overlook

  • Gathering of the Vibes will announce lineup LIVE this Saturday March 15th

    Gathering of the Vibes will announce their 2014 lineup this Saturday March 15th, LIVE at the Legendary Capitol Theatre with vibe veterans, Deep Banana Blackout and Kung Fu. Doors are at 7 pm with the show set to start at 8pm but the official announcement will be made at 11pm and fans can join in on the action via Facebook.

    The annual musical and arts festival is set to take place July 31st-August 3rd, once again at the beautiful Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT. With past headliners, Phil Lesh & Friends, Primus, STS9, Elvis Costello and much more, all bets are on to see who will join the Vibe Tribe in a weekend of love and light.

    vibesannouncement2014

    The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY is the ideal location for the Vibes announcement because it holds special ties with The Grateful Dead and their fan base. It makes sense to bring together the vibe tribe and Dead Head community to remember their roots as well as look forward to the excitement of this year’s festival season. Deep Banana Blackout is a funky New Orleans jazz group with a full horn section and a high energy attitude. Kung Fu packs a punch with psychedelic funky melodies and electro-jazz fused fun. The two Connecticut bands are a powerful combo for the night and are sure to get the party vibes flowing.

    You can purchase tickets here, they range from $25 to $45 or you can enter this contest to win two free tickets to Saturday’s show.

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  • Hearing Aide: Spiritual Rez ‘Apocalypse Whenever’

    Spiritual Rez, the reggae party machine from Boston, has released their latest album Apocalypse Whenever and have been hitting cities with it all over the East Coast. The 14 track album is a broad, multi-genre mecca of music and is a great representation of today’s generation. The lyrics are powerful with their relatable, modern day messages of love, music, struggle and how everyday can feel like the end of the world but screw it, bring it on! Their shows are unforgettable because each one is a powerhouse of tropical reggae funk, a little bit of Bob Marley with Sublime and Streetlight Manifesto. Spiritual Rez will return to Upstate NY at the end of March to Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs.

    Spiritual Rez 'Apocalypse Whenever'
    The album starts with “Man’s Hands”, one of the best songs to sum up Spiritual Rez, in an explosively reggae groove of rebellion built on sharp horns. “Don’t Be Afraid” is an enduring love song that stands through the test of time with a mash up of all things jazz, rock and hope thanks to 80’s-ish guitar riffs. “Decisions” is a light summer breeze as smooth bass notes and hip hop vocals. “Let’s Go Out With a Bang” could possibly be the most romantic song on the album with an erotic surfer rock melody. You get half way through the album when suddenly there’s a stormy, all instrumental and dark “March of the Reptoids!” A New Orleans jazz emerges from “Agapoula Mou, Pt. 2” before heading into heavy metal haven. “Worker Bee” is the riot starter with intense repetitive, reckless guitar riffs and angry, spinning harmonies. The entire album showcases how Spiritual Rez is unique, with the each song being completely different from the other whether it’s a gentle sway or thrashing and kicking.

    Key Tracks: Bring It On, Don’t Be Afraid, Agapoula Mou Pt. 1

    Prepare yourself with the new album from Spiritual Rez, Apocalypse Whenever, by downloading it from Itunes or you can order a physical copy from CD Baby. 

  • Twiddle and Fikus Rock out The Hollow

    The Hollow in Albany was packed Thursday, February 20th when Fikus and Twiddle came to town. The crowd was full of dedicated fans and fresh faces eager to get their groove on. Fikus had a great loud start as they spiced up the bar with New Jersey funky flavor. Keyboardist Jon Schmarak was on the verge of breaking his right leg as he repetitively stomped and beat his keys with the heavy rhythm from drummer Kito Bovenschulte. Bongos were slapped by Pete Kozak adding a dirty rumba beat that they audience couldn’t get enough of as Fikus combined funk, electronic, soul and much more for an unforgettable set. For those that can’t wait for the next show, you can download their EP Plus + for free on their website.

    20140220 - Twiddle 2

    Twiddle, the quartet from Vermont, provided optimistic and groovy music that sent hearts soaring and feet dancing. Their energetic performance was light and upbeat, with hints of reggae and modern day funk. The band has great chemistry together as their music consistently build great waves for their music and fans to climb and dip upon. Mihali Savoulidis provided the heavy rock vibe with the wailing of his guitar and lead vocals that were quite catchy. Keyboardist Ryan Dempsey hit a wide range of keys as he showed contempt smacked the high notes before twisting nobs for a robotic melody with his synth. One of the highlights of the night was when the band made the insane transition into Phish’s “Divided Sky” catching the entire audience off guard and into heavy jam bliss. Be sure to catch Twiddle before they end out north to Smoke Signals in Lake Placid.