Pink Talking Fish, with the wonderful combination of musical influences from Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish, will once again make their way around New York and the rest of the Northeast this fall.
The band loves to weave in and out of all three bands’ repertoires without a pause, making this band one of the most interesting tribute acts out there today. It’s no secret how much New York loves all three of these bands, and the band is playing the most shows in that state to satisfy the crowds. The first New York date is on October 18 at New York City’s The Cutting Room. The following Thursday and Friday will see the band tackle The Wescott Theatre and Putnam Den respectively.
“There’s some serious energy when it comes to live music in Upstate New York,” said Eric Gould, the band’s bassist. “I went to college in Ithaca so, between attending shows all around the region during my time there and touring with Particle, I have a special place in my soul for this music scene. So psyched about late night Bella Terra and the 1-2 punch of Syracuse/Saratoga. We are going to have no repeats between those 2 shows so that people have an opportunity for a multiple show run PTF experience and catch a bit of the “tour fever”.”
The last time they were at Putnam Den was a great show and it sounds like this time will be more of the same. The full tour can be seen below.
Syracuse, are you ready for music that will intrigue your mind, soothe your soul and get you hyped and dancing? Music that stretches the globe in influence and is half-born of a Syracuse native? Music sparked from the collaboration of a local hero turned international performer, and an acclaimed master from a far off land? Then you are ready for Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate. Following an incendiary local performance at the Grassroots Festival in Ithaca, NY, Joe Dricoll and Sekou Kouyate are sure to bring a dedicated Syracuse fan base and many new followers to the Westcott Theater on Aug. 22.
Faya, Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate’s debut album and the impetus for the current international tour, is appropriately titled. Throughout most of the album, Joe lays down funky or reggae-based guitar chords while Sekou’s insanely beautiful and rapid kora riffs lick the rhythm like flames. For those of you who have never heard a kora, you are in for a treat. The kora is a West African instrument that plays like a super-fast yet elegant harp. Sekou, a native of the West African country of Guinea, is no average kora player either- he is a master in all senses of the word. He is recognized throughout African music circles as a phenomenon, and known in France as the “Jimi Hendrix of the kora,” for his intensity, flowing virtuosity and innovative use of effects. Joe’s recent years of successful recording and touring as a solo act throughout Europe and the U.S. have polished his skills as a musician and solidified his sound, thereby enabling synthesis of different languages and musical styles. Joe’s unique take on hip-hop, funk, and reggae ties seamlessly into his exploration of exotic Afrobeat and traditional West African grooves.
Joe and Sekou share vocals throughout the album, which is a testament to both musician’s adaptability. Joe’s characteristic and insightful (English) hip-hop lyrics are broken up by full verses (sung by both) in French. When Sekou met Joe at the Nuit Metis (Mixed Night) Festival in Marseille France, neither of them spoke much of each other’s language; and yet, they were able to construct (in one week) an innovative and highly entertaining musical project that is most definitely hot like Faya.
Come out to the Westcott Theater on August 26th at 9pm and experience a new take on an old favorite and a cultural coalition that is sure to burn down the house.
When I first met with Caustic Method in March to discuss their third album, The Virus, I was immediately inspired by their dedication. This album is the bands first with their latest lineup but the second take of the actual album. Concerned that the first take did not represent them, they started fresh. I have a feeling to really learn about the guys of Caustic Method one would only have to look as far as their copy of The Virus. You won’t be disappointed.
The album begins with their title track and first single; Caustic has made a smart choice making this the single to represent the album. Not only is “The Virus” an homage to Caustic fans, but the single itself showcases the complexity in their talent. The range in Matt Caustics voice is unlike what we are used to hearing in metal music. They have separated themselves from other metal bands immediately.
The third track, “Which Way the River Runs” stands out as it opens with Angel Rivera on the drums. In 30 seconds he has your heart racing with excitement. Eric Maliszewski and Darin Scott transform this song from good to great with their amazing talent. Instrumentals are the shining hero on this track.
My favorite track on the album is the final song, “Anti Hero”. If you thought you had heard all of Matt Caustic’s tricks, you were wrong. We are able to hear the softest side of his voice yet when he sings the bridge. It is eerie and chilling, but brilliant. There is nothing this man can not do. Being the most passionate song, it is the perfect end to the album.
The only complaint I have about this album is that it is only five tracks. I feel as if we have only chipped the surface of what these guys can do. However, that being said, this is a solid album. Each track represents Caustic and their incredible talent; there is no fluff to fill space. Every time I listened to this album I ended with a new favorite, each for a different reason. What did I love the most? Was it the quick change in Matt’s voice in “The Virus”, the beat of “Integrity Fails”, the drums on “Which Way the River Runs”, the bass and guitar in “Sex, Drugs, and Violence”, or the bridge in “Anti Hero”. That is the making of a great album. This is a perfect appetizer to what is next for these guys.
As one of the final stops on the All The Hits, All Night Long Tour, a tour that spanned the world from North America to Asia, India, and down under, it was certainly an extreme honor to be able to cover Lionel Richie for NYS Music at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 25.
Lionel Richie – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Lionel Richie truly needs no introduction, but humor me as his career deservedly should be applauded. Throughout his years as both a member of the Commodores and as a solo artist, Lionel Richie is and has achieved….
100 million albums sold worldwide
Oscar winner
5 time Grammy winner
16-time American Music Award winner
Golden Globe winner
5 time People’s Choice Award winner
A World Music Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
A Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame
An ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
A United Negro College Fund Achievement Award recipient
A Goldene Kamera Award winner. Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee
Tuskegee Institute Honorary Doctor of Music Degree
Germany’s ECHO Award for Lifetime Achievement
TV Land Icon Award recipient
Hong Kong’s Rojo Award winner
Alabama Music Hall of Fame Inductee
Italy’s San Remo Festival Lifetime Achievement Award winner
World Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Governors Award winner
One on only two songwriters to achieve #1 records for 9 straight years. The other accomplished songwriter? Irving Berlin
Opening the evening clad in red and hot, hot, hot was CeeLo Green and his amazing band. Belting out tunes, performing and dancing as hot as their costumes, this group of entertainers sure turned up the heat to prepare the audience for the main event on this summer evening. Not that Lionel needed any warm up, but just the same Ceelo definitely provided an audience geared up to go and ready to dance all night long.
This tour was named appropriately, All the Hits, All Night Long, as Lionel took the stage and commanded the love and admiration of fans that span generations belting out hit after hit and inciting the audience into dancing all night long. Just saying, ‘He was spectacular’ doesn’t begin to describe what I witnessed on July 25th at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. He took the stage and from the moment he began interacting with the audience I witnessed a tidal wave of sheer enjoyment from VIP fans in the front rows of the pit to the those seated in the balcony and out on the lawn. He forewarned the audience that as he performed throughout the evening, memories would flood back to a place you were when you first heard the song; a time you recalled that marked special meanings in your life, and perhaps install the courage of karaoke as each member in the audience became a singer, singing along with each and every song.
It was true. It happened. As he belted out his ballads, I was back in high school at the prom dancing to “There Times A Lady” and on the dance floor taking my first dance as a wife to “Truly” and back in my first car with the windows rolled down singing at the top of my lungs to “Brick House” – as I thought I was the best backup singer ever. He did transform me back to those moments, the audience did sing along with each and every song, and I must admit, I did too. What’s amazing is although I aged, he didn’t age a bit. His voice was pure, his performance agile and tireless, and his ability to connect with his audience spot on. Perhaps he drank some of that mineral water years ago from the springs in Saratoga, giving him the ability to share his music forever with his fans. His secret I wish to know, because Lionel is timeless, his music timeless, and his energy tireless.
Also requiring applause is Lionel’s band. Lionel is such an amazing performer, he could take a microphone out to the middle of a stage and just sing acoustically without any problems and rock the house. However, with Ben Mauro on lead guitar, Ethan Farmer on Bass, Dino Soldo on Saxophone and Harmonica, Oscar Seaton on Drums, and Chuckii Booker on Keyboards, these five powerhouses turn up the volume on this show and bring the party all night long with Lionel. Shredding alongside Lionel throughout the night, hanging upside down off the piano, and rocking all over the stage the band truly were the cherry on top of this amazing sundae performance – okay it was Friday, but you know what I mean.
With a few new dates being announced on Lionel’s website, please take a moment to see if and when you have the opportunity to see his next show, I give it an 11 on a scale of one to 10, and 6 out of 5 stars. That’s allowed, right? Nonetheless, I think you get my point, if the opportunity presents itself to take in one of his shows, I highly recommend it. Tell them NYS Music sent you.
Wednesday, August 13 marks the drop date for My Plastic Sun’s latest EP entitled All of This, another three song excursion into the dreamy, indie, power-pop, ambient world occupied by the likes of Coldplay, Radiohead and The Beatles.
The band remains hard to pin down as each track expresses a different part of their collective musical soul, echoing their influences while creating new horizons musically. Lyrically they’ll make you play each piece repeatedly, wanting to embrace the depth of the story while floating along with the swelling melodies. While My Plastic Sun continues their tradition of self-recording, they’ve enlisted the mixing magic of L.A. based, Grammy Award winner Greg Collins (U2, Gwen Stefani, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.) to take the helm. As you might expect, the results are remarkable.
The single “All of This” opens and immediately grabs your senses with a rich, layered, signature sound that will be familiar, yet fresh, to those who know the band and auditory bliss to new listeners. Roy’s experience in the studio gave Greg all he needed to mix a chart-topping single, all wrapped up for worldwide consumption. It tastes of Morrissey melancholy blended with OMD romanticism fronting The Church, only better. One moment it’s sparse and dark, the next swirling in textural waves. Johnny’s voice is so expressive and heartfelt, with a range and depth of character that is remarkable, yet somehow shows another level on this song. The band is so distinct, yet approachable, dynamic, but comfortable. The result jumps from the speakers in the shape of an instant earworm.
“We Are Free” is pure, lush, romanticism, a poetic love song highlighting Johnny’s vocal dexterity and the band’s uncanny way with a hook. Roy and Johnny keep setting the bar higher as a songwriting team; they know their strengths and magnify them through the individual talents at their demand. The soft, bright, soft, bright builds and the twist in the chorus makes you wonder if the protagonist is in love or broken-hearted, pretty much what all of the greatest pop songs do. There is an element that’s left to the listener to personalize, difficult for many, these guys make it seamless.
The ending piece, “Your Prayer” is especially poignant with the recent loss of Robin Williams at his own hand. You can feel the emotion drip from Johnny’s voice as he tells this tale of those who stand strong for another through the pain of depression and addiction. There’s an element of Thom Yorke channeling here, the soar to falsetto is emotive and realizing, the depth of topic, takes me right back to the first paragraph. Radiohead, The Beatles and splash in a little Butch Vig for color. Brilliant stuff.
From my first listen I’ve championed this band. The combination of talents and their range, mixed with the extraordinary songwriting provides the listener with a world-class product that rivals any being made today. My Plastic Sun has been opening some big doors this year receiving strong airplay on Sirius XM’s The Coffee House with “Couldn’t Love You More” being the top-played song for ten weeks running. This bringing the band the opportunity to record live in the SiriusXM studios and perform live on The Coffee House. Don’t let this band pass you by, they’re offering the new EP as a download for free on their SoundCloud page. Check them out online and spread the word, this band is on the rise!
My Plastic Sun is:
Johnny Cummings (pictured on the album cover): lead vocals, piano, synths, organ, mellotrons, lead electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, and banjo
Roy Stein: drums, percussion, sampling and programming, assorted keyboards and synths, electric and acoustic guitars, and background vocals
Sam (Overhand Sam) Snyder: electric and acoustic guitars
At the age of 30, the young yet incredibly talented blues rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. has captured audiences by storm both at small live shows and major festivals worldwide. With three studio albums and five EPs under his belt in the last 10 years, the time is only right for Clark to share a few blistering tracks from his live performances.
Set for release on September 23, Gary Clark Jr. – LIVE will feature a two-disc set including original work and Clark’s take on some blues classics.
His triumphant 2012 release, Blak and Blu, brought a full-bodied collection of influences – rock, soul, blues, and hip-hop. Gary Clark Jr. – LIVE will feature 10 of the 13 tracks off that studio album, capturing the live experience for most of that album.
Both the physical vinyl and CD are available on Amazon, GaryClarkJr.com or digitally on iTunes. Pre-orders (available now) will have access to an instant download of “When My Train Pulls In.”
Track listing:
Gary Clark Jr. Live (disc 1)
Catfish Blues (Robert Petway)
Next Door Neighbor Blues
Travis Country
When My Train Pulls In
Don’t Owe You A Thing
Three O’ Clock Blues (Lowell Fulson)
Things Are Changin’
Numb
Gary Clark Jr. Live (disc 2)
Ain’t Messin’ ‘Round
If Trouble Was Money (Albert Collins)
Third Stone From The Sun / If You Love me Like You Say (Jimi Hendrix / Albert Collins)
Please Come Home
Black and Blu
Bright Lights
When The Sun Goes Down
Check out Clark’s spectacular performance of “When My Train Pulls In” live from the 2013 Crossroads Festival:
This past weekend, my friend Chris and I jumped in the car to join our favorite band, Umphrey’s McGee, for an extra long weekend of rocking. For four straight nights in four different cities, our faces were melted with new and old friends alike. From the Adirondacks to the Atlantic, the Chi-town sextet kept the improg party raging all weekend. Thursday night, lighting guru Jefferson Waful duked it out with the sun setting in the Adirondacks behind Lake Champlain, and UM rocked Burlington’s Maritime Festival
There was no gurgling to open the string of shows—Umphrey’s started the set with a tight version of “Conduit” at 6:32 p.m. sharp. Having shown up a minute late, we joined the mass of fans rushing to the outdoor waterfront concert grounds. Before fully settling in, UM wrapped up “Conduit” and the deliberate and unmistakable opening notes to “Ocean Billy” rang out across the lake. Guitarist Jake Cinninger bared his mean face and started warming up. “Ocean Billy” transformed into a “Day Nurse” sandwich. The dirty “Nurse” in the middle inspired the first big dance party of the night. With plenty of open space in the park, friends shimmied all over the concert field, driven by thudding percussion and whaling guitars.
Between the epic vocal conclusion to “Ocean Billy,” and the sharp live debut of “No Diablo’s” album choruses, keyboardist Joel Cummins joked “for once, we get the beautiful view.” The sun rippled off the lake, sinking toward the distant Adironacks for the night. Cummins—known for his unsuccessful “Goldside” presidential run in 2012—was full of jokes in Burlington. Later in the show, he had to remind one eager fan curled in a tent, “This isn’t that type of festival, man, we can only play til 9:45!”
Jokin’ Joel Cummins.
The first mega-UMPHlosion of the weekend occurred during “Hurt Bird Bath”. A few minutes into the jam, Bayliss started shredding hard and Cinninger took up the challenge; the two guitarists stood stage-left, dueling it out with their axes. Kris Myers kicked the double bass into gear and Ryan Stasik set up front and center, foot perched on amp, sending out reverberating bass waves. Cummins and Andy Farag still rocked their dark black shades, looking and sounding as cool as ever through the heavy jam.
After a twangy “Mail Package,” Umphrey’s transitioned from face-melting to heart-melting mode during a beautiful rendition of “August”. The euphoric jam induced contagious smiles and had many shaking their heads and looking to the colorful summer skies in awe. The set wrapped up with a sing along of The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” which left myself and plenty of other concert-goers with pleasantly wowed, deer-in-the-headlights looks. We staggered to the lakefront to reciprocate joy, recuperate from melting, and skip rocks towards the waning sun.
The second set started with the title track from Umphrey’s recently released eighth studio album, Similar Skin. Knowing looks shot through the crowd as the opening drum solo revealed the new hit. Like “No Diablo” earlier, “Similar Skin” stayed pretty true to the album version. Being the expert crowd-readers that they are, Umphrey’s transitioned into a heavily metallic “Go To Hell” as children laughed and kicked soccer balls, and retired couples nodded along from their lawn chairs.
Cinninger and Stasik jam in foreground with Myers on drums.
The sun had finally tucked behind the mountains during the set break, and, with the twilight hour at hand, the seventh member of the band could finally play too. As the sky darkened and Waful’s rig lightened, “The Bottom Half” provided the funk. Stasik peered out into the magnificent atmosphere, singing into an invisible mic. Conical yellows and prism blue lights spun and twisted around him and the rest of the band. Pinks and greens and oranges melded together, transitioning and moving with the flow of the music.
“Resolution” was another sing along (when terrifying monstrous noises weren’t wafting from Cinninger’s area supplemented by quickly flashing red lights) and Bayliss reminded “it’s 11:42 all day” as the crowd swayed to “No Comment”. The second sandwich of the night was “Plunger > Drums > Great American > Plunger”. Farag sparked the killer drum solo and Myers escalated it to a slamming duet. Someone must have let Stasik into the maple syrup, however, as he got a little antsy in his pantsy; he snuck back to Farag’s chimes and his overzealousness reminded us why Andy should be the only one allowed to chime in. They managed to pull it back together, playing the Elizabeth Reed’esque “Great American” during which the light show turned into a spinning snowstorm of whitish lights. The long jam came full circle, closing with “Plunger’s” vocals.
Farag ignites drum solo as Bayliss plays guitar.
A creepy, crawly, spacy version of “Dump City” closed out the second set and ignited a brief “We Want the Umph!” chant. It didn’t take long for the band to re-emerge for a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”. Everyone was elated to hear the familiar jam. What many may not have noticed, however, is that the concluding vocals to the evening came from Kris Myers perched back behind his drum kit. The raw emotion and power in his voice left me shaking my head in wonderment as the set concluded.
With that, the first leg of the run was complete. We had raged, and it was time to rest and then repeat.
In the end, Waful crushed the sun.
Set 1: Conduit, Ocean Billy > Day Nurse > Ocean Billy, No Diablo, Hurt Bird Bath, Mail Package, August, I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
Set 2: Similar Skin, Go To Hell, The Bottom Half, Resolution > No Comment > Plunger > Drums > Great American > Plunger, Dump City
On a global scale, few mere mortals will ever know the exquisite blissful nature inherent in a music festival. Those mortals include friends you encouraged to come – they show feigned interest but never show up. Grumpy old men ranting about “those hippies need to get a job”. Business people who can’t possibly leave their desk for three days. Those people have missed the boat – no weekend ritual truly embodies and personifies the definition of vacation better. True freedom exists there: freedom from ringing cells, fashion faux pas, nagging bosses, judgement, and often shoes. To truly live off the earth and feed our natural senses – the sights – the smells – and of course, the sounds. The 34th annual Gathering at Chaffee’s epitomized this hedonistic alternate reality perfectly.
This year would provide some upgrades to the Chaffee experience. For longer than some of the attendees lives, there has been a popular saying here – “It ain’t Chaffee’s if it doesn’t rain”. To answer the weather critics, the festival added a giant circus-esque tent to the front of the stage allowing for not only plenty of dry space to dance, but also quite possibly one of the best light shows a medium-sized festival has ever seen. Images and lights danced over the white tents interior all weekend while smoke effects added another layer of visuals. Morning yoga was added – for those who got up early, or had not yet slept. The yearly beer tasting expanded with the delicious concoctions of Erie’s Lavery Brewing Company. Oh, and the rain? Well, I guess all they needed was a tent because outside of a couple ten-minute sprinkles, the weather was close to perfection from start to finish.
34 years is a hell of a long time for any festival to exist nowadays. When such longevity is achieved, it’s rarely a fluke. Rather, everything has to be just right. The right amount of security to be safe without feeling under surveillance. The right amount of amenities to stay comfortable without abridging the “back to nature” aspect. Enough port-a-potties to insure no long lines engaged in the “pee-pee” dance (Also worth noting – some of the cleanest port-a-potties EVER). And of course, music. Lots of it.
Musical highlights over the weekend were aplenty. Eric Brewer & Phriends performed a near flawless set of Phish covers. Groove rock juggernaut Aqueous busted out some old tunes, some extra long jam sessions and a set with multiple guest appearances – Funktapuss‘s Latez Antonio singing vocals on TLC’s Waterfalls and a full band switch over with Ohio’s Broccoli Samurai (and Eric Brewer to boot) during original tune “The Median”. A crew of uber talented Erie bands performed including a side stage rager by Potwhole and a blistering set by the soon-to-be-big Falling Hollywood. Jimkata’s soaring peaks that lead the way for festival closer Spiritual Rez – a set that can only be described as an unstoppable party. All bands brought their A game, no filler acts to be found here.
Of course, like any weekend of fun, eventually its time to go home. As people packed up, the overwhelming sentiment was that: “This was the best Chaffee’s yet”. This rang a bell for me, I had heard this before – last year at Chaffee’s 33. And have no doubts, Chaffee’s 35 will be even better. It’s already on my calendar, do yourself a favor and put it on yours.
Falling Up, the alternative/experimental rock band from Oregon, announced it is working on a follow-up to the 2013 concept album, Hours.
The band received funding from Kickstarter supporters to record, market, and produce the album. While details about the album’s themes are under wraps, the band has made other matters public.
The band is continuing to stay independent from a record company. Falling Up severed ties with Tooth & Nail in 2009 after a six-year partnership with the record label. Jessy Ribordy, lead singer and keys player, said that the cause of that split was due to the company’s pressure on the band to tour without spending an adequate amount of time writing music or recording.
Ribordy and Co. – guitarists Nick Lambert and Daniel Elder, bassist Jeremy Miller, and drummer Josh Shroy – have posted a Kickstarter page, asking for contributions in the sum of $40,000 which to cover costs for recording, marketing, production, and distribution. Since there is no record company present, the band is taking a DIY approach. They are offering tiered rewards for contributions, ranging from an early download of the album to dinner with the band to an executive producer credit.
The album is set to launch in 2015. For more details please visit the band’s Kickstarter page.
Country newcomer, Cassadee Pope, will make two stops in New York state at the end of the summer.
The 24-year-old singer and songwriter was in the area earlier this spring as part of WGNA’s Secret Star Acoustic Jam at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady.
Pope’s biggest claim to fame so far in her young career is that she won the third season of the singing competition show “The Voice,” as part of Blake Shelton’s team. She became the first woman to win the competition.
As part of last year’s Live and Loud tour with Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry, Cassadee’s fame started to really stand out while she opened for the tour with some amazing performances last summer.
Her debut solo album Frame By Frame, was released in the fall of 2013. Pope is also the vocalist for the pop punk band, Hey Monday, who are currently on hiatus.
Cassadee’s single “Wasting All These Tears,” is certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Pope has also won a CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Wasting All These Tears.”
First stop in New York will be Thursday September 11 at the Irving Plaza in New York City. Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $25. More information can be found online through Live Nation. Opening the show will be Joel Crouse.
WGNA will sponsor the show on Sunday September 14 at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. Advanced tickets are $17.50 and $20 day of show. You can purchase tickets at all Ticketmaster locations, the club box office 371-0012 and Northern Lights Smoke Shop. Special Guest still TBA.
The third track, “Which Way the River Runs” stands out as it opens with Angel Rivera on the drums. In 30 seconds he has your heart racing with excitement. Eric Maliszewski and Darin Scott transform this song from good to great with their amazing talent. Instrumentals are the shining hero on this track.
