NYS Music 20​14

Category: Features

  • Primus Slaps Some Serious Funk on Gratwick Park

    There is just something really interesting about Primus and their unique style of music. It might be because of their frontman Les Claypool who isn’t exactly your normal guy. The way he slaps his bass, stomps his foot, or dances in a circle is only half of it. Whether donning his pig mask or telling his quirky stories, there is something that just grabs your attention and takes you on a strange trip with Claypool and his band. Primus packed the waterfront area of North Tonawanda’s Gratwick Park for the Niagara River Rocks concert series on Sunday, June 22.

    The band played through a number of songs which included favorites, “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver”, “My Name Is Mud”, and “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver”.  Claypool, who always likes to narrate during shows, went on to tell a story about how he had thought about throwing himself over Niagara Falls that afternoon, but eventually decided that would probably be a bad idea. It’s a good thing, too, because if Sunday was any indicator, there is still plenty of fans eager to see what Claypool does next.

    Setlist: Here Comes The Bastards, Moron TV, Fisticuffs, Groundhog’s Day, Over The Falls, South Park Theme, Lee Van Cleef , Jilly’s On Smack, Mr. Krinkle, Eleven, The Heckler, American Life, Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver, My Name is Mud, Over the Electric Grapevine, Jerry Was a Race Car Driver, Harold of the Rocks, Too Many Puppies

  • Gypsy punk With Gogol Bordello Coming to Burlington, VT

    Gogol Bordello 2013 Press Photo

    Gogol Bordello is bringing its Gypsy punk craziness to the Higher Ground Ballroom in Burlington, Vermont on July 11 and 12.

    The band plays a rousing form of punk rock heavily influenced by gypsy music and punctuated by lead singer Eugene Hutz’s thick Ukrainian accent. Hutz’s first American home was Vermont, after his Ukrainian family left their home following the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown and shifted through a string of Eastern European refugee camps.

    Their website includes an interesting artist’s statement that describes their mission:

    “Gogol Bordello’s task is to provoke audience out of post-modern aesthetic swamp onto a neo-optimistic communal movement towards new sources of authentic energy. With acts of music, theatre, chaos and sorcery Gogol Bordello confronts the jaded and irony-deseased.

    We chose to work with gypsy, cabaret and punk traditions. It’s what we know and feel.”

    The band released its sixth studio album in 2013, Pura Vida Conspiracy, and they have been touring around the world since then to promote it. They are just getting off a two-month-long jaunt through Europe, and they’ll be in Burlington after a few gigs in Canada.

    Higher Ground is located at 1214 Williston Road in South Burlington. For tickets or more information, go to www.highergroundmusic.com.

  • Albany County DA Serves Pete Nice The ‘Gas Face’ Over Taxes

    Apparently Peter Nash’s status as rap’s “Prime Minister Pete Nice” does not exempt him from paying New York state taxes.

    The Albany Times Union reported that the Clifton Park resident and retired rapper pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal tax fraud in Albany County Court Tuesday, July 1.

    Nash did not attempt to use his rap moniker to avoid taxes, but the Albany Count District Attorney’s Office said he must pay the Empire State $13,101 in back taxes, penalties and interest. He will also be on probation for three years, the district attorney’s office said. He will be sentenced on Aug. 26.

    As Master of Ceremonies for the group 3rd Bass, Nash released three albums between 1989 and 1991, two of which went gold. “Pop Goes the Weasel!” a track directed towards Vanilla Ice’s unwelcome a popularity in rap circles, reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard rap charts. 20140702-065339-24819854.jpg

    Nash subsequently quit the music business and devoted his time to baseball history and memorabilia.

    According to several published sources, Nash owned a memorabilia shop in Cooperstown, and authored a book titled Legends of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery.

    His baseball endeavors also include attempts to secure property for an official grave site of Negro League players.

    Nash was involved in litigation in 2009 with an auction house relating to the authenticity of baseball memorabilia he consigned for sale which resulted in him signing a court order admitting to having committed fraud.

    Robert Van Winkle was not approached for comment.

  • The Best of Phish at SPAC Top 10 Moments

    After 14 amazing shows since 1992, Phish is returning to SPAC on July 3rd, 4th and 5th to celebrate the start of their summer tour and America’s birthday in the process. We asked fans what some of the top moments of Phish at SPAC over the past 20 years were, and here are what they came up with.

    Phish SPAC 10) La Grange bustout 7/8/12

    After 13 years without the ZZ Top classic, SPAC was blessed with a set closing “La Grange” in a summer of bustouts.

    9) Massive storm just before the 8/16/09 show & Llama>Moma opener

    Maybe you got stuck in the downpour outside the gates, maybe you were lucky to be in the pavilion or under cover already when it hit. The rain was torrential and the Llama>Moma made up for it immediately.

    8) Tweezer Reprise opener/encore 6/19/10 

    Phish can be funny sometimes. Having not ended with Tweezer Reprise the night before, they opened with it at SPAC, and for some reason, closed with it too. Because why not?

    7) Harpua with ‘I Kissed a Girl’ 8/16/09

    This was a fun moment – getting a tour-ending ‘Harpua’ and Fishman singing a Katy Perry song. Only Phish.

    6) Sabotage  in honor of MCA 7/7/12

    RIP MCA

    5) Psycho Killer 7/6/12

    Amid all those bustouts in the summer of 2012 came one of the most sought after Phish covers, nestled comfortable inside a “Tube”

    4) Mike’s Groove 7/10/94

    Mid-second set went a little something like this: Mike’s Song -> Low Rider -> Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove. That monster Stash in the first set bumps this show up a few notches on principle alone.

    No video exists of this show, so enjoy some audio from Phishtracks.com

    3) DWD -> Free > Poor Heart > You Enjoy Myself 6/26/95

    Three ‘highly recommended’ jams, according to Phish.net, plus a little bluegrass mixed into the start of a monster second set, just as Phish was expanding into amphitheaters.

    2) ASITHOS > Piper -> Jibboo 6/19/04

    This show’s second set gives 7/8/12 a run for its money, and rightly so. Some of the finest jamming to come out of the 2004 tour, although that isn’t saying a lot. Still, this was a gem if you were there.

    1) The Entire Second Set 7/8/12

    This setlist pretty much says it all – nonstop playing for more than an hour. Oh and they encored with YEM. Easily one of the best if not the best Phish show at SPAC.

    Set 2: Axilla > Light > Twist > Kill Devil Falls -> My Friend, My Friend > Swept Away > Steep > Piper > Free > Kung > Harry Hood > Cavern > David Bowie

  • Fox Fest Blows Up CNY Festival Scene In Year 5

    As Fox Fest approaches year five of its festival run, the growth of the event in its own right is noteworthy.  What began as a blending of three friends’ annual parties, has now taken on a scale enviable by many regional festivals. Located in the pastoral hills south of Syracuse, Fox Fest is a non-profit event that annually donates its proceeds to honorable charities; this year’s proceeds will go to the Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation, a local Marine who lost his life serving our country in 2011 while in Afghanistan.

    The festival is organized by George Ryan and Kelly Nichols, held on their property in Navarino, and sponsored by a large group of local businesses, residents and attendees. There’s a full professional production provided by Wizzard Sound Corporation including staging, PA system, and lighting, while local food vendors like Limp Lizard BBQ provide food and refreshments at reasonable rates. It’s a family-friendly event that allows camping, coolers full of whatever you choose, and the open space to enjoy yourselves while security by Onondaga County Sheriffs keeps things safe, but not restrictive.

    Each year, Fox Fest tries to bridge musical genres, bringing a little bit of a taste for everyone while keeping to a high standard of performance that matches their event. Previous headliners have included Childhood’s End – A Tribute To Pink Floyd, Vinyl Albums – LIVE, Frostbit Blue and local favorites Emerald City. This year’s roster features the return of TJ Sacco and The Urban Cowboys, Dave Porter (the former front man of regional legend and national recording artists 805) with his bass and drum robot, Bob, ‘80s metal monsters Three Inch Fury, and the remarkable Tiger and Off The Reservation as headliners. With twelve solid hours of music, including eight bands and three acoustic acts to play during change-overs, Fox Fest is easily one of the most musically diverse events of the year.

    The event will be held on Saturday, August 2 at 3242 Fox Road in Syracuse, from 12:00 pm until 12:00 am. Admission is gained through a donation to the event which gets you entrance and an event t-shirt that functions as your ticket. $24.00 pre-pay includes the t-shirt or $25.00 at the gate with no t-shirt. Call or text 315-382-5896 OR e-mail bruddyryan (at) hotmail.com or gryan (at) billrapp.com and they’ll send you a form or even fill it out for you! The donation deadline is coming up fast (July 11), and you don’t want to miss out on “the biggest backyard party of the summer”, so get your donation in soon to join a couple thousand of your closest friends!

  • Hearing Aide: Analog Son’s Self-titled Debut Album

    One of the newest bands to the funk scene, Analog Son has released their self-titled album just in time for the start of the summer. Jordan Linit and Josh Fairman have created Analog Son after years of friendship together and with the help of some talented funky friends.

    The duo took months recording the album at Scanhope Sound in Morrison, Colorado using vintage equipment with modern technology to create a sound that is funky fresh. The album features members from The Motet, Dumpstaphunk, The Shady Horns, Lettuce as well as Colorado’s local talent with members of The Congress, Fox Street All Stars, Devon Parker and Convergence. The 10 track album is ideal for getting the party started on lot, at a BBQ or grooving by a pool. The album is available as a free stream via bandcamp or as a $10 digital download.

    analogsonalbumart

    The album starts off with “The Proffesor” with immediate attention to the funky guitar riffs and bass notes with a splash of brass that gives the listener a quick lesson in instrumental jazzy boogie fever. Devon Parker of SuperCollider provides some sensual vocals on “She’s Somethin” with a hip shaking cymbal crashing. The light and loose keys give great meaning to the song title “Not A Care In The World” whereas “The Game” is a no mess around, tough and spunky melody. “Analog Island” was their first released single and sums up everything you want to know about Analog Son in one genre fusing madness tune. Channeling the disco era, “Struttin” uses harmonies and a contagious rhythm that makes you groove. “Cadillac Sundays” is a lazy afternoon day vibe with full blast guitar strumming while “Swervantes” helps you get thru the week with long stretches of climactic peaks.

    Analog Son is a great addition to the growing funk music community of Colorado with unlimited possibilities of artist collaborations and their serious devotion to a dream.

    Key Tracks: Analog Island, The Proffesor, Swervantes

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQYf710QJ6o]

  • Hearing Aide: Fikus ‘Living Life Through Multicolored Scenery’

    fikus albumFikus, the five piece electro-funk band from New Jersey, is set to release their first full length album Living Life Through Multicolored Scenery on July 1st. The band consists of guitarist Steve Malone, Travis Paparoski on bass, Jon Schumarak on keyboards, Pete Kozak on percussion and Kito Bovenschulte on drums with all of them contributing to youthful and harmonious vocals. Fikus is no stranger to Upstate Festivals such as The Catskill Chill, and The Big Up, gathering fans all over the East Coast with their genre fusing, energetic live performances.

    The album title is on point, given that each song takes you through diverse musical landscapes with such mixed emotions; it is a 13 track surprisingly mature psychedelic trip. The album will be available as a digital download, physical CD for $10, vinyl for $25 plus shirts, pins and even a teapot. Living Life Through Multicolored Scenery is a great listen for unwinding after a long day of work, road trips or studying with your headphones on. Click here to purchase your Fikus package today.

    The first two songs, “Living Life Through Multicolored Scenery Part 1 &2” are eerie with wailing echoes and dark lyrics. Part 2 turns into a haunted amusement park with a familiar friendly tone before the creepy whispers, laughs and climbing guitar riffs take over. “Something Stanky” is where the mood shifts for a more recognizable and welcoming tone. A structured song of steady rhythm with jazzy keys sets an easy groove. “Tempest In A Teapot” has a vintage piano sound with that old rag time tempo with punk rock attitude. The all instrumental “Dingo” and “Nightwalker” both have fast paced electronic melody with powerful guitar riffs and climbing peaks that sends the body in motion. “Cloudburst (From Jim)” is just that with bursts of crashing cymbals and airy, graceful piano notes. “Space Cowboy Part 1” resembles a softer side of Pink Floyd, with ambient compositions that soar through light and dark space out of the speakers whereas “Part Two” has more edge. The funky bass line on “Wafflestomp” is solid for the overlapping chaos. The album ends with a speedy “Big Booty Bounce” and a bitter “DayCrawler” with spiteful lyrics and mocking melody.

    Don’t miss Fikus this year as they will be supporting their new album at major festivals such as Hudson Music Project, Luna Light Music Fest, Farm Fest and once again, to the Catskill Chill.

    Key Tracks: Something Stanky, Dingo, Space Cowboy Part 2

    Watch the official music video for “DayCrawler” off of Living Life Through Multicolored Scenery
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-lM1A-E4H8]

  • Review: Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band at Artpark

    Thousands of people with umbrellas and ponchos crowded the fields of Lewiston’s Artpark for Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band. The sky was filled with heavy overcast with a few rays of sun but that did not stop the generation of The British Invasion and a few younger generations from waiting on the famous drummer.

    Ringo Starr Artpark

    The opening band for Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band was New York City’s very own, Andy Suzuki & The Method. The band filled their set with alternative songs with a mixture of blues and folk. Suzuki’s voice won the audience over with the loud applause and whistles after each song. Suzuki dedicated the song “Born Out of Mischief” to his mom and to all the other moms and dads in the crowd. The band kept the crowd entertained by making them a part of the show – clapping along to the chorus of “Lucy (The Devil)”. Suzuki even took a moment to point out his mom in the crowd while she waved back. The band ended with a bang, getting the crowd excited for Ringo Starr.

    The stage immediately started to prepare for the one-time Beatle to make his appearance. The crowd cheered as the crew revealed the famous drummer’s drum kit with a huge red star on the bass drum. As the stage changed, so did the weather. The clouds came in thick and dark and in just a few minutes it started down pouring and rolls of thunder echoed throughout the hills. Fans continued to stand in the rain and chanted “Ringo! Ringo! Ringo!” until lightning was seen. The venue announced moments later that the show was postponed until the storm passed. People took cover in their cars, under the merchandise and beer tents or stood in the rain. Fans waited with crossed fingers for the rain to stop. In less than half-hour, the rain stopped and the sky cleared up. People were instructed to go back to the venue as the stage was swept dry for Ringo.

    Ringo Starr ArtparkThe All Starr Band made their first appearance on stage shortly after the stage was cleared of water. The crowd grew louder before everyone got the first look at Ringo Starr, who came out on stage, raising his hands with peace signs and thanked the crowd for holding up in the rain and said – “We would have played in the rain but they would not let us.”

    Ringo’s All Starr Band consisted of many well-known names in the music industry, Todd Rundgren (guitarist), Greg Rolie (keyboardist), Steve Lukather (guitarist), Richard Page (bassist), Gregg Bisonette (drummer) and Warren Ham (saxophonist/ percussionist). The whole band had the amazing ability of singing and performing with each talented artist, it was as thought the audience witnessed five different bands performing on one stage.

    The band opened up with Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox”. Throughout the night the setlist was a mixture of early Beatles songs, “Don’t Pass Me By” and “I Wanna Be Your Man”. Ringo had a sing along with the crowd for “Yellow Submarine”. He joked with the crowd saying if they did not know the song, they were at the wrong show. But also a mixture of 80’s songs were lead by the All Starr Band and some of the favorites of the night were, “Africa” was sung by Steve Lukather (Toto), “Black Magic Woman” sung by Gregg Rolie (Santana) and “Broken Wings” which was sung by Richard Page (Mr. Mister). Page’s incredible voice took the crowd by awe and a few lighters were seen swaying in the air during the song.

    Towards the end of the night, Ringo performed the international single “Photograph” also co-written by George Harrrison. But the crowd sang loudly to “With A Little Help From My Friends”, Ringo could barely be heard while the crowd sang  and fans wrapped their arms around one another’s shoulders. After the song was finished, Ringo thanked the crowd and said that was it and briefly left the stage. But the All Starrs quickly started getting the crowd to clap their hands up high and the band started singing “Give Peace a Chance”. Ringo came back to join in with the last song and performed the song in remembrance of John Lennon.

    Tears could be seen on some of the faces in the crowd as the band bowed together on stage. Wishlists and bucketlists were crossed off for most people there as they witnessed the most famous drummer of all time. Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band made an impact of every rock n roll fan in that crowd. It was not just a rock concert, to some; it was a memory that will last them a lifetime.

  • Hearing Aide: Bryan Howell and the Standalones ‘Welcome To The World’

    a4173681299_10Even though Central New York’s own Bryan Howell and The Standalones are an unsigned group, they have already accomplished being on Little Steven’s Underground Garage Sirius/XM radio for their single “Why Oh Why” from the EP Lightning Through My Soul. The band has already released two EPs and their second one was released in May of this year, Welcome To The World.

    Welcome To The World is one of those very unusual albums that can create a sound that combines an older and newer beat. The band’s sound is like a collaboration between The Rolling Stones and Weezer. The opening song off the album is “(Don’t You) Blindside Me”. Howell’s vocals and lyrics gives the song a rock edge while the guitar and drums bring almost a ‘60s vibe to it.

    “Nothing To Give You (But Everything)” is a slower track on the album and the beginning focuses more on Brandon Brault: on drums. The drums come in steady as the guitar and bass slowly bring it to a surprisingly faster chorus. Howell passionately sings about how he is not the richest man in the world but he will give all his love to whom his heart is set on.

    The last track off the album, “Baby, Don’t Look Back”, brings more of a faster swing than the other songs off the EP. The song also has one of the more longer guitar solos towards the end which shows the bands definite influence of The Clash.

    The album is a great combination of garage, rock and even a hint of indie. Welcome To The World brings out the diversity of artists that Bryan Howell and The Standalones are influenced by (Bruce Springsteen, The Knack, Elvis Presley and The Strokes). Any fan of ‘60s to late ‘90s music will love the fine balance that Howell and his band bring to this EP.

    Key Tacks: Baby, Don’t Look Back, Oh Please, Valerie, (Don’t You) Blindside Me

    Welcome To The World can be purchased HERE. Visit Bryan Howell’s Facebook and Website.

  • Black Veil Brides Will Kickoff 2014 Fall Tour in Niagara Falls

    Hollywood, California glam-metal rockers, the Black Veil Brides, will bring their 2014 U.S fall tour to New York State with support for the tour still needing to be determined. Black Veil Brides will be releasing their follow-up album to Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones in late October, so look for some new tunes from the boys on this tour.

    Niagara Falls is the first date on the upcoming fall tour at the Rapids Theatre on Tuesday, October 21. The doors open at 6PM and this is an all ages show. Pick up your tickets in advance online for $25 through Ticket Fly.

    The band then continues on to Best Buy Theater in New York City, November 23. The doors will open at 6PM, this show is ages 16+, ticket prices range $27-$30 and can be purchased online in advance or at the venue box office.

    The band’s last stop in New York will be, Friday November 28 at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, N.Y. Ticket information and show time can be found on the venue website.

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