NYS Music 20​14

Category: Reviews

  • All Roads Lead Home to Syracuse for Ben Mauro

    On May 7th the road leads full circle for Ben Mauro, Syracuse native and world-class musician, as he takes the stage at Shifty’s Bar & Grill on 1401 Burnett Avenue to launch his new EP, Take Your Time.  The year was 19-something when those at Shifty’s Bar & Grill first saw Ben take the stage for open mic night.

    Since that time, he’s gone full steam ahead to have one of the most successful careers a musician could hope for, traveling the world, meeting and playing alongside the most amazing musicians, mentors, and fans along the way.  However, after only two seconds I knew he was something special as we chatted about his upcoming event.  The success that Ben has achieved has not changed his priorities, and this is apparent as he comes home to share this special release.  Giving back to the community that embraced him originally was Ben’s goal, and for this we embrace our home town star and say thank you.

    Ben Mauro - Take Your Time EP Release PartyAs I reviewed the new EP Take Your Time, I came away with a sense of who Ben is and what he wanted to achieve in his new release.  His versatility is amazing to me and after speaking with him, I can see how all of the influences over the years lend to what we hear on Take Your Time.  A positive vibe comes across in his sound as the lyrics tell a story of love, happiness, and living life uncomplicated as it should be.  With a mix of pop, country, southern rock, jazz, and Latin flavor the audience is treated to many genres, sounds, and instruments along the way.  In “She’s Beautiful”, the jazzy tune is upbeat and happy with an interjection of a sax solo that is reminiscent of songs during the Motown era.  In “Complicated” Ben’s songwriting skills inherently shine through.  While on the track “Down By The River” you have this urge to grab a cooler, bathing suit, and fishing pole to play hooky all day like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. On the title track “Take Your Time” Ben’s guitar solo rocks this number to the point where that’s the one thing that stands out..WOW…this man can play a guitar.  Here’s a small taste of “Take Your Time.”

    Lately I’ve been on a kick for ethnic sounds and find myself drawn to songs of this nature so on the final track “Burn It To the Ground” I was immediately drawn in to the sultry song with the Latin flair to it.  Not only does it showcase the songwriting talents of Ben, it also showcases the amazing talent of Ben’s backup musicians with the percussion and keyboards,  while his guitar solo evoked a feeling of being in a small cantina listening to the mariachi band serenade me.  Only thing missing was my cerveza.  Over all, once I listened to the Take Your Time EP, I couldn’t help feeling happy, upbeat, with an admiration for Ben.  I was curious to see who and what had influenced him over time to bring us to the point where this mix of music originated from within.  So as Ben toured the world with Lionel Richie through Australia, Asia, and many countries, he so graciously took the time to answer a few questions for me and the audience to get to know him better.

    Ben Mauro

    Kathy Stockbridge:  So let’s begin this journey and share with me some insight to how it all began. When did you know that music was your destiny? You share how you began as a young adult jamming in the basement to Led Zeppelin tunes, but did you also participate in music through grade/high school also? Garage bands?  Marching Bands?  Was a formal education in music helpful to your understanding of the craft?

    Ben Mauro: I played French Horn in middle school, and was All-County Band and Orchestra. Then I took a break from music for a while, until my dad brought home an electric guitar he had trash-picked while out running one day. That’s where it started, and I’ve been playing since I was 16. I had a garage band in high school ,and we played in the school talent show and at a couple of parties. That was really it.

    My formal education was mostly with Rick Balestra, a private jazz instructor, that still teaches and performs around Syracuse.  I studied with Rick for two or three years –  he really opened my eyes to a lot of different types of music and it made a huge difference.  I was mostly playing Southern Rock up until that point. Plus going to OCC for classical guitar really helped a lot – learning technique and how to read music.  My instructor there was Joe Jewel.  He left Syracuse to go to Los Angeles and now plays on “Dancing With The Stars.”

    KS:  As a parent I support my children in anything they wish to do, no matter how risky it may be as I feel when you love what you do, it’s not even a job, it’s a lifestyle.  Did your family support you like this as well?  Do you come from a musical family?

    BM:  The short answer is no, I don’t come from a musical family.  A couple of my cousins were kind of musical – one played guitar and one had long hair.  But the rest of my family are all teachers. My dad started the rugby team in Syracuse, so I was surrounded by rugby players growing up. I was always hanging around athletes, not musicians. They still know how to party, though! Really, I’m very lucky because nobody in the family knew much about music.  My dad said if I could make it my job and make a living doing it, we support you. And they did – still do.

    KS:  You share how you took off for NYC to for a “street musical education”.  As a starving artist, do share some experiences that defined in which direction you ventured.  We know you gravitated towards the music scene in Greenwich Village at Café Wha? Were there other venues you played that held special meaning?  Types of music that helped you learn the business more so than had you just hit the tour scene?

    BM:  What I tell up and coming artists all the time is that they have to work – hard.  Before I got the Lionel Richie gig, I was a freelance musician playing around the circuit in NYC for years.  I paid my dues and at the time that I got the Lionel audition I was playing in ten different bands.  I used to say “Yes” to every call I got.  It was a badge of honor in our circle of friends to see who could play the most nights in a row without taking a night off.  It would usually be about 35-40 nights straight of playing before I would take one night off and then go back at it.  Sometimes that was two gigs a night –three sets in two different bars!  We would play one gig then drive into NYC to start our second gig at 1am and then play sometimes until 4am.  But that is really what helped me keep my name out there – just keep going and going. And playing in all different kinds of bands.  I got the experience in Jazz, Funk, Rock, Latin.  Even if I wasn’t sure I could do it when the call came in, I would say yes and then make sure to learn.  You can’t just play one style of music, even if it is your favorite.  Learn as much as you can and play as much as you can.

    KS:  We all are inspired by other greats along the way. Share with us some of these influences that shaped your musical style and steered you towards the craft you do today? Teachers, mentors, bands, sounds…who and what has shaped the sound we hear today on “Take Your Time”?

    BM: My favorite band growing up was the Allman Brothers Band – that kind of Southern Rock type band.  Learning all the different styles helped me figure it out along the way, but my all time favorite is a guitar player named Warren Haynes.

    KS: On this timeline, please share with us some of your musical moments beginning at Shifty’s and carrying on through to your world-wide tours with artists such as Lionel Richie, Don Felder, John Fogerty, Kelly Clarkson, and so many other great musicians along the way.

    BM:  The thing with Shifty’s is, that is where I first met Delmar Breland.  He was playing bass and I went up and started talking to him.  My first band was with Delmar, Ricky Chisholm, and my good friend Paulie Cerra.  And that all happened because of Shifty’s.  Ricky loves the Commodores and we played all kinds of those songs.  Which really helped out a lot when it came to my current job. Delmar was also a big help to me because he and this other dude named Sugarfoot are the ones who really taught me how to play that kind of funky rhythm guitar.  Here I was, this long-haired white kid from the country and these two big guys took me under their wing and taught me how to really play.  That is why I am working today – that funky R & B guitar skill has served me well.

    It kind of goes with a story about Lionel, too.  After I had played a couple of gigs just filling in for his main guitar player he made some changes and he fired everyone in his band except the drummer and sax player.  I had to try out again too, and at first the new musical director didn’t want to hire me. He told me later he was thinking who is this surfer looking dude in here, but it was Lionel who said to him, “Naah, give him a chance – he’s funky.”  So if I hadn’t hung out with Delmar and Sugarfoot, or learned all those Commodores songs with Ricky…

    KS: In between, what are some “a ha” moments that you have had?

    BM: Probably watching the first season of American Idol and then getting a call to play in the band for the tour and backing up Kelly Clarkson. She was really great to work with – and then doing TV shows with her.  Getting a call from Don Felder from the Eagles asking me to be his guitar player in his solo band and then playing the Hotel California harmony guitar solo on stage with him.  That was a WOW moment. Auditioning in John Fogerty’s garage and getting the job as his guitar player and background singer.  That was pretty surreal. He asked me if I knew any country!  And pretty much every time I get onstage with Lionel and he looks me in the eye while he is singing his ass off!

    KS:  As I previewed the new songs on Take Your Time EP, one thing definitely jumped out at me, and that is that you are very versatile in your styles. Many times you will listen to an album and get a flavor of similarity in all the songs, however on this album, you get a wonderful variety of genres, musical instruments, and moods.

    BM: I think this goes back to my days in NYC where I had to play all those different styles of music.  Now that I’m an artist and write my own stuff, that is all coming out.  It just feels comfortable and comes naturally to go from one style to the next.  I don’t set out to write in a specific style – it just comes out.

    KS:  And I must add they go together extremely well. They have a common theme to them and a positivity.

    BM:   I’m happy to make music that makes people feel good instead of all down and dark.

    KS:  Talk with me about the making of this album and the songs on it. What do you want the listener to take away from this album?

    BM:  Uplifting. I want people to feel good and positive.

    KS: What was the creative process, the inspiration, and share some of the moments in the making of the album cuts. Do you come up with lyrics and immediately reach for the closest paper? Were there melodies in your mind you came up with and then put the lyrics to them?

    BM:  The music usually comes first and then I write the lyrics as I play the tune.  I don’t write it down very often – just start playing.  Sometimes I will record things on my phone so I don’t forget an idea. Some of the new songs were written in the area.  “Down By The River” was inspired by something my dad said when we were all on a family vacation.  He just said one thing and it clicked – the song came from that.  And I wrote “Take Your Time”  sitting at my parents kitchen table.

    KS:  Do you collaborate on any of the songs? Share with us the band and how you chose the instruments to accompany the music.

    BM:  I do most of the writing and then my producing partner Gary Davenport comes in to collaborate on some of them.  He does some arranging and polishes the songs up.  Makes them more focused – just better. The band is the 13 Curves Band, Oscar Seaton and Gary Davenport.  13 Curves was my rock band from a few years ago.  We played together for a while and then it kind of morphed into me as a solo with them playing for me when I recorded. Gary is also from Syracuse and I played with him way back before I left for New York.  I first met Oscar touring with Lionel – he has been Lionel’s drummer for 15 years.  He also plays with jazz guitarist George Benson and a bunch of other great artists.

    It’s also cool because Paulie Cerra, my old bandmate is still one of my best friends.  He plays saxophone with me on “She’s Beautiful.”  That’s another Syracuse connection.

    KS:  Do you play multiple instruments in the recordings?

    BM:  I play guitar, dobro and banjo on this one.

    KS:  As I mentioned above I have noticed that you are a very upbeat and positive individual and that shines through your music and your show Let’s Go! With Ben Mauro. How did you come up with the idea for Let’s Go! and share with us how long you have been documenting your adventures?

    BM: Let’s Go! came from my dad telling me I had to go out and see things while I was on tour.  I kept telling him I was too tired after having been on a 12 hour flight, but he would say things like, “The Tower of London is only 20 minutes from your hotel.”  I finally went and took some pictures and posted a blog.  I started to do it for my family – so they could know what I was doing while I was on tour and stuff.  But people really liked it so it expanded.  I got an HD camera and started to do the videos. The very first one I did officially was the Great Wall of China and it’s been almost 4 years.

    KS:  What are some of your most favorite places and you’ve been able to share with viewers along the way? I also want to commend you for featuring band mates and other musicians along the way as well. It’s great to not only see these amazing countries and places, but also to see behind the scenes of the rock and roll way of life with sound checks and traveling and all of the things that accompany this lifestyle.

    BM:  Some of my favorite places are Morocco, Brazil and the Great Wall of China. It is very important for me to show the life of working musicians.  I say that in every episode. What we do is really so different from what most people think. It’s a great job and I’m very lucky to get to do a lot of really cool stuff, like seeing places I might never see.  But it is not all rock and roll glamour.  We are on planes. A lot.  We are in hotels.  A lot.  It’s a job and we work hard.

    KS:  As a fun way of getting to know the musicians and give the readers an insight into their personalities…would love if you would play along in a “Social Speed Round” of questions, some very random questions for you to answer. And…”Let’s Go! With Ben Mauro!”

    1.  You’re flipping through the channels on TV and come across this movie or show that you always stop on!!! No matter how many times you’ve seen it!!!    – Million Dollar Baby or Anchorman.

    2.  You come across a restaurant out-of-state that claims to have the best original NY food…you think THIS has to be on the menu to even be considered a NY restaurant?  –

    3.  I meet a lot of great individuals in my line of work, some that have left me at a loss of words. This is the person that leaves you speechless and at a loss of words when you finally meet them?  – Greg Allman.

    4. Time to get away for the touring for a while. Where is your “Happy Place”?  – Zuma Beach, Malibu, California.

    5. You’re at Disneyland/World…you only have time for one ride because you have to do a sound check and perform immediately after…you choose Roller Coaster/Bumper Cars/Sky Ride or Ferris Wheel?  – Roller Coaster.

    6. You get an offer to be a featured star on a cable television show but you can only do one..you choose Dancing with the Stars/ Man vs. Food/ Off Limits? –  Man vs. Food

    7. Dream collaboration  –  Greg Allman again.

    8. Favorite board game? – Yahtzee.

    9. If you weren’t a musician what was your plan B? – When I was a kid I wanted to be a professional athlete – soccer player, but never really had a plan B.  Since I was 16, I always wanted to be a musician and I loved it so much that I never thought about doing anything else.  Even when I was dirt poor in New York, I never thought I would do this for a few years and then get out.

    10. Your guilty pleasure?  – Spy and adventure novels.  Like Lee Child or the James Bond books.

    As you can see, Ben Mauro is a fun, positive, upbeat type of person.  He works extremely hard to be the best he can be, and he is appreciative of his beginnings and those along the way.  Syracuse is honored to have Ben Mauro return home to launch his new EP Take Your Time and we urge everyone to take the time to stop down to Shifty’s Bar & Grill on May 7th to welcome Ben home.  Ben will be joined by SAMMY award-winning performers Phoenix Eleven and special guest Ricky Chisholm.  Tickets are being sold ahead of time and can be purchased at http://bpt.me/622514  There are limited tickets available so I urge you to not wait, but buy in advance to guarantee to be part of this event.

  • Jim Brickman Celebrates 20th Anniversary With Central New York

    On March 15, 2014, Jim Brickman celebrated a monumental achievement in his career; 20years to the date, he released his first album, No Words.  Twenty years later, Jim Brickman stepped foot on stage for the first time at the Stanley Center for the Arts, bringing along more than 33 best-selling albums, dozens of collaborations with the top artists in the business, numerous awards and achievements, and multiple projects under his belt to share with the audience.   Utica was thankfully chosen for his special occasion and the performance shared by all was truly heartfelt.

    Jim Brickman 20th Anniversary Celebration
    Jim Brickman 20th Anniversary Celebration

    Opening the evening with “The Promise,” a musical piece from his Simple Things album, his beautiful playing drew in the audience and set the mood for the evening with a light and airy feeling.  He shared moments throughout of how the music came to be, joked about things that occurred over the years, and by the end of the evening, it was as though it was a small room filled with friends and family, celebrating a very special anniversary. Below, Jim shares how he came to record his first album, and you see how fate sometimes plays a hand in the avenues taken in life.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shzUoE359Qk]

    Jim was joined throughout the evening by special guests Anne Cochran, a childhood friend from his hometown in Cleveland, Ohio, and George Perris, a young man originally from Greece who has been performing worldwide since the age of 14.  Jim shared childhood stories of how he and Cochran became acquainted.  His memories and admiration for her still hold true today as they have remained friends and co-workers now for several decades.  This was apparent as they bantered back and forth with each other throughout the evening like brother and sister.  Cochran has collaborated on several numbers and shows with Jim, of which they performed one of their most popular of the evening, “After All These Years.”  Perris was then introduced and impressed the audience with not only his knowledge of music and amazing talent, but his ability to speak multiple languages as well; four in total.  Joining Jim onstage for multiple numbers and a “selfie” of the three of them, Perris amused and enchanted the audience.

    Anne Cochran and George Perris at Meet & Greet
    Anne Cochran and George Perris at Meet & Greet

    I have always been a big fan of Jim Brickman over the years as he has written two of my favorite songs of all time: “Valentine” and “The Gift.”  I have listened to him on the weekends on his radio show, and it was nice to hear some personal stories on his road to success.  His influences from Jim Henson and those from Walt Disney effected his love of music and the styles he would perfect over the years.  I have to say that his performances of the Muppets and Disney tunes were my favorites of the evening; perhaps because they were light-hearted and fun, perhaps because I knew the tunes such as “It’s Not Easy Being Green”, “Rainbow Connection”, or “When You Wish Upon a Star”, or perhaps because they were some of my favorite tunes growing up and they brought me back to a time when life was simple.  It was nice to connect with a musician on a level of commonality, even if it’s just a love of the same type of music.

    For those who may not realize this, Jim has offered his musical talents to numerous shows, commercials, and events. One event he spoke of was the 2014 Sochi Olympics.  As he played the numbers he wrote for the Olympics, he joked that some music is often used as background to narrations and sometimes for sad stories even.  As humble as he is, he still gets excited though to hear his music when it plays out in public places.  One such moment was as he was on hold with a credit card company.  Upon calling in to fix a credit card issue, he waited patiently, listening to his music, until the customer service operator came on the line.  As impressed as he was with himself, unfortunately the person on the other end didn’t share the same excitement as he joked about listening to himself on hold.  A more recent occurrence happened as he was traveling through an airport and heard his music playing while he took a pit stop.  Wanting to share his excitement with others, he thought better of it as perhaps that wasn’t the time or place to share that information.  It was stories such as these that bring such huge performers and stars into a perspective that is relatable with their audiences.  Again, the stories, jokes, and insights are what make Jim Brickman the star he is today and continue to build the relationship he fosters with his followers.  His talent and generosity provide opportunity to give back to his audiences worldwide, while his appreciation and gratitude are genuine.

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

    As mentioned above, Jim’s career has garnered multiple albums with multiple hits over the years.  His musical compositions and songwriting skills have elevated him to a level of expertise as one of the greats of our era.  At the same time, it was nice to see such an approachable, easy-going, and humorous individual on stage and in person.  He goes out of his way to remain approachable to his fans by sponsoring cruises and parties.  This years event, Brickman’s Bash, will be held in Cleveland, Ohio on July 17th-20th.

    Although this was the first time Jim Brickman visited The Stanley Center for the Arts, I have a feeling it will become a permanent stop on each tour.

  • The Devil Went Down To Peekskill: Charlie Daniels Band Live at the Paramount Hudson Valley

    It was a cool and rainy evening on March 29 in Peekskill with the last remnants of snow banks melting away making for a perfect virtual escape from the Northeast with the southern rock and country stylings of The Charlie Daniels Band.

    The night started with an acoustic set from Nashville country singer-songwriter Jacob Powell, who is making a handful of stops with the Charlie Daniels Band during his current tour. While his self-titled debut EP features a full band, he was joined on stage with fellow Nashville guitarist Jason Brooks to create a nice, full live acoustic sound. Singing some songs about summer, good times and koozies, Powell eased the crowd’s minds out of the cold northeast weather and warmed folks up for the Charlie Daniels Band.

    After a brief set change, the Charlie Daniels Band took the stage, wasting no time in setting the energetic tone for the evening. The band’s slightly short but appropriate length set of 75 minutes featured a number of CDB favorites. “Birmingham Blues” radiated vibes akin to an Allman Brothers Band performance both in song style and in the chemistry on stage. A rather interesting display came to us during a longer instrumental jam, “Black Ice.” Featuring some funky beats and riffs, elements of country and rock and roll and a spotlight on each band member, this fused a conglomeration of sounds and ideas and was a treat for every member of the audience. The set also included “The South’s Gonna Do It,” popular fan request “Long Haired Country Boy” – a tune that turns 40 this year – and of course “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.”

    This best-known hit for the Charlie Daniels Band closed the evening with flawless fiddle lines and a few extended segments over the studio version. It’s one thing to get a guitar pick from a band, but one lucky fan in the front row was given by Daniels himself the frayed horse hair fiddle bow in the middle of the song. Another crowd-pleaser came with a raucous cover of “Folsom Prison Blues” with fans having a grand time clapping and cheering along with the Johnny Cash classic.

    Throughout the evening, Daniels presented some songs off his latest album, Off the Grid – Doin’ It Dylan. Prior to performing “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” about mid-show, Daniels paused from the music for a moment to explain his connection with Bob Dylan which goes back to the late 1960’s when he recorded with Dylan on Self Portrait and New Morning. Aside from that song, Daniels also gave his nod to Dylan with “Tangled Up In Blue” early on in the set with a refreshing up-tempo and fuller arrangement of the tune. Off the Grid – Doin’ It Dylan was released this past Tuesday, April 1st.

    One unique element of the show was when Daniels, who holds his band mates in high regard, stepped to the back of the stage to put the limelight on the talent of two of his band members. Lead guitarist Bruce Brown, a 24 year veteran of the band, stepped forward and performed one of his solo works with the rest of the band; guitarist Chris Wormer did the same with his rockin’ version of the “William Tell Overture” on his double neck guitar.

    At age 77, Daniels can still perform a powerful show. His frequent quick wit and humor exchanged with band members and the audience between songs, along with a few anecdotes, kept every party at the Paramount engaged with one another. For those who missed the show in Peekskill, the Charlie Daniels Band will be back in Upstate NY at the Times Union Center in Albany May 31 with the Marshall Tucker Band and Bret Michaels (of Poison) and at the Main Street Armory in Rochester on June 1.

  • Biohazard, Sworn Enemy Lead Hardcore Clash at The Loft in Poughkeepsie

    bio loftThis past Friday night, April 4th, The Loft in Poughkeepsie turned into a hardcore madhouse as NYC area headliners Biohazard and Sworn Enemy lead the night along with other hardcore and metal acts from the 845 and 518 area.  About 170 people packed the place to unleash their aggression and have a good time.

    The doors opened at 7 and local area metal newcomers Pug Box opened the night around 7:15 with their six song set to set the tone for what was to come. Soon after, 518 hardcore outfit Life Sentence played their six song set adding a lot of attitude to the stage.  Their style and presence felt very similar to Madball.

    The Standard Assault (better known as TSA) then graced their stage with their unique set.  They really stood out due to their metalcore and groove metal style.  Along with that, their songs were far more lengthy than the other bands on the bill.  They were aggressive and thrashy. Guitarist  John Reilly played blazing solo’s that were clearly influenced by Slayer and frontman Pete Stott’s vocals were unique with a Randy Blythe-like flair to it.  Their songs were clearly about past girl friends and betrayal.  It was a nice change of pace for the night.

    Albany’s Brick By Brick then took The Loft into hostile territory as they brought a bloody knuckle atmosphere with their eight song set that caused the floor to erupt with slam dancers and borderline dangerous moshing.  Despite some sound trouble, they never missed a beat and kept the energy high.  Frontman Mike Valente even called out the crowd hanging at the bar to get themselves closer to the stage.  They ended their set with “Bro Hymn” with lots of crowd participation that just made everyone on the floor go crazy.

    Sworn Enemy stormed the stage around 10PM.  They’re out promoting their upcoming album Living On Borrowed Time.  Their set consisted of their classics as well as two new songs fused into their set.  Opening with “One Way Trip,” the already established pit grew even bigger and caused the floor to go completely chaotic.  Luckily, no one was hurt.  There was one person in the crowd that stood much bigger and taller than anyone that was dancing in the pit.  About mid-way through Sworn Enemy’s set, this guy in the crowd just walked over to frontman Sal LoCoco and picked him up off the stage and swung him around.  Luckily the show was not stopped or interrupted and there was no ill-intent.  Sworn Enemy ended their set on a high note with “We Hate” and let everyone in their crowd release their aggression.

    Biohazard finally took the stage at 11:30 with a setlist that contained hits and album cuts from their first three records.  Opening the set with fan favorites “Chamber Spins Three” and “What Makes Us Tick,” Biohazard proved at even their veteran status, they still bring lots of energy on stage and show absolutely no sign of slowing down.  From that moment on, it almost seemed that everyone in the crowd was from Brooklyn. Midway through their set, Biohazard unleashed the iconic “Tales From The Hardside.”  Things in the pit became hostile, and a huge scuffle broke out in the crowd causing the entire security team to stop it, which ultimately caused the band to stop what they were doing.  Even I ran to the corner and hid when this all went down. After a few minutes Biohazard resumed and played a few tracks off their first record.  Then lead guitarist Bobby Hambel addressed the crowd on the corruption of news and politics which lead to “Black And White And Red All Over.”  Finally, Biohazard wrapped their eighteen song set with their breakout hit “Punishment” and their creed motto “Hold My Own.”

    Everyone at The Loft had a blast, and it’s obvious Biohazard still enjoys what they do. I was lucky enough to chat with the band after the show.  They all confirmed they are hard at work on a new album and will be touring through Upstate New York again.  Biohazard currently finished a brief East coast run and is now doing a month-long European tour but come back to the U.S. in May for the annual “Black N Blue Bowl” at The Well in Brooklyn on May 17th and 18th along with Hatebreed, Agnostic Front, Sworn Enemy, Brick By Brick, and many more.

  • Hearing Aide: Hard Soul “Heart of Plaster”

    Hard Soul - press photoThe up-and-coming band, Hard Soul, from Albany NY is about to release their first full-length LP, Heart of Plaster. The band has been diligently gigging and recording since their formation in 2011. Hard Soul’s short history has included many shows in upstate and central NY as well as the release of two singles, “Love Eat the Young” in 2012 and “Seize the Year” in 2013. On April 8th, Hard Soul is releasing their new album and will be celebrating at their release party at The Low Beat in Albany on the 11th, which will also start off their 2014 tour season.

    Hard Soul’s versatile sound can only be attributed to the dedicated musicians that make up this Pop/Punk Rock quartet. Music on their new album ranges from a heavy, up-beat hard rock, celebrating the pure fact of being alive, to quiet acoustic songs recalling life’s mistakes that we can all relate to. The group’s sound is very reminiscent of the punk-skater music that became popular in the late 90’s and mid 2000’s. Hard Soul’s lyrics are those that people of all ages can relate to, but would definitely be more favorable to teenage ears. Similar to bands like Green Day and Blink 182, Hard Soul has a raw, uncut feeling that holds nothing back in expressing the struggles and trying times in life that make us question our very existence.

    Hard Soul’s talented members have written, played, and produced the entire album themselves with the help of Steven Goldman at Four Legs Records in Washingtonville, NY. Front-man Johnny Salka is the beating heart of the band. Not only did Salka produce the album, but he also provides vocals and lead guitar, which is a large part of what gives Hard Soul their appealing sound. Helping out are Nick Kossor on lead and rhythm guitar and Ryan Klaeysen on bass. And last, but certainly not least, is drummer Mark Podbielskim, who ensures that your foot won’t stop moving till the album is finished.

    heart of plaster

    Heart of Plaster starts off with a track titled “Let Go!” and serves as a perfect opener to kick off their debut album. It starts off with a no-holds-barred driving rhythm intro accompanied by a public service announcement calling everyone to attention for “an important announcement.” The songs talks about the urge that everyone has known, where you just feel the need to escape from the real world and take time to figure out who you really are. Its high energy is a perfect vessel for the message to just let it all go and be yourself. The album’s big hit and popular music video, “Just Be Love,” is another fast tempo tune with a positive message. The song recalls the trials and tribulations of being “young and dumb” and reminds the listener that through it all, when you may be most conflicted, to “just be love.” The music video is the full band in a small room, with a crowd of loyal fans in the background dancing their hearts out to a tune they all love. The album’s tenth and last song, exemplifies the band’s stellar musicianship, versatility, and range of emotion that Hard Soul can evoke. “Sincerely” is an enduring eight-minute ballad that evolves from a solemn acoustic opening into a heart-wrenching electric guitar section that sends chills down the spine. This final track begs to know whether the love that singer-songwriter Salka has been feeling is real. He swears he will be fine with whatever answer he is given, but you know by the tone of his voice that heartbreak surely awaits him. All he wants to know is if she is sincere or if this feeling he has is nothing more than a fading memory.

    Hard Soul’s new album can be found on Amazon or itunes. You can also follow the band online via Facebook or their website, thehardsoul.com.

    Key Tracks: Let Go!, Just Be Love, Sincerely

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBZUR1k2eqM

  • 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

  • Heading Aide: Mister F “The F Stands Four”

    It’s always interesting to see what transpires when different musical elements get mashed together and get transformed into something new. In the case of Mister F, this particular mash up is the result of a cross pollination of band members from established Upstate New York groups Timbre Coup and Capital Zen. This relatively new project is already starting to make itself known outside of the Capital Region and if the release of their new album The F Stands Four is any indication, the rest of the country should be on notice.

    Mister F The F Stands FourThe band’s debut album makes its intentions known off the bat and lets you know right away that you’re in for a slightly psychedelic affair courtesy of some mind bending electronic synth sounds that serve as an opening bell of sorts. This helps usher in the first track, a catchy number called “Everything You Say” which mixes intricate piano fills with a steady bottom end and more layers of synth tones before a frantic guitar solo drives the pleasant jam to a fever pitch. The well mixed vocals stand out here and help lend the song an almost Jamiroquai-esque vibe.

    A really solid 1-2 punch of an opener for this release is ensured with perhaps the most engaging song on the album. “This One Goes to 11” features more funky keyboard work at the outset but it also keeps a more traditional rock sound before shedding this completely courtesy of a ferocious tempo change with a supercharged bass line leading the way. This song seems to encapsulate the band’s true sound, one that meshes modern day elements of electronic fusion with progressive song compositions that scream Zappa and King Crimson influences.

    Another standout track on The F Stands Four is “Treadmill”, a strong instrumental number that puts the band’s prog rock chops on full display. In general, the instrumental numbers on this release seem to carry a little more energy and attention to production detail. However, the band’s ability to intertwine raging electronica numbers with vocal numbers that have an almost acid jazz to feel to them should benefit them in the live setting.

    Key Tracks: Everything You Say, This One Goes to 11, Treadmill

    Mister F will be undoubtedly be playing these and many other songs this weekend at their album release party on April 11th at Red Square, with Brooklyn’s Tauk opening up.

  • Regional Music History 101 with the Carolina Chocolate Drops

    The Egg Performing Arts Center’s American Roots and Branches series featured two unique acts that celebrated bygone eras of early American music that have since been revisited, to critical acclaim. Carolina Chocolate Drops, along with opening band Birds of Chicago performed in the Swyer Theater to an intimate sold out crowd, sitting quiet and focused during each song and story behind it, but applauded with great aplomb once a selection had completed. Hanging onto every note, the bands on stage were feeding a patient and receptive audience, eager to hear music that has otherwise been forgotten in American musical history.

    Carolina Chocolate DropsBirds of Chicago opened the night with a six song set of folk-country that was mellow yet had a steady beat. Performing for the first time in Albany, Allison Russell sang with a June Carter-esque voice and vibe, playing banjo and clarinet on “Wild Horses”. Making jokes about her heritage (Scottish-Grenadian-Canadian) and nodding to her husband JT Nero (who has an incredible range in his voice) who is also Scottish, noted that this only complicates their daughter’s extensive heterogeneous background even more. “Sans Souci”, a pre-zydeco French influenced tune was a highlight of the set, and with the guitarist using his pedal with a gentle touch, he carefully poured each note out carefully, turning what may have been a 45’ speed song to that of a 33’. The finale, “Fever” gave the audience a fake-out, where an initially chill and happy song turned into a foot-stomping rager. A perfect complement to the main act this evening, Birds of Chicago stood out with a sound that was as unique as their band members.

    Carolina Chocolate Drops took to the stage and opened up with an Emma Shelton tune “Pretty Little Girl with the Blue Dress on”, where Rhiannon Giddens somehow did not stumble over the complicated Micro-Machines-Guy speed of lyrics, accentuating every word perfectly. “Sandy Boys” encouraged a community sing-along, in an Appalachian/Hackensaw Boys style. A soulful “Country Girl” preceded a brief history lesson, taking the audience back to 1855 and using an 1858-era minstrel-style banjo, which had a light sound due to its hollow back. Along with the Bones, two pieces of wood click-clacked together with precision by Rowan Corbett, these are two of the oldest instruments in the world, brought to America by slaves from Africa and the banjo only brought into the broader musical pantheon in the latter part of the 19th century.

    Rhiannon, reserved and soft-spoken but with a stage presence that shows marks of experience and maturity that added to the sound and performance on stage, also played banjo and fiddle in the course of the evening, the latter of which was key to the sound of many songs and underscores Hubby Jenkins’ banjo. A Hank Williams tune suggested by a friend “Please Don’t Let Me Love You” preceded a solo tune from Hubby, who had only a single string holding his guitar around him – no sturdy strap – for this was a band playing ol’ timey music with ol’ timey instruments, down to how they wore them on stage.

    Singing Odetta’s “Waterboy”, the peak of the song was the wick of a firecracker, setting off the audience in applause and loudly garnering a ‘God Damn!’ from an audience member, certainly speaking for all. “Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad” was performed in a more upbeat fashion than the familiar Grateful Dead version while “Ruby”, a bluegrass standard, was played in its original version with dobro, bones and Rhiannon’s sweet voice eliciting the cry for the title woman. “Buck Creek Girls” had cellist Malcolm Parson playing his cello in the style of Edgar Meyer, and later picking it up to play it as the song accelerated, thanks to Corbett’s Bones, a new favorite instrument of all in attendance.

    Thanks to Scottish settlers in North Carolina in the 1700s, Scotch-Gaelic mouth music was brought to the region. “Puirt a Beul”, sung by the Chocolate Drops with a beat from the bass drum, it recalled Irish singing but without a full band sound and had a distinct language it, incomparable to any other folk style. These songs could have been an early inspiration for Cajun songs if the Acadians were to have picked something up on their way from Maine to Louisiana.

    As the set came to a close, more raucous upbeat songs were performed, closing with storytelling music in “Old Cat Died/Brown’s Dream”. The encore, “Read ‘em John” was a song about how to spread and enrich an idea, a capella style, a perfect Coda for the evening.

  • Experience Hendrix 2014 Stops in Albany

    The Experience Hendrix 2014 Tour stopped in Albany, NY’s Palace Theatre on March 28th, 2o14, for a night of tribute to one of rock and roll’s first gods: Jimi Hendrix.

    The annual tour is produced by Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s younger sister, as a tribute to her brother’s life and music. Along with featuring artists who cover his music while showcasing their own talents, the show presented short clips from a biographical documentary. The full house was treated to many different musicians, but highlights certainly included Doyle Bramhall II, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Ana Popovic, Billy Cox, and Buddy Guy.

    The tour has featured all types of virtuosos and has functioned essentially on the premise that “this is how Jimi would want to be remembered: in a fun, musical way,” to paraphrase Janie Hendrix. In fact, at the beginning of the show, Billy Cox said, “we like a rowdy crowd!” and launched into a high-energy performance of “Stone Free,” just to get the crowd to clap along.

    Hendrix4WEB But this was simply a warm up compared to the next part of the show which took the audience to a whole new level of energy. The legendary Eric Johnson (Cliffs of Dover) took the stage and had no fear of imposing his 100-pound violin tone and Texas accent on “Power to Love.” Johnson also threw his own spin onto each song as set-mates Scott Nelson and Chris Layton, as well as Eric Gales at one point, allowed time for duels and improvisation. 

    When Ana Popovic took the stage alongside Dweezil Zappa, she took full force, never leaving an opportunity to play another note. However, Zappa was not hard-pressed to keep up; he became his own force as they dueled for the audience’s awe. Together, they covered “House Burning Down,” and “Can You See Me?” Besides Zappa and Popovic’s ability to play guitar in an unbelievable fashion, the audience soon learned that Popovic had an uncanny ability to sing Hendrix songs as well.

    The standouts of the night, though, included Doyle Bramhall II, Jonny Lang, and Buddy Guy, all of whom impressed the audience with their ability to collaborate with other musicians while mixing in their own style and keeping an overall handle on the music. As the night went on, the crowd became more and more excited, screaming, “excuse me while I kiss the sky,” while Eric Gales powered his way through “Purple Haze.”

    Jonny Lang’s ability to cover “All Along the Watchtower” left those watching in awe; his voice was both majestic and practiced. He put on a show with the quality of his cover certainly rivaling both Dylan’s and Hendrix’s versions. Not only this, but Kenny Wayne Shepherd and singer Noah Hunt covered “Gypsy Eyes.” Hunt may have appeared underconfident on stage, but his ability to vocally mimic Shepherd’s solo paved the way for the final act of the night.

    Buddy Guy has never really lost it. He can still play guitar as well, if not better, as he did years ago. The tone of his guitar is warm and his charisma and control of the crowd are almost political. There is not much to say about Buddy Guy — especially after his onstage appearance with Billy Cox to play “Hey Joe” — that has not been said throughout the years. This show was truly wonderful and it is not one fans will forget for a long time to come.

    Setlist: Stone Free, Message to Love, Freedom, House Burning Down, Can You See Me?, Power to Love, Ezy Rider, May This Be Love, Are You Experienced?, Purple Haze, Foxy Lady, Hear My Train a Comin’, Angel, New Rising Son, All Along the Watchtower, Fire, Spanish Castle Music, Gypsy Eyes, Come On (Let the Good Times Roll), Voodoo Chile, Voodoo Child (Slight Return), Who Knows, Louisiana Blues, Them Changes, Hey Joe, Red House

  • Jake Shimabukuro Ukulele Master at Albany’s Hart Theatre

    Enthusiastic fans filed into Albany’s Hart Theatre at The Egg on Sunday, March 30th, to view the ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro. Since the age of four, the 38-year-old phenom proved to be very entertaining and a one-of-a-kind musician.

    Shimabukuro showcased his lightning-fast and complex finger work at his opening show. Eventually, Shimabukuro was joined by electric bass guitarist Rich Glass for a few original tunes. Crowd favorites included “Gentle Mandolin,” and a stirring melody entitled “Blue Roses Falling.” During the second half of the show, Shimabukuro picked up the tempo a bit with an impressive “electric guitar” jam and the always famous cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Jake Shimabukuro offers his audience an experience that is both unique and entertaining.

    Watch Jake Shimabukuro’s  Ukulele performance right here