NYS Music 20​14

Category: Genres

  • The Buffalo Metal Scene Unites for Local Family Benefit Show

    This Saturday afternoon at Broadway Joes, in Buffalo. Ten amazing local metal bands will play under one roof to raise money for the Hulin family of Tonawanda, NY. Brian “Butch” Hulin is a longtime supporter of Buffalo’s local music scene and has been going through some severe financial hardships over the last few years, due to ever accumulating hospital bills. His two children, Peighton (5) and Lincoln (2) both suffer from a rare form of Cerebral Palsy called Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia. The family has been in and out of hospitals, combating their illness as best they can. But with the holiday season now upon us, the musicians and promoters Brian has supported since their beginnings, have decided to collectively return the favor.
     
    On Saturday December 13 at 3pm, local promoters, Jeff Wacker and Nick Sallee, along with reputable local artists, Amputecht, Aspired Infliction, The Creator The Architect, Hubris, I’m From the Government and I’m Here to Help, It’s a Dinosaur!, Lily Among Thorns, Mutter (Rammstein cover band from Rochester, NY), Murder City Outlaws and Throne of Wilderness will join forces to raise money for Brian’s children, so that they can be spoiled rotten this Christmas, as they rightfully deserve.
     
    $10 donations will be collected at the door, prior to entry, and in addition to hours of great music, lots of rare underground band merchandise will be available for purchase, as many out-of-town acts have graciously donated shirts, hoodies, CDs, beanies, etc. to help raise money for the Hulins’ cause.
     
    Also, if you plan on attending and you’re unfamiliar with this venue, please park across the street at either the Metro lot or Aldi’s, if you cannot find a spot on a side street nearby. Do not park next to the venue at the donut shop, because you will be towed by the owner.
     
    Come down and support great bands and a great family!
     
     
     
    Broadway Joes- 3051 Main St. Buffalo NY 14214

  • BSP Kingston Hosting An “Un-quiet” Evening with Quiet Life and The Ballroom Thieves December 10

    Despite the name, Quiet Life (New London, CT/Portland, OR) along with The Ballroom Thieves (Boston, MA) will settle up at BSP Kingston with sets of cozy, foot-stomping tunes fit for the dull hump of a Wednesday.

    Quiet Life

    Natives of New London, CT and currently from Portland, OR, Quiet Life is touring behind the breakout success of their recent EP release “Housebroken Man,” which included collaborations with My Morning Jacket guitarist  Jim James and Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels & Rope. The band is also putting the finishing touches on a new full length album, produced by Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog, due out in 2015. Known for a rowdy live show, Quiet Life have toured with the likes of The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, and The Head & the Heart.

    Joining Quiet Life is The Ballroom Thieves bringing a slow, deliberate build in their music to the BSP. Their music takes a commanding role onstage from the start, turning any size venue into an intimate environment.

    Kingston’s own Time Travels will be opening the show.

    The show runs from 7 – 11 pm and tickets are available here and at the door for $7
    .

  • Finally Sold on the Northern Rock of Eastbound Jesus

    I can’t say that in the last two years of knowing and seeing Eastbound Jesus that I had been sold on them, let alone found in them what many others have. The ‘Northern Rock’ descriptor is unique but never defined them well enough for me. They have a couple catchy songs, but I couldn’t get into them despite being a huge bluegrass and jamgrass fan. While they without a doubt have a unique sound, I just didn’t fall into it in a way that would make me want to throwdown like their fans do on the dance floor.

    eastbound jesus northern rockThat changed when I got a listen of Ruff Stuff Nuff Said, a wonderful live album recorded earlier this year at the same venue they released the album at, Parish Public House (formerly Red Square). I had every intention of going to this show before I heard the live album and couldn’t wait after a single spin of the disk. It has a great flow and choice tracks throughout, as well as a few covers and surprises mixed in. I had found my motivation in this live album to finally get to an Eastbound Jesus show.

    Throughout the night the room had an electric vibe that stood out from other local shows – the fans bring this feeling with them and it permeates the audience, welcoming newcomers into an active atmosphere. You could have gone to the show looking forward to your favorite band or checking out something new and your night would be flipped on its axis, casting you out into the night amid a flurry of confusion as to what you just experienced. Eastbound Jesus has that wonderful effect on its audiences and gained at least one fan this past Saturday night.

    Highlights from the show included Lucid’s North Country brand of rock which opened the show, a new song unnamed song from EBJ that opened the night and felt inspired by The Band; a great start to the live album from “I Wouldn’t Know” which came out early in the set, “Whisky on Dirt”, “Beat the Baker” featuring Lowell from Lucid on mouthharp and an encore of “Don’t Use it Much” which had a solid “Turn on Your Lovelight” jam and of course, “Holy Smokes”. The group is taking some time off to record in the studio, but when they come back in the springtime, you’ll be sure to find me at their shows from now on fully supporting Northern Rock.

    Set 1: New song, Talking to John, Ghost Town, I Wouldn’t Know, Easy Now, Sittin by the River, Where the Winter Goes, KT Belle, Whisky on Dirt, Doors Open, Corn Whiskey, Tennessee, 54 Miler
    Set 2: Better Things, Pipe Dreams, Times Wasting, The Storm, Here’s to You, Eastbound and Down, Hawk, Hold on me now, Take a Ride, Wastin on the Sun, Beat the Bakes
    Encore: Don’t Use it Much, Ballad of Eastbound Jesus, Holy Smokes

  • Hearing Aide: Wu-Tang Clan ‘A Better Tomorrow’

    Undoubtedly one of hip hop’s most influential groups, The Wu-Tang Clan have unleashed their first album in over seven years A Better Tomorrow on December 2 via Warner Brothers Records. It was only a couple months ago, that Warner Brothers Records signed the Wu. With years in the making, A Better Tomorrow almost didn’t happen due to internal beefs within the group. However, they overcame all the problems and dished the record out. So after all these years, does RZA (who produced most of the album) and The Wu-Tang Clan still have it?

    wu-tang a better tomorrowThe album starts off really strong with “Ruckus In B Minor.” Every member of the Wu has their moment in this song. (which is totally refreshing especially earlier in the year when Raekwon at one point didn’t want to record on this album or appear in any videos due to a clash with RZA) We are even graced by the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard with some of his recordings infused into the track. Very great production on this track from RZA and Rick Rubin. (only track he produces on) Overall lyrics are catchy, awesome hook from Method Man, and a killer retro sounding beat. Wu-Tang was clicking on all cylinders with this track.

    Next, the emotional song “Felt” has verses from Masta Killa, Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah, Method Man and an into from RZA. This track would have been better but the beat and production was a little too strong, kind of overbearing all the rapping.

    The next track “40th Street Black/We Will Fight” is a FANTASTIC track. Great lyrics, such a feel good song that makes you get pumped. To top it off, The Rutgers University’s Scarlet Knights Drumline appears on this track, really giving this song a sports anthem feel to this. I would not be surprised if we start hearing this song at sporting events or on ESPN. Excellent production from Allah Mathematics. (who produced two tracks on this album.)

    At four tracks into the album, “Mistaken Identity” feels like a missed opportunity because we get powerful lyrics from Inspectah Deck, Method Man, U-God, Cappadonna, and Masta Killa. But again the production and instrumentals overpower all the rapping. Lyrically, arguably one of the best on this album.

    “Hold The Heater” is a heavy, hardcore hip hop track. It contains a very powerful hook with very good production. We hear about life on the streets as told by RZA, Cappadonna, U-God, (who really shines on this track) GZA, and some good closure from Method Man.

    On the sixth track we get a brief, yet powerful track entitled “Crushed Egos” with rapping from Raekwon and RZA. I would speculate the two of them got together and wrote this track after the patched things up earlier this year. Again, we are graced with a powerful hook on this song. Raekwon, who doesn’t really appear much on the album at this point, really shines here.

    Then we get another powerful track with “Keep Watch.” This is the other track produced by Allah Mathematics. The track samples The Sweet Inspirations “You Roam When You Don’t Get It Home” which musically adds a nice element to this track. Method Man and Inspectah Deck really shine here. Also they make reference to former New York Giant Justin Tuck. Nice sports reference there.

    Halfway through the album we get to the track “Miracle.” This track I’m not a fan of. The hook is soft, and I really don’t think it fits appropriately with Wu-Tang Clan. I can do without this track. But the next track “Preacher’s Daughter” makes up for it. Again, Wu-Tang, who are masters of sampling, sample Dusty Springfield’s “Son Of A Preacher Man.” This track is amazing. Great hook, great lyrics, and excellent production from RZA. I think a lot of people will be talking about this track.

    The album goes back to the classic “Kung Fu” sounds that we are accustomed to from Wu-Tang with “Pioneer The Frontier” with some Ol’ Dirty Bastard lyrics mixed in the refrain. It’s a cool little track before we go into “Necklace,” which again goes into the “Kung Fu” mode. This marks the last of two tracks produced by 4th Disciple.

    Getting close to the end of the album, we get “Ron O’Neal” which is catchy track. Not sure why it’s called “Ron O’Neal” minus a brief Super Fly reference, but it’s has a great hook. Then we get the title track “A Better Tomorrow” which again uses excellent sampling, this time “Wake Up Everybody” from Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. Brilliant lyrics from Method Man, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and Raekwon.

    wu-tang a better tomorrowThen we get educated from Wu-Tang with “Never Let Go.” I say educated because this track is their serious and preaching side. It seems very appropriate at this point in the album. Also it opens and closes with samples of Martin Luther King’s speeches which adds a tasteful flavor to this song.

    Finally, the album ends on a clever and high note with “Wu-Tang Reunion” which finds them sampling again, this time, sampling The O’Jay’s “Family Reunion.” This is a brilliant way to end the album because this one is a very positive song. I believe they did this to show that the group is here to stay, and that they are happy to be running together twenty-years plus strong.

    To sum it all up, this is an excellent output from Wu-Tang Clan. I believe this is the album that 2007’s “8 Diagrams” wanted to be. If you’re going to compare this to “36 Chambers” you will be disappointed, but if you’re a fan of Wu-Tang Clan, or a fan of true hip hop, then this album is enjoyable. It has a nice variety of serious songs, songs about the streets, positive songs, sports-anthem songs, and more. A Better Tomorrow may be Wu Tang’s deepest album. Obviously it misses the spunk that Ol’ Dirty Bastard would bring to the group, but I think with this album ODB would be proud. It’s worth the investment.

    Wu-Tang Clan is forever.

    You can purchase A Better Tomorrow here.

    Key Tracks: Ruckus In B Minor, 40th Street Black/We Will Fight, Crushed Egos, Preacher’s Daughter

  • Turkuaz to Perform at The Westcott Theatre December 11

    Turkuaz, a fun filled funk band out of Brooklyn, NY who are infamous for their matching jumpsuits are playing at The Westcott Theatre in Syracuse on December 11. This large family consists of 8 members; Dave Brandwein on guitar and vocals, Taylor Shell play the bass, Craig Brodhead on guitar and synths, Michelangelo Carubba on drums, Greg Sanderson plays saxophone, Joshua Schwartz also on saxophone and vocals, Chris Brouwers trumpet and keyboard, lastly Sammi Garett, vocals and tambourine. Despite the size of the band, these multi-talented musicians have a unique chemistry amongst themselves. This celebration starts on Thursday, December the 11 at 8pm. Annie in the Water and Ocupanther open up the night. Get your tickets here.

  • Flogging Molly Rallies The Capitol Theatre For Weeknight Show

    Weeknight concerts are sometimes a hit-or-miss affair because of a light crowd (or we should say the tough ones brave enough to call in late to work the next day). That wasn’t the case this past Tuesday as Flogging Molly rallied a flock of dedicated music fans at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    Flogging Molly Capitol Theatre

    The night had an easy start with some good tunes from The Pasadena Band, named after their hometown in Maryland. Concert early birds were treated to the band’s aggressive singer-songwriter type rock with occasional funky reggae beats and lingering melodies, somewhat akin to what the band 311 has going on. Though, of course, their set was short as an opening act but they’re worthy of checking out for a full set next time they’re around.

    Continuing the run of opening acts not-to-miss was The Mighty Stef who, though from Dublin, champion an alternative rock sound without the traditional Irish music elements that Flogging Molly incorporates. Mostly bright and energetic The Mighty Stef had some first-time listeners talking after their set. Two songs that stood out from their set were their new single “The Nightwatchman of the Iveagh Flats” and the slower, darker “Death Threats” off of an EP of the same name.

    Flogging Molly met a surge of energy for their set with a small pit forming in the middle of The Cap’s open-floor orchestra level early in the set (despite the signs on The Cap’s doors about not moshing during the show).

    The band broke into a brief acoustic set about halfway through their time on stage – “a set to rest our dancers’ feet,” Dave King remarked as he was introducing “The Sun Never Shines (On Closed Doors).” For a set full of driving rock this feature of the show added a swing of dynamic that was done well.

    Of course the setlist included “Devil’s Dance Floor,” “Float,” “Drunken Lullabies,” and “Salty Dog,” – songs that Flogging Molly wouldn’t make it out of Port Chester alive for not playing. But, rather than simply getting on stage to play a bushel of songs before moving on to the next gig, they took the time to make a few dedications and tributes throughout the evening. Early on a “Whistles the Wind” was dedicated to Conor McGee, a fan recently passed, introduced by King with a few words about Conor and his family who were in the crowd. “The Likes of You Again” was dedicated to the band’s guitarist and Rochester native Dennis Connor and “The Sun Never Shines (On Closed Doors)” to The Pasadena Band’s Joey Harkum, both of whom had recent losses in their families.

    It seems like the fact of a concert falling on a weeknight inevitably looms over it, sometimes dampening the experience. While possibly true for this Flogging Molly show, especially for those dragging their feet to work in the wee hours of the following morning, one takeaway is this: Don’t underestimate a weeknight show.

    If you missed your chance at seeing Flogging Molly on their current tour, the band is planning on releasing a new album sometime next year (their first in four years), so we may perhaps see them in New York again soon.

  • CNY’s Joey Belladonna of Anthrax Among 57th Grammys’ Best Metal Performance

    For the fifth time in the band’s career, Anthrax has been nominated for the upcoming 57th Annual Grammy Awards for ‘Best Metal Performance.’ Anthrax, fronted by CNY’s Joey Belladonna have yet to take home the award. They’re nominated for their cover of Black Sabbath’s “Neon Knights” off of This Is Your Life: Tribute To Ronnie James Dio.

    The great and late Ronnie James Dio, a Cortland, NY native who lead bands like Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and of course his own band Dio, lost his battle to stomach cancer back in 2010. This Is Your Life: Tribute To Ronnie James Dio was released this past April with rave reviews among fans and critics alike, also spawned another Grammy Nomination with “Last In Line” covered by Tenacious D.

    Other nominees include Mastodon with “High Road,” Motörhead’s “Heartbreaker,” And Slipknot rounds it off with their newly released single “The Negative One.”

    Metallica picked up a nomination with their filmed concert “Metallica: Through The Never” for ‘Best Music Film’ and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross picked up a nomination for their score of the movie “Gone Girl” for ‘Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media.’ Last year Trent Reznor made waves when he said “Fuck the Grammy’s” via Twitter, when his performance with Queens Of The Stone Age was cut short during the credits.

    The 57th Grammys airs on CBS Sunday, February 8 at 8PM eastern time. No word on whether or not the ‘Best Metal Performance’ will be televised.

    Big congrats to Joey Belladonna and the members of Anthrax for their hard work and getting the nomination.  Who do you think should win at the upcoming Grammys? Sound off below!

    Anthrax-25-Bands-List

  • OMG, DSO! Dark Star Orchestra at the Westcott Theater

    In my entire college career, I can’t say I’ve witnessed the Westcott Theater to its full, maximum capacity. Sure, they bring in big names every week that bring in hundreds of people in to listen, but this DSO concert was my first time experiencing difficulty locating my entourage through crowds of dancing bears…I mean, people.

    DSO westcott theatreDark Star Orchestra has quite the reputation for delivering vast glory through their extensive tour history, with shows ranging from The Palace Theatre to the Best Buy Theater, and the creation of their own music festival, Dark Star Jubilee, in Ohio. Somewhere in between a tribute band and the Grateful Dead themselves, this seven member masterpiece consisting of Rob Barraco on keys and vocals, Rob Eaton on guitar and vocals, Dino English on drums, Lisa Mackey on vocals, Jeff Mattson on lead guitar and vocals, and Skip Vangelas on bass and vocals, have combined forces to create a clean, vibrant, and expressive sound that kept your whole body moving as you jammed to songs of your earlier years.

    DSO westcott theatreBased on my little knowledge of past Grateful Dead setlists (sorry guys, I’m a baby), I guessed that either “Casey Jones” or “Alabama Getaway” would kickoff the show. That’s why when “Casey Jones” started things off, I freaked out for a second. In a yelling cheer, the whole audience commenced as a choir to sing along to the Dead’s hit tune, and the energy from the band was ever so present to match. To make me even more excited, DSO played my favorite Dead tune, “Hell In A Bucket” right after, making my jaw drop once again. There’s no doubt that this group has been around for a good long while, with their almost second-nature musical blend, incorporation of solo instruments, and attention to detail. I also kept watching Barraco, wishing that I could master the art of piano rhythmic syncopations between hands that he clearly has mastered.

    Finishing up their fall tour, Dark Star Orchestra has interesting tour spots ahead, including Jamaica. Luckily, if you live on the East Coast, you can see them live at the 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue on December 11, Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre in Portchester on December 17 or at The Paramount in Huntington on December 3o and New Year’s Eve. Be sure to also check out their Facebook Page and follow them on twitter @darkstarorch.

    Set 1: Casey Jones, Hell In A Bucket, Jack-A-Roe, El Paso, Loose Lucy, Tom Thumb Blues, When I Paint My Masterpiece, West L.A. Fadeaway, My Brother Esau, Rubin And Cherise

    Set 2: Keep On Growing, Victim Or The Crime, Crazy Fingers, Saint Of Circumstance, Terrapin Station, So Many Roads, All Along The Watchtower, Tangled Up In Blue

    Encore: Overseas Stomp, New Orleans

    photos by Alex Hamer

  • Bob Seger Brings his Old Time Rock and Roll to Albany

    That old-time rock ‘n’ roll reigned supreme at the Times Union Center with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Dec. 2 in Albany. I know of Seger the way most do – through classic rock radio stations, but I also recall way back in the early ’80s winning a small glass album of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band at the Altamont Fair for hitting 3 balloons with darts. When he announced he was coming to the Times Union Center, nostalgia was triggered for a first time show.

    bob segerTruth be told, I missed most of  J. Geils Band opening the show. “Angel is a Centerfold” was played but beyond that it was a mix of some new songs and older tracks I was unfamiliar with. I am sure they’ll turn up on the State Fair circuit next summer.

    Seger and his band took the stage and opened with five songs I was wholly unfamiliar with but each of them had a ’70s rock quality that captivated me. For a band that has a handful of radio hits, I never recognized that there were some quality tracks lying around on those non-greatest hits albums; it was a pleasant surprise. “Old Time Rock & Roll” was played early and not shelved until the end – give the audience the song you are best known for and appease them early. “Like a Rock” inspired the audience to go out and buy a Chevy, while cellphones were used in place of lighters – the times, even for the old timers, have changed. “Travelin’ Man” was a good stand out tune, as well as “California Stars” the most modern song of the night despite being written by Woody Guthrie and Wilco. “Turn the Page” which got a second life when Metallica covered it back in the late ’90s, was the penultimate song of the night, with an inspiring “Detroit Made” closing the show.

    The two encores gave us four solid songs – “Against the Wind,” “Hollywood Nights” (Umphrey’s McGee covers this and help to reintroduce Seger to a younger audience), “Night Moves” and “Rock & Roll Never Forgets”. Seger knows how to draw the crowd in, and despite being seated for most of the night, the audience was rapt with attention towards the rock n roll legend.

    Setlist: Roll me Away, Trying to Live my Life Without you, The Fire down Below, The Devil’s Right Hand, Mainstreet, Old Time Rock & Roll, The Fireman’s Talkin’, Come to Poppa, Her Strut, Like a Rock, Travelin’ Man, Beautiful Loser, California Stars, Hey Gypsy, We’ve Got Tonight, Turn the Page, Detroit Made

    Encore: Against the Wind, Hollywood Nights

    Encore 2: Night Moves, Rock & Roll Never Forgets

  • The Southern Tier Proudly Welcomes the Trey Anastasio Band to Our Neck of the Woods

    Apparently willing to go a bit out of their way during their winter tour to grace Binghamton with their presence, the Trey Anastasio Band (TAB) will be performing at the Broome County Forum Theatre on Tuesday, December 9, sandwiched between shows at the State Theatre in Portland, ME, on the 7th, and the Beacon Theatre in NYC on the 11th. and 12th.

    With a new album not due to be released until early next year, TAB will be sure to give us all a taste of what’s to come from their upcoming Paper Wheels. Recorded at Trey’s studio The Barn in the time span of a week (with no doubt a lot more rehearsal time beforehand to prepare), Anastasio and his six band-mates recorded most of the songs together in one room, and often in just one or two takes. Joined by six incredibly talented musicians, including a brass section, TAB allows Trey to take a different, funkier approach to his music. Having thrown fun little treats into their sets throughout this tour, including a cover of the Looney Tunes theme song and Ana Tijoux’s “1977”, perhaps best known for being featured during a particularly intense scene in Breaking Bad, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us at Tuesday night’s show!

    The show will be starting at 7:30PM, and tickets are still available, but you might want to move on them soon, as the Forum Theatre only holds 1,500 people, and you wouldn’t want to miss such an intimate performance by TAB, now would you?

    Since you’re making the trip to Binghamton for TAB, why not come into town a couple of hours early and stop by Dillingers Celtic Pub and Eatery, where will be sponsoring a TAB pre-party event, with entertainment provided by local musician Timbo Linkroum from 4:00 until the show starts! A full menu with food and drink specials will be available there all night long, and being that the bar is located only three blocks from the Forum and across the street from a parking garage, you can even leave your car behind and stroll on over the show. I will be there getting my grub on before the show and listening to some fine fine music by Timbo, so stop on by and say hi!