NYS Music 20​14

Category: Bluegrass/Country

  • 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: Eastbound Jesus ‘Ruff Stuff Nuff Said’

    ruffstuff1On Saturday December 6, Parish Public House and Guthrie Bell Productions will host the North Country Rock band known as Eastbound Jesus for the release of their fourth album, Ruff Stuff Nuff Said.

    This is Eastbound Jesus’ first live album, recorded at Parish Public House back on January 31 and February 1, 2014, when it was still known as Red Square. They recorded over 40 songs from that weekend and picked the top 14 songs to create the fun loving, foot stomping Eastbound Jesus show experience.

    Ruff Stuff Nuff Said was worth the wait for the crisp professional sound alone. Knowing firsthand how smothering the sound can be in Parish Public House, especially with more than a few enthusiastic fans, the album has a great balance of vocals, instruments and cheers. With a “take it or leave it” attitude, much like the musicians themselves, Ruff Stuff gives fair warning to listeners of the stripped honesty and raw energy of their live shows. The album starts with “I Wouldn’t Know”, a slow building melody that erupts with continuous peaks of banjo and guitar plucking with a mighty chorus, the foundation for most of their songs and it works every time.

    Showcasing EBJ’s ability to convey their unique sound as well as a few crowd pleasing covers, one of the top tracks is the Grateful Dead’s “Turn on Your Lovelight” jam that grows out of “Don’t Use It Much” when joined by trombonist Bryan Brundige and keyboardist Tony Meier. You can actual feel the venue start to get dizzy with the ferocious melody. From soft country ballads to rebellious swamp rock, Ruff Stuff Nuff Said provides light to why it’s no wonder EBJ has such a dedicated, rowdy fanbase that can relate to their Upstate sound and everyday themed lyrics about the weather, drinking and authority.

    Key Tracks: 54 Miles, Don’t Use It Much, Where The Winter Goes

    Click here to read our review from the shows where Ruff Stuff Nuff Said was recorded.

    Doors for the show on Saturday open at 8 with backwoods rockers Lucid set to kick off the night around 9. Tickets will be available at the door for $12 but you can secure yours today online for $10. Eastbound Jesus shows have a reputation for being sold out events, making this coming one no different. Red Square recently underwent a full upgrade to become Parish Public House, the same music venue we love with the addition of a full Louisiana eatery and drinkery. Their menu makes it a smart decision to get there early with items like the various po boys, alligator bites, gumbo, burgers and more Cajun delights. Eastbound Jesus has recently announced that they will be taking some time off for some desired studio time. So be sure to pick up your copy of Ruff Stuff Nuff Said to help you survive the winter and come out to the show this Saturday!

  • Swon Brothers – From Team Blake to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill

    Toby Keith‘s I Love This Bar & Grill in Syracuse has been a mecca for country music artists and fans to come together and have a chance to celebrate country music since it’s opening at Destiny USA. Bringing in national acts all year long, it was a thrill for NYS Music to be able to cover The Swon Brothers as they played on October 3, 2014.

    Best known for their third place finish on season four of The Voice as part of team Blake, this dynamic duo has set the country music world on it’s ear since that time with their new album, The Swon Brothers, which their single “Later On” shot up the charts right away.

    Zach and Colton Swon, graciously agreed to speak with NYS Music prior to their show, to say hello to all our country music fans here in Central New York.

    Kathy Stockbridge:  Thank you for agreeing to doing an interview with NYS Music…..Our readers are huge country music fans.

    Zach and Colton Swon – (SB):  Thanks for having us.

    KS:  Music has been a major part of your life.  Talk to us a little about growing up in a musical family.

    SB:  Growing up in a musical family was pretty fun.  It was pretty fun, we really didn’t have any other choice. From day one, we both grew up on a tour bus.  My parents had a southern gospel group and went from church to church on weekends. That’s really all we’ve ever known.

    KS:  So you’ve been on the stage since a young age.

    SB:  Yeah, we just thought that was part of life.

    KS:  That’s sounds like a fun childhood.  Now I read that one of your major influences in your music were The Eagles.  Talk to me a little about what stood out about The Eagles and their style of music that is carried through today in your work?

    SB:  Well a lot of things.  First and foremost are their harmonies.  Nobody did it like them.  Their harmonies are spot on.  I have watched multiple videos and documentaries and they focused more on that during rehearsal than any other part of their show. The other thing is their stylistic differences  in songs.  They can go from “Life In The Fast Lane” which is really rocking to “Peaceful Easy Feeling” which sounds like a classic country song.  But no matter what they were doing, you knew it was The Eagles because of those harmonies they put on top.  That’s kinda the approach we took to our record,  that’s coming out on the 14th.  The songs musically are all over the map, but I think they sound like they go together because our harmony sets on top.

    KS:  Do you have other musical influences in your life that stood out as you were growing up?

    SB:  Oh yeah, there are tons. Growing up we did everything from Merel Haggard and George Jones to Michael Jackson.  There are so many that have influenced us over the years.  Even gospels groups, like Kenny Hinson and some artists you’ve probably never even heard of.  So it’s been a wide variety of people who have influenced us…ELVIS…loved Elvis.

    KS:  Who doesn’t love Elvis?

    SB:  Right!

    KS:  Talk to me a little about your experience on The Voice.

    SB:  Tell ya what, Blake Shelton…well first of all The Voice in general and everyone involved with that production are amazing.  From  the guy driving the van, to the Executive Producer Mark Burnett, they are all amazing.  They really want to see everyone succeed.  It’s a great, great program they have for artists that want to get out there.  We were lucky enough to have Blake Shelton as a coach.

    KS:  Yeah, talk to me a little about being on Blake’s team.

    SB:  Working with Blake was like working with a crazy uncle or big brother ya know.  He always kept it lighthearted and left a lot of the stress out.  Really it should have been a pretty stressful situation, but working with Blake made it a lot easier.  I think one day he brought us in and was making fun of Usher and his coaching habits…all the physical activities that they did so Blake made us do some shake weights with him as a workout, as a new coaching method.  You just never knew about him.

    KS:  He seems like a fun guy, a cut up.

    SB:  Oh, everything you think Blake Shelton would be like, he’s like.

    KS:  Whirlwind, ever since the end of The Voice you guys have been a huge whirlwind with a new album coming out this month.  Talk to me a little about life after The Voice and this whirlwind you are on right now touring with your new album coming out.

    SB:   More than anything we are just really thankful for this opportunity.  We’ve been trying this way before The Voice, and it’s been a great platform and opened doors.  We’ve met a lot of great people along that way that have helped us, like Blake and Miranda, and Carrie Underwood has been in our corner as well.

    KS:  That’s right, she’s from your neck of the woods.

    SB:  We have been really, really blessed this year and we’ve put our heart and soul into the record, we picked the songs we thought fit us best and we were able to work with a great producer and put out our first single and support has been phenomenal.

    KS:  I love it BTW.

    SB:  Thank you …and we just got nominated for a CMA Award.

    KS:  Yes, I saw that.  congratulations.

    SB:  Yeah, it’s crazy.  This whole year seems like ..

    KS: Surreall isn’t it?

    SB:  Every week something happens and we’re like, man how did we get here. We’re very grateful.

    KS:  Well we love ya, and we’re right behind ya cheering you on!!.  I do something I call a social speed round…random questions that are fun and give our readers an insight into you on a personal level.  Mind playing along?

    SB:  Let’s do it!

    KS:  One word that you would describe yourself?

    SB:  (Colton)  Awkward   (Zach) Confident

    KS:  Okay Zach, one word you would use to describe Colton

    SB: (Zach) Mom.  He’s the “Mom, the worrier”.

    KS:  Okay, Colton one word to describe Zach.

    SB:  (Colton) One word to describe Zach Swon…hairy.

    KS:  What’s your guilty pleasure:

    SB: (Colton) Miley Cyrus’s “Party In the USA”

    KS:  Haha, I love it!  And Zach…

    SB: (Zach) Well, it’s not on anymore but I hated the fact that I loved watching “Jersey Shore”.  I don’t know why, I got mad at myself every time it came on..

    KS:  Deer in the headlights huh?

    SB: (Zach) Yep, but I watched every episode.

    KS:  You’re on the road, you see this, you have to pull off.  No if, ands, or buts.  You must detour!!

    SB: Graceland

    KS:  What’s on your iPod right now? What ya listening to?

    SB:  (Colton) I just downloaded the Blake Shelton CD, Bringing Back The Sunshine, Miranda Lambert’s new album, and there are Kings of Leon..

    KS:  I love Kings of Leon..

    SB:  (Colton) And there’s even a little Daft Punk.  (Zach)  I’ve actually been listening to the new Tim McGraw album, I love it.

    KS:  Great choices you guys!  Okay now..favorite movie?

    SB:  (Colton) I’m gonna go, Dumb and Dumber (Zach) I have a tie between Jerry McGuire and That Thing You Do.

    KS:  Thank you guys so much.

    As I left the dressing room, I had just witnessed a taste of what these two brothers share night after night on stage with their fans. Their playful, energetic personalities come across as they converse with their audience. Each and every night they share pieces of themselves to those they play for. This quality of bearing it all on stage is what makes them so appealing.

    Opening for The Swon Brothers this evening were local favorites, The Fulton Chain Gang.  Together now for years, these five men continue to entertain audiences all over the state with their modern country and southern rock style.  With Nick Bontempo (lead vocals, guitars), Mark Werchowski (lead guitar, vocals), Dennis Buczek (pedal steel guitar), Dave Montany (bass, vocals)and Brian Spoor on (Drums), they played both classic traditional country and modern country hits and warmed up this crowd for the awaiting brothers.
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    As the two brothers and their band took the stage, they came out like gang busters playing some of their original songs mixed with an array of covers of all genres. You could tell the musical influences that played a part in finding their sound. With a mix of The Temptations, “My Girl”, George Jone’s “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”, and throw in a little Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ In The Dark” (in which the entire crowd sang along to) they demonstrated their musical range and adaptability as true musicians. I must duly note as well, that their ability to harmonize is astounding. As unique as each brother is singly, together they have a harmonic chemistry that is untouchable.

    They wore the stage like a pair of comfortable jeans. This stage presence comes from being on stage for their entire lives I’m sure. As they bantered back and forth with each other, band mates, and even audience members, they demonstrated how to them, the stage is their home away from home. They sang a happy birthday to an audience member, put their bass player on the spot to sing (in which he hit it out of the park, great job Seth), and had the audience eating out of the palms of their hands in no time.

    As a child of the 80’s I have to say my personal favorites, and they nailed them, were The Eagles, “Life In The Fast Lane,” Boston’s “Long Time” and Tom Petty’s, “American Girl”. Excellent choices to close out this show. By the time they came to their current hit, “Later On,” these gentlemen had the audience transfixed. How could you not love these two? With the looks that garnered them a spot in People’s Sexiest Men issue, the smiles that melt your grandma’s heart, and voices that can croon and rock, it’s apparent why they are one of country music’s favorite duo’s on the rise.
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  • Just In Time for Christmas – Announcment of Garth Brooks’ Return to New York State

    The highly anticipated announcement of where and when Garth Brooks will return in Upstate New York has finally been announced. Four shows will be help March 6 and 7, 2015 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo. Together with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, Garth will perform a 6pm and 10:30pm each day.

    garth brooksFans have eagerly been awaiting this announcement since his press conference on July 9, 2014. Rather than announcing all cities at once, Garth has kept his fans on the edge of their seats with announcements of each city one at a time. His absence certainly is apparent as his shows have been selling out in each city so far.

    Tickets go on sale this week, December 5th at 10am. The total price of $66.25 will include taxes, facility fees and service charge. Garth prides himself and promised his fans to keep it affordable so that everyone could come to the shows. What a perfect Christmas gift! His shows do not disappoint.

    Update: Due to the amazing response to Garth Brooks’ return to Buffalo, New York, two more dates have been added to accommodate fans. Tickets will now be available for Thursday March 5 at 7:30pm and Sunday March 8 at 8pm. Please make sure once you have purchased your tickets to take note of special instructions to make your experience the best possible for all.

  • Country Superstars Announce Syracuse show at Oncenter War Memorial

    LeeBrice_ChrisYoung_unlocalizedIn a very special press release this morning, the Oncenter together with AEG Live will bring the One Night Live tour to the Syracuse Oncenter War Memorial Arena January 22, 2015. Country superstars Lee Brice and Chris Young will be joined by the Osborne Brothers in what is expected to be one of the years best live shows in Central New York.

    Tickets to the show will go on sale Friday, December 5 at noon. Tickets to the show cost $41.50, $37 and $31.50 (additional fees may apply); they will be available in person at the Solvay Bank Box Office at The Oncenter (760 S. State Street), charge by phone 315.435.2121 or online via Ticketmaster.com.

    Brice released his debut album, Love Like Crazy, in 2009. The title track reached #3 on the Billboard Country chart and set a record as the longest-charting song in that chart’s history. In 2012, he topped his own success with Hard 2 Love, an album that went Gold and featured three #1 Country singles, including “I Drive Your Truck,” which won Song of the Year at both the CMA and ACM Awards. The record earned raves from NPR to Country Weekly and found the New York Times hailing him as “a sensitive macho man,” a compliment that perfectly encapsulates both sides of Brice’s persona. Hard 2 Love also garnered Lee his late-night debut with a stirring performance of “I Drive Your Truck” on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” Brice took it a step further on his latest album, I Don’t Dance, relishing the role of producer with flair of experimentation. For more information on Lee Brice, visit www.leebrice.com .

    Young released his self-titled debut album in 2006. The album produced two singles on the Billboard Country chart: “Drinkin’ Me Lonely” and “You’re Gonna Love Me.” He released his second album, The Man I want to Be, in 2009; from this album the singles “Voices,” “Gettin’ You Home” and the title track all went #1. Young’s third album, Neon, produced two more number one hits: “Tomorrow” and “You” in 2011 along with the Top 20 hit “I Can Take It From There” in 2012. Most recently, Young’s 2013 album, A.M., has produced three Top 5 hits: “Aw Naw,” “Who I Am with You” and “Lonely Eyes.” For more information on Chris Young, visit www.chrisyoungcountry.com.

  • Interview: Craig Campbell gets Loved by Syracuse

    Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill in Syracuse has done it again. National recording artist Craig Campbell partied with Syracuse Friday, November 14.

    From the moment I met Craig Campbell I knew that he would not disappoint. Such an amazing talent with such respect and love for his fans. From the VIP meet and greet, through his entire show, and even after his performance by inviting every fan to his merchandise table for pictures and autographs, he proved just how important his fans truly are to him.

    Performing his hit songs “Keep Them Kisses Coming”, “Outta My Head”, and “Family Man”, Craig proved to Syracuse just what a class act he is. He and his band left the crowd cheering after every song and wanting more. Inviting two special fans up on stage to enjoy a shot of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine (Big Orange Moonshine) and a beer while he played a few songs on the keyboard was simply amazing. He played a verse of Garth Brooks’ hit song “The Dance” and the entire place sang it right along with him. Best of all, Craig Campbell shared a little piece of a song he wrote that Garth Brooks performs on his new CD!
    Craig’s entire performance was full of fun. I have to say that one of my favorite parts was while he was taking client’s cell phones and videoing himself singing and of course, making funny faces. I’m hoping he comes back to Syracuse many times. I would go to every show!

    Kim Richer: Craig, thanks for taking the time to speak to . it’s so very nice to meet you.

    Craig Campbell: You’re quite welcome. It’s my pleasure.

    KR: So tell me a little about this tour you’re on.

    CC: Well this isn’t really a tour. I enjoy going out and playing at festivals, bars and honky tonks. The size of the venues are nice because it gives me a chance to be on a more personal level with my fans. The shows that I’ve had this year have been great. This is the busiest year I’ve ever had coming off a top 10 song with “Keep them kisses coming”. Things have been really good for me this year.

    KR: That’s great! Now do you find that you have more freedom doing shows this way instead of doing a tour?

    CC: Well, there’s pros and cons to everything. I want to be on a tour to expose my music to more people. I could go do shows all day long and have the same 1000, 2000 people show up but when you get on a tour you have the opportunity to play in front of 15,000 and there’s a good chance that many of those 15,000 have never heard of your or never heard any or your music so that’s the appealing side of being on a tour. You get to be in front of all of these people and try to get your music out to more as the percentage of exposure is way higher. There is something cool about doing your own show in a club, but then there is also something really neat about being able to play in front of a whole ton of people.

    KR: That’s true, but I must say from a fan standpoint I love the smaller shows because it’s so much more fan friendly and on a much more personal level.

    CC: Even more personal than that are the theater shows I’ve done where everyone is sitting down and you can talk to the fans and carry on and talk about the songs.

    KR: If there is someone you could pick to go on tour with, who would it be?

    CC: Oh gosh, I’d love to go out with Luke Bryan. I’d love to go out with Garth, Eric Church, anybody. I’ve made some good friends over the years in country music. It doesn’t matter to me because I know no matter who it is we are gonna have fun no matter what.

    KR: Now I understand you come from a pretty large family in Georgia. Is anyone else musically inclined or are you the only one?

    CC: Well, everyone on my mama’s side of the family had some sort of musical ability whether it be singing or just playing. I was always the only one that wanted to chase it down and pursue it.

    KR: When you were young was there anyone that you aspired to be like?

    CC: I was a big Travis Tritt fan. I listened to the way he sang, the way he wrote his songs and the way he played. He was a great musician. He was the all around music package, he could do it all, write, play and sing. He was someone that I absolutely looked up to.

    KR: Have you had a chance to meet him?

    CC: Yeah, actually he sang on my last record. He’s a really really nice guy. It was a must on my bucket list to meet him so having him sing on my record was icing on the cake!

    KR: I love Travis Tritt myself. I also understand your wife played a part in your last album with the song “Topless”

    CC: Yeah, we wrote it together. She’s an amazing singing and songwriter herself so she always has a place on my albums for at least one song. We wrote it and thought it would be perfect for that last record.

    KR: Oh most definitely. It shows the fun side. A lot of married artists usually do something sweet and sentimental but it’s nice to see the fun side as a couple too.

    CC: I feel like both of us have a really good sense of humor so that was perfect for us.

    KR: Can we look forward to her performing with you live anytime?

    CC: Yeah, when she is on the road with me or if we are in her hometown or my hometown she will get up and do a couple songs. Eventually I would like to have her sing on my album, so we’ll see. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

    KR: I’m interested in hearing a little more about this corn hole tournament you host annually.

    CC: During CMA Fest there is a lot going on. There are a lot of free shows, there’s golf tournaments and all these other events going on for charity. I have always been geared toward Colon Cancer and Colon Cancer Research and awareness and I though man, nobody is having a corn hole tournament, let’s have a corn hole tournament. So we started it two years ago and did it this past year and it was a great success. It actually was a big part of me becoming the spokesperson for Fight Colorectal Cancer which March is Fight Colorectal Cancer month and we are actually going to my next tournament in the month of March. It’s going to be bigger and better and Bayer Heath Care is going to sponsor it so it’s going to be huge.

    KR: Oh, that’s fantastic. I look forward to seeing that. I’ve played corn hole and I can tell you that I am not the best.

    CC: Oh you don’t have to be good as long as you’re having fun. That’s one of the reasons I chose that game. It’s fun and anyone can do it.

    KR: Have you been to Syracuse before.

    CC: No, I’ve been to the area but never to Syracuse before. We actually played with the Hootn-Anges when we were in NY before out at Kegs Canal side.

    KR: Are you working on a new album or are any new projects coming up?

    CC: Yeah, my record label actually closed last May so I’ve been trying to get that worked out. Now that it is, I will have some announcements in the next few weeks.

    KR: If there was anything in your career you could change, what would it be?

    CC: I signed my record deal without having a manager. At the time it sounded like a good idea but in retrospect it wasn’t a great choice. Just because there were no checks and balances. There was nobody on my side holding anybody accountable. For the most part though we’ve done really well and I would do it all over again.

    KR: Have you always wanted to sing and write music?

    CC: Yeah, even in high school I was at the bars as often as I could trying to get in with the bands to see if they would let me go in and sing a couple of songs. After graduation, I knew that music was something I couldn’t shake so I decided to move to Nashville and chase it down.

    KR: What was your journey like when you got to Nashville?

    CC: It was long but I was making a good living in Nashville singing demos, playing and writing songs. I played piano for Tracy Bird and Luke Bryan. I got to do some really cool things and was putting food on the table so that was a success as far as I’m concerned.

    KR: Has country music always been the choice?

    CC: Yes, that’s all I know.

    KR: If I were to grab your ipod would it all be country?

    CC: I listen to some other stuff. I like good singing. I love Bruno Mars, Adele, Boyz to Men, Brian McKnight but it’s about 98% country.

    KR: If you could sing with one person past or present, who would it be?

    CC: Definitely Keith Whitley

    KR: If you could give one piece of advice someone following your path, what would it be?

    CC: It’s either all or nothing. You have to be 100% and not take no for an answer.

    KR: Do you have any regrets?

    CC: Nope, not one. Every decision I’ve made has either been based on gut feeling, or prayed about it or decisions my wife and I have made together. It’s all good stuff.

  • Still in Awe After an Amazingly Intimate Performance by Peter Rowan in Oneonta

    Sporting yoga pants and loving it, after having eaten a yummy vegetarian meal, at the table right next to mine, no less! the iconic Peter Rowan casually strolled onto the stage at BSide Ballroom and Supper Club in Oneonta, armed only with a guitar and a story to tell. To have such an essential figure in the bluegrass world performing in this small intimate venue with a seating of approximately 140 maximum, was a true dream come true.

    peter rowan oneontaStarting off the show on a melancholy yet hopeful note with “Doc Watson Morning” a song about a “guitar-picking kind of day,” Rowan ended the song with a mini yodel, which was nice to hear so early on in the set. Giving the audience what they truly were hoping to hear, Pete moved into an acoustic solo rendition of “Panama Red” which he brilliantly chose to mash-up with classic folk tune “Freight Train” which proved to be quite the winning combination. Moving on to another one of his better known tunes, Jack Bonus’s “Hobo Song” it became clear at this point in the set that he felt totally at ease with the crowd, and in return, made the audience feel as if they were just chilling with Pete in his living room. The next song up moved the audience from Pete’s living room to a desert with tumbleweeds blowing by, when he sang a version of “Tumbleweed” throughout which he put so much emotion into each and every note.

    peter rowanAt this point in the evening, Peter Rowan brought out bassist Paul Knight, who has toured with Pete in the past, performing as part of the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band. It also marked the point in the set during which much storytelling ensued, which is always a treat coming from someone who has played with so many other musicians, and traveled to so many corners of the earth. I have to confess that when Pete was eating dinner next to me, I worked up the nerve to put in a shameless plug for myself that he was helping me kick off my birthday week celebration, and right after he brought Knight out on stage, they were kind enough to sing happy birthday to me! It’s definitely going to be hard to top that on my list of memorable birthdays.

    Reminiscently telling one story about his days playing with Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, during which time, as Pete put it, Monroe would always “call me plural” and refer to him as Peter Rowans, the audience received an intimate and real history of this legend who stood before us. Switching to stories about learning more rootsy rhythms from New Orleans, such as the “stomp” and the “slow drag” Pete performed his own song in slow drag, “Ragged Old Dream” off of his aptly named The Old School album. Segueing into a more bluesy part of his set, Rowan explained how he used to go to record stores in Boston, where one used to be able to sit and listen to blues and folk albums for hours, and proceeded to perform a particularly bluesy version of “In the Pines”. Ending his set with the title track off his new album Dharma Blues was fitting, especially because it ended with a true signature Peter Rowan yodel.

    peter rowanChoosing a somewhat odd time to take a set break, being so close to the 10:00pm time the show was projected to end, Pete ended up coming back on to play at 9:30, but went a bit beyond the original end time, which nobody seemed to mind. Beginning with an instrumental number with amazing use of harmonics up and down the neck of the guitar by Rowan, he then went into a very touching tribute he wrote for Jerry Garcia, his former band mate from his days playing with Old and In the Way, titled “Jerry and the Deep Blue Sea” in honor of the work Jerry used to do to raise money for the protection of dolphins and coral reefs around Hawaii. Playing a few more numbers off his new album Dharma Blues, which was inspired by his recent trips to India and Nepal, we were introduced to a much more spiritual side of Peter Rowan.

    His song “Arise” which was heavily influenced by the concept of bodhisattva, was explained to the audience by Rowan as the idea that all beings have been our parents in previous lives. The cyclical nature of the concept of bodhisattva was beautifully mimicked in both the lyrics and the musical notes so masterfully chosen by Rowan. Returning to a spiritual world from a more Western culture, Rowan pulled out a particularly note-intensive version of “Land of the Navajo” incorporating an almost reggae-style bass solo, followed by Rowan playing some more impressive harmonics followed by an extended yodel jam. Ending his set with “Restless Grave” off Dharma Blues, on which he was accompanied by Gillian Welch on the album, the crowd was unhappy to see him go.

    Thankfully, Rowan was urged by the audience to come back onstage for an encore, and he was even taking requests. He chose to give us two of his more popular numbers, “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy” and of course, “Moonlight Midnight” which received a big old howl from the audience! Saving up just enough energy to sign CDs and chat with anyone who wanted to be in the presence of such a spiritual being with a lifetime of experiences to share, it was easy to see that everyone in attendance for this performance was truly in awe of the special gift that had been handed to us: having the opportunity to listen to this bluegrass icon in such an intimate setting. Peter Rowan will be touring around the northeast until November 23, so make sure to add one of his shows to your calendars if you can. It will truly be worth the experience.

  • Interview: Celebrating 20 Years With Lonestar

    We all have that one artist/group that no matter how many times you change out your playlist on your iPod, they always make the cut to the new playlist.  Lonestar is that group for me.  They have always been a favorite of mine, with an amazing 22 years in the business and celebrating their 20th Anniversary together as a group, I was extremely excited, and a tad nervous to be able to have a chance to do an interview with them at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort Showroom on their recent visit to Central New York.

    Lonestar - Turning Stone
    Lonestar – Turning Stone

    Kathy Stockbridge: Happy Anniversary you guys! Twenty years are amazing…what is that you guys credit as your secret to longevity?

    Lonestar: Beer and pizza…restraining orders…arm wrestling…lots of things…sense of humor mostly.

    KS: Exactly…think that’s it!! One of my favorite songs of yours is “I’m Already There”..tell me a little about the process of writing that, what it means to you, and how did it evolve?

    LS: ( Richie McDonald) It evolved out of the lives we live on the road away from our families and being gone. We had been gone about six weeks and I called home one night, and our kids were little back then, Brett was four and that sweet little voice says “Daddy When You Coming Home?” and that’s where the expression came from. Ya know, it’s a song we live night after night and we dedicate it to the men and women in our military.

    KS: Yes, the song evolved into a new meaning afterwards. It began as a song about your lives on the road and then after playing overseas for the military it took on a whole new meaning.

    LS: The song came out in 2001 right before 9/11 and they spend a lot more time away from their families than we do and it just made a connection with their families while being away.

    KS: It’s a beautiful song, true hit. Another favorite is “Front Porch Looking In” , one of my favorite videos.

    LS: That was Trey Fanjoy I believe. She had done “Amazed” for us and “Smile” also for us. Great director in Nashville, she shot out just past Leiper’s Fork in Nashville at the time seemed like in the middle of nowhere …we were going “where in the heck are we”, now I live somewhat close to there so it doesn’t seem so far out there any more. Such as great video because it allowed us to be outstanding in our field…we really were out standing in a field…but then they had that awesome house they filmed all the family scenes and stuff with the carrot top and all..then downtown Nashville they built a façade of the same house and the people are looking through it and see us in the field and then we’re in the city..it was a pretty cool concept.

    KS: You also did a best hits album where you did a cover of Marc Cohen’s “Walking in Memphis”. I absolutely love that song, …it’s along the same lines of your music…it’s heartfelt…talk t me a little about what made you choose that one?

    LS: The first two years we were together we played clubs and bars for four or five nights a week, and so we had four hours of music to play and that was one of the songs we would play right from the beginning. After we got our record deal we stopped doing all the cover songs, but cut to a few years later and we’re in Memphis, TN getting ready to do a benefit for St. Jude’s down on Beale Street, so during our soundcheck we thought this would be a good time to do “Walking in Memphis” because we were right there on Beale…so we started doing it. One of the label guys that was there for the St. Jude’s show said ya’ll should record that. We started doing it in our live shows, and it just became something we wanted to put out.

    KS: So you’ve done 20 years (as Michael whispers t me…22)..I mean 22 years of music, with hit after hit…is there any collaboration you would still like to do at this point in your careers?

    LS: With other writers?

    KS: Other writers, artists…you see a lot of inter mixing these days with rap and country and rock and country…did you do a Crossroads yet?

    LS: We’ve never done a Crossroads…we talked about doing one with Matchbox 20 but we couldn’t schedule it.

    KS: Oh…we need to do that.

    LS: You need to make that happen Kathy!! Any of the people on these walls (as they point to the posters at the Turning Stone of all the great artists that have played there)…(sure wish I could arrange it for them..would love to see that)

    KS: Okay..I’ll see what I can do!! Okay getting the sign that I need to wrap this up…do you guys mind doing my social speed round…a series of questions that have nothing to do with music and give insight into your lives as normal joes?

    LS: Sure

    KS: You are on the road and see this…you make the bus driver pull over.

    LS: Lotta Burger!!! (in unison)

    KS: If given the chance, your crew would say you are __________.

    LS: AWESOME!!!!! ..fun…witty..incredibly handsome…incredibly talented…demanding…(and a few others I promised to edit out )

    KS: What are you listening to on your iPod right now?

    LS: New Tom Petty album…the new Black Keys…

    KS: Most outrageous place you’ve played?

    LS: The Gorge…it wasn’t outrageous but it was incredible….outrageous would be the air craft carrier…USS Truman in Ft. Lauderdale..it was cool.

    Completing the interview, the guys took a moment to say hi to our readers and give their opinion on live music…

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8X2RW1-anE]

    After such a fun interview with what obviously is a fun-loving group of guys, I couldn’t wait to see their live performance. With a mix of their Grammy award-winning hits and some new music on the set list, it was bound to be a stellar performance.

    Opening with my personal favorites No News, Front Porch, and Mr. Mom, they came out of the gate strong. They were as personable with their audience as they had been with me, cracking jokes left and right. It was more than obvious to me why these four men had weathered the test of time. Not only were they amazing musicians, but they truly loved their audience and what they did.

    It was their new music though that really struck a chord with me. They are the most amazing songwriters and composers. My favorite new song has to be “Just The Rain”.  It is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. They write and compose the most beautiful ballads ever. They are so heartfelt. They say how we feel through music and words in a way that touches each of us as though they wrote the song personally for us. That is a gift. Writing catchy tunes is one thing, delivering heartfelt emotion, a whole different ballgame. It elevates them to a league all their own.

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

    As they began singing “Walking In Memphis” I was super stoked. Marc Cohen’s song was done absolute justice. Some songs when covered are good, but not right for those doing the cover. That was not the case in this instance. Their soulful rendition nailed it.

    As they closed the show with The Beatles “Get Back” they had the crowd on their feet dancing along and cheering for more as they left the stage. When they returned to the stage for the encore, Richie began to serenade the front table with their Grammy Award winning song, “Amazed”. It’s this personal touch that makes a really good show, a great show. It’s the interaction and connection of performer and audience that I look for when reviewing a show. A really great show makes that connection and makes their audience feel like they were part of the show.

    Lonestar - Turning Stone
    Lonestar – Turning Stone

    It was the final number though that really was the icing on the cake. They closed out their show with a mash-up of a rock medley that I have to say was the best closing numbers I’ve ever heard performed. With a mix of Pink Floyd’s, “Another Brick In the Wall” ZZ Top’s “Gimme All Your Lovin,” Thin Lizzy’s “Boy’s Are Back in Town” and finishing it out with Kiss’s “Rock and Roll All Night” they demonstrated to me why they are Grammy award-winning artists and performers, as they incited the crowd and left them on a musical high that no drug could ever achieve.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’39’]

    Set List:
    No News> Front Porch> Mr. Mom> If It Wasn’t For You> Coming Home> Mountains> Everything’s changed> Already There> Pretty Good Day> You Walked In> Tell Her> Just the Rain> Memphis Party All Day> What About Now> With Me> How Can She Be> Get Back/No News Reprise> Amaze> Rock Medley

  • It’s A Strange And Mysterious Thing: An Interview With Peter Rowan

    In referencing how music becomes something tangible to the world, Peter Rowan describes in a new interview how the transient process as “a strange and mysterious thing.” The words mirror his spiritual and philosophical existence on this plane. Peter Rowan has traveled near and far and with him, the adventures of playing music and the lessons of deep spiritual focus which have become interconnected within him on a cellular level. He is the commander-in-chief, the leader of contemporaries, the principle musician, the Buddhist guide and the forerunner of song compositions. He has collaborated with legends, he’s made albums with icons, he has written songs that are often covered by others and album’s that impacted musical direction.

    peter rowan interviewTabitha Clancy: Lets begin with your most recent works, of which two were released this year. Can you tell me about Dharma Blues?

    Peter Rowan: I wrote that material while I was on pilgrimage to Nepal and India while doing concert dates in Japan. It was a mid-life journey. To have purgatory, paradise and hell – those are states of mind. To go on pilgrimage you actually leave behind your own world and engage in spiritual energy. Once I got to India and Nepal, my mind was open and songs started coming intensely. It was as if I was waiting my whole life to go on this journey. You surrender your baggage.

    TC: When did you travel to Nepal and India?

    PR: Well the first time in 1992, then I went back 1996, 2002, well, every decade. I would combine it with my Japanese dates.

    TC: As musician you seem to create from the heart. How do your songs come together for you?

    PR: On Dharma Blues there is a song called “Arise.” It is sort of a vow. It is the first vow someone on a spiritual path would make by sacrificing your own suffering and enlightenment for the enhancement of others. It begins by realizing all beings have been your parents. So in a way, that’s the prayers I was saying. I rehearsed different ways of playing. It’s been six years before I recorded it. I lived with those songs for a long time until I could be really comfortable with them. That’s one way of looking at it. It’s a strange and mysterious thing how any kind of music will see the light of day.

    peter rowan interviewTC: What do you think about the progression of the bluegrass genre?

    PR: I think it’s all great. My whole thing is I’ve been wrapped up in my own stuff. Basically I’m a songwriter whereas these other bands are about entertainment value and instrumental work. To me bluegrass has great potential for extended instrumental solos. All these bands tip their hats to Old In And The Way. I was a Bluegrass Boy; there is a self-imposed idea that I have to bring the tradition. You can draw a line and say bluegrass begins and ends at this certain traditional sound, beyond that it’s a progression of bluegrass. Right now, I don’t fit the category anymore.

    TC: Can you tell me what those early years were like for you?

    PR: Both my parents were musicians. My uncle Jimmy came back from World War II and brought back grass skirts and coconut bras and we all put them on and danced in living room while he played a ukulele he won in a poker game.

    There was a big music scene Cambridge, MA and bluegrass was a part of it and I started playing bluegrass with different folks. Then Bill Monroe came to town and hired me to join his band.

    TC: What was that like for you?

    PR: Oh, it was scary! By the time I was 24, I was on the road with Bill Monroe. That is a big subject. I can tell you, when you share a mic with another, you do learn to project your voice. Ok, here’s the difference, to be really bluegrass it has to be acoustic instruments over a microphone. The point is, what I learned from Bill Monroe is projecting voice and projection of your instrument to cut the mic. And you call it “cut the mic.”

    TC: You have countless collaborations and creative projects under your belt. Is there any project that stands out for you, the one album, show or musical adventure that you are proud of that you felt set you on you on your path?

    PR: I’d say Old In And The Way, and the fact that I put out “In The Land of Navajo,” “Panama Red” and “Midnight Moonlight” on the same record was me finding my voice. It wasn’t that to me at that time; it was just exciting. Of course, playing with incredible greats. I’ll just give you dates and names: 1965, Bill Monroe; 1970, Jerry Garcia and Vassar Clements; all along there’s David Grisman; 1975, Flaco Jimenez. To my enjoyment, I played with these greats. In the 1980’s, Jerry Douglas and Sam Bush – you know these are contemporaries. Into the nineties, we were becoming iconic. I ended up playing with Tony Rice for twelve years. He was a huge inspiration to me.

    It’s been a wonderful evolution. I have my own bluegrass band now. I started writing in the first person six years ago. I feel like I’m able to share more. I like to tell stories. I like to pass on what I know.

    TC: Last year you toured with Yungchen Lhamo who is someone whose musical presentation is quite different from Western style music. Where did you meet Yungchen?

    PR: Years ago I was complaining that bluegrass seems limiting. So, Charles Sawtelle (Hot Rize) gave me Yungchen’s record. I listened to it for a long time both critically and joyfully. Years went by and two years ago I played a festival and saw she was on the bill. We kind of started connecting and so I invited her out to Rocky Grass in Colorado. So, I did a traditional bluegrass set and then I had Yungchen come out. We never really solidified what we do together. She did an opening prayer and then sang several of my Dharma songs with me. It was the first time we tried it on stage and it really worked. She’s an inspiration for me. She’s so direct in her approach. She made me realize that you don’t have to shy away. If you do it, just do it!

    TC: You are currently touring the Northeast. What can we expect from the show at The Egg in Albany? Are you touring solo?

    PR: I’m solo, that way I can tell the stories. The challenge is bringing it down to one person and let those influences be there.

    Peter Rowan will be at The Egg, Saturday, November 15. Tickets available at the box office or online.

  • UPDATED: Robert Plant Turns Down Led Zeppelin Reunion Debunked

    Editors note: According to a report Nov 10 from The Guardian, Robert Plant’s publicist has denied any Led Zeppelin Reunion talks happened, calling it “rubbish”. I guess we can go back to hoping for a reunion someday? Original article remains intact below. 

    For those holding your breath for a Led Zeppelin reunion, you should probably give it up. Robert Plant reportedly turned down £500 million (approximately $795 million) to reunite with fellow bandmates Jimmy Page and John Paul-Jones for a 35 date tour that included stops in London, Berlin, and New Jersey. Son of the late John Bonham, Jason Bonham would have been behind the kit.Led Zeppelin Concert: Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun - Performance

    According to The Mirror out of the U.K., Plant ripped up the contract in front of promoter Sir Richard Branson. Branson, who is the biggest Led Zeppelin fan had arrangements for flights to all the venues with his jump jet rebranded as “The Mothership.” The rest of the band minus Plant signed the contract immediately while Plant decided during a 48 hour time frame that he is not interested what so ever.

    The surviving members of Led Zeppelin last reunited back in 2007 at the 02 Arena in London. Led Zeppelin disbanded back in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham. It’s pretty safe to say at this point Led Zeppelin is no more. Until then, enjoy their music that they have given to us and enjoy our parents and grandparents Led Zeppelin concert stories.