Category: Genres

Trey Anastasio Band Fall Tour and New Album ‘Paper Wheels’

Exciting news today as Trey Anastasio Band has announced a fall tour of the Northeast and a new album, Paper Wheels, due in early 2015. The album was recently recorded by the band at The Barn, Anastasio’s reconstructed barn-turned-rehearsal/recording studio located outside Burlington, VT, in less than a week.

Inspired by the immediacy of Stax-era recordings, Anastasio and his band mates recorded the songs live, playing and singing together in one room and often requiring no more than one or two takes. This tour will let the band preview the songs on the album before the release. As an added bonus today you can download “Bounce” right now as a free download at Trey’s website for a preview of Paper Wheels. The album was produced and engineered by Bryce Goggin, who helmed several Phish albums and has also partnered with Anastasio on previous solo projects, and mixed by Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Van Morrison).

Trey Anastasio Band has previewed some of these songs already on their West Coast tour this past spring, as well as the special Brooklyn Bowl taping for PBS in August. Other songs that have been played already and are expected on the new album include “In Rounds,” “Paper Wheels,” “Lever Boy”and “Sometime After Sunset”.

The tour will start the day after Thanksgiving in Chicago before coming to the East Coast. The first two night stand of the tour will take place at the famed 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. on December 2 and 3. This will be followed by another two night stand at Boston’s Orpheum Theatre on December 5 and 6. On December 9, the band will be Binghamton’s Broome County Forum Theatre. The Beacon Theatre in New York City will get the band on December 11 and 12 with the tour wrapping up the following evening on December 13 at Philadelphia’s Tower Theatre. Tickets will be going on a pre-sale through Trey Ticketing on Thursday October 9 at Noon with a public sale happening Thursday October 16. The full list of tour dates is below.

11/28 – Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
11/29 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
11/30 – Richmond, VA @ The National
12/02 & 03 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
12/05 & 06 – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
12/07 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
12/09 – Binghamton, NY @ Broome County Forum Theatre
12/11 & 12 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
12/13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theatre

October 7, 2014
Super 400 Shreds Putnam Den

Putnam Den was the site of one of the hottest shows that is going to be seen anywhere, at anytime on Friday, October 3 with Super 400. The bar was packed, first with patrons surrounded around the TVs watching the baseball playoffs but when Suitable Groove took this stage the bar became sparse and the stage area began to fill up to get a better look at opening act of the evening.

Opening up with the hoppy dance track “Up to the Front”, which grabbed everyone’s attention with an energy matched by few. The solos where abounding as each member added their own uniqueness to the bands sound. The drummer, Ian Henderson, did not just hold the songs together with his rhythmic beats, he also sang lead vocals, a complicated task. Bassist Eric Johnson helped in this as well as he laid down beats in which keyboardist Chadd Portwine, who was filled with energy, danced around getting the crowd even more engaged then they already were. The guitar playing of Wayne Chaet, however, was a very high energy groove, a Suitable Groove if you will. They also had the ability to bring it back down to the songs original composition. This was the perfect opening act for what was to come next with Super 400 ready to take the stage.

The energetic “Be My Friend” opened up Super 400‘s set and had the crowd eating out of their hands from the onset and there was no turning back. This and many of their songs featured shredding guitar solos from Kenny Hohman, but unlike many bands where guitars solos are the feature of the band, this was not the deal with Super 400. They focused more on the songs, the lyrics and the melodies which complemented the songs to perfection. Lori Friday added a higher pitch and slower vocal that matched Hohman’s more raspy southern rock feel. Friday however was not just a backing vocalist by any stretch of the imaginations, taking leads on many tracks that still wasn’t her highlighted skill. She laid down sick bass solos and had the crowd in awe. She was tearing it up to the point drummer Joe Daly and her were almost dueling, which just brought the energy lever higher. The show was amazing in every aspect.

Playing covers of the Beatles “Don’t Let me Down,” to Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet,” and new renditions of standards that have been heard hundreds of times, but with Super 400 playing them it seemed as if it was the first time they were ever heard. Everyone in attendance was blown away, and although it was a free show, people said they would have had no problem paying to see this spectacle, a statement to just how fantastic the night was.

October 7, 2014
In Focus: Oak Mountain Bluegrass and Arts Festival 2014

When invited to cover the Second Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass & Arts Festival I did not hesitate to jump at the opportunity. What could be better than enjoying some amazing live music in the beautiful Adirondacks? Located in the Hamilton County hamlet of Speculator/Lake Pleasant, this day long event offered family fun with camping, music, vendors, and good eats. With a stellar line up of Swampcandy, Remsen Social Club, The Old Main, Sleep Man Banjo Boys, and Nick/Jay/Nigel from Floodwood, you couldn’t go wrong.

Nick, Nigel & Braids – 2nd Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival

Swampcandy – As the party began, first up was Swampcandy, the duo of Joey Mitchell and Ruben Dobbs, who brought the beat with their stand up bass and ganjo, rocking those early attendees who had arrived early to secure the perfect spot up front . These two young men bring to an audience a full piece band as they play and sing original tunes that express life as they know it.

The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys – 2nd Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival

Remsen Social Club – These four young men, Bryan Davies on tenor banjo, guitar, wash tub, bass, and vocals; Tim Slusarcyzk on upright bass, harp, and vocals; Ben carrier on guitar, mandolin, harp, 5 string banjo, and vocals; and Chris Taylor on Gatling harps, mouth harp, harmonica in a beer can (yes you read that correctly) and vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound. Playing a mix of original music, such as “Over You Darlin” and “Am I Best” along with some all time favorite covers such as “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up and ready for their day long of music and fun.

Remsen Social Club – 2nd Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival

The Old Main – The Old Main showed up ready to give the attendees a show and then some. With Seth Becker on guitar, harmonica, and vocals; Robb Nash on upright bass, tin whistle, and vocals; Gavin Bailey on piano, accordion, and backup vocals; and Mitch Eckler on drums and backup vocals, this quartet certainly sounded as though they had been playing together for ages. With two full sets to be performed, Seth and Nash took the stage first doing a whole set that included many originals and several covers of some of my favorite songs, such as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Crazy” and “Winding Road”. The versatility of these two to be able to switch from bluegrass to rock to country was seamless, just as their transition to the second set when the whole band joined them on stage to entertain the attendees for the remaining time. Continuing the party for another hour, they were joined on stage by Chris Taylor from the Remsen Social Club on his harmonica in a beer can contraption that produced a unique reverberation and sound I must add . Audience members could be found volleying beach balls, singing, and dancing along with the quartet for the entire time. If I had to describe their performance to someone who couldn’t be there…words such as fun, energetic, enlivened, would be a few words chosen to do so.

2n Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival Vendors

Sleepy Man Banjo Boys – For those who have yet to see these three young men, let me tell you there is nothing sleepy about them. The three brothers, Tommy, Robbie, and Jonny Mizzone, that make up The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, have achieved huge success in their genre, all by the ages of 16, 14, and 11 years old. Seriously? Oh you betcha ladies and gentlemen. As I stood there with my jaw gaping, these three totally mesmerized me with their musical prowess and skill. They are not new however to the music scene as they have just released their third album. Already appearing at The Grand Old Opry and on the David Letterman Show, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys have acquired quite the following, and now have even more with those that saw them for the first time up to Oak Mountain.

Nick, Nigel, & Braids – Always a favorite anywhere they attend, Nick, Nigel, & Braids closed out the Bluegrass Festival in true style. Their ability to bring the party everywhere they go makes them a favorite at every venue they play. With Nigel (Zach) on stand up bass and guitar, Nick on vocals, guitar, and banjo, and Jason (Braids) on mandolin and vocals, a dance party ensues each time they play. Bringing the true spirit of the bluegrass sound from the Appalachian Mountains all the way to our Adirondack Mountains, I can think of no one better to close the Second Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival than Central NY’s very own Nick, Nigel, & Braids. Whether playing individually, as a duo, or with the other members of Floodwood, their distinctive sound is the essence of true Americana music.

As the day wound down, the weather held out, the embers of the bonfire burned down, attendees departed and with a pep in their step and a tune in their heads, they looked forward to the Third Annual Oak Mountain Bluegrass Festival.

October 6, 2014
Aqueous Announce New Album ‘Cycles’, Release Lead Single 20/20

Buffalo’s Aqueous, one of New York’s fastest growing bands, has announced an October 21 release date for their 3rd studio effort Cycles. Featuring eight road tested originals and two brand new instrumentals, the album exemplifies a leap forward in songwriting and focus for the four-piece groove rock outfit.

Fans can now pre-order the album on the band’s merch page and stream the first track – “20/20”, which, like most Aqueous tunes, seamlessly mixes multiple influences into one coherent composition. Aqueous will play a three show Upstate New York run to celebrate the release along with North Carolina’s The Mantras. Catch the mini-tour Oct 23 in Ithaca NY at The Dock, Oct 24 at The Montage in Rochester, and a hometown show Oct 25 at Buffalo’s Iron Works.

“This is the most invested we’ve been in a studio effort so far; it feels really cohesive, and we were truly afforded the opportunity to spend the time elaborating on ideas and being thorough in our execution of them,” explained guitarist Mike Gantzer. “We all feel a true sense of accomplishment and excitement for our fans to hear this; it contains some of the most intense and thematic compositions in our catalog, and generally speaking feels like a profound step for us.”

Guitarist/keyboardist David Loss adds his own thoughts on the recording process – “I couldn’t be happier with the way this album came together. Everyone gave their best performances and I think it really shows. It was great to work with Justin Rose and Richie English again at GCR Audio in Buffalo as well as finally getting a chance to work with Jocko at More Sound. This was an all around great experience!”

Cycles was crowd funded via a successful Kickstarter campaign which fans helped exceed a $7000 goal by over $2000. Go grab yourself a pre-order and check out the full track listing below.

Cycles Track Listing

1. Dawn [1:00]
2. Kitty Chaser (Explosions) [9:39]
3. 20/20 [5:02]
4. The Median [6:41]
5. Skyway [8:47]
6. Complex Pt. I [8:11]
7. Wandering [1:56]
8. Complex Pt. II [9:04]
9. King for a Day [7:45]
10. Staring into the Sun [15:02]

October 6, 2014
The Disco Biscuits to Release ‘The Classical Set’

The Disco Biscuits are easily classified in the genre of EDM or Livetronica, but their classical roots are apparent in their extensive compositions such as “House Dog Party Favor” and “Hot Air Balloon”, and form the backbone of the band’s sound. On August 16, 2003 at TranceMission festival in Trade, TN, The Disco Biscuits played a set composed solely of famous classical pieces of music and some original Biscuits songs. Now, for the first time, a remastered show is available for download and vinyl, The Classical Set.

Keyboardist Aron Magner recalls “I vividly recall the band tearing through the sheet music of the conductor’s score and crafting our own unique four piece orchestration that still stayed true to the written music. Though we have played some of these songs very rarely over the years, this is the only time we have performed them as one complete set, and that fluidity made it an instant fan favorite since the day it was first performed.”

Mastered by Jon Altschiller (Wind at Four to Fly, Rocket 3, TransFusion Radio), and engineered for vinyl by Scott Hull, the vinyl edition is pressed to high quality, virgin 180g vinyl by RTI, Americas finest vinyl production facility pressing plant.

A limited edition, four sided official release is set for November 28, and pre-orders are being accepted now that ship in mid-November. Included in the release is original artwork by Gwen AP, liner notes by Jon Lesser, a special bonus track on side 4, a download card redeemable for a free digital version of the album, and, for those who purchase via the pre-order before the end of October, a bonus item from our merch store.

The Classical Set track listing:

1. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart)
2. The Devil’s Waltz (Jon Gutwillig)
3. Sabre Dance (Aram Khatchaturian)
4. The Thieving Magpie (Rossini)
5. The Overture (Jon Gutwillig)
6. In The Hall of the Mountain King (Edvard Grieg)
7. Waltz Of The Flowers (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)

October 6, 2014
Jack White Announces show at World’s Famous Arena, MSG

Jack White has announced a headline concert on January 30 at Madison Square Garden. This will be the first time White has played the venue since 2007 with his band The White Stripes. Jack White is touring behind is latest release Lazaretto, which came out earlier this year to rave reviews from around the country. Throughout this past summer he has headlined many festivals, including Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, and Osheaga, as well as his own shows around the world.

White has also announced that this past summer’s show from Bonnaroo will be released in a deluxe package from Third Man Records as the latest in from their “Vault Package” series. Included is the entire performance, that stretched an extra 45 minutes past its scheduled end, on a 3 LP vinyl set, a DVD of the performance, a poster, 4 pictures, and a custom television usb stick. The performance was streamed live as hit happened and right away was hailed as one of the greatest performances in Bonnaroo history. White always has a knack for giving it all to an audience that gives it right back to him. If an audience isn’t to his liking though he has cut the show short on occasions, including a show at Radio City Music Hall in 2012 after about an hour.

At every show this summer he has not only covered his solo catalog, but also tackled songs from his other bands The White Stripes, The Dead Weather, and The Raconteurs. His backing band is tremendous and they go into each show without a set list so the show can be produced on the fly. Although White has admitted that certain songs will be performed at each show, he has said there is no plan on stage. Be prepared to be wowed by White and his band this January. Tickets will be going on a pre-sale tomorrow at 10AM for Vault members, followed by a another pre-sale Thursday at 10AM for venue and Chase and Amex cardholders. Finally the public on-sale will be Friday October 10 at noon.

October 6, 2014
Nas Gives Albany a History Lesson at The Palace Theatre

Nas celebrated the 20th anniversary of his famed debut LP Illmatic at the Palace Theatre in Albany on Friday October 3, 2014, the unofficial kick-off of the tour. The previous night he played at Rochester’s Main Street Armory, but it was not the full show, as the film “Time is Illmatic” was not shown at the venue. Albany got the full treatment and the crowd loved it. Fans spanning from teenagers to 50-year-olds packed the sold-out show and made their way to their seats as the lights dimmed at 9:15 p.m. and the film started.

This film not only gives the history of the album, but Nas’s family history. In the beginning of the film Nas states how “he just wanted to be something” and throughout the story, every person interviewed said how they knew Nas would rise out of the Queensbridge housing projects to do something special. Growing up in the projects was hard for Nas and his brother Jabari, especially after their mother kicked their father out of the house. His father, Olu Dara, was a jazz musician when he was younger and made sure that Nas learned the importantance of music and as a child he played with the instruments that were laying around the house, slowly sparking his venture into rap. Fannie Ann Jones, his mother, raised him and his brother afterwards and the brothers both expressed a lot of grief over her passing.

As the film went on, some in the audience got a little restless, but a vast majority quietly sat in their seats, watching and listening to the tale of how this great record came to fruition. Notable names in the hip-hop community, such as Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, Pharrell, and J. Cole, all held the album in high regard and how it has always been apart of their lives since it came out in 1994.

The great Dr. Cornel West also spoke how the album not only was great for hip-hop, but also how it was great for young black men to hear a man not just rap, but also send a message and talk about his feelings. Illmatic is notable for how Nas expressed his anger against the crack epidemic and the poor neighborhoods of Queensbridge. He wasn’t just rapping to make a living, Nas was rapping to be heard. The film’s archival footage of a young Nas rapping in front of New York crowds is astonishing to watch as he takes over everyone’s attention in a matter of a few verses.

The movie ended with Nas talking about how the album was his philosophy and a way of life. Despite dropping out of school in the 8th grade, Nas was happy to state that he was still teaching himself lessons and rules about life on his own and didn’t drop out and disappear into jail or death, like many of his friends did along the way. Once the film ended, the crowd began to roar as the screen lifted up and “The Genesis” began playing. Nas slowly strode out to the stage to one of the most raucous crowds that the Palace Theatre in Albany has ever seen. Many people walked down the aisles to the stage, people were standing on chairs to take pictures, and there was even a woman on her boyfriend’s shoulders for a song. The whole scene, although chaotic, was just another part of the celebration for the album and no patron got out of hand.

Nas was all smiles for the hour or so he was on stage. Going through the entire album front to back, Nas gave everything he had into the songs. “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The World is Yours,” “One Love” and “Represent” really drove the crowd crazy. During the performance, he thanked producers and collaborators of the album as well as those who inspired him to make the record.

Only being a short drive to New York City, he continued to thank Albany for coming out and embracing the album. Nas thanked those who made the trip Upstate to Albany for the last New York show of the tour. A double shot of “Hate Me Now” and “Made You Look” closed the evening out after he finished up Illmatic.

With the whole evening over it felt like the crowd wanted more, but walking off stage with his entourage and DJ, Nas left the building and nothing but smiles could be seen on people’s faces. History had been served and embraced by Albany. It’s not every day that you get to hear a legendary album played front to back and get the history behind it. Nas’s Time is Illmatic Tour is one for the record books and is not to be missed.

October 6, 2014
Curtain Call for Enter The Haggis – Final Show at Westcott Theatre

As the curtain is lowered at 7pm on October 11, 2014 on Enter The Haggis, at the Wescott Theater, in Syracuse, NY, attendees commonly known as Haggis Heads, will close a chapter to a much-loved book, and open a new one. The title of the new book? Jubilee Riots. A name that invokes chaos, but in a fun exuberant manner. Fitting as these five musicians are known to take a crowd and incite utter chaos with their electric, eclectic, gripping sound.

Enter The Haggis

As we bid them farewell we also welcome a new sound, a new path, and a new opportunity to support our friends in their new adventure. Enter The Haggis aka Jubilee Riots has extended to NYS Music’s readers the opportunity to win (Post) one of three sets of two tickets to their final show on October 11, 2014. All you need to do is go to the link on the NYS Music’s Facebook page, and follow the directions to enter. It’s simple..you must first “Like” the NYS Music Facebook page…then go to the Jubilee Riots page and “Like” them, and then comment in the post as to who you will bring.

Enter The Haggis

Be a part of history, and a part of the future by showing your support of live music in Upstate New York and Enter The Haggis as they move ahead to new adventures. The chance to win ends Sunday, October 6, 2014, at midnight so don’t hesitate to win your chance to be part of history at the farewell show of the year. Winners will be announced the morning of October 7, 2014 on the NYS Music’s Facebook page. Good luck to all who enter and see you there at the show.

Enter The Haggis

Enter The Haggis

October 5, 2014
Kickin’ it Country with Colt Ford and the Country Swagg Band

Syracuse’s own Country Swagg Band, opened for Colt Ford at Toby Keith’s Syracuse, Friday night September 26. Performing covers of big stars such as Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, Country Swagg brought their “A” game to get the party started. As always, they did not disappoint. The show was packed with high intensity and yes, lots of fun too.

Lead guitarist, Tim Horst, just amazes me with that guitar. It’s hard enough playing it while in front of you, but he plays it backwards and up behind his head. During a sweet sentimental moment just after singing “Say Yes” written by lead vocalist Mike Johnson, he professed his love for his new bride of two weeks to the crowd. The fans, of course, just ate it up. Nothing like a country fairytale. The crowd sang along to every song and showed their support for this local country group; several Country Swagg T-shirts were even seen in the sea of people.

Country Swagg Band

Georgia native, Colt Ford hit the stage with his bass thumping mix of country/rock and hip hop to a huge crowd of fans ready to bring down the house. Colt Ford and his guys showed their love of the USA through some of their music and of course the American flag that hung from Colt’s shotgun mic stand. They saluted our veterans and troops with heartfelt lyrics that brought a few tears to the fans. Then it was back to the high energy, chest thumping bass that just takes control of your body and you’re unconsciously dancing away. He was set to party all night. Ford rocked the stage all while showing the crowd his fancy footwork and shaking his hips – reaching into the crowd grabbing cell phones to take selfies, handing them back to aw struck fans was the highlight of the evening.

Another highlight of this performance was when he asked the drummer for a stick and reached out into the crowd handing it to a young boy. Following that, one of the crew members approached the boy with a stack of picks. The smile on his face was priceless. Such a class act;
Ford sang of everything country, farmers to home cooked meals and truckers and hot country girls. They knew how to party and strike a chord in every fan there. The guys left the stage only to come back out to a chanting crowd to perform a cover of Eminem’s song “Lose Yourself”. Then they saluted the crows and America, all bowing together while Colt Fold raised his mic stand and waved the American Flag.

Colt Ford

October 5, 2014
ROCtober Kicks Off With The Kings of Metal: Judas Priest

Retired? Definitely not. Fans in Rochester lined up around the block on a beautiful, early autumn evening in Rochester to catch the eponymous demigods and kings of metal Judas Priest kick off their world tour. The band had previously announced their retirement in 2011, but thankfully decided that the metal must live on. Despite multiple lineup changes over the years, most of the band’s core remained intact with head screamer Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton, founding member Ian Hill, and long-time drummer Scott Travis. Joining them to replace the departed K.K. Downing would be Richie Faulkner formerly of the Lauren Harris band.

Kicking things off, reportedly (repeatedly on stage by Steel Panther themselves) for a $50 paycheck, was Los Angeles, California’s Steel Panther. Well known for reviving the once stagnant metal scene on the historical Sunset Strip, Panther’s show falls somewhere between Motley Crue and your mom’s worst freaking nightmares. Featuring songs like “Asian Hooker” “Gold Diggin’ Ho” and “17 Girls in a Row,” the band had the audience simultaneously head-banging and laughing their asses off for their hour set. Don’t worry guys, we were laughing WITH you, not at you.

As set break ensued, the black-clad masses rushed to grab a smoke or a cold Labatt’s while the time of the legends entrance drew near. A mishmash of an audience with as many gray maned old timers and grizzled bikers as excited youngsters. A giant Priest banner shrouded the stage as fans surged – and in many cases stumbled – towards the front. The house music suddenly blared the Black Sabbath metal anthem “War Pigs” as palpable excitement ignited throughout the throngs of attendees. The curtain dropped and the true kings of metal broke directly into the last and first songs respectively from their brand new 2014 release Redeemer of Souls – “Battle Cry” and “Dragonaut”. With such a rich history of 40+ years of albums, it’s refreshing and a sign of huge cojones to see Priest engaging the crowd with brand new material right off the bat and throughout the night.

After some brief and apropos banter from Mr. Halford, the band continued with two tracks from the bands impressive catalog – 1982’s “Devil’s Child” and 1976’s “Victim of Changes” – before continuing to showcase their new material with “Halls of Valhalla”. One more new song would make an appearance – title track “Redeemer of Souls” – before the band finished out the set with a grand m/etal finale of hits. ’84s “Jawbreaker” had the crowd in a signing, headbanging frenzy and everyone’s favorite “Breaking the Law” only amped the energy up to new levels. Naturally, no Priest show is complete without a Harley revving across the stage and this one would be no exception with Rob revving his bike fittingly to the tune of “Hell Bent for Leather”.

As the clock approached midnight, the band came out for a quick encore and bid the well satiated crowd adieu. Forty (plus) years of metal and this band shows no signs of decay. We can only pray (to the devil) for 40 more. Sad you missed the fun? Our ROCtober article has all the big shows coming to town, so get off your couch and go see some live music!

Steel Panther Setlist

Pussy Whipped, Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World, Asian Hooker, Tiger Woods, Gold Diggin’ Ho, Girl From Oklahoma, Community Property, Eyes of a Panther, 17 Girls in a Row, Gloryhole, Death to all but Metal, Party all Day

Judas Priest Setlist

Battle Cry * > Dragonaut, Metal Gods, Devil’s Child, Victim of Changes, Halls of Valhalla, Love Bites, march of the Damned, Turbo Lover, Redeemer of Souls, Beyond the Realms, Jawbreaker, Breaking the Law, Hell Bent for Leather

Encore: You’ve Got Another Thing Coming, Living after Midnight

* Intro only

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October 4, 2014