On the heels of a public announcement that Hinder signed with The End Records on November 4, it should also be noted that Nolan Neal will be the new singer of the band. Nolan Neal, owner of 16th Edge Studios located on the famous “Music Row” in Nashville has been filling in with the band for the past year, but no official statement of his role in the band had been announced until this week.
Speculations of Neal replacing founding member and vocalist Austin Winkler after Winkler entered rehab in 2013 have been ongoing, including an unofficial update to the band’s Wikipedia page. The band and Neal never made an official announcement on the transition, until the announcement of the new single “Hit the Ground” scheduled for November 24 and a new album with Nolan Neal on vocals planned for 2015.
With Hinder’s debut release Extreme Behavior in 2005, Hinder sold over three-million copies in the US and their #1 single, “Lips of an Angel” launched the band into the hearts of rock and roll fans everywhere. The band has had continued success throughout the decade with Winkler including their latest release Welcome to the Freakshow that went to #3 on the Hard Rock charts.
Hinder also brought on veteran manager, Mark Adelman, of Career Artist Management. Adelman has worked with such heavy metal gods such as Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax, making one curious of the new direction of Hinder. Of course, Adelman has also worked with acts such as Kenny G and Rufus Wainwright.
Below is a video of new lead singer Nolan Neal performing with friend, Bobby Amaru (Saliva) at a private show in Albany, New York. They gave Neon Gods a taste of a brand new tune, written by Nolan.
Jazz Fest founder and producer, Frank Malfitano, has announced the Syracuse Jazz Fest has added a fifth concert to its series. Mark Doyle’s Guitar Noir Project has been added to the sixth Annual Legends of Jazz Series at O.C.C. on Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 pm in the college’s new Recital Hall.
After a sold-out performance in May at The Auburn Public Theater, then sharing the Syracuse Jazz Fest 32 stage with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in July, this will be the final appearance of Guitar Noir until April 2015. Unlike the previous shows, the string quintet will be featured for two full sets as the 10-piece ensemble presents the full In Dreams album in set one, then reprise some of the funkier R&B numbers they brought down the Jazz Fest house with in set two. As always, Doyle never rests on his laurels and he has several surprises up his musical sleeve for the audience at O.C.C.
Doyle says, “We wanted to do an intimate show in Syracuse, I’m grateful to Frank for suggesting O.C.C.’s new recital hall – I really didn’t want to wait until next April to perform again with this project. And as the nights get longer and we head toward winter, the Noir concept really starts to take on an added dimension.” Malfitano went on to say that the project was simply too stellar to lay dormant over the winter months. “Mark, as everyone knows, is a Legend, and a seven-time SAMMY winner and SAMMYS hall-of-famer who is equally adept at Blues, Rock, Pop and Jazz, but this dectet chamber/jazz/rock ensemble is a very special and unique project that really deserves to be seen in its entirety. Because of time limitations at Jazz Fest we were only able to scratch the surface of this amazing presentation this past summer, so presenting it in its entirety in late November was simply too irresistible an opportunity to pass up.”
The November 22 concert at O.C.C. will feature guitarist Mark Doyle’s critically acclaimed Guitar Noir Project, which features a core quintet composed of Doyle and Terry Quill on guitars, Bill DiCosimo on keyboards, Edgar Pagan on bass, and Joshua Dekaney on drums, along with a five-piece Guitar Noir String Ensemble comprised of Ally Brown, Shelby Dems, and Leila Dean on violins, Claire Marie Wilcox on viola and Kate LaVerne on cello.
Doyle’s incredibly varied career began as a child prodigy jazz pianist before seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. His first band ‘Jukin’ Bone’ was signed to RCA when he was in his late teens and produced two albums that were labeled by Creem magazine as “seminal classics of early ’70s hard rock.” He served as lead guitarist/arranger/right-hand man for David Werner, Andy Pratt and Cindy Bullens performing band-leader duties on many tours with them besides numerous sessions with the likes of Hall and Oates, Judy Collins, Leo Sayer and many others. The ’80s found him doing several world tours and television appearances as lead guitarist for Meatloaf and adding a shiny disc to his studio wall by arranging and singing background vocals on “Straight From The Heart’ with Bryan Adams. A move to Boston brought Mark another direction as String Arranger for most of Maurice Starr’s acts including New Kids On The Block, Tiffany and The Stylistics also contributing his production skills and immeasurable musical prowess to each. After a stint in Japan playing keys and acoustic guitar for the Epic/SONY and Pioneer labels, Mark returned to Syracuse and concentrated on his internationally critically acclaimed solo career while producing and performing regionally. His Guitar Noir and Out Of The Past CDs, along with his double CD/DVD release Solstice At The Cathedral bridge his multifaceted influences and talents, leading to more current work with his blues/rock band Mark Doyle and The Maniacs which is his ongoing guitar project. Doyle is also performing select Opera House concerts as guitarist/pianist and band leader with Mary Fahl (former lead singer of October Project) who recently released, Live at The Mauch Chunk Opera House, reviewed on these pages and previously issued ‘From The Dark Side Of The Moon’ a reinterpretation of Pink Floyd’s classic album in 2011. A long-awaited follow-up to Guitar Noir in In Dreams: Guitar Noir II, plus three studio Maniacs issues, one live CD, a live DVD and a behind-the-scenes DVD have kept Doyle at the top of his game, but if you know the man at all, he doesn’t really know any other way.
Tickets for this first-ever full Syracuse performance by Guitar Noir are priced at $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show, and are on sale now (cash only!) at Sound Garden in Armory Square, located at 312 West Jefferson Street, Syracuse. Only 150 tickets will be sold for this event, so get your tickets early and don’t get left out as many did at The Auburn Public Theater show.
Aqueous have announced plans for a NYE party at Buffalo’s Iron Works with regional funk superstars Funktional Flow. This will be the band’s second show at one of the Nickel City’s newest venues following a near sell-out at their CD release show October 25th. The Iron Works is located in the harbor district across the street from the home of the Buffalo Sabres – The First Niagara Center – and features an “always open” kitchen, killer draft lineup, and top notch sound lights and stage. Sabres fans should take note, as attendees to the NYE home game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning can get $5 off at the door with their ticket stub.
Non-hockey fans can net a pre-sale ticket for $10 or take their chances at the door for $12. Don’t delay on those tickets – it is extremely likely this event will sell-out – Flow has a huge local crowd and Aqueous has not been in town for NYE since 2012. Given both bands last few NYE sets there should be lots of surprises in store. Check out last year’s Aqueous setlist below. Welcome back to the Buff AQ! (Shirts and shoes required)
2013/12/31 Aqueous at The Crooked I, Erie PA
SET I: The Median, Skyway > Eon Don, Complex Pt. II *, Coyote Run **, Africa ***
SET II: Auld Lang Syne > Master of Puppets ^ > Origami, Dave’s Song > Kitty Chaser (Explosions), King For a Day > Willy is 40, All In, Mean Mr. Mustard ^^ > Polythene Pam ^^ > She Came in Through the Bathroom Window ^^ > Golden Slumbers ^^ > Carry that Weight ^^ > The End ^^
ENCORE: Her Majesty ^^ > Warren in the Window
NOTES:
* First time played original
** with Eric Brewer on guitar
*** First time played, Toto cover
^ First time played, Metallica cover
^^ First time played, The Beatles cover
Metal heads and hard rockers have been waiting patiently for the dates of the World’s Loudest Month, while they know it’s May, it’s not quite definite what order they are in. This year AEG Live, Danny Wimmer, and RockHouse are including a new stop called Northern Invasion festival in the Twin Cities (Minnesota).
The World’s Loudest Month brings together the biggest names in rock music.
The 2015 World’s Loudest Month festival dates and locations are as follows:
Monster Energy Fort Rock: April 25 in Fort Myers, FL
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville: April 25 & 26 in Jacksonville, FL
Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion: May 2 & 3 in Concord, NC
Northern Invasion: May 9 in Somerset, WI
Rock On The Range: May 15, 16 & 17 in Columbus, OH
Rocklahoma: May 22, 23 & 24 in Pryor, OK
River City Rockfest: May 24 in San Antonio, TX
RockFest: May 30 in Kansas City, MO
“With each passing year we continue to work hard to bring something special to the rock fans around the country and to make it easy and convenient for them to attend our events,” comments Joe Litvag, co-executive producer of the WLM series for AEG Live. “That was the reason behind starting Northern Invasion in the upper Midwest. There is such a tremendous community of rock fans in places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and nothing was all that convenient for them. So, we thought, ‘Why not bring them a rock festival that they can call their own?’”
“After selling over 360,000 tickets last year for World’s Loudest Month we are constantly looking for great cities and strong markets to add to the family of festivals associated with WLM. Minneapolis has an incredible rock radio station and it’s only fitting that we bring Northern Invasion to the region as our newest destination to the World’s Loudest Month,” says Danny Wimmer, co-executive producer of the WLM series for DWP.
Not sure which one to go to? Here are some links to more info on the various stops of the WLM tour.
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville (April 25 & 26, Jacksonville, FL)
After selling out in 2014, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville kicks off the World’s Loudest Month and celebrates its 5th year anniversary, returning to Jacksonville, Florida April 25 and 26th. Florida’s biggest rock festival lineup will be revealed Monday, December 8, with tickets going on sale Friday, December 12.
Monster Energy Fort Rock (April 25, Fort Myers, FL)
The World’s Loudest weekend includes South Florida’s Biggest Rock Festival, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Saturday, April 25 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida–the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox–for its 3rd consecutive year after selling out last year. The full festival lineup will be released Monday, December 8, with tickets going on sale Friday, December 12.
Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion (May 2 & 3, Concord, NC)
Rock City Campgrounds at Charlotte Motor Speedway will host the fifth annual Monster Energy CarolinaRebellion. In 2014, the mid-Atlantic’s biggest rock festival sold out of camping and VIP packages, and over 60,000 fans were treated to two and a half days of picture perfect weather. For the 2015 festival, layaway packages will be offered for the first time beginning Cyber Monday (December 1, 2014). Further details regarding layaway (ticket prices, camping and hotel packages) will be announced in the coming weeks, with the concert lineup to follow in early 2015.
Look for details soon about this new rock and camping festival that will take place during the World’s Loudest Month. Lineup, ticket information, and camping information will be announced in December.
ROTR sold out in advance for the second year in a row in 2014, with 120,000 concert-goers on-hand at Columbus Crew Stadium to experience blistering performances from 60 of the world’s hardest rocking bands on three stages over three days. In 2015, ROTR will welcome live music’s top cable channel, AXS TV, to film the weekend as part of their live festival coverage. Weekend Field GA and Stadium GA layaway tickets are on sale now at www.rockontherange.com. Also new to Rock On The Range in 2015 will be the Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 VIP Lounge which features amenities such as dedicated Wi-Fi, charging stations, private restrooms, premium food options and more. This upgrade will be available on all ticket purchases. Returning packages like the ROTR VIP Packages, Hotel and Ticket Bundles and Camping packages will go on sale Monday, November 10 at 10:00 AM ET. Detailsand prices for VIP, Hotel, and Camping Packages are available at www.rockontherange.com. Regular tickets will go on sale once the band lineup has been announced in early December.
In May 2014, a record crowd of over 60,000 fans turned out for the eighth year of America’s Biggest Memorial Day Weekend Party featuring the best current active rock artists and classic bands at “Catch the Fever” Festival Grounds. Rocklahoma’s seat renewal process will begin on Monday, November 17, 2014 and runs through Wednesday, January 7, 2015. The renewal option is available to those who purchased a Weekend Reserved or VIP Package ticket in 2014. To renew seats for 2015, please call 866-310-2288 or email info@rocklahoma.com and a team member will contact you as soon as possible. Rocklahoma’s 2015 lineup will be announced in January.
River City RockFest returns to the AT&T Center in San Antonio for its third year. Look for concert lineup details to be announced soon. In 2014, nearly 20,000 were in attendance at San Antonio’s premier rock festival, with 25 top rock bands performing on four stages.
Rockfest returns to Penn Valley Park in downtown Kansas City for its 23rd year. In 2014, Rockfestclosed out the World’s Loudest Month festival series with over 50,000 in attendance for the seventh consecutive year of America’s largest one-day music festival.
The World’s Loudest Month mobile app is available to download via iTunes and Android.
Lettuce spent a funky Tuesday night in Clifton Park on their fall tour through New York and the rest of the Northeast.
The Upstate Concert Hall gig started out with a fun set from Exmag, a three-piece electronic act from Brooklyn that likes to call their music things like “future-funk” and “future-soul.” They included samples from songs like Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” in their act and had heads bobbing.
Then Lettuce took the stage, and the crowd really started to get down. The Brooklyn-based funk group tore through a setlist full of old favorites and new jams that forced everyone in the venue to get up and dance.
Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff and Erick “Jesus” Coomes lead the band on guitar and bass, respectively, but the horn duo of Ryan Zoidis and Eric Bloom really laid down the funk. Neal Evans’ keys and Adam Deitch’s drums tied the sound together. A highlight was when a female vocalist with a crazy set of pipes joined the band on stage for a few songs, giving the tunes an extra edge and power.
Catch Lettuce November 15 at Bear Creek Music Festival in Florida, at Brooklyn Bowl in early December, or hit up one of their shows on their recently announced January-February tour across the country.
On a crisp November 2 night, Primus adorned Rochester, NY – a city not unfamiliar to Primus. With the original band back together and the recent release of a new studio album, the crowd was really anticipating the night’s show. At 8PM sharp hundreds of people filled into the Main Street Armory.
The night began and proceeded in a psychedelic punk rock fashion. Highlights of the show being “Jilly is on Smack” and “American Life”. These men are professionals in the art of suspense. What made “Jilly is on Smack” so special was how the band stepped pensively into the song. The crowd was left cliff hanging on the long gut wrenching bow strokes of Les Claypool on the upright bass. With a steady progression they drove deeper. Until finally a drop in by Larry LaLonde, whose guitar riffs sounded electric elastic, reminiscent of rubber bands.
When executed with as much freedom of control as it was last night, the tune ‘American Life,’ is a testament to experiencing music. As a classic and more pissed off Primus song, the reminiscence of the youth of the band showed through. The pitter-patter of a cold bass line is the cold grey fog cloaking the crowd. Through the muttered mumbles of lyrics, Claypool’s line, “It’s a cold day on Ellis Isle,” can be heard clearly lurking through the fog. When the lyrics ended, the rest of the song was delivered hard. Everyone was rocking out. A compelling victory to end set one.
To be read in the voice of Gene Wilder: “There is no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going… There’s no knowing where they’re rowing.” If you just shuttered a little, you probably had nostalgia of the Willy Wonka boat ride scene that was so creepy it scared everyone out of his or her little seven-year-old pants. As the curtains opened up to a second set, the stage had been transformed into a whole new place. The usual blowup astronauts were replaced by blowup mushrooms.
A screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was played as a backdrop. Les Claypool become none other than Willy Wonka. Primus played their version of the musical in its entirety. The audience was one cluster of genuinely happy folk. The acoustic sounds from the upright bass and cello in combination with electric guitar created a rare layering of haunting sounds perfect for a tribute to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
So much of the chilling whimsical experience can be attributed to outrageous sounds coming off of Tim Alexander, better known as Herb, who was completely caged in by a circus of different types of percussion instruments. It truly was a weird psychedelic trip down that same chocolate river on an electric wonder boat that was forcibly propelled through a current of percussion by cello and upright bass. No doubt about it, the Primus in Rochester and the Chocolate Factory experience is a lot of creepy and double the amount weird, but we can handle it, we are big kids now.
Upstate NY will get 15¢ worth of Nickelback next summer with three shows planned across the state in August. After years of bludgeoning eardrums with gleeful disdain the ‘back has earned – to the chagrin of everyone else – a strong following in their Canadian homeland and across The States and have sold over 50,000,000 records. The tour will support the groups 8th studio release No Fixed Address which will dump onto the scene on November 17th.
Thrill seekers can catch the boys for around the cost of 160 Timbits™ August 7 at Darien Lake Performing Art Center. Incidentally, those that choose the amusement park admission combo ticket can buy those Timbits in the park before the show. Two additional chances in August come August 11 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and August 14 in Wantagh NY at Nikon Performing Arts Center at Jones Beach. Chances are the pickle won’t be in attendance. No refunds, eh?
Check out the entire tour below.
Nickelback 2015 North American Tour
2/15 — Allentown, Pa. — PPL Center
2/16 — Manchester, N.H. — Verizon Wireless Arena
2/18 — Montreal, Quebec — Bell Centre
2/19 — Ottawa, Ontario — Canadian Tire Centre
2/21 — London, Ontario — Budweiser Gardens
2/22 — Toronto, Ontario — Air Canada Centre
2/24 — Grand Rapids, Mich. — Van Andel Arena
2/25 — Louisville, Ky. — KFC Yum! Center
2/27 — Columbus, Ohio — Nationwide Arena
2/28 — Moline, Ill. — iWireless Center
3/2 — Kansas City, Mo. — Sprint Center
3/3 — Sioux Falls, Iowa — Denny Sanford Premier Center
3/5 — Omaha, Neb. — CenturyLink Center
3/6 — Minneapolis, Minn. — Target Center
3/8 — Winnipeg, Manitoba — MTS Centre
3/10 — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Sasktel Centre
3/12 — Calgary, Alberta — Scotiabank Saddledome
3/13 — Edmonton, Alberta — Rexall Place
3/15 — Vancouver, British Columbia — Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
3/22 — Nashville, Tenn. — Bridgestone Arena
3/24 — Charleston, S.C. — N. Charleston Coliseum
3/25 — Jacksonville, Fla. — Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
3/27 — Tampa, Fla. — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
3/28 — West Palm Beach, Fla. — Cruzan Amphitheatre
4/1 — Houston, Texas — Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
4/3 — Dallas, Texas — Gexa Energy Pavilion
4/4 — Austin, Texas — Austin360 Amphitheater
4/7 — Tulsa, Okla. — BOK Center
6/19 — Portland, Ore. –Sleep Country Amphitheater
6/20 — George, Wash. — The Gorge
6/23 — Wheatland, Calif. — Sleep Train Amphitheatre
6/24 — Mountain View, Calif. — Shoreline Amphitheatre
6/26 — Irvine, Calif. — Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
6/27 — San Diego, Calif. — Sleep Train Amphitheatre
6/30 — Albuquerque, N.M. — Isleta Amphitheater
7/1 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Ak-Chin Pavilion
7/3 — Las Vegas, Nev. — Mandalay Bay Events Center
7/5 — Salt Lake City, Utah — USANA Amphitheatre
7/7 — Denver, Colo. — Red Rocks Amphitheatre
7/10 — Tinley Park, Ill. — First Midwest Bank Amphitheater
7/11 — Indianapolis, Ind. — Klipsch Music Center
7/29 — St Louis, Mo. — Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/31 — Cincinnati, Ohio — Riverbend Music Center
8/1 — Clarkston, Mich. — DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/4 — Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio — Blossom Music Center
8/5 — Toronto, Ontario — Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
8/7 — Darien Lake, N.Y. — Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
8/8 — Hershey, Pa. — Hershey Park Stadium
8/11 — Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — Saratoga Performing Arts Center
8/12 — Burgettstown, Pa. — First Niagara Pavilion
8/14 — Wantagh, N.Y. — Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
8/15 — Uncasville, Conn. — Mohegan Arena
8/18 — Mansfield, Mass. — Xfinity Center
8/19 — Bangor, Maine — Waterfront Park
8/21 — Holmdel, N.J. — P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
8/22 — Camden, N.J. — Susquehanna Bank Center
8/25 — Bristow, Va. — Jiffy Lube Live
8/26 — Virginia Beach, Va. — Farm Bureau Live
8/28 — Charlotte, N.C. — PNC Music Pavilion
8/29 — Atlanta, Ga. — Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood
The jam band Umphrey’s McGee took the stage at the Broome County Forum on Wednesday, October 29. The GA show left the lower orchestra packed and an intimate environment for the dedicated fans that traveled and locals that indulged in the convenience. These fans know they’re always in for a new treat, with Umph constantly changing with the tide and adapting to the crowd.
Amidst it’s fall touring of the Midwest and East Coast promoting the new album Similar Skin, the rarely hosting Forum had it in their cards to land a class act. Guitarist/vocalist Brendan Bayliss, guitarist/vocalist Jake Cinninger, keyboardist/pianist/vocalist Joel Cummins, drummer/vocalist Kris Myers, bassist Ryan Stasik, and percussionist Andy Farag, together form a Voltron-like beast as formidable as any other jam creation. They made sure to suit up for the Forum, providing plenty of their classics, spreading they’re new album exposure across the tour.
Starting with “Jekyll & Hyde > Robot World”, Umph played a transforming “Walletsworth”, “Rocker Pt. 2”, “Anchor Drops”, a “Get in the Van” that explored thrashing to a paradise breeze and everywhere in-between, followed by a stanky legged “Smell the Mitten”, and clear fan favorite, a sixteen minute “Plunger” to wrap up the first set.
The second set opened with “Search For”, followed by a “Much Obliged” that featured a “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” (Paul Simon) jam. “Yoga Pants” then fooled me into thinking we we’re getting an “In the Kitchen”, instead it sounds like a song among the stars, where I’m sure we can agree “Yoga Pants” came from anyway. A nearly seventeen minute beastly “Hurt Bird Bath” would be a journey as the jam buildt and transitioned from one moment to the next. The next part of the journey was the win; it was Mario taking out Bowser back on NES, a “2×2 > Final Word > 2×2” that single-handedly stormed the castle, rescued the princess, earned her eternal love, and Hulk Hogan’ed off her chastity belt. In celebration, a Steely Dan cover of “Reelin in the Years” brought everyone on the same page of joy and nostalgia. An 11 minute “Conduit” would close out the second set.
“WE WANT THE UMPH, GOTTA HAVE THAT UMPH!” – the familiar chant wasn’t heard on this evening, but the interactive band would never let its loyals down. They came out with a soul food serving of Waylon Jennings “Good Ol’ Boys”, and a send off a moving “Wife Soup” for dessert.
Umphrey’s not only fails to disappoint, they’re still getting better. With a huge following across the country selling out theaters and headlining festivals, if you haven’t walked out of a venue with an “Umph Love” sticker lately, get off life support and get out there.
Umphrey’s McGee at The Broome County Forum Setlist via All Things Umphrey’s: Set 1: Jekyll & Hyde > Robot World > Walletsworth, Rocker Part 2, Anchor Drops > Get In The Van, Comma Later > Smell the Mitten, Plunger Set 2: Search 4, Much Obliged[1] > Yoga Pants > Hurt Bird Bath[2], 2×2 > Final Word > 2×2, Reelin’ in the Years, Conduit Encore: Good Ol’ Boys, Wife Soup
[1] with 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (Paul Simon) jam
[2] with Domino Theory teases
The Doobie Brothers Southbound features some of country music’s legendary performers such as Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Sara Evans, with some of today’s most talented newcomers, such as The Zac Brown Band, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Casey James, Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Sudano Ramirex of Johnnyswim, and Charlie Worsham. Without even hearing one note on the album, I was anxious to see what I had in store with this who’s who of guest appearances.
When I heard that The Doobie Brothers were making a greatest hits album and invited some of today’s most talented country singers to accompany them, I was over the moon thrilled. I immediately flashed back on one of my favorite albums, Common Thread, from 1993, where country music greats came together to record some of The Eagles most loved tunes of the 70’s. There is just something about the rock of the 70’s and today’s country music that blends the two perfectly into a classic sound.
The album starts out with “Black Water” (with Zac Brown Band); this has to be one of my favorite all time Doobie Brothers tunes. I can think of no other country group I would love to accompany them today on the song. Always thought Zac’s voice was reincarnated from the 70’s rock era, a James Taylor sound for sure. The Zac Brown Band’s southern laidback sound combines perfectly together with the bluesy groove of the music and lyrics to deliver an over the top remix that possibly is better than the original. “Black Water”, originally the B-side of the release of ”Another Park, Another Sunday”, was written and performed by Patrick Simmons, who once again nails the tune confirming any doubt that B-sides were most definitely worth the listen.
Tom Johnson’s tune, “Listen to the Music”, features Blake Shelton accompanying on lyrics and Hunter Hayes on guitar. This song, one of the first big hits of The Doobie Brothers career, remains a staple as an encore song at all of their live shows. Originally written as a tribute to peace at a time of influx in the world, the idea of all those in power were to take a moment to just come together and listen to the music, a universal language, perhaps peace could be attained; it sounds like a message that still holds true today. With Blake Shelton’s strong lyrics accompanying Tom Johnson on vocals, the duo deliver a one-two punch that sends the message as the newcomer Hunter Hayes shreds the guitar like the pro he is. This rockabilly sound sends a message still today that no matter what generation hears it or performs it, the message is timeless and the concept of a universal language of peace is attainable if we could all just find a common ground in music.
The next track on the new album, “What a Fool Believes”, is a Grammy Award winning hit of the Doobie Brothers and happens to be one of the only non-disco number one hits of 1979. Written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald, this commercial hit was an example of how The Doobie Brothers were able to maintain their own unique sound while accomplishing commercial success during a time where rock and roll was not in the forefront on commercial radio. With Sara Evans accompanying Michael McDonald on “What a Fool Believes”, this track is yet another perfect pairing of musicians showcasing and blending together their voices in perfect unison.
For country music lovers, Toby Keith is the epitome of a regular guy that pulls no punches. His in your face, this is what I am, and this is what I represent personality is the perfect pairing for The Doobie Brothers on “Long Train Runnin”. It could be the harmony, the rocking guitar, the awesome harmonica, or the upbeat melody, but this song, like Toby, pulls no punches and delivers the perfect example of timeless classic rock and the perfect combination of country music today and how rock and roll of the 70’s has influenced so many country artists today.
Chris Young, one of today’s up-and-coming country artists, who won the competition ‘Nashville’, is tearing up the charts with hits and as he accompanies The Doobie Brothers on “China Grove”, it’s evident why he is one of today’s country greats. As he sings together with The Doobie Brothers, I can barely tell where they end and he begins as they seamlessly harmonize on this 1973 hit. I must point here that on this song especially, it is a shining example of how absolutely talented The Doobie Brothers are in their songwriting and instrumental composition. On this number, it is as though each instrument is a feature instrument, however together they are a harmony. There are moments that the bass is strong and the underlying bass and percussion take center stage. Then there are parts where you hear keyboards foremost in the spotlight. When you think you can’t get any better, they break out in a guitar solo. I love this song as it’s upbeat and catchy, but I truly appreciate this song as its composition is epic.
The next track, written and performed with Love & Theft, “Take It To the Streets”, was another example of great pairing. Michael has a very distinctive voice, and the vocal accompaniment by Eric & Stephen was spot on, together with some outstanding guitar accompaniment.
For those of you unfamiliar with Casey James, he is the very talented country musician best known from American Idol’s ninth season. On “Jesus is Just Alright”, The Doobie Brothers version of the Arthur Reid Reynolds song, Casey’s amazing guitar abilities are emphasized. At one point in time, Casey was unsure of his ability to be able to play guitar again. Suffering major damage after a crippling motorcycle accident, Casey’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. I find it refreshing as I realized how The Doobie Brothers were able to embrace their faith during a time where faith was questioned by many in the 70’s, and fitting this song was for Casey’s accompaniment.
Another Tom Johnson song, this time he is joined by one of Country’s biggest stars, Brad Paisley on “Rocking Down the Highway”. is a feel good song written by Tom in the early Doobie Brothers days and just up Brad’s alley, as it features not only his amazing vocals, but also his talents on the guitar.
“Take Me In Your Arms”, finds The Doobie Brothers joined by newcomer Tyler Farr. With his raspy voice, the soulful sound of this R&B tune mixes perfectly with Tyler’s style of rock and delivered with heartfelt emotions that mixes country and rock to make the trifecta of musical composition.
Joined by Jerrod Niemann on “South City Midnight Lady” and released on their third album The Captain and Me in 1973, this beautiful ballad is unique to the style of The Doobie Brothers, being melodic and slower paced than other hit songs. However when it comes to love ballads, Jerrod Niemann is your man to deliver, and deliver they all did.
For those of you not familiar yet with Johnnyswim, you will be in for a treat as Amanda Sudano Ramirex of Johnnys sings on their mega hit “You Belong to Me”. And if that wasn’t enough, let’s just throw in a touch of Vince Gill’s guitar, who is one of the best musicians in Nashville, to really tear it up like no other can. Super sexy was this rendition of the song as Sudano accompanies Michael McDonald in this duet.
Another newcomer is Charlie Worsham. He’s one of those country performers that takes his musical ability and goes right out in the audience with his banjo/ganjo/guitar and makes you part of the song. This is no different as he plays on “Nobody”, a perfect song for Charlie, and to close out this outstanding album.
The Doobie Brothers
As I wrap up listening to this remarkable collaborative effort, I feel as though I am experiencing one of the greatest times in country music as we see those rock stars of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s becoming part of a new country experience. With a basis in blues, jazz, rock, and bluegrass, this Southern rock style that was once indicative of the 1970’s is now becoming the trend in today’s country music. You see many of these rock and country collaborations on CMT’s Crossroads. Their ability to pair the perfect rock group and country musician to cross perform songs of each other is truly one of my favorites. It’s the marriage of the best of both worlds into one spectacular sound. As most genres, it evolves, taking on new characteristics of other influences. But one thing holds true. Music is a common language to those on both sides of the microphone. Tune in November 5 as The Doobie Brothers perform live at this years CMA Awards together with some of todays biggest country artists around.
Key Tracks: Black Water, Long Train Running, You Belong To Me
Syracuse local folk/rock/soul singer-songwriter Michelle Renee is excited to announce the live, full-band debut of her forthcoming album, Reflections, on Friday, November 7 at The Lost Horizon. This event will be the only opportunity to experience Reflections with all of the musicians who appear on the album, serving as a special sneak-peak in Michelle Renee’s farewell performance before moving to the West Coast. The event will also feature a host of local folk, rock, soul, and reggae acts, all led by female vocalists. Heartstrings beware: you may be tugged at.
Early Bird will kick things off at 8PM with their magical two-and-three-part harmonies, followed by a one-time only, full-band debut of Reflections. Joining Michelle for her performance will be Aaron Walters on guitar and piano, Sam Roux on bass, Gavin George on drums, Brendan Gosson on violin, and Riley Mahan on back-up vocals. Riley will also be taking center stage to show off her incredible pipes before Root SHOCK’s soulful vocals, good vibes, and Reggae beats have us all dancing the night away.
Best known for her tremendously unique voice, Michelle Renee’s expressive lyrics are intensified by her distinct vibrato, colored by a low, rich timbre and transcendent soprano overtones. With the production support of Aaron Walters; dynamic piano, bass, electric guitar, violin and drum arrangements now augment Michelle’s originally acoustic renditions, purposefully echoing a mixture of genres to tie into the overarching theme of the album, ‘We Reverberate.’
Michelle Renee
According to Michelle, “I am most interested in music that juxtaposes a danceable beat with thought-provoking lyrics to draw attention to larger societal questions of morality and personal power. Behind every song is a story. Rather than adhere to a specific genre, musical accompaniments were composed to enhance each story and bring listeners into that world.”
In addition to Michelle’s refreshingly authentic vocals, listeners will be greeted with abstract drum grooves, heart-wrenching piano ballads, and driving rhythms; threaded together to create a mosaic of sound unified in its call for a higher consciousness.
Born and raised in Baldwinsville/Syracuse, Michelle’s love for music has brought her to venues including Sterling Stage Music Festival, and to various bars and restaurants around CNY, where she often performs solo on acoustic guitar.
Early Bird
Early Bird is a progressive/folk/indiepop trio that finds inspiration from a wide variety of musical styles such as jazz, rock, funk, American traditional, Irish traditional and classical music. The band features robust, emotionally powerful lyrics written by lead vocalist Katherine O’Leary and vocalist/pianist Sheralyn Wellman, along with a strong harmonic and rhythmic backbone from guitarist/vocalist/percussionist Aaron Walters. The incorporation of intricate musical elements within an accessible sound is ever-present in Early Bird’s music.
Early Bird’s magic lies within the strength of the carefully constructed two and three-part harmonies each member creates, while still maintaining their own unique vocal presence. Its member’s commitment to sharing their sound has brought Early Bird to Ithaca, Syracuse and Binghamton, among other locations throughout New York.
Root SHOCK
Central New York’s finest roots rock-reggae/soul party starters, Root SHOCK, formed in winter of 2012 with veteran musicians whose love of reggae music flows deep. This group seamlessly blends roots Reggae, dancehall, heavy drum and bass, and soulful vocals into positive dance music that makes you want to move. Root SHOCK’s groovy sound has become a staple of the Syracuse downtown bar and coffee-house scene (Al’s Wine and Whiskey Lounge, Funk ‘n Waffles) and cultural events throughout the city (Westcott Theater, Westcott Cultural Fair). Lister be advised: powerhouse frontwoman Jessica Brown is a wolf (or fox?) in sheep’s clothing her sweet and humble stage presence is contrasted sharply by her raw, riveting, fiery sound that is sure to get you out of your seat.
With so many talented female vocalists under one roof, this will surely be a night to remember!
Michelle Renee’s Reflections Debut Party,
with Special Guests Riley Mahan, Early Bird, and Root Shock
Friday, November 7th, 2014
Doors: 7:00PM / Show 8:00PM
The Lost Horizon
Syracuse, NY
Tickets: $10
This event is all ages.
Speculations of Neal replacing founding member and vocalist Austin Winkler after Winkler entered rehab in 2013 have been ongoing, including an unofficial update to the band’s Wikipedia page. The band and Neal never made an official announcement on the transition, until the announcement of the new single “Hit the Ground” scheduled for November 24 and a new album with Nolan Neal on vocals planned for 2015.
After a sold-out performance in May at The Auburn Public Theater, then sharing the Syracuse Jazz Fest 32 stage with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in July, this will be the final appearance of Guitar Noir until April 2015. Unlike the previous shows, the string quintet will be featured for two full sets as the 10-piece ensemble presents the full In Dreams album in set one, then reprise some of the funkier R&B numbers they brought down the Jazz Fest house with in set two. As always, Doyle never rests on his laurels and he has several surprises up his musical sleeve for the audience at O.C.C.
The Doobie Brothers Southbound features some of country music’s legendary performers such as Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, and Sara Evans, with some of today’s most talented newcomers, such as The Zac Brown Band, Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Casey James, Tyler Farr,
