Category: Genres

Michelle Renee’s Reflections Album Debut

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.

Event links:
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November 4, 2014
Wayne Static Dead at 48

Photo via wikipedia

Nineties industrial metal band Static-X’s front man, Wayne Static recently passed away in his sleep suddenly at the age of 48. Despite many reports to the contrary, a direct representative of the Static family yesterday said, that the death was not drug related and that Wayne and his wife have been drug free since 2009. Despite that, a specific cause of death has not yet been reported.

| Read More: Wayne Static’s Death Not Drug-Related According to Statement |

Static-X thrashed its way onto the scene in 1994 with the fan favorite Wisconsin Death Trip and has maintained an underground popularity since. Static-X took a three-year hiatus from 2009-2012 while Wayne worked on his solo effort Pighammer. In 2012 he restarted the band with all new members. In 2013 they hung it up for good and with Wayne’s passing any future reformation seems highly unlikely. sends our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

November 4, 2014
Primus Pounds the Palace

Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble sold out Albany’s Palace Theatre on October 24. With a radically unique style, Primus is difficult to define, however, their signature sound earned them a great deal of popularity in the 1990s.

Opening the first set on a bare, black stage, the three piece band treated the mostly-Gen-X crowd to seven songs. Six of those songs were released in the 1990s, including the popular “My Name is Mud” and “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.” Les Claypool, the band’s bassist and lead singer, explained that they had received some feedback on social media that fans were ‘sick of’ Primus performing “Jerry was a Race Car Driver” repeatedly at shows. The Albany crowd was clearly not among the complainers; they were disappointed. They recovered though, as many of them came to see the second set.

In stark contrast to the stage from the first set, the second engaged fans with brilliant color, funky costume, and stage characters. This performance featured the band’s reinterpretation of the soundtrack from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Psychedelic video rolled scenes from the film behind the performers, and even the sound and light technicians, set up as usual in the auditorium, dressed in the red Oopma Loompa uniform. The classy nature of the Palace was a perfect venue for this performance; it added a rich drama to the show that might be lacking from those held in less grand locations.

Performing all 14 compositions in order, Primus’s distinctive sound heightened the dark, scary elements of the music, emphasizing some of the more ominous parts of the film. Claypool put down his bass guitar for many of the songs, relying instead on the resonance of the classical bass. The band also welcomed a cellist and percussionist to the stage, which added to the quality of the sound.

Primis finished the performance with another couple songs from the 1991 album, Sailing the Seas of Cheese. Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble tour dates run through January and are updated at primusville.com.

November 3, 2014
Phil Lesh and Friends Continuing Their Dominance at The Capitol Theatre

Last weekend Phil Lesh and Friends played their first of a five weekend residency at the storied Capitol Theatre, starting with a Halloween show. Highlights included spooky takes on “Death Don’t Have No Mercy,” “Sympathy for the Devil” and both versions of “Dark Star” with “Fire on the Mountain” sandwiched in between. An encore of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” ended the night, like the song did for The Grateful Dead in 1990 and 1991. The next night saw the band tackle “He’s Gone” which included an extended jam,”Mason’s Children” and a great encore of the run of “Help on the Way>Slipknot>Franklin’s Tower”. The two night run consisted of members John Kadlecik, Dan Lebowitz, Rob Barraco, Joe Russo, and Scott Law, while Nels Cline joined in on night two.

This coming weekend Phil will be joined by Eric Krasno, Joe Russo, and Chris Robinson Brotherhood featuring Chris Robinson, Neal Casal, and Adam MacDougall. This line up is surely to take the music towards a more psychedelic sound. The 2005 tour with Chris Robinson has been said to be one of the stronger line ups in the Friends history. Eric Krasno most famously played with Lesh and Russo in Central Park at an unannounced show almost exactly one year ago. The set last about a half-hour and consisted of primarily jazz-style improvisation. The theatre should be buzzing with feelings of the mid 60’s as soon as the band takes the stage on Friday November 7. Tickets are still availabe, but are limited in supply.

This five week residency is of course part of the deal that Lesh maybe with Peter Shapiro, owner of Relix, Brooklyn Bowl, and The Capitol Theatre. Although it looks like Phil won’t be performing 30 shows at The Capitol Theatre like first thought, he will be getting close after he closes the year out with help from Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. The PhilRAD shows take place on December 30 and 31 and are already sold out. At age 74 Phil Lesh definitely won’t be doing this for much longer, so if you have the chance to buy a ticket, take the ride and see the bassist when you get the chance.

November 3, 2014
Consider the Source Drops EP Stream Before Stops in Albany and Buffalo

This past Wednesday, the instrumental wizards in Consider the Source dropped a bomb as they released a stream of the first installation off their new EP World War Trio, titled “Put Another Rock in That Bag”. The release is a six-part, 25-minute impeccable composition that showcases that band’s talent in new and interesting ways. The overall vision and thought-out structure shines in the smooth transitions and its careful ebb and flow of energy. At the risk of sounding cliché, this is a prog-opera with hints of jam, metal, Middle Eastern, and a fusion of other genres into an emotional and dramatic epic. If this band wasn’t unique enough, this album puts them in a category all their own and pushes some serious musical boundaries.

These three gentlemen have stepped outside of the songwriting box and are delving into composer-level status with their vision. The juxtaposition of beauty and fierce aggression propels at the same time it slows down for the view. This tease, and I use that loosely as it is still 25 minutes in length, will lead to a huge anticipation for parts two and three of this album series.

The ONLY way to listen to this album is from start to finish as it tells a tonal story through vivid language, rife with patient punctuation. If you liked this band before, you’re going to love this direction as they’ve found their calling and have created something truly beautiful. If you’re going to cheat your ears out of this masterpiece though, at least take the time to listen to “Put Another Rock in That Bag IV,” which is simply powerful and moving. No band in the jam scene has ever had the balls to step outside the circle like this album does and this song is the climax.

As the album comes to a close, the band circles back to the opening theme. How else would you close something of this magnitude? By tying it all back to the origin and closing the circle, the band leaves you wanting to start the journey again. Absolutely beautiful.

The album can be streamed in its entirety right here and I would strongly recommend taking a listen. Additionally, I got the chance to sit down with the group at Night Lights Music Festival back in September and we talked about the upcoming release, their influences, and a few other things. Check out the video below from our friends at Buffalo.fm.

The band is set to play the new album in its entirety tonight in Albany at their album release party. Tomorrow night they’ll be making their way across the state to play a show in Buffalo at Waiting Room. If you still need tickets, you can grab some for Albany here and Buffalo here.

October 31, 2014
Interview: Thompson Square – Bringing Country to Syracuse

Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill, Syracuse hosted one hell of a party Saturday, October 25. Long before music was to begin, the place was jam-packed with country fans of all ages waiting for Nashville’s very own married duo country sensation, Thompson Square to take the stage.

Local favorites TJ Sacco and the Urban Cowboys took the stage to get the party started. Performing songs from artists such as Brantley Gilbert, Eric Church and Gary Allan, they captivated the fans and rocked their set. Just back from a visit to Nashville, Briana Jessie joined Sacco and the guys on stage and owned it. Belting out songs by Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies, and Carrie Underwood, their high energy show had the crowd roaring and begging for more.

The room went dark and you could feel the anticipation in the air. It was time for Thompson Square to take the stage. With the crowd chanting their name and the cheers for the music to continue, the band members of Thompson Square took their spots and played their instruments to the light show and the crowds’ cheers. The energy and anticipation grew until Shawna and Keifer joined their band on the stage. Floor shaking and music thumping, the crowd greeted Thompson Square with a warm Syracuse welcome!

This award-winning duo shares their life with the world and gives the fans a peek into their personal lives with the music they write and perform. While other artists try to keep as much private as possible, this humble duo invites us to experience their life right along side them. Performing their hit songs “I Got You,” “Glass” and “I Can’t Outrun You” they displayed their passion for music and each other through the undeniable chemistry we all witnessed.

Prior to the show, I had the opportunity to meet this amazing duo on their tour bus and do an interview for NYS Music. Nervous and excited all at the same time, I couldn’t believe I was going to meet one of my favorite country performers. Oh and did I mention this was my very 1st interview ever! Talk about nerves, but of course, Shawna and Keifer were so welcoming and down to earth.

Kim Richer – NYS Music: Thank you so much for agreeing to speak with NYS Music. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me. This is my very first interview and I’m a huge fan so please excuse my jitters.

Shawna – Thompson Square: How exciting for you. So nice to meet you, but you shouldn’t have told Keifer this was your first interview, he’ll make ya pay. Hahahaha

Keifer – Thompson Square: Yup, you probably shouldn’t have shared that with me.

KR: Do you find that as a married couple performing as a duo you have hit different obstacles than you would have as a solo artist?

Keifer: I don’t think we’ve faced many obstacles, but we are finding that maybe people think that our shows won’t be as much fun or exciting since we are a married couple that we don’t like to party, but we do. I think that’s really the only misconception.

Shawna: The only other weird thing is that when we are off the road and home just the two of us it’s strange. We are constantly out here with our crew and our band, it’s almost like we are living two separate lives. It’s just a little strange.

KR: So, is it true that you met eachother at a singing competition?

Keifer: Yes, we met at a competition in Nashville back in 1996. We met the first day of the competition and we’ve been together ever since.

KR: Did you know right away that you were each the one?

Shawna: Yes, I know it sounds really cheesey but that’s the way it was. It was crazy.

KR: How did all of this start for each of you? Did you have an influence growing up?

Shawna: I’ve known since I was like 5 that this is what I wanted to do. At 5 I went to an Alabama concert and the way they entertained and they were so massive. I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be on stage. My dad also played music and sang so I was around it growing up and it just felt so natural.

Keifer: I always wanted to do this. I was really shy as a young kid. It took me a while to come out of my shell. I was always playing a guitar and dancing around as a kid but when I was 14 I started writing music and at 15 I snuck into a place and performed. It’s such an intimate thing to perform songs you have written. Once I had that first show, you couldn’t shut me up after that.

KR: So you are dropping a new album next year.

Keifer: Yes, Spring time maybe.

Shawna: Or at least a single. We just started recording.

KR: If you could perform with anyone on stage, dead or alive, who would it be?

Keifer: Bruce Springsteen for sure.

Shawna: Etta James or Elvis would be awesome too.

KR: If you could give someone wanting to follow in your footsteps to become a star what advice would you tell them?

Keifer: I would say make damn sure you want to do this because you have to give everything but your soul to get there. You literally choose to be poor, choose to be frustrated, choose to be heartbroken. The payoff from a satisfaction standpoint is so worth it.

Shawna: All the heartbreak and hard times we have had to endure is worth it. But it’s true, it is very hard work.

Keifer: I don’t feel like we’ve made it yet. I feel like we are still paying our dues and I’m fine with that. We have a long way to go, I hope.

Shawna: What’s really weird too is you speak to some of these huge artists like Jason Aldean and he’ll still say to this day, it can all be gone like that and go away tomorrow, so everyday is a battle to stay on top.

KR: Well you guys are doing a kick ass job so keep it up!

Shawna and Keifer: Thank you so much.

While watching Shawna and Keifer perform it resonated with me that they are just as raw and honest on stage as they are sitting across from you at a table.

October 31, 2014
EDX to Provide Soundtrack for the Nightmare on Franklin Street at LiFT in Buffalo

Halloween falls on a Friday this year, and while there’s always a lot to do in and around Buffalo for the holiday, if you’re looking for great music and someplace to dance, LiFT Nightclub has you covered. The club is throwing a party late Friday night called Nightmare on Franklin Street and will feature Switzerland-based DJ/Producer EDX.

Since August, the DJ has been everywhere from Ibiza, Spain to Mumbai, India, both coasts of the US, and everything in between. The world traveler has been making a name for himself to say the least. If you need proof, look no further than who he’s worked with, including names like Deadmas5, Armin Van Buuren, Axwell and Benny Benassi among many others. If you haven’t caught him on tour or at one of the many festivals he’s played, this is your chance. The Swiss DJ doesn’t come around often and his shows are only getting better.

LiFT’s first show last week was a great kick off and the club is definitely something to check out if you still haven’t been there. Opening the night will be local acts Jesse Aaron and Swagglerock. With things kicking off around 10pm and going through the night, I recommend you get there early and take part in what’s sure to be a solid Halloween in Buffalo. As always, the club recommends to “Dress to impress. Dress to dance,” so don’t worry about a costume if you don’t have one, but certainly wear one if you’d like.

Grab your tickets ahead of time here or at the door.

October 30, 2014
Hearing Aide: SOLARiS ‘This is What You Get’

What do you get when you cross an improvisational instrumental trio and a good amount of studio time? This Is What You Get. That’s the name of the newest album of Ithaca-bred band SOLARiS, who have taken the Upstate music scene by storm with their minimal use of instrumentation and maximum use of funkadelic improvisation.

Released on September 9, this LP has 13 tracks that often contrast in style. With the mutual understanding of the improv art, however, these three amigos certainly create a sound that blends each song together with the next.

Back in 2010, bandmates Jared Raphel, Vince Naro, and Daniel Scott Lyons met in Binghamton and had a vision: to create a jam band that sounds completely rehearsed, but thrives in creating music on the spot. With their earlier releases, such as Beyond 3-D, BLACK, and NeoN, they have kept this vision alive, combining their raw improv with production effects. Even skimming through their discography, you can see this vision within their song titles, like “First Jam”, “Unfrozen (A Live Jam),” and let’s not forget one of my favorites from This Is What You Get (or TIWYG), entitled “Billy’s Jam.”

While albums like Beyond 3-D clearly blend studio production into their mix, TIWYG brings listeners back to basics using only three instruments: keys, bass, and drums. The most basic instrumental combinations take place at the beginning of the album, especially in songs like “Doomsday” as well as “Drum and Bass” (no kidding).

As the album continues, the trio introduce electronic components, such as a drum pad versus a kit, as well as added synthesizer effects on what was a keyboard. By the time we are brought “In The Jungle,” we are greeted by a progressing bass line and simultaneous synth melodies, embodying a walk through an African safari. Following right after is the title track of the album, “This Is What You Get” where we switch gears to include more of a hip hop drum influence, with swirling echoes throughout the keyboard section. In case that wasn’t enough contrast for you, be sure to listen to “Iron Dome,” which I can only describe as electronic drum pad meets the Indian santoor.

To experience this improvisational magic, you can always find This Is What You Get on their Bandcamp. Luckily for us, the band tours primarily in the New England area, making stops throughout Upstate quite often. They’re playing a show this Halloween at the Lot 10 in Ithaca, so don’t just take my word for it; experience their live improvisation for yourself! Make sure you follow their website and Facebook page, and go catch them at one of their shows and see what YOU get from SOLARiS.

Key Tracks: Billy’s Jam, Doomsday, This is What you Get

October 30, 2014
BSP Enjoys a Night of Folk, Psychedelia and Rock From Across the Globe

A fall night at Kingston’s BSP saw three great bands take the stage for a small but enthusiastic crowd. Juan Wauters started the evening off with a wonderful set of acoustic tunes. The singer-songwriter’s tunes were short and fun, but allowed enough time for the duo’s great harmonies to shine through. The set at BSP was upbeat as the duo danced around the small stage, engaging the crowd. Juan had a child-like quality to him: he was so excited to perform on stage that it seemed he could play all night. The band was bathed in the best light show of the night, one which truly complemented their set. Juan sang the last song by himself, in both Spanish and English, which was a great way to end their evening.

Up next was Australia’s King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and their brand of psychedelic folk-infused rock. The seven piece band furiously went to work during their short time on stage. The first few songs were segued amazingly– strung together for a non-stop 20 minute journey. “Sleepwalker” and “Hot Wax” off the band’s album Oddments were two highlights of the evening. During the set, front-man and guitarist Stu Mackenzie mentioned that the band was tired and they would be taking it easy tonight, but no one showed any signs of wear and tear from the road. The band has been playing many shows surrounding the CMJ Music Festival taking place in New York City, and they played yet another wonderful set for the lone show in Upstate New York during their time here. Talking with drummer Eric Moore after the set, he stated how much the band loved Upstate New York. Their newest album I’m In Your Mind Buzz, coming out November 11, was recorded in Hunter, NY this past year during which time, the band fell in love with the area. Hopefully the band will keep the area on their tour docket for everyone to enjoy in the future.

White Fence ended the night of music with a punk rock attitude that the crowd loved. Their sound was reminiscent of early tracks by both The Who and The Kinks. Tim Presley played a fantastic lead guitar and his vocals perfectly suited the songs. A heavy dose of garage rock filled the small club to which people danced and bopped along during the hour long set. When the band wasn’t employing their fuzz pedals on their guitars, some of the music sounded as though it could have been mid 70’s Bob Dylan on stage. BSP put on a great showcase of three bands that are up and coming in the music scene throughout the country. The club has a knack for getting talented acts before they hit it big. If you want to see bands before they gain a buzz, head down as often as you can to the great shows put on by the small Kingston club!

October 30, 2014
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey Dazzles Denver

The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey made a stop at the base of the Rockies in Denver, CO on October 14. We were honored to have them for two nights and four sets at Dazzle Jazz, the venue of their last live release Millions: Live in Denver.

It was a seated show at Dazzle jazz except for the eccentric JFJO fanatics grooving in the corner. The audience watched intently and quietly which was refreshing. The band opened with a song off their new album, Worker, titled “Bounce”. This was our first taste of Brian Haas’ wild yet refined playing on a beautiful baby grand piano featuring melodica solos. We were treated to many premiers of songs off of Worker such as “New Bird”, a heavy but dreamy song featuring the unique guitar stylings of Chris Combs.

My favorite song on the night and also a new song was “Let Yourself Out”, which really showcased the trio’s chemistry and versatility. This was one of the few songs Combs played the lap steel on and it was beautifully placed. They soared so energetically through much more new material with a few old classics from the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey lineage of players and improvisational music. They really proved that their are the perfect trio, allowing the guitarist and keys player appropriate leads while somehow managing to improvise in a jazz style through what seemed to be quite emotional songs.

The band made themselves available at the merchandise table at the end of the show chatting with fans, old and new alike with the promise of returning to a beloved city of theirs. We were able to meet with them and hear a couple first hand stories about the making of Worker which was really special.

October 29, 2014