NYS Music 20​14

Category: Rock

  • Hearing Aide: Better By Morning ‘You Say’

    YouSayArtBetter By Morning is the creation of Jake Brooks (vocals, guitar, bass, keys) and Johnny Gravitt (Lead and rhythm guitar), they’ve released their first EP You Say. It’s aptly titled as many listeners will have much to say after hearing this.

    Joining them on this EP are Roy Stein on drums of, My Plastic Sun and Jet Black Berries and Johnny Cummings, organ on tracks 1 & 3, also a member of My Plastic Sun and Jet Black Berries, their live performances feature Bradley Paquet (bass) and Kyle Squires (drums). Stein and Cummings come to the band through Nazareth College where Brooks is a student and Stein a Professor and Director of the Music/Business program, quite the interesting combination. Stein was enlisted to help finish the EP after their previous drummer departed and the multitalented Cummings was introduced to the equation by Stein. Together they’ve created a frankly stunning first release, bolstered by the nimble ears and fingers of Cody Niver at CGI Studios in Ontario, N.Y. and Tim Lynch at The Recording Company, Albany, N.Y. Track 2 was mastered by Joe LaPorta at Sterling Sound and the balance by Cody Niver at CGI Studio. Deftly talented artists’ each, the end result is even, yet dynamic with an underlying impulse for a number 11 on the volume knob.

    BBM-1
    If you have any knowledge (and you should) of Stein and Cumming’s work in their bands My Plastic Sun and Jet Black Berries, you’ll know these are two of the most remarkably talented individuals working from the Rochester area. To have them participate and speak as highly of Brooks as they do says volumes of what is in store from Better By Morning. Like Cummings, Brooks is a multi-instrumental talent, his voice is both commanding and sensitive, its depth belies his age. The band hails from lovely Saratoga Springs, N.Y., so having surroundings that inspire are certainly falling in their favor. The strength of his musical partnership with Gravitt is clearly evident and they’ve set a high bar for themselves. The hallmark of great pop and rock are big guitars, Gravitt provides the needed licks to accentuate and power the sweet melodies. Better By Morning has implied that planning for another EP is already in the works, but that’s for later, let’s get right to their current offering.

    While they’ve chosen “alternative” as the box to click genre wise, the songwriting duo of Brooks/Gravitt prove it’s much more than that with their lyrical and musical flexibility that conjures the energy of an early U2 with Coldplay intellect and diversity. The opener “Bird Won’t Fly” really lays it out there with a solid hook, soaring vocals and a driving rhythm, immediately listenable and repeatable. “Sell” has a Franz Ferdinand feel, the syncopated guitar and layered harmonies rise and fall into the breathy verses.

    “Hearts” is pure melodic power-pop in spades, it hits on every cylinder from the call and respond vocal to the rich instrumentation. The mix is so even that the bass pushes the melody line while the drums pacing is bright and on top of it, swelling with the guitar and urging the emotive delivery from Brooks. Very dynamic and well-engineered. “Pages” sounds like the built-in single, the catchy guitar riff, the easily assessable lyric, it pushes, bounces and urges motion within the listener. Trademark stuff for well-hewn power-pop.

    The closer, “Change Your Mind” gives Gravitt a chance to really cut it loose and get outside of the box a little. While his subtlety throughout the earlier songs is within the formula and fitting, there’s always space and frankly need, for that signature riff. I’d like to hear more of it. The restraint demonstrated by each player throughout is admirable, they obviously have the chops to run-over each other trying to grab the limelight. It shows a great deal of maturity and thoughtfulness to avoid that trap and work as a cohesive unit.

    Key Tracks: Sell, Pages, Change Your Mind

    I believe there is a ton of room for growth with Better By Morning, I also believe that there is another personality they take on when they play live. They’ve just announced an opportunity to see just that at Bug Jar in Rochester on November 11. Details on the show and their EP are available at their many social media and internet outlets, their website, facebook, twitter

    Buy their EP at itunes and cdbaby

  • 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.

  • Punk Legend Billy Idol Announces Album, Tour and Autobiography

    Punk rock legend Billy Idol has released January and February dates for the latest leg of his world tour supporting “Kings & Queens Of The Underground” that begins in Europe next month. Tickets for these tour dates in Canada and The U.S.  go on sale Friday, October 10 on the heels of the release of his self-penned autobiography, Dancing With Myself on October 7.

    Billy Idol tour

    Idol’s new album, his first in nearly ten years, hits the shelves on October 21 and is garnering pre-release raves for the single, “Can”t Break Me Down”, including from USA Today: “With its punkish drive, sneering vocals and roaring Steve Stevens guitar, ‘Can’t Break Me Down’ could have made a great follow-up to latter-day Idol hits.” Produced by Trevor Horn (with two tracks co-written and produced by multiple Grammy nominee Greg Kurstin) the anthemic lead single can be heard below.

    Idol will appear on NBC-TV’s Today Show on October 7 and the Howard Stern Show on Wednesday, October 8. The following day, Thursday, October 9, Idol will be interviewed live on stage as the keynote event of the 2014 CBGB Music and Film Festival in New York City.

    BItunnel

    Welcome back Billy, get out there and bust some balls!

    Billy Idol Winter 2015 U.S. Tour dates:
    January 21: House Of Blues, New Orleans, LA
    January 22, The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
    January 24: Tower Theatre, Upper Darby, PA
    January 25: Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
    January 28: Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
    January 31: Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA
    February 3: Metropolis, Montreal, QC
    February 4: Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
    February 7: Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL
    February 9: Paramount Theatre, Denver, CO
    February 12: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC
    February 13: Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA
    February 15: The Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA
    February 18: The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA

  • 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.

  • Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival Bringing the Northeast to Florida

    Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival is taking place from November 13th to the 16th and has a lot to offer for Northeast music lovers with many of the artists on the bill hailing from the area. Taking place at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, festival goers can enjoy music on three outdoor stages and one indoor stage including the famed Amphitheater Stage, set in the midst of towering pine and oak trees decorated with Spanish moss. The park also offers guest comforts including a general store, full-service restaurant, showers and water stations. Also of note is the tradition that many of the bands, performing at Bear Creek Music & Arts, perform on two separate dates during the weekend and several talented instrumentalists act as artists-at-large, creating memorable surprise sit-ins and inspired performances.Bear Creek 2014

    Headliners for the festival include Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, Dumpstaphunk, Soulive and the recently added Chris Robinson’s Soulive Revue, which will see Chris Robinson join up with Soulive and The Shady Horns for a special one time only performance that will include surprise guest sit-ins. Due to this recent addition the promoters are extending the tier-two ticket price until Wednesday, October 1st at midnight. Fans can also purchase a Bear Creek and Suwannee Hulaween Combo Ticket that includes a three-day, Friday through Sunday Bear Creek ticket and a three-day, Friday through Sunday, Suwannee Hulaween ticket. Primitive camping and all taxes and fees are included in the combo ticket price.

    Some other acts of note for fans looking to travel down from the Northeast are The New Mastersounds, Tauk, Turkuaz, The Main Squeeze, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, and The Nth Power. Artists-at-large throughout the weekend include George Porter Jr., Oteil Burbridge, Jennifer Hartswick, and Roosevelt Collier. A full lineup can be seen below.

    The festival has every type of music one could want at a festival boasting acts ranging from funk and rock to soul and jazz. With fall ending and winter slowly coming on, the cold air will make you want to run south, and what better reason can there be than to attend a great music festival. Get your tickets now and make plans to get down to The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

  • Resonance 2014 to Keep Festival Season Rolling

    Not quite ready to admit 2014’s music festival season is over yet?  It does not have to be. The first annual Resonance Music & Arts Festival takes place from October 2-4 at the Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio.  Located 20 miles east of Columbus, the festival features two nights of Ohio natives Papadosio as well as Greensky Bluesgrass and Nahko and Medicine for the People as headlining bands.resonance_flyer_350

    The music starts Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m., and plays continuously for more than 12 hours per day on Friday and Saturday. Resonance boasts an eclectic lineup—from the multi-layered electronic beats of ESKMO to Twiddle‘s uplifting jams and The Mantras‘ heavy shredding to deep funk from The Main Squeeze, most branches of rock are covered.

    The Empire state will be well-represented each day.  Tauk and Aqueous play Thursday, Aqueous jams again Friday afternoon, and Consider the Source closes the music early Sunday morning after a long set from Dopapod Saturday night. Tauk has been touring furiously in support of their 2014 album, Collisions, while Consider the Source plans to release the first part of their new album, World War Trio, on Halloween.  Dopapod has a new album, Never Odd Or Even, scheduled to come out on 11/11/14.

    If the music is not enough, there will be visual arts, fire dancing, yoga, and The Amazing Giants will be hard to miss, donning colorful outfits and performing acrobatics on stilts. Each ticket also includes car camping, so you will never be too far from extra blankets or a quick heat source at this early autumn festival.

    View the complete schedule and purchase tickets here.

  • Twenty One Pilots Flying Straight with no Faulty Parts

    If Twenty One Pilots is not flying onto your bucket list of a “must see” in concert, add it.  Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014 the Quiet is Violent Tour came to Main Street Armory in Rochester, N.Y. and showed all who came what a concert is all about.   Vinyl Theatre and Misterwives  opened, making all the buzz from everyone saying “That was one of the best concerts I have been to.”

    Twenty One Pilots
    Twenty One Pilots, Photo by Cathy Bechle

    Two words for Twenty One Pilots – respect and inspiring – they are the result of hard work and determination showing that you can make it into this industry without being discovered. Mike Gibson, tour manager for Twenty One Pilots, shared with NYS Music prior to doors opening, why they have such a strong cult like following and operate differently from most. Growing up with the dynamic musical duo, he understands these two musicians like no other possibly could.  A professional clean-cut guy, he has his head on straight with an easy going vibe about him.  In fact,  Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph have surrounded themselves with people who have very specific traits that are important to their success from what I can tell, intelligence, focus, determination, they need to be goal oriented and must have values or they need not apply. All of this so they can successfully perform their music, have a blast while doing it and give fans an amazing show.

    Mike explained more about the incredibly driven people to help make it all happen.  Starting with asking how many bands out there today consider that achieving “success” or “fame” is when that money from the first few shows come in and then goes directly into a band’s pocket.  Perhaps it goes to support a glamorous lifestyle or even comfort from a van to a tour bus.  Well, this band should be a model example on how to handle finances.  As he continued, he thought that the strong values they were taught as they were growing up, close family ties, an awesome Manager (Chris Woltman) and of course the band’s financial adviser (Mike’s Dad)  make doing what these guys love continue to happen.  The rule they follow to always make the next show better than the last and to always invest back into the show.

    Twenty One Pilots
    Fans enjoying the performances. Photo by Cathy Bechle

    As Mike was reminiscing about the best times on the road it was not on the big tour bus that was parked in front of us, although truth be told he did say it was much more comfortable.  It was on the road in the van in the very beginning a couple of years ago.  They did not cash in early on well-paying gigs for personal comfort, instead they opted to reinvest in themselves and stay in the van.  They outlook, give a better performance, more lightning, better equipment and experience for the people who come to show and to make sure they are still having fun while performing what they love.

    Clearly remembering about good times these guys have had by the look in his eyes as spoke about the cold winter nights were invigorating going from one city to the next and saying how those were some of the best times together.  Their alarm clock was parking lot security wherever they parked; being woke up as they were kicked out the next morning “Time to move on guys”.   With a slight chuckle as we continued to talk I was brought into feeling that those were the times where it was an a whole new exciting adventure.  Young guys, in a band, on the road, in different cities, I am a smart women and know there are stories there, but listen, some things are just meant for a band to keep under “band code rules” and a writer to know better than to ask and to just to respect.

    Now that they have grown they have a Manager that is best described as looking like Jesus (insert laughter from Mike and saying “he really does”) who is great at making calculated and driven decisions with their goals in mind.  His name, Chris Woltman.  Mike elaborated about the path they have paved for themselves and feels that their faith early on as Christians while growing up helped them avoid some potholes along the way.  One pothole avoided, almost missing the opportunity to work with Chris.  During the time where they were talking with potential managers Chris’s scheduled flight in to see a live performance did not take off.  The show was of epic and historic proportion for them and their hometown of Columbus at the Newport Music Hall.   A sold out show, three in history that have ever been able to accomplish this before at this venue, so when they stood outside and looked up at the marquee it was a moment to take in.  The band and the whole town pitched in selling tickets to this show, again grassroots efforts on how they became to be.  The guys didn’t know what to think about Chris not being able to make this important show, but quickly focused on what they just did and the people who helped make it happen.  It turned out that Chris, was the one.  They met with a few others but similar to finding a spouse no else came close to the feeling that got from Chris.  They just knew he was the right fit.

    So how does all of this lead to a concert review you ask?  The determination for performing, making sure it is doing what they love and showing the audience a performance that they have invested continuously back in, was mind-blowing evident that night.  Lightening was amazing from the color changes, directions, types, size, timing it was consistently changing to keep the mood of the performance.  Josh and Tyler giving all trust into the literally hands of their fans by having them holding them up as they perform on a platforms was crazy.  Fans watched in pure amazement as the energy as they act out their music and interact with them directly.  The music was not just heard, by watching reactions Twenty Pilots are also investing emotionally and physically directly into people in unique ways.  A concert is entertainment to listen, feel and watch.  It is astounding that how only two people on a huge stage  kept everyone’s attention the entire performance.  The wonder of what was going to happen next look and surprised faces and expressions as confetti was being shot from the stage kept people wanting more and for the night not to end.

    Twenty One Pilots With ever concert there are opening bands and performances.  The first group to kick it off and get everyone moving and smiling was Vinyl Theatre.  They had won battle of the bands in 2013 to open for Twenty One Pilots, newbies to the music scene forming in 2012.  Gaining new fans with their sound of indie electronic rock that night they will surely keep them because of the passion.  Each member exudes it when they are on stage.  A trait of the performance that makes music worth watching.  This was starting to transform the night into what has long been lost in definition as a concert by transforming the music experience into a new level.  Their record label, Fueled by Ramen, seem to have targeted their artists having deep passion as they perform;  making the record label one to watch as the sign artists.

    twenty one pilotsMisterwives added to the build up to the night amping up the crowd.  This group’s carefree and fun spirits is contagious in the crowd.  Group participation as Mandy Lee, lead singer, led the audience to snap along with them during songs was a communication all of its own between the artists on stage and the people taking it all in.  The whole band is amazing.   Front women Mandy is a vocal powerhouse.  She is the full package when it comes to lead singers.  Has the energy to rock the whole performance with their pop style, has a personality that keeps it entertaining to watch and spot on vocals.  The ability to reach the back of the room with her voice from such a petite body but then would have people leaning in at the right times for the dynamics and drama.  Watching each of her Misterwives look as she performed smiling they all feed off one another with a pure look.   The talent they had paid off by the response from everyone.

    At the end of the performance, I caught up with Mandy to share how incredible her powerhouse of a voice is.  Giving me a huge hug she was bubbly with an amped up energy level.  She replied humbly with a huge smile hearing that their performance was so well received by their potential new fan base in Rochester, NY.  She was gracious to agree to with Andy DeLuca Photo making sure we caught it all live and putting this together for us to share:

    Definition of a concert to me is a mass of people who could sing along to every fast paced lyric, got on the shoulders of their friends when the singer asked, displayed emotion as the music touched them at a personal level and musicians constantly looking directly into the sea of people and in return picking up the bands satisfaction as they performed is a concert that exceeds expectations.  This night was packed with pure satisfaction for the music and the people who were there to experience it. Commonalities of each group going up for their set and performance night after night is to share their passion of music as artists.

    The last-minute of the show with only my phone video to record captures a glimmer of the definition of the word “concert”.  Their hard work to this point in their career has captured more than a definition of a word.  It has captured an emotion, feeling and provides and experience to all that get to be entertained by their talent and skills. Thank you Twenty One Pilots, your support systems and management.  The Bands that you have on tour with you that share the same passion and drive yet have unique differences your fans to new musical creations.

  • Closing out the Great NY State Fair in Style

    As I prepared for Day 11 at the Great NY State Fair, I looked forward to the closing out the day of music, some glitz and glamour with my Miss Syracuse ladies, and taking in all the exhibits, food, and festivities as the week-long Fair began winding down.  It had been the most amazing week for NYS Music staff members as we covered shows and events, and took in all the fun we possibly could so that we could share with our readers.  With the Grandstands holding its final concert the night before, I looked forward to the shows at Chevy Court and a local band who I had been wanting to see for a while this fine Sunday.

    First up at Chevy Court was MKTO, then I would be off to see  The Rick Short Band, and then I would finally get to check another off my bucket list, with the Phillip Phillips show.  Apparently I was not the only one with the Phillip Phillips show on a bucket list.  As I approached the photography area at Chevy Court, I learned that one young lady had been there since sunrise when her folks dropped her at the gates to get the perfect seats.  This was surely going to be a day to remember for her as she sat front and center with her friends, beaming from ear to ear that she would be first row center to see her favorites MKTO and Phillip Phillips.  Now that’s a fan.

    Day 11 

    MKTO – Who is MKTO you ask? MKTO has recently burst onto the pop music scene over the past few years with their hits “Thank You” and “Classic”. The duo, made of up Malcolm Kelley and Tony Oller, met while working together on Nikolodean’s show Gigantic.  

    These two extremely talented young men began jamming together and the duo was born.  Mixing pop, rap, and hip hop, their style is refreshing and energetic.  Their background in acting, their musical talent, and their dynamic stage presence is the perfect combination to be the next big thing.  Truly enjoyed watching them as they performed, and as they brought their young crowd to the feet singing and dancing along.  Have to admit, do love their song “Classic”; is catchy and sends a good message to the younger generation about the importance of keeping it classy.

    Set List: Could Be Me  > Forever Until Tomorrow > God Only Knows > American Dream > No More Second Chances > Heartbreak > Am I Wrong > Wasted > Nowhere > Get My Way > Hide Your Girl > Goodbye Song > Thank You > Classic

    Rick Short Band – Over the past few years I have tried to coordinate my schedule to be able to catch local favorites and good friend Rick Short and his band out and about.  Unfortunately until today it had eluded me.  With Tracy Bowens on vocals, Zach Calidonna on bass, Eddie Reilly on vocals and drums, Brian Tuttle on lead guitar, Callendra Comstock on vocals, and Rick Short on vocals and guitar, they played several songs that will be featured on their upcoming CD they are working on.  With an anticipated release somewhere in the spring, the group shared with the audience some of their upcoming releases to positive results.   His band, The Rick Short Band, specializes in what they call real rock and roll.  We certainly were rocked, and look forward to seeing them again.

    Phillip Phillips – Crowds began to gather for Phillips Phillips earlier than normal for this free show at Chevy Court.  After exploring the fairgrounds for the day I decided to stake my claim to a spot close by the stage for the evening. Taking possession much earlier than normally, I wasn’t alone in my thought process.  The immediate stage area was already spoken for, mainly by those who had seats from the earlier show.  So as I sat there partaking in one of my favorite past times, people watching, I witnessed something pretty special that made Phillip Phillips a pretty stand up guy in my book.  The security people, who by the way were awesome the whole fair, took notice of that young lady who had arrived at sunrise to see this show.  Notifying the management for Phillip Phillips, shortly before the show began they surprise her and escorted her back stage to meet him in person.  In tears and shaking, the young lady could barely walk to the back for the encounter.  As she returned from the occurrence, she was ear-to-ear smiles chattering away about what had just happened.  I just love seeing performers take notice like that and thank their fans who are so dedicated them.  The humility in it sets them apart in my book.

    Phillip Phillips who is best known as the winner of American Idol season 11, this young man has found a way to share his passion with the world, and we are certainly glad he has. With two albums under his belt, his song “Home” is the highest selling coronation song from any of the Idol winners to date. Phillip knew he had the music fever at the age of 14. Mentored by his brother-in-law,Benjamin Neil, Phillip pursued his passion in and around his hometown of Leesburg, GA playing with his brother in law’s band at local venues and events. Trying out for America’s Got Talent, he never made it to the final rounds. However this didn’t deter him, in fact it made him more determined to succeed, and off he went to audition for American Idol. Never in jeopardy of being eliminated during the competition, his talent shone through.

    As he played at Chevy Court, it was apparent to me that this 23-year-old young man was special. As Phillip Phillip took the stage, what occurred during this performance seemed almost magical in its energy.  I had covered the majority of the events over the course of the week, and as I began to watch him perform I was totally blown away. His enthusiasm and passion were transparent and you felt it as he performed. His stage presence and interactions with the audience just drew you in more. All the artists booked are talented, and I enjoy each and every performance, but WOW is all I can say about Phillip Phillips. He sang and played with a passion that mesmerized you. You literally felt the music as he played. Hands down this was my favorite performance of the Fair. He had me at hello.

    The special passion and energy didn’t end at the edge of the stage either.  One special couple took this opportunity to celebrate their special moment with the entire audience as Phillip Phillips played along. Yep, this show was special for sure.

    Set List: Lead On > Get Up > Raging Fire > Unpack > Where We Came From > Gone > Man On The Moon > Trigger > Fly > Lillipop > Fool’s Dance > Home

    Day 12 – $1 Day

    Well as the Fair came to a close on Labor Day, they decided to try something new this year by offering $1 entrance, $1 rides, and many vendors charged $1 for favorite food items.  As this new concept was born, it’s one I believe will live a long life as the record that was broken after twenty-five years the previous Saturday, was once again broken.  122,870 people took advantage of the final day at The Great NY State Fair.

    Doobie Brothers – Closing out Chevy Court were the  legendary Doobie Brothers.  This multi-talented group has demonstrated their longevity and perseverance in the music business by doing exactly what they love, making great music.  With a blend of blues, soul, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll, these multi-talented award-winning musicians just continue to make great music and rock their audiences.  The band has produced 3 multi-platinum, 7 platinum and 14 Gold albums; with five top 10 singles and 16 top 40 hits.

    This ever evolving group, has proven over the course of the years that no matter what changes occur within the band, within the music industry, or within the world, being true to their sound and making music their way, produces music with a heart that their tried and true fans, and an ever evolving new fan base just love.  Touring now with the band we have Tom Johnston – guitars, keyboards, harmonica, vocals, Patrick Simmons – guitars, banjo, flute, vocals, John McFee – guitars, harmonica, dobro, pedal steel, violin, vocals, John Cowan – bass guitar, vocals, Guy Allison – keyboards, backing vocals, Marc Russo – saxophones, Ed Toth – drums, and Tony Pia – drums, percussion. I personally am looking forward to their newest album’s release around the beginning of November 2014.  In a collaborative effort with Nashville’s top country musicians, this album is already proving to be one of the most anticipated albums of the year.  This collaborative effort pushes the boundaries, and follows a trend of forging rock and roll and country music in a new direction.  The Doobie Brothers consider their music American Rock, and I wholeheartedly agree.

  • Interview: Vintage Trouble, Set to Take Over The Hollow and the World

    This Sunday, Sept. 28 Vintage Trouble will be coming to The Hollow Bar in Albany, N.Y. This four piece rock n’ roll blues band hailing from California have been touring the country for a few years now, at times being asked to support major acts such as, The Who, Bon Jovi, and the Dave  Matthews Band.

    In a phone interview earlier this week with NYS Music’s Jim Gilbert, all four members were excited to play Albany and share their music with the Capital Region.  “We’ve been touring non-stop for three and a half years now, just getting off the ‘Summer of Trouble’ tour and extending it to the ‘Swinghouse Acoustic’ tour that we are on now.”  Vintage Trouble has toured the world and plays around “200 shows a year, but up to 260 if you include radio stations” and other similar media outlets.  The even played the Jay Leno Show four times in one year.

    When asked how he is able to continuing to sing every night with the brutal tour schedule, lead vocalist, Ty Taylor explained, “By not thinking about it. Stress is horrible and if you think too much [you could cause the issues]. Drink plenty of water and [practice] mental control.” He went on to say that he, “relies on the microphone to do its job” and trusting the mic allows him not to strain too much.

    While the band is getting well-known for its initial release, The Bomb Shelter Sessions, drummer Richard Danielson reassured us that the band has been, “writing on the road and we have a lot more than those 10 songs.  We have three-quarters of the new album done and other songs to fill two hours.”  Stops on this tour can hear potentially up to 20 or more songs in a night, that will surely leave them craving for more.

    People began to hear about them from these support gigs and began to arrive early to hear the band blaze through their short opening sets. With front man Ty Taylor moving about the stage like a mix between James Brown and Roger Daltrey, Nalle Colt soloing all over the songs, and Rich Barrio Dill and Richard Danielson holding down the rhythm section, the band is a sight to see and a pleasure to your ears.

    It was this energy that attracted acts such as Bon Jovi, Lenny Kravitz and even The Who, to include them on European legs of their tour.  Bassist Rock Barrio Dill said they were “only going to be in the UK for three weeks, but ended up staying for seven months because these opportunities kept coming up”.  All the touring and travel, “cultivated a lot of new material.”

    Taylor proudly went on to say that Vintage Trouble is “an independent band. It cost us less than $1000 to make the record. We couldn’t do a world release, [so it was slow to hit some countries.] It was released only a year ago in Japan and debuted at #4.  It took three years to get around the world, but like my mother always said ‘patience is a virtue.”

    While Vintage Trouble just went into a recording partnership with Blue Note Records, the label is giving them a lot of freedom.  There is a mutual feeling of pride in releasing their own work, but it is nice to have a big brother helping them out.  However, recording is only a part of the equation.  Rick emphasized that “we consider ourselves a live band first. Wherever we take it, we will be a live band.”

    Starting out at Harvelle’s Blues Club in Long Beach playing a weekly residency in a place with “true old blues energy” the locals dubbed it Trouble Tuesday. In fact, a friend of the band called the ever-growing weekly audience, “TroubleMakers”.  That name stuck and fans from around the world have joined the TroubleMakers.  With nearly 12,000 in their Facebook group, Nalle added, “the band stays in touch daily with the group.”.  It is also THE place to go to find out about the pre-show parties and after show events, as well as interact with like-minded fans.

    Tickets are currently on sale now. The show starts at 7PM with The Soul Selector Tom PaPa Ray. Make sure to come out for this show and end the week with some rock n’ roll medicine.

  • 95x Birthday Bash with Jackyl

    The Oswego County Event Center in Pennellville, N.Y. hosted 95x’s Birthday Bash with local bands Loose Cannon, Crows Cage, Bound For The Floor, Granny 4 Barrel and National Act Jackyl. The day started a little behind, but once Loose Cannon hit the stage it didn’t matter. These guys had the crowd singing and moving to ’80s hard rock of Motley Crue, Van Halen and Ozzy. They started the day right and it just continued on from there.

    Next up to the stage was Crows Cage and as always they didn’t disappoint. Their high energy show was just what the doctor ordered. Performing their own songs such as “Hate and Grindstone” just to name a few, got the crowd all warmed up and ready to continue the party, but before they left the stage, guitar player Aaron Bellows’ niece Shayla took the stage to sing “Fly” with the guys. That young lady definitely has a lot of talent. Be sure to look for her in the future.

    Crows Cage

    Bound For The Floor did their thing with a mix of yesterday’s grunge and today’s modern rock. Full of energy and funk, they rocked out and got the crowd involved.

    Bound For The Floor 

    Granny 4 Barrel took the stage and immediately commanded everyone’s attention. All I could do was chuckle at the outfits and the stage setup. These guys were fantastic. They seriously put on one hell of a show! The crowd also loved them. They brought so many different emotions to the concert goers. Whether you were laughing so hard you were crying or singing along to the music, I’m sure everyone will agree that these guys put on a memorable performance.

    Granny 4 Barrel

    By the time Jackyl came out the crowd was all warmed up and ready for a kick ass rockin show, which is exactly what Jackyl gave them. The level of intensity and energy was second to none. Their Southern Rock n Roll had the fans singing along for their entire set. This band is so down to earth and made each fan feel engaged. After ending their performance with a shot from Jesse’s shotgun mic stand, the band invited every one of the fans over to their tent to personally say hello.

    Jackyl