Category: Regions

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
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
The Art of Singing: Garfunkel at the Bardavon

Art Garfunkel, the eccentric singer from Queens, has found his voice after suddenly losing it in 2008. On Oct. 24, Garfunkel read poetry, told stories and, of course, sang to an admiring crowd at Poughkeepsie’s Bardavon Opera House. A true master of singing, Art has reacquired his talent and is proud to share his voice with fans once again.

The legendary performer was joined by Nashville native Tab Laven on the acoustic guitar for a long set of music. The room was held in reverence as Art sang Simon and Garfunkel classics “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” “Scarborough Fair” and “Homeward Bound.” The evening included much more than Garfunkel reproducing hits, though. He painted a picture of singing to a sold out Royal Albert Hall, recalling fans leaning over five tiers to cheer him on. Garfunkel described the tragedy of losing his voice and the challenges imposed by finding it again with a national audience listening. He joked about whether he or Paul Simon would speak at the other’s funeral, leading into a goosebumps-inducing “Sound of Silence.”

Dressed in dark jeans, a white button-up shirt, and black vest, tufts of Art’s signature curly hair still sprouted from the sides of his head. While most of the proud anti-war singer’s hair may be gone, his vocal acuity is breathtaking once again. After taking a couple of songs to get primed, Garfunkel’s unmistakable voice carried beautifully during “Perfect Moment.” He later stated his top five favorite singers, then sang a hit from one of them—Randy Newman’s “Real Emotional Girl.”

Garfunkel also read prose poetry including pieces dedicated to Jack Nicholson and his son Beau. He read another poem to a nine-year old version of himself: “Life is a fabulous mystery. You must be kind to people and remember that singing brings joy.” From 8:10-9:40 Friday night, he brought that joy, massaging souls with the melodic caress of his voice. The evening concluded with a version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” that launched the audience onto its feet, whistling and catcalling to the adoring singer.

It is hard to imagine a singer as soothing and comfortably familiar as Art Garfunkel. His voice is a national treasure that was on full display in Poughkeepsie Friday night. If you get the chance, do not pass up the opportunity to catch this living legend.

October 29, 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
Turkuaz and Jimkata Ready with Tricks for a Halloween in Buffalo

The leaves are changing, the temperatures are just starting to fall, and if the color of the foliage is any indicator, Halloween is upon us. As any music fan will tell you, the holiday seems to bring out the weird in bands as antics around the industry are aplenty. This year, Halloween in Buffalo is shaping up nicely with no snow (always a plus here) and two incredible bands coming to town to share a bill at Waiting Room downtown, Turkuaz and Jimkata.

Kicking the night off is none other than Turkuaz, the funk army who call New York City home. The nine-piece band was last in the area for Night Lights Music Festival back in September and they tore the place up with their catchy melodies and powerful sound. The band has a Buffalo tie-in as their drummer Michelangelo Carubba is a fellow graduate of St. Joe’s High School and grew up in the area. Turkuaz also just wrapped up recording a new album that is due out sometime next year which has fans excited for new material. I got a chance to catch up with the band at Night Lights for an interview and they hinted at what types of shenanigans they might be pulling for the show this week. Check out the video by our friends at Buffalo.fm

Co-headlining the night will be Ithaca’s Jimkata who bring an indie spin to electronic rock. The band is a favorite all over Upstate New York and should draw a solid crowd on Friday. The band was also at Night Lights and their headlining set there was one of the favorites from the weekend. Their latest album, Feel in Light, came out earlier this year and the band is currently touring throughout the fall season in support of it. Upon reaching out to Evan Friedell, the lead singer of the band, in regards to what to expect, the frontman didn’t tip his hand, but he did mention that they always plan surprises and try to make the Halloween show something special.

Between these two heavy hitters and all of the antics we’re sure to see, there’s only one thing you have to make sure you grab for an incredible Halloween night and it’s right here.

October 29, 2014
Hulaween is here, Freaks forge south to Florida for Halloween Weekend Festivities! Oct 31-Nov 2

In the Northeast the festival scene has wound down. With the harvest festivals come and gone, concerts have moved indoors and pumpkin is in everything. However, a different breed of festival goer and live music freak is gearing up for one of the most anticipated Halloween festivals of the year, Hulaween!

This Halloween weekend marks the sophomore return of Hulaween. With headliner, The String Cheese Incident, playing three sets over the weekend they are joined by Big Gigantic, Thievery Corporation, EOTO, Beats Antique, the New Deal, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Conspirator and many more! There is even a Thursday night pre party with Electron and Particle!! See the schedule here.

Adjacent to the Black River, Spirit of the Suwanee music park in Live Oak, Florida hosts many festivals a year. A magical place it boasts a riverfront beach, canoe rentals, rope swing/cliff jumping, lots of places to put hammocks, as well as cabin rental upgrades. Though sometimes chilly at night in the northern Florida region this time of year, campfires are allowed in the primitive campsites so making lasting memories around the fire is common.

In addition to music, there is a psychedelic Burning Man inspired art installation curated by art director Andy Carroll planned on the festival grounds. Costumes are encouraged and will be judged in a contest for those inclined to dress up! Hulaween is sure to be quite the spectacle!

October 28, 2014
Cabinet Carves Through Rochester

Bluegrass has been taking on different personas these last few years and a genre that encompasses all that is bluegrass has grown to include the old-timey tunes of Bill Monroe and Del McCoury to the jamgrass of YMSB and Greensky Bluegrass, Cabinet‘s show on October 10 in Rochester at Montage Music Hall proved to fans that they are fully capable of existing in both suits. Cabinet has their roots planted in the old-timey music of the past while existing in the present and fans of the bluegrass genre are pumped to have this band in the mix.

“I was determined to carve out a music of my own, I didn’t want to copy anybody” – Bill Monroe

The night began with a solid jam with high energy, Todd Kopec played his soul out on the fiddle with style and ease. In fact the entire set seemed to have a strong jamgrass tone to it; the dance floor was full of fans whom enjoyed the slight change in pace from previous Rochester appearances. “Oxygen” was strong, the energy was not that of their DelFest appearance but a much jammier session with moments of instrumental ecstasy from each band member. Also notable was the energy that came from mandolin player, JP Biondo on “Doors” was unmatchable and resonated throughout the venue with fans singing out loud to the inspiring lyrics of a song that represents the paths we take in life and how we view our place in this universe.

Without a doubt this show was one of the best Rochester has seen from Cabinet. The band continues to climb higher and higher on the pecking order of bluegrass bands. Cabinet’s last New York appearance on this tour will be at the Highline Ballroom in NYC Oct. 30 for a two-night Halloween event, Night of the Living Dead, featuring the Infamous String Dusters featuring Keller Williams and special guests Cabinet; whom will be showcasing the music of the Grateful Dead for this special event. The show is sold out at this time, please contact the venue for further information on tickets.

Cabinet shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon, their continuous touring, their depth of talent and their excellent stage presence are carving a path through the bluegrass genre, and rightfully so by the caliber of this show. Expect to see more and more of this band as time goes forward.

October 28, 2014
TU Center to get $13.1M Upgrade

Albany’s Times Union Center (TUCenter) is set to undergo a major renovation after a plan was announced by Albany County Executive Dan McCoy today that would potentially bring national sporting events back to the area, as reported by The Times Union.

Synthesis Architects proposal would take away the open-air terraces in the entrance area facing South Pearl Street and enclose them to create a gathering space for concertgoers, sports fans and area workers during the winter.

McCoy said in a statement, “This is going to be a transformative project that will change the face of the Times Union Center and will perfectly complement the new Civic Center, which will be an integral part of revitalization downtown.”

Much of the reason for the renovation plans stems from the shift in the Albany Convention Center to the area behind the Times Union Center, and the need for more space to attract, in particular, NCAA basketball events. Included in the renovations are LED screens that would face out onto South Pearl Street, streaming images of events inside the arena, potentially.

Enclosing the TUCenter atrium could potentially change the environment before and after events at the Times Union Center, giving fans a reason to mingle in the venue’s open space, rather than hustling inside to avoid the elements and unwelcoming nature of the staircase-laden entrance way, as it stands now.

October 28, 2014
Electron ends Fall Tour at Syracuse’s Westcott Theater

I still maintain Syracuse is a weird city, but they got one hell of a show at the Westcott on Saturday October 18. For fans of live-tronic music, this was the show to catch. The bill featured three bands (all instrumental) leading up to Electron, making for an impressive five hours of music. The night opened with Ocupanther, who got fans moving with their intricate but danceable compositions, featuring smooth rhythm sections and weaving guitar/synth parts on top. Ocupanther is always a treat because they are unique—not just progressive scales, not just untz beats—but truly original sounds put together in an organic, funky way. Up next was Horizon Wireless, who laid down smooth beats that were subtle but sexy and often trance inducing. Horizon has a warm sound that just makes you feel good, relying more on the groove than huge peaks or changes. This was almost a direct contrast with Solaris, who took the stage next and threw down heavy beats that really brought the energy back up a notch as the room began to fill in. Ithaca’s Solaris is a one-two punch, first they get you in the zone with beats that are predominantly electronic and then they mix in moments of sheer rock and roll dirtiness. By the end of the set everyone was moving and ready to go.

Photo by: Andy Hill at Catskill Chill 2014 – Electron

Electron, to put it bluntly, is essentially a Disco Biscuits cover band that plays Biscuits’ songs better than the Biscuits. This is not at all a bad thing, or meant to discredit the original incarnation(s) of Bisco—they are the ones who did it first after all, and they have a chemistry that cannot be replicated—but rather to highlight the similarities and areas of improvement. This crossover is no secret; the night’s set list featured mainly Bisco songs, all of which were tight and on-point. Throughout the tour Electron also covered a different band each night, including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd. Friday’s two-set show added Radiohead to that list, with solid covers of “Karma Police” and “National Anthem,” before ending the night with Pink Floyd’s Brain Damage into Eclipse for an encore.

The set opened with the classic, “Floodlights” and moved into another time-tested favorite, “M.E.M.P.H.I.S.” which had fans new and old singing along. Brownie held it down on the bass [as he does] showing a revitalized energy I had not seen since years previous. There is no doubt that Brownie drives the band, both with his relentless bobble-head and groove-heavy lines with sneaky bombs – his excitement was contagious. Lotus drummer, Mike Greenfield, was also a true joy to watch and blends perfectly with Brownie and the Electron formula. The argument of Sammy Vs. Allen actually kind of finds resolution in the middle with Mike Greenfield; he has the intensity and (almost) technical precision of Allen, with the feel and taste of Sammy. Personally, I never took a side on the drummer comparisons because I liked both for different reasons. That said, Greenfield is the ipso facto peace-maker that would ultimately satisfy both sides of the debate. On the keys, Magner seemed a little more subdued than his role with Bisco, but still served as the essential binding factor. All of Magner’s parts were, though not extravagant, especially important. He really only let it rip a couple of times, mainly towards the end of the second set with “Shelby Rose” but quite frankly, I think I prefer it that way. The real standout of the night for me, however, was Tom Hamilton on guitar. I had heard Hamilton play in recordings of Brothers Past, American Babies and with Marco, but had never seen him live. Simply put, he won me over. I came into the show not knowing much about Hamilton and left a Hamilton fan. Each guitar line was clean and tasteful, but when he decided to rip it, his chops really shone through. Even in songs where his parts were simpler, Hamilton has a calm sort of confidence that is super entertaining to watch and appears to inspire the band to consistently play to the top of their ability. All in all, this show was spot-on musically; a real treat for Biscuits fans, and the band’s chemistry was a pleasure to watch.

Syracuse’s show marked the end of Electron’s mini-tour, but Brownstein and Magner will be back with Conspirator, another side project which is more heavily improvisation and jam based, on November 20.

Set 1: Floodlights, MEMPHIS, Kamaole, Humu ending, Grass is Green end, Plan B, Karma Police*, Plan B
Set 2: National Anthem*, Little Lai, Humuhumu, Kamaole ending, Shelby Rose, the City, Shelby Rose
Encore: Brain Damage, Eclipse

October 28, 2014
Banjo Banjo: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

“You ready Fleck? ‘I hope so’ ” and with that, Abigail Washburn and Béla Fleck began their show at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on October 24 each alternating between six banjo throughout the night, the married duo of Fleck and Washburn embarked on a night of beautifully crafted duets, murder ballads and songs from their new album Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn. An Irish meets Appalachia “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” opened the night, the resonance of the banjo head echoing through the room. “Banjo Banjo” jokingly explained to the audience as the one song they wrote all summer, the simplicity of the title a nod to the toils of a married musical duo, the tune sounded as though it could be the soundtrack to one of those ‘traveling down the road’ montages in a movie.

“Ride to You,” a song of longing, off their new album was a true highlight. Washburn’s voice and intonation adding gravity to the composition. Béla then stepped off to the side of the stage and performed a solo, captivating the audience and treating those left of center.

The old-timey murder ballad from Appalachia, “Pretty Polly” was introduced by Washburn, not surprisingly the chattier of the pair, and she told the story of a girl murdered and buried in a shallow grave, only to haunt her murderer – romantic stuff. From deep in the mountains of Western China, thick cloud cover experienced by Washburn over an extended visit spawned “The Sun is Out” a translated title sung in the original tongue, an uplifting antidote to the previous number. A porch song from 1936, “Keys to the Kingdom” had a ‘You give me Fever’ sing along component complete with audience participation on chorus and snapping. The set ended on a high note, a buzz about the show growing steadily as many shuffled to the merchandise table, as 100% of sales would benefit The Clearwater Foundation, a cause near to the hearts of many in the audience.

Fleck came out alone to start the second set, dedicating a medley improv including portions of “Caravan” and “Big Country,” to his teachers who were in the audience; Marc Horowitz and Bill Keith, of whom Fleck added, “Without them, I’d be nothing.” Washburn joined shortly after, the two speaking to their individual banjo playing styles – Washburn, utilizing the clawhammer style with its African roots and Fleck with the three-finger style honed by Earl Scruggs and many others – combining for a truly pleasant binary-banjo sound. “Bring me my Queen” with lyrics “She takes all my love, all my notions, tears them all down to the ground. Oh, bring me my queen,” shared the dual nature of love, the pains and needs that come with territory.

An original by Béla featured simple lyrics “What’cha gonna do when the land goes under the water” at an urgent pace and echoing the sing-along style of Pete Seeger, who Fleck remarked “is why a lot of us are good at singing along.” Another murder ballad/revenge song followed, this one a self-infused, more passionate number from Washburn, the reverberating head of the banjos contributing to the foreboding nature of the tune. An encore of “New South Africa” was preceded with the history of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones performing in South Africa upon Nelson Mandela becoming president of the ‘new’ country. With an encore of “I Sing I’m Happy, I Sing because I’m Free,” recalled by Washburn as her grandmother June’s favorite song, the crowd was enlivened as they set out into the crisp autumn night in Troy.

October 27, 2014