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Dopapod Kick Fall Tour off at Putnam Den

On this unseasonably warm Saturday night Sept. 27, people flooded into Putnam Den to see and hear some of the best live music around with Consider The Source and Dopapod. The vibe was chill, most people waiting for the bands to come on were talking about the music. This was a good sign of what was in store. There was a wide array of ages 18 and up (in some cases way up) but regardless of what age, everyone was there to get down and have fun.

Consider the Source, a power trio out of New York City opened to a packed room, which became more and more engulfed as the seconds went on. Starting with a slow melodic piece that was reminiscent of Pink Floyd; a treat to many in attendance and a good sign of what the evening had in store. The lead Guitarist, Gabrielle Marin, played a double neck guitar possessing many different effects; one emulating a horn which was out of this world. Fans were looking around to see where the horn layer was, which there wasn’t, it was just on the guitar, this was brilliant as well as impressive. The drums played by John Olsen, laid down a sweet groove to jam over, which usually the drum and bass do together. Which they did do to a point but the bass player, John Ferrara, had many solos of his own. Showing that this band was, well, a band. There is no real way to describe the sound of Consider The Source but ‘Thrash Jam’ could fit. They did just that, holding the audience’s attention while getting them ready for Dopapod.

Dopapod opened with “Indian Girls”, a very danceable groove layered by heavy beats provided by two percussionists and the bass. This one kept the energy that CTS left going, and even raising the bar. It was on and the party was just about to get into full swing. Dopapod took their groove to another level with “Brooklyn Bridge”, and by adding in vocals, this made their jams actual songs to sing along too, and many people did. Smiles were abounding as people sang along and a small sense of family was felt throughout the crowd. This showed they were not a one trick pony who could come out and lay down heavy beats and just move on to the next heavy track, which so many bands tend to.

The compositions of Dopapod were very complex. All four members of the band, including Adrian Tramontano from Kung Fu as a guest percussionist, were very intricate parts of these songs and everyone stayed tightly together, not losing a beat for a second. It may have seemed as if they were all over the place, but with a careful ear you could tell they were 100% on the same page. This was sheer brilliance. This led into a dark trance like groove keeping their overall sound, their feel, which isn’t very easy to do when shifting so drastically. With Dopapod’s heavy build ups, there was only one place for them to go: the peak. When they reached this peak it was second to very few. The lights went up, the crowd roared, and the payoff was well worth the wait. Eli Winderman’s keys and Rob Compa’s guitar took fans to another world, the world which is known as Dopapod.

October 1, 2014
The Sea The Sea Wash Ashore at The Low Beat Tonight

Their single, “Love We Are We Love,” from their title track released in February has been spun at radio stations across the country and their album has been met with accolades from NPR and No Depression. The duo, The Sea The Sea, bring their brand of interconnectedness to the 518 for a show at The Low Beat Thursday, October 2nd. Be sure to check them out as they have relocated to the Albany area and they intend to become very active with the music community.

Their tale is a mystical story of fate and a series of mishaps that ultimately brought them together. It was by coincidence Mira Stanley held a sign with Chuck’s (E. Costa) name on it during a songwriter’s showcase years prior. Figuratively, it was sign. They didn’t reconnect again until almost five years later after each had been through their own trials. Borrowing their name from Xenophon’s Anabasis, a Greek tale of soldiers returning home, the name The Sea The Sea became their own battle cry of joy! Weaving storyline lyrics and an unmatched harmony, the folk power duo dig deep leaving the listener with an enlightened sense of Universal themes of love and faith. Great Mutations will open tonight’s show. Tickets available at the door.

September 30, 2014
Hearing Aide: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad ‘Steady’

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is set to drop their new album Steady today, September 30th. Steady is Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s first studio album since 2012, and their first collaboration with Easy Star Records. Steady was also co- produced with Craig Welsh of 10. Ft. Ganja Plant. According to bassist James Searl “this is without a doubt the best sounding record we’ve ever made,” and I would have to agree. Upon first listen it really stuck out that the sound is very clear and clean.

GPGDS, based out of Rochester, have produced an album that recycles old reggae themes in a newer, more nuanced way. The themes that flow throughout the album fall in line with what traditional reggae music was born to address; love, change (both political and personal), peace and positivity. “Steady”, the title track of this album, is a slow and easy-going love ballad. “Steady” was co-produced by Danny Kalb (The Green, Ben Harper) is very melodic, along with most of the other songs on the album, with smooth lyrics that just make you want to sway.

“Mr. Cop” is similar in that way but retains an island music feel to it. The song addresses issues with police, expounding on the relationship between law enforcement and society. With lyrics like “Mr. cop, Mr. cop don’t want you searching/we’ve been all day working/nobody that we hurtin’/Just a little herb we smokin’” the song illustrates a theme that is often touched upon in reggae music. From the tropical feel of the song to the lyrics, for a New York based reggae band GPGDS really exhibits an authentic Caribbean feel.

Giant Panda has also dabbled in playing Americana music especially with their previous album Country which was released in 2012. This influence can be heard on songs like “.45,” “Not The Fool,” and “Home.” They add a bit of country twang to the traditional reggae sound that this record embodies.

“.45” specifically breaks pace from those peaceful hymns they were espousing. With lyrics like “If you see me on the streets/and you want to get wise with me/ I’ll pull out my .45,” it’s like a reggae version of the slogan “don’t mess with Texas.” It’s very bluesy and has full force guitar rifts that are in your face…in a good way.

Overall this is the kind of album that is good to listen to anywhere, like a soundtrack to a beach vacation. If you’re interested in checking it out, their title track “Steady” as well as “Mr. Cop” and “Take Your Place” are available to stream at LivePanda.com.

Key Tracks: “Steady” “Mr. Cop” “.45”

Check out Giant Panda this week across Upstate New York!

Oct 2: Buffalo, NY – Tralf Music Hall
Oct 3: Syracuse, NY – Westcott Theater
Oct 4: Rochester, NY – Zeppa Auditorium

September 30, 2014
Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela Celebrate 20 Years of South African Freedom at The Egg

South African legends Hugh Masekela and Vusi Mahlasela head to Albany on October 7 as part of the Rhythm International series at The Egg. These two musicians are freedom fighters and renowned musical icons in South Africa and beyond, and this night they will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the end of apartheid with a special concert.

Hugh Masekela is a legendary jazz artist who hit the top of the pop charts in 1968 with “Grazin’in the Grass” and Vusi Mahlasela – simply known as ‘The Voice’ in South Africa – is celebrated for his distinct, poetic, and optimistic songs. Separately, they are two of the most powerful performers on the planet – and together a tour-de-force.

Tickets are $34 and are available at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone at 518-473-1845, or online.

September 30, 2014
American Music Festival for The Lake made a splash on September 20 and 21

One of the best ways to end the summer festival season was spent at the inaugural American Music Festival for the Lake, in Lake George on September 20th and 21st. The two day family event was a fundraiser to keep Lake George clean and free of invasive species while enjoying local vendors, amusement rides and fantastic music. The event took place at the new Charles R. Wood festival space, a cozy 2.5 acre venue which is the first of many projects for the area that will include a skate park, a playground, interactive environmental trails and more. A humble stage stood front and center with a small sectioned off VIP area with rows of fold up seats while most people enjoyed being spread out on their blankets.

Saturday

The festival weekend started at noon with local one man band, Rich Ortiz. His rustic vocals sang out original songs from his album, Face of a Lion, with a pedal bass at his feet that looped rhythm and melodies. Ortiz is a relaxed version of Keller Williams, as he sat on stage, casually serenading the crowd with an appreciative heart. His covers of John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” and Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You” were sincere and clean cut. The North & South Dakotas, a 5-piece northern rock band from Saratoga Springs, kicked up the afternoon a notch with their barnyard bluegrass. “Troubles of Me” a rebellious anthem with a pounding rhythm and growing chorus.

The classic American rock group, NRBQ (New Rhythm and Blues Quartet) was greeted with loud cheers as they started their set with fresh songs off their latest album Brass Tacks. NRBQ has been performing together for over 50 years and have stayed true to their fusion of rock, pop and blues. As fans shouted out requests, keyboardist Terry Adams reassuringly said, “Keep requesting them. We’re gonna play them all!” The entire set was upbeat with a variety of doo wop grooves especially for “Driving in my Car” and “Fighting Back”.

Paranoid Social Club made the trek down from Portland, Maine to give Upstate NY a taste of upbeat garage rock. With their band motto being, “At the Paranoid Social Club, we all fit in” most young adults can relate to their lyrics filled with angst, partying and finding the right girl, with swears blocked out for the family event. Their top international hit “Two Girls” was dedicated to all the swingers in the crowd with a catchy hard pop melody. Their set ended with ultimate party song “Wasted” with teases of Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” for a high energy rock throw down.

Local rock stars Wild Adriatic made their set just in time after performing at the annual Lark Fest in Albany only a few hours earlier. With energy to spare, the boys came out blaring vocals and in your face rock that shook the crowd. Bassist Rich Derbyshire was his usual animated self as he roamed the stage and even ran through the audience without missing a beat. One of the highlights of the set was their rendition of Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone”, with an intense buildup and even bigger break down.

The crowd had greatly doubled for the headlining act of Robert Randolph and the Family Band with many folks upgrading to VIP for a closer standing view. Led by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, the soulful rock music filled the air with an abundance of love and happiness. Going off their latest album, Lickety Split, “Amped Up” did exactly that, amped up the crowd with fast paced funk and plenty of pedal steel riffs from Randolph. Bassist Danyel Morgan and cousin to Randolph, took the lead for Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “The Sky is Crying” with R&B vocals and bluesy bass line. As the music started to pick up pace again, vocalist and littler sister, Lenesha Randolph joined in to testify and sing out strong ballads while Robert Randolph beat his slide guitar with a tambourine and shaker. One of the most surprising moments of the act was RR inviting fans on the stage to play guitar with him, the first being too cold, the second was a hot shredder and the third was Terry Scoville from Upstate’s own Capital Zen to win over the crowd. RR was feeling it as he stomped his feet, nodding his head in approval at the flowing groove. As the jam ended, “Shake Your Hips Baby” started up and brought dozens of girls of all ages on to the stage for a blowout dance party. With the evening coming to an end, fireworks shot up overhead and the band played a tear jerking rendition of “America, The Beautiful.” Saturday had gone by flawlessly despite the overcast skies with folks eager to return for more music and fun the next day.

Sunday

A complete 360′ change for weather brought plenty of sunshine, blue skies with a perfect breeze that welcome back folks to the 2nd day at the American Music Festival at Lake George. Sunday’s theme was “Country Music” with another lineup full of talented musicians from all over the USA. The day started with Stony Creek Band, a stable of Upstate NY music that has been around for over 40 years. Joking that the festival never said which country, the band performed an upbeat paradise inspired from Zimbabwe. After their long run together, it’s no wonder they explore even create their own musical genres such as Celtic disco and cosmic cowboy. A slight change in the schedule brought Rich Ortiz back to the stage for a few acoustic numbers with a stand out cover of Phish’s “Possum”.

Travelling all the way from Mississippi, the 6-piece folk band known as Rosco Bandana performed a set of captivating indie psychedelic blues. Jackson Weldon picks apart the electric mandolin like a gentle storm as Emily Sholes strikes the keyboards and is captivating with finger cymbals. The gypsy music instills a sense of southern pride with the foot stomping and haunting harmonies. Up next was, Girls Guns and Glory who are not as intimidating as their name may lead on but still no one to mess with. The four piece Boston bluegrass group are a mix of 50s rock with new age country as their songs are about truck driving and mishaps with the world of eBay. Lead vocalist and guitarist Ward Hayden has a unique range of vocals, including a crowd pleasing yodel.

Claire Lynch felt right at home in Upstate NY where she was originally from Poughkeepsie in what she calls “Yankee land”. A petite southern belle with an voice that has earned her the title of “Female Vocalist of the Year” to the International Bluegrass Music Association. Joined by Nickel Creek’s stand up bassist Mark Schatz, mandolinist Matt Wingate and fiddler Bryan McDowell, they created a set of old fashioned acoustic country music. Lynch’s voice floated lightly above the crowd with songs like “Humming Bird” and the old mountain tune of “Paul and Peter Walk” but trembled for the heartbreaking solider tribute of “Dear Sister”.

Last but certainly not least, headliners New Riders of the Purple Sage closed out the festival with their vintage and timeless jams. NRPS were a spin off of The Grateful Dead with original members Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh and Jerry Garcia who soon fully committed to The Dead with NRPS gaining their own identity and sound. The group now includes original members David Helson and Buddy Cage with Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque and Johnny Markowski. The group performed a song collection from over their decades and decades touring together. Poking fun at yesteryear’s technology, they introduced “I Don’t Know You” as taken from their first album. The set was full of their classic tunes like the southern sweetness of “Louisiana Lady”, “Rocky Road” and a wild “Panama Red”. They still have a timeless sound as their harmonies are gentle with sturdy guitar riffs and sharp rhythm. The night concluded with a Grateful Dead “Ripple”, a familiar favorite among the crowd who had no problem singing along.

The American Music Festival was a solid way to close out the summer season. One of the key factors of the festival was the impressive sound quality and top notch lighting that highlighted the talented national and regional acts on stage. There is nothing more American than enjoying the scenic Upstate NY area with live music and local vendors while supporting a good cause. Here’s hoping that Lake George continues to host this family friendly and music loving festival next year!

September 30, 2014
Nas Kicking off Illmatic Tour With Back to Back New York Shows

Nas has been at the top of the rap world since he debuted 20 years ago and will be celebrating the anniversary with the Illmatic tour for his landmark first LP Illmatic. The Illmatic tour has a little extra punch to it due to the fact that not only will Nas be playing the album front to back, but he will also be showing his brand new documentary “Nas: Time is Illmatic.” The film follows the trajectory of the album from when it was being recorded all the way up to today. The influence that the album had on the rap genre is undeniable, and to be able to see it right before hearing the man play the legendary album is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESkmaXnw8ow

Nas, including Illmatic, has released eight platinum and multi-platinum albums throughout his career and has played all over the world. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Nas eventually moved to Queens with his family at a young age and soon became interested in hip hop and the growing community surrounding it. Illmatic was a fan favorite from the moment it was released, earning high praise from the hip hop community. Not only did he rap about problems in everyday life, but he also rapped about the hope for a better one. These two shows are the only ones anywhere in New York.

This film, which premiers at the Tribeca Film Festival on Oct. 1, means a lot to him. Nas has said, “I want to thank Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and the Tribeca Film family for all of the love & support they’ve given Time Is Illmatic. It is an honor to be in partnership with them, and I feel there is a cultural kinship bonded by the city of New York.” The film unfortunately won’t be shown on the tour’s opening night at Main Street Armory in Rochester on Oct. 2, but it will be shown the following evening, Oct. 3, at Albany’s Palace Theatre. Tickets are still available for both nights, $40 for Rochester and up to $70 for Albany, so don’t sleep on your chance to see these special shows from easily one of the best rappers out there today.

September 30, 2014
Marco Benevento Plays Capital Performance to New York’s First Capital

The unmistakable notes from Marco Benevento’s piano rang out in the streets of historic Uptown Kingston – New York’s first capital – on Friday, September 26th. Benevento, who teamed up with bassist Dave Dreiwitz and drummer Andy Borger, played early into Sunday morning to a hyped-up Hudson Valley crowd. With family and friends aplenty to witness the release show for Benevento’s new album, Swift, no one left BSP without an ear-to-ear grin.

The front doors of the large bar/venue were wide open and folks could cool off on the plaza while still enjoying the feel-good tunes wafting outside. Inside, the music was as hot as the air; the trio rocked while joyous admirers filled the hall with dancing bodies. The shaggy piano man led long jams and, in between, held the audience’s attention with captivating asides.

BSP, located in the heart of New York’s first capital, provided an intimate setting for the Ulster County resident to play for a hometown crowd before hitting the road on tour. A few hundred people filled the spacious room, and everyone had a chance to get as close as desired to the semi-raised stage. In the middle of one 20-minute long improv session, Marco eased up on his piano to clap along and start an “AN-DY” chant, ensuring everyone in the building knew exactly who was banging the drums. Andy Borger fed off the cue, turning in a solid drum solo as Marco and Dreiwitz admired in support.

Later in the set, Benevento’s metaphorical nose grew and grew as he covered Money Mark’s “I Don’t Play Piano,” belting out: “I don’t know how to play piano; I don’t know how to sing.” For over a decade, the world has been aware of his mastery of the piano; the new album, Swift, features his voice as an additional weapon for the first time, evincing the complete inaccuracy of the lyrics. “DJ” Dave Dreiwitz’s stoic onstage persona never wavered even as he thumped out heavy solos, while Marco’s smile crescendoed with the music.

Though the room at BSP was dark, the music was light and uplifting. They played a poppy brand of improvisational, piano-heavy rock that induced the shimmying horde to raise hands to the heavens in delight. The band and crowd instantly engaged in a symbiotic relationship; fans fed off the musicians’ energy and vice versa. Spirits from the bar were lifted for many “cheers” while spirits were lifted by the sprinkling of melodious piano solos, accompanied by raucous cheers.

Around 1 a.m., the band came out for an encore while nearly everyone remained to show support. Benevento, Dreiwitz, and and Borger hit the road next in support of the album, which will conclude at the Brooklyn Bowl on December 18th and 19th.

September 30, 2014
Film Review: ‘What’s In My Baggie?’ a Look into the Bunk Police and the ever Growing Drug Culture

For years there has been a significant presence of drug use at live music concerts and festivals. Rules and regulations may be placed in attempts to crack down on the buying and selling of illegal substances, but like it or not the drugs do not stop flowing. Up until the past few years there was really no safe way to know what you were purchasing. The main idea behind the “Bunk Police” is that people are going to take drugs no matter how many rules, laws or restrictions the general public are given. If there is going to be drug use, why not make sure it’s safe?

Recognizing the extreme lack of awareness with recreational drug use, Bunk Police founder Adam Auctor took a near death experience to realize that life is short and should be handled with the utmost care. Up until very recently Auctor has remained completely anonymous, not out of fear for repercussions through law enforcement, but instead the backlash from drug dealers for taking customers and money out of their pockets. In some ways Auctor is a true revolutionary amongst the music scene for creating a way to reduce the overdoses and deaths and increase the knowledge when consuming potentially harmful chemicals. No matter how seasoned or knowledgeable one may think they are in the world of illicit substance, it only takes one bad batch to put you over the edge. The Bunk Police is setting out to eliminate that constant “what if”. In some ways The Bunk Police has completely revolutionized music festivals world-wide.

The documentary “What’s In My Baggie?” gives a first hand look from the perspective of patrons, law enforcement and members of the Bunk Police. Numerous times throughout the documentary you are shown many individuals who purchased what they thought to be Molly or MDMA, and after testing their substance with their Bunk Police test kit found they had Bath Salts or an unrecognizable drug. Recently national news has picked up on the unsafe conditions of music festivals nation wide. From Electric Zoo to Bonnaroo, there are overdoses and deaths and there is no shortage of finger-pointing. Festivals that have been around for years are slowly slipping into the shadows after they make national headlines for having patrons over dose and die on what was thought to be MDMA. People are now beginning to question if music festivals are even safe to begin with. Many believe that by handing out drug testing kits you are potentially influencing individuals to take drugs, where in reality by taking away the drug testing kits the room for fatality and injury due to substance use is immeasurable. One way or another people need to know what they are putting into their bodies. At any given point an individual could find any drug they wanted any where they wanted almost instantaneously. This is why the work that The Bunk Police has done with its readily available test kits is astronomically huge for the safety of patrons at music festivals.

From start to finish the documentary is nothing short of phenomenal. It does a great job of getting a broad spectrum of different perspectives as well as showing the ins and outs of drug trade throughout festivals. It is refreshing to finally see these issues that are plaguing the music scene be brought to light to hopefully raise questions and awareness to the drug culture that is ever-growing.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYzmZ1IU4zY]

September 29, 2014
Dopapod Announce New Studio Release “Never Odd or Even”

Brooklyn’s Dopapod have announced that their 4th studio effort, Never Odd Or Even will be independently released on November 11th. Culminating from a combination of studio efforts and a gargantuan touring schedule bringing ‘Pod all over the country, fans and band members alike are psyched. East Rochester native and shred-master/vocalist Rob Compa shares his excitement – “The Never Odd or Even sessions cultivated a serious growth in the band’s creativity, each person stepped to the plate and put out great creativity and passionate playing, while inspiring everybody else involved in the project to do the same. We really feel that the material this time around represented a big leap forward, not just in the way we’ve been interacting as a band, but in the way our focus has become sharper in paying attention to things like melody, theme, lyrical imagery, and structure – all the elements that make a great song.”

Organist/keyboardist Eli Winderman added his own thoughts about the recording process with friend and producer Jason “Jocko” Randall – “We lived at his studio for about a month for these sessions and it just clicked right away, with Jocko’s attitude and approach to the recording process, we were able to really dial in the sounds we wanted, get those perfect takes we were aiming for, and have a blast the whole way through.” Fans interested in the new album can visit the bands website to sign up for a mailing list which will get them a FREE digital download on release day as well as a chance to stream the first video released, “Picture in Picture”.

Upstate fans will have several opportunities to catch Dopapod this fall starting with a homecoming show for Mr. Compa this Thursday, October 2nd at Water Street Music Hall in Rochester with instrumental wizard trio Consider the Source. Local up and coming uber-talented guitarist Collin Jone’s one man band Stereo Nest will start the show up in style. Ticket’s are available online and at several local ticket vendors ($12.50 pre/18$ door).

Check out our list below for more area Dopapod show opportunities.

10/23 Niagara Falls, NY – Rapids Theatre w/ Umphrey’s McGee $27.50-$30

10/29 Binghamton, NY – Forum Theatre w/ Umphrey’s McGee $25-$30

11/1 Oneonta, NY – Oneonta Theatre w/ Space Carnival

11/21 New York, NY – The Gramercy Theatre w/ Alan Evans’ Playonbrother & Teddy Midnight $16-$21

September 29, 2014
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.

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.

September 29, 2014