NYS Music 20​14

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  • John Legend Charms Proctors Theater

    The Capital Region was romanced by nine-time Grammy award winner, John Legend, on Friday, May 16th at Proctor’s in Schenectady.

    Despite the Spring chill and light rain, some guests were dressed to the nines with fur and silk as others could be seen in the occasional flannel for the sold out show. As the lights dimmed, the spotlight shone on a four piece string section and an electric guitarist, that got the crowd buzzing with excitement as it was close to show time. Suddenly, the shadowy outline of a figure standing on stage, and as the lights went up, you saw John Legend dressed in a sharp white suit jacket and a smile that made the whole crowd melt. He opens the show with one of his newest singles, “Made To Love”, a strong battle cry of emotion that flew at the crowd with acoustic intensity. He gave shout outs to Albany and Schenectady as he playfully warned, “Tonight’s the Night”, another song focused on the here and now.

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    Throughout the show, John Legend told stories from his past, about his family and fellow musicians, experiences that all brought him to this moment right now. He explained how his first show was in a small bar called The Living Room in Manhattan and he wanted to create the feel of a small show in a comfortable setting again, which was brought to life by the acoustic performances on his All of Me tour. He spoke humble words with a sophisticated manner that was warm and welcoming. He encouraged crowd participation for all his songs, which the audience happily responded with lyrics, cheers and plenty of female screamers. Legend even took a moment to play matchmaker as he joked with the couples and single folks, “I’m warming them up for you fellas. There are no guarantees in life, but you got a good shot tonight.” He took requests with one of them being “PDA”, perfectly setting the mood underneath the golden stars and arches of Proctors.

    One of the most touching moments was John Legend explaining his early childhood with his family attending church on Sundays. He acquired his piano styling from his grandmother, who taught him gospel piano every week and said, “So when you hear me, you are still hearing my grandma.” He dedicated Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge over Troubled Water” to her as he performed with heartfelt execution and precious timing. John Legend has a range of vocals with a flavor of attitude that spices up his piano playing for an unforgettable performance. There are not enough things in the world as smooth as John Legend and it’s no wonder that his shows have been selling out on this rare and more intimate tour. His soulful keys and romantic lyrics give hope that Love in the Future is within reach for all of us. Limited tickets are still available for The OnCenter Crouse Hinds Theater on June 12th in Syracuse.

  • Hearing Aide: Andy Frasco’s ‘Half a Man’

     

    Andy Frasco has accomplished more in his four-year musical career than some artists do in a lifetime. After releasing his first album, Love, You’re Just Too Expensive as a nineteen-year-old in 2010, Frasco spent the ensuing months with VH1’s Save the Music Foundation before making two more records, playing over 1,000 shows in their support and receiving Musician of the Year awards at several international film festivals.

    Andy Frasco isn’t slowing down. His most recent release, Half a Man, continues the self-described “party blues” aesthetic that he established in his past work. This unique genre, which at first glance may seem paradoxical, is represented by Frasco’s ability to take traditional blues concepts and integrate them into fun, accessible tunes.

    Part of what makes Frasco’s music so appealing—particularly throughout Half a Man— is his songwriting. Frasco’s lyricism is often rather simplistic, especially when compared to the complexity of his instrumentation, which incorporates a variety of elements ranging from organs to horn sections to electric guitars. Tracks like “Shakin’ Ain’t a Crime” and “Smokin Dope and Ronk n’ Roll” are lyrically straightforward, dealing with themes that are relatable to Frasco’s audience.

    The album’s standout track, however, is an updated version of a song on his debut album. “Main Squeeze,” originally a slow moving ballad sung by Megan Burtt, is now a grooving jam, accented by piano riffs and featuring a chorus of backup singers. The track is full of movement. It’s characteristic of Frasco’s past four years, and it’s complimented by ten more tracks that demonstrate his signature party blues sound.

    Key Tracks: Main Squeeze, Sunny Day Soldier, Shakin’ Ain’t a Crime

  • Benny Mardones & The Hurricanes Brave the Weather to Rock Out

    Braving the cold and possibly rainy outcome the day of the Mountain Goat Run, Benny Mardones and The Hurricanes took the stage on May 3rd and turned up the heat to bring a warmth to Syracuse for all the participants.  In true Benny fashion, he came out full throttle and didn’t stop until everyone was singing along and dancing to new releases from his upcoming album, Timeless, and all the classic favorites.  Didn’t have a chance to catch him this time?  Don’t fret, he will be returning this summer to Onondaga Community College on August 2nd.  For more information on the upcoming show that’s set to feature a ton of special guests, please visit Benny’s webpage at www.bennymardones.com.

  • Modest Mouse Brings Some Added Excitement to Cooperstown This Memorial Day Weekend

    What better way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer, than at an idyllic venue in Cooperstown, NY, with none other than indie rock legends Modest Mouse! Brewery Ommegang, known for producing a rich (and strong!) Belgian-style of beer in a part of the state that has traditionally been a large producer of hops, has also gotten into the concert business, and hosts bands on a stage in the field behind the brewery itself. There is always ample space to move around, and lots of tasty food options from local vendors available on the edges of the field during the concerts. Continuing its tradition of hosting bands that don’t typically tour as often as many other jam bands, but that you’ve secretly always wanted to check out (like Cake and Wilco, to name just a couple of bands who have played there in recent years), Brewery Ommegang is proud to be presenting Modest Mouse on Friday and Saturday, May 23 and 24!

    An American indie rock band, founded in 1993 in Washington State, Modest Mouse’s sound has often been likened to bands ranging from the Pixies to Built to Spill. While Modest Mouse’s line-up is constantly evolving, two of the band’s founding members, singer/guitarist Isaac Brock and drummer Jeremiah Green, seem to be mainstays, having gotten their start rehearsing in a shed next to Brock’s mother’s trailer home. The band’s current line-up, in addition to Brock and Green, includes percussionist Joe Plummer, guitarist/keyboardist/bassist Tom Peloso, guitarist/vocalist Jim Fairchild, and bassist Russell Higbee. Continuing in their tradition of playing eclectic venues, having played in such a unique venue as the McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn (which has since gone back to being used as a public pool!), and about to play a show later in the summer (on August 9, to be exact) at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens, Modest Mouse is nice enough to include Cooperstown’s own gem of a venue on their roster.

    Both shows will be starting at 7PM, with the gates opening at 5. On May 23, Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls will be opening the show, and on May 24, the opening band will be Brand New. Camping is available onsite as an option for those who are planning to partake in the tasty goodness of Ommegang beer. Tickets for this event cost $45 in advance, or $60 with camping pass included, although both shows are sold out. Visit www.ommegang.com for information. (If you are lucky enough to be seeing both Friday and Saturday nights’ shows, and are looking for something fun to do during the day on the Saturday in between, it happens to be the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 75th anniversary this year, and they are kicking off the celebration this weekend, which includes a Game Day Parade and the Hall of Fame Classic baseball game going on on May 24! Check out their website, www.baseballhall.org, for more information.)

    Modest Mouse will be back in our area in the not-too-distant future, when they return as part of The Hudson Project, which will be taking place on Winston Farm, home of the 25th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, in beautiful Saugerties, NY, from July 11-13. For more information on the rest of this summer’s Modest Mouse tour dates, check out the band’s website at www.modestmouse.com.

  • Alice In Chains Level The Landmark Theatre In Syracuse

    Nearly 2,500 people crowded to downtown Syracuse to witness the arrival of Alice In Chains, who made their first appearance Central New York in over a decade at Landmark Theatre. The grunge gods are still releasing great music with the critically acclaimed rock album The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here which was released last year and have been touring the world in support of that album.

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    This was my first time ever seeing a rock show at The Landmark Theatre. The place still has an eerie yet beautiful feeling to it due to the historic structure. The entire place is seated and crammed; however, I don’t think anyone cared.

    Canadian hard rockers Monster Truck had the pleasure of opening for Alice In Chains. They graced the stage at 7:30PM, played a very stellar 40 minute set and were well received by the fans. If Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd had a love-child in the modern era of rock music, it would most certainly be Monster Truck. Most of the songs they played were very jazzy with a flare of southern rock. While a very entertaining band, Monster Truck really shined during their slow and bluesy song “Through The Sun.” Their use of drums, guitar, and keyboards along with vocals and bass from Jeremy Widerman makes them a force to be reckoned with. I would expect this band to break out shortly.

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    Alice In Chains started their 18-song set shortly after, with massive production, killer and crystal clear sound, massive stage lights, the whole nine yards. They started off with “Them Bones, ” doing a great job mixing it up between their well known hits, as well as their album cuts and new material. Keeping the tone heavy, they went into “Damn That River” and “Again”, before they went into their new material such as “Check My Brain” and “Hollow.”  Also let me point out that this was the first time during what I call the “Duvall-Era” of Alice In Chains where William Duvall is front and center of the entire band. Duvall has done a sensational job of filling in the shows of arguably one of the greatest singers that ever lived, the late Layne Stanley.

    The highlight of the entire show was “Rain When I Die.” The duel harmonizing vocals of Duvall and Jerry Cantrell is nothing short of amazing. And another highlight was “Nutshell.” Cantrell displayed some of his best lead guitar skills during “Stone” and actually stopped midway through the song to fire up the crowd.   They wrapped their set with their super heavy “We Die Young” before closing with their Vietnam War themed “Rooster.” The band came back out for a three song encore of “No Excuses,” “Got Me Wrong,” and their dark hit “Would.”

    Overall, it was a fantastic show. Easily one of the best hard rock tours of this year. Cantrell addressed the crowd and said they hope to return to Syracuse real soon.

  • Schwing! B3nson Does Blue: Tribute to Weezer at The Low Beat Tonight!

    Tonight in Albany, The Low Beat on Central Ave will host a night dedicated to the familiar sound of the 90s, Weezer. Members of the neighborhood B3nson Recording Company will come together to form B3nson does Blue: a tribute to Weezer. The cover fee is $5 with the show set to start at 9pm with The Pistol Whips. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Weezer’s Blue Album released on May 10th, 1994. This album helped launch their career with such songs as “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.” The age of music videos was also still alive then, and with help from director Spike Jones, Weezer became a mainstream success. So get ready to get jiggy with it, crimp your hair, throw on a slap bracelet, and grab your homies for a night of the nineties.Dan Maddalone, singer and guitarist for Barons in the Attic, was and still is a proud Weezer fanatic. He had time to chat about tonight’s show and all things Weezer related.

    Susan Rice: How has Weezer’s music influenced your music? They are classified as “unashamed nerd rockers.” Can you relate to this?
    Dan Maddalone: I listened to Weezer a ton during High School. Their album Pinkerton made me feel feelings I didn’t know existed and I always loved their songs and videos. I am a nerd and I feel no shame ever so I guess I can relate to that. Also, everyone covering them this Friday are nerds too, so I’m sure they relate as well. They’ve personally influenced my music by helping me love pop melodies and heavy guitars.

    SR: The name of the band you are playing with is named after The Benson Recording Company/Family. Which members belong to which band?
    DM: The B3nson Recording Collective is an entity that has existed since 2009. It’s a group of friends that help each other out, make records (60+ so far!), and put on shows. We also do RestFest, which is a big concert that happens every August. This band is comprised of members from bands within the collective. Matt Ferguson from Rival Galaxies, Steve Stanley from Careers and Bear Grass, Adam Zurbregg as curator and former Sgt. Dunbar bassist, Eric Krans from The Parlor, and Tim Koch from Dunbar and the Parlor.

    SR: Have you seen Weezer live before?
    DM: I saw Weezer live in 2010. It was in Massachusetts somewhere outside of Boston. They crushed it. I know they’ve gotten “lame” as time has gone on, but I suppose that happens to most bands. They’ve lost their “cred” according to everyone and yet it’s funny, as you talk to people and the older they get, the earlier they got shitty. Brian Bell (guitarist for Weezer) once said “you can’t truly be a Weezer fan unless you are disappointed in what the band’s currently doing”. But if you go see them, you will not be disappointed.

    SR: There are multiple ways that artists pay tribute to other musicians. Do you plan on playing the album note for note or improving a bit? Are you more celebrating the album itself turning 20 or you are just that big of a Weezer fan?
    DM: Anything from listening, to singing karaoke, to playing, or recording a band’s music can pay tribute. We’re attempting note for note, but these songs are quite tough. The dudes shred and we’re just using this as an excuse to crank our guitars real loud and party. 20 years is just a good reason to book a show and hangout at The Low Beat.

  • Ben Mauro Celebrates Sold Out EP Release Party

    Just back from an overseas tour with Lionel Richie, Ben Mauro returned home to the Central New York area to not only relax and catch up with family and friends, but also to launch his new EP, Take Your Time.  In an interview with Ben last month, I not only had the opportunity to talk to him about this upcoming release party, but I was also able to review the new album and touch on what inspired the tracks.

    Ahead of the show, I joined Ben as he came to speak with the local television station here in Utica, WUTR TV, to give viewers an insight into the release party as well as a sample of music to be played.  What better setting for the interview than at Utica Classic Guitars, a shop owned and operated by Robert Acquiviva, a music business icon in the Utica area.  Surrounded by guitars, Ben sat down to talk about his experiences, the upcoming EP release party, his show “Let’s Go with Ben Mauro”, and life as a guitarist and musician on the road.

    As the day had finally come for the release party at Shifty’s Bar & Grill, best known for their Open Mic Night’s on Wednesdays, the place was completely sold out and packed to capacity to a much-anticipated crowd.  Joining Ben on stage that evening was his SAMMY Award winning backup band, Phoenix Eleven, featuring Greg “Goose” LaPoint on drums, Joe Grosvent on bass, and Max McKee on guitar and vocals, as well as special guests Deyquan and Yajha Bowens on keyboards and vocals, and Al Cutri on saxophone.  Also joining Ben on stage were good friends and musicians Ricky Chisolm, who Ben once played with in a band, and his musical instructor Rick Balestra who joined in with his electric guitar.

    The night was an amazing mix of new releases, old favorites, and some amazing covers of Johnny Cash, The Eagles, and of course Lionel Richie and the Commodores. All in all, it was a great time!  [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YCE4f-DTw4]

    The crowd loved his new music and was blown away by his amazing guitar playing.  Life came full circle for Ben as he returned to celebrate at the very spot he first got up on stage and played in front of a live crowd, except this time it was sold out just for him.

  • Al Kooper to play 70th Birthday Show at The Egg Saturday May 17th

    Al Kooper will be celebrating his 70th Birthday with a performance at The Egg tomorrow night, Saturday May 17th at 7:30pm.

    The legendary musician will be joined with his group the Funky Faculty, guitar virtuoso Jimmy Vivino and some very special unannounced guests. Tickets are still available for $35 and can be purchased at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone – 518-473-1845 or online. This show will be part of The Egg’s continuous American Roots and Branches concert series, celebrating the classic music that still continues to influence generations today.

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    Al Kooper is a legendary musician with a career spanning 50 years whose trademark organ riffs can be heard on classic recording by The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Tom Petty, George Harrison and countless others. He was especially close with Bob Dylan, playing with him for many years live and in the studio, and is well-known for his work on “Like a Rolling Stone.” Kooper played a key role as a member of The Blues Project, Super Session and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch a part of Rock n Roll history tomorrow night as well as an awesome birthday party.

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  • Poughkeepsie Wanted Rock and Volbeat Delivered

    Poughkeepsie was long overdue for a rock show on Tuesday night when Volbeat, Trivium, and Digital Summer came to town. The Mid-Hudson Civic Center was beginning to fill up when Digital Summer hit the stage early. Kicking things off early didn’t stop anyone from getting right into it. The hard rock newcomers had the stage presence of a headlining act, getting the crowd moving with their contagious energy. Most impressively, the band featured 13 year old Austin Rios on drums, who could easily give his much older peers a run for their money.

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    Trivium kept the night going, powering through a 45 minute set packed with hits. The guitar driven tracks were accompanied by the powerful vocals from frontman Matt Heafy, who got the crowd jumping and singing along on tracks like “” as well as the band’s latest single, “Strife”. They saved he best for last, building up anticipation with an eerie drum intro and light show to match before kicking things into high gear one last time. Mosh pits broke out while the entire audience screamed “In Waves” each time the chorus hit.

    Despite being entertained by a surprisingly musical soundcheck, fans began to grow anxious for headliner Volbeat to take the stage. Just before 10pm chants for the band were met with the dimming of the lights. They immediately  jumped into “Doc Holliday”, featuring the first of countless solos from guitarist Rob Cagiano. Amid hits such as “Lola Montez” and “Heaven Nor Hell” singer Michael Poulsen joked around with the crowd and talked about some of his influences growing up, including Johnny Cash. A cover of “Ring of Fire” fit Poulsen’s voice perfectly, with the audience drowning him out on occasion.

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    With an extensive catalog to choose from, the band did their best to fit in a few songs from each, including energetic dance along track “Sad Man’s Tongue” from their 2007 release Rock the Rebel/Metal the Devil. Fans were in for a treat on “Evelyn”, when Trivium’s Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu joined Volbeat on stage. Heafy provided the screams on the heavier track, with Poulsen’s distinctive voice on the chorus, making the crowd go absolutely insane for the all-star combination. Following “Still Counting” the audience were desperate for more, chanting for one final song until the band finally made their return. The 4 song encore came to a close with older tracks “Thanks” and “The Mirror and the Ripper.” The punk rock tracks had the audience jumping along from front to back for one last time. Simply put, Volbeat are a fun band to see live. For both old and new fans, it’s nearly impossible to not dance along with a smile on your face throughout the entire set.

  • Get Strange at StrangeCreek Music Festival Memorial Day Weekend 2014

    Wormtown Trading Co. will host the 12th annual StrangeCreek Music Festival next weekend, May 23-26, 2014 once again at Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, MA. The Memorial Day weekend event will host a diverse lineup with multiple stages, cabin jams, a silent disco and plenty of food and craft vendors. Major headliners include Rusted Root, Donna The Buffalo, Ryan Montbleau and two shows each from Max Creek and Zac Deputy. Click here for the weekend schedule of StrangeCreek.

    strangecreek 2014A portion of the StrangeCreek Campout tickets will be donated to Camp Kee-Wanee, an inclusive children’s summer day camp of 33 wooded and open areas, with an emphasis on arts and fostering self-esteem. Strangers Helping Strangers will be conducting a food drive with proceeds going to local food pantries, be sure to bring non-perishable food, toiletry, feminine or personal hygiene or baby product donation.

    For those eager to start the weekend and a chance at prime camping spots, there is a Thursday Early Entry fee for $30 a person at the gate starting at 5pm and is cash only with no ATM on site. The Early Entry Fee also treat’s guests to Cabin Sets with performances by Love Whip, Gratefully Yours and Van Gordon Martin Band. Gates open at 9am on Friday and the campgrounds will close on Monday at 1pm. Weekend tickets are still available only $125 with Sunday Day Passes available for $50, including night camping. RV Passes are sold out. All tickets bought online will be available at Will Call and you MUST bring a picture ID. Click here to purchase tickets today.

    The Festival is family friendly, offering secluded Family Camping and plenty of activities for kids of all ages at the Kids Cabin and TEEN Scene. There will be a Holistic Village offering group activities to engage each person’s mind, body and soul. Don’t forget your discs for your chance to explore the StrangeCreek Disc Golf Course. The night will light up with the community bonfire plus the FireWormz Fire Show each night. The festival has become a tradition of music, community and camping in all kinds of weather for fans that wouldn’t have any other way.

    With over 60 musical acts, has broken it down to FIVE acts you need to see at StrangeCreek: The Hornitz, Wild Adriatic, Eastbound Jesus, The Primate Fiasco and The Juicy Grapes.

    The Hornitz is a dynamic duo from Boston creating big band sound as they use horns, keys, live-looping equipment and their beatboxing skills to form high energy dance parties.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp6XInb9ROw]

    Wild Adriatic one of Upstate’s own is a trio of pure rock n roll with more than enough soul to go around.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS8ZNOt3Li8]

    Eastbound Jesus is a Northern Rock band from Upstate with a dedicated following due to their hard hitting bluegrass and foot stomping Americana.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYBJwJNJ2EE]

    The Primate Fiasco is best described as a psychedelic dixieland, creating parades of music down every street where ever they go.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=742PkGAIf4s]

    The Juicy Grapes are based out of Connecticut with funky and soulful rhythms to get you grooving, blended with some light rock melodies.
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU7GbyreJcM]