NYS Music 20​14

Tag: Music News

  • Martin Scorese To Produce Grateful Dead Documentary

    Hot off of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Martin Scorese, known for his award winning directing, screen writing, and producer, announced he was going to start working on a Grateful Dead documentary as an executive producer.

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    The surviving members of The Dead have given Scorese the green light to film this documentary (title TBD) to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the band’s founding.

    Amir Bar-Lev, known for his documentaries such as “Happy Valley” and “The Tillman Story” is slated to direct the movie.

    The band has released the following statement via CBSNews.com:

    “Millions of stories have been told about the Grateful Dead over the years. With our 50th Anniversary coming up, we thought it might just be time to tell one ourselves and Amir is the perfect guy to help us do it, needless to say, we are humbled to be collaborating with Martin Scorsese.”

    Scorese added: “The Grateful Dead were more than just a band. They were their own planet, populated by millions of devoted fans. I’m very happy that this picture is being made and proud to be involved.”

    martin_scorsese1

    Well known as the “Godfathers of Jam Bands,” The Grateful Dead were also ranked 57th in The Greatest Artists of all Time by Rolling Stone magazine and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. And in 2011, their Barton Hall Concert at Cornell University from 1977 was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. To date, The Grateful Dead have sold more than 35 million albums worldwide.

  • Jack Bruce, Singer and Bassist for Cream, dies at 71

    Jack Bruce, singer and bassist for the legendary band Cream, has passed away at the age of 71. His family confirmed his death on Bruce’s Facebook page:

    “It is with great sadness that we, Jack’s family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad, and all round legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts.”  

    jack bruce 3

    Cream was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 with original members Ginger Baker (drummer) and Eric Clapton (guitarist/ singer). Bruce co-wrote hit singles like “White Room,” “SWLABR,” and “Sunshine of Your Live” with Clapton. Cream released four studio albums in a matter of three years. Cream sold 35 million albums in over two years and was awarded the world’s first platinum disc for their album Wheels of Fire.

    Cream broke up in 1968 and Bruce started his successful solo career over the next 45 years. His latest album was Silver Rails, which was released March 2014. In 2006, Cream received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Publicist Claire Singers said that Bruce died at his home in Suffolk, England.

  • Led Zeppelin Releases Alt. Version Of Stairway to Heaven

    Thirty-three years later, Led Zeppelin has released an alternate version to their now uber-classic, “Stairway To Heaven”. This rendition, also recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, offers a warmer, gentler version of the tune, with slightly less twang in favor of more subdued details. The tone seems to be more dream-like, with minor details added throughout and dialed in mid-range fuzz accompanying the definitive guitar licks. An overarching statement of “Stairway To Heaven” could be that this version ‘rounded the pointy edges’; some of the bite is gone from the original version, but the trade-off is more meditative and psychedelic.

    The new track precedes October 28 deluxe reissue of Led Zeppelin IV and House of The Holy, which were remastered by Jimmy Page and will include an additional record of new music. Both albums will be available in CD, digital and vinyl formats. The band also re-released Led Zepplin through Led Zeppelin III in June, so they appear to be making their way through the entire catalogue.

    Led Zeppelin IV Deluxe Reissue Tracklist:

    Disc One:
    01. Black Dog
    02. Rock And Roll
    03. The Battle of Evermore
    04. Stairway To Heaven
    05. Misty Mountain Hop
    06. Four Sticks
    07. Going To California
    08. When The Levee Breaks

    Disc Two:
    01. Black Dog – Basic Track With Guitar Overdubs
    02. Rock And Roll – Alternate Mix
    03. The Battle Of Evermore – Mandolin/Guitar Mix From Headley Grange
    04. Stairway To Heaven – Sunset Sound Mix
    05. Misty Mountain Hop – Alternate Mix
    06. Four Sticks – Alternate Mix
    07. Going To California – Mandolin/Guitar Mix
    08. When The Levee Breaks – Alternate UK Mix


    Houses of the Holy     Deluxe Reissue Tracklist:

    Disc One:
    01. The Song Remains The Same
    02. The Rain Song
    03. Over The Hills And Far Away
    04. The Crunge
    05. Dancing Days
    06. D’yer Mak’er
    07. No Quarter
    08. The Ocean

    Disc Two:
    01. The Song Remains The Same – Guitar Overdub Reference Mix
    02. The Rain Song – Mix Minus Piano
    03. Over The Hills And Far Away – Guitar Mix Backing Track
    04. The Crunge – Rough Mix – Keys Up
    05. Dancing Days – Rough Mix With Vocal
    06. No Quarter – Rough Mix With JPJ Keyboard Overdubs – No Vocal
    07. The Ocean – Working Mix

  • Syracuse’s ‘Salt City Waltz’ Announced Featuring The Levon Helm Horns

    What has become an annual Syracuse holiday music tradition, the Salt City Waltz has added the moniker A Sound Check 35th Anniversary Celebration to commemorate Dave Frisina’s ongoing contributions to the regional music scene. For the first time with Salt City Waltz, The Levon Helm Studio Horns will be featured, the LHS Horns are: Jay Collins, Steve Bernstein, Erik Lawrence and the legendary Howard “Hojo” Johnson (Charles Mingus, Taj Mahal, Levon Helm, The Band for the original Last Waltz). Local stand-outs Joe Altier, Miss E (Missy Ragonese), Sean Patrick Taylor, Karen Savoca, and Pete Heitzman will be featured (among many others), also, fresh off his amazing performances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Syracuse native Jonah Smith completes the ensemble.

    Through his long-running radio show Sound Check, countless time and boundless energy, Frisina is the definition of what is good in the regional scene. The CNY reading of The Band’s classic performance movie, The Last Waltz, has been announced for Saturday, November 29 at The Palace Theater in Eastwood. This remarkable work will highlight Syracuse’s music scene at one of the area’s most acclaimed venues, creating an event that is singular in its scope. This once a year event has sold-out in each of its prior performances and this year anticipates the same. With the intimacy of the venue and vibe created through musical and audience energy, SCW has come to be known as one of the hottest tickets of the year. SCW is scheduled on Thanksgiving weekend to echo the date of the original recording of the movie on Thanksgiving day 1976, which was billed as the farewell performance of the The Band.

    2015 Last Waltz FB COVER

    Stacey Waterman, owner of DMR Booking Agency and Organizer of this event is thrilled to announce the event date and the incredible line-up of artists contributing. With Gary Frenay as Music Director, Syracuse’s own Los Blancos performs as The Band, accompanied by Joshua Collins on piano in a special homecoming performance from Louisville, plus a stellar compliment of local, national and native ‘cuse musicians.

    IMG_2323 Photo by Juan Junco

    This is Waterman’s personal expression and cornerstone annually, she takes special pride in this event and if you’re aware of her skills, that says a lot. She is the driving organizational force behind a majority of the larger musical events in this area. She states, “The music of The Band has historic musical significance world-wide and the same reverence is given by many musicians and music fans right here in Central New York.”

    Being held on Thanksgiving weekend allows the community to participate in a charitable sense too as St. Lucy’s Food Pantry will be on hand for Salt City Waltz’s Food Drive, collecting much-needed items to re-stock their shelves right after the holiday. Corporate sponsor, the Syracuse Crowne Plaza Hotel, is also collecting food donations through their many departments. Please join in on the collection as this is a big part of the community spirit of the event, yet another aspect of the whole production.

    The Crowne Plaza is offering a “room and show” package for those traveling into town for the show as well as their sponsorship, along with media partner 105.9 The REBEL, Red Shoes Marketing, Meyda Tiffany and Saranac Brewery.

    Waterman and her crew encourage concert-goers to purchase their tickets early, as another sell-out is anticipated. There will be no second show or change of venue to accommodate a larger crowd, the ambiance and intimacy of The Palace is essential to the overall vibe of the event. That, combined with the All-Star level of musicians participating make the Salt City Waltz a stand-out and stand-alone event annually.

    Doors open at 7pm for the 8pm show, tickets are priced at $30 in advance and are on sale now at Sound Garden in Armory Square, The Palace Theater and online at upstate-shows.com. Salt City Waltz “Room and Show” packages include either a king or a double room at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Syracuse and two (2) tickets to the show. The package includes overnight parking, wireless internet and access to their fitness and business centers. That’s a $199 value for $159 + tax, for reservations call (315) 479-7000.

    You can follow the event’s progress on either their Facebook event page or Facebook page.

  • Umphrey’s McGee to Celebrate 2000th Show, Launch Streaming Service and announce Winter Tour with Special Guests Tauk

    Umphrey’s McGee have announced that their upcoming fall tour, ending on November 8 in Madison, WI with their 2000th show, with the first 11 streams will cost $9.99 while the 2000th show, ending their Fall Tour, will be offered free to fans HERE.

    umphreys mcgee 2000th showThe first show on October 22 will be streamed from the House of Blues in Cleveland, OH as part of the Yahoo Music and Live Nation’s 365 shows in 365 days free series. Umphrey’s will join a bill that includes such artists as Ray LaMontagne and The Dave Matthews Band. Fans will have the ability to stream the concert via Yahoo Screen on iOS, Android, mobile, desktop, and Smart TV platforms including Apple. The show can be streamed here.

    The following 11 shows will be a collaboration with webcast partner TourGigs and will feature high quality, multi-camera shoots with a soundboard feed. Each stream will replay for 24 hours until the next evening’s performance. Each show is available for $9.99, including the 24-hour replay, or all 10 for $49.99. The band will offer audio download options via UMLive.net.

    Additionally, Umphrey’s McGee has launched the first full service, streaming site for a single artist. Fans will have access to over 1000 live shows as well as band’s entire catalog for $10 per month. The service is available via UMLive.net in both desktop and iOS versions (Android nearing completion).

    And if you haven’t tried Headphones & Snowcones at an Umphrey’s show, you are missing out! Fans can rent high-end wireless headphones at shows to listen to a direct audio feed from the soundboard. The band recently posted a great video about the impetus of the program featuring testimonials and live footage. You can read about one fan’s experience with Headphones & Snowcones here.

    Umphrey’s McGee’s Winter Tour will also feature special guest’s Tauk for seven dates which will begin on January 28 in Oxford, MS and will finish in Albany, NY on February 21 at The Palace Theatre.

    Umphrey’s McGee Tour Dates:

    October 22 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
    October 23 – The Rapids Theatre – Niagara Falls, NY
    October 24 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
    October 25 – Orbit Room – Grand Rapids, MI
    October 29 – Forum Theatre – Binghamton, NY
    October 30 – The F.M. Kirby Center – Wilkes-Barre, PA
    October 31 – House of Blues – Boston, MA (Sold Out)
    November 1 – House of Blues – Boston, MA
    November 5 – The Canopy Club – Urbana, IL
    November 6 – Kalamazoo State Theatre – Kalamazoo, MI
    November 7 – The Orpheum – Madison, WI (Sold Out)
    November 8 – The Orpheum – Madison, WI (Sold Out)

    Winter Tour Dates:

    January 28- The Lyric – Oxford, MS
    January 29- Tennessee Theatre- Knoxville, TN*
    January 30- Taft Theatre- Cincinnati, OH
    January 31- The Fillmore- Detroit, MI*
    February 4-5- Chattanooga,TN
    February 6- Ryman Auditorium- Nashville, TN
    February 7- Asheville Civic Center- Asheville, NC*
    February 11- The Jefferson Theater- Charlottesville, VA
    February 12- The National- Richmond, VA
    February 13- The Norva- Norfolk, VA*
    February 14- The Ritz- Raliegh, NC
    February 18- The Calvin Theatre- Northhampton, MA*
    February 19- The State Theatre- Portland, ME*
    February 21- The Palace Theatre-Albany, NY*
    Official website | Facebook | Band blog | Twitter |YouTube

  • Fundraiser Show for Slain RPD Officer Daryl Pierson Coming to Rochester Armory

    ARMORYIn the face of happenings in Ferguson, MO and a national media seemingly hellbent on sensationalizing every unfortunate interaction between a civilian and officer it’s easy to forget that most of these guys (and gals) selflessly put their lives on the lines every day to protect our liberties. That’s their job. And on the night of September 23, Rochester Police Department officer Daryl Pierson was doing nothing more than his job when he was murdered in the line of duty trying to apprehend a subject.

    Since then the community of Rochester has come out in droves for the Pierson family and RPD with multiple benefits, donations,  and a simply breath-taking display of support at a massive service at the Blue Cross Arena attended by seemingly every officer and dignitary in a 100 mile radius. The love will continue this Dec. 6 at the Main Street Armory with a benefit night filled with some well-known and up and coming hard rocking entertainment.

    Headlining the event is life long Rochester native and songwriter Hall of Fame member Lou Gramm. Well known as the long time “Juke Box Hero” for classic rock heavy weight Foreigner, Lou has been fronting his own band since leaving Foreigner for good in 2003. With a set list heavily weighted with Foreigner classics and a mix of his own solo material Lou commanded a huge audience at this past years Xerox International Jazz Festival (Check out our gallery of XRIJF Lou Gramm unreleased photos below) and no doubt will bring a lot of fans to this charity event.

    Steve Augeri is best known for being the first “official” replacement singer for Steve Perry in everyone’s favorite sing-a-long group Journey. Now off with his own group, fans should expect to hear a ton of that former  bands repertoire which is back loaded with some of the most heartwarming songs of all time. I can’t imagine their will be a dry eye in the house during “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “Faithfully”.

    Two band’s demise became one bands journey – up and coming bands Abandoned Buildings Club and Velvet Elvis both bit the dust in 2013 and those that continued joined forces as King Buffalo. Featuring deep grooves with a heavy background overlaid with psychedelic vocals and a fantastic rhythm section, this band has gathered a ton of buzz and will make a lot of new fans for a great cause this night.

    Also joining the fun will be Download – Rochester’s favorite hard rock cover band – and Rainline, who gathered some new fans of their own playing their heavy hitting originals at the 2012 Lilac Festival. Tickets are 20$ and are available on Ticketfly, at the House of Guitars, or Aaron’s Alley. All proceeds will benefit the Pierson family. Come on out and pay tribute to one of Rochester’s hero’s, why wouldn’t you?

    Lou Gramm band LIVE at Xerox International Jazz festival

  • The Faceless Part Ways with Bassist and Drummer

    The Faceless, a California death metal band, have split with their bassist and drummer, Evan Brewer and Alex Rudinger, respectively, as of Oct. 20 via Facebook announcement.

    Brewer, who has played with the band for the last four years, appeared on their latest album, Autotheism. Brewer noted that the reason for his departure had to do with scheduling conflicts. He elaborated by saying that he would like to do more “teaching, make more music…and to also have availability for any…opportunities.” Similarly, Rudinger noted that he would like to pursue other projects and is interested in “looking for work.”

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    Both departed one week before Knotfest, set to hit the stage in a week in San Bernardino, California, from Oct. 24 – 26. Rudinger apologized to fans who were “looking forward to seeing [The Faceless perform].” He also noted that he would not be leaving his other band, Conquering Dystopia.

    The Faceless have not issued a statement regarding Rudinger and Brewer, or their upcoming performance at Knotfest.

  • Primus hides ‘Golden Tickets’ in new “Primus and The Chocolate Factory” Vinyl Edition

    Primus’s new album Primus & The Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble is set to be released October 21. But for the fans that buy the vinyl, keep a look out for a very special golden record! Thousands of milk chocolate colored vinyl will be sold but only 5 lucky fans will get the golden one! The ‘golden ticket’ will get fans Primus tickets for life!

    The band also released a promotional video for their new album, which includes their “chocolate” records being made, and with the band’s cover of Willy Wonka’s “Golden Ticket”.

    You can order the vinyl from the official Club Bastardo store, Amazon, or your local record store.

  • Smashing Pumpkins Announce New Album, Release Lead Single “Being Beige”

    SMASHPUMPNineties alt-rock stalwarts Smashing Pumpkins have announced a December 9 release date for their 8th studio effort Monuments to an Elegy. Produced by Howard Willing (from the Adore sessions), Elegy features the lineup of founding member Billy Corgan along with guitarist Jeff Schroeder – who joined in 2007 – and new drummer Tommy Lee. Yes, THE Tommy Lee of Motley Crue fame.

    The announcement also includes a first chance for fans to check out the single “Being Beige”, a melancholy song that will remind fans of sessions from the record bearing that name.

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172631528″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

    Regarding Mr Lee’s ubiquitous presence on the album, Billy had the following to say – “The songs, in demo form, had a strut, and so the suggestion was made that we ought to get someone who ‘plays like’ Tommy. Jeff Schroeder said, ‘why not get the real deal?’  Tommy brings the power and grace he’s known for, which gives the music a vibrancy that is both immediate and unmistakable.”

    Fan’s may pre-order the album now on iTunes. A second album – Day for Night – is already in the works. No touring plans were announced as of yet. Stay tuned!

    Monuments to an Elegy track listing:

    1. Tiberius
    2. Being Beige
    3. Anaise!
    4. One and All
    5. Run2me
    6. Drum + Fife
    7. Monuments
    8. Dorian
    9. Anti-Hero

  • Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) To Release Tell ‘Em I’m Gone October 27, Full Album Stream Available

    albumRock And Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2014 songwriter Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) is streaming his latest album Tell ‘Em I’m Gone here. The album which was Co-Produced by acclaimed producer Rick Rubin will drop October 27.

    This marks Yusuf Islam’s first album since 2009’s Roadsinger. Tell ‘Em I’m Gone is a mix between original material and covers.

    Track Listing:

    1. “I Was Raised In Babylon”
    2. “Big Boss Man”
    3. “Dying To Live”
    4. “You Are My Sunshine”
    5. “Editing Floor Blues”
    6. “Cat & The Dog Trap”
    7. “Gold Digger”
    8. “The Devil Came From Kansas”
    9. “Tell ‘Em I’m Gone”
    10. “Doors”

    You can purchase the album here.

    As previously reported, Yusuf Islam is embarking on the “Peace Train…Late Again” Tour. The tour will start overseas in Europe in November, but will reach the United States in December at select cities. No dates in New York as the New York City show December 7th is cancelled. Closest stops from the Upstate NY region will be December 1st in Toronto, December 4th in Philadelphia, and December 7th in Boston.

    Yusuf Islam released the following statement on his official website:

    “Unfortunately I will not be performing in NYC this time around but I am looking forward to playing for fans in Philadelphia on December 4 and hope to return to NYC at a future date. My fans will understand and I thank them for informing me about the extortionate tickets prices already being listed on some websites. I have been a longtime supporter of paperless tickets to my shows worldwide and avoiding scalpers. Unfortunately NY has a state law that requires all tickets sold for shows in NYC to be paper, enabling them to be bought and sold at inflated prices. I’m sorry about not being able to now play in NYC but hope to find an opportunity that aligns with my support of this issue in the near future, God willing. Looks like the Peace Train is going to arrive at New York a little bit later than expected.”

    North American tour dates as follows:

    Dec 01  •  Toronto  Massey Hall
    Dec 04  •  Philadelphia  Tower Theatre
    Dec 07  •  Boston  Wang Theatre (New Date)
    Dec 09  •  Chicago  Chicago Theatre
    Dec 12  •  San Francisco  Masonic Auditorium
    Dec 14  •  Los Angeles  Nokia Theatre