NYS Music 20​14

Tag: Playonbrother

  • Alan Evans Playonbrother is No More

    In a sad announcement indeed, Alan Evans Playonbrother has announced they are going on an indefinite hiatus. Alan – a Buffalo native – is well known as the drummer/co-founder of the wildly popular Soulive.

    alan evans playonbrother
    Alan Evans Playonbrother

    Citing an endless unfortunate string of vehicular expenses Alan released the following statement:

    “I have a family to feed and bills to pay, just like everybody else. I need to focus on Soulive and my engineering and producing work to pay off the debt that has piled up through this series of van troubles. I have been investing everything I make with Soulive in Playonbrother and my studio. I have built two bands already, and Playonbrother is something I really wanted to work, and I was cool with not making money playing the shows while we were growing the audience, but this is a different matter and I can’t afford to continue this.”

    “Without the fans’ support, we wouldn’t have gotten this far. It’s tough building a band, and I have mad respect for the young bands out there working the road. I have done that my whole life, and I am fortunate to have Soulive to focus on. Speaking of building bands, I have to give serious props to my manager, Tom Baggott, for his support and vision. He has showed over the years that he can pick winners, and his team at  Hoplite have showed me what development strategy and dedication are all about. They are pros and they get it. More than anything, though, I want to thank Danny and Kris. These cats are serious players and they stuck with this. Dudes that good will definitely land on their feet, though, and I cannot recommend them enough. We have some great shows coming up and we’re going out on a positive note.”

    The trio will finish work and release the music for what will be presumably their last release. While some previously scheduled November tour dates have been canceled,  there are still a handful of chances in November and December to see this ridiculously talented band. Good luck Alan, Danny and Kris!

    Alan Evans Playonbrother – Final Shows

    11.14 | Bear Creek Music Festival | Live Oak, FL
    11.21 | Gramercy Theatre | New York, NY with DOPAPOD
    11.22 | Pearl Street Club Room | Northampton, MA
    12.04 | Montage Music Hall | Rochester, NY with SPIRITUAL REZ
    12.06 | Keswick Theatre | Glenside, PA with TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
    12.05 | Funk N Waffles | Syracuse, NY
    12.08 | Count Basie Theatre | Red Bank, NJ with TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
    12.09 | Bryce Jordan Center | University Park, PA with TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
    12.10 | The 8×10 | Baltimore, MD – very special show featuring one original set and an additional set dedicated to the music of CREAM!
    12.11 | Carpenter Theatre | Richmond, VA with TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

  • Playonbrother Did Just That and Beyond at Larkin Square in Buffalo

    Despite a small setback and some unusual weather for the time of year, Alan Evans’ Playonbrother had the mixed crowd that attended their show in Buffalo on August 13th packed in tight and listening intently. Alan is a Buffalonian, born and raised, but this was the first time playing Larkin Square, and with the combination of the opening band and some enthusiastic fans, the homecoming couldn’t have went any better.

    Larkin Square is easily one of the newest gems in Buffalo. The mere revitalization  and beautification of area was astounding, proving that the city is on the verge of turning the corner. The venue, which opened up in 2012, had so many great things going for it that it’s hard to list them all. Two pickle ball courts with equipment provided, free parking, numerous food trucks on site, a beautiful covered area for the stage and music, and an all-around good atmosphere for congregating; this is how you host a concert and all venues in the area need to take note.

    The night got started when the Forealists took the stage, and if you couldn’t tell by the name, they didn’t just come to warm up the crowd. With special guest/semi-official member Nelson Rivera on saxophone for the night, the band came out strong and immediately grabbed those wandering around the venue and drew them in. You can mark my “Favorite Up and Coming Band from Buffalo” on my ballot right now as the ensemble had a perfect mix of raw talent and control over each and every song. The band laid smooth melodies on top of an ever-pressing rhythm that was propelled by the combination of drummer Deshawn Jackson and bassist Zuri Appleby. The band’s sound was sprawled across multiple genres without being watered down. A Snarky Puppy-esque vibe is all that’s needed to describe what they’re capable of. The band shined on some of their faster-paced songs and had the crowd moving right away. It wouldn’t be surprising if this band one day took off; they just need the right visibility. Knowing that, we worked with our good friends at WNYmedia Network who captured some of their set from last Wednesday for our loyal readers. With a new album due out this Fall, check back at soon for our interview with the talented Zuri Appleby.

    After the Forealists finished up, the crowd needed a collective breather to digest what they just heard and prepare for what was on deck. Alan Evans, Danny Mayer, and the newest member, Kris Yunker took the stage behind their respective instruments. The venue was packed, but that didn’t stop people from finding ways to fill in the cracks as the everyone seemed eager to welcome home one of their own. Playonbrother started things off with a song I had yet to hear live. “Tammi”, also the name of the band’s Tiger that sits on stage during their set, came out with a fierce, rhythmic onslaught. If it was any indication of the direction of the new album, you’re going to want to make sure you grab it as soon as it drops. The band paused for a four count before launching right into “Who Dares Knock at my Door”. The newest member Kris Yunker took his first solo with a tone that was muddied and modulated through various effects, creating a spacey feel, rich in the stench of funk that the band is known to dabble in. From new to old, Yunker slipped in without anyone knowing he was only twenty or so shows into his POB tenure.

    With the band locking in, the outdoor setting began to rear its head and provide some challenges. It started with the wind creating some noise on Alan Evans’ microphone. That was just a harbinger though as shortly thereafter, his mic completely dropped out on their song “Easy Meat”. It’s impossible to say for sure, but the band seemed to angrily throw themselves into the solo section, taking every note out on their respective instruments. You can’t always prepare for the elements, but the band played on without missing a beat. Their entire set weaved like a car in the thick Buffalo snow, touching on deep grooves before sailing smoothly out of them. Unlike a car though, the band was in tight control, driven by the rhythmic steering of Buffalo’s own Alan Evans.

    Leaving the set list on an off-the-cuff whim, Playonbrother took on a Jimi Hendrix cover in “Ain’t No Telling”. The deviation was akin to a quarterback calling the perfect audible. It was on that song that the band turned a corner, syncing up on an undeniable rhythm that transcended the entire crowd.

    The venue mid-set resembled a mini-festival with people dancing freely, kids playing catch, and hula hoopers spinning circles in the grass to the music that blanketed the entire area. More venues need to take this approach to shows as it created a spirit and environment that went hand in hand with the music. If adds a “Best New Venue” category to its end of the year writers poll, you know where my vote will lie.

    Guitarist Danny Mayer was the nexus between Alan and Kris the entire night, standing in the middle of the stage and using his experience with both to lead the way. There was no denying the effect he had on the crowd either. The guitarist made some easy side money as a fan felt compelled enough to rush the stage and start throwing singles during his blistering solo on “Buffalo”. Post-show, Danny mentioned to me that it was the first time that had ever happened to him. What’s there to say? Buffalo flat-out appreciates a man with a talent.

    As their set ended, the crowd beckoned for another showing, and to the surprise of many, both Playonbrother and Forealists joined the stage together, being dubbed as either the Foreal Playonbrother Superjam or the simpler Playonrealists. Either way, pupils were dilating at the expectation of what was about to start. Phones were up in the air recording the members setting up, not wanting to miss the start of jam. There wasn’t even enough room on stage for everyone and Forealists drummer Deshawn Jackson ended up setting up on the side of the stage, directly on the floor. Once everyone was set, the nine piece band dove into the Cream hit “Sunshine of Your Love”. The absolute climax of the night came blasting through the brass in the hands of Nelson Rivera. He cut through the other eight members on stage ripping a solo that exuded his feeling, the crowds collective spirit, and the night as a whole. It might have been a cold night in August, but there was no stopping the positive energy that this show thrust upon all who gathered. It was a great night to be a Buffalonian.

  • Alan Evans Playonbrother Ready for Free Show in Buffalo

    Alan Evans might be a seasoned vet in the Buffalo music scene and beyond, but with a new member recently brought into Playonbrother, there’s a freshness and excitement that has been propelling the band as of late. Just over a month ago now, longtime keyboard and organ player Beau Sasser left the group and was replaced by a new, yet familiar, face in Kris Yunker.

    alan evans buffaloTo backup, Alan originally met Danny Mayer, Playonbrother’s guitarist, when Danny’s On The Spot Trio went to record at Alan’s studio. The keyboardist for the group was none other than Kris Yunker, so when Alan had to begin looking for Beau’s replacement, he didn’t have to look very far.

    The energy within the rejuvenated band is at an all-time high with Kris adding an element of musical excitement. The band has always been a creative powerhouse, churning out two studio albums in their short existence, but they are visibly feeling it now with the latest addition. Just four shows in to Kris’ Playonbrother career, the band made a stop at Evergroove Studios in Colorado while on tour back on July 14. What was initially setup as a free, live webcast eventually turned into the first recording of the new arrangement.

    Listening to the show live, you could already hear the chemistry and potential the new lineup has. The album opens with two Playonbrother classics in “Who Dare Knock” and “Drop Hop.” It understandably takes those two songs for Kris to get his feet underneath him, but as the band dives into the new material on the remaining tracks, it’s clear to see what the newest member brings to the table. As a side note, the new music heard on this live cut will be part of their latest album that is set for release at the end of September. All and all, if you want to get a taste for this new lineup, you can listen or buy the EP here, or check out the video at the bottom of the article of the studio session itself.

    alan evans buffaloIf reading that get’s you excited, the band is set to play a free show in Alan Evans’ hometown of Buffalo, NY tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13 at Larkin Square. Being that it’s been over a month since the lineup change and having around twenty shows under their belt, Playonbrother is bringing a highly anticipated set back to where it all started for Alan. As for any show in his hometown, Al always seems to bring something extra on those nights, so make sure to head to Larkin and catch what the new lineup has in store for us.

    Opening the night will be Buffalo’s own, the Forealists. This is a band you’ll want to make sure to arrive early and check out. They feature one of the top up and coming musicians in the Buffalo music scene in bassist Zuri Appleby. Her ability on the instrument far surpasses what you might expect a local musician to be capable of. Her talent alone should put whatever project she is involved in on everyone’s radar, and that is on top of the other talented members of the band. What is extra special about the Larkin Square shows as well is the collaboration between the opening and headlining acts that closes each show. We saw local music critic Jeff Miers and his band mix it up with Aqueous just a few weeks ago and now there are high expectations, at least from me, to see what Wednesday’s collaboration will churn out. As the title states, the show is free, so there is no excuse why you shouldn’t stop down and check out two incredible acts tomorrow night. The show has an early start at 5pm, so don’t be late!

    Also to note, Playonbrother will be hitting a few other dates throughout Upstate New York in case you can’t catch their show in Buffalo.  Check them out at the following shows:

    8/14: Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse, NY
    8/16: Mazzstock in Marlboro, NY
    8/17: Newbury Life Food & Music Festival in Buffalo, NY (FREE EVENT)
    8/23: Bella Terra Festival in Stephentown, NY
    9/5: Catskill Chill Music Festival in Hancock, NY
    9/23: The Oncenter in Syracuse, NY**
    9/25: Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, NY**
    **in support of Tedeschi Trucks Band

  • Editor’s Playlist #3: A Viable Alternative to Jazz Fest

    The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, a.k.a Jazz Fest,  is wrapping up this weekend and if you weren’t one of the lucky people in attendance this year we don’t want you feeling left out.  This week’s Editor’s Playlist #3 is in the spirit of Jazz Fest, highlighting artists in the jazz and funk scene, both of which dominate most lineups throughout NOLA during this fest each year.  This sampling of sorts will range from, hopefully, some artists you haven’t heard of, but also some heavy hitters that headline wherever they play.

    With so many great bands making up each respective scene, it was definitely a tall order to try to pick a few standouts.  On the funky side of things, I chose to go with the current kings, Lettuce, adding “King of the Burgs” and the live version of  “Nyack.”  Both showcase this band’s immense capabilities and prove why they’re one of the best out there.  Also in the funk-realm is Alan Evans’ Playonbrother, Kung Fu and Zach Deputy.  One other band you might not have heard of is Cape Cod’s Funktapuss and we’re featuring a new song from their upcoming album in “Soul Specific.”

    On the jazz side, I chose to go with both someone who’s been around and an up-and-coming band who’s made some big waves as of late.  The seasoned veteran is none other than Derek Trucks with his now-disbanded band and their song “Pleasant Gardens” from their 1998 album Out of the Madness.  The other song featured is a new favorite in Snarky Puppy‘s “Lingus,” which is just an incredible display of musicianship all around.

    Stay tuned for the next Editor’s Playlist in the near future, and if you’re still craving some actual Jazz Fest music, check out the Phoncert app for iOS or website as they will be streaming some of the remaining performances through Friday, May 2nd.

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/32587914″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

  • Blindsided in Buffalo: Turkuaz and Playonbrother Pack a Heavy One-Two Punch

    Being blindsided usually means you’ve been attacked or hit when you’re vulnerable or uninformed. In the case of sports, it’s used in football when a quarterback is hit from behind when he can’t see the guy coming. Just like the quarterback, sometimes you have a feeling or inclination that said hit is coming, and yet you still can’t avoid it. That was the case this past weekend when Turkuaz and Playonbrother rolled into Buffalo for a show at Nietzsche’s. The combination of the two packed a heavy enough punch Friday night that nobody in the crowd, including myself, was sure what hit them when all was said and done.

    turkuaz playonbrotherIn typical fashion, Nietzsche’s began to get cozy as the start of the show approached and everyone was laughing and having a beer, unaware of what was about to go down. Playonbrother took to the stage around 10:30pm to kick things off. Now the band was just recently in town for a show on Black Friday, but there was still a lot of people who hadn’t seen them judging by the casual conversations throughout the crowd that night. As Alan Evans, Danny Mayer, and Beau Sasser walked up the steps in the front of the stage, it was time, and they planned to get things going right away with the late start.

    The band kicked off their set with “They Call Me Velvet,” blasting into the heavy beat and forcing everyone who wasn’t already near the stage to pack in and pay attention. Back in November, Sasser had an issue with his amp, but that was obviously fixed as the bass from his Hammond was the fattest sound I’ve ever heard coming from him. Adding to the infectious sound coming from the stage was Mayer’s syncopated riffs playing off of Evans’ hard-hitting beats. We wouldn’t know it until after the show, but these three guys somehow managed to make just as much noise as the nine that would succeed them. Throughout the entire night, I had my funk face on, scrunched up from how well these guys played.

    After the first song wrapped up, Alan Evans graciously played host to his hometown and introduced his bandmates before letting everyone know who he was. One of the early highlights was a Frank Zappa cover the guys did in “Easy Meat.” Beau Sasser plays in a Zappa cover band known as The Z3, so it’s obvious where this one came from. What wouldn’t be obvious just seeing this in writing was how dirty and heavy these guys played this song. They might be generally classified as funk, but the commanding beat by Evans mixed with the heavy riffing of Mayer and Sasser took everyone by surprise; this was the first blindsided moment of the night. The song was darker and heavier than just about anything I’ve ever heard from them.

    Evans played at times like he had something against his drums, hitting harder and harder as the song progressed. One of their new songs, “Nothing to Say,” was also an easy favorite from their set. During this one, Sasser took the lead, showcasing his abilities on the Hammond organ. His Leslie speaker was spinning out the hottest licks all night, but on this song in particular, he took us on the funkiest of space odysseys with the throttle broken from being pushed too far forward. The band closed their set with “Cosmic Hazel Dust,” a personal favorite and song that sums up their sound and direction. After ripping into the first parts of the song, the band segued into a trance-like section where Sasser’s droney bass added the perfect texture to the funk-laden beat of Evans.

    n front of it all was Mayer’s searing wah tone coming from his guitar as he used his instrument as a vehicle for expression. With eyes closed, Mayer took one of the more memorable solos of the night and left the crowd begging for more. While it was Evans first time opening in his hometown in quite sometime, the band took the slot and proceeded to hit the crowd early and hard, setting up Turkuaz who would take the stage next.

    Set List: They Call Me Velvet, Charlie Brown, Easy Meat, Ain’t No, Nothing to Say, Only One, Buffalo, Sunshine of Your Love, Cosmic Hazel Dust

    Once Playonbrother’s gear was cleared, there was finally room for Turkuaz to take the stage. The nine-piece band from Brooklyn is usually tight no matter where they play, but with the smaller stage of Nietzsche’s, the only thing more cramped was the dance floor. The horns that set off the opening of their set were a clear indicator of how the night was going to go – intensely fast and tightly synched. The first song, “Chatte Lunatique,” went blasting forward while guitarist Craig Brodhead tried to keep pace on his first solo. The thump of Taylor Shell’s bass was the front car of this race, setting the pace alongside drummer Michael Angelo Carubba. The ladies of Turkuaz, Geneva Williams and Sammi Garett, took to the stage with tambourines in hand to close out the opening song. The look on everyone’s face at the first stop in the action said it all – “what the hell just hit me?”

    To say these guys (and gals) are talented would be selling them short. As you can imagine, a nine-piece band has an enormous sound, but it’s not just nine instruments/voices, as most of the members pull double duty. Craig Brodhead plays guitar and synths, Joshua Schwartz plays saxophone, sings, and adds percussion, Chris Brouwers plays the trumpet and keyboards, and both of the Turkuaz girls add vocals and the tambourine. It doesn’t even stop there as the entire band has coordinated several dance moves, in complete synchronization, during a few of their songs which only adds to their outpouring of energy. The nine add so much that, unless you listen intently on one person, it’s tough to even distinguish where a particular sound is coming from. Drummer Michael Angelo Carubba was visually buried behind everyone, but still managed to stick out with his excellent percussion work, keeping the other eight in line. The self-proclaimed funk army is truly just that!

    Throughout their entire set, the band would simply not let up. If the band was in the driver seat, then they were stomping on the gas and taking everyone in attendance for a mandatory ride; the band was musically relentless. It’s amazing how tight the band remained given the tenacity and tempo of their music. Regardless, you could tell they were doing something right as the crowd was packed from front to back and everyone was getting down.

    One highlight of their set, and proving how closely knit these two bands had become over the course of this tour, was when Beau Sasser hopped the railing and jumped on stage for an impromptu sit in. He took over Craig Brodhead’s keyboard and his synthy slithering mixed well with Turkuaz’s deep funk. I’m not sure how Beau fit with everyone up there, but you could clearly see the camaraderie and friendship that was forged as everyone was having a great time.

    The band closed with “Shape,” and you could literally feel the ground shaking below your feet. With the entire band jumping in unison, the crowd followed suit for the peak of the performance. The final bass and guitar showdown brought a funky blues solo to close out an incredible night of music. As they filed off the stage, one by one, the crowd beckoned for more. Lucky for us, the band appeased with an unscripted, off-the-cuff encore of “Monkey Fingers” to keep the Friday night party going. As the night officially wrapped up, there was a collective gasp for air as it had literally been knocked out of the crowd. I had never seen Turkuaz up until this point and I can say that they came out of nowhere and blew me away. Thankfully for Western New York, the band is slated to come back this Fall for the Night Lights Fall Music Festival.

    Set List: JB Intro, Chatte Lunatique, Coast to Coast, Bubba Slide, Murder Face, Night Swimming, M’Lady, Tiptoe, Snap Your Fingers, It’s Hard, Honky Tonk Women, I’ve Got a Feeling, Back to Normal, 20 Dollar Bill, The Shape I’m In

    Encore: Monkey Fingers

    Photos by Thomas Sgroi

  • Hearing Aide: Alan Evans Trio ‘Woodstock Sessions Volume I’

    Recorded in one magical evening with a small studio audience and comprised of a straight take with no overdubs, the Alan Evans Trio‘s Woodstock Sessions Volume I is a timeless document of a musical moment of creation. Developed over the course of an intimate evening at Applehead Recording Studios, the recording retains the freshness of an improvised performance as well as the crispness of a studio recording. The magic is to be found in the communication between the players, who were unfazed by the recording machinery and luminescent red recording light.  The trio successfully captured the live vibe and thick atmosphere of the concert experience.

    Alan Evans Trio

    Drummer and band leader Alan Evans immediately conducts the band through the 80+ minute set, beginning with a funktified and extended run through of the fuzzy and smooth, ‘They Call Me Velvet’.  The power of the trio is on full display immediately as Beau Sasser’s organ saturates the air with the sound of multiple instruments. The thick, creamy funk of the band is their specialty.  As they slide into ‘If You Want My Love’, guitarist Danny Mayer strikes out with classic James Brown chord structures, meeting with Evans’ emotive beats to equal a hip street walking ass shake.

    The track ‘Thor,’ the subject of which is a guitar amp, fittingly features some nimble-fingered riffing by Mayer, touching on some of the fringes of acid jazz. The joy here is that the band is playing fully orchestrated and arranged pieces that contain uniquely original improvisational passages brimming with joyful attitude. ‘Have You Seen Him,’ contains themes that elicit memories of the grooviest ‘Shakedown Street’ with an envelope filtered guitar that works in conjunction with the drums while Sasser’s organ paints in long broad strokes.

    ‘Crooooz’ is a highlight of the set with a luscious groove that sets the perfect backdrop for more atmospheric organ excursions reminiscent of some earthy Jimmy Smith. The band keeps the marathon live recording moving forward breathlessly, changing tempos, keys, and vibes at the drop of a dime. The diversity of the band gets an airing with the ‘spoken word’ and classically jazzy, ‘What Happens In the Woods.’ Scattered and spacey drumming in conjunction with a star-dust guitar dressing provides the framework for Evans’ humorous story telling.

    The evening concludes with another highlight, the aggressive and powerful ‘Cosmic Hazeldust’, containing all of the impressive elements that make up the band and the recording. Slick keyboard exclamations, wildly on point guitar work, and the knockout punch of Evans thunderous drum kit.

    Taken as a whole, the entire Woodstock Sessions Volume I plays out like a created storyboard, each musical excursion a beautifully created scene. Organically developed, yet tight and practiced, the album reaches numerous peaks and euphoric highs. The organ lines intertwine with the guitar melodies, playing off of the multiple rhythmic ideas of the drums.  The recording captures music during its genesis as it’s developed by the minds and fingers of the players and disseminated to the hearts and ears of the listeners.

    Key Tracks: They Call Me Velvet, Thor, Cosmic Hazeldust

    Check out the full album here.

  • Turkuaz and Playonbrother Coming to Funk Up WNY on Back to Back Nights

    Turkuaz and Playonbrother kicked off their co-headlining tour together just a few weeks back with an atypical album release party for both bands in Saratoga Springs.  Turkuaz released Future 86, while Playonbrother, fresh off of a name change, released their Woodstock Sessions album.  Fast forward to today, and this funk train is barreling down the I-90 for stops at Rochester’s Montage Music Hall on April 17th and Buffalo’s Nietzsche’s on April 18th.

    Turkuaz has been blazing a path for themselves via combination of feel-good funk and constant touring.  The band is just coming off of their two-set performance at Rock ‘n Roll Resort with raving reviews from those that were there.  Similar to Lettuce, this funk “army” calls New York City home and has a deep roster that’s completely stacked with talent.  With as much as we could go on about these guys (and gals), that’s just half of the show.

    Playonbrother isn’t a band you want to sleep on.  You may not recognize the name quite yet, but I promise you, you will know it walking out.  The band’s last show in Buffalo was when they were still known as Alan Evans Trio, but their sound and sheer funk-ferocity haven’t changed.  Despite their size, the trio packs a huge punch live and offers up an opposing approach to their tour mates, who easily outnumber them.

    Besides how well the two fit on paper, they seem to have great chemistry off the stage as well.  For Beau Sasser’s birthday, the two bands combined to form Jaguar at Beau’s home base of Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, MA.  The special evening featured Beau on hammond organ (POB), Michael Angelo Carubba on drums (Turkuaz), Danny Mayer on guitar (POB), and Craig Brodhead on guitar as well (Turkuaz).  For our shows in Buffalo and Rochester, there’s been rumors of some more intermingling of band members with the Turkuaz horn section prepping to join in on Playonbrother’s set.  It’s not too far-fetched either as we all know that Alan Evans has always loved to add horns to his other band, Soulive.

    Regardless of what happens, one thing is for sure: your feet won’t stop moving from the drop of the first beat to final crash of the cymbal.  These two bands have been having a great time on the road together and that will only permeate throughout the crowd and Western NY region following these two dates.

  • Musical Force: Alan Evans Playonbrother and Turkuaz hit Putnam Den

    Putnam Den hosted two soulful bands, Alan Evans Playonbrother and Turkuaz, this past Thursday the 27th of March that rocked the roof off the venue. Both acts had new music to share with fans that eagerly filled up the dance floor.

    alan evansWith their most recent name change, Alan Evan’s Playonbrother started the night to prove that they are more than a jazz trio. Were they always this edgy? The new name was the boost the group needed to give them more of a dark rock sound. Guitarist Danny Mayer was relentless in his strong guitar riffs throughout the set, never slowing down as Beau Sasser on keys cranked out sharp notes for the familiar jazz like sound that fans have always loved. Alan Evan’s passionately beat his drums and cymbals with a new found fiery confidence, not his usual cool, calm and collected manner. One of the highlights of the night was their rendition of Cream’s “Sunshine of your Love” and subsequent jam, an out of control, hard hitting masterpiece. The trio recently released a new album, Woodstock Sessions, Vol 1. that is available online or at their shows on their current tour with Turkuaz.

    The well-oiled funk machine known as Turkuaz shook the crowd and Putnam Den with their explosive dance music. The 9-piece band from Brooklyn resembles a modern day Talking Heads but with more funk, some Motown flavor and a touch of techno. The band has harmonies coming from every direction and member, not to mention a great chemistry that makes each show fun and special. Their synchronized dance moves were contagious to the crowd and kept everyone pumped up throughout the night. Guitarist Dave Brandwein dances in the eye of the Turkuaz tornado, being a strumming, sturdy force. Geneva Williams and Sammi Garett showcased a wide range of vocals, both in unison and in the solo spotlight. Chris Brouwers was a treat to watch perform in that he can multi-task like a boss as he plays the trumpet and keys at the same time. They are set to release their newest album, Future 86,on April 1st with all pre-orders (digital or physical) receiving a code to download it the day it comes out, no joke. To quote one of their new songs, “The future is coming now” and it is Turkuaz. Be sure to see Turkuaz and Alan Evans Playonbrother at Rock n Roll Resort v4: The Dream Machine, and get your hands on their latest music.

    Setlist: Typa-Lika, Night Swimming, Coast, Rules, Murder Face, 20 Dollar, Chatte, Lookin’ Tough, Can You Handle It?, Tiptoe Thru Crypto, It’s Hard, Honky Tonk, Future, Bubba, Take me to the River, Monkey Fingers

  • Turkuaz and Alan Evans Playonbrother Celebrate Album Release at Putnum Den

    Turkuaz and Alan Evans’ Playonbrother (formerly known as the Alan Evans Trio) will each hold a CD release party at the Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, Thursday, March 27 at 9 pm. The party is organized through Nectars and tickets are available to those 18-years old and older for $8 (and $12 the day of the show) through Ticketfly.com or at the Putnam Den. Turkuaz launches their latest with Zerbert  at the double-CD release party.  While Alan Evans Trio sets out to release their Woodstock Sessions in tandem.

    Alan Evans TrioAlan Evans recently announced that the group would drop “Trio” from their name, despite remaining a three-piece band.  Evans supplies the drums and vocals, Beau Sasser is still on organ and Danny Mayer is on guitar. Though they have now adopted Playonbrother as part of their moniker, Alan Evans Trio will still appear on their latest album.  Please don’t refer to them as a jazz trio.  In fact, don’t try to put your thumb on them at all.  They are three musicians, who happen to play for other bands, but don’t dare call this a side project either.  In fact, they would just rather you just tune in and enjoy.

    Influenced by the funky ’70s groove and R&B of Sly & The Family Stone, Rick James, Parliament and Bohannon, Turkuaz take their self-described “jittery, world-pop-power groove” to the streets.  They just recently finished supporting Future 86, and will continue on the road for this latest installment.  Sporting a line-up of nine musicians, Turkuaz throws everything from percussion to brass to guitars in a live performance that can invoke the ghosts of rockers past. Don’t miss them and Alan Evans Playonbrother and check out our coverage of their show at Drom in NYC on December 30th.

  • Alan Evans Trio Changes Name to Alan Evans’ Playonbrother

    AE3 to AEP.  While hard to understand at first take, it begins to make sense when you hear it straight from Alan Evans himself.  Announced the other day, the Alan Evans Trio has changed their name to Alan Evans’ Playonbrother, effective immediately.  Evans explained the why behind the change, saying, “Honestly, I just got tired of people assuming that we were a jazz trio.”

    alan evans trioOther than the name Alan Evans Trio, everything else remains intact and on schedule.  Beau Sasser and Danny Mayer still make up the other two-thirds of the band and all of the tour dates they scheduled are still on.  From a recording standpoint, the guys are heading into the studio as we speak to record the follow-up to Merkaba, an album honored in the Best of 2013.  In addition to that, they will also be releasing the transcendental Woodstock Sessions album next week on March 25th. As for touring, the band is getting ready to hit the road with Turkuaz and will be visiting Upstate New York on several occasions (Saratoga Springs on 3/27, Syracuse on 3/28, Rochester on 4/17, and Buffalo on 4/18).  With nothing musically changing, there’s nothing more to say but play on!