NYS Music 20​15

Category: Features

  • Photo Gallery: Yonder Mountain String Band and Friends at the Boulder Theater

    Yonder Mountain String Band packed the house in Boulder, and brought a few friends along for the ride. Per Live Music Blog, each night featured a different theme and a variety of guests: a three-set traditional show New Year’s Eve, a funked up evening with John Popper (Blues Traveler), Shawn Camp (Earls of Leicester) and Dave Watts and Joey Porter of the Motet on Thursday, a horn-filled soul affair with Jen Hartswick and Natalie Cressman of the Trey Anastasio Band on Friday and a bluegrass supergroup on Saturday joined by Andy Hall and Andy Falco from the Infamous Stringdusters.

    yonder mountain boulder

    Setlist via PhantasyTour

    Set 1: All Aboard, Left Me in a Hole, Hello City Limits, Sometimes I’ve Won, Damned If The Right One Didn’t Go Wrong1, Complicated1,2, Run-Around1,2, Pockets1,2, Fingerprint1,2, Shakedown Street1,2

    Set 2: Spanish Harlem Incident, Polka On The Banjo, Honestly, Would You Go With Me1, Criminal1,2, Hook1,2, New Deal Train1,2, Rain In Durango1,2, I’ve Got A Name1,2, Girlfriend Is Better1

    Encore: My Love Will Not Change1,2, Ziggy Stardust1,2, Shady Grove1,2

    1 Shawn Camp on guitar, vocals & fiddle
    2 John Popper on vocals & harmonica, Joey Porter on keys & Dave Watts on drums

  • Cosby Sweater Change Name to Turbo Suit

    In wake of recent controversy surrounding the name ‘Cosby’ the band formally known as Cosby Sweater has officially changed their name to Turbo Suit as of January 2015.

    Along with the name change, the band has also announced a new album titled Out There which will feature guests from Umphrey’s McGee, Trey Anastasio Band and Digital Tape Machine. Turbo Suit is gearing up to hit the road in support of their new album beginning on January 14 with dates already booked spanning through May.

    Turbo Suit also released an official video explaining the name change, the new record and the band’s direction in 2015 when they were in Chicago at the Concord Music Hall supporting the Disco Biscuits.

  • Blues Traveler Returns to the Historic Capitol Theatre

    Over the years there been several bands that have made their way into my everyday life, from learning all the lyrics of an entire album to attempting to see every show I could regardless of where they played. The list has steadily been added to over the years, but the one band that pretty much started my ongoing musical journey, Blues Traveler, recently made their way to Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre for a Saturday evening performance.

    The band, who was formed in New Jersey in the late ’80s, is no stranger to this historic venue, being one of the many top acts such as Phish and The Rolling Stones to have played there back in the ’90s. Having not seen the band since their last stop off at the venue in 2012 this was a welcomed chance to spend the evening with the band that first got me into live music.

    The venue was alive with fans, most of whom seemed to be letting loose for an evening of drinking and music much like they would have with this same band in the mid ’90s. As the room packed in the band took to the stage instantly jumping into an energetic cover of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The song which was left unfinished instantly set the tone for the evening infusing the band and crowd alike with an energy that could be felt throughout the night. As the evening progressed the band received echoing cheers from the intoxicated crowd as they dug deep into their song bank playing hits such as “Run Around” and “Hook” before delivering a moving version of “Mountains Win Again.”

    On a night full of memorable moments my personal favorite came when guest vocalist Faul joined the band, pairing her mesmerizing vocals with John Popper’s infectious harp, resulting in an intense musical battle between the two musicians. The band’s large catalog of hits allowed them to play something for every fan over the course of the show which they did beautifully before transitioning back into “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” allowing Popper the chance destroy the songs main solo as well as bring the set to a fitting end. The band left the stage briefly before making their way back out to announce they were currently working on releasing a new studio album before thanking venue owner, Pete Shapiro, and the audience. The band finished the evening off with a hauntingly beautiful version of “Alone” which for me was a welcomed tune and perfect way to close out the show.

    With the holidays over and the year quickly coming to an end this for many was one last chance to get out and share an evening of music and fun with friends, which the band more than provided. Taking me on a trip down memory lane over the course of the evening drove home how much I truly love this band and their music. From their ability to tell a story or to just open up and jam out a song, this is a band that has done it all over the years and with their announcement of a new album in the works, seems poised to continue doing so for years to come.

  • Grammy and CMA Award-Winning Country Music Star Kacey Musgraves to perform at MVCC

    10928581_10203597068066672_1544001177_nMVCC together with Big Frog 104 has announced that multiple Grammy and CMA award-winning country music star, Kacey Musgraves, will headline MVCC’s Cultural Series 2015, Sunday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the Robert R. Jorgensen Athletic and Event Center on MVCC’s Utica Campus.  Special Guests John and Jacob, currently touring with Kacey, will open the evening’s festivities to what is anticipated to be one of the biggest spring shows yet.

    Taking Nashville by storm, Kacey Musgraves has accumulated quite an array of awards, worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, and has penned numerous award-winning songs, including this year’s 2014 CMA Song of the Year “Follow Your Arrow”.

    Standing room only tickets cost $35 for general admission and $25 for MVCC employees. A limited supply of free tickets is available for MVCC students with valid ID. Tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 2, at 12:01 a.m. through the MVCC Box Office at www.mvcc.edu/tickets or in person at the Utica Box Office – IT 106 (located next to Schafer Theater) in the Information Technology Building of the Utica Campus, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tickets will also be made available on the Rome Campus (Student Services Office) in the Plumley Complex, Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    Don’t hesitate to get yours immediately as this show is anticipated to sell out quickly.
    

  • Trace Adkins Shares Gifts of Tradition to Central New York

    As the holiday season and 2014 wrap up, we all become reflective of the experiences we did or did not have throughout the year.  Did we fulfill any or all of our resolutions we swore we would do this year?  Did we take the time to stop and smell the roses in our hectic fast paced lives?  Personally I always feel like I’m going at warped speed spinning my wheels trying to accomplish daily tasks, let alone that long list of resolutions I swore I would get to this year.  As December engulfs us, that warped speed becomes even faster, and before you know it, the year is over and we are left thinking…where did the time go?  Like most individuals, we all have great intentions to do that one thing or that one project on our “To Do” list for ourselves.  For some reason it never is accomplished as we are so busy doing for everyone else.  After all, when prioritizing things in life, we often forget to prioritize ourselves. I’m sure this applies to all individuals, even musicians.  For today’s musicians, you see them touring the majority of the year, making it difficult to fit in a personal life with family and friends, let alone getting to the studio to record new music or that project they’ve been wanting to work on. Such is Trace Adkins.

    Trace Adkins "The Kings Gift" Turning Stone
    Trace Adkins “The Kings Gift” Turning Stone

    This was the case for Trace Adkins.  For years he had wanted to record a Christmas album, but for him it couldn’t just be any album.  He had a vision for what he wanted to share with his fans.  Last year, his long awaited project,  The King’s Gift, was released and Trace began to tour to share his vision of what Christmas is all about.  I had the opportunity to see his show last year, and when I heard he was returning to the Central NY area again I couldn’t wait to return to see it once again.

    Trace Adkins - The Kings Gift Turning Stone
    Trace Adkins – The Kings Gift Turning Stone

    Trace’s show is unique and a personal insight in Trace’s love of this holiday.  His stage is set to make you feel like you were in his living room sharing the holiday with him.

    Trace Adkins "The Kings Gift" Turning Stone
    Trace Adkins “The Kings Gift” Turning Stone

    He surrounds himself with some of the finest musicians and professionals in their field, giving you a top class production. You have Michael Stribling on Uilleann Pipes, Steve Mackey the Bassist, Emily Kohavi on Violin, Mark Gillespie who is a multi instrumentalist, Brian Wooten veteran guitar extraordinare  who has played guitar with Trace for years, Megan Mullins on violin, Jon Coleman who is musical director, Erin Slaver on vocals, Johnny Richardson on drums/percussion, Emily Nelson the cellist, Michael Spriggs who is legendary in the business, has been inducted in the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and is a premier guitarist as well as the Celtic specialist on tour (he co-produced The Kings Gift and played all the guitar on the album), and the legendary Alyth McCormack vocalist and veteran of the grammy winning band The Chieftains.  Together, this amazing production delivers a spectacular family show that kicked off my holiday in style.

    Trace Adkins - The Kings Gift Turning Stone
    Trace Adkins – “The Kings Gift” Turning Stone

    As Trace begins the show, he comes through the door as though he’s returning home for the holidays.  As he enters, he immediately greets the audience as though they were old friends waiting for his return.

    Trace Adkins - "The Kings Gift" Turning Stone - Guess Which Is His Favorite
    Trace Adkins – “The Kings Gift” Turning Stone – Guess Which Is His Favorite

    Throughout the evening, in a setting that is equipped with a decorated tree, stockings on the mantle of the fireplace, gifts to give, and the comfiest looking chair I ever did see, he shares how the project came to be, what the songs mean to him, how the songs were created and passed down through time, and then he shares his rendition of the music.  For some time now, I’ve been sitting here trying to think up a cute analogy of his deliverance, a description of sorts of how I was impressed on his musical abilities, but heck folks, all I keep thinking is how darn sexy that deep voice of his was. That voice of his is just so strong and powerful that all the women in the audience melt, myself included.  But yet, he’s still a man’s man, and those men in attendance loved him just as much. Like so many greats before him, his renditions make a lasting impression on you as he signs favorites such as “O Come Emmanuel”,  “The Little Drummer Boy”, or the most beautiful versions of “I Saw Three Ships” and “Tannenbaum” I have ever heard.  He jokes that in one hundred years his song “Badonkadonk” will not be remembered.  Perhaps not.  I do know though, that his recording of The King’s Gift, will be remembered and played as a family favorite each holiday when the cd’s come out during the holiday season.

    Trace Adkins - The Kings Gift Turning Stone
    Trace Adkins – “The Kings Gift” Turning Stone

    Trace not only gave a stellar performance of The Kings Gift, Trace also gave gifts of his own.  At each show throughout the Christmas tour, he donated the tree used each night up on stage during the performance, to a local charity. At the show in Verona, NY, he donated the spectacular tree to the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program at Fort Drum, NY.  The BOSS program focuses on those men and women stationed throughout the world, fostering a feeling of, and becoming a part of, their communities through organized activities.  Especially during the holidays, it is so important to have that sense of community as these men and women are so far from their homes and families.  For other lucky audience members that won the lottery drawing, they received autographed posters and a grand prize of a signed guitar by Trace.[FinalTilesGallery id=’60’]
    I had the opportunity last year to meet the tall dark and handsome country superstar as he met with a group of fans during a question and answer session before the show.  What I took away from the experience is what a down to earth person he was, how grateful he is to those fans that love him, and most importantly how much he loves sharing his talent with those that will listen.  Trace Adkins’ TheKing’s Gift is definitely a show to see should it come to a town by you next year.  Put that down as a resolution you must keep for yourself.  You won’t be sorry.
    [FinalTilesGallery id=’58’]
    [FinalTilesGallery id=’61’]
    [FinalTilesGallery id=’59’]

  • Hearing Aide: Johnny Winter ‘Step Back’

    Take a step back to the roots and let Johnny be your tour guide. Recorded before the untimely passing of Johnny Winter at the age of 70 in July 2014 and released as planned in September, Step Back brings us on a 13-song journey through the roots of blues. He takes along a plethora of talent to spotlight throughout the album, including Upstate NY’s own Joe Bonamassa. Though Winter has played the field of rock and roll, his heart had always been in the blues and Step Back brings his recordings full-circle.

    Johnny WinterBack in 2011, Winter released his penultimate album Roots which was a predecessor to Step Back. Much the same, that album journeys through the early blues recordings with guest talent – Jimmy Vivino, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, and his brother Edgar Winter among others.

    A day or two prior to Johnny’s performance at the Towne Crier Café in October 2012 (currently located in Beacon, NY but located in nearby Pawling, NY at the time) I had the privilege to interview him over the phone live on WRPI Troy. At the time, Roots had been out for about a year and the idea for a “Roots II” follow-up album had at least been formalized. I asked him how he goes about picking who he wants to collaborate with on the album and who he wanted to get on the album but couldn’t for whatever reason. Here’s what he had to share regarding Roots:

    I just pick people I liked. Paul [Nelson] actually picked most of them and they were people that I liked, people I have known. I have a lot of respect for all the guys on the record.

    There were a lot of people. I wanted B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Dr. John, Billy Gibbons, a lot of people that just didn’t have the time to do it… Eric Clapton. Maybe we’ll get them on the next one.

    Get some of them he did for Step Back. From that list he is joined by Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Dr. John, and also by Leslie West (Mountain), Brian Setzer, Ben Harper, Jason Ricci, the Blues Brothers Horns, and Joe Perry (Aerosmith).

    Johnny Winter
    Johnny Winter with NYSMusic’s Steve Malinski and fellow WRPI DJ Mike Buhuski, Oct. 19, 2012

    As a blues standards album, all but one of the songs are covers of songs originally recorded by the iconic names of blues and rock and roll – Willy Dixon, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, and Howlin’ Wolf, among others. Some may say that a covers album is a simple way to record and release another album to sell but to say that about Step Back (and Roots as well) would be a mistake.

    Johnny and band mate/producer Paul Nelson did something with this record that would make you second-guess if they were actually his songs vs. covers. The songs are re-crafted to be all about Johnny’s noted guitar and slide guitar work bolstering howling licks and smooth blues with a big unyielding sound. He does this all with staying true to the old blues structure of composing. The guest artists also add their own distinct sound when they take their turn at some solos and rhythm fills.

    When I interviewed Johnny I also asked if he had any sneak peaks at the then unnamed follow-up album he didn’t want to spoil any surprises. “Well, I don’t want to tell you what we’re going to do. I’ve got a pretty good idea though!” he said toward the end of the interview.

    Winter’s take on these blues standards gives a fresh life to them. Not to say the genre has ever faltered or given way, however. It is a gratifying listen to long-time blues and rock aficionados but presents the standards to a younger generation in a vibrant rebirth of those songs hidden in the LP stacks or heard when passing by Stevie Ray Vaughn’s cover of “Who Do You Love” on the radio.

    While listening to the album it is profitable to have the liner notes on hand to be your guide to each song. There is no story or narrative about the songs nor lyrics; the notes are simple and to the point laying out precisely which part of the song features the guest artist. Let the notes be your friend and make for a more fulfilling experience listening to Step Back.

    Step Back has been nominated for Best Blues Album for the 2015 Grammy Awards on February 8 and is up against releases by Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin, Ruthie Foster, Charlie Musselwhite, and Bobby Rush with Blinddog Smokin’.

    Key tracks: Unchain My Heart, Sweet Sixteen, Death Letter

    Track Listing, with original composer and guest aritst:

    1.”Unchain My Heart” – Bobby Sharp (feat. Blues Brothers Horns)
    2.”Can’t Hold Out (Talk to Me Baby)” – Willie Dixon (feat. Ben Harper)
    3.”Don’t Want No Woman” – Don Robey (feat. Eric Clapton)
    4.”Killing Floor” – Howlin’ Wolf (feat.Paul Nelson)
    5.”Who Do You Love” – Bo Diddley
    6.”Okie Dokie Stomp” – Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown (feat. Brian Setzer)
    7.”Where Can You Be” –  original (feat. Billy Gibbons)
    8.”Sweet Sixteen” – B.B. King, Joe Josea (feat. Joe Bonamassa)
    9.”Death Letter” – Son House (solo Johnny Winter)
    10.”My Babe” –  Willie Dixon (feat. Jason Ricci)
    11.”Long Tall Sally” – Little Richard, Robert Blackwell, Enotris Johnson (feat. Leslie West)
    12.”Mojo Hand” – Lightnin’ Hopkins (feat. Joe Perry)
    13.”Blue Monday” – Dave Bartholomew (feat. Dr. John)

    Johnny Winter performing “Dust My Broom” from the predecessor to Step Back, Roots, on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2012

  • Interview with Chris Alan of Passion in Constellation

    Passion in Constellation is the evolving brainchild of Chris Alan. This project can be described as synth-pop. But this is not just like any electronic music; this music involves guest vocals with some very passionate lyrics that give more of an indie feel to the music too. Passion in Constellation has been making a name for itself all around Buffalo, being mentioned on BuffaBLOG (Buffalo’s Local Music Blog) website and podcast and has had air play on What You’re Missing podcast.

    Alan graduated from Fredonia State in which he studied recording arts and guitar performance. He has also worked with Buffalo’s very own Well Worn Boot with producing their last two albums. He recently released a single called We Want It All ft Cara Doyle who is also a fellow Fredonia graduate. The single has been receiving airplay on a few podcasts.

    Alan and I set up an interview where he shared his passion for music, how he got started and his accomplishments.

    CK: How did Passion in Constellation start?

    CA: Passion in Constellation started as a way for me to share my music to the world and the people I love while also keeping it consistent. I’ve written and producer many different genres but the music I really enjoy writing is somewhere within Indie and Electronic arena.

    CK: What was your first project?

    CA: The very first band I played and wrote with was called SpeakWrite, back in middle school which was barely heard beyond my basement. It was a hardcore band and we all had a lot of fun with it.

    CK: Cara said she was nervous with doing the song with Passion in
    Constellation how did you convince her and how did you pick her for the song?

    CA :She was a bit nervous, but who isn’t when placed in the spotlight! Especially being it her first time recording in a studio. I had first heard her singing voice from a video she posted on Facebook singing a song with her father. After writing “We Want It All”, I knew her voice would be the perfect complement to the music.

    CK: Are there any other projects you are currently working on?

    CA: I’m always in the studio writing. My next release is going to be a bit untraditional but it has been a very fun project to work on. It’ll be an Ep called, “Forfeit the Genre”, it’ll feature three previous Passion tracks remixed in a hip-hop styling with a rap vocalist. Additionally, I am in the works of writing a new song in a similar vein as “We Want It All” to have Cara sing some more epic vocals.

    You can download Passion in Constellation on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

  • A Chat With Queensbury’s Frank Palangi

    NYS Music recently sat down with with Queensbury, N.Y native Frank Palangi, a rising star on the local rock scene. Palangi has opened for some big acts in the rock genre over the last couple of years besides headlining some of his own acoustic shows. Frank talks about how some of these opportunities presented themselves and where he is going in 2015.

    Chad: Thank you for taking the time out to sit and chat with me for NYS Music!

    Frank: Thank You.

    Chad: The 2014 N.Y rock scene has seen a lot of Frank Palangi. You have opened for a lot of big names in the genre like Trapt, Powerman 5000, 3 Doors Down, Aaron Lewis from Staind and most recently Buckcherry. How did those opportunities present themselves?

    Frank: It takes hard work and dedication and persistence to keep on moving forward. You really have to look out for all opportunities between booking sites, local venues, your fans and emailing and calling to make things happen. I’ve been blessed this year with all these acts and playing solo gigs every week this 2014 year.

    Chad: After the Trapt show, I saw you talking with singer Chris Brown. With all the people who you have met during your young career so far, did he or anyone else give you some advice or pointers on the music industry that has helped you or will stick with you for a long time?

    Frank: Chris gave me some. He seems like a cool guy. The first time I opened for him, I didn’t get to speak to him. I asked him mainly what he does for vocal warm ups and keeping your voice on track. I ask all singers I meet that question. (laughs) He was nice enough to take my card and hopefully open for them again when they come back around.

    Chad: Yes I remember taking a picture of you and him at that show.

    Chad: Now you have been playing acoustic at these shows which seems to be a popular format with bands these days venturing off on small acoustic tours and with the likes of local radio station Q 103’s Garage Sessions and Sirius/Xm Octane’s Unleaded series. What do you like most about the acoustic setting?

    Frank: I like it because there’s less pressure. It’s an easier setup, so it takes less time, and your personality comes out more than with a full band. I like that raw type of sound and approach sometimes better. More people who ask for it, the popular it will get for that kind of acoustic rock style.”

    Chad: Yes I’ve personally enjoyed a lot of the acoustic stuff out there lately. More than I expected I would but I dig it.

    Chad: My nephew saw you play an electric set and he was like “Chad you have to see Frank Palangi. He is awesome.” I personally never had the chance to see you play electric. What happened to the band and is there any future plans on forming a band again and re visiting the electric side?

    Frank: I’m currently looking for a drummer and bassist to bring that full sound together again. I enjoyed the full sound and playing with different people who I worked with. I’ve been through a number of players trying to find who meshes well. My current guitarist seems to fit very well, Jared. It will come together again. My fans have been asking for it.

    Chad: Nice so maybe by the end of 2015 we will see the band assembled?

    Frank: No idea. (laughs) Depending if I can get things together. (laughs)

    Chad: Cool,Cool bro.

    Chad: Have you ever thought about or would be willing to try out for t.v shows like America’s Got Talent to help gain more exposure on a national basis and possibly more or is that something that you’re not interested in doing?

    Frank: Yes. I have before. I came close to making it on Rising Star this year. I went up to Boston after I get a call from the casting agent to audition for it in front of the producer of the show. I have also sent videos to The Voice and went to an America’s Got Talent tryout too.

    Chad: So what happened with AGT? I think you could thrive in that setting if you can get on. How does that process work?

    Frank: Never got a call back. (laughs)

    Chad: (laughs) That’s b.s. Never give up though keep trying.

    Frank: Stood in line with thousands of people for AGT.(laughs) I did meet Nick Cannon quickly.

    Chad: That’s cool is he nice?

    Frank: I’d say so (laughs)

    Chad: What made Frank Palangi say I want to play music for a living?

    Frank: It didn’t really start out that way, I just I wanted to do music and give it a good shot with making my own music. I’d say though it was when I met Day of Fire on their last day of their last tour at Upstate Concert Hall. After Josh Brown the singer listened to my CD on his bus ride home their producer Rogers Masson contacted me and then 3 months later I was in Nashville, Tennessee working on my first debut EP. From there I knew I wanted to stick with this and do it for a living and go more professional.

    Chad: You must have been stoked when they contacted you?

    Frank: They are one of my influences so for sure!

    Chad: How do you go about the song writing process? Do you just sit down and try to pen one out or for an example your just going about your day and some words just pop in your head and your like this could be a song and starting writing it out?

    Frank: I start out with the music. Usually I pick up a guitar I’ll start playing something and I turn that into a tune. Then based on how it feels, the words start to come to me. I do write down lines and ideas I have sometimes out of playing guitar too.

    Chad: Nice. Everyone has their ways of doing it. (laughs)

    Chad: Your sound check was cut short at the Buckcherry show but like a true professional you just shook it off and gave a great performance. How do you prepare for a show? Do you have any superstitions or rituals you do before you go on stage?

    Frank: To be honest, no. (laughs) I stay calm and relaxing and make sure I’m warmed up vocally and in the right frame of mind. You have to forget about everything else in your life and just focus on the present.

    Chad: While on stage at the Buckcherry show you talked about some of the plans you have in the works for early 2015, I think with a member from Daughtry. Could you tell us about exactly what you will be doing and how this opportunity came about and do you hope it leads to something more?

    Frank: I’ll have a press release coming out soon with info on that

    Chad: It will have something to do with a member of Daughtry though?

    Frank: You’ll see. (laughs) Yes has to do with Daughtry (laughs)

    Chad:  I saw a quote on your website. You said “I have no plan b on backing down on my dreams.” What else is next for Frank Palangi that fans can get excited about?

    Frank: I’m working on new material for this upcoming year, some unreleased material to be released somehow as well. Also a new music video for HOPE coming out early this year! More live shows and we’ll see where things move toward.

    Chad: Awesome bro. Thanks for your time Frank. Best of luck to you in the future.

    Frank: Thanks man. Also everyone can go to cdbaby.com and get a free download of the song “Hope.”

    Click Below to connect, listen and stay up to date with Frank Palangi:

    facebook | iTunes | youtube | twitter | spotify