NYS Music 20​15

Category: Reviews

  • Funktional Flow Releases Album, Welcomes Two New Members

    Funktional Flow and new members brought the funk to Nietzsche’s on Saturday, April 25 with their release party for Let it Settle and not only did they put an album out they also welcomed guitarist Joey Lewis and keyboardist/saxophone player Matthew Lester.

    The two local musicians are no stranger to the band as they have been sitting in quite frequently and now officially became part of the growing group.

    Sonder, another local product got the party started with some great lights and an equally matched livetronica show. It was a very packed crowd that seemed to have gotten what they have been begging for, a much anticipated album and a complete group of musicians, mission accomplished.

    Funktional Flow Setlist

    Set 1: Dumber, Strong Feeling , Back Door, Walking Blind ,Moving On, F Trance, Shape , Mulligans>Great Gig in the Sky>Mulligans, Bulls on Parade

    Set 2: Trouble, Time Will Tell, Happy Hour Hero>Bullet, Leaving Town, Ambush , You Should be Dancing, Dreidel, Southern Fried, Doin’ Time, Moonlight Tide , Sledgehammer, I Wish

  • Seven Day Music Marathon Day 2: Knuckle Puck, Firestarter and more at Bogies

    I don’t go to Bogies often, because that was the high school/early college venue for me, with few bands sparking my interest to bring me to Albany’s famed dive venue; Nietzsche’s, eat your heart out.

    I found out about this show through Jambase and was surprised to learn the only band listed on the lineup, Firestarter, was not the headliner. In fact there were three bands that played prior to Firestarter – Broken Field Runner (Albany), Coldfront (Canada) and Routine (Albany, playing their first ever show), all who had 20 minute sets. Knuckle Puck, out of Chicago and drawing the majority of the crowd, headlined the night.

    Firestarter is an Albany based band with influences from Blink 182, New Found Glory, Silverstein and Starting Line. I was thrown back to the late ’90s and my pre-jamband heyday with the influences ringing loud and clear, and it was alright. Matt Bliss, Firestarter’s lead guitar/vocalist spoke to me about the two year old band, who have done four cross-country tours and four regional tours, generating solid fanbases in pockets around the country, as well as a few Warped Tour shows. For a band this young and with an audience that is flocking to shows and singing every word, their potential is limitless. A new EP, A Life Inconsistent, is due out this summer.

    Firestarter at Bogies. All I hear is Blink 182 #musicmarathon #nysmusic

    A video posted by pete mason (@phanart) on

    Knuckle Puck, a great rock n roll band name if there ever was one, had a similar sound to Firestarter, but their audience was not just singing/shouting every single word of every single song alongside the band, they were more raucous and lively than before. Crowd-surfing and moshing was the norm for most of the night, just without the flying fists. Being Star Wars night (May the Fourth be with you), the crowd also had lightsabers worked into their fist-pumping action. The dudes in the front row were singing the words right into the face of the lead singer, pushing ever closer towards the lip of the stage, with surfers falling into the pit. I still don’t get moshing, but the crowd was welcoming and full of energy all night.

    .@knucklepuckil at Bogies #maythefourthbewithyou #punk #blink182 #moshing #nysmusic #musicmarathon

    A video posted by pete mason (@phanart) on

    The band has a vast following and an intense crowd at that, and while Knuckle Puck is far from my usual listening, it was a treat to see a thriving fan base for a completely different genre pack 200 people into Bogies, one of the last four shows at the venue, which is closing on May 31.

    Next up in this Music Marathon: Halestorm and Pretty Reckless at the Palace Theatre.

  • Hearing Aide: Keller Williams’ ‘Vape’

    Vape, Keller Williams‘ 20th album, is a collection of 10 tracks that flow smoothly and whose sum is greater than any of the individual parts. Quirky vocals and pleasant plucking are aplenty on the new release, which may be best enjoyed relaxing on a lazy summer afternoon.

    keller

    One of the two instrumental tunes, “Off Time Chorus Line,” kicks things off and sets a mellow tone that resonates through the album. Unique to the opening jam is some silky electric guitar playing on a mostly acoustic compilation. It’s easy for your mind to wander peacefully like a dove throughout Vape, as the second tune,“Mantra,” iterates.

    “She Rolls” tells the story of a girl who surprises a state trooper with a kiss and dances on stage in her underwear. “High and Mighty” reminds us most disputes can be settled by uncorking another bottle of wine, and “Jesus’s Gun” lightly critiques Americans’ obsessions with guns. Williams’ soft style never allows the intensity to escalate too much.

    Keller informs listeners that he loves donuts in a way reminiscent to Phil Collins once stating he doesn’t care anymore: “do-nuts, do-nuts; no more, no more.”

    He wraps up the album by attesting he loves California…and Virginia…in “Cava.” Throughout Vape, whisks of Williams’ unique storytelling style and ability lead the album along a serene meandering.

    Williams describes Vape as “highly concentrated music that can be heated up and inhaled through your ears.”

    Be prepared to nod along lightly to the easy-listening album that will transport you to a state of tranquility and can only aptly be described as Keller-esque.

    Key Tracks: She Rolls, Jesus’s Guns, Donuts

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  • Jesus on the Mainline Fills the Stage at Brooklyn Bowl

    Jesus On The Mainline is a fifteen piece ensemble comprised of some of the best young musical talent New York City has to offer. Led by band leader Andrew Neesley (lead vocals, violin) his ensemble consists of Mel Flannery (vocals), Amanda Brecker (vocals), Tim Emmerick (vocals,guitar,banjo), Tomek Miernowski (bass), Dave Scalia (drums), Pascal Le Beouf (keyboard, organ), Andrew Miramonti (guitar), Simon Kafka (guitar), Mike Gorham (trumpet), Sam Oatts (trumpet), Natalie Cressman (trombone), Frank Cohen (trombone), Mark McGinnis (tuba), Jake Goldbas (percussion) and Austin Walker (percussion).
    When you are preparing to see a band of this magnitude there is only one question you must ask yourself; will they all fit on stage? In stark contrast to past venues JOTM has played, Brooklyn Bowl gave them a chance to get comfortable on the roomy stage and let their sound shine through. With an eclectic range of tunes, at times ranging from southern rock to  gospel and soul, the audience was captivated by the precise arrangements and compositions.
    ScottHarris-JOTML-1200px--08752
    Neesley donning dark shades, shaved head, and a prolific beard, soon to be approaching ZZ Top status, began the set with the soulful and powerful tune “War” and made clear that given the right space to spread their wings JOTM could do not wrong. The gospel sounding “Angel From Montgomery” set the crowd up for a seamless transition into the rocking ruckus of “Jump Right In” with the entire cast firing on all cylinders. JOTM was reminiscent of a young, fresh, Tedeschi Trucks Band, combining all their talents to ensure their compositions resonated with everyone in attendance. Neesley takes time throughout each tune, while leading the band, to step aside and let each musician shine through, whether its Le Beouf’s organ solos or Flannery’s angelic voice giving us a soul filled cover of Nirvana’s “Lithium”.
    To close outthe evening the entire ensemble took part in “Sister City, Brother Bone” with a classic rock sound, that gave way to the rhythm section to showcase their synergy. As long Jesus On The Mainline can find a stage to hold them and a room to contain their huge sound they are here to stay.
    You can listen to Jesus On The Mainline here or catch them at Rockwood Music Hall on Thursday, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28 at midnite.
    Jesus On The Mainline, Brooklyn Bowl, 4/28/2015
    War, The Wrong Side, Chronically Lazy, Angel From Montgomery, Jump Right In, Sweet High & Dry, Take Me, Cry The Mamas Did, Lithium, Sister City Brother Bone

  • Seven Day Music Marathon, Day 1: Black Mountain Symphony

    Throughout this week, I’ll be seeing one show a night in the Albany area, aiming for seven shows in seven days. Here is Night one of a marathon week of music.

    Black Mountain SymphonyStarting the night at The Low Beat was Dylan Jane, a singer/songwriter with Liz Phair lyrics and a slightly raspy voice. She brought up a mandolin and fiddle player for her last three songs which were the strongest of the night – the mix of string instruments and Dylan’s voice are a natural combination. Looking forward to seeing her down the road.

    Cobblestone, a folk/Americana band with a touch of Lumineers worked in, picked up the energy with a dialed back version of Bob Dylan and Old Crowe Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel” and a great cover of “Uptown Funk.”

    Black Mountain Symphony, a six-piece folk group with a strong jam edge were consistent and had crazy energy in a Railroad Earth style. The songs built up in tempo with a Appalachian/Hackensaw Boys vibe, including a very danceable version of “Rhiannon” and a big closer with the original “We the People,” off their recently released album. All together, a lively start to a week of music.

  • Photo Gallery: ShwizZ at Garcia’s, April 18

    On Saturday, April 18 ShwizZ played to a full house at Garcia’s as the official after show for Jeff Beck at The Capitol Theatre. The progressive funk outfit played in support of their new 2 disc album My Good Side/My Bad Side, which will go on sale May 16 with a late night release party at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY.

    shwizz at garcia'sShwizZ at Garcia’s Setlist: 12, Duggan, Orange Wreck, Pomegranate, City Of Tiny Lights, Bad Side, Zone, Doorbell, In The Bag, Good Side, Slop Cream, Slow Down, Tax Man, MGF

    Photos and Review by: Nick Irving

    Upcoming shows:
    May 23, Arch Street Tavern, Hartford CT
    May 29, Good Times Getdown, White Haven, PA
    May 30, Domefest Terra Alta, WV

  • Hearing Aide: Wild Adriatic ‘Never Enough’

    Saratoga area trio Wild Adriatic haven’t stopped picking up speed in the past few years, gaining fans worldwide with their contagiously fun and dance-able yet heavy in just the right ways blend of blues, soul and good ol’ straight up rock ‘n roll. They released a full length album in January 2014 and since have been on the road almost non-stop, touring coast to coast and for the first time taking their live show overseas on a European tour. During a six-week residency in Austin, Texas they released a new five-track EP on March 17 titled Never Enough that is a fantastic sampling of the talents and sounds they bring to the table.

    wild adriatic never enoughThe title track to this release starts off with a big, dirty, head bang inducing guitar riff that will grab any listener’s attention whether they’re ready for it or not. Then when the sounds of Mateo Vosganian on drums and Rich Derbyshire on bass join in together, it’s clear that it’s time to crank the volume as loud as possible, because this band is about to show you a damn good time.

    The second track, “Strange Persuasions” slows down slightly, with hip swaying grooves. After an electrifying solo towards the end of the song, when guitarist/vocalist Travis Gray comes back in with the words “Tell me now do you want me?” you can envision the ladies in a crowd nodding, weak in the knees after the shredding that just swept them off their feet. Then they let the listener down softly for a moment with the ballad “Because of Me” showing that although good times are what they’re known for, they’re equally able to melt every heart in the room. The last-minute of the song Gray lets his guitar take a verse, showing that his playing can portray the same level of emotion as his soaring falsetto vocals.

    The fourth track, “Trouble” full of hard-hitting yet intricate drum fills, funky keys, pulsing bass lines and rocking’ riffs, is a song that in the live setting would be a challenge for anyone to sit still through. This release is short and sweet, and for a new listener, an ideal introduction to what this band on the rise has to offer. Yet the studio version of this trio is only a fraction of the band that they are on stage, a true powerhouse of sound and energy where they take their songs to new levels in each performance.

    Oh, and there’s also a cover of Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” but not much needs to said about that. When this trio decides to do a cover, they fill it with soul, make it their own, and exceed all expectations.  From releases to live performances, everything Wild Adriatic does continues to set the bar higher and higher for the band. They are truly a band to watch this year and beyond as they continue to grow their sound, picking up influences and styles as they continuously hit the road running. With their intense touring schedule, it’s likely they’ll be in a town near you soon, but until then, Never Enough will keep you smiling, dancing, and singing along from whatever speakers you’re blasting it from.

    Never Enough is available at wildadriatic.bigcartel.com and via iTunes.

    Wild Adriatic have announced tour dates through August, including Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) and Summer Camp (Chillicothe, IL). Full list of dates can be found at wildadriatic.com

  • Hearing Aide: Dan Johnson and the Expert Sidemen’s ‘Suck It Up, Cupcake’

    Honest heartfelt lyrics, and a raw unadulterated voice  help to shape Vermont-based Dan Johnson and the Expert Sidemen’s latest album titled Suck It Up, Cupcake. Listening to this album, the band’s fourth, you get the sense that Dan isn’t trying to impress anyone, yet he manages to do just that. So sit, back, relax, and imagine you are sitting around a campfire with a true storyteller who just so happens to be a great guitar (and pedal steel and mandolin and banjo) player, and who has his friends Pete Murphy, Brian Elsenbeck, and Roger Noyes (the Expert Sidemen) along to back him up.

    suck it up cupcakeGleaning influence from none other than Bob Dylan, which certainly comes through in many of his tunes, Dan has also been singing and picking along with more locally well-known (to Upstate NY) musicians, including Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, who have taught him to appreciate the more acoustic and traditional yet simultaneously individual sides of folk music.

    To add to the pure sound of this album, Dan chose to record all the parts in his Vermont home, using Garageband for the mixing and mastering, making this artist a talented songwriter and recording artist to boot! Although a couple of the songs are a bit cheesy, which kind of comes with the territory, being that this album falls under the country music genre, each song has a way of working its way into your head, and sticking there all day. Perhaps it’s the easy-going quality of Dan’s voice, or the familiar sounding riffs reminiscent of traditional folk tunes, or the soothing tones of the pedal steel guitar featured on several numbers, but his songs do have an infectious quality.

    Once you give Suck It Up, Cupcake a listen, you won’t have to wait too long to hear them performed live, as Dan Johnson will no doubt be playing some of his new tunes during his upcoming shows, which include stops at Skinny Pancake in Montpelier, VT on June 14, Radio Bean in Burlington, VT on July 4 and a performance at Upstate NY’s very own Hardball Café in Cooperstown on July 10, and the Bellstock Festival in the Catskills on July 16.

    Key Tracks: Being Free, Seattle Southbound Blues, On My Gravestone

  • The Disco Biscuits Invade Higher Ground for Late Night Dance Party

    The Disco Biscuits officially set the record for the fastest sellout show at Higher Ground ever, when they announced a late night after party for their UVM Springfest show Saturday in Burlington, Vermont. They hauled all their gear a few miles across town for a late night show starting at 11pm and going all night. Given the small size of the venue and the fast sellout, anticipations were high and the band certainly did not disappoint the lucky few who managed to get a ticket.

    DaveDeCrescente - TheDiscoBiscuits_HigherGround42514 -14

    The band wasted no time, jumping into a nice version of “Aceetobee” which segued into “Bombs”. Bass player Marc Brownstein was really prominent, ironically dropping what some would call “bombs” during the song, before leading the band back into the end of “Aceetobee”. “The Very Moon” followed, and was stretched to almost 15 minutes long, but remained unfinished. It was a rather standard version, but the segue into the Grateful Dead’s “Crazy Finger’s” must be heard. Guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig really nailed the segue and had the crowd cheering and singing along to the classic tune with a modern electronic twist. They ended the first set by finishing off their own classic song “Mr. Don” from April 16 in Denver,CO.

    DaveDeCrescente - TheDiscoBiscuits_HigherGround42514 -1

    The second set started things off with fan favorite “Trucker’s Choice”. The time was after 1am, but nobody in attendance showed any signs of letting up, the band included. “Mindless Dribble” followed, and was almost 17 mins in length. The band jammed on several themes through this version, a nod to their older style of jamming, called “rotation jams.” This was a common theme throughout the night, and the band was clearly enjoying it. “Mindless Dribble” segued into “Sound One” which features weird lyrics and a standard jam. The highlight of the night was next in “Crickets”. This 20 minute version was a monster and featured some major jamming across different styles and themes.

    Approaching 2am, the band closed the set with “Hope”. A rather unique choice to close the night, but very welcomed by everyone in attendance, many signing along with the band. They quickly returned, and Brownstein gave a huge thanks to the crew for hauling all their gear across town and setting it up again with only a few hours to spare. “Pilin’ it High(er)” closed the night off, and isn’t played very often. This version was great and was a great end to an amazing day and night of music.

    The Disco Biscuits. Higher Ground, Burlington VT. 4/25/15

    Set I: Aceetobee-> Bombs-> Aceetobee, The Very Moon (unfinished)-> Crazy Fingers-> Mr. Don (completes 4/16 version)

    Set II: Trucker’s Choice, Mindless Dribble-> Sound 1, Crickets, Hope

    E: Pilin’ it High(er)

    *Editor’s Note: Check out Dave’s coverage of the UVM Springfest Disco Biscuits show from 4/25/2015

  • Show Number One: Widespread Panic: Kings Theatre April 24 Brooklyn, NY

    Gearing up on a chilly Friday afternoon in Brooklyn, I was about to embark on a new journey, my first Widespread Panic show. For somebody who has been seeing live music consistently for twenty years now, it came as a shock to those around me I have avoided, unintentionally, Widespread Panic for all these years.

    This show came at the end of a week where WSP got nothing but bad publicity, from Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Silvers of Orange Beach, AL admonishing The Wharf for booking them on a holiday weekend due to the “floppiness” and unruly behavior of their fans, to a local news affiliate in Washington DC, discussing the rampant use of nitrous oxide outside of the concert only days before.

    Albeit, Spreadheads, as the die-hard WSP fans are commonly referred to do have a reputation for enjoying their booze and getting rowdy. I guess I’m going to have to go see WSP in the south if I want to encounter that type of behavior, because at the newly renovated Kings Theater in Flatbush, Brooklyn the fans seemed to be on their best behavior this Friday evening.

    • As I showed up to the venue there were no signs of a party taking place anywhere in sight. The crowd was adhering to the instructions of venue personnel and everyone was filling the theater in an orderly manner.
    • Walking inside the Kings Theater is like entering a palace, newly renovated and pristine. Dwarfing the antiquated look of the Beacon or the glamour of Carnegie Hall. It looked like a palace on the inside, not the type of place you would want 3,200 wasted and unruly Spreadheads.
    • Most people were coming from their jobs and seemed to be grabbing their first beer of the day just before showtime. Maybe I would see a different side of the crowd towards the end of the show, but at this point everyone was dressed nicely and seemed ready to enjoy some music.
    • The venue couldn’t have been more accommodating as everyone I came with, mostly WSP veterans, were able to spend the whole evening together, dead center, fifteen rows back from the stage. This was a good thing for me, I always had a little birdie to give me background on the song they were playing.
    • As the lights went down and the band took the stage, the energy that filled the room was reminiscent of what I normally experience at a Phish show, a band I have been seeing for over fifteen years.
    • Dave Schools lights his first cigarette of the night, take a few drags, and places it into an ashtray on top of his amp. They let you smoke in here? Only if you’re in the band I assume.
    • Second song in “Travelin Light” by J.J. Cale. Hey I know this song, and these guys really do it justice, while putting their own spin on it.
    • Jimmy Herring and Duane Trucks drive this band, they both have a commanding presence and seem to play off each other flawlessly. Wait, they’re not original members? What did these guys sound like before… They sound excellent now.
    • John Bell’s voice has that perfect amount of southern twang to remind you this is a southern rock band, but not too much where you think this is just a glorified country rock band. Allman Brothers-esque but completely different.
    • WOW! The Kings Theater has cup holders, I bet this is the classiest venue WSP has ever played. Friend whispers in ear “This is nothing, you have to see Widespread Panic in the south.”
    • Dave Schools lights another cigarette.
    • The energy in the crowd is growing with every passing tune, the collective smiles and bright eyes are evident of two things, people passed on the $14 beers for hallucinogens and WSP plays a consistently excellent rock show night in and night out, they seemed flawless, tight, and in tune with what the fans wanted.
    • Even the jams seem composed, short, and tight. Nothing like other bands that just take songs for a ride for twenty plus minutes into a far off territory, then bring it back to right where it started. They may just be more of a great rock band than a jam band.
    • Dave Schools lights another cigarette.
    • “Chilly Water” is a great song, if it were at a festival… outside… in the dead of summer… I bet the red-headed woman next to me would have loved the nearly full bottle of water dumped over her head by the wasted girl behind her. Unfortunately, we were inside, on a 30 something degree night in Brooklyn. She was offered a whiskey to compensate and even the empty water bottle to throw. The two blonde girls next to her almost started a cat fight, but cooler heads prevailed, “It’s just “Chilly Water”” a reasonable gentleman said. In my opinion this is a thousand time better than to be hit in the back of the head with glowsticks, my least favorite Phish tradition. Once again told “You want to see some shit thrown during “Chilly Water” go see WSP in the south…”
    • I hope this venue has a great system for smokers during setbreak, because I didn’t see one in the venue the entire first set. Shocker… They didn’t; trying to corral 3,000 tipsy WSP fans into a one in one out system to go outside to smoke almost incited a riot. Luckily they gave up on this policy rather quickly. Panic fans like to smoke as much as Dave Schools does.
    • Everyone is back in there places as set break comes to an end. Halfway to the finish line. Through first set have nothing but respect for the Spreadheads, seems like 30% of the crowd traveled from afar to see their favorite band. On another note, these guys rock and I am really enjoying everything about the show. The music, the venue, the crowd, even the drunk girl who dumped water on our heads, everything is working in perfect harmony.
    • Widespread Panic comes back on stage; Schools lights another cigarette. I probably wouldn’t be making such a big deal about it but, first off, he smokes a lot, second, I can’t believe the venue allows it, they just spent ninety-five million dollars renovating this place.
    • The band brings the energy from to start and gets the crowd right back into it.
    • Sly & The Family Stone’s “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” another song I know. Interesting I have been just as captivated by WSP’s originals that I have never heard before as with the cover’s I know every word too. This is usually a good sign, while most people get lost in all original music they are not familiar with.
    • Bell & Schools are amazing musicians and talented entertainers, but Herring and Trucks are powerhouses. The bring the type of musicianship that would propel any band to the next level.
    • This very large man behind us has obviously had too many, and may topple over at any moment. Fans politely move him out to the aisle and security walks him to the back. I’m beginning to think Mayor Silvers of Orange Beach has no clue what he is talking about.
    • “Up All Night” is an extremely catchy song, and got everyone involved in a sing a long from the first chord. Well everyone but me, but I faked it because I was having such a good time.
    • Another cover, and another song I know, Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns, and Money”. The song choice has been stellar up to this point, originals and covers alike.
    • During “Bust It Big” the band went into full on jam mode. Finally leaving the structure of a song completely behind and taking us to another realm, where still Herring & Trucks led the way.
    • Panic does an excellent job of keeping the energy level up, not a conscious person in the house was sitting deep into the second set.
    • “City Of Dreams” encore! I love this song, and Bell does a great job of singing it. One more stellar cover to close out the night.
    • Oops, I’m wrong, a little ZZ Top to close with “Waitin’ For The Bus” seems like an appropriate band for WSP to cover, given their shared southern roots.
    • Wrong again, one more ZZ Top tune to close out the night. “Jesus Just Left Chicago” had me singing at the top of my lungs only hearing Bells voice ringing out over my own.

    I had a fantastic time seeing Widespread Panic for the first time and have to wonder what took me so long. Maybe, if I saw them in a previous incarnation, with different band members, I would not of enjoyed them as much. I relate this experience to seeing an Elephant at the zoo, no matter how remarkable it is, it would obviously be better to see it in its natural habitat. I am hoping my next Widespread Panic experience can be south of the Mason-Dixon line, in their natural environment.

    Dave Schools lights another cigarette.
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