NYS Music 20​15

Category: Show Reviews

  • Space Jesus Touches Down at Slake

    At Slake on Friday, November 20, Space Jesus threw quite the party for the release of his brand new album, Close Encounters. The highly anticipated album drew a crowd that was teeming with energy.  Even the line waiting to get in was buzzing with electricity.  That element of infectious excitement seemed to flow through the whole evening to the very last beat.

    ThomasMcKenna_SpaceJesus_18

    The lineup was fire, with the ultra danceable sounds of producer/DJs Esseks, Brightside, and Soohan, the world debut of super far out rapper Pipus, and the staggering beat-boxing talents of the show’s host, Honeycomb. The venue was absolutely packed with fans who created a genuine family-like community.  The amount of smiles, fist bumps, hugs, and high fives going around engendered a feeling of old friends coming together to celebrate the new creations of their leader, Jasha Tull, better known to them as Space Jesus.

    By the time Tull took the stage everyone was in full party mode and surrendered to his presence as he completely took over.  The performance was visually captivating with an absolutely stunning light show (by Drew Suto of Dutch Masterson Design) filled with the juiciest neon and primary colors.  The whole stage was packed with raging fans and friends.  Up high there were cages filled with gorgeous women moving effortlessly to every sounds pouring off the stage as smoke and screams of euphoria filled the air and the warm buzz of powerful bass passed through every being present.

    “Close Encounters” has a heavy hip hop influence, which has been evident in his earlier albums but perhaps not quite to this extent.  With a span of diverse multicultural genre samples and at times a haunting, almost eerie feel the record displays lyrics with raw truth, beats with just the right amount of sex appeal, and bass that won’t quit.  His entire performance was undeniably evocative and left everyone in the room satisfied and dripping with sweat.  The future seems bright for this up and coming artist.  Or in the words of the DJ himself, “everything’s cake.”  Killer party, Space Jesus. Can’t wait till the next one.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’540′]

  • July Talk Comes Back Around to Town Ballroom

    DSC_3124-2It was a chilly night in Buffalo When July talk came to town this past Saturday; but Canadian locals are used to the harsh temperatures. They came in full force with an incredible lineup. July Talk is not a stranger to Buffalo.

    We were graced with their presence Edgefest at the outer harbor this past September. It’s safe to say that July Talk has one of the most unique forms of stage presence that I have ever seen: full of jokes, hair pulling, screaming, climbing, general insanity, and some…suggestive gestures.

    Fay’s composed confidence and subtle playfulness on stage created an interesting juxtaposition to Dreimanis’ jerky, energetic movements and the two combined formed a balanced and exciting performance that only July Talk could deliver. Right off the bat, the on stage chemistry between lead singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay grabbed attention and refused to simmer down throughout the whole set. Aside from all the joking and mischief, every song was expertly delivered and professionally performed. The show rocked hard and loud, the contrast between Peter Dreimanis’ growling vocals and the delicate poppy sounds of Leah Fay worked together to perfectly propel the message of the songs forward.

    Opening up for July Talk was San Diego’s bluesy rock band Little Hurricane. band was well received and garnered great responses to songs like “Trouble Ahead” “Shortbread” and “Haunted Heart” the duo’s rich sound emanated all along Town Ballroom and making for a nice way to warm up and drink before the nights headliner.

    The openers of the night were part of two Cow garage but solo acts. It was not expressed as to why the whole band was not there. The openers had acoustic sets and the songs were witty and related to everyday life and events. This drew in the audience from the beginning. They were solid openers and I`d love to see them again as a whole band collectively.

  • Brooklyn Funk: Vulfpeck Shines in Debut New York Performance

    On a night where the company was only surpassed by the music, Vulfpeck performed their highly anticipated Brooklyn Bowl debut in New York. Following the final night of Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s three-night run, the smooth funk group from Michigan was the perfect late night show. Dancing across the lanes never felt so good.

    vulfpeckA happy four piece with a variety of guests joining throughout the night. Vulfpeck is energetic and they lay down a sensual brand of funk, and were clearly excited to be in New York. Playing to a sold out crowd that demanded a second show be added for Monday, November 23 at Brooklyn Bowl, Vulfpeck joins The New Mastersounds, Kung Fu, Lettuce and Marco Benevento, ushering in the next era of in demand funk bands. Mister F has impressively covered them on multiple occasions, and the word is starting to get out. Guitarist and drummer Theo Katzman, nodding to the band’s late arrival to the stage, suggested starting “a movement to encourage starting on time,” but none in the audience were complaining. Katzman gave shout outs to Lenox Hill Hospital and Bellmore, Long Island, marking a homecoming performance for the multi-instrumentalist.

    The attentive crowd anticipated the funk throughout the night, Charles Jones joined Vulfpeck on keys and smooth ’70s style vocals. A promising instrumental cover of Cheryl Lynn’s “To Be Real” was accented by the Bowl’s disco ball. When the band broke into “1612”, the crowd sang the “Frank Sinatra” line like they’d be seeing them for years.

    Moving around on stage and switching instruments, with two keyboardists at times, added a degree of difficulty not seen by many acts. Antwaun Stanley sang at key points of the set, adding soul to “Funky Duck” and “1612” among many more. For their first Brooklyn Bowl show, the venue was full, the audience fulfilled and Vulfpeck delivered.
    [FinalTilesGallery id=’538′]

  • Chris Robinson Brotherhood Closes 3-Night Run at Brooklyn Bowl

    Upon taking the stage, Brotherhood bandleader Chris Robinson clearly felt at home beginning the final show of his band’s three-night stint at Brooklyn Bowl, inquiring of the venue’s bowler-patrons, “How’s your game tonight?” The casual confidence of this still-young band comprised of veterans was evident in their choice of “Taking Care of Business” as opener.

    CRB

    Heads bobbed to a few tightly delivered bluesy numbers, with keyboardist Adam MacDougall’s trippy pitch-bent Mini-Moog often carrying the melody and helping to define the group’s signature sound. The ensemble’s musical versatility revealed itself in stages, with bassist Mark Dutton laying down a juicy, rolling bassline to start “The Music’s Hot,” which also featured soloing from guitarist Neal Casal reminiscent of Little Feat. The energy reached a new plateau mid-set with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Down In The Flood” as large portions of the crowd began to let loose and dance. Dutton, looking serene and often nearly motionless at far stage-left, was locked in as he consistently delivered basslines that were generally big and deep, dropping heavy notes like anchors dead on the beat. “I’m A Hog For You” was the only tune of the night to feature Robinson on harmonica and left the crowd simmering as it ended the first set.

    The second set began with the band providing lyrical mantras celebrating Saturday night and having a good time. The playing throughout was freer and more varied. In its instrumental improvisations, the band modulated between cerebral and spacious textures, often dominated by MacDougall, and energetic rollicking rock-outs, typically led by Casal. More than a few audience members perked up when the Los Angeles-based band busted out their cover of the Grateful Dead’s “West L.A. Fadeaway.” Another highlight was disco-jammer “I Ain’t Hiding,” the second Black Crowes song to appear during the evening. Acoustic instruments appeared for the two-song encore, culminating with a beautiful delivery of Dylan’s “Girl From The North Country”.

    Despite having three records to their name, Chris Robinson Brotherhood relied on only three tunes from last year’s Phosphorescent Harvest on this particular night, fleshing out the show with their interpretations of numerous classics. If you want old fashioned psych-blues rock and roll played with authority, CRB are among the best doing it in 2015.

    Setlist:
    Set 1: Taking Care of Business, Jump the Turnstiles, The Music’s Hot, Oak Apple Day, Down in the Flood, Little Lizzie Mae, Like a Tumbleweed in Eden, I’m A Hog For You

    Set 2: Saturday Night in Oak Grove, Louisiana, Ain’t It Hard But Fair, Shore Power, Clear Blue Sky & The Good Doctor, West L.A. Fadeaway, Tough Mama, I Ain’t Hiding, Got Love If You Want It

    Encore: Betty & Dupree, Girl From the North Country

  • Photo Gallery: Assembly of Dust at Stage One, Fairfield, CT

    Assembly of Dust kicked off their pre-Thanksgiving run with a sold out show in Fairfield, CT at Stage One. Opening this evening was Dave Diamond Band. Assembly of Dust performs Saturday, November 21 at Flour City Station in Rochester and Sunday, November 22 at The Waiting Room in Buffalo.

    Set 1: Fountain, Avenue of Giants, Weehawkin Ferry, Paul Henry, Vaulted Sky, Myth of Mine, Bus Driver, Arkansas Traveler, Mama
    Set 2: Valhalla, Sideways Train, Edges, Lost and Amazed, Second Song, Burned Down, Honest Hour, Stone Choir
    Encore: Straight, Bootleggers Advice

    Assembly of Dust Stage One

  • Bearsville Bluegrass with Yonder Mountain and Henhouse Prowlers

    Getting off I-87 and heading on Route 212 towards Woodstock, you pass by a road sign that says ‘Veteran.’ On each trip to Woodstock towards Bearsville, NY, the sign never held any significance to me, but being Veteran’s Day, and heading to see some purely American music – bluegrass from Yonder Mountain String Band and Henhouse Prowlers – it brought a knowing smile to my face, and likely to those of other travelers headed to Bearsville Theater this evening.

    yonder mountain henhouse prowlers
    Yonder Mountain String Band

    Henhouse Prowlers, a five piece bluegrass outfit from Chicago were a well-received opener tonight, channeling Bill Monroe’s classic sound and spreading their music beyond our nation’s borders. There were original traditional numbers, such as Fool’s Carnival Song, with thoughtful lyrics and well-rounded between the five band members. What was truly intriguing this evening was learning that Henhouse Prowlers make a number of international tours through the State Department, bringing American Bluegrass to Africa (three tours so far), Russia, and soon Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Bringing back a little African music, they performed the Nigerian song “Chop my Money”, and as one would suspect, a lively tune, “Dancing Cures All.” The set ended with Todd Livingston’s dobro playing highlighted on the finale, a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire.”

    Yonder Mountain’s set opened with “Sideshow Blues” and a cover of Smokey Robinson’s
    “I Second That Emotion” fit inside, with Jacob Joliff’s mandolin playing standing out among his bandmates, despite not overshadowing the others as the strings were rapidly strummed. “Things You’re Selling,” about televangelists, stood out in a lively set, as did “C’est La Vie”, featuring Allie Kral on vocals. Yonder brought up Todd Livingston and Dan Andree from Henhouse Prowlers for a stellar extended jam on “Angel” and a segue into the classic Grateful Dead tune, “Shakedown Street.” The second set was highlighted by covers of Son Volt’s “Drown,” and The Rolling Stones’ “Torn and Frayed,”, with originals “Looking Back Over my Shoulder” and “Sidewalk Stars” closing out the night.

    Watch a performance of “Black Sheep” and “Insult and an Elbow” with a Q&A from Radio Woodstock, recorded earlier that day.

    Set 1: Sideshow Blues > I Second That Emotion > Sideshow Blues, I’m Not Saying, Up For Brinkley’s, A Father’s Arms, Things You’re Selling, C’est La Vie, Angel* > Shakedown Street*

    Set 2: Around You> Nothing But A Breeze > Drown, Walking Shoes^, Leavin’^, Torn And Frayed, My Gal, Night Out, All Aboard > Looking Back Over My Shoulder > Sidewalk Stars 

    Encore: Dominated Love Slave

    *Todd Livingston on dobro & Dan Andree on fiddle
    ^Aaron Dorfman on guitar & Ben Wright on banjo

  • Darius Rucker Wheels Into New York and Brings The Party to Syracuse & Albany

    Ever since having the opportunity to interview Darius Rucker for NYS Music, I was anxiously awaiting Darius’s arrival in New York as a little kid would be awaiting Christmas morning. His genuine easy going manner during his interview was only a mere foreshadowing of how dynamic this entertainer was.  Raising the roof at the Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse and the Times Union Center in Albany, he played to the crowd like a pro athlete. How could he not with the hat trick he had in store for us?  The evenings lineup was definitely stacked to ensure winning performances as newcomers Cam and David Nail got the house a rockin’ before Darius came in to score the final winning goal.

    Cam - DSC_2944 copyOpening the evening was newcomer Cam. Hailing from California, this dynamic young lady has made her mark in country music in a huge way. Catching the attention of this journalist with her recent release of Burning House, she has been on my radar from the moment I heard her unique sound, her deep lyrics, and melodic voice. She’s fresh and energizing and took the stage like a ball of fire bouncing around delivering a set that didn’t disappoint. I urge you to remember her name as she will soon be head lining and selling out arenas all by herself as a top entertainer in the business. No tomato here.

    Next up was David Nail. Nail’s persona was a bit more subdued, however don’t let his quiet demeanor hinder his ability to wow you. The moment he opens his mouth this strong sultry country crooner melts your heart and mesmerizes you. Singing his hits “Whatever She’s Got,” “Let It Rain,” and “Kiss You Tonight,” Nail nailed it.

    David Nail - DSC_3103 copy

    As Darius took to the stage, his opening number was a celebration of lights and a bit reminiscent of Elvis’ “A Little Less Conversation,” minus the scaffolding. He continued on that momentum and revved it up a bit more playing all of his country hits while interspersing bits and pieces from not only his Hootie & The Blowfish catalog but also other favorite covers from the Black Crowes to Blackstreet.  Have to say, my favorite ditty of the evening, hands down was “No Diggity.”

    Darius Rucker - DSC_3380 copyDarius has a way of connecting with his audience because he leaves it all out there on the stage.  His comedic manner of asking people to stop taking photos of him when he comes over to sing to them, gave us a glimpse of his sense of humor. And just for the record, the man had groove. He could move it and didn’t have a problem shaking it while he sang.  His no holding back continued throughout the evening as he shares intimate bits and pieces of inspirational moments that brought him to music; personal peeks into his life featuring video footage of his wife and children, and he ultimately shared moments of his true inspiration, his mother.  It’s this sharing and connection that makes you feel as though you are a personal friend, and what makes Rucker a true country superstar.

    My favorite moment of the night was the encore. As Darius and fellow bandmates returned to the stage for the encore, he shared with the crowd what he coined as “the most honest song he ever wrote,” “So I Sang.”  The only song that could possibly have topped that in my book was his cover of Old Crowe Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel” which has become a signature song and which closed out the night.

    It was truly a pleasure welcoming Darius Rucker back to the New York region in Syracuse and Albany.  This Charlestonian demonstrates what I love most about him and all those I’ve ever met in Charleston, the hospitality they extend, their pride they take in all things family, tradition, and culture, and their honesty in what’s important in life amidst a culture so full of technology, hustle, and bustle.  It’s Darius’s music that makes you stop and take notice of all those things around us that are matters.  That’s his Southern Style, up front and personal.

  • Gwar Killed the Internet at the Town Ballroom

    DSC_2154Nobody could hide from the blood and spew Saturday night in Buffalo at the Town Ballroom with GWAR in town. The band brought their best show I have seen to date. Celebrating their 30th year together, the band was sans Vulvatron. She lasted a short but memorable time. Fans were thrilled to see how their costumes and theatrics have improved over last year. In particular, Blothar has fleshed out his costume more elaborately with penis udders and embellishments. The narrative for this Gwar show revolved around “Killing the Internet,” and the screens behind them projected cute kitty photos and other appropriate images. Things started with two rappers in rubber monster costumes of course; playing a terrible indescribable song.

    There were some moments of genuine humor — Blothar mentioned a website that ‘My friend Jared from Subway told me about.’ That led to a spirited version of “Baby Raper” complete with the props that you’d expect. Some had to turn and walk away because they couldn’t handle it. Special guest’s appeared such as Hilary Clinton and Kanye West, who were shortly killed after entering the stage. The show climaxed with the dismembering of the giant internet troll. The ending speech was that we should put our phones down and interact with one another face to face.

    DSC_2339 - CopyBattlecross, also on the bill, is a thrash band from Detroit. Their performance was hard to match. They had so much energy on stage, they kept fans entranced throughout the night. They seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. Playing a handful of songs from their new LP Rise to Power including “Not Your Slave,” “Absence” and “Bound by Fear.” Their set really whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

    Battlecross have produced three full length albums and tour constantly. They are forever loved in Buffalo and appear frequently there.

    Armageddon opened the night. They had replaced Born of Osiris due to an injury. This whole band was under the age of 21. Turns out they are a local band, I feel they could have found someone a little more experienced on such short notice. The guys really did give everything they had on stage that night. This was their biggest show to date and they didn’t let their nerves get the best of them.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’524′]

  • Photo Gallery: Dead and Company keep Truckin’ on through Buffalo

    Dead and Company came to the First Niagara Center in Buffalo on Wednesday November 11, 2015. The band, which includes three of four founding members of The Grateful Dead and Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti and most notably John Mayer. Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir were on top of their game and the chemistry that was ignited really created a great experience. There is no doubt that John Mayer brings something incredible to the table and the reviews couldn’t be more accurate. Mayer continues to turn heads. If Dead and Company does continue to tour, John Mayer better be a part of the cast.

    dead and company buffalo

    Set 1: Promised Land, New Minglewood Blues, Bertha, Here Comes Sunshine, El Paso, Althea, U.S. Blues
     
    Set 2: Viola Lee Blues > Wang Dang Doodle > Viola Lee Blues > New Speedway Boogie > Truckin’ > Dark Star >
    Drums > Space > Dark Star > China Doll > Sugar Magnolia
     
    Encore: Casey Jones

  • Dopapod Delivers Sinister Performance in the Town of Peace and Love

    On a chilly Saturday, November 14, Dopapod played in the town of peace and love, Woodstock, for the first time. The small town was the stomping ground of music greats like Bob Dylan and The Band along with countless like-minded individuals who still call this town home.

    Nestled between the pines about one minute outside of Woodstock is The Bearsville Theater. Visitors make themselves comfortable around a fire at the Bear Café next door. Excited fans have a craft beer and a smoke on the back porch overlooking Sawkill Creek. The building’s interior resembles a lodge: dimly lit, cozy and welcoming.

    dopapod peaceAs easy as it is to completely relax, The Nth Power begin to play and immediately energize the entire venue. A mix of funk, soul, rock, R&B and gospel, the group also blends a world beat into their unique and sexy tunes. Although only having formed a few years ago at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, this band – which happens to feature drummer Nikki Glaspie, (Dumpstaphunk, Beyoncé) – could easily become the next Lettuce.

    Before they even appear on stage, eerie and ominous sounds echo throughout the dark room foreshadowing what will end up being two largely prog rock heavy Dopapod sets.

    Drummer Scotty Zwang appears to be his element at times, even given a literal spotlight, as one enthusiastic fan up front yells, “You’re the best drummer ever!” Guitarist Rob Compa’s fingers move as fast as a sewing machine and perfects even the most technical progressions. While often known for his sense of humor, Chuck Jones is all business providing a low and strong foundation on the bass. Eli Winderman offers extended synthesized key solos that deliver Dopapod’s often alien-like hums.

    A quick glance around the room finds fists in the air and even some head banging. “Psycho Nature” embodies the quasi-metal sound Dopapod has perfected while “Sleeping Giant” provides another welcomed opportunity for vocals, even a breath from the intensity of the preceding songs.

    Dopapod closes their second set with a haunting and powerful “Freight Train.” After the brief but obligatory fake-out, they return for an encore of AC/DC’s “TNT.” It is the first and only break from their overall stern demeanor on this night.  Finally, to the delight of the loyal ‘Dopafam,’ they end with a satisfying “Bubble Brain.”

    Dopapod’s first time playing The Bearsville Theater was sinister, energetic and intense – a stark, but welcomed contrast to the colorful tie-dye soaked village of Woodstock.

    Set 1: Flipped, Priorities, Bluetooth, Upside, Weedie > Bahbi, Off the Cuff

    Set 2: Vol. 3 #86 > Psycho Nature, Sleeping Giant > Piazole > Nuggy Jawson > Job > Freight Train

    Encore: TNT, Bubble Brain