Scotty McCreery was only 17-years-old when he won the 10th season on American Idol in 2011. Perhaps this young man was new to those just seeing him for the first time, however Scotty had spent most of his life singing and playing and preparing for his moment on that stage.
Growing up in North Carolina, Scotty McCreery at the age of 5-years-old received a book from his grandmother about Elvis, and from that point on, he knew what he wanted to do. He began learning guitar immediately thereafter and throughout his school years participated in chorus and plays, as well as sang at his local church. No stranger to the stage, this young man competed in several contests throughout his teenage years, and participated in numerous benefit concerts raising money for different causes.
This young man is not only extremely talented, he is very well grounded. With his family and his faith supporting him, he has continued to pursue his dream of music while attending the North Carolina State University. This ACM, American Country Music, and CMT Award winning artist continues to grow musically, while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
As the show at Turning Stone Casino began, I was in visual heaven as they had one outstanding video show playing in the background. As audibly appealing as each song was to me that Scotty sang, the visual effects behind him was the cherry on top for me. The timing of videography matched perfectly with his music and choreography. This was an extremely well put together production and showcased his talents perfectly.
Scotty McCreery – Turning Stone Casino Showroom
Looking around me I couldn’t help but take in the diversity of the crowd that evening. There was every generation there from young girls reaching and screaming out as though they were at Beatle mania, to their grandmothers who sang along with every song. It was crystal clear that this country crooner appealed to the masses. Whether it was an upbeat tempo, a dedication to those who we have lost serving our country, or belting out a mashup of some of country music greats: “King of The Road” by Roger Miller, “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard, “White Lightning” by George Jones, and “Mountain Music”, by Alabama. His music spanned generations and showcased his voice impeccably. All in all, this was one amazing show, and I see great things on the horizon for this artist. Already with three albums already under belt, fans can look forward to a fourth he’s currently working on that is expected by years end.
Touring this summer with Rascal Flatts on their RIOT TOUR 2015, catch him as he will be back to New York August 29, 2015 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.darienlake.com/concerts/ for this and many other upcoming LiveNation concerts.
Waking up to the news that our favorite country music venue in Syracuse, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, located in Destiny USA mall in Syracuse, packed up and moved out under a cloud of darkness was sad news for sure.
Parmalee – Toby Keith’s Syracuse
Covering the show Thursday night with Parmalee, I noticed nothing out of the ordinary, as the venue was packed to the gills to enjoy one of country music’s favorite groups. Wait staff was busily serving drinks and meals while patrons crowded the stage ready to party. Then again last night, country music star Chris Cagle was in town to perform to yet another packed bar. NYSMusic staff present covering the show were scooted out upon completion, raising red flags, while ladders littered the venue as signed guitars and memorabilia were beginning to be taken off the walls.
Chris Cagle – Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill 5/16/15
Opening in 2013, the national chain who is named after one of country music’s legends, welcomed several national acts each month while featuring local country music artists throughout the years. Rumors of financial difficulties here and nationwide swirled around the venue. However, after the business caught up on local taxes last year, patrons thought those issues were behind them.
Although it’s named after country music’s Toby Keith, other than his name the country music star has no interest in the chain. Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill was truly one we “loved” to work with, and it will be surely missed by all. We raise our red solo cups to a great run and bid farewell to one of our favorite venues.
UPDATE:
After a few days of letting the news sink in, I couldn’t help but feel that there was so much more to be said about the clandestine closing of Toby Keith’s over the weekend. NYSMusic.com worked closely with the corporate office over the course of the last year so I wanted to reach out to get their side of the story.
John Thomas, Vice President of Marketing for Boomtown Entertainment, parent company to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill’s graciously spoke with me today regarding the closing. He explained that it was a financial decision surrounded by tense relations with Destiny USA. Assuring me that all questions about past due taxes had been taken care of, he was confident in stating that through litigation all questions will be answered and patrons will understand the decision more so at that time.
I asked him, why so secretive? Why not tell patrons and let them celebrate by raising a red solo cup at a farewell party? He stated that after eight years in the business, there really is never an easy way of doing this. I can see this point of view. If Toby’s announced, there would be backlash, if they didn’t announce, there would be backlash. Either way it’s a no win situation for all involved. John Thomas took this particular closing difficult as he had spent several years up in our area (Rochester) in radio programming, so this location was one he had a personal interest in seeing succeed. The market itself was very receptive, and the shows and crowds outstanding. In fact they had some amazing shows lined up for the remainder of the year for this location, so the closing of the location was not a decision they took lightly when making their decision.
John Thomas asked me to please relay this message to all that frequented the establishment. “It’s a sad day. We are upset that we’ve had to cease operations in Syracuse. We thank everyone in Upstate and Central NY, all of guests, patrons, staff, musicians, country music lovers, and our partner B104.7. It’s an unfortunately situation that we had to make that business decision, but we felt it was in our best interest, and we hope to announce something new in the near future.”
Leaving me wondering what that “something new in the near future” would be, I truly will miss the great times and good music I shared with my readers from Toby’s, and hold out hope that soon a new country music venue to will come to town that I once again can bring my readers all the latest and greatest from Nashville.
With their second album Hollerindue out this summer, Eastbound Jesus has released exclusively with NYSMusic the second track off the album. We love where this album is headed…
Today’s Nashville is quickly becoming a mecca for artists of all genres. No longer is country and bluegrass music the only sounds coming from the recording studios in music city. With cross over artists writing, singing, and performing unique blends of country, bluegrass, rock, pop, R&B, reggae, and jazz melodies, we are trending towards a new millennium of country music. Kacey Musgraves is my kind of different good.
Personal preference makes me tend to gravitate towards unique artists that shine a little differently than the rest. There’s something alluring about those artists that go against the grain and march to the beat of their own drum. Different has always been better to me. While all the other artists are swimming downstream singing of solo cups and dirt roads, however catchy it is, it’s becoming boring. And before you all get your knickers in a twist, I’m a country gal and that was no slight towards solo cups and dirt roads. Heck, I’m as country as a gal can get growing up in southern Illinois and Murfreesboro, TN. I have been known to drink from a red solo cup on the tailgate of a pickup, out on some ole dirt road in cut off shorts and a flannel shirt tied at the middle. I am the definition of country. Subject matter is not the issue.
Kacey Musgraves – MVCC Jorgensen Athletic Center
Hailing from Golden, Texas, this lovely young lady demonstrates a quiet strength to me. Listening to the words of “Follow Your Arrow” and “Biscuits”, and “The Trailer Song”, it became crystal clear that Kacey tells it like it is. She paints you a mental image with the music. She sings of being your own person, makes no excuses for who she is, and definitely puts it straight to those who feel it’s their business to butt their noses in where they don’t belong. From the moment I heard the first line few lines of The Trailer Song, I knew I liked her. “You say that you’re watching the birds out your window, I’ve got a bird you can watch”. It’s her no-nonsense straight forward lyrics, combined with the twangy sound of classic country, that makes this new age young lady one of my all time favorites.
Opening for Kacey were John & Jacob, a unique band fronted by John Davidson and Jacob Bryan, with Jake Thrasher, Trevor Davis, and Austin Smith rounding out this dynamic group of young men. Bringing their own unique style to the stage I was pleasantly surprised with their catchy early 60’s suited look reminiscent of The Hollies or early Fab Four. Mix in a bit of their rocking Buddy Holly style of upbeat late 60’s rock, add a splash of backwoods country spice and you have John and Jacob. I was literally giddy when they began playing.
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As Kacey took the stage, this gal definitely walks her own walk and talks her own talk. With a sound of country mixed with a bit of 60’s rock, this young lady writes and sings of life as she knows it from her small town roots in the trailer park to the great big world as she travels. Surrounded on stage by neon cacti and one of Nashville’s premier bands clad in classic country rhinestone suits, she lights up her band and the stage in such a way she makes trailers and neon lights classy. Coming off the heals of controversy, Kacey sang Little Big Town’s new controversial song “Girl Crush” and nailed it, and her rendition of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” was one of my favorites of the evening.
This CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award winning artist has just begun to make her mark in country music, and as long as she continues to shoot her own arrow, she’s hit the mark for me and without a doubt this young lady will be a name that goes down in the history books.
On Thursday, May 14, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill will be welcoming one of country music’s hottest new groups, Parmalee, to their Syracuse location. Just off of the stage at 2015’s Stagecoach Festival, Parmalee will return to upstate New York to bring the rocking country music party to Central New York.
Parmalee – Stagecoach 2015 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Stagecoach)
Touring now with their debut album with Stoney Creek Records, Feels Like Carolina, and just finishing up a sound check at the Stagecoach Festival, Matt Thomas took a moment to say hi to NYSMusic.com readers and talk with me about the journey, and what it means to the group to be so loved by fans.
Kathy Stockbridge (KS): Hi Matt, so nice to speak with you. You guys have a huge following up here in Central NY and we are so excited to welcome you to Toby Keith’s in Syracuse.
Matt Thomas (MT): We can’t wait! It’s always fun up there seeing the crowds and all.
KS: Every band has a story on how they’ve made their way in the music business. Yours has been rather exciting along the way. Starting from the beginning, you hail from a small two-light-town in North Carolina where I read that when you guys practiced, the town was so small everyone knew it and you would have to end practices by 11pm.
MT: Yeah, everybody like us had to get up and go to work so we’d make sure we’d stop by 11pm.
KS: Now growing up in a musical family did your father and mother encourage your musical education?
MT: Oh yeah. I played with my dad in his band growing up. He was the kind of guy you always looked up to, and my mom played piano at church. They were always encouraging to us to play.
Photo Credit Unknown
KS: And when you were younger, what kinda places did you play? What was it like to finally get that moment up on stage?
MT: We would play anywhere anyone would have ya. That was the deal. We played back porches, trailers, private parties until we could get to where we could play the clubs. People would hire ya but pretty much starting out on the back porches though.
KS: Then your cousin, Barry, and friend, Josh, joined in. Were they with you both during those garage band days and joining your father on stage?
MT: Yeah, we were going out there doing what we could to get our name out there. You kinda just play for people that’ll have ya, then you start getting paid for it..and you move on up from there…take gigs and start writing music and I think most people start off like that in little hole in the wall places.
KS: Have you always been country, blues, and rock or did the sound you have today kinda evolve into your distinctive sound as you guys played together more?
MT: That’s what we were all brought up on, and we were influenced by everything. But that was the first stuff we heard; the country, soul, blues, sound while we were growing up. There’s a lot of stuff I love though, we listened to everything. Being a guitar player I was influenced by the great guitar players Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, and all those guys. Classic guitar players; I listened to a lot of those guys to learn how to play.
KS: Yeah, Stevie Ray Vaughn, that’s one musician I would have loved to see play. What an amazing musician.
MT: Yeah, me too.
KS: You’ve had a tumultuous time getting your music out there. Many artists take on a long and winding road trip, but your road was way bumpier than most. Take us on a road trip leaving Parmale, NC and tell us where it took ya
MT: Being based out of Parmale, we played regionally as much as we could. We played a lot up and down the east coast over the years tying to catch on and developing a fan base. Did a lot of shows up in New York. We never had an opportunity to play out west at all until we got signed and put out our first single to country radio. We never really had the chance till then to tour the country. Thankful for that hit that allowed us to go everywhere. We just took all the opportunities that we could at that time trying to make something happen. But mostly the southeast region where we would just burn it up. It was our top market. A lot of times we would play the weekends because we were working all week too. So we would only play three nights a week for a long time.
KS: While out on the road playing gigs, a horrible event occurred when two men decided to rob you one night after a gig at gunpoint. Briefly tell our readers that may no know the story, what happened that evening.
MT: We played a show and as we were leaving two guys tried to rob us by basically pulling us into our RV and wanting cash money. They fired on us, and Scott who has a license to carry, returned fire and we had a gun fight in the RV. Scott was shot three times and spent 40 days in the hospital . It was a bad deal. But we came out of it, and four months later we did our showcase for Broken Bow Records which got us our record deal.
KS: I read how your fans and the music community rallied around you and were very supportive. What did that mean to you guys?
MT: Oh it was great. We realized that we had connected with people on another level and that we meant something to them so much that they would get together and help us out. It was awesome. They helped pay for all our medical expenses, daily expenses, and really helped get us back on our feet. It was pretty awesome.
KS: Now that you have those dark times behind you share some highlights with our readers.
MT: We’ve been able to travel the country, number one single, and we’ve had four top 40 singles now, two are top five. It’s been great being able to achieve our life long dreams out here. Then there’s those cool things like traveling the country and going to the awards shows, just being a part of the whole experience.
KS: Well I’m so happy for you guys, and yes, talk to me a little about the ACM’s you attended.
MT: Oh my it was amazing, it was the biggest show. It was unbelievable how many people who were inside that arena, it was crazy. It was a spectacle to see, was great seeing all the other artists play and hang out…was such fun walking the red carpet. We had some good times.
KS: You excited about Stagecoach this weekend? Is this your first time performing there?
MT: Oh yeah, that’s gonna be off the hook. We actually just got done with our sound check. We’ve been wanting to get out here the last few years, and it just worked out that. But it’s going to be great.
KS: I will be front row watching you guys this weekend on AXS.TV. Where else will we see you guys at this year?
MT: Oh we’re playing all over the place this year…fans can just check out our schedule online. It’s hard to keep the schedule in our heads.
KS: It must be so hard on your guys trying to keep your bearings at where you ‘re at all the time as your touring everywhere. You guys are really fan oriented. I notice you are constantly retweeting and scheduling YouTube chats with fans. I think that’s amazing how you do that. How do you fit it all in?
MT: We make sure we put it on our schedule. We have a media team that helps too.
KS: It’s so good to have people. Well at each interview I try to give the fans an insight into the personalities of their favorite musicians with a social speed round…mind playing along?
MT: Yeah sure.
KS: You’re on the road…you’re super hungry…you see this and you make the bus pull off every times!!!
MT:Chick-fil-A
KS: You all get a day off and decide to go to the movies. The town you’re in is so small that I only has a Dairy Queen and movie theater that plays previously released movies. After discussion ensues..you all decide on a) National Lampoons European Vacation b)Godfather c)Die Hard or d)The Notebook
MT:National Lampoons European Vacation
KS: What’s on your playlist right now?
MT: I like to listen to Pandora so my playlists have the Frank Sinatra Radio on, Today’s Top Hits, Country, just about everything.
KS: ____________reminds me of home
MT:Smell of pine trees
KS: As a writer I need to describe each of you in one word only…What one word/adjective describes… Matt:Scatterbrained Scott:Neat Barry:Messy Josh:Prompt
As we completed our conversation I couldn’t help but be in awe of their determination and drive to achieve what they loved, music. I could totally relate to the working the 9 to 5 job to support their passion of music. By traveling countless hours, playing anywhere they could get an audience, these four men only had one goal in mind, reaching the country music fans worldwide and living their dreams. So happy to see that although a bumpy road, they’ve finally found the path that brings them to all country fans.
Hope to see everyone May 14, at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, at Destiny in Syracuse.
During a week of seeing music both new and old, I opted for something Ole, specifically Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum, performing at the Lewis A. Swyer Theater at The Egg Performing Arts Center. Not being too deep into country music (short of Johnny Cash and his peers) Hal Ketchum is a new name to me, but the voice was familiar from the few songs I listened to beforehand, retaining a Warren Haynes solo quality to his seated performance.
Hal Ketchum – The Egg
Forget the pop country that has ruined the genre for the past 20 years – this was the real deal, with a Texas twang from a local boy – Ketchum grew up in Greenwich, NY, a short drive north from Albany. The mighty fine Kenny Grimes accompanied Ketchum and provided the lead for a variety of old-country tunes. “The Continental” was a hilarious song based on the “Saturday Night Live” skit featuring Christopher Walken, explained by Ketchum with a story before the song, as he did nearly all songs this evening.
This was soft country at its finest, but at times the tempo picked up to a good foot tapping and head bobbing and that was the only workout the audience was getting tonight. “Small Town Saturday Night” was one of these songs, a pure American song through and through, full of twang and Mellencamp lyrics and guitar. Meanwhile a chatty crowd began to throw song titles out to him left and right, and while his setlist addressed some of these requests he was clearly growing frustrated, chiding the crowd with “What am I, a jukebox?” He shook his head and an audience member said “Play what you want!” with a bit of applause in favor. “Chickadee” was dedicated to his five grandchildren, and “Mama Knows the Highway” was played despite not being practiced, but came off perfect. Hal said afterwards, “Good country music will never steer you wrong.”
Hal Ketchum – The Egg
The encore, “Trail of Tears” was a sad song to end the night on, but Hal wasn’t looking to go out on a high note. He had played a wide range of songs and appeased some of the audience’s requests while giving a long-awaited performance at The Egg.
With the show at The Egg ending by 9:15 PM, I made my way down to Parish Public House to catch Dangermuffin, a South Carolina jamgrass band that I have waited a long time to see. Local band Hawbuckees opened the quiet night on Broadway, while Dangermuffin gave a set alternating between covers and originals with mild bluegrass and reggae jamming throughout. Nothing too adventurous, Dangermuffin worked through “Quinn the Eskimo”, “Franklin’s Tower”, Seal’s “Crazy” and a combo of Harry Belafonte’s “Jump in the Line>Iko Iko”, all of which had good jams in the outros. What was most surprising was the lack of a bass guitar, but you would never know it due to guitarist Dan Lotti doing something to produce the bass sound, something you have to see live to believe. An acoustic set in front of the stage with upright bass and acoustic guitars featured the original “Banjo Love” followed by the bluegrass staple “Midnight Moonlight”. Dangermuffin was a perfect musical compliment to Hal Ketchum and drew Day five of this Music Marathon to a close.
Guthrie Bell Productions and WEQX 102.7 just announced a new music series called “Howling on the Hudson” taking place this summer on the Dutch Apple Cruise Ship. The first round of bands features Eastbound Jesus, Conehead Buddha and Gubbulidis (Twiddle Duo). The series will feature six shows taking place on Tuesday nights. The Dutch Apple Cruise Ship is an ideal venue with three floors, both indoor and outdoor, offering a beautiful scenic view, a full bar and plenty of dance space. The ship boards at 6:30 PM in downtown Albany and departs promptly at 7, returning to dock at 10. Tickets are 22.00 in advance (Available May 1) and 25.00 at the door.
The Capital District is infamous for the weekly music events such as Rockin on the River in Troy and Albany’s Alive at Five. Here’s hoping this becomes a yearly tradition.
What can be better than seeing two of Syracuse’s favorite bands, Castle Creek and Country Swagg? Just follow them up with country’s newest favorite bad boy, Tyler Farr, and you’ve got one hell of a rocking show.
Opening the show this evening was Sammy Award winners Castle Creek, whose soulful rock sound reverberated throughout the venue as they played both original music and covers. Their cover of the Beatles “Come Together” mashed up with Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in The Wall” was hands down one of the best covers I have ever heard! Having seen both Kim Monroe and Chris Eves play once before at a local festival, I looked forward to once again catching their set and congratulating them on their new award.. Blown away yet again, I sat there trying to pinpoint a reference of sorts to describe them to my readers. At a loss for adjectives that described their style, I feel as though perhaps certain influences of musical greats such as Bonnie Rait, Johnny Cash, Jack White, Pat Benetar, Muddy Waters, and so many others could very well have helped to direct their musical style. Their distinctive uniqueness melded together perfectly while one never over shadowing the other at all. This deserves mentioning as they both display such very strong vocals and instrumentation. The fact that they can play and sing the same instruments simultaneously without becoming one sound and over powering the other is what makes their sound so unique, so soulful, so bluesy, and gets to me every time I see them. Just love them.
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Country Swag, took the stage next. Was the first time I saw this band and was thoroughly impressed by lead singer Mike Johnson who sings lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Gabe Infantino on bass, Tim Horst on lead guitar and Rob Trout on drums. Belting out rocking covers together with a few originals they certainly had the crowd warmed up by the time the main act took the stage. Appropriately named…they brought some foot stomping, party rocking, swag to the stage and had the crowd primed for the main event.
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As Tyler Farr took the stage, he welcomed everyone to and joked with the crowd there at the FShed. Yes, I too wonder Tyler what the “F” could stand for. I can speculate…but sometimes mysteries are much more fun. Having covered this band before I am always impressed with Tyler’s stage presence and interactions with his audience.
Appealing to all audiences members, don’t let his sexy raspy voice fool you in thinking he’s just another good ole boy singing country music. Well, he is a good ole country boy, however, he’s much more than what you see on the surface. This good ole boy enjoys his hunting, four wheeling, and fishing for sure, but what fans may not know though is that he is also a classically trained opera singer. Studying music throughout high school and college while attending Missouri State University, Tyler’s talent is far-reaching beyond what you see on stage. He also surrounds himself with some of the best musicians in the business as well. His traveling family consists of Tracy Goode on bass, Mark Poiesz on drums, Gary Jannaman on electric guitar and Dirk Weaver on acoustic guitar. These four guys round out the Tyler Farr experience bringing down the house each and every time. Playing all sides of the stage and taking the time to say hello to fans, are just a few of the things I love about Tyler’s band. The are fan friendly and approachable. Oh, and I love photographing them. I may or may not have numerous photos of Gary’s spiky hair. What?!! He’s a fun subject and his hair is rocking!!
Tyler Farr – FShed Syracuse
The one thing I’ve noticed about Tyler’s shows, he’s extremely personal with his fans giving them a new show each and every time. He makes his audiences part of the show whether it’s through conversation or just coming out into the audience and shaking hands and taking selfies. With a similar set list night after night, he has a way of making each show unique to each audience. As he performed a mix of rock and roll country hits throughout the night, it was his acoustic numbers that truly impressed me. He gave the audience a glimpse into his vocal range in numbers such as “Hello Goodbye”. Then there was Mark’s drum solo. I’m leaving it at that..trust me it’s a must see. #spoilalert #awesome The entire show flew by before I knew it, and although I have seen him now three times, it’s still a new show each and every time he comes to town. Pretty remarkable feat.
So in summary I wonder myself Mr. Tyler Far what the F stands for. Perhaps it was for the full venue of fans. Perhaps it was the folksy, bluesy sound that Castle Creek brought to the stage. Perhaps it was the foot stomping rocking set Country Swag performed warming the stage for you. Maybe it stands for your fan friendly disposition you and your band share with fans, demonstrating your appreciation for their support. However, I think it was a combination of all of those things that made the entire evening fantastic. Whatever the F stands for, Tyler FARR brought the party, and we all had FUN at the FShed.
When I learned that a new venue in Camden, Nicole’s of Camden, would be featuring a Zac Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB), I knew I had to take the drive to check out this new venue and this cover band. So glad I did. The venue is amazing. Nicole’s of Camden offers great acoustics and awesome lighting with plenty of space to dance. For a small venue it’s the perfect setting for bands and attendees to enjoy enough room to dance and play comfortably. The completely revamped restaurant/bar offers patrons the perfect spot for a night out. With a full menu and bar, I highly recommend you taking a drive to Camden to take in one of their many shows and some good eats.
Every once in a while you just need a dose of your favorite bands live? What do you do if they are in the studio recording, or touring overseas, or just not coming anywhere within earshot of you? You do the next best thing, you catch a cover band.
Zac Brown Tribute Band – Nicole’s of Camden
Every musical photojournalist has a “bucket list” of sorts. This list includes the names of bands that they must cover as well as ones if they come to town they would like to cover. The difference between the two lists is simple. The must cover shows will include ungodly amounts of travel, with little to no sleep for the following day, only to stand on a bucket and shoot 30 seconds of a song, to capture a shot they hope when cropped, is still in focus and not too pixellated. The ones they would like to cover require less travel, usually no bucket is involved, and if they are tired they may just miss it if they have something pressing the next day at their day job. I’m happy to say that I have had the opportunity to check a few off my must cover list. However, there is one band still on my list I’m hoping to check it off real soon. Until then, a good cover will suffice. What band would I be referring to? Well the Zac Brown Band my friends.
Zac Brown Band
We all love them. Since the first time we heard “Chicken Fried”, we’ve tapped out toes and raised a glass to “salute the ones who died, those ones that gave their lives, so we don’t have to sacrifice all the things we love; like our chicken fried”. Come on, you know the words, don’t be shy. Well this may have been the first song that captured my attention, but what held it has been the diverse mix of music they’ve created since that first tune hit the charts. There’s something unique about the Zac Brown Band that makes them so very special. I love their blend of sounds. This mix of Caribbean flare with country bluegrass, and a touch of seventies and eighties rock gives them their unique sound. It hooked me and keeps me on the line following them as they amass their catalog of music and fans worldwide.
Opening the evening were locals Mad River Junction. This band brought the party with their renditions of some Stray Cats, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Petty, and Johnny Cash. Any band that plays Stevie Ray Vaughn gets my automatic stamp of approval. Describing themselves as the love child of Cyndi Lauper and Muddy Waters, who ultimately is raised by Prince, Neil Young, and Bret Michaels, I totally can see that love child(ren) becoming Mad River Junction. Kudos to band members, or love children, Matt Chalifoux on drums/percussion, Nick Pulizzi, on guitar and vocal, Greg Owens on guitar, bass, and vocals. And Kenny “The Demon” Swavely on harmonica. Really enjoyed this set.
As the ZBTB took the stage and began to play, it was crystal clear that this cover band recognized the one key quality that makes the original Zac Brown Band special, the individual instrumentation brought to the sound by each original band member. The ZBTB recognized how to replicate that sound and bring their audiences the musical magic they would expect to see from their beloved original band by providing a full band to back up some amazing vocals. Pete Frank fronts the group with his spot on vocals and acoustic guitar. If you closed your eyes, you would be hard pressed to tell a difference. I was super impressed. Joining him on vocals and guitar was Matthew Stephens who rocked the crowd as he shredded some amazing Metallic “Enter Sandman” towards the end of the evening, setting the crowd over the top. For those of you that know me well know I’m a sucker for a fiddle, and Mike Kedley is one of the best in the state. Joining in on fiddle and vocals, Mike brings that down home country bluegrass sound you come to expect from the Zac Brown Band. Also on vocals and guitar we had Jeremy Laursen who with his harmonies take these songs to a new level. On that background beat we had Tim Hull on bass, and Joey Saliceti on keyboards pounding out the tunes and undertones. And keeping the whole lot of the bunch in time we had Danny Roelle on drums/percussion. With this full band playing Zac Brown favorites such as “Knee Deep”, “Sweet Annie”, “Whatever It Is”, and “As She’s Walking Away”, I felt as though my need for a bit of Zac Brown Band was satiated by this cover band, and could totally fill my need any time I couldn’t see the real deal.
ZBTB – Nicole’s of Camden
Starting their set list with Zac Brown Band favorites and covering some of the most popular covers the band played two full sets of music covering all of my personal favorites and then a few more. Dancing the night away was a full house of patrons who concurred with my sentiments fully. Overall, I wholeheartedly gave a thumps up to this cover band for doing the original Zac Brown Band justice and suggest you check them out soon in a venue near you.
Set 1
Natural Disaster Let It Rain
The Wind
No Hurry
Let It Go
Midnight Rider
As She’s Walking Away
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Jump Right In
Ants Marching/Frankenstein Whiskey’s Gone
Sweet Annie
Make This Day
All Alright
Can’t You See
Times Like These
Colder Weather
Toes
Set 2
We’re An American Band Day For The Dead Comfortably Numb
Knee Deep
Settle Me Down
Whatever It Is
Keep Me In Mind
Sic ‘Em On A Chicken
One Way Out
Highway 20 Ride
Enter Sandman
Free/Into The Mystic
Chicken Fried
Uncaged/Kashmir/Devil Went Down To Georgia Killing In The Name
For the last few years I have had the unique opportunity to cover music of many genres, at many venues, with both up and coming artists, and those national acts that are hitting the billboards. The one thing I notice about all the artists I cover? They love what they do and they love the audiences they play to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small pub or a large stadium, the music is still the same and the passion behind it as well. What I have noticed is that some however tend to stand out more than others. Some just have a special quality to them that catch my attention and pique my curiosity. There’s something that sets them apart from the rest. A uniqueness that makes them shine a tiny bit more than the next star. Billy Lord fits this description.
Billy Lord – National Anthem Tour
Beginning his career in the music business mid-life, Billy Lord has become an inspiration to those who have always wanted to follow their dream, but let life and responsibility hold them back. What makes Billy unique is that he is not your typical musician. Working in New York City as a media executive for more than 15 years, Billy found himself without a job when his company eliminated his position. Down on his luck with nothing to lose, Billy took that leap of faith to pursue his dream. How many of us have a dream we would pursue…if only we won the lottery!!!! For Billy, he just went for it. The courage it took, and the passion he puts in to his music and song writing, is what makes Billy Lord my Artist To Check Out this month.
When I was introduced to Billy at his opening show at Toby Keith’s in Syracuse, I was extremely impressed by how passionate he was about his music and achieving this dream. Sharing a little of his back story with me, I could tell that this gentleman truly loved what he was doing and how fortunate he was to do it. I find of those in the business that have been able to pursue it as their career, when asked, they all would still do it, even if they weren’t getting paid. They do it for the love of it, not for the pay. For those lucky enough to begin their musical journey right out of the gate? Well, they never had a Plan B in place. It was only music. For Billy though, he started his journey after an original career didn’t work out. How lucky for us life threw him a curveball. Billy writes all his own music and lyrics. Making his performances standout that much more.
He has assembled some of the most talented musicians to surround him bringing out the best of all his music, and their chemistry is spot on. With Amos Sanfilippo on guitar, Colin Boughton on drums, Patrick Dowd on keyboards, and Roger Monteiro on bass, Billy’s band brings to his music a distinctive country rock sound that is unique even in the ever-changing country music scene today. Another thing I like about Billy is how he gives those locals a chance to sit in and join him on stage to showcase his music alongside.
I had a moment to speak with Billy to find out a little about him in his own words.
Kathy Stockbridge: How long have you been performing?
Billy Lord: Only about three years. To me, becoming a true top-tier stage performer is the next step on my evolutions an artist. Songwriting and guitar came first, then I worked on becoming a vocalist. Now in really learning the ropes of getting a crowd on their feet.
KS: How would you categorize your music…country…rock…?
BL: I always consider my music “American music,” though recently its leaning heavily toward modern country. Fans will hear that with the next album. Very country radio friendly stuff.
KS: What musicians have inspired you to this style you have created?
BL: Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Tom Petty and most recently Brantley Gilbert and Jason Aldean. But, I try not to listen to other people’s music too much because I never want to be derivative. I always want to be mine. Rock a Billy, if you will.
KS: Was this just a hobby ever or did you do it as a second job before?
BL: This was passion born out of losing everything… My career, my home, and my money. Music saved me during a very difficult time in 2009, when I was working homeless in NYC. It started as a way to keep me sane during a dark time. I didn’t look at it as a career until 2012. When I knew it was going to be my life, I quit my part-time jobs and gave myself to music fully. Jump and the net will open.
KS: What was your day job prior to this?
BL: I was a marketing manager in newspaper publishing for 15 successful years.
KS: How did that job end?
BL: I was laid off with several other managers when the economy hit the wall and the Great Recession took hold.
KS: How did you know that this is the direction you needed to go?
BL: When I was working homeless, I was unloading trucks at night and I’d get out at 3am and nowhere to go. I had an old guitar that I’d never learned to play. It was my last material possession. So when I got off work, I started teaching myself to play. Almost immediately I started hearing songs… Pure fits of inspiration, it was cathartic for me. But I really knew it was the right direction, when I got radio play on Z100 two days after recording my first demo. To me, it was a sign to keep going. And I have no plans to stop. There is no Plan B.
KS: Have you written all your life or is it something you just picked up as life went on?
BL: The funny thing is… My whole life I never knew I had this talent. And if I hadn’t been fired, I would have never known.
KS: Where do you get your inspiration for writing songs?
BL: I get asked this often because I’m such a prolific songwriter… And I tell people it’s like I have a radio station in my head. I hear full songs. Most recently, I’ve fallen in love, so that station is tuned in to the sound of endless summers and new love. I think listeners will live the new songs.
KS: What has been your support system throughout this venture?
BL: I’ve been very fortunate to have extremely supportive fans. The first two albums were crowd funded and our upcoming tour will be as well. I also have a few angels on my shoulder looking out for me.
KS: How did you assemble your band…what were you looking for? How long have you played together?
BL: Only a few months. My drummer Colin Boughton and keyboardist Patrick Dow and I have known each other since we were kids. We played little league baseball together. They both chose music and have been playing their whole lives while I pursued a business career. They were there ready to go when I needed a band. My guitarist, Amos Sanfillipo was a family friend and has had a long, successful career touring with major bands, and Roger Montiero, and amazing bass player with a similar touring career was suggested by Amos. We’re a motley, funny bunch. But we’re hard workers too.
KS: What is your advice to those that may be afraid of taking that step towards achieving their dreams?
BL: If you want to be something, give your self to it one hundred percent. Become it. Believe in yourself when others don’t, which will be always.
KS: Where can our readers see you in your tour?
BL: Our 2015 National Anthem US Tour dates are posted at www.reverbnation.com/billylord
While most new artists tend to perform 95% covers, slipping in a few of their own tunes, you find that Billy does the opposite. Billy’s set features the majority of his own music, rocking the crowd with his own sound, only to use the covers as exclamation points on his set list.
I highly recommend you taking the time to check out Billy at one of his live shows. His live show is worth the drive. For those in the Central NY area, Billy will be playing in Vernon this Saturday the 21st at The Stampede Steakhouse.
I see so many wonderful artists….but sometimes there’s just something unique that makes an artists stand out. Can’t pinpoint it to just one thing with Billy, Perhaps it’s the combination of his inspirational story, mixed with his prolific songwriting, and the energetic live show that makes him stand out. Whatever it is though, his unique style is what makes Billy Lord my Artist To Check Out this month. Not coming to a venue near you? Don’t fret you can purchase his recent album at www.reverbnation.com/billylord. From what I understand, the next one is right on the horizon!
Growing up in North Carolina, Scotty McCreery at the age of 5-years-old received a book from his grandmother about Elvis, and from that point on, he knew what he wanted to do. He began learning guitar immediately thereafter and throughout his school years participated in chorus and plays, as well as sang at his local church. No stranger to the stage, this young man competed in several contests throughout his teenage years, and participated in numerous benefit concerts raising money for different causes.
