NYS Music 20​15

Category: Genres

  • Phish to Release Amsterdam 97 Box Set

    Much like World War veteran grandfathers in the 1940s, Phish completed two tours of Europe in 1997, including three shows at the famed Paradiso in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The three shows from February 17, July 1 and July 2, 1997, will be featured in an 8-disc box set to be released in June through JEMP Records.

    Amazon notes on the show include: An all new 8-CD Box Set from Phish’s infrequent European shows. Full shows from 2/17/97, 7/1/97 and 7/2/97 at the Paradiso, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. On February 17, 1997 Phish first played Paradiso, a converted former church turned rock-club/cultural center with a capacity of about 1500. Over the next four months, Phish logged three breakthrough shows at this historic venue where the intimate setting pushed the music to new heights again and again. From the Soul Shakedown party opener and fluid, psychedelic improvisation-clinic-of-a-set II (Down With Disease > Carini > Taste > Down With Disease) on 2/17/97 to the “back of the worm” Ghost opener, Reba and another peak transcendent Set II [Fish Keyboard Jam > Timber (Jerry) > Bathtub Gin > Cities] on 7/1/97 through the Mike’s Groove Sandwich and must-hear Stash > Llama > Wormtown Jam plus the double encore of 7/2/97, these three shows spread over 8 CD’s comprise some of the most experimental music Phish ever played. The three shows on the Amsterdam box, the only Phish shows to-date at Paradiso, combine to deliver the full impact of a shared peak experience in an exotic locale seamlessly integrated and sizzling with creative intensity. The shows were recorded by Paul Languedoc to multitrack tape, mixed by Jon Altschiller and mastered by Fred Kevorkian. Pick up this set and prepare for transport to the canals of Amsterdam…to the back of the worm.

  • 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.

  • Golden Novak Band to rock World of Beer in Albany May 9

    In and around Syracuse, Jess Novak has made quite a name for herself. She is one of the strongest voices in music Journalism with her work for the Syracuse New Times, but it’s her passion for performing music that is bringing the 28-year-old notoriety.

    jess novak
    Brian Golden, left, and Jess Novak bring their unique sound to Albany on Saturday.

    So many musicians and bands are often labeled as eclectic, but Novak, who is half of the Golden Novak Band, truly fits that billing, melding blues, rock and roll, pop and rhythm and blues with hints of improvisation to form something that you need to experience to understand.

    “There’s a lot of great musicians in Central New York,” Novak said on April 28. “We try not to stick to just pop or blues; we play everything. And we’re weird! I sing boy songs; Golden plays his heart out. I just think we’re different.”

    Novak plays her violin on many songs, and busts out her acoustic Alvarez on others, while taking the share of lead vocal duties. Brian Golden, the fleet-fingered fret master who has been playing guitar for 24 years, provides a bluesy sound with his instrument and gritty voice.

    The pair will be joined by pianist Mark Nanni (of popular Syracuse blues outfit Los Blancos) and drummer Phil Leone this Saturday, May 9 – when the group comes to Crossgates Mall for a gig at the World of Beer. It’s a free show that begins at 7 p.m.

    In late 2013, Novak released her first album, titled Bad Habit, and it consists of 11 original songs that feature her powerful voice, ability to craft emotive songs and her chops on the violin. Songs such as Haven’t Found You Yet and Bad Habit translate well to the live setting, where Golden tends to display his talent as a soloist.

    Novak said the band has an IndieGoGo campaign out to help fund a new recording, tentatively titled Rodeo. You can help the group get to its $5,000 goal here.

    Last August, the pair released their first album, titled The Golden Novak Duo. In support of the release, the pair packed up an SUV, and toured from Vermont to Florida, opening eyes and pleasing ears on an exhaustive tour. Because of this tenacious touring schedule, the band has been booked for a five-night New Year’s run at Margaritaville in Key West after auditioning for the Jimmy Buffet-owned string of clubs.

    “We have been really well-received,” Novak said. “There were a lot of bands who didn’t get it, but they seemed to love us. It really has opened up a lot of doors for us and it feels good.”

    The band has been playing World of Beer up and down the coast, and Novak said that has helped them grow and become more visible, but won’t pat herself on the back too much.

    When asked if the combination of an attractive young singer with a powerful voice mixed with a seasoned guitarist makes the band an easy sell, Novak did not agree.

    “No, I don’t think we’re just an easy sell,” she said. “I think people are still trying to figure us out.”

    I met Novak when I first moved to Syracuse in 2011. She got me some assignments with the newspaper, and we started jamming together with a mutual friend. We used to play on my front porch for hours at a time, repeating “Friend of the Devil,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and even Phish’s “Waste” among other songs. What struck me the most about Novak was her enthusiasm to keep playing and honing her skills

    What I recall from that time was seeing Novak develop a passion for making music that has grown into an obsession. She’s played in Syracuse group Master Thieves and Jess and the Beards in the last few years, and the evolution of her as a musician is easily visible. If you ever take advice from a music writer, take this: Get out and see Novak and Golden on Saturday, before they get really big and popular. Because that will happen.

    The group’s dedication may just set the band ahead of others, as they are constantly announcing new shows or hosting open mics in Syracuse or jamming with other local musicians. It shows in Novak’s smile, and Golden’s soloing face.

    “For Golden and I especially, we’re always going, meeting new people,” Novak said. “We’re always trying to promote new shows, and that’s a lot of the fun in this. Our live show if fun; it’s just different.

    “There are a lot of great musicians around here, but not all of them travel like we do. In the near future, I would like to be opening for a huge act!”

  • 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

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/196203863″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

  • 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

  • Illumination Festival to Highlight RHCP-themed set by Aqueous

    Coming off a strong Cake-themed performance in Buffalo, Aqueous announced it will play a Red Hot Chili Peppers-themed show in Toronto at Illumination Festival.

    Aqueous plays both Friday and Saturday night of the Illumination Music and Arts Festival. The first night will be a normal Aqueous show, then Saturday night will feature the band doing their best to channel Flea, Anthony Kiedis and the rest of the legendary alternative rock band.

    No word yet whether the members of Aqueous will don strategically placed tube socks for the occasion.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Bw2AQzVrA]

    The festival also features Particle and DrFameus as headliners, and runs June 12-14 at the Cage 292 in Toronto. It’s normally an outdoors camping event, but organizers had to move it inside for a year after getting last-minute news that their normal site couldn’t host anymore due to zoning issues.

    illumination

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Opeth Announces The Only Two US Shows for 25th Anniversary Tour: NYC and LA

    The Swedish progressive metal band we’ve known for 25 years as Opeth is marking their anniversary with a European and Mexican/South American tour freshly underway. Don’t let that hinder your spirits entirely, however. This week the band announced two special US shows: NYC at the Beacon Theater October 22 and Los Angeles, CA at the Orpheum Theater October 24.

    Opeth will perform two sets, including the album Ghost Reveries in its entirety to mark the 10th anniversary of its 2005 release. The band is also touring on the crest of their most recent release Pale Communion.

    Tickets for both the NYC and LA shows have sold out very quickly, within hours of the public on-sale date of May 1.

  • 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