Category: Rock

Frampton Comes Alive While Audience Enjoys Phone Free

As the summer series of concerts winds down at CMAC, I can’t help but reflect on some of the most memorable performances. As live bands go, the evening with Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick was definitely high on that list. One of the most famous live albums ever was Frampton Comes Alive, which was released in 1976, by Peter Frampton. This double album sold more than 11 million copies worldwide, and stayed at number one on the billboards for more than 10 weeks.

Recorded live in San Francisco, California, Long Island, NY and SUNY Plattsburgh, in NY, its appeal seemed karmic for this [then] teenage girl to be drawn to. With his use of the Talkbox throughout the songs, this unique method together with his amazing shredding abilities and vocals, made the world stand up and take notice. Needless to say, it was one of my personal favorites of all times, and still is today. So when I heard that Peter Frampton was touring this year and would make a pit stop at CMAC, I had to be there. With Cheap Trick opening for him, what wasn’t to love?

Cheap Trick is another one of those iconic bands from the 1970’s and ’80s that resonate rock and roll, guitar solos, and amazing fun lyrics. It was their live album as well, Cheap Trick at Budokan, that made caught my attention. Needless to say, I was in for a treat as both groups are “live” bands. You know, the ones that sound great on vinyl, but sound even better live.

As Cheap Trick took the stage, the first thing I noticed was Rick Nielsen’s mic stand and it’s adornment of pics from top to bottom on both sides. Either he was all thumbs, or he liked to share. Soon to find out, he was a kind sharing individual, who as he played threw the pics into the crowd for souvenirs. That is the kind of artists that really capture my attention, the ones that do it all for their audiences, and it was crystal clear that was the case here. I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention his amazing collection of guitars. They were as fun and amazing to me as this entire set of music. Playing all of my favorites and a few surprises, Cheap Trick had that audience at hello and had them out of their seats and dancing in the isles in no time flat.

Cheap Trick Set List: Hello There; Come On, Come On; Big Eyes; Lookout; Downed; Anytime; On Top of the World; Voices; Magical Mystery Tour (The Beatles cover); The Ballad of T.V. Violence (I’m Not The Only Boy); Baby Loves to Rock; I’m Waiting for the Man (The Velvet Underground cover); The Flame; I Want You to Want Me; Dream Police; Ain’t That a Shame (Fats Domino cover); Surrender; Goodnight

As Peter took the stage the anticipation of whether he would live up to my memories of him actually had me nervous. It’s difficult living up to a mental image someone has created, and when they don’t live up to that expectation, they end up falling down off of the pedestal they once ruled. I’m happy to report that not only did he live up to the hype, I had to raise that pedestal up for him to jump up even higher. Playing all of my favorite tunes, and performing some of the most spectacular guitar solos and duels, Frampton and his band left me memorized. Peter Frampton is clearly one of the most talented iconic rock and rollers and I was super impressed with his professionalism and the relationship he developed immediately with the audience. If I had to pick a highlight of this performance, it would definitely be the guitar duel between Peter and lead guitarist Adam Lester.

One of my favorite things about this particular show was the fact that Frampton insisted on a strict “no cell phone” rule. Like the professional photographers, audience members were allowed to shoot photos and videos for only the first three songs. After that time, all cell phones had to be put away or else they would be confiscated. Frampton’s explanation was stellar. He explained to the audience that he was very excited to play for them, was so happy they paid to come and see him, and he wanted to not only give them the best Peter Frampton experience that he could, but also for them to enjoy it in the moment and not through a digital screen. He wanted them present in the moment. What a wonderful concept, and that the audience did just that, thanks to Peter Frampton’s rule. Personally think more artists should enforce this rule. I believe people would relish these moments even more.

Peter Frampton Set List: Something’s Happening; Doobie Wah; Show Me the Way; Lines on My Face; Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours (Stevie Wonder cover); (I’ll Give You) Money; Baby I Love Your Way; Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover); Do You Feel Like We Do
Encore: Four Day Creep (Humble Pie song); While My Guitar Gently Weeps

September 8, 2015
Bryan Adams, Thirty Years Later And Still Reckless

It’s hard to believe that it was thirty-years ago that Bryan Adam’s fourth studio album, Reckless was released. This certified five times platinum album brought Adams around the world on his original tour in 1984-85. Unhappy with the original version, Bryan Adams actually took a month off in 1984 to recut several of its final tracks, including his duet with touring partner Tina Turner, on “It’s Only Love.” Happy with the final version, this perfectionist found that the final version brought him six songs off this album charting and earning a nomination for a Grammy in 1986 for “It’s Only Love.”

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Fast forward thirty-years, a total of 13 hit albums, raising a family, and a side career in photography, Adams re-releases this album and brings all the Bryan Adams‘ fans back to those moments to once again relive times long forgotten. Including even more of Adams’ hits on the newly released version, Adams hit the road once again to celebrate the music that lives iconically in our memories forever.

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Celebrating this reunion at CMAC during their summer concert series, I knew that this would be my chance to finally see one of my most favorite performers, and he didn’t disappoint. Playing all of my favorites from this entire album in addition to several of his others, Adams brought his “A” game. In fact, his ability to engage the audience was epic. My favorite moments, his serenading Christina, a girl from the audience that danced along with his version of “If Ya Wanna Be Bad Ya Gotta Be Good ” and his acoustic version of “Straight From the Heart”. The videography that accompanied this show was spectacular as it mixed videos of yesterday together with today and brought a visual treat to that auditory excellence.

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

Once again CMAC hit another show right out of the ballpark with this one as those in attendance from lawn to pit danced the night away and sang all night to their favorites.

Setlist: Reckless; One Night Love Affair; She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’; Run to You; The Boys; Night Out; Heaven; Kids Wanna Rock; It’s Only Love; Long Gone; Somebody; Ain’t Gonna Cry; Summer of ’69; Let Me Down Easy (Roger Daltrey cover); (Everything I Do) I Do It for You; If Ya Wanna Be Bad Ya Gotta Be Good; This Time; Can’t Stop This Thing We Started; Please Forgive Me; 18 til I Die; Cuts Like a Knife; The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
Encore:; You’ve Been a Friend to Me; C’mon Everybody (Eddie Cochran cover); Fits Ya Good; She Knows Me; Straight from the Heart; All for Love (Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart & Sting cover)

Bryan Adams – Reckless Tour 2015

September 7, 2015
Lee Terrace and Steep Stepped it Up for Farewell Show

Progressive rock groups Steep and Lee Terrace may not be familiar names to many, but they left a hearty impression on the calm and collected crowd Friday August 28at the Westcott Theater.

Steep was up first, with guitarist Dylan Lundgren front and center sporting a lime green guitar and infectious smile, full of pep as he intermittently bopped his head in beat with the music. After their first song concluded, Jack Jarvis, drumsticks in hand, offered the sparse crowd a small witticism, “One fish in a tank says to the other, ‘How do you drive this thing?’” Those not clustered around the makeshift beer keg tables in deep conversation happily chuckled in response.

Steep declared their next track, “Brain Fuel,” a dance tune, but the night was too young and most attendees weren’t loose enough to get their feet moving quite yet. “Brain Fuel’s” dynamic ebb and flow faded between genres, beginning as a moderate tempo rock jam before mellowing out into a jazzy breakdown where Elliot Jarvis’ metallic bass parts slyly hinted at the Seinfeld theme song, before the song intensified toward fast-paced rock.

As Steep finished their set, the crowd had filled in considerably, largely composed of a more mature demographic, the type that stand solidly in place and mindfully contemplate the instrumentation rather than dance like wild banshees near the front. A crew of four grey-haired audience members had camped out in matching green lawn chairs, just a half a shade off from Lundgren’s guitar hue. A few young rogue dancers did have a mind for letting loose and flailing freely to the music, and luckily for them the entire front half of the room was open for them to flit and bounce at will. The rest of the crowd clung to shadows, observing with keen eyes.

Fellow Futurama fans may have glimpsed the Zoidberg figurine resting pensively atop the amp next to the drum kit as members of Lee Terrace took the stage. Exposing a small glimmer of their inner nerdiness, the potent jam that quickly blossomed from the group of five musicians heightened their “cool factor” as obviously talented musicians and science fiction sitcom aficionados.

Playing a mix of originals and covers, a rendition of MGMT’s “Electric Feel,” sung by bassist Michael Sloan, appealed to younger attendees. Front man Kevin Metzger entertained the crowd with an anecdotal explanation detailing the origin of the title “Goldie’s Song,” and publicly exposing the time his father took the family cat to the vet and couldn’t recall it’s name. Bringing vocalist Nina Pelligra on stage to cover Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains the Same” created an exhilarating rendition worthy of a rambunctious round of applause at the end. Saxophonist August Cook and trumpeter Nick Coggiola and percussion accompanist Jon Kane enhanced a string of Michael Jackson covers including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” which energized the room before Lee Terrace polished off their set with a crisp performance of their title track, “Deep Blue.” And for the encore? How about Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Yeah, it was a great night.

September 3, 2015
Full Concert Release: Frank Zappa and The Mothers at the Roxy

The “Roxy & Elsewhere” Tour brought Frank Zappa & The Mothers to theaters and colleges throughout the U.S. and Canada in the fall/winter of 1973 including a 3-night run at the Roxy in California Dec. 8-10.

These highly coveted shows formed the 1974 commercial live release Roxy & Elsewhere, which included a few recordings from May 1974 at Edinboro State College in Pennsylvania.

Now, in 2015, the Zappa Family Trust has restored the 16mm video reels that captured the show and will be making it available in a combo DVD/CD package in surround and stereo sound. No official announcements have confirmed an exact release date but according to online music retailer EVO88 it can be expected out on the eve of Halloween this year.

Track Listing for the DVD and CD:

DVD:
1) Cosmik Debris
2) Medley: Penguin In Bondage / T’Mershi Duween / The Dog Breath Variations / Uncle Meat / RDNZL
3) Inca Roads
4) Medley: Echidna’s Arf (Of You) / Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing / Cheepnis – Percussion
5) Cheepnis
6) Medley: I’m The Slime / Big Swifty
7) Be-Bop Tango (Of The Old Jazzman’s Church)
8) Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow
9) Father O’Blivion
CD:
1) “Something Terrible Has Happened…”
2) Cosmik Debris
3) Medley: Penguin In Bondage / T’Mershi Duween / The Dog Breath Variations / Uncle Meat / RDNZL
4) Medley: Echidna’s Arf (Of You) / Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing / Cheepnis – Percussion
5) Cheepnis
6) Be-Bop Tango (Of The Old Jazzman’s Church)

Additional tracks: (1) Medley: Pygmy Twylyte / The Idiot Bastard Son (2) Dickies’s Such An Asshole

Lineup: Frank Zappa, guitar/vocals; George Duke, keyboards; Tom Fowler, bass; Ruth Underwood, percussion; Bruce Fowler, trombone; Walt Fowler, trumpet; Napoleon Murphy Brock, tenor sax/ vocals; and Chester Thompson and Ralph Humphrey, drums

September 3, 2015
Show Number One: Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire at SPAC, August 29
After years of radio play and later, jam band covers from the extensive catalog of both bands, I was finally able to see Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire. Performing together and separately at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 29.

I am still surprised that I hadn’t seen either of them in the past, but a co-bill for the two bands that presented the bands in a ‘Don’t worry, you won’t miss a moment’ manner was as ideal as you can get for a late summer show at SPAC. The audience filled nearly every inch of the SPAC lawn with chairs for an incredible night of ’70s and ’80s funk and soul. Here’s my take on my first time seeing Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire.
- Both bands came out at the start of the night together singing “Got to Get You Out of My Mind” by The Beatles.
- Incredibly, and despite having 20+ musicians on stage, you can hear the sound clear as day. Great mix.
- Bassist Verdine White from Earth, Wind & Fire asked “Is there a Chicago/Earth, Wind & Fire dance party in the house?” and it was too cheesy to not laugh.
- Heavy ’70s soul groove with these two bands on the stage. You figure they had to share bills together back in the Nixon/Ford/Carter years.
- The stage is symmetrical with pianos, drums and horns spread out evenly – not a bad angle in the house.
- When Robert Lamm said “We had no idea we would be around this long,” I nodded my head in agreement. It’s even more surprisingly the band has toured every single year since they first formed.
- “Boogie Wonderland” – people were dancing or sitting – they couldn’t figure out what to do. Regardless, Earth, Wind & Fire was the set to dance to.
- After a few tunes, and knowing they had to be saving “Shining Star” and “September” for the encore, I realized I do not know much Earth, Wind & Fire and need to go through the full catalog soon.
- A solid mix of live footage and photos from the past were seen on the video screen throughout the set.
- The SPAC lawn was not that bad. Phish fans, myself included, complain about the sound on the lawn. Definitely not an issue tonight. I regretted not bringing earplugs.
- Band intros went on for a while, then they introduced the three original members of the band, Philip Bailey, Maurice White and Ralph Johnson.
- I know these songs, but not the titles, the result of years of casual radio play.
- Maurice can hit some HIGH notes!
- “Let’s Groove” was a perfect closer
- After a short set break, I realized I hadn’t been to SPAC with both my parents, ever. Last time I was here with my mom, I saw Huey Lewis and the News in 1989.
- “I’m so happy that you love me.” Sometimes, the song titles just write themselves.
- I’d estimate that half of this crowd had Chicago and/or Earth, Wind & Fire songs as their wedding reception music.
- Hell, half of this crowd had to make out/get laid to any of these songs. This is baby-making music for Boomers.
- “You’re the Inspiration” is such a dad rock song, if dad is serenading mom.
- Chicago covers “I’m a Man” by Spencer Davis Group. One of my favorite all time rock songs and it has had a second life this whole time. This is awesome. If I wasn’t a Chicago fan before.
- The drums section in “I’m a Man” was unexpected and impressive. This provided a perfect counterbalance to the overly mellow “Inspiration.”
- I have my mom’s copy of Chicago Transit Authority and she’s not getting it back.
- “Street Player” is a damn fine and energetic disco era song. Someone start covering this, please.
- Some of these songs do sound the same when played in succession. “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is the spring from which all others grow.
- People are snuggling. This is cute.
- “Saturday Night in the Park,” was pretty spot on for being in Saratoga Spa State Park on a Saturday night. It’s like they were waiting all week to sing it here.
- Random pockets of dancing popped up throughout the crowd intermittently for Chicago, a band best enjoyed from a seat.
- No matter the song, someone in the crowd knew it and sang along. We all sang along at some point.
- “September” and “Sing a Song” started the final songs of the night, getting everyone back up again.
- “Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?” was sweet and preceded “Shining Star”, leaving enough time for…
- “25 or 6 to 4” – I have loved this song since first listen when I was maybe 12 or so. It might be the first time I ever heard it played live, outside of a high school holiday concert in 2005. Beyond that, only teases from jam bands. Hearing this live was a treat.
- I need to get Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire back into my life – two fantastic bands crossed off the list.
September 2, 2015
Van Halen Kicks Off Second Leg Of Tour At Darien Lake

When news broke Sunday, August 23, that Van Halen had canceled their show at Hershey Park in Hershey, PA, fans must have been thinking to themselves “not again.” The official kick off to the second leg of Van Halen’s massive North American tour had been canceled due to singer, David Lee Roth, having the flu. With doctors orders canceling the show at Hershey Park, fans took to social media to express their concerns about the rest of the upcoming shows.

To the delight of everyone who was planning on going to any of the shows afterwards, Van Halen said the tour would be going on as planned and no other shows would be canceled. With that great news from the band, fans at Darien Lake prepared to welcome Van Halen for their new official start to the second half of their tour.

On Tuesday August 25, fans lined up early in front of the gates at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center with much excitement. While some fans waited in line on the chilly August day, others took to the park to help ease the excitement. Throughout the park, families could be seen wearing their favorite Van Halen memorabilia such as shirts and shoes. Concert goers inside the theme park seemed to cover many generations. Walking through the theme park, there were young children ready to see guitar icon, Eddie Van Halen, take the stage for what would probably be their first time. Teenagers were all around the park in their own groups sporting their classic VH shirts. Most of all, the parents who grew up listening to classic Van Halen albums such as Van Halen, Van Halen II, 1984, etc. were ready to see Van Halen for what would probably be their last time at Darien Lake.

The show started out just prior to 7:30 with the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. Most of the crowd seemed to be well aware of who Kenny Wayne Shepherd was. This blues guitar icon certainly came to impress and show off his guitar skills. Teaching himself guitar from the early age of 7, Kenny Wayne Shepherd could definitely give Eddie a run for his money. Backing up Kenny, was an all-star lineup of musicians who have played with some of the best in the world. Vocals duties for the band were handled by Noah Hunt, who had an outstanding voice to say the least. Bass player Tony Franklin was introduced to the crowd as a guy who had played with a band called, The Firm. For those who aren’t aware, The Firm consisted of Paul Rodgers of Bad Company and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. If that wasn’t enough, the drummer for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd band, Chris Layton, played with Stevie Ray Vaughan. Finishing off the lineup was keyboard player Riley Osborun, who had played alongside Willie Nelson. Together, these guys put on an incredible opening show. The set was ended with a stellar cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child,” that left the crowd standing on their feet cheering.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

After Kenny Wayne Shepherd exited the stage, every seat that was once empty inside had a new face standing in front of it. By this time of the night, everyone knew they were finally going to see Van Halen and there would be no cancellations. Alex Van Halen kicked off the show standing up at his drum kit welcoming fans, while his brother Eddie and Eddie’s son Wolfgang started the night off with “Light Up The Sky” from Van Halen II. Within seconds later, singer David Lee Roth came out on stage with all smiles.

Playing 23 songs from 7 different albums, Van Halen surely had enough to please everyone. From the new material, all the way back to the very beginning, Van Halen made sure to hit the songs everyone was there to hear. Fans got to hear classics such as “Runnin’ With The Devil,” “Everybody Wants Some,” “Dance The Night Away” and more. Alex Van Halen handled the drum kit better than any other 62-year-old probably could. Eddie’s son Wolfgang, who now handles bass duties, was simply amazing. Some people may think that Wolfgang doesn’t deserve to be in Van Halen just because of his dad, but he certainly proved it at Darien Lake. To go along with his excellent playing, Wolfgang handles the harmony backup vocals with ease. There’s no denying that Wolf, who’s only 24-years-old, has incredible amounts of musical talent. For those who don’t know Wolfgang is also the bass player for Mark Tremonti’s solo band when he’s not busy playing alongside dad.

David Lee Roth

Throughout the show, Eddie Van Halen showed why he’s considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Watching Eddie play songs from as far back as 1978 with no trouble at all left people mesmerized. Most of the time as bands age, the live show lacks what it once had. Guitar players get sloppy over time and improvise parts of songs they can’t play live anymore. This wasn’t the case for EVH. Eddie cruised through the entire setlist making it look easy. When it was time for Eddie to take the stage for his solo, he chose to toss in some licks from other Van Halen songs before playing “Eruption”. Most guitar solos can get boring quickly, but Eddie Van Halen is one guitar player that will never bore a crowd.

David Lee Roth, who was battling the flu, showed no signs of being ill on Tuesday night. DLR who’s been back with Van Halen since 2007 now, put on an unforgettable performance. While smiling all night and having fun on stage, David made sure the crowd was having just as much fun as him. There aren’t many performers who are as comfortable as Roth is on stage. For instance, not many performers can forget lyrics to a song like Roth can and still go with the flow. Many times throughout the set, David Lee Roth would admit he forgot a line and just laugh it off while giving Eddie and Wolf a head nod who would bail him out. Typically a crowd would be disappointed with such a vocal performance, but the overall show makes up for the mistakes. Many reviews online talk about how DLR lacks the vocal ability now, just like many other singers from his era. It’s true that Roth struggles at times, but Eddie and Wolfgang save the day. Together, the 3 of them take care of business and put on one hell of a performance no one could ever forget.

As expected, Van Halen ended the night with “Panama” and “Jump” leaving the crowd feeling like they just went back in time. Luckily for fans at Darien Lake, they didn’t have the same fate fans at Hershey Park had on Sunday. Van Halen continues their tour of North America throughout the month of September and has its final stop at the Hollywood Bowl, in Hollywood, California on Friday, October 2nd. Fans interested in catching Van Halen again before the tour ends can find all the dates and ticket information here.

Setlist: Light Up The Sky, Runnin’ With The Devil, Romeo Delight, Everybody Wants Some, Drop Dead Legs, Feel Your Love Tonight, Somebody Get Me A Doctor, She’s The Woman, Chinatown, I’ll Wait, Drum Solo, Little Guitars, Dance The Night Away, Beautiful Girls, Women In Love, Hot For Teacher, In A Simple Rhyme (Growth), Dirty Movies, Ice Cream Man, Unchained, Ain’t Talkin About Love, Guitar Solo, You Really Got Me, Panama, Jump

Eddie And Wolfgang Van Halen

September 1, 2015
Hearing Aide: Milking Diamonds ‘Migratorius’

Milking Diamonds is an indie/alternative duo formed in 2007 by husband and wife team: Katherine Scholl, vox/keys, and Sam French Jr., vox/guitar. Their new EP, Migratorius follows up their debut release, 2009’s SAMMY nominated Surface When It’s Clear. Migratorius was recorded at WAAV Studios in Syracuse and mastered by the magic hands and ears of Jocko (Jason Randall) at More Sound Recording Studio, also in Syracuse.

Their Bandcamp page reminded me of a genre-splitting name from the nineties, dream pop. I discounted it at the time because it was always coat-tailed with shoegazer, to me that wasn’t a match. Dream pop works well when you have a duo creating sounds like these. There’s a distinctly atmospheric feel that runs through all of it, counterpoint with guitars, keys, and voices, all leaning on the “echo” modulations and layers.

“Obvious” opens with a staccato guitar line that quickly takes the role of a beating heart in a “new love” song that won’t say the word. Katherine and Sam’s voices fit so well together, it’s almost as if she’s telling the story and he’s following her lead, just slightly behind. It’s wonderful. Katherine’s voice is ethereal and emotive while Sam’s is rich and strong like so many new romantics were. While the couple chooses a “wait and see” attitude against the majority, they’re allowing time to grow and seem quite happy in doing it their own way.

Sam takes the vocal lead on ‘The Sway” setting another clear path, it’s somewhat Bryan Ferry with splashes of New Order or Interpol. The airy space given to the vocals here is amplified by the sustaining guitar lines, each reaching out only slightly, just enough to accent until the build at the end. Very impressive. The keys do a lot of the heavy-lifting overall, providing beats, textures, and some bass, definitely adequate considering the vocal leanings and melodic richness of the songs.

“Scars” may be my favorite track, it’s focused and well mixed, the call/response vocals are almost like Kate Bush with The Edge riffing behind. The keys fill and lift the harmonies in a way that makes the listener question the number of musicians contributing to the whole. Katherine’s voice soars on the orchestral string sounds while Sam counterpoints the melody on the guitar and harmonizes through the swelling close.

The penultimate song, ‘Tracks,” embodies the statements — “Dream pop tends to focus on textures and moods rather than propulsive rock riffs” in the view of Simon Reynolds, dream pop, “celebrates rapturous and transcendent experiences, often using druggy and mystical imagery.” This is anthemic to Milking Diamonds throughout this EP and even their previous release. Especially here with the upbeat drum pattern and Sam’s guitar seamlessly switching moods for Katherine’s poppy reading.

With the flair of The Raveonettes and White Stripes, “Human Cannonball” is relentless in its beat and topic, railing against the norm while establishing their realities. It yearns and strives for more, from here it seems there could be a long way to go for them. You can feel the heart of the songs, while each has a level of familiarity, they also possess individuality while leaving room for listeners to relate.

The many strengths of Milking Diamonds are evident, their style is ear-candy to any lover of 80s and 90s post-punk romantics and more. While the drum programming provided in the keyboards works, it would be remarkable to hear these tracks pushed by a live rhythm section. You can see, hear and buy music from Milking Diamonds on their Facebook page, Twitter, CDBaby, and their aforementioned Bandcamp page. Give ‘em a spin and check ‘em live, my plan is to do the same.

Key Tracks: Obvious, Scars

August 31, 2015
It’s Official: Sony Music Entertainment Acquired Century Media

Century Media, one of metal and hard rock’s most prominent indie record labels, has been bought by Sony Music Entertainment for almost $20 million. Century Media has launched the careers of well known bands such as In This Moment, Stuck Mojo, Fozzy, Shadows Fall, Lacuna Coil, Suicide Silence and many more.

Founder and CEO Robert Krampf (above) is very pleased and was quoted stating (via Blabbermouth.net):

“The future of Century is incredibly bright, the company I founded over 25 years ago is moving into its strongest chapter yet with the best music company in the world, Sony Music. I am tremendously excited to work with the outstanding executive teams at Sony Music and RED to further grow Century’s labels as a dominant force in rock, prog, alternative and metal. The sky is the limit.”

The purchase includes every Century Media label including Another Century (rock), InsideOut Music (progressive), People Like You (post-punk, alternative) and Superball (alternative, modern progressive).

Krampf will continue to serve as CEO for Century, and RED Distribution will handle distribution for Century in the U.S., while Sony will pick up international distribution.

Best of luck to Mr. Krampf and congrats on the big move and best of luck to the company!

August 26, 2015
Let us Help you get Ready for the Great New York State Fair 2015

As the 2015 Great New York State Fair approaches opening day, the lineup has ironed out nicely for the week. Although a slow start, we have some award-winning musicians and comedians coming to the Grandstands, while Chevy Court once again will draw in record crowds for their free concert series. With record-breaking crowds last year, it is anticipated to repeat and exceed these records with the $1 day once again on Labor Day and now $3 Thursdays added to the lineup.

With Special Days and Events Planned all week-long, there is bound to be fun in store for you and your family and friends at the 2015 Great New York State Fair

Opening Day / Governor’s Day, Thursday, August 27th, $3 Thursday

Chevy Court
2pm – Everclear
8pm – Rick Springfield

Grandstands
7:30pm – Eric Church, with special guest The Cadillac Three

Pride Day/Law Enforcement Day/New Americans Day, Friday, August 28, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Orleans & Friends with Barrere & Tackett
8pm – Melissa Etheridge

Grandstands
7:30pm – Jim Gaffigan

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Dan & Shay
8pm – Buck Cherry

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Swon Brothers
8pm – Nate Ruess

Grandstands
7:30pm – Hank Williams Jr.

Dairy Day, Senior Citizen’s Day, Monday, August 31, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Bowzer
8pm – Cole Swindell

Fire & Rescue Day, Beef Day, Senior Citizen’s Day, Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Oak Ridge Boys
8pm – Joe Nichols

Women’s Day, Wade Shows, Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Salt N Pepa
8pm – Snoop Dog

Armed Forces Day, $3 Thursday, September 3, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Echosmith
8pm – Jason DeRulo

Grandstands
7:30pm – Patti LaBelle

Six Nations Day, Student’s Day, Saturday, September 4, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm -The Ripcords
8pm – Fifth Harmony

Grange Day, Saturday, September 5, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – Sawyer Fredericks with Josh Batstone & Amanda Lee Peers
8pm – The Jacksons

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Chevy Court
2pm – R5
8pm – The Steve Miller Band

Labor Day, Summer Send Off “Dollar Day”, Monday, September 7th

Chevy Court
6pm – Nick Jonas

Immediately Followed By Fireworks

With thirteen new rides joining the Midway, you’ll find something to excite everyone from those preschool youngster to those young at heart. Special rates are available for pre-sale tickets as well as specials on individual days. Take a peek at those new rides added and specials offered on the nysfair.org site here.

When it comes to the most diverse offering of culinary delights, you only have to visit the Great NY State Fair to get everything from fan favorites of chocolate milk to fried anything. In addition to the many food vendors, throughout the entire grounds you can find some of NY State’s finest culinary eats offered and wineries galore.

Last year’s attendees asked for some healthier options, and this year your request was answered. Make sure to find the new vegan/vegetarian stand, Strong Hearts Café, in the International building. The acclaimed vegan/vegetarian restaurant brings its signature focus on great taste to the Fair. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan and 1000% delicious. There you’ll find in addition to entrees, their non-dairy milkshakes, which will include a new flavor especially for the Fair. Although they’ve brought the deep fryer, it’s solely for their Vegan Wings. In addition to our vegan vendor, a new gluten-free vendor will also be joining the Fair, so make sure to check them out for the healthier fare at the fair.

Whether it’s healthier choices or the fair favorites, meals can be on the fly or planned ahead by visiting the sites new food finder app. Just type in the type of food you would like, and viola’ your route will be planned.

There is just about something for everyone to keep you busy throughout the day as you meander in and out of the buildings taking in everything from promotional items to best in fair for horticulture, arts, and livestock. Whether it’s shows and competitions that bring you to the fair, the food, the rides and games, or the entertainment, you are bound for a fun time.

I highly suggest you downloading the app for the NYState Fair as well as take a peek at the parking and fair maps to plan the easiest pathways in and around the activities for the most enjoyable experience. Planning ahead always helps to get the most of your action packed day as well as take advantage of all there is to be offered.

August 25, 2015
San Francisco Meets Ridgefield: Jefferson Starship, Jazz is Dead Celebrate Milestones In Special Show

More than one long, strange trip began along the San Francisco Bay in 1965. The spotlight this year had been on The Grateful Dead’s anniversary during the Fare Thee Well shows in Chicago but more recently the San Francisco sound was again celebrated at The Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT. Exactly 50 years after the founding of the Jefferson Airplane, the Jefferson Starship teamed up with Jazz is Dead and Quicksilver ‘Happy Trails’ to mark the occasion.

Jazz is Dead made a return this summer after a 10-year hiatus, prompted by the occasion of the Dead’s 50th anniversary. Though their set was only an hour long (since they were sharing it with two other incredible acts) it was enough for them to make a solid statement about their interpretation of the Grateful Dead. The set was led in by Tom Constanten, who played alongside Pigpen in the Grateful Dead on keys around 1968-1970 including the Woodstock festival, playing “Mountains of the Moon” on keyboard. Founding bassist Alphonso Johnson was also joined by Jeff Pevar (guitar), Rod Morgenstein (drums), and Chris Smith (keys). The sound of Jazz is Dead was unique; the performance wasn’t a straightforward cover of Dead songs but rather a well-polished, technically tight arrangement of the originals that made it almost their own to a degree. In “Sugaree,” for instance, reggae rhythms were built around the main ideas of the Grateful Dead’s version. It is true that Jazz is Dead is a cover band, though defining them as one after their set in Ridgefield seems far-fetched because their arrangements are so interesting and refreshing.

A shorter set was presented by Quicksilver ‘Happy Trails,’ a version of Quicksilver Messenger Service assembled for the occasion. Founding member of Quicksilver Messenger Service David Freiberg was joined by singer and wife Linda Imperial along with some fellow members of Jefferson Starship to recreate the sounds of the band. The set included a tribute to the late keyboard player Nicky Hopkins during a jam on “Edward, the Mad Shirt Grinder” and some psychedelic jams on the 50’s rock and roll inspired “Mona.”

Jefferson Starship isn’t in the same form as the times of “We Built This City.” Appropriately, they came back after a six-year hiatus in 1992 under the lead of Paul Kantner to honor the music of the band they were formed from. Playing songs of the Jefferson Airplane on the day of the 50th anniversary of that band’s founding was special, particularly for the choice of venue opposite the country from California. The Starship’s presence on stage was bold and cohesive – original members of the Airplane Paul Kantner and David Freiberg kept the sound true and original to the Airplane along with longtime Starship drummer Donny Baldwin, keyboardist Chris Smith and guitarist Jude Gold. The animated and exhuberant Cathy Richardson fulfilled the big-shoes role created by Grace Slick’s powerful vocals, to whom she gave a tip of the hat to near the end of the set. Together they made the performance feel engaging to the audience with down to earth, unscripted banter and humor between songs, which has been a consistency for the group through the past several years.

The Starship’s setlist wasn’t able to cover every fan favorite but included the staples like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” The other parts of the set were more treats than crowd pleasers. Gold took the room through the busy finger-picked guitar tune“Embryonic Journey” adding his own improvised licks to the instrumental song. “Wooden Ships,” which Kantner wrote along with Crosby, Stills and Nash, carried a similar feel to CSN’s performance but Kanter’s and Richardson’s vocal duets throughout the song soared in its own way. The encore of performance of “Volunteers” was straight-forward but not moot. More than just a favorite, it marked the peak of energy in the show with members of Jazz is Dead, Quicksilver, and some of the crew coming on stage to jam along; the audience taking to their feet.

Hiding in the dark of a concert is the sound engineer – the person who can make or break the sound and experience of a show yet often not in the limelight. This particular show, along with a few others where Jazz is Dead and Jefferson Starship are teaming up, was both hosted by and mixed by legendary sound engineer Dan Healy, most notable for his years working with the Grateful Dead and role in the development of the Wall of Sound system. “As real as it gets” is the only way to describe the sound. Aside from Healy’s ears at the controls, the experience of the early days of the Fillmore was captured with the Pig Light Show, a recreation of the types of psychedelic projections seen at those early shows.

Dan Healy at the soundboard

Overall, the evening felt more of a community than band/audience. The small and cozy theater delivered a much bigger sound than first expected and added to the anticipation already in the air over the conglomeration of musicians who had immense contributions to the 1960’s San Francisco sound. One thing is for sure: never miss one-of-a-kind shows that don’t come around often like this one.

Jefferson Starship Setlist: She Has Funny Cars, Crown of Creation, Today, Lather, Wooden Ships, White Rabbit, Eat Starch Mom, Embryonic Journey, Have You Seen the Saucers, Greasy Heart, The Ballad of You & Me & Pooneil, Somebody to Love

Encore: Somebody to Love

Jazz is Dead and Quicksilver ‘Happy Trails’
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Jefferson Starship
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August 23, 2015