NYS Music 20​15

Category: Rock

  • Updated: Wanda Jackson Cancels Dec. 5 Show at Cohoes Music Hall

    Updated  Nov. 30: Due to a recent knee injury, Wanda Jackson has had to cancel the Dec. 5 appearance at the Cohoes Music Hall. All ticket holders will receive a full refund through Brown Paper Tickets. There are no details on the possibility of rescheduling the performance.

    We wish Wanda a speedy recovery and strong return to the stage.

    The Queen of Rock is making her way to The Cohoes Music Hall on Saturday, Dec. 5.

    A 2009 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Wanda Jackson returns to the Capitol District bringing a long career’s worth of material with her.

    Jackson started playing music at a young age, encouraged by her father to learn guitar during the Second World War, also being exposed to artists like Tex Williams, Spade Cooley and Bob Willis at the same time. After she gained attention for herself through hosting a radio program on KLPR while in high school, her father continued to support her by becoming her road manager in her early career.

    Over the years she has had incredible success, scoring hits early with “Fujiyama Mama” and a take on Elvis’ “Let’s Have A Party.” Though primarily a rockabilly singer, Jackson bounced around from that and country music from time to time, and released three gospel records in the 1970s.

    After her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, Jackson connected with a younger generation of genuine rock and roll musicians and began working with Jack White on an album. That album became known as The Party Ain’t Over, released in January 2011, and included covers of Dylan’s “Thunder on the Mountain” and the Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good.”

    Now, after 60 years of touring, Wanda Jackson brings a fruitful career of rock and roll to The Cohoes Music Hall on Saturday, Dec. 5. Local Albany rockabilly band The Lustre Kings will open the evening; they’ve joined with  Jackson on many occasions over the past few years. Jackson herself is quoted on the Lustre Kings’ website:

    I have worked with many bands around the world through the years, and none are better than Mark Gamsjager and the Lustre Kings. Their fine showmanship and musical ability make them the greatest in my book. THEY ROCK!!

    Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and are available through Brown Paper Tickets.

  • Syracuse’s Lakeside Amphitheater Announces Journey, Doobie Brothers as First 2016 Show

    Central New York’s newest concert venue announced its first acts for the 2016 season today: Classic rockers Journey and the Doobie Brothers will perform at the Lakeside Amphitheater on July 13.

    lakeside amphitheater 2016Dave Mason (Traffic) will open the show. Tickets go on sale Dec. 5 and will cost $30 for lawn seats (or four for $89), while pavilion seats range from $39.50-$135.

    The 50-date summer tour, dubbed San Francisco Fest 2016, will also make stops at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 5 and Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 9.

    Journey‘s current lineup consists of lead guitarist Neal Schon, bassist Ross Valory, keyboardist Jonathan Cain and singer Arnel Pineda. Drummer Steve Smith will join the band for the first time since 1998 on this tour. The band last appeared in Syracuse during the 2014 New York State Fair with Cheap Trick.

    The Doobie Brothers’ classic core of Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons and John McFee will be joined on this tour by Little Feat drummer Bill Payne. The Doobies last played in Syracuse to a packed crowd at the Fair’s free stage at Chevy Court, also in 2014.

    Country star Miranda Lambert christened Lakeview Amphitheater along the shore of Onondaga Lake during last summer’s New York State Fair. Construction was completed just days prior to the inaugural show. Onondaga County officials and the venue’s promoter Live Nation have stated that the new amphitheater will bring acts that often pass by Syracuse on the way to other upstate outdoor venues.

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

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

    CRB

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

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

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

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

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

    Encore: Betty & Dupree, Girl From the North Country

  • REO Speedwagon Raises The Roof While Supporting The Stanley Center for the Performing Arts

    Here in New York state, we are lucky to have some of the most amazing historical venues still intact, showcasing their spectacular architecture and the history that goes along with each one.  One such venue is The Stanley Center for the Performing Arts, located in Utica.

    Originally built to be a movie palace, The Stanley opened on September 10, 1928 with 2,963 seats. Constructed in just 13 months, it was designed by famous architect Thomas Lamb, who is considered one of the foremost designers of theaters and cinemas in the 20th century. His creations include the Fox Theatre in San Francisco and the Capitol Theatre in New York, both now demolished. It is one of three remaining Lamb theaters: The Stanley, Proctor’s Theatre, Schenectady, NY, and The Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY.

    Today, The Stanley is host to shows presented by the Broadway Theatre League of Utica, and the Utica Symphony Orchestra as well as several promoters. Recent acts include Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Tony Bennett, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackson Browne, The Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day’s American Idiot and Shrek: The Musical.

    Each year the venue strives to make ends meet and continue to bring those in the central New York region top acts in the entertainment business.  Fund raising plays an enormous part in keeping their doors open.  Local sponsors see the need in continued support and this year reached out to legendary performers REO Speedwagon to join with them in raising money to support the local Stanley Center for the Arts.  It was no surprise to NYSMusic readers to learn their (REO’s) dedication to community support, as we recently learned when Neil Doughty spoke with readers in a two part interview this past summer. They have a reputation for rallying behind community in times of need.  As the announcement for the October 17, 2015 show came out, patrons scrambled to purchase tickets to the sold out show.

    REO Speedwagon - DSC_2756 copy

    Opening for the evening was local talent, Justin Smithson, perhaps best known as member of a favorite local band, Showtime.  This dynamic musician belted out a few numbers warming up the crowd and literally hit it out of the park, reaffirming to patrons to get out and enjoy local music because today’s local artists are tomorrow’s national acts.

    Justin Smithson - IMG_0151 copy

    REO Speedwagon - DSC_2846 copyWith the crowd sufficiently warmed up, REO Speedwagon took the stage and for the next two hours rocking the house in true rock and roll style, showing up their signature lyrics and instrumental solos they are best loved for.  Playing hits from early days such as “Golden Country,” “Keep Pushin,” and “Music Man,” together with 80’s hit’s “Time for Me to Fly,” “In Your Letter,” “Back on the Road Again,” and “Tough Guys,” audience members were up out of their seats dancing and singing along for the entire evening.

    It was good to see the venue filled to capacity.  It is this support that music venues need to continue to bring us both local and national talents.  As the holiday season is upon us, I can’t think of a better gift to give and receive; a night out with good music, time with friends and family, and community support.  It’s a win/win.

    Setlist: Don’t Let Him Go, Music Man, Take It on the Run, Keep Pushin’, In Your Letter, Can’t Fight This Feeling, That Ain’t Love, Tough Guys, Golden Country, Time for Me to Fly, Back on the Road Again (Bruce Hall on lead vocals), Roll With the Changes
    Encore: Keep On Loving You, Ridin’ the Storm Out

  • On ★, is the Thin White Duke Channeling Duke (Ellington)?

    Set for a Jan. 8 release, David Bowie’s new album ★ (pronounced Blackstar) takes the rock and roll chameleon in a completely different direction. The Thin White Duke enlisted a backing band of jazz musicians in a conscious effort to prevent dipping back into his old rock convictions.

    Bowie’s 25th release was recorded in New York earlier this year and boasts a heavyweight cast of jazz musicians. Joining Bowie on Blackstar are saxophonist Donny McCaslin — who also performed on the 2014 single, “Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)” — guitarist Ben Monder, drummer Mark Guiliana, pianist Jason Lindner and bassist Tim LeFebrve.

    Mojo describes the album as “jazz informed but rock intense.” Take a look at his creepy video for the title song, directed by Breaking Bad alum Johan Renck, released Friday:

    Bowie’s producer Tony Visconti explained to MOJO Magazine the thought process in choosing an all jazz band to back Bowie:

    If we’d used David’s former musicians they would be rock people playing jazz. Having jazz guys play rock music turns it upside down.  Their approach to the music was so refreshing, I looked forward to every day in the studio. Nothing was done recalling the past.

    Bowie’s career has been built on making his listeners expect the unexpected, and at the age of 68, his new album certainly shows no signs of those expectations changing.

  • Jane Getter Premonition to Tour in Support of ‘On’

    Progressive supergroup Jane Getter Premonition will head out on a brief tour in support of their new album On. The mid-December tour includes stops in Buffalo, Kingston and New York City.

    JaneGetter_sqweb

    Joining Jane Getter, who Guitar Player called “the fieriest fretboarding female ever to strap on a Stratocaster,” on tour will be Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson) on keyboards, Alex Skolnick (Testament) on guitar, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai) on bass and John Mader (Steve Miller, Pat Benatar) on drums. The tour will kick off on Dec. 8 in Cleveland, Ohio and end with two shows on Dec. 16 in New York City.

    Commenting on the tour, Getter said in a press release, “We will be playing the exciting and hard hitting music from our newly released album, On, on Madfish Music, along with a few older hits from Three and See Jane Run. Get ready for some intense jams!”

    From the press release:

    Guitarist and composer Jane Getter has played with many jazz and rock greats while garnering increasing recognition as a bandleader, gifted writer and instrumentalist. Early in her career she toured with legendary jazz/blues organist Brother Jack McDuff. Her composing talents received attention when she won the ASCAP Gershwin Award for Music for Dance or Theatre in the mid 90’s. Her debut CD, Jane, in 1998 received worldwide critical acclaim and the 2006 follow up, See Jane Run, was released on Alternity Records (home of Allan Holdsworth). In 2012 she released the progressive jazz/rock album, Three. Getter also received widespread exposure playing in the Saturday Night Live Band.

    Tickets for all shows are currently on sale.

    Jane Getter on Twitter

    Jane Getter on Facebook

    Tour Dates

    Tuesday, Dec. 8 – Nighttown, Cleveland, OH
    Wednesday, Dec. 9 – The Token Lounge, Westland, MI
    Thursday, Dec. 10 – Nietzches, Buffalo, NY
    Friday, Dec. 11 – Keegan Ales, Kingston, NY
    Monday, Dec. 14 – Jammin’ Java, Vienna, VA
    Tuesday, Dec. 15 – The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ
    Wednesday, Dec. 16 – Iridium, New York, NY – two shows, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs8LERUjgEQ[/embedyt]

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

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

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

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

    David Nail - DSC_3103 copy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Encore: TNT, Bubble Brain

  • Updated: Tool to Tour with Primus in January

    Tool posted an announcement to their Facebook page last week mentioning that they will be soon announcing U.S. tour dates for January 2016. That post also stated, “Regarding an opening band(s), what I was able to discern through the ever-shifting veil will in all likeliness be exciting to many Tool enthusiasts.”

    tool primus tourThat day is here. Through another post to Facebook, they announced, “Those faint glimpses of TOOL SHOWS that I recently perceived in the scrying mirror can now be considered official. Indeed, something wicked your way comes…THE UNPARALLELED SONIC AND VISUAL EXPERIENCE OF TOOL LIVE.”

    Tool did not specifically announce the openers, but Primus and 3TEETH are listed on the bill at ticketing sites for each show.

    There are no Northeast dates announced yet, but Tool is teasing more dates with, “CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE INFO…”

    All shows go on sale this Friday, Nov. 20. Tour dates are as follows:

    Saturday, Jan. 9 – Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Wednesday, Jan. 13 – AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Saturday, Jan. 16 – BOK Center, Tulsa, OK – with Primus
    Sunday, Jan. 17 – Verizon Theatre, Grand Prairie, TX – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Tuesday, Jan. 19 – Landers Center, Southaven, MS – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Saturday, Jan. 23 – Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Monday, Jan. 25 – Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta, GA – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Tuesday, Jan. 26 – Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, NC – with Primus and 3TEETH

    Update (Nov. 30): Tool has added a second show in San Diego on Sunday, Jan. 10. Tickets for this show are currently on sale. Additionally, four new dates were announced today. The new dates are as follows:

    Thursday, Jan. 14 – Toyota Center, Houston, TX – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Wednesday, Jan. 20 – Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Friday, Jan. 22 – Chaifetz Center, St. Louis, MO – with Primus and 3TEETH
    Sunday, Jan. 31 – Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA – with Primus

    Tickets for these four new dates go on sale on Friday, Dec. 4. Tool has, once again, hinted as even more dates through their Facebook post: “Please continue to check back for times and links and to see if any more shows are ADDED to this list.”

    Update (Dec. 8): Another stop on the Tool tour has been scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 6 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California. Billed as “An Evening with Tool,” there will be no supporting acts. Tickets for this special night of music will go on sale on Friday, Dec. 11 at 12 p.m. PST.

  • Anders Kjølholm Parts From Volbeat

    Bassist Anders Kjølholm has decided to call it a career after 14 years with his brothers in the Danish psychobilly rock group Volbeat.

    The parting so far has been mutual, and with no official word as to why Kjølholm is parting ways with Volbeat, but music skeptics add that Kjølholm may have been forced out from Volbeat.

    The parting comes days after Volbeat was accused of stealing the sound and style of the band Life Of Agony, which singer Michael Poulsen denies.

    Kjølholm has been with Volbeat from the band’s beginning in 2001. Kjølholm released a brief statement about the parting:

    It has been a great experience to be part of the Volbeat family for so long, and I wish Michael, Jon and Rob, everyone involved with the band and of course all the fans, all the best on the continued journey.

    Volbeat vocalist Michael Poulsen and drummer Jon Larsen talked about the matter:

    Anders has been a loyal friend and bandmate since 2001. We’ve toured most parts of the world and shared experiences that only few bands get to do. We’re very thankful for this and wish Anders all the best in the future.

    Volbeat plans to tour relentlessly in 2016 with a brand new sixth studio album in the works. The band debuted a new track from the upcoming album during a live set on Aug. 1 at Tusindarsskoven in Odense, Denmark.

    Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen stated back in May to local Ohio radio station 99.7 The Blitz that he has been writing songs on the road and plans to hit the studio sometime in November. He also stated that the band has rehearsed around five new songs during their soundcheck.