NYS Music 20​15

Category: News Desk

  • Pope Francis Set to Release First Album In November

    While Pope Francis was en route to Madison Square Garden to say mass on Sept. 25, the Vatican announced a new album, Wake Up!, from His Holiness will be released on Nov. 27.  The album is available for pre-order on iTunes now.

    Pope Francis

    The first single from the pontiff’s debut, titled “Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!” was posted on Soundcloud earlier in the day:

    “Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!”

    Prog Rock musician and former Van Der Graaf Generator collaborator Tony Pagliuca composed several tracks on the album. Producer Don Giulio Neroni has been the musical guiding force behind releases from Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI in addition to his work on the new Pope Francis venture.

    Since being elected in 2013, Pope Francis has created a sense of renewed energy in the Catholic church and beyond. The creation of this album, using popular music, is another way for him to spread his message and is sure to top the charts upon release.

    Pope Francis wrapped up his historic visit to the U.S. this past weekend in Philadelphia.

    Wake Up! Track List

    1. “Annuntio Vobis Gadium Mangum”
    2. “Salve Regina”
    3. “Laudato Sie…”
    4. “Poe Que’ Sufren Los Ninos”
    5. “Non Lasciatevi Rubare La Speranza!”
    6. “La Iglesia No Puede Ser Una Ong!”
    7. “Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!”
    8. “La Fa Es Entera, No Se Licua!”
    9. “Pace! Fratelli!”
    10. “Per La Famiglia”
    11. “Fazei O Que Ele Vos Disser”

  • Jeanne Sagan Departs All That Remains

    Bassist Jeanne Sagan of All That Remains has decided to part ways from her metal brothers after 10 years in the band to pursue other opportunities and personal interests.

    Jeanne Sagan
    all that remains – photo via band

    All That Remains will continue to tour and support their new album The Order Of Things with new bassist Aaron Patrick, who has played for the likes of Bury Your Dead, DevilDriver and Lamb of God to name a few.

    Sagan stated on Facebook that leaving All That Remains leaves her with a heavy heart, but in the end she has decided to follow her heart and pursue other opportunities in life. Jeanne Sagan also stated that she truly appreciates the amazing experiences and great fans over the last decade. She then wished All That Remains all the best going forward.

    All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte explained on social media that after nearly 10 years, Sagan has decided to close the ATR chapter in her life. Labonte went on to say that everyone in ATR wishes her nothing but happiness and success in any and all of her future endeavors.

    Labonte announced that Aaron Patrick will take over the bass duties for the upcoming Hard Drive Live Fallout Tour. Labonte said the band was excited to announce Patrick as the new bass player. He said Aaron has been a friend for years and, “We’re sure he’s going to be the perfect fit and considering his musical history, Labonte thinks Patrick will add a new cool dimension to ATR’s sound moving forward.”

    Aaron Patrick stated that he is beyond excited to step in and play bass for All That Remains. Aaron further stated that they have toured with each other over the years and have become close friends, so the family element is already there.

  • ‘Happy Birthday’ Copyright Nullified in Court

    “Happy Birthday,” one of the best-known songs in the English language and a staple at any American child’s birthday party, is now public domain for the first time in 27 years.

    Federal judge George H. King ruled on Tuesday that Warner Music Group‘s longstanding copyright claim on the song was invalid. The case’s plaintiff, filmmaker Jennifer Nelson, initially took the company to court in 2013 after she wished to make a documentary about the song but was denied access by Warner.

    Warner Music, the largest American-owned music company in the world, has controlled rights to the tune since 1988 and reportedly earns more than $2 million each year in licensing fees for the song.

    The copyright claim was rendered invalid because the judge ruled that Warner had never properly obtained rights to the birthday lyrics. The song’s predecessor, “Good Morning to All,” was published in 1893 by Clayton F. Summy Co. and represents the first registration of the modern “Happy Birthday” melody.

    happy birthdayWhen Warner bought the Summy Co. catalog in 1988, they received rights to “Good Morning to All” but incorrectly claimed rights to the “Happy Birthday” lyrics, which were not included in the acquisition and have never been copyrighted by anyone.

    In a statement, the plaintiff said, “This is a great victory for musicians, artists and people around the world who have waited decades for this. I am thrilled to be a part of the historic effort to set ‘Happy Birthday’ free and give it back to the public where it belongs.”

    The legal battle is far from over, as several parties have joined with Nelson to call for millions of dollars in licensing fees to be returned by Warner to the licensee.

    With the song officially “free,” artists everywhere will be able to record “Happy Birthday” without infringement. The song will see a long-awaited return to pop culture, where others in the film, television and music industries will have the liberty to use the tune.

  • Catch the Bass: Saratoga Bassist Tony Markellis Plays Around the Country This Fall

    While a wider audience will recognize his regular gig with the Trey Anastasio Band, Saratoga Springs bassist Tony Markellis enjoys fielding his talent in the local music community and performs locally at many venues this fall.

    Aside from TAB, Tony plays with a range of musicians and groups throughout the Upstate New York area. This fall he will make plenty of appearances throughout Saratoga Springs and around the Capitol District in addition to touring with the Trey Anastasio Band, which will make two New York appearances at the newly reopened Kings Theater in Brooklyn.

    tony markellisTony Markellis Fall Dates

    Friday 9/18: Jo Henley Acoustic Trio – Café Nola, Schenectady, NY (6:30)
    Saturday 9/19: Michael Jerling Trio – Caffè Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY (7)
    Tuesday 9/22: Dead Set – Club Metronome, Burlington, VT (10:30 PM)
    Wednesday 9/23: Sam Whedon & Friends – Mouzon House, Saratoga Springs, NY (7)
    Friday 9/25: Bob Warren – Wiawaka, Lake George, NY (6 PM)
    Sunday 9/27: TBA
    Tuesday 9/29: Dead Set – Club Metronome, Burlington, VT (10:30 PM)
    Wednesday 9/30: Jo Henley Acoustic Trio – Mouzon House, Saratoga Springs, NY (7)
    Wednesday 10/7: Sam Whedon & Friends – Mouzon House, Saratoga Springs, NY (7)
    Saturday 10/10: Brass & Blues – The Morgan, Glens Falls, NY (6-9)
    Friday 10/16: TAB – Kings Theater, Brooklyn, NY (7)
    Saturday 10/17: TAB – Kings Theater, Brooklyn, NY (7)
    Thursday 10/22: Dead2Me – Gaffney’s, Saratoga Springs, NY(9)
    Friday 10/23: Street Corner Holler – One Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs, NY (9)
    Friday 10/30: TAB – Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas, NV (9)
    Saturday 10/31: TAB – Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas, NV (9)
    Sunday 11/1: TAB – House of Blues, San Diego, CA (7:30)
    Wednesday 11/4: TAB – Wiltern Theater, Los Angeles, CA (9)
    Friday 11/6: TAB – Fox Theater, Oakland, CA (7:30)
    Saturday 11/7: TAB – Fox Theater, Oakland, CA (7:30)
    Monday 11/9: TAB – Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR (7:30)
    Tuesday 11/10: TAB – Showbox SODO, Seattle, WA (7)
    Thursday 11/12: TAB – The Depot, Salt Lake City, UT (7:30)
    Friday 11/13: TAB – The Fillmore, Denver, CO (8:00)
    Saturday 11/14: TAB – The Fillmore, Denver, CO (8:00)
    Friday 11/20: TBA
    Saturday 11/21: Jeanne O’Connor & the New Standard – One Caroline Bistro, Saratoga Springs, NY (9)
    Friday 11/27: Dead2Me – One Caroline Bistro, Saratoga Springs, NY (9)

  • Seven Witches Release Video For ‘World Without Man’

    New Jersey metallists Seven Witches independently unleashed their sophomore album entitled The Way of the Wicked last week. And now the group has released the second video off the new album “World Without Man” which can be viewed below. Lead by vocalist Anthony Cross, guitarist Jack Frost, bassist Ronnie Parkes, and drummer Johnny Kelly; the band released the following statement:

    “When I got the demo version of the music, I knew these were the lyrics I wanted to use for it,” recalls Cross. “The opening line was something that I had jotted down some time ago. ‘How would it be, if one day, man no longer was?’” Cross continued “Think about it….you’ve seen documentaries that show you that if human life ceased to exist, the planet would start to heal. Lyrically, this is where this came from. I’m also a big fan of the Richard Matheson story, ‘I Am Legend,’ so that fed into it as well. So really, if everyone and everything was gone, how would you go on with your life?”

    And according to Cross, his songwriting union with Frost is already a career highlight. “Writing with Jack Frost is a treat! He will usually come up with suggestions and ideas that I would never think of. And in the end we are both happy with the result.” And the union is already paying off, as evidenced by the song “World Without Man,” and the full-length ‘The Way of the Wicked.’

    The band has not posted any tour dates as of yet, however you can purchase The Way Of The Wicked here.

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  • Driftwood and Pocket Change to Pay a Visit to Rome’s Historic Capitol Theatre

    The Capitol Theatre in Rome will play host to Binghamton’s Driftwood and Rome’s Pocket Change in a double-bill of Americana, folk and bluegrass Friday, September 25 beginning at 7:30. Tickets for the general admission show are available for $15 presale and $20 at the door.

    Pocket Change

    Pocket Change will open the show. Formed in 2011, singer/guitarist Matt Moore describes the band’s eclectic mix of rock-informed bluegrass, “musical compost.”  Joining Moore in the band are his wife, Liz Moore (mandolin/vocals) and new members Joe Cantanaro (guitar) and Tim Slusarczyk (upright bass). Pocket Change is no stranger to the Capitol Theatre stage, having headlined last year’s  Mohawk Valley Bluegrass Association’s Indoor Bluegrass Festival there. It also has a history with Driftwood, joining them at last year’s Utica Music and Arts Festival.

    Driftwood, formed in Binghamton in 2005, earned its chops the hard way, performing in bars, coffee houses and the streets. As banjo player Joe Kollar says, “a lot in the streets.” With backgrounds in jazz, classical and rock, the move to bluegrass and roots music was one the band came upon naturally. Driftwood prides itself in its songwriting skills and high energy shows, punctuated by its haunting harmonies, featuring violinist Claire Byrne, guitarist Dan Forsyth and Kollar.

    Driftwood released its debut album Rally Day in 2009 and has released A Rock and Roll Heart (2011), a self-titled album (2013) and most recently, its first live album, Live at Grassroots 2014.  Absolute Punk described Driftwood as a “revelation” and “one of the best roots discs…in quite some time.”

    Having graced festival stages alongside the likes of Bela Fleck, Old Crow Medicine Show, Del McCoury, Railroad Earth, Robert Randolph, Leon Russell and Emmylou Harris, the band is poised for a breakthrough in the burgeoning Newgrass scene. With each show, the crowds have gotten bigger. Having a video for its single “The Sun’s Going Down” in rotation on CMT has only served to increase the band’s fanbase beyond its Upstate roots.

    Driftwood

    The Capitol Theatre is located in Rome’s Art and Cultural District at 220 W. Dominick St. Tickets are available through the Capitol’s website and at the door the night of the show. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $20 and allow early access to the venue and a meet and greet with the musicians.

    Driftwood Poster

  • NY Senator Chuck Schumer Introduces Anti-Ticket-Buying-Bot

    As if outrageous “service” and “convenience” charges from maniacal agencies like Live Nation and Recording Academy weren’t bad enough, live music fans are also up against a different breed of evil: scalpers. And what’s worse? The scalpers have gone digital. NY Senator Chuck Schumer has a possible solution.

    No longer is a fan’s worst enemy the guy who bought 10 tickets for face value, only to turn around and sell eight on the corner outside the parking lot of the sold-out show for twice the value. Now, resellers (individuals and companies alike) are developing algorithms and programs to snatch up tickets en mass solely for the purpose of redistribution at a huge markup through sites like StubHub, Craigslist and even Facebook. Bottom line: While scalping has always had an effect on the ticket resale market, the problem has become increasingly substantial with the increased use of technology.

    Chuck SchumerLuckily, Senator Chuck Schumer has taken action, introducing legislation that would ban ticket buying “bots” in New York state. While this is new legislation for New York, the ban already exists in 14 other states. As many online commenters have joked, this move may have been taken in response to Chuck’s own inability to find tickets at reasonable prices for the Oct. 22 Paul McCartney show in Buffalo; currently nosebleed seats average $275+ while floor seats will catch around a cool $500. By the way – face value for nosebleed tickets was $29.50, including fees.

    Joking aside, these bots are taking far more than a small slice of tickets being sold. According to varying sources, ticketing robots can account for 30-60 percent of tickets sold for certain events. Artists have tried to combat this in a variety of ways in order to give their fans a fair shake; Foo Fighters tried to keep everything in-house and LCD Soundsystem added shows for their farewell run, for example. Still, these tactics are limited when it comes to the clever scumminess that is the mind of the scalper.

    Chuck SchumerUnder the new legislation, companies or individuals caught using “bots” to scoop up tickets solely for the sake of resale would be fined up to $1,000 per ticket, with the same fine enforced upon secondary sellers. While that sounds great on paper and would be even better in reality, the unfortunate truth is that in these bans are tough to enforce. In addition to standard reselling sites like StubHub, for example, there are numerous ways tickets can be unfairly obtained and resold. Still, a focus on correcting what has become a widespread foul practice is a step in the right direction for music fans everywhere.

    All that said, there is one important sentiment worth mentioning: Some people pay what they deserve to pay. Don’t be stupid. Don’t be the guy who spent $500 for a behind-the-stage seat at the Dead 50 reunion shows. There is something to be said for supply and demand, and the ignorance of the customer is at the fulcrum of the demand. Think about where your tickets are coming from. There are plenty of great sites, such as cashortrade.org, that forbid reselling tickets over face value. Similarly, there are plenty of online communities that operate under the same principles. Best of all, know the right people and look out for your own family and friends. Don’t scalp, and don’t be scalped. If you find yourself about to click “buy” on a ticket that is being sold for way over face value, ask yourself two questions: “Whose pockets am I lining?” and, just as important, “Is it really worth it?”

  • The Bellfuries to Play Across New York

    The Bellfuries are bringing their unique music from Austin, Texas, across New York state to support their new album, Workingman’s Bellfuries. They plan to make stops in Rochester, Troy and New York City.

    The Bellfuries

    The Bellfuries music tends to get put into the rockabilly genre. Others disagree and describe their sound as having melodies from ’60s pop mixed with R&B rhythms and soul. Band members reject other labels for their music and opt for the simple description of rock ‘n’ roll.

    Even though no one can seem to agree on how to label The Bellfuries music, one thing people can agree on is that their sound is unique and a breathe of fresh air in the polluted rock scene. The Bellfuries aren’t trying to be like their retro inspirations, they are just trying to be themselves, and their originality shines throughout their music.

    You do not want to miss this band when they travel through your town. Go check them out at the dates below:
    September 24, 2015 at Mercury Lounge, NY, NY
    September 26, 2015 at Union Hall, NY, NY
    September 27, 2015 at Ale House, Troy, NY
    September 29, 2015 at Abiline Bar, Rochester, NY

    The Bellfuries are:
    Joey Simeone–vocals, rhythm guitar
    Mike Molnar–lead guitar
    Jeff “Shecky” Seaver–upright and electric bass
    Chris Sensat–drums, percussion and harmony vocals

  • Dave Rawlings Cranking Up the Machine

    Folk mastermind Dave Rawlings and his equally masterful wife Gillian Welch are making a lot of news lately, and it is music to the ears of fans everywhere.

    DRM_cover_web

    First off, they accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from the Americana Music Association. The award was presented at the association’s 2015 Honors & Awards ceremony on Wednesday at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, which will be broadcast later this year on PBS. Read Robyn Hitchcock’s incredible introduction to Dave and Gillian in full below (shared from Dave Rawlings Machine’s Facebook page).

    They also released their new album, Nashville Obsolete, under the David Rawlings Machine moniker. Released today on Acony Records, it comprises seven compositions and, in addition to Rawlings and Welch, features the talents of Paul Kowert of the Punch Brothers on bass and label mate Willie Watson on vocals and guitar. It also includes guest appearances from Brittany Haas on fiddle and Jordan Tice on mandolin.

    As if that weren’t enough to carry them through the week, they’ve also announced a fall tour that will span the country. All tickets went on sale today as well, so it was a big week for the couple! With stops in Buffalo, Ithaca, Albany and New York, fans in New York state will have multiple chances to catch the duo in action.

    Full list of dates, reaching all the way into early 2016, are below:

    Sun – 10/18 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Lobero Theatre
    Mon – 10/19 – San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
    Tue – 10/20 – Chico, CA @ Paradise Performing Arts Center
    Wed – 10/21 – Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theater
    Thu – 10/22 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
    Sat – 10/24 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre
    Sun – 10/25 – Missoula, MT @ The Wilma Theater
    Mon – 10/26 – Billings, MT @ Babcock Theatre
    Thu – 10/29 – St. Paul, MN @ Fitzgerald Theater
    Fri – 10/30 – Madison, WI @ Capitol Theater
    Sat – 10/31 – Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
    Sun – 11/1 – Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
    Mon – 11/2 – Cleveland, OH @ Music Box Supper Club
    Wed – 11/4 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Byham Theatre
    Thu – 11/5 – Buffalo, NY @ Asbury Hall @ Babeville
    Fri – 11/6 – Ithaca, NY @ State Theatre
    Sat – 11/7 – Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre The Egg
    Mon – 11/9 – Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre & Performing Arts
    Wed – 11/11 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
    Thu – 11/12 – S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
    Fri – 11/13 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
    Sat – 11/14 – Providence, RI @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
    Mon – 11/16 – Boston, MA @ The Wilbur Theatre
    Tue – 11/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
    Thu – 11/19 – Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theatre
    Fri – 11/20 – Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater
    Sat – 11/21 – Richmond, VA @ The National
    Sun – 11/22 – Durham, NC @ Durham Performing Arts Center
    Tue – 11/24 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
    Wed – 11/25 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
    Sat – 12/26 – Chattanooga, TN @ Tivoli Theatre
    Sun – 12/27 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
    Mon – 12/28 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City Music Hall
    Tue – 12/29 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
    Tue – 1/5 – Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
    Thu – 1/7 – Houston, TX @ Cullen Performance Hall
    Fri – 1/8 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
    Sat – 1/9 – Austin, TX @ Paramount Theatre
    Mon – 1/11 – Albuquerque, NM @ National Hispanic Cultural Center
    Tue – 1/12 – Flagstaff, AZ @ Orpheum Theater
    Wed – 1/13 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
    Thu – 1/14 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts
    Sat – 1/16 – Los Angeles, CA @ Ace Hotel

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  • Magic City Music Hall to Re-open After Seven-Year Hiatus

    Promoter Stu Green and his partner Charlie Schmitt announced the re-opening of the Magic City Music Hall after a seven-year hiatus.

    The venue will be at a new location at 1240 Upper Front St. in Binghamton at the old Ames plaza and will re-open Oct. 23. The new venue’s first national artist, REO Speedwagon, will perform that same weekend, on Oct. 25.

    Excitement and news of the re-opening has been spreading quickly on social media with the venue’s Facebook page gaining over 2,000 likes in the span of a few hours. That’s proof that the area has sorely missed “the magic” Magic City Music Hall brought to the area.

    The first month of performances include:
    -REO Speedwagon on Sunday, Oct. 25
    -Sublime with Rome on Saturday, Nov. 14
    -Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland with Special Guest Brandy Clark on Friday, Nov. 27

    Tickets for all three shows go on sale at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Magic City Music Hall Box Office and on Ticketmaster.

    You can find their official Facebook page here.

    Magic City Music Hall