NYS Music 20​15

Category: Capital Region

  • Karyn Crisis Returns to Upstate with Gospel of the Witches

    It has been quite some time since trailblazing musician Karyn Crisis has played Upstate New York. She used to front the heavy rock band Crisis, and they made a few stops over the years in this area before disbanding in 2006. Now, she is set to bring her newest project to Trickshots in Clifton Park on Saturday March 28.

    Gospel of the Witches brand new album Salem’s Wounds was just released to the masses on Century Media Records. Karyn has laid low since leaving Crisis, focusing on her love or art and the occult. But after meeting her husband Davide Tiso, and starting to lend some vocals on his projects, she decided to venture forth into the world of music once again. The band started as an incantation between Davide and Karyn, and has morphed into a full on project with members of Immolation, Tombs and others join the ranks to bring this occult metal band to life. Upstate New York’s up and coming premier metal venue, Trickshots Billiards in Clifton Park, is lucky enough to house one of two special performances by the band on the east coast in support of their new record, thanks in part to the tireless efforts of Joelggernaut Productions.

    Also appearing on the bill will be local heavy bands Purifier, The Final Sleep and Black Iron Prison. Doors are at 7pm, and the $10 cover ensures you get a night you won’t soon forget, and shouldn’t miss out on, for every band brings something unique to the stage. Check out more details at the Facebook event here.

    For a taste of Gospel of the Witches new record Salem’s Wounds check out “The Alchemist”.

  • Sworn Enemy to Support Biohazard at Bogies March 28

    Queens, NY metal core titans Sworn Enemy, who are on tour in support of their newest release “Living On Borrowed Time”. On their current tour with Brooklyn’s own Biohazard, they will be making a stop at Albany’s legendary punk and metal venue, Bogies at the end of March. Sworn Enemy who formed back in 2001 has proven time after time that their blend of old school hardcore definitely withstands the test of time. By delivering that extra heavy crunch and killer riffs it’s no question as to why 18 years later these guys are still crushing it.

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    The Band – Sal Lacoco (Vocals), Matt Garzilli (Guitar), Mike Pucciarelli (Bass Guitar), Jeff Cummings (Guitar), Taykwuan Jackson (Drums).

    Sworn Enemy will play Bogies in Albany on March 28, tickets can be purchased online HERE.

    Links:
    Facebook Event

    Bogies Albany, NY

  • Melvin Seals and JGB Pack Putnam Den

    Melvin Seals and the JGB stopped at the Putnam Den in Saratoga on March 12, during the middle of their spring tour.

    Playing for a packed house, they jammed through JGB classics that included “Roadrunner,Tough Mama, and The Harder They Come” and a few covers of Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally” and a night ending pairing of JJ Cale/The Beatles “After Midnight>Eleanor Rigby>After Midnight”.

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  • David Crosby Brings His One Man Acoustic Tour to New York

    No conversation about musical history can be complete without a mention of David Crosby. From the multiple variations of Crosby and/or Stills and/or Nash and/or Young to a wildly successful solo career to an almost Keith Richards-esque ability to stay alive – Crosby is a true rock and roll legend.

    david crosby tourAlbany and downstate will get their own taste of “legendary” as David Crosby brings his one man acoustic tour to Hudson June 20, The Town Hall in NYC June 25 and Albany’s The Egg June 30. New York dates will close out July 3 at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

    Crosby on the solo shows:

    “This is about the songs. The tale telling. Taking you on a voyage to my world for a moment.”

    Tickets for all shows are available on his website. Check out the full tour below.

    David Crosby Solo Acoustic Tour 2015

    June 6, Kerrville, TX, Kerrville Folk Festival
    June 9, Miami Beach, FL, Fillmore Miami Beach
    June 10, Fort Pierce, FL, Sunrise Theatre
    June 12, Clearwater, FL, Capitol Theatre
    June 13, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
    June 16, Durham, NC, Carolina Theatre of Durham
    June 17, Charlottesville, VA, Paramount Theater
    June 19, Morristown, NJ, Mayo Performing Arts Center
    June 20, Croton-On-Hudson, NY, Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival – Croton Point Park
    June 22, Alexandria, VA, Birchmere
    June 23, Harrisburg, PA, The Whitaker Center For Science & the Arts – Sunoco Theater
    June 25, New York, NY, The Town Hall
    June 28, Munhall, PA, Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
    June 30, Albany, NY, The Egg Center For the Performing Arts
    July 2, Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Playhouse
    July 3, Westhampton Beach, NY, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
    July 5, Bethlehem, PA, Musikfest Café
    July 6, New Bedford, MA, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

  • An Interview with Steve Molitz of Particle

    NYS Music recently has a chance to sit down and talk to Steve Molitz of Particle about all things going on Particle.

    Particle have always had an eclectic mix of musicians. From moe. guitarist Al Schiner to the legendary Joe Satriani, the pattern has remained unchanged. Beginning last year, Brothers Past bassist Clay Parnell joined the group, opening many new doors for the band to explore, and explore they did. This year the additions continue as The Disco Biscuits’ Allen Aucion joins the band on drums. Aucoin, who joined the Biscuits after winning a drum off in 2007 to replace founding member Sam Altman, has been playing under his moniker Dr. Fameus, while the Disco Biscuits tour schedule has slowed down. His sound, blended with Particle, can only lead to endless possibilities. The fast pace grooves that Particle provides will be complimented superbly.

    Particle and special guests, Greenhouse Lounge, are coming to town March 19 at the Putnam Den in Sarartoga Springs. Tickets are $15 dollars and can be purchased here. This is going to be a special evening that may not be repeated.

    Jimmy Chambers: How did Allen Aucoin end up on this tour with you guys?

    Steve Molitz: Allen and I had played a handful of shows together in the past (The Space Lab, Everyone Orchestra, etc.), and we’ve always gotten along famously (pun intended) – both on and offstage. Our bassist Clay Parnell has toured extensively with Allen in their electronic duo Dr Diesel, so when Particle discovered that we needed a drummer (our previous drummer was unable to tour), Allen was a very natural choice. He had a break in his Disco Biscuits schedule, so the timing worked out perfectly. We’re so excited to have him out with us, and we’re all really having a blast on the road together…

    JC: Has the Particle sound change since?

    SM: Fans can still expect to hear that classic Particle sound, but it has definitely evolved since Allen started playing with us. He’s such a skilled and powerful player, and he has such incredible pacing in the jams. He’s a very creative player, and I love the way he approaches the songs and elevates the music.  We’ve been getting into deeper electronic grooves on the recent tours, and this rhythm section lays down such a massive and dynamic foundation. Allen brings a fresh perspective to the songs from the Launchpad era, and he’s a perfect fit for the newer, more electronic songs…

    JC: Have you, having been in Phil and friends, been in contact with anyone for the Grateful Dead 50 celebrations?

    SM: I reached out to congratulate the guys when they made their big announcement, and I think it’s so cool that they are all so genuinely excited about the shows. I’m so happy for them that they have reached this epic milestone, and I know the shows are going to be really special. And although I can’t announce anything officially yet, I will say that there’s a very good chance you’ll see me and Particle both playing multiple shows in Chicago that weekend…

    JC:. How do you feel the band’s momentum has increased over the last year?

    SM: Things come in waves, and it’s been such a thrill to watch Particle pick up so much momentum in the last year. The band was on a sort of an unannounced semi-hiatus for the past seven years, but we’re 100% back in action now, and it feels so good to be completely immersed in Particle again. We’ll probably play 75-100 shows this year, and we are putting the finishing touches on a new album in the next few weeks. We’ve debuted a bunch of new original songs on this tour, and we’re really trying to write set lists that challenge us to explore uncharted territory in our improvisations each night. There has definitely been a noticeable change in the feeling at the shows, and the recent surge of energy and excitement from the fans has been so inspiring.

    JC:. What are the bands summer plans?

    SM: Write, record, release, rehearse, TOUR, rinse, and repeat

  • The Nth Power’s Escape Plan: Bring the funk

    People huddled around in front of Putnam Den, trying to stay warm, trying to stay excited for the night of funk that was to ensue inside with Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, and The Nth Power on Friday, Feb 27. They were surely in for a treat as both bands prepared hot sets to warm the chilly bones of the crowd.

    To start the night, Beau Sasser had his Escape Plan ready to tear things up. The animated lead vocals and centerpiece of the group, Mary Corso, held the crowd’s attention with a soothing voice and a natural stage presence, and had the many in attendance eating out of her hand. High energy guitar solos by Justin Henricks and Craig Brodhead were a non stop staple throughout the set.. “Taxman” The Beatles staple, was an interesting choice for a funk band to tackle, but The Escape Plan did it flawlessly. Between the vocals of Mary and the drums of Max Creeks Bill Carbone, the beat was a completely different arrangement than the Beatles – a treat hearing a new twist on an old standard. “Whipping Post” the Allman Brothers classic, exemplified this tremendously, and the crowd was moving rapidly to the southern rock groove sprinkled with the sweet funk for which The Escape Plan is known. This was sheer brilliance. The band played a few encores, which was pleasurable to everyone in the packed room. The encore highlight came, however, when Nigel Hall, The Nth Powers organist sat in with the group. Beau moved over and the two geniuses went to town on the keys bringing cheer to all. It was the perfect was to end the set, and The Nth Power was still yet to come. It seemed there would be no way they could keep this fantastic vibe going, but Nigel and crew would bring an elegant mixture of rock , funk and blues to the stage that was nothing less than mind-blowing.

    DaveDeCrescente-EscapePlan-11

    Slow riffing guitar is not the typical way to kick off a funk show, nevertheless, Nick Cassarino proved that this could be done superbly. As the slow groove was picked up with drums by Nikki Glaspie, it threw a beat that left the crowd with little choice but move themselves to dance. The screeching solo and roaring drums were the perfect way to kick off funk. With musicians such as Nigel Hall, bassist Nate Edgar and percussionist Weedie Braimah the group was complete. As the evening moved forth they proved it time and time again, with tremendous drums solos sending energy through the building and the uncontrollably frantic audience. Funk also has a cousin, and that cousin is the soul. The Nth Power possessed so much soul it was exuding throughout the crowd and the melodic harmonies were out of this world. Glaspie and Cassarino made their voices seem as one, as the highs and lows blended in a way that could be matched by few others – these guys have it. The vocals were a gigantic part of the festivities, as Mr. Nigel Hall would provide some heavenly vocals backed up by the other two, to create the perfect three-part harmony.

    Weedie Braimah’s percussion was definitely a high point of the show. He genuinely looked as if he was having a spiritual experience while honing his craft, which overflowed into the crowd as they were even more uncontrollable than previously. Weeddie and Nikki dueled, leading the audience to know that they would each outdo the other, but how? Amazing. The music these five people made was exactly the sound they were going for. There are definitely bigger things to come for The Nth Power.

  • Getting Schooled by Jen Durkin and School Bus Yellow at The Parish Public House

    Parish Public House and Guthrie Bell Productions hosted local favorite, School Bus Yellow with the new sound of Jen Durkin and The Business on Friday March 6.

    School Bus Yellow is a four piece improvisational jam rock band from Upstate NY, covering a range of classic hits and fresh, original material. Opening the night with a few groovy, light-hearted numbers such as “Chump Change” and the Grateful Dead’s “Franklin’s Tower” getting the crowd energized for the night ahead. School Busy Yellow stretch funky spontaneous melodies and rock rhythms for a captivating contagious dance vibe. Catching the audience completely off guard was their fun-loving bust outs of “Sweet Dreams” and “Busta Move” with fierce drum work from Gregory Finely. This band is fast ride with experienced drivers, be sure to hop on and buckle up.

    Click here to stream and download their set from Parish Public House on March 6 now.

    schoolbusyellow

    Most New Englanders may recognize Jen Durkin as lead singer from Deep Banana Blackout who are a staple at the Gathering of the Vibes for the late night sets. Durkin, rightfully nicknamed “Pipes” debuted her new funk project, The Business, last fall at The Catskill Chill, spreading soulful vocals alongside her brother Johnny Durkin on drums, Darian Cunning on guitar, Rich Zurkowski on bass and keyboardists Jesse Gibbon. Jen Durkin produces mighty alto vocals as she rocks the microphone and a cowbell in high fashion style. Zurkowski slaps out a funky bass rhythm while Gibbon plays a jazzy melody and Cunning is pure rock n roll guitar attitude. The group has flawless chemistry as they climb continuous peaks of harmonies, fusing together old school funk and new age soul with nonstop energy. Be sure to catch Jen Durkin & The Business Saturday April 4 at Brooklyn Bowl, NYC with Dumpstaphunk.

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  • Asleep at the Wheel Spring Albany out of Winter

    Asleep at the Wheel pulled into The Egg along with openers The Quebe Sisters on Sunday night as the city began to thaw from its terrible winter. The groups seemed to not only bring nice weather with them, but they played some scorching hot “Texas swing” for the enraptured crowd. Having this wonderful genre of music played in such a great venue is a treat for Upstate New York, as it’s a rarity for it come around here. To make the evening even better, there was plenty of comedy coming from the stage from both bands throughout their performances.

    BDL Photography

    First up were The Quebe Sisters, Grace,, Sohpia, and Hulda, whom all laid down some amazing fiddle work along with beautiful harmonies. The sisters were joined by Katy and Penny Clark who continuously traded instruments throughout the show including mandolin, piano, guitar, and banjo. The sound that was being made by these amazing women on stage could have been taken from a radio from the 50’s or right off the stage at The Grand Ole Opry. Their set went by in a flash, like their hands playing various instruments, and the crowd gave the ladies a standing ovation as they exited the stage.

    Asleep at the Wheel strode on stage in all of their glory shortly after and took The Egg to the heart of Texas very quickly. 45 years on the road has not slowed the band down one note. Playing some great tunes like “Route 66”, “Big Balls in Cowtown” and “Miles and Miles in Texas” let the crowd hoot, holler, stomp their feet, and sing along. Throughout the night they paid tribute to Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and they did a great job honoring the king of Texas swing, as they do on their latest guest filled album Still the King.

    BDL Photography

    Ray Benson is of course the focal point of the band as he has been there since the beginning and he tells some great stories throughout the show, but everyone else was just as amazing. Eddie Rivers blew the crowd away throughout the night on the steel guitar, while Katie Shore did the same on fiddle. Emily Gimble’s hand flew on the piano and her voice was soaring over the crowd. Dave Sanger and Dave Miller on drums and bass respectively kept the train rolling all night. After the show was over, both bands were out in the lobby meeting and signing things for the audience. Hopefully more old-school country can come throughout New York State to keep us warm throughout the whole year.

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  • Mister F Releases Second Anniversary Video

    For the second of a three video set to celebrate the second anniversary of their formation – NYSMusic is elated to give fans a first look at Mister F’s “Answer the Dog.” The Snow Day Sessions will be a three song EP and will be released on the F’s Bandcamp page following the third video release which drops next Sunday. “Answer the Dog” features a special guest sit in from saxophonist Matty Carl of Shwizz. The F’s Scott Hannay provided us with some background:

     “Once upon a time, on the road in Chicago, we had some friends of ours go wait in line for a whole bunch of legendary Hot Doug’s hot dogs. We were all pretty amped. However, Matt fell asleep before they could return with the dogs, phone-in-hand. We went all Indiana Jones on him and carefully switched the phone for his hot dog, and put his phone by his ear. We called the phone to see if he would answer the hot dog. He didn’t ‘answer the dog’, but we suddenly had a title for the brand new untitled song we’d played just the night before.”

    Catch Mister F next in NY on April 4 at Upstate Concert Hall supporting Twiddle and Kung Fu, and now, let’s watch the video for “Answer the Dog.”

  • Dropkick Murphys Sell Out Upstate Concert Hall

    It was a typical cold night in Clifton Park, NY at the Upstate Concert Hall. The event was completely sold out and packed with people from all over the Northeast. Eager for what was certain to be an entertaining night with the rowdy Irish punk rockers, Dropkick Murphys, the flock of fans gathered around opener Brian McPherson. He kept them calmly charmed with acoustic Irish Folk music. Fast strumming guitar paired with a whaling tenor voice and harmonica solos laced in proved that McPherson is a formidable one man Irish music army.

    Blood or Whiskey came out to a crowd so thick that raising a drink to your mouth without accidentally molesting the strangers around you becomes a task. Angry irish chanting aimed at semi-sober thick blooded upstate New Yorkers did little to budge the people, though undoubtedly entertained. The front man calls for a circle pit but the crowd disobeys for fear that the silverback gorilla sized bouncer standing on the bar may come down atop them.

    The Mahones were proceeded with Celtic jig music and a stuffed terrier atop the bass amp. All dressed in black, the group raged on and the people warmed up. Most intriguing was the accordion player. Heavily tattooed and highly attractive, she pumped her instrument with the intensity of a cage fighter. From time to time she leaned into her microphone to let out a blood-curdling scream that gave power to the lead vocals. With no room to fight or care or breath, the night moved on without a hitch.

    Enter Dropkick Murphys with energy easily matched by the fans that somehow found room to smash against each other amicably enough. Juggling instruments like street performers, the band shuffled through instruments such as: an accordion, a small flute like object, bagpipes, a plethora of guitars, mandolins and other different small flute-like objects. The whole group tactfully traded vocals, or just all yelled together like the were celebrating at a pub. How could the Dropkick Murphys have this much fun every night!? After a few fights were stifled by criticisms from the Murphys and some more top-notch performances, including bringing up opener Brian McPherson for an amazing rendition of an old tune, the band “finished” their set. The entirety of the sold out crowd demanded an encore which was not only appeased but they were invited onstage to close out the night alongside their idols.

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