NYS Music 20​15

Category: Regions

  • Holiday Poster Art Show at Bearsville Theater In Woodstock Saturday, December 19

    On Saturday, December 19, the historic Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY is hosting a holiday poster art show, presented by NYS Music and PhanArt. The poster art show will feature Woodstock based artists Mike DuBois and Erin Cadigan, who will both be selling their work, as well as PhanArt, which represents a collective of poster artists from around the country. Come and buy that holiday gift for the music lover in your family, or treat yourself!

    Mike DuBois will be on hand, and is one of the official poster artists for the Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well tour, as well as one of the official poster artists for the recent Dead & Company tour. Mike will be selling some of his highly sought after limited edition prints, and those prints will be announced on The Bearsville Theater Facebook page during the week leading up to the show.

    Erin Cadigan is an illustrator whose clients include High Times Magazine, Central Park Summer Stage and Adidas. She spent decades selling her art as a vendor at Grateful Dead and Phish shows. Erin will be selling t-shirts from her THREE Erin Cadigan line, Phanart posters and art prints including her just released DRINKING ALE print. Local folks might know her best as the owner and designer of The White Dove Rockotel.

    The Poster Art show will run from 4-8pm, and The Bearsville Theater bar will be serving those over 21 during that time. From 9pm until midnight or beyond, Bearsville Theater will be hosting a Good Ol’ Grateful Dead dance party for those over 21, which will be illuminated by a psychedelic light show from Delilah Rain’s Ambient Experience.

    The poster show is free and open to all ages (4-8pm) and the dance party is $5 and 21+ (9pm-12am)

  • NAP Dials It in at Palisades

    NAP is a three piece, post-punk New York City band.  With Pat Glass on drums, Nate Cepis on guitar and vocals, and Andy Cush on bass and lead vocals, they have a dynamic unlike anything else.  The first time I saw NAP play was when they formed two years ago and their intensity pulled me in instantly.  I remember how refreshing it felt to be hooked on a band so quickly.
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    On Friday, December 11th,  I watched the trio perform at Palisades in Brooklyn and they delivered yet again. It was sweaty, loud, and absolutely intoxicating. Their stage presence was captivating; dead eyes, screaming vocals, and head banging fit seamlessly with their perfectly simple lyrics.  At a NAP show everything comes together and makes you want to drink cheap beer and party.  What more could you ask for from live music?

    New York City is a sea of young musicians making their presence known and voices heard.  NAP’s raw performance style and unconventional sound genuinely sets them apart from the rest.

  • Borg Party Heads to Buffalo and Rochester

    Buffalo and Rochester won’t be short of something amazing to see this holiday season as Borg Party invades both cities just days before the Christmas Holiday. The super group spearheaded by Dopapod’s Rob Compa (guitar) also features Mike Gantzer (Aqueous– guitar), Mikey Carruba (Turkuaz – drums), James Searl (Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad – bass) and Willy O’Riley (The Niche – keys). Borg Party will take over Buffalo Iron Works in Buffalo on Dec. 22 before moving to Flour City Station in Rochester on Dec. 23.

    The music looks to take on a festive atmosphere with a mix of covers and improvisational rifting. Compa, who grew up in Rochester, told NYS Music that he wanted to create a project that was less about creating something new and more about playing music that is enjoyable. “I was planning on coming home for the week of Christmas to visit my parents, so I figured I would call up some people who’s playing I really love who are from western New York and put together a couple shows just to have some fun and blow off some steam. That is really pretty much the whole point. Every one of the guys doing this with me is one of my favorites on their respective instruments, so I really wanted a chance to play with all of them.”

    It’s not the first time that Compa has played with several of the musicians in various incarnations. This summer Dopapod and Aqueous highlighted the Buffalove Music Festival as Aquapod. At Catskill Chill, Dopapod and Turkauz joined forces for the Dopakuaz featuring the music of Studio 54. Gantzer has also made appearances on stage with both Dopapod and Turkauz at various shows in Buffalo.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr-90SLkSl8

    But for Compa, it’s also another opportunity to play with a musician that was an enormous influence on him as a teenager. “I used to go see Willy O’Riley play with his band the Niche when that venue [Flour City Station] was called Milestones,” he noted. “I was young and hungry to play, and was a huge fan of that band. They were incredibly cool to me and would let me sit in with them from time to time at that club. Willy in particular is a huge influence over who I became as a musician, and this will be our first time playing together in that room in almost ten years. I’m really excited to play with him again.”

    Borg Party is currently only planned as a two night engagement. Tickets for both shows at Buffalo Iron Works and Flour City Station are currently still available.

  • Hearing Aide: Yankee Blood ‘Honey’

    a1637777148_16Nashville-based indie-pop trio Yankee Blood released their debut EP last month titled Honey. The Yankees, as they sometimes call themselves, are comprised of Kelly Ruth (singer/bassist), Adam Verone (drummer) and James Karp (guitarist). Seiji Itaru Inouye provides additional guitars and Juliana Richer Daily supplies vocal harmonies on the album. Honey was produced, mixed and engineered by David Brubaker at Studio 215, and mastered by Mark Trewella of Full Circle Mastering.

    Airy vocals and ethereal harmonizations supported by bluesy, mellow guitar and drums, open the first song, “Sioux City.” Ruth poses an existential quandary floating through the minds of younger generations questioning their role in society. This notion is drawn out with the lyrics, “When you were 23 you said that you wanted to move to Sioux City, where everything’s pretty/ You said Ma don’t you miss me, I’ve gone to where I can see the sunset clearly/And everyone’s friendly to the new girl in town.” The song alludes to that idealistic mentality of many fledgling twenty-somethings seeking to explore the world and embark on adventure. Like viscous honey oozing down a smooth surface, the lyrics postulate, “Well you’ve always been chasing that dream of the beautiful scenes you’d clip out of magazines.”

    “Reckless” offers eighties-inspired synth pulsating like lazy ripples, chased by Ruth’s femme power lyrics. She expresses, “I’ve been told I need a man to put me in my place/Every time one comes around he can’t keep with my pace/God made me the reckless kind.” Yet the next song, “Beekeeper,” with simple jazzy guitar evoking a daydream quality, expresses a desire for companionship through the lyrics, “Like bees to the queen, like tea to honey/I want someone to love.” Put together these songs personify a fiercely independent woman hard pressed to find a mate well matched for her fiery spirit. Honey will resonate with those who have been faced with the uncertainties of love and finding purpose.

    Key Tracks: Sioux City, Reckless, Beekeeper

  • Arkells Play to a Sold Out Town Ballroom

    DSC_6095-2The Arkells performed an extensive high energy set to a sold out crowd at Town Ballroom this past Friday. Not before vocalist Max Kerman and guitarist Mike DeAngelis played an intimate acoustic set to fans who brought a toy valued at 10 dollars or more to donate to local children who are less fortunate and otherwise would not have presents under the tree this Christmas.

    Pentimento was direct support for The Arkells, they are a local band right here from my city of Buffalo. I have not had the pleasure of seeing them perform before so excitement came over me as they walked onto the stage. My first reaction was wow, how are these guys not headlining their own tours yet? They swept fans off their feet with Jeremiahs smooth voice and guitarist Lance Claypools catchy riffs. These guys gained plenty of new fans that night and I am proud to say that I am one of them.

    The Arkells took the stage and got the fans jumping to their feet and screaming lyrics at the top of their lungs from the opener Cynical. The set continued with songs from High Noon; such as Come To Light, Dirty Blonde, and Leather Jacket. They also played songs off their older albums “Michigan Left” and “Jackson Square.” A fan favorite that night was 11:11, once they started singing that the crowd seemed to lose control. The encore started off with acoustic version of Kiss Cam, followed by young Turks and their biggest hit to date Leather Jacket.

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  • Brian Wilson to Perform ‘Pet Sounds’ at Tanglewood

    Brian Wilson will perform Pet Sounds in its entirety at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts on June 19.

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    Founding member of The Beach Boys Brian Wilson will perform the band’s iconic 1966 album Pet Sounds. While dates for the tour, called The 50th Anniversary Celebration and Final Performance in its Entirety, are slowly dropping, a handful have been announced. His band for this tour will include Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine along with longtime touring member of the Beach Boys Blondie Chaplin. They will be backed by the Boston Pops at Tanglewood. It is expected that other Beach Boys hits will be performed in addition to the Pet Sounds album.

    Pet Sounds was recorded after Wilson was no longer touring with The Beach Boys, but was holed up in his home and recording studio creating the album. The album, which includes Beach Boys’ hits “Wouldn’t it be Nice” and “God Only Knows,” was ranked the number two greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone, second only to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Paul McCartney is said to have been heavily influenced by Pet Sounds, which led to the psychedelic sound of Sgt. Pepper’s. The making of Pet Sounds was documented in the recent film “Love & Mercy.”

    As part of the Pet Sounds tour, Brian Wilson will also play to a sold-out crowd at Burlington, Vermont’s Flynn Center for the Performing Arts on June 14. He will perform at Tanglewood in the Koussevitzky Music Shed on Sunday, June 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the Tanglewood show go on sale Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.

  • Tom Hamilton’s American Babies Wail in Rochester

    Tom Hamilton’s American Babies closed out a lengthy fall tour at Rochester’s Flour City Station. The 31-date tour lasted seven weeks and visited 29 cities spanning 17 states. That’s a lot of miles logged and a lot of notes played. They could have either come out tired and road weary with a just-get-it-done attitude or tighter than ever, ready to finish off 2015 strong. Luckily for us it was the latter.American.Babies.Roch.16

    The band, currently consisting of Hamilton’s long-time partner Clay Parnell on bass, Justin Mazer on guitar, Al Smith on drums, and young singer-songwriter Raina Mullen on guitar and backing vocals, played a set spanning their entire existence and beyond.

    Late in the 80 minute set, Hamilton pulled out “Boy,” one of the first songs he ever wrote, originally for Brothers Past. Earlier in the evening though they introduced the audience to a couple of new songs that will likely find their way on their next recording. Each expanded on their unique universe of Americana-based rock. “What Does It Mean To Be” added in an interesting blend of reggae and grunge rock that developed into a long improvisation where some of Hamilton’s electronic history shined through. Eventually the jam wound around to a funked up cover of Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up In Blue” that was more a cover of Jerry Garcia Band’s cover of the tune. A long and rocking two guitar assault petered into a beautifully mellow segment that picked up steam again only to find its way back into “What Does It Mean To Be” to complete a delicious sandwich.

    They followed with another new tune called “Synth Driver,” with hints of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan fell into more of a 70s rock vibe. Things darkened up quickly with some heavy guitar effects through the middle section.

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    Jerry Garcia’s influence came back in a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come,” again a cover that was more influenced by Garcia’s version than the original. Some very Dead-like sounds emerged in some of the bands older tunes, particularly on takes of “They Sing ‘Old Time Religion’” and in a beautiful intro to “Invite Your Friends.” Perhaps a carry over from Hamilton’s involvement in Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, or perhaps exactly the opposite? Either way it sounded great, and the American Babies maintained an original and enjoyable take on rock music.

    In only their second show ever, Buffalo’s Band of Peace, fronted by Big Leg Emma’s Steve Johnson, opened the show. Guitarist Joe Muffoletto channeled Dickey Betts to great effect, while the band romped through a rousing set of country and jazz infused rock.

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  • Oneonta’s Space Carnival Brings CarnEvil 3 to the Theatre

    Mark Jan. 30, 2016, on your concert calendar. That’s the date Oneonta’s Space Carnival has set for CarnEvil 3.

    The bi-annual event was created as a way for Space Carnival to give back to its fans. Featuring carnival and space-themed artwork, carnival games and face-painting booths, the band encourages all in attendance to come in costume as a carnie or associated freak.

    Space Carnival CarnEvil 3 poster

    Tickets for this New York State Music-sponsored show went on sale Dec. 11 and can also be purchased at the Oneonta Theatre box office. Advance sale tickets are $10 and $12 at the door.

    Previous CarnEvil events have been held at the band’s second home in Oneonta, the Black Oak Tavern. Due to popular demand, the third edition has been moved to the more spacious Oneonta Theatre. See footage of CarnEvil 2 below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M8TGqyX9x8

    CarnEvil 3 begins with another Oneonta band, Boketto, followed by Brooklyn-based Teddy Midnight.

    This event’s proceeds will go directly toward funding Space Carnival’s debut album. The band has put together an IndieGoGo campaign to help fund the recording.

    Formed in spring 2013, Space Carnival plays a blend of high-energy disco, funk and progressive rock. The band’s roster includes Jeremy Kraus on guitar, Cameron Fitch on keys and vocals, Chris Meier on bass, and Nick Tassinari on drums.

    Check out Space Carnival’s release from earlier this year, recorded at the Oneonta Theatre:

    [bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1809579557 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small]

  • Birthday Bash at Starland Ballroom was a hit with Life Of Agony and Walls Of JerichoWalls Of JerichoBirthday Bash at Starland Ballroom was a hit with Life Of Agony and Walls Of Jericho

    On Sunday December 6, Life Of Agony frontwoman Mina Caputo celebrated her birthday playing their last US show of 2015 and boy did they make it memorable.  The show was held at Sayreville, New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom, and this was my first visit to the venue.  Let me start off by saying how awesome that venue is.  The stage is big, can be seen from just about anywhere, with a nice open floor with bars in every corner of the building.  Great sound, great service and I would go back in a heartbeat.

    Detroit hardcore outfit Walls Of Jericho opened the show with a small but stellar set.  Like the headliners, this band has not been touring a whole lot and have been playing select shows so it was a real treat to have been able to see them.  “Fuck The American Dream” was definitely the highlight of their set.

    I was very giddy to be seeing Life Of Agony again.  I was fortunate enough to have seen them a few months back at the East Coast Tsunami Fest, so I already had a grasp on what to expect.  But this time through, there was more to celebrate and even better, Life Of Agony played a longer set.  The band played just about everything off their trademark debut album River Runs Red and select songs off the rest of their catalog.

    They kicked off their set with “Bad Seed” and right into “River  Runs Red” and the crowd erupted.  One thing that makes this band so special is the way they utilize and share the stage with one another.  Guitarist Joey Z. and Bassist Alan Robert were constantly moving, with singer Mina anchoring the stage and using her golden vocals behind the mic.   Its fascinating watching Mina on stage because of someone who is so physically small have the lung power to belt those songs out the way they’re meant to be heard out is really a sight to behold.  And of course Sal Abruscato is a stud behind the drum kit.  Everything sounded loud, clean and crystal clear.  No feedback. Nothing overpowering.

    Other highlights of the set included “Other Side Of The River” and “Respect” to me was the most fun to hear live, but later the band took a moment to help a fan have his moment.  Just after performing “Lost At 22,”  this fan was invited on stage to propose to his girlfriend (which takes LOTS of guts).  Another special moment was Joey Z got the crowd to sing happy birthday to Mina which was lots of fun.  But the most special moment of the night, Mina and Joey Z performed a very heartfelt tribute to Scott Weiland by performing an acoustic cover of Stone Temple Pilots “Plush.”  Anyone familiar with that version of that song will tell you that they did that song JUSTICE.

    The rest of the band came out and finished with a few more songs off River Runs Red and closed with “Underground” to put a stamp on what was the most memorable concert experience I have had the pleasure of covering in quite some time.

    From what I gather, Life Of Agony is gearing up to a brief European tour in January, and no other shows have been announced as of yet.  Obviously if we hear about it, NYS Music will let fans know, but the point is, this show was special moment, so if we are lucky enough to get more shows from Life Of Agony here on the east coast, you need to go see them.

  • Hearing Aide: lespecial “Omnisquid”

    Boston-based death-funk trio lespecial released their first, full-length studio album titled Omnisquid on November 20. It invites listeners to follow on a sonic voyage of nautical proportions. lespecial is Luke Bemand (bass, vocals, synth) Rory Dolan (drums, percussion, sampler) and Jonathan Grusauskas (guitar, vocals, sampler, synth).

    The album tells a story of extra-terrestrial beings commandeering the minds of giant squids which rise from the ocean to wreak havoc and destruction upon the populace. This storyline plays out through a heavy soundscape with, at times, playful, nautical inspired riffs and beats that make the listener feel like they’re in an underwater dancehall. lespecial has created a world with this album and it’s oceanic inspirations are evident.

    The first track on the album, “Fruit Wolf Dance,” opens with a haunting, aquatic groove building into a driving onslaught of the trio’s instrumental talents. This driving force has moments of respite allowing for each instrument to shine yet remain cohesive. Halfway through, the track takes a turn showcasing their electronic sample proficiency with bubble-like pops and the live-trap drumming lespecial has become known for. The live-trap and sample sounds coalesce into the heavier tone found earlier in the song making for a seamless display of the genre bending this band is capable of. Bemand has stated previously that this album is a return to their musical roots, showcasing “a heavier vibe throughout.”

    The second number, “Squid Rising,” introduces the listener to the story of the giant squids with noticeable seafaring compositions and Bemand’s thick basslines amidst the recordings of news reports of the squid’s destruction. Following up the tale’s intro is the title track, “Omnisquid,” a frenetic serenade of layered guitar riffs and polyrhythmic drumming. “Optimus Prime Slot” features some industrial-heavy drum programming by fellow Boston-based music-maker, Rob Uslan aka Supersillyus, and make for an excellent juxtapose to Grusauskas’ pinching guitar riffs and eerie vocals.

    “Sugaboi” is a jamtronica laden track, again displaying the bands diverse and ample capability of playing different styles which they seem to be poking fun at with the overlay of a recording stating “see there’s some question about my identity/ let me put it to ya this way/ I’m not sure who I am.” Possibly answering that question is the following, “Leaps Evil,” where Dolan’s drumming keeps an excellent, relentless pace amongst Grusauskas’ soaring vocals and Bemand’s standout bass riffs. “Ships in the Night” feels like a reprieve from the repetitive build and crash that previous tracks include, giving way to the album’s first pre-release single, “New Fish.” Sliding bass and a wonky guitar vibe swell to a powerful, double-bass filled barrage fading out unrelenting. Like “Leaps Evil,” “Pressed for Time” conveys lespecial’s distinct command of differentiating time signatures and penchant for high-pitched vocal harmonies.

    Closing out the journey is the track “Absolutely Stunning,” recounting a fisherman’s tale of what he may or may not have seen. There’s a very cinematic, “end-of-times” vibe to this track with the addition of a cello arrangement by Julian Lenz. The cello amplifies another build and release to the heaviness that lespecial has been touting the whole album.  Whilst weaving a tale of cephalopods taken over by aliens, Omnisquid most definitely exemplifies a return to form of contrasting time signatures and dark, heavy grooves. If you’re in need of a cinematic auditory experience, lespecial’s first full length has it.

    All songs on the album were written and performed by lespecial and all tracks recorded and mixed by Andrew Greacen at More Sound Recording Studio in Syracuse, NY except “Ships in the Night,” recorded and mixed at the Music Cellar in Millerton NY, and the Morrison Gallery in Kent, CT. All of the tracks were mastered by Jocko at More Sound Recording Studio in Syracuse, NY.

    Omnisquid is available for direct download at lespecial.bandcamp.com/album/omnisquid and also on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and CD Baby.