Category: Regions

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”.

March 26, 2015
Bowlive 6 Night 7 – Erik Deutsch and The Jazz Outlaws, Soulive w/ George Porter Jr. “The Captain of Bowlive Pt. 2”

Night seven of Bowlive opened with local musician Erik Deutsch (keyboard) and his band The Jazz Outlaws. Deutch and company brought more of a crushing rock and roll set to Brooklyn Bowl than the classic psych jazz he is known for. Joined on stage by Scott Metzger (guitar, WOLF!) Erik Deutsch gave way to his band to carry the set and performing a mixture of original tunes and covers of The Rolling Stones “Wild Horses,” Etta James “Dearest Darling,” Bonnie Raitt’s “Too Long At The Fair,” and Waylon Jenning’s “Whistlers and Jugglers.” The set was capped off by Greg Humphrey’s (guitar) original tune “Natural Child.”

Soulive began the evening with The Shady Horns on stage for the first time of the run. The night was kicked off with “El Ron” off of Soulive’s 2002 self titled album. “Flurries” off Next followed and Eric Bloom (trumpet) and Ryan Zoidos (sax) brought some heat to to this tune as the evening was kicked into high gear right off the bat. We were lead through a soulful rendition of “Vapor” and a slow psychedelic journey through “Third Stone From The Sun” and “Lenny”, all Soulive originals. For the second night in a row George Porter Jr. dubbed ‘The Captain of Bowlive’ joined the band for the remainder of the first set where he brought us New Orleans classics “Junco Partner,” an abbreviated “Iko Iko,” and the Rebirth Brass Band original “I Feel Like Funkin It Up.” The set came to a close with Porter Jr. and The Runnin’ Pardners original “Take A Chance.”

The second set began with the same group on stage and hit the ground running with The Meters smooth jazz melody “No More Okey Dokey.” Donny Hathaway tune “Voices Inside (Everything is Everything)” followed up and kept pace with the blissful jazz to begin this set. Porter Jr. then brought us “I Need More Time” off of his 2011 project Can’t Beat The Funk. The surprise guest for this evening was none other than 12 year old guitar prodigy Brandan “Taz” Niederauer. Anyone who has witnessed his shredding guitar style knows that at his young age he can stand toe to toe with the pros. Taz led Krasno and Porter Jr. on The Meters upbeat “Fire On The Bayou” and “People Say” standing front and center on stage showing off of rock star chops and signature curly hair before leaving the stage. The Meters “Hand Clapping Song” followed and featured Krasno getting the crowd involved and clapping their hands in the air before segueing into “Funky Miracle.” The set came to a close with the Wilson Pickett hit “In The Midnight Hour,” highlighted by an Alan Evans drum solo that continually got pushed harder and faster by Porter Jr. For an encore, Taz came back out on stage and stole the show one more time for The Meters “Just Kissed My Baby,” Niederauer showed off his amazing talents as he handled his instrument with the control and professionalism of any guitarist in the scene today.

March 25, 2015
Reunion Announcement: Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit Announce Tour

Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit have announced a summer reunion tour scheduled for late July and early August. The band will feature the old-school lineup of Col. Bruce Hampton, guitarist Jimmy Herring (Widespread Panic), bassist Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brother Band), keyboardist Matt Slocum and drummer Jeff Sipe. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 27 at 11am ET. The band has been on hiatus since 2011.

TOUR DATES

July 29 Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
July 30 Boulder, CO — Fox Theatre
July 31 Bellvue, CO — Mishawaka
August 1 Denver, CO — Ogden Theatre
August 5 Birmingham, AL — Iron City
August 6 Nashville, TN — Cannery
August 7 Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
August 8 Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
August 9 Asheville, NC — Orange Peel
August 12 Raleigh, NC—The Ritz
August 13 Richmond, VA — The National
August 14 Washington DC — The Howard Theatre
August 15 Port Chester, NY — The Capitol Theatre
August 16 Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Bowl

March 25, 2015
Upstate Funk Heads West: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad with Euforquestra
At one time I had a friend who exclaimed before each concert she attended, that each band she heard must pass what she called “the sweat test.” That is to say, in order for her to feel satisfied with a band’s performance she should walk away with her clothes drenched in enough sweat from dancing that her attire would freeze stiff shortly after exiting a venue. This was during the early 1990s when I lived through a few rough winters in Rochester, NY. I didn’t go to shows at the time because I was attending a local seminary to get a theology degree and become a Baptist preacher.

Still, her standard for live music stuck with me through the ensuing decades as I grew into the live music scene. I was recently reminded of her on a chilly evening in Boulder, CO as the Rochester-native band, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad headlined with the Colorado-based funk band, Euforquestra. As I watched the venue full of twirling, jumping,wriggling, and flopping enthusiasts it became clear to me that both bands would easily pass the sweat test.

Euforquestra led the way with a scorching blend of brass-infused funk/Afrobeat music. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad has gained a devoted following to their improvisational roots reggae sound in the Rocky Mountain region, and their lively finishing set was part of a winter tour devoted only to stops in Colorado.
March 25, 2015
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.

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

March 25, 2015
A Great Set by Yarn at Funk N’ Waffles Downtown

Mandolin of Andrew Hendryx from Yarn

Melodic twangs were drifting out of the walls of Funk N’ Waffles and down the crisp streets of downtown Syracuse on Friday night. A band of local Syracuse musicians who go by Boots n’ Shorts were in the midst of their set. This bluegrass band was a great welcome off of the street into the warm bar. It’s nice, for a change of pace in Syracuse, to hear live bluegrass. The five piece Boots n’ Shorts were fired up, playing fast and well their entire time on stage. It was a good opener for Yarn at Funk N’ Waffles.

The main act of the night at Funk N’ Waffles was the band Yarn; a bluegrass/americana band from New York. These guys started the night with some bright songs that were totally easy to get along with. With a little bit of direction lead singer Blake Christiana turned the place into a whimsical sing along. The crowd mirrored his words, belting, “I’m a king, I’m a god.” It was easy to spot out the old adorning fans and soon the heartfelt sprit was easily caught be new ones. The sing along was a spin on the everyday way of appreciating the American dreams of conquest and freedom in a funny, boyish way.

The roots of American county lie in the heart of a good story. Happiness and joy are the greatest feelings we can wish for, but all paths are sometimes rocky. It is not without contrast of those moody days that makes us appreciate the people we have to lean on. Blake Christiana definitely enjoyed telling a tale. About half way through the set, they took a chance on a slow song. It after all was the beginning of the weekend and the bar was full of people whose bellies are warm and full. It was a respectable time to evoke that kind of moment. It took a little while for the mandolin player to get his game face on. Once he got into it, the set got rather impressive. There were multiple stand out moments when the mandolin and the double bass were together in beautiful harmony. It is always a treat to hear a performance with an upright. All in all it was beautiful show; the show became a performance and the course of the set displayed diversity in the feelings of the sound.

March 24, 2015
ZZ Still On Top At Kingston’s UPAC

More than four decades into their careers together, the legends that make up ZZ Top can still rock a theater, as their performance at Kingston’s beautiful Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) on March 13 evinced. After guitarist Billy Gibbons declared the only two rules—1) no drinking during gospel tunes, and 2) no gospel tunes would be played—the Hall of Famers pumped out hit after hit to an elated Upstate crowd.

Sporting their signature long beards, dark black pants and jackets, and cheap sunglasses, Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill took stage in front of ironically beardless drummer Frank Beard. The sold-out crowd instantly recognized nearly every song, from “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” to encore “La Grange.” Gibbons shredded bluesy solos in his distinguishable Southern-rock tone and Hill thumped out thick bass lines. Beard remained steady, occasionally unloading tight fills between drags from his cigarette.

While many stages look like early computer rooms with pedals strewn all over and cords snaking around, ZZ Top’s stage was completely unsullied and their sound sans effects. Gibbons and Hill’s bravado was on full display with the clean floor-space; they stepped in tune and rocked guitars with their patented syncopated shuffle. On a projector screen in the background, a blond beauty led the audience through a journey featuring images that corresponded with songs. Volcanoes erupted during “Got Me Under Pressure” and the band members were dressed to impress and driving fast cars during “Sharp Dressed Man.” Following a solo in “Whiskey’n Mama,” Gibbons flipped his guitar over to reveal a homemade sign on the back—“BEER”—to the crowd’s chagrin. Before the set’s finale (“Legs”) Gibbons and Hill disappeared for a moment to grab white, fur-lined instruments. Beard stayed away from the fur, but his bass drums did both have light-up tiki heads carved out in the middle.

Iconic classic rock tunes poured out for nearly ninety minutes straight. ZZ Top showed why it has been on top of the rock universe during the past six decades. The band’s musicianship and showmanship rivaled each other on stage and the trio’s unapologetic devotion to booze, boobs, and blues has earned them a devoted and boisterous fan base. The only downside to the show was that it came to an end despite vehement requests from the crowd for a second encore.

Setlist: Got Me Under Pressure, Waitin’ For The Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Gimme All Your Lovin’, I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide, Pincushion, I Gotsta Get Paid, Flyin’ High, Foxy Lady, Tube Snake Boogie, Cheap Sunglasses, My Head’s In Mississippi, Whiskey’n Mama, Sharp Dressed Man, Legs

Encore: La Grange, Tush

March 23, 2015
Bowlive VI – Night 6 – Soulive with Anders Osborne and George Porter Jr. “The Captain of Bowlive Pt.1”

On the sixth night, we had confusion. Opener Curtis Harding was suddenly unavailable at the last minute, with the lone announcement of “Showtime will be changed to 8:45, full refunds will be available.” Despite the nice gesture, I don’t believe anyone was running to get their money back, with the New Orleans powerhouse combo of Anders Osbone and George Porter Jr. headlining the event.

Soulive, consisting of Eric Krasno (guitar), Alan Evans (drums), and Neal Evans (keys) took the stage at the adjusted set time to a half full Brooklyn Bowl as it appears not everyone got the memo. The opening act has a large responsibility and its not just to kill time until the headliner goes on. They are intended to insert a certain amount of energy in the crowd, and on this night when Soulive took the stage both audience and band seemed to be missing that energy. It felt as if the trio was going through the motions on the original “Dig” as well as the nightly Beatles cover we’ve come to expect “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

The Shady Horns then joined on stage and while the hope seemed to be they would inject a little energy into the building, they ran their way through two more Soulive originals “Fire Eater” and “The Swamp” without too much fanfare. On the last Soulive original tune of the night “Upshot” the band finally drew the crowds undivided attention with horn filled funk. The energy inside finally came to a peak as “The Captain of Bowlive” as dubbed by band leader Krasno, George Porter Jr.(bass, The Meters), took the stage and Neil Evans (keyboard) was finally able to give his left hand a break from that clavinet. When Porter Jr. is on stage his presence usurps Krasno from his traditional band leader roll and works each musician like he is conducting an orchestra. Porter Jr. got the best out of each musician on stage for the three Meters songs to close the set “Pungee,” “Keep On Marching,” and “He Bite Me (The Dragon).”

This show could easily be described as a tale of two sets. Set two began with Soulive, The Shady Horns, and the second guest of the evening Anders Osborne (guitar). Anders Osborne led us through two of his original tunes “On The Road To Charlie Parker” and “Pleasin You” before The Shady Horns left the stage for a rendition of “Back Together” from Osborne’s newest project NMO All-Stars. With Porter Jr. back on stage joining Anders Osborne we were treated to two living New Orleans legend doing their own funky takes on some classic tunes. First up was the JJ Cale penned “After Midnight,” and for the first time tonight the building was shaking. What came next will one day appear on a Best of Bowlive album. Kicked off with The Shady Horns back on stage and joined by Maurice “Mo Betta” Brown (trumpet, TTB) CSNY’s Ohio led the way with a phenomenal trumpet solo by Brown with Osborne, Krasno, and Porter Jr. on vocals. A seamless segue in a mind melting mashup of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe” > Neil Young’s “Down By The River” > “Breathe” had everyone mesmorized. This mashup was highlighted by Victor Cornette’s mastery of the lighting rigs at Brooklyn Bowl to give you the full experience. The Grateful Dead’s “Bertha” followed and didn’t disappoint as Neal took it to another level on the organ as Porter Jr. egged him on with deep rhythmic basslines. To round out this phenomenal set, Questlove (drums, The Roots) commandeered the drum kit from Alan to join in on another The Meter’s original “Africa,” this was the most talent that had been on stage at one time during the Bowlive run and the crowd responded appropriately. For the night six encore Soulive and The Shady Horns were joined on stage by Brown and Porter Jr. for one more The Meters tune “Ain’t No Use” starting out with Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” being teased into the intro. George Porter Jr. returns tomorrow night to end his two night run with Soulive.

Video by Marc Millman

March 23, 2015
Festy News: First Annual Moondance Meltdown Announces Lineup feat. Aqueous

A new festival is in town to usher in the summer music season with some hearty acts. Moondance Meltdown is coming your way May 9th for a night of music at the Greeks in Newton, NJ and camping at The Great Divide campground.

Headlining the festival is Buffalo’s Aqueous joined by NYC’s Dorsia, Inner Vision, One Day Waning, Mike Mcbride & the Family Band, Sprocket, and K-Diggs & the Telepathic Funk.

A late night show for those 21+ will feature Horseshoe Throwin’ Freaks (moe. tribute band), and Albany’s Mister F.

Grab a ticket for Moondance Meltdown at a pre-sale price here (or a little more at the door). Information on camping at The Great Divide can be found here.

March 23, 2015
Theatre Nocturne: Horror. Melancholy. Metal.

Founded in September 2011, Theatre Nocturne has been a force to be reckoned with in Buffalo’s underground metal scene.

They’re influenced by bands like At the Gates, The Black Dahlia Murder, Dark Tranquillity, and other authorities on dark melancholic riffing; so you know what you’re getting yourself into just a few seconds into your first listen. But they aren’t your typical euro-influenced note fest. Theatre Nocturne proudly stands for horror, melancholy, metal and a dash of teeth grinding death riffing of a style all their own. Having just recently parted ways with vocalist Justin Foley, their lineup is currently comprised of Erik Wagonblott (guitar), Kenny Zotara (guitar), Justin Herzog (bass) and Mike Paquette (drums).

These boys have really raised the bar for other locals pursuing similar sounds in this already prevalent genre, having already shared the stage with bands like Arsis and Skeletonwitch. They’ve also already recorded two EPs, which more than secured their seats among Buffalo’s local metal greats. Anhedonia was recorded in August 2012 and Depictions of Life and Death followed in January 2014. Now, they’re on the hunt for a new vocalist, having just finished recording their first full length with Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY.

The new album is currently untitled and features ten tracks that are said to be, “heavier and more diverse” than anything they’ve written to date. Every song is brand new and is being kept a closely guarded secret, until the band returns to the stage at Stamps Bar in Tonawanda, NY – April 22. It’s been a prosperous and groundbreaking ride for Theatre Nocturne thus far, and with their new vocalist (whoever that turns out to be), they’re bound to keep on dominating Buffalo and beyond for years to come.

You can check out their recordings and merch at www.theatrenocturne.bandcamp.com.

March 22, 2015