NYS Music 20​15

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  • Jesus on the Mainline Fills the Stage at Brooklyn Bowl

    Jesus On The Mainline is a fifteen piece ensemble comprised of some of the best young musical talent New York City has to offer. Led by band leader Andrew Neesley (lead vocals, violin) his ensemble consists of Mel Flannery (vocals), Amanda Brecker (vocals), Tim Emmerick (vocals,guitar,banjo), Tomek Miernowski (bass), Dave Scalia (drums), Pascal Le Beouf (keyboard, organ), Andrew Miramonti (guitar), Simon Kafka (guitar), Mike Gorham (trumpet), Sam Oatts (trumpet), Natalie Cressman (trombone), Frank Cohen (trombone), Mark McGinnis (tuba), Jake Goldbas (percussion) and Austin Walker (percussion).
    When you are preparing to see a band of this magnitude there is only one question you must ask yourself; will they all fit on stage? In stark contrast to past venues JOTM has played, Brooklyn Bowl gave them a chance to get comfortable on the roomy stage and let their sound shine through. With an eclectic range of tunes, at times ranging from southern rock to  gospel and soul, the audience was captivated by the precise arrangements and compositions.
    ScottHarris-JOTML-1200px--08752
    Neesley donning dark shades, shaved head, and a prolific beard, soon to be approaching ZZ Top status, began the set with the soulful and powerful tune “War” and made clear that given the right space to spread their wings JOTM could do not wrong. The gospel sounding “Angel From Montgomery” set the crowd up for a seamless transition into the rocking ruckus of “Jump Right In” with the entire cast firing on all cylinders. JOTM was reminiscent of a young, fresh, Tedeschi Trucks Band, combining all their talents to ensure their compositions resonated with everyone in attendance. Neesley takes time throughout each tune, while leading the band, to step aside and let each musician shine through, whether its Le Beouf’s organ solos or Flannery’s angelic voice giving us a soul filled cover of Nirvana’s “Lithium”.
    To close outthe evening the entire ensemble took part in “Sister City, Brother Bone” with a classic rock sound, that gave way to the rhythm section to showcase their synergy. As long Jesus On The Mainline can find a stage to hold them and a room to contain their huge sound they are here to stay.
    You can listen to Jesus On The Mainline here or catch them at Rockwood Music Hall on Thursday, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28 at midnite.
    Jesus On The Mainline, Brooklyn Bowl, 4/28/2015
    War, The Wrong Side, Chronically Lazy, Angel From Montgomery, Jump Right In, Sweet High & Dry, Take Me, Cry The Mamas Did, Lithium, Sister City Brother Bone

  • Ben E. King passes away at 76

    The music community has suffered a great loss with the passing of R&B legend, Ben E. King. King passed away on Thursday in N.J. He was 76.

    Known early on in his career as Benjamin Earl Nelson, King became popular in the late 50’s with the doo-wop group The Drifters. He recorded thirteen songs with the group before going solo in 1960.  It was in 1960 that Ben E. King was born.  His solo career brought along three of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s five hundred songs that shaped rock n roll, including his most popular hit “Stand by Me“.  He would continue to move and inspire people for decades, performing into his late 70’s.

    As we see the final credits roll on this beautiful life I have to imagine “Stand By Me” playing in the background.  A song that has been covered countless times but never to be duplicated – just like King. There will never be a talent quite like his, a sound as soulful as the voice of Ben E. King. He will be missed.

  • Illumination Festival to Highlight RHCP-themed set by Aqueous

    Coming off a strong Cake-themed performance in Buffalo, Aqueous announced it will play a Red Hot Chili Peppers-themed show in Toronto at Illumination Festival.

    Aqueous plays both Friday and Saturday night of the Illumination Music and Arts Festival. The first night will be a normal Aqueous show, then Saturday night will feature the band doing their best to channel Flea, Anthony Kiedis and the rest of the legendary alternative rock band.

    No word yet whether the members of Aqueous will don strategically placed tube socks for the occasion.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Bw2AQzVrA]

    The festival also features Particle and DrFameus as headliners, and runs June 12-14 at the Cage 292 in Toronto. It’s normally an outdoors camping event, but organizers had to move it inside for a year after getting last-minute news that their normal site couldn’t host anymore due to zoning issues.

    illumination

  • Seven Day Music Marathon, Day 1: Black Mountain Symphony

    Throughout this week, I’ll be seeing one show a night in the Albany area, aiming for seven shows in seven days. Here is Night one of a marathon week of music.

    Black Mountain SymphonyStarting the night at The Low Beat was Dylan Jane, a singer/songwriter with Liz Phair lyrics and a slightly raspy voice. She brought up a mandolin and fiddle player for her last three songs which were the strongest of the night – the mix of string instruments and Dylan’s voice are a natural combination. Looking forward to seeing her down the road.

    Cobblestone, a folk/Americana band with a touch of Lumineers worked in, picked up the energy with a dialed back version of Bob Dylan and Old Crowe Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel” and a great cover of “Uptown Funk.”

    Black Mountain Symphony, a six-piece folk group with a strong jam edge were consistent and had crazy energy in a Railroad Earth style. The songs built up in tempo with a Appalachian/Hackensaw Boys vibe, including a very danceable version of “Rhiannon” and a big closer with the original “We the People,” off their recently released album. All together, a lively start to a week of music.

  • Photo Gallery: ShwizZ at Garcia’s, April 18

    On Saturday, April 18 ShwizZ played to a full house at Garcia’s as the official after show for Jeff Beck at The Capitol Theatre. The progressive funk outfit played in support of their new 2 disc album My Good Side/My Bad Side, which will go on sale May 16 with a late night release party at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY.

    shwizz at garcia'sShwizZ at Garcia’s Setlist: 12, Duggan, Orange Wreck, Pomegranate, City Of Tiny Lights, Bad Side, Zone, Doorbell, In The Bag, Good Side, Slop Cream, Slow Down, Tax Man, MGF

    Photos and Review by: Nick Irving

    Upcoming shows:
    May 23, Arch Street Tavern, Hartford CT
    May 29, Good Times Getdown, White Haven, PA
    May 30, Domefest Terra Alta, WV

  • Hearing Aide: Wild Adriatic ‘Never Enough’

    Saratoga area trio Wild Adriatic haven’t stopped picking up speed in the past few years, gaining fans worldwide with their contagiously fun and dance-able yet heavy in just the right ways blend of blues, soul and good ol’ straight up rock ‘n roll. They released a full length album in January 2014 and since have been on the road almost non-stop, touring coast to coast and for the first time taking their live show overseas on a European tour. During a six-week residency in Austin, Texas they released a new five-track EP on March 17 titled Never Enough that is a fantastic sampling of the talents and sounds they bring to the table.

    wild adriatic never enoughThe title track to this release starts off with a big, dirty, head bang inducing guitar riff that will grab any listener’s attention whether they’re ready for it or not. Then when the sounds of Mateo Vosganian on drums and Rich Derbyshire on bass join in together, it’s clear that it’s time to crank the volume as loud as possible, because this band is about to show you a damn good time.

    The second track, “Strange Persuasions” slows down slightly, with hip swaying grooves. After an electrifying solo towards the end of the song, when guitarist/vocalist Travis Gray comes back in with the words “Tell me now do you want me?” you can envision the ladies in a crowd nodding, weak in the knees after the shredding that just swept them off their feet. Then they let the listener down softly for a moment with the ballad “Because of Me” showing that although good times are what they’re known for, they’re equally able to melt every heart in the room. The last-minute of the song Gray lets his guitar take a verse, showing that his playing can portray the same level of emotion as his soaring falsetto vocals.

    The fourth track, “Trouble” full of hard-hitting yet intricate drum fills, funky keys, pulsing bass lines and rocking’ riffs, is a song that in the live setting would be a challenge for anyone to sit still through. This release is short and sweet, and for a new listener, an ideal introduction to what this band on the rise has to offer. Yet the studio version of this trio is only a fraction of the band that they are on stage, a true powerhouse of sound and energy where they take their songs to new levels in each performance.

    Oh, and there’s also a cover of Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” but not much needs to said about that. When this trio decides to do a cover, they fill it with soul, make it their own, and exceed all expectations.  From releases to live performances, everything Wild Adriatic does continues to set the bar higher and higher for the band. They are truly a band to watch this year and beyond as they continue to grow their sound, picking up influences and styles as they continuously hit the road running. With their intense touring schedule, it’s likely they’ll be in a town near you soon, but until then, Never Enough will keep you smiling, dancing, and singing along from whatever speakers you’re blasting it from.

    Never Enough is available at wildadriatic.bigcartel.com and via iTunes.

    Wild Adriatic have announced tour dates through August, including Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) and Summer Camp (Chillicothe, IL). Full list of dates can be found at wildadriatic.com

  • Opeth Announces The Only Two US Shows for 25th Anniversary Tour: NYC and LA

    The Swedish progressive metal band we’ve known for 25 years as Opeth is marking their anniversary with a European and Mexican/South American tour freshly underway. Don’t let that hinder your spirits entirely, however. This week the band announced two special US shows: NYC at the Beacon Theater October 22 and Los Angeles, CA at the Orpheum Theater October 24.

    Opeth will perform two sets, including the album Ghost Reveries in its entirety to mark the 10th anniversary of its 2005 release. The band is also touring on the crest of their most recent release Pale Communion.

    Tickets for both the NYC and LA shows have sold out very quickly, within hours of the public on-sale date of May 1.

  • Sittin’ In: Trey Chills with Phil

    Last night Californians got a real treat when Trey Anastasio popped into Terrapin Crossroads and sat in with Phil Lesh, and son Grahame for a surprise performance. Dead classics “Bertha” and “Going Down the Road Feelin’ Bad” were both played – and proved Trey is definitely ready for his ‘Fare Thee Well’ role this summer. MarkoVision Films caught a nice video of this special moment. Enjoy!

  • Long-Time NYC Radio DJ Vin Scelsa On The Mic For ‘Idiot’s Delight’ One Final Time Tonight

    Vin Scelsa has been hosting his free-form radio program Idiot’s Delight for nearly 50 years (47 to be exact), making appearances with the program on a handful of FM radio stations in the NYC area and even on SiriusXM.

    For more than the last decade, Vin has called WFUV 90.7 in The Bronx his radio home. Tonight, May 2, he will take the mic one last time before saying farewell to loyal fans and music lovers.

    Vin Scelsa WFUV

    Idiot’s Delight airs from 8pm to 10pm on 90.7 FM in the greater NYC area (Long Island/Northern NJ/Westchester/Western CT) and online at wfuv.org.

    Check out a recent retrospective from Vin Scelsa on Billboard.com and parting thoughts Vin has shared with his audience on the WFUV website.

  • Gregg Allman launches new Laid Back Festival at Jones Beach

    Greg Allman will host the new Laid Back Festival, a single-day fest he will headline at Jones Beach amphitheater.

    The lineup includes Allman with his solo band, the Doobie Brothers, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band and City of the Sun, and organizers promise more acts will soon be announced.

    AllmanLaidBack

    The fest will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, starting at 4 p.m. at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh. It’s named after Allman’s debut solo album, released in 1973.

    Regional restaurants, wineries and breweries will be available.

    A presale already happened, and tickets went on sale to the general public at 9 this morning. VIP packages include a VIP clam bake on the beach and signed posters.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT6KdpSaL10]