NYS Music 20​15

Tag: bluegrass

  • Yonder Mountain String Band Celebrates All ‘Strings’ Day at Anthology

    The first day of November, the day after Halloween, All Saints Day. Or, if you’re seeing the Colorado road warriors, Yonder Mountain String Band maybe it’s All ‘Strings’ Day. The night prior, the blocks around Anthology in the East End of Rochester were buzzing with costumed masses in various states of inebriation. On this night, the streets were clear and quiet. But inside the doors of Anthology, a brand new music venue, a hoedown was whipping up. 

    Yonder Mountain String Band RochesterAnthology (16)

    Coming off their special Halloween gig, where they transformed into Yonder Mountain ‘Punk’ Band, littering the set list with fan-requested punk songs, the band took the stage looking a bit road weary. There was a small fear that maybe they were going to go through the motions at the start. Each member got a chance to warm up their fingers in the show opening cover of Danny Barnes’ “Funtime.” Ben Kaufman (bass) took vocal duties, while Jake Joliff (mandolin), Adam Aijala (guitar), Allie Kral (fiddle) and Dave Johnston (banjo) each worked a solo in between the songs’ three verses. The band continued to warm themselves up with runs through songs spanning their entire career. With two new members in Joliff and Kral, and a new album Black Sheep released in June, the band surprisingly went deep into their catalog. In fact, they played more songs from their first album (3), then from their latest (only 2).

    Even after the antics from the night prior, YMSB still had plenty of tricks and surprises left. The band broke through what had been a fairly traditional evening of bluegrass music when Johnston led them in a mid-set rendition of the Rolling Stone’s “Torn and Frayed.” A mellow freeform jam followed and all members of the band crowded together, finally starting to find their footing. Kral and Joliff built the jam up and then the walls came completely crumbling down as the band kicked into Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” The energy level was suddenly doubled and the crowd was matching the band’s excitement, bellowing out the lyrics and pumping their fists.

    Yonder Mountain String Band RochesterAnthology (15)

    The audience was feeling feisty after that ride and started yelling out requests. Kaufman remarked that sometimes they take requests, but don’t let it become a habit. But this time they obliged, with a solid run through of their classic “40 Miles From Denver” featuring even more from newcomers Kral and Joliff. After a gorgeous “Ooh La La” highlighted by a magnificent guitar solo, the band was ready for more requests, opening it up to the floor to decide the next song. After a lot of calls from the crowd and a long on-stage conference, “Deep Pockets” was the choice.

    The second set would build from the first’s strong finish. A couple of cover-song sandwiches would highlight the set as the band felt more comfortable stretching out into full band improvisation. “Sideshow Blues” built from Kaufman’s dark and spacey bass into a solid groove that eventually slid perfectly into “Jack-a-Roe” which made its way back to “Sideshow” the same way it came in. Kaufman then surprisingly swapped his upright for an electric bass and the band kicked into the second most out-of-character cover of the evening with their take on Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.” Kral nailed the vocals and Joliff and Aijala found space for some tasty soloing making it a welcome departure.

    A late set “Pass This Way” once again extended into a full band jam. Aijala and Joliff assumed the reins and moved the band into a tight segue into David Grisman’s “EMD” which was really just an excuse to amp up the jam into a rollicking bluegrass breakdown. A more pronounced transition back to “Pass This Way” preceded a high energy “Southern Flavor” to close out the set.

    Kaufman promised to end the show the same way it started, with some “fast bluegrass music,” which in this case meant an amped up cover of “I Know You Rider.” Who says you can’t have fun the night after Halloween?

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

    Set 1: Funtime, High On A Hilltop, I’m Not Saying, Annalee, Mental Breakdown, Long Time, Torn And Frayed, Crazy Train, 40 Miles From Denver, Ooh La La, Deep Pockets, Drawing A Melody

    Set 2: Son Of A Gun, Straight Line, Sideshow Blues> Jack A Roe> Sideshow Blues, Son Of A Preacher Man, This Lonesome Heart, Amie, My Gal, Pass This Way> EMD> Pass This Way, Southern Flavor E: I Know You Rider

    Download the Show

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’503′]

  • Hearing Aide: Yonder Mountain String Band ‘Black Sheep’

    Black SheepYonder Mountain String Band will release their 12th album, Black Sheep on June 16, with a new sound and two new additions to the band. This album is unlike previous albums with a Yonder 2.0 feel with Allie Kral and Jake Jolliff making their recording debut. Black Sheep is Yonder’s move from a jamgrass boy band to a traditional sounding bluegrass ensemble.

    There is no doubt that change and growth have effected this band in a very positive way. By adding Allie on the violin Yonder has embraced the power of a soulful female voice matched with her epic jams. Her violin was the missing link in their music previously in my opinion, I have felt this way since the beginning. Allie does a remarkable job of adding in her feminine touch.

    While Jolliff is also a fantastic addition to the band, his mandolin playing is a completely different sound than Austin’s — making the transition virtually seamless without actually trying to ‘replace’ Austin or to duplicate his style. Jolliff brings a highly technical but light sounding vibe to the group.

    Another change heard on Black Sheep is the lead that bassist Ben Kaufman has taken in many of the songs. No longer will you hear the energy that was once shared by Kaufman and former mandolinist Jeff Austin. The energy is still there, it’s just headed in a different direction, a direction in which I am happy to follow as a long time fan.

    Black Sheep’s opening track is titled “Insult and an Elbow,” is a precursor to how Kaufman takes lead vocals to another level. He told RollingStone this is a reflection on his younger days when he was “… drinking and smoking for all the wrong reasons. But it is also written from the perspective of a person who is on the brink of a moment of growth and self-awareness.” This album most definitely debuts that growth.

    On the album’s third track Yonder Mountain hits another cover out of the park musically, once again. The cover of punk rock band the Buzzcocks, “Ever Fallen in Love with Someone You Shouldn’t Have,” is reminiscent of their cover of the Misfits, “20 Eyes in My Head”. YMSB has a knack for taking these punk songs and masterfully turning them into bluegrass jams.

    Bringing listeners back to a more recognized sound is “Analee,” reminiscent of Kaufman’s Bolton Stretch series — with less boyish shenanigans. He speaks of true love and deep heartache. Jolliff’s mandolin is gentle and a light presence.

    “Landfall” is an Adam Aijala song. For the first time on the album, Kaufman has taken a backseat on vocals and lends his signature thumping bass line. Again, this song is a much more mature version of this band.

    The songs on this album have a sense of deep thought and maturity, a refection of their lives — becoming men, husbands, fathers, has brought YMSB to a new level.

    Finally on “I’m lost,” Allie starts light and feminine in her playing, then jamming hard to the end, a true moment for her to shine on this album. Allie also makes an impression with her soulful vocals on “Love Before You Can’t”.

    It seems as though these boys have gained and lost love and friendships over the last year and half and they are expressing themselves lyrically in a much deeper philosophical way. This album definately is not a band of young bluegrass boys paving the path for the jam grass scene and telling stories of smoking weed and drinkin beer, they have grown up, they are men — and one woman.

    As much as I love the new sound, this isn’t a Yonder album that I would jump out of my seat to dance to. It’s more for listening to in its entirety on a road trip to nowhere.

    This album sounds like a romance novel reads. Given the level of energy that has been happening at Yonder shows lately, this album creates a very low-key vibe. One that makes you think, about your own love and regrets and how we all grow out of the ashes like a Phoenix and we carry on after tragedy, we don’t stay the same, we grow towards the light. YMSB has opened up their entire souls on this album while simultaneously exhibiting remarkable maturity in their musicianship.

    Black Sheep will be available in stores and on iTunes on June 16 but you can get it now online and at tour merch shops.

    Also worth noting is the updated website for the band which now includes bios for Allie Kral and Jake Jolliff, officially making them a part of Yonder Mountain String Band. Cheers!

     Key Tracks: Insult and an Elbow, Analee, I’m Lost, Around You

  • Jeff Austin Band at City Winery ‘Y’all weren’t invited to any BBQ’s?’

    There are few musical stylings that can be considered more American than bluegrass, so seeing Jeff Austin on Memorial Day was the perfect fit. The meticulously set dining room at City Winery set the perfect ambiance for this intimate show.

    Austin, playing to the light crowd quickly quipped “I guess y’all weren’t invited to any Barbecue’s today?” — breaking the ice on what is sometimes an uncomfortable situation for artist and fan alike.

    Accompanied by legendary Danny Barnes (banjo), Eric Thorin (bass) and Ross Martin (guitar). Austin and Barnes alternated taking the lead on tunes and both brought their own special level of intensity.

    Barnes reeled listeners in with his bluegrass roots, and voice. Eventually succumbing to Austin, who was taking us on a perfectly drawn ride aboard his deep and heavy mandolin play.

    Despite both bluegrass legends throwing it down the highlight of this show was Thorin’s stellar upright bass play. The deep grooves he was laying down were reverberating throughout the room and rattling the wine glasses. The show came to a climax with a cover of the Chuck Berry penned “Promised Land” made popular by The Grateful Dead.

    While Austin was enamored by the cabs driving by in the heart of the big city he was also distracted by the cardboard cut-out across the street, which he believed was haunting him throughout the show. Jeff Austin made it a point to recognize each band member and giving them all time to shine — playing Barnes and Martin originals to bring the set to a close. If you weren’t invited to a Barbecue, a healthy dose of Memorial Day bluegrass does not play second fiddle.

  • Hearing Aide: Eastbound Jesus ‘Hollerin’

    EBJhollarinIt was a long winter for all of us, especially with Eastbound Jesus in hibernation, dedicated to working on their third studio album, Hollerin, set to drop this weekend. Eastbound Jesus spent the cold days at Edie Road Studio in their hometown of Greenwich, NY with producer/engineer Marc Fuller to bring fans the best sounds of their northern rock music to date. The 10 track album captures the essence of an EBJ live rowdy performance as well as representing a more mature sound. Hollerin features special guests musicians Chris Carey (Sean Rowe, Rodeo Barons) and Lowell Wurster and Jaime Armstrong (Lucid) helping to elevate the jamgrass fusion.

    The album begins with blaring guitar rifts, beloved banjo strumming and rebellious lyrics from “Keep on Hollerin” that Eastbound Jesus is known for. Showing a softer side is “Better Things” more of a romantic ballad with an upbeat melody and gracious harmonious with a steady rhythm. “Shoes” features fast string picking, splashing tempo and flowing vocals with a erupting brass solo that is sure to be a crowd favorite. “Cold and Snow” perfectly captures the winter season in Upstate New York with a howling harmonica, diesel rhythm and bitter lyrics such as, “There’s nothing like the cold and snow to make you feel at home.” Hollerin has themes of the simple life about working hard and playing hard, with tales of heartache, good friends and the weather always playing a key role. Their music feeds to your frustrations of the world, forcing you to clap, stomp and howl with grand joy and relief. Get ready to holler for more!

    Eastbound Jesus will be throwing one heck of album release party this Saturday May 30 at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs with special guests, Lucid. Tickets are available online (click here) for $12 and will be $15 at the door to the 18+ event with a showtime of 9:00pm. Be sure to catch Eastbound Jesus this summer as they will be touring all over Upstate NY to promote their new album.

    Key Tracks: Keep on Hollerin, Shoes, Better Things

    You can stream “Keep on Hollerin,” their first single off of Hollerin via soundcloud.

  • Hearing Aide: Rising Appalachia’s ‘Wider Circles’

    Be prepared to be wowed by the sweet harmonies coming forth from these super talented sisters, performing together as Rising Appalachia. A sound this tight could only come from two people who have put in a lifetime of singing and living life together. Hailing from the South, sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith have traveled extensively throughout the world, which truly shines through in their music. Joined by stand-up bassist/baritone guitarist David Brown and world percussionist Biko Casini, Rising Appalachia’s latest album Wider Circles is sure to gain this band heaps of new fans from all walks of life.

    Seamlessly covering the entire spectrum of musical genres, ranging from traditional music of the American South highlighting the banjo and fiddle, to world music featuring African drums, there’s something on this album for everyone to enjoy. Mixing in poetry, and even rap, on some of their tunes, it is definitely worth giving the lyrics a hard listen. You will feel like you learned something by listening to this album, hearing stories about medicine women and men on “Medicine”; listening to a chorus of African women singing at the end of “Bright Morning Stars”; being called to action in “An Invitation” and “Spirits Cradle” and hearing instruments prominently featured simultaneously that might not typically be paired together, like the banjo and trumpet on title track “Wider Circles”.

    Perhaps even more unique and inspiring than the album itself, Rising Appalachia is taking part in a “slow music movement” approach to touring, in an effort to travel to their shows in a more sustainable way and immerse themselves in the local communities in which they play. In advance of their new album, the band has embarked on their Wider Circles Rail Tour, during which they are traveling by train from show to show throughout their tour of the southwest, which began in New Orleans on March 28, and will feature several stops along their journey to Austin, Texas’s, Old Settler’s Music Festival, which will be taking place on April 18.

    Having graced an impressive variety of venues with their presence, ranging from Radio Popular Italy to Burning Man, this band has impressed audiences all over the world, and they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Featuring something for everyone as far as musical tastes go, it is highly recommended to check out the extraordinary harmonies and unique combination of instruments featured on Rising Appalachia’s latest album Wider Circles, which is set to be released on April 21. In the meantime, enjoy a brief video of one of their older songs to get you psyched for their new album release.

    Key Tracks: Novels of Acquaintance, Medicine, Wider Circles

  • NYS Music March Madness 2016 – Round of Eight

    Welcome to Round 4 or better known as the “Elite Eight” of NYS Music’s March Madness 2016! This tournament-style competition includes the remaining 8 bands and artists who call New York their home.

    This year’s 4 brackets are based on genres of music – Funk/Jam/Reggae, Metal/Rock, Bluegrass/Folk/Americana and Indie/EDM. Each bracket has 16 New York bands in their respective region, battling it out to reach the Final Four and claim this year’s title. Bands were chosen based upon their origins in New York and popularity in their respective genres.

    Since we are including all the genres together and you may not be familiar with all the bands, please take some time to check them out. The winner of each matchup will move on to the “Final Four” and go head to head with a band from another genres.  In the Folk/Bluegrass/Americana/Country category there are 8) Eastbound Jesus vs. 10) Blind Owl Band. In the EDM/Indie/Other genre are 5) Manhattan Project vs. 3) Jimkata. In the Jam/Funk/Reggae genre check out 1) moe. vs. 6) Conehead Buddha.  Wrapping things up in the Metal/Rock/Punk division are 12) Jesus Christ & the Hallucinogenic Allstars vs. 10) Wild Adriatic.

    Round 4 voting begins Friday, March 27 at Noon and ends on Sunday March 29th at midnight. Round 5 (The Final Four) will begin on March 30, with additional rounds announced on the NYS Music Facebook page.

  • NYS Music March Madness – Round of 16

    The Sweet Sixteen is complete! Pop on over to the Round of 8 to vote for your favorites!

    Welcome to Round 3 or better known as the “Sweet Sixteen” of NYS Music’s March Madness! This tournament-style competition includes the remaining 16 bands and artists who call Upstate New York their home.

    This year’s 4 regions are based on genres of music – Funk/Jam/Reggae, Metal/Rock, Bluegrass/Folk/Americana and Indie/EDM. Each region has 16 Upstate New York bands in their respective region, battling it out to reach the Final Four and claim this year’s title. Bands were chosen based upon their origins in Upstate and popularity in their respective genres.

    Since we are including all the genres together and you may not be familiar with all the bands, please take some time to check them out. In the Folk/Bluegrass/Americana/Country category there is 8) Eastbound Jesus vs. 4) Floodwood and 11) North & South Dakotas vs. 10) Blind Owl Band. In the EDM/Indie/Other genre are 1) Ani Difranco vs. 5) Manhattan Project and 3) Jimkata vs. 2) Phantogram. In the Jam/Funk/Reggae genre check out 1) moe. vs. 4) Giant Panda and 6) Conehead Buddha vs. 7) Sophistafunk.  Wrapping things up in the Metal/Rock/Punk division are 16) Hard Soul vs. 12) Jesus Christ & the Hallucinogenic Allstars and 14) Brick by Brick vs. 10) Wild Adriatic.

    Round 3 voting began March 24 at Noon and ends at midnight on Thursday March 26th at midnight. Round four (Elite 8) will begin on March 27, with additional rounds announced on the NYS Music Facebook page.

  • Cabinet Throws A Celebration In Blairstown

    There’s a lot to be said about the state of Pennsylvania, and producing quality bluegrass is an undeniable trait. As most music genres spawn into different subgenres it’s easier now to seek out string bands that sincerely push the envelope of what the general public views as bluegrass. While that original Bill Monroe sound is relevant and active in the scene today, it has naturally evolved into a monstrous playground scattered with sounds of varying influences. The crossroads of this trend concerning progressive string music lies within acts with drummers like Railroad Earth, Hot Buttered Rum and a group that’s taking their turn to rise to the top from the Eastern hills of Pennsylvania, Cabinet. And on March 6, the first of two nights right over the border into New Jersey at the Historic Blairstown Theatre was not their introduction to the intimate space.

    cabinet blairstownHot off the heels of a new release entitled “Celebration” the first four tracks were mixed in with staples of this almost 10-year-old band. The diversity from song to song represents the sharing of songwriting duties but when you stack songs like “The Dove”  and “Old Farmer’s Mill” against each other (both highlights from different sets) the explorative instrumentation and people behind them are the two remaining similarities. At certain points it’s hard to imagine you’re seeing the same band mid set. “Wine and Shine” comes off as light on its feet and compliments their feel good sound, but something like “Eleanor” gives off a matured emotional feel. After years of playing some of these songs in front of a bunch of people a bunch of times certain coined instrumental phrases stick to the song, like a snowball rolling down the hill.

    Aside from the new album, “Treat Me So Bad,” is a favored new song that takes from both soul and funk to melt over the smooth plucking and vocals of Pappy and JP Biondo respectively. The night was filled with applaudable solos and an overall heartfelt performance that gives you that longing for more. However, as the hard work continues to pay off for these six musicians, you can’t guarantee that you’ll see them in small rooms for much longer, so catch them when they’re rolling by.


    Listen to the Blairstown Theatre Show on the Music Archive – with many thanks to Keith Litzenberger

  • NYS Music March Madness 2016 – Round 2

    Welcome to Round 2 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2016! This tournament-style competition includes the remaining 32 bands and artists who call Upstate New York their home.

    This year’s 4 regions are based on genres of music – Funk/Jam/Reggae, Metal/Rock, Bluegrass/Folk/Americana and Indie/EDM. Each region has 16 Upstate New York bands in their respective region, battling it out to reach the Final Four and claim this year’s title. Bands were chosen based upon their origins in Upstate and popularity in their respective genres.

    In the first round, nearly all Metal/Rock underdogs beat the top seeds, while reigning champ Lucid fell to Mister F in the Jam/Funk/Reggae region. Almost every top seed moves on in the Indie/EDM region while a very competitive Folk/Bluegrass/Americana/Country region has a mix of underdogs and favorites alike.

    Round 2 voting begins March 20 at Noon and ends at midnight on Monday March 23. Round three begins March 24, with additional rounds announced on the NYS Music Facebook page.

  • NYS Music March Madness 2016 – Round 1

    ROUND one is complete! Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all bands for participating. ROUND two is now live, go vote for your favorites here. All the round one results can still be reviewed below. 

    Welcome to NYS Music’s March Madness 2016! This tournament-style competition includes 64 bands and artists who call Upstate New York their home.

    This year’s 4 regions are based on genres of music – Funk/Jam/Reggae, Metal/Rock, Bluegrass/Folk/Americana and Indie/EDM. Each region has 16 Upstate New York bands in their respective region, battling it out to reach the Final Four and claim this year’s title. Bands were chosen based upon their origins in Upstate and popularity in their respective genres.

    Voting begins March 16 at Noon and ends at midnight on Thursday March 19. Round two begins March 20, with additional rounds announced on the NYS Music Facebook page.