NYS Music 20​15

Tag: putnam den

  • Jam for Tots Brings Holiday Joy and Music to The Capital District

    Jam for Tots, a music benefit series held throughout New York State each holiday season, returns with host Luke Weiler who has been holding the benefit shows 2008.

    With events held at The Hollow in Albany, Putnam Den in Saratoga, Last Chance Cheese (Tavern) in Tannersville and Aaron’s Irish Pub in Gloversville, intimate shows are on tap with a variety of live music as well as a chance to donate gifts and raise money for the neediest this holiday season. Weiler feels encouraged for this year’s Jam for Tots. “I’m so excited to see what takes place this year as I am always excited about the events and the vibe that we can all create collectively as Jam For Tots keeps going strong another year.”

    The impact of the donations raised by Jam for Tots is quite impressive. “We have donated about $20,000 worth of toys over the last 8 years. We’ve had exceptionally amazing years where we had $10,000 in toys total, and years where we only had two events that raised about $2,000,” shared Weiler. “All bands donate their performances and with four events this year, I am looking forward to a good amount of toy donations, hopefully at least $2,000. I set attainable goals and more the better if we surpass the goal.”

    As a holiday event, Jam for Tots is something that is feel good and fun to be a part of. These intimate events help to bring joy to many kids over the Christmas season. Bring a toy and get free admission to each of the Jam for Tots events in November and December.

  • Putnam Den Brings Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real on November 14

    On Saturday November 14, rising talent in American rock ‘n’ roll will grace the stage at Putnam Den when Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real come to Saratoga Springs. Having performed at Farm Aid when the annual concert made a stop at SPAC in 2013, Lukas and P.O.T.R. recently backed Neil Young on his latest album The Monsanto Years.

    Having made a promise at the age of 11 to his father Willie, that he would teach himself how to play guitar alongside Hendrix and Vaughn, the now 24 year old Nelson has found his calling amid touring year round across the country to continually growing audiences among some of the greats – Neil Young, John Fogerty, Bob Weir, B.B. King, and Bob Dylan, to name a few. No Depression magazine has noted of Lukas’ voice “With a unique voice and gift for penning timely socially conscious lyrics stretched over muscular guitar riffs, Lukas Nelson is earning not only fans but, heaps of critical praise as well.”

    Supporting Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real are Glens Falls natives Joe Mansman and The Midnight Revival Band, a 5 piece rock band influenced heavily by outlaw country, roots, blues, and folk. Rich Ortiz starts the night with his one man band drawing on inspiration from the likes of Jim Croce, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Willie Nelson.

    More information on the show can be found through Putnamden.com.

  • Halloween Dance Party with Mister F, and Lucid at Putnam Den

    Halloween parties at Putnam Den are often some of the best gatherings of the year, with enthusiastic audiences & bands wearing their favorite character costumes, decorative rooms, grotesque drink mixes, and supreme music selections. The theme of every party is to dance, celebrate, enjoy the visuals, and celebrate.

    This year, hosted a social event like no other at the Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, with the help from Albany based Mister F and Plattsburgh’s own Lucid. As the holiday fell on a saturday with clear skies, Saratoga was open for menace.

    Jim Houle - Putnam Den NYSMusic - 10-31-15-2

    Mister F kicked off the evening with their eclectic mix of funk, rock, and sophisticated rhythms which attracted many ghouls and goblins right from the start. This local four piece hit the stage dressed as characters from the movie Spaceballs and ripped up an hour performance from out of this world. Their set highlights were an original “Answer the Dog,” featuring members from Lucid and Formula 5 and Bela Fleck & the Flecktones cover, “Sinister Minister.”

    Lucid brought an inspiring set with their north woods folk rock grooves that made all the skeletons shake their bones. These handsome devils attired the Village People and busted out their set with a greatest hits medley. Highlights from their set were “Backwoods” featuring George Wurster and “I Kill People” with Scott Hannay of Mister F.

    Formula 5 raucously hit the stage running with a Jay & Silent Bob skit featuring Scott Hannay of Mister F and the contagious cover of “Jungle Love” by Morris Day and the Time, a tune long favored by their chosen characters. Highlights from their the Formulaic set was the Huey Lewis and Ray Parker Jr. mix, “I Want a New Drug” > “Ghostbusters” > “I Want a New Drug.”

    Formula 5 Set:
    Jay & Silent Bob Skit@ > Jungle Love^ > Excalibur, Perch Above the Earth$* -> I Want A New Drug* -> Ghostbusters -> I Want A New Drug -> Mister Elixir* -> Perch Above the Earth > Mister Elixir, Low Rider!, Catch Me, Nu-GEN#* -> Pedro* -> Night Time In The Switching Yard, Epiphany
    Encore: Magic Carpet Ride
    @ – featuring Scott Hannay (Mister F)
    ^ – featuring Matt Pickering and Scott Hannay (Mister F), Lowell Wurster (Lucid),
    $ – Thriller Jam
    * – Unfinished
    ! – Featuring Jamie Armstrong, Chris Shacklett and Lowell Wurster (Lucid), Scott Hannay (Mister F)
    # – Featuring Andrew Chamberlaine and Scott Hannay (Mister F)
    ‘Jungle Love’ – Morris Day and The Time (1st time played)
    ‘I Need a New Drug’ – Huey Lewis & The News (1st time played with James and Joe)
    ‘Ghostbusters’ – Ray Parker Jr. (1st time played with James)
    ‘Low Rider’ – War
    ‘Night Time In The Switching Yard’ – Warren Zevon
    ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ – Steppenwolf (1st time played)

    Mister F
    Mister F

    Mister F Setlist:
    Vocoder > Everything You Say, This One Goes to 11@, See Level > Answer the Dog#, Inside, Eye Level > The Machine, Do It Again%, Sinister Minister^, On and On, Don’t Lose Your Watch

    @ – w/ The Munsters Theme Tease
    # – w/ Joe Davis (Formula 5) & Lowell Wurster(Lucid)
    % – Original, First Time Played
    ^ – Bela Fleck & The Flecktones Cover

    Lucid
    Lucid

    Lucid Setlist:
    Village People Medley (YMCA > In the Navy > Macho Man > YMCA), 4 Bangers and Hash (Styles of the Smooth > Yanomamo Lullaby > R.L. > The Russian), Gemini Eye > Surf Side Rock Side, Black Smoke, Came and Went > Silhouettes, Backwoods*, Dirt
Whiskey Dreams > Shinbones, Blessed and Cursed, I Kill People ^

    * with George Wurster
    ^ – (Andrew James Deller) w/ Scott Hannay of Mister F

  • It’s an Upstate Halloween Throwdown at Putnam Den with Formula 5, Lucid and Mister F

    Halloween in Saratoga means the Putnam Den will be rockin’, this year with three of Upstate New York’s biggest names: Mister F, Lucid and Formula 5.

    Upstate HalloweenAll three bands have performed throughout New York and Putnam Den is one spot they call home. Formula 5’s Joe Davis: “I’ve really been looking forward to this show for a while. Putnam Den is one of my favorite venues to play in the Northeast and probably my favorite in the Capital Region. Add in Formula 5, Mister F and Lucid and it should equate to quite the rager. We have a lot of surprises in store and you know Mister F and Lucid will be pulling out all the stops.”

    When it comes to Halloween, fans can expect a special set from each of the three bands, with music getting started around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and going until early Sunday morning. Taking the stage first is Mister F, the prog-rocking quartet who recently debuted FTV Cribs. “I’m so glad we’re all on this bill together. The 518 rolls deep with incredible talent, and this is one hell of a sampler platter of that. I’m excited to see some collaborations between these bands – we’re all good friends, and it’s really gonna show on Halloween,” said Mister F keyboardist Scott Hannay.

    Lucid takes the stage after Mister F, ready for a night of costumed originals and that Northern New York sound Lucid is best known for. Lucid’s Lowell Wurster: “We are very excited to be sharing the stage with our super great friends this Halloween. These are two bands that we’ve known since their creation and couldn’t be more excited to jam with them. It will be a night filled with great music and lots of laughs.”

    Formula 5 closes out the night with a late night set for the Halloween ragers that will bring a cap a truly memorable night. More info, as well as costume contest details, can be found in the event. For fans who can’t make the show and want to tune in, ShowtheShow will be providing a free audio stream for the night.

  • Strange Machines and Broccoli Samurai hit Putnam Den October 24

    Two of the jamtronica scene’s rising stars, Broccoli Samurai (Cleveland) and Strange Machines (Boston) will bring a powerhouse show to the Putnam Den on Saturday, October 24.

    Broccoli Samurai, with a progressive electronic complemented by a powerful drum/bass combo that has energized audiences in the Midwest for five years. They’re making their way out east and pack an incredible punch. Check out their performance at this year’s Summer Dance for a taste of what to expect.

    Strange Machines is no stranger to Albany and have developed a solid following throughout the Northeast with a blend of funk, rock, jazz and livetronica, creating a powerfully danceable live show. If you’re looking for tight improvisation wrapped around well crafted songs, Strange Machines is the fix you’re looking for.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UvOpDGaV7s

  • A Good Time on Good Friday with Robert Randolph and the Family Band at Putnam Den

    What a way to spend a holiday weekend! Putnam Den was packed with fans of all ages for Robert Randolph and the Family Band for a good time. Dave Spadaro group took to the stage to an anticipatory crowd and gave them an incredible warm up show. Spadero has played in Good Foot, Heavy Fog and jams out with The Stone Revival Band. The group consists of Dave Spadaro on guitar, Stephen Orsini on bass, Andrew Costa on keyboards and Brandon Isles on drum with Josh Farrell on vocals this evening. The group had people moving their feet early in the night and the band was well received by the crowd. They started the night with a few original tunes before diving into a cover of Tears for Fears “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Their new album can be downloaded and streamed for free here.

    robert randolph good time

    Robert Randolph took the stage sans welcome or introduction and got right to the music. An instrumental “Voodoo Chile” was an early highlight, while “The Sky is Crying” was ultra bluesy, with excellent vocals from cousin Ray-Ray. “Shake Your Hips”, with a “La Grange” feel to the song brought up the ladies on the stage for a solid 10 minutes of jamming and shaking. A brief “When the Saints go Marching in” was instrumental and disappeared too quickly. “Brand New Wayo” off Lickety Split had the most energy of the night with a cover of Bill Withers’ “Use Me” rounding out the night. An encore of “Amped Up” felt like it could have been the party starter of the night, but who can complain? Robert Randolph packed the house at Putnam Den and made a Good Friday even better.

  • Particle Welcomes Spring to Putnam Den

    Although it may have been the first day of spring, the weather didn’t seem to know that. People were walking briskly to escape the cold and get into Putnam Den where it’s always hot and always a guaranteed good time. As the night started off there were more people huddled around the TV watching college basketball, but fans were about to be treated to another form of “March Madness” in the entity known as Particle.

    Greenhouse Lounge, a trio out of Jacksonville, FL started the night off spitting pure fire – these three guys exemplified livetronica. While using samples and homemade beats covered with the sounds of the live band, there was little that could stop the groove. The two were so intertwined at some points it was difficult to tell which was the loop and which was the band, a skill very few have mastered but the boys were spot on, and it drew the crowd from the TVs to the front of the stage. They were getting down to the unmistakeable sound that may be the future of the genre. A perfect way to kick off the night for the Particle party that was about to ensue.

    Particle came tearing out of the gate, with Ben Comb shredding his guitar and raising all the energy until everyone was up dancing and flowing to the fast paced groove. Bassist Clay Parnell and drummer Allen Aucion were the perfect back drop, keeping the rhythm solid and following along with the guitar which eventually lead into a keyboard solo from Particle’s leader Steve Molitz. The contrasting sounds he made with the keys were mind blowing – to the point that some of the audience had to stop and listen in wonder to work out where these amazing sounds were coming from. The pattern of drum and bass heavy rhythms continued as Ben and Steve swapped leads.

    Although Particle are know for the instrumental jam, they are not a one dimensional band by any means. Ben Comb did more than shred the guitar, he also sang, which is no easy task when the beats are going so fast. He was also able to keep his voice in range and, impressively, in time. This mixture of sounds progressed from Pink Floyd to a Siberian saber dance. The proof was in the music that there is very little Particle can’t do.

  • 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”.

    DaveDeCrescente - Melvin Seals and JGB -1

  • 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.

  • 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