Tag: Yonder Mountain String Band

Best of NYS Music 2015: Staff Picks for Out-of-State Festivals

While most might dream of tropical getaways when it comes to vacation time, music fans accrue their days to travel across the country—or world—for weekends jam-packed with live performances, indulgent food and experimental fun. From the east to the west coasts to the Midwest, NYSMusic staffers traveled near and far throughout the year to see their favorite groups in action. Here we give you our top picks for out-of-state festivals of 2015.

Best Small Festival: Arise Music Festival, East Coast Tsunami Festival, Grand Point North Festival and The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival

With the growing number of small-scale festivals that seem to pop up each year, it’s no wonder that our team could not pick just one or two as their favorite—so we decided to include the ones we felt deserved an honorable mention. First up is Arise Music Festival, an event in Loveland, CO, that according to Andrew Wyatt “offers a spicy jambalaya of multi-cultural live music, electronic performances, art presentations, along with numerous workshops centered around eco-activism, social justice, and spirituality practice.” With nearly 100 musical acts, the three-day festival now in its third year featured the likes of the Polish Ambassador, Rising Appalachia, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Lukas Nelson, Turkuaz, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Trevor Hall, Emancipator Ensemble, Ozomatli and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, among others.

Headlined by Wu-Tang Clan and Life Of Agony, the East Coast Tsunami Festival held in Reading, PA, treated hip hop, hardcore and metal fans to two full days of shows, including favorited groups Body Count, Mobb Deep, Murphy’s Law, Madball and more. And despite sound issues during day one, Jay Saint G. still dubbed the festival as “a wave of brutality that every music lover should experience.”

Up next is the Grand Point North Festival held in Burlington’s Waterfront Park with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Headlined by Vermont’s sweetheart Grace Potter, the fifth annual installment boasted two nights of music featuring Phish’s Mike Gordon, the Flaming Lips, Shakey Graves, Greensky Bluegrass, Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers, among others, and special guests like Kenny Chesney who joined Potter to perform their single, “Wild Child.” Alexandra Provost and Laura Carbone noted that “as Potter walked onto the stage, her skin glistening from raindrops, the audience went wild” and that she “put on an astounding performance, showing off her piano, guitar and bluesy vocal skills.”

And finally the Werk Out Music and Arts Festival at Legend Valley, a venue favorited by the Grateful Dead in the ’80s. With a stacked lineup featuring the Werks, Papadosio, Dopapod, Lettuce, Umphrey’s McGee, the Floozies, Consider The Source, Break Science and Tauk, the sixth year for the Thornville, OH, festival “was as always a ridiculously good time for all who made the journey,” according to Ben Landsman. With three stages, a silent disco and one fan wedding,Landsman noted that “between the beauty of Legend Valley, the bright spirit of the fans, the innovative music, this festival is one of the treasures of the Midwest.”

Best Midsize Festival: Green River Festival
Honorable Mention: Aura Music and Arts Festival, Boston Calling, Camp Bisco, DelFest, McDowell Mountain Music Festival

Held at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA, the sold-out 29th annual Green River Festival was “fresh, exciting and invigorating,” according to Eli Stein. Featuring four hot air balloon launches, the family-friendly July event pulled out all the stops with a craft tent, Frisbee dog show, acrobats, karate demonstrations, swimming, a Mardi Gras-style parade and exotic local fare like elk, boar and venison burgers, a Korean food truck and kabob vendors. Throughout the three-day weekend, more than 40 performers ranging from Americana to dance, blues and jam graced the event’s three stages nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires, including Eilen Jewell, the Wood Brothers, Rubblebucket, Marco Benevento, MAKU Sound System, Langhorne Slim and the Law, the Punch Brothers and tUnE-yArDs, which Stein noted was the perfect mixture:

Musically, the festival served up a heaping slab of New England comfort food. The rest aforementioned activity, as they say, was just the gravy. Not only were the band selections great, they were clearly hand-picked and not just pulled off the nearest passing festival train. The music flowed wonderfully from set to set, and built to a nice peak at the perfect times. There was an evenness to the passion and approach of the musicians that made for a smooth transition no matter where you went.”

Best Large Festival: Gathering of the Vibes and Summer Camp
Honorable Mention: Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Hangout Music Fest, Lockn’ Music Festival, Peach Festival, Rock Allegiance, Rock On the Range

Celebrating its 20th year, Gathering of the Vibes offered up an impressive lineup with headliners Wilco, Weezer, Tedeschi/Trucks Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Ben Harper, Greg Allman and the String Cheese Incident. The late summer festival returned to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT, and treated fans to a super jam called Vibes 20th Anniversary Spectacular featuring Gov’t Mule guitarist Warren Haynes, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Meters founding bassist George Porter Jr., Marco Benevento on keys and Joe Russo behind the drum kit, plus Jackie Greene on guitar. Although the four-day festival will take a break in 2016, VibeTribers Julia Wolfe and Steve Olker recounted the last day of the 2015 event and dubbed this run as one that would set the pace going forward:

As the sun set over Vibes for the last time, [Ben] Harper closed out with his song “Better Way,” and it was finally time to head home. Seeing so many bands perform was both enticing and overwhelming at the same time, making leaving Vibes even more bittersweet. The range of genre, popularity, age and background is what makes Gathering of the Vibes separate from other festivals. After 20 years, Gathering of the Vibes has remained one of Connecticut’s most well-known festivals, and it’s attention to bringing about change while discovering your own inner peace is what will bring success for future gatherings to come. Until next time, thank you vibes for a real good time.”

With more than 100 bands over four days on seven stages, this year’s installment of Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL, saw a stacked lineup of bands like moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Steve Miller Band, Widespread Panic, STS9, Big Gigantic, John Butler Trio, Krewella, Trampled by Turtles, Keller Williams and Grateful Grass, Yonder Mountain String Band, Violent Femmes and many, many more. Festivalgoers also had access to on-site camping, the infamous late night Red Barn Shows, musician workshops, a nonprofit village, arts and crafts and unique food vendors, plus some impressive improvements. In Pete Mason’s review of the festival’s final day, he detailed what made the perfect ending to the much celebrated event:

The final set of the night to check out was North American Scum, an LCD Soundsystem cover band who might be the best band to close out Summer Camp. Members of the group are formerly of This Must be the Band, a Talking Heads band from Chicago, who have traditionally played one of the final sets at Summer Camp. This incredible two hour set featured the entire Sound of Silver album and, because everyone else was playing Grateful Dead songs, a spirited version of “Scarlet Begonias” to cap the night.”

Read more from Summer Camp Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4.

December 28, 2015
Bearsville Bluegrass with Yonder Mountain and Henhouse Prowlers

Getting off I-87 and heading on Route 212 towards Woodstock, you pass by a road sign that says ‘Veteran.’ On each trip to Woodstock towards Bearsville, NY, the sign never held any significance to me, but being Veteran’s Day, and heading to see some purely American music – bluegrass from Yonder Mountain String Band and Henhouse Prowlers – it brought a knowing smile to my face, and likely to those of other travelers headed to Bearsville Theater this evening.

Yonder Mountain String Band

Henhouse Prowlers, a five piece bluegrass outfit from Chicago were a well-received opener tonight, channeling Bill Monroe’s classic sound and spreading their music beyond our nation’s borders. There were original traditional numbers, such as Fool’s Carnival Song, with thoughtful lyrics and well-rounded between the five band members. What was truly intriguing this evening was learning that Henhouse Prowlers make a number of international tours through the State Department, bringing American Bluegrass to Africa (three tours so far), Russia, and soon Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Bringing back a little African music, they performed the Nigerian song “Chop my Money”, and as one would suspect, a lively tune, “Dancing Cures All.” The set ended with Todd Livingston’s dobro playing highlighted on the finale, a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire.”

Yonder Mountain’s set opened with “Sideshow Blues” and a cover of Smokey Robinson’s
“I Second That Emotion” fit inside, with Jacob Joliff’s mandolin playing standing out among his bandmates, despite not overshadowing the others as the strings were rapidly strummed. “Things You’re Selling,” about televangelists, stood out in a lively set, as did “C’est La Vie”, featuring Allie Kral on vocals. Yonder brought up Todd Livingston and Dan Andree from Henhouse Prowlers for a stellar extended jam on “Angel” and a segue into the classic Grateful Dead tune, “Shakedown Street.” The second set was highlighted by covers of Son Volt’s “Drown,” and The Rolling Stones’ “Torn and Frayed,”, with originals “Looking Back Over my Shoulder” and “Sidewalk Stars” closing out the night.

Watch a performance of “Black Sheep” and “Insult and an Elbow” with a Q&A from Radio Woodstock, recorded earlier that day.

Set 1: Sideshow Blues > I Second That Emotion > Sideshow Blues, I’m Not Saying, Up For Brinkley’s, A Father’s Arms, Things You’re Selling, C’est La Vie, Angel* > Shakedown Street*

Set 2: Around You> Nothing But A Breeze > Drown, Walking Shoes^, Leavin’^, Torn And Frayed, My Gal, Night Out, All Aboard > Looking Back Over My Shoulder > Sidewalk Stars

Encore: Dominated Love Slave

*Todd Livingston on dobro & Dan Andree on fiddle
^Aaron Dorfman on guitar & Ben Wright on banjo

November 18, 2015
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.

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.

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

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November 5, 2015
Blind Owl Band and Yonder Mountain String Band Soak up Some Sun at Paper Mill Island

Spending an early July sunset at an amphitheater resting on an island nestled in the Seneca River as adoring fans tirelessly swing and twirl to American roots music sets the stage for a picturesque evening. That was the setting Friday night at Paper Mill Island Amphitheater in Baldwinsville, NY as Blind Owl Band and Yonder Mountain String Band took the stage to woo the audience with earthy vocals and strings.

The casual, backcountry grunge of Blind Owl Band suggests a certain comfort level they feel even when performing for a crowd. Guitarist and vocalist Arthur Buezo sported a pair of paint splattered overalls tucked into cowboy boots while barefoot bassist Christian Cardiello donned a pastel purple tie dye T-shirt with a prancing unicorn emblazoned across the front. Along with banjo player and vocalist James Ford and mandolinist and vocalist Eric Munley, the four musicians all let their wavy brown locks blow in the breeze, closing out their set with a powerful performance of “Whipping Post” by The Allman Brothers Band. With Buezo growling into the mic, they authentically captured the tortured nature of the rock ballad with a bluegrass twist.

As the sun continued to set, the fading daylight drenched Yonder Mountain String Band in a sea of gold as fans applauded their arrival on stage. The five-piece group confidently emanated a calm and collected demeanor, defying the unrelenting UV rays with an assortment of aviator sunglasses. Early into their performance, a remarkably rambunctious fan explosively dropped his beer on the paved ground, grasping his head in disbelief. Mandolinist and vocalist Jake Jolliff shot guitarist and vocalist Adam Aijala a wry smile, slightly amused by the small tragedy. Jolliff standing, center stage between his four band mates, scanned the crowd, often flaunting a euphoric smile in between mandolin breakdowns. Everyone in the band was afforded moments to display their skill both instrumentally and vocally. With Dave Johnston on banjo, Ben Kaufmann on bass, and Allie Kral on violin, and all contributing vocally, they harmonized effortlessly but also shining individually with a mix of voices evoking that country twang.

The give-and-take between musicians on stage was matched by the dosey doe and swing dance maneuvers of audience members as they took turns spinning each other around, enamored by the music. The high energy on stage and in the crowd was going strong during a bouncy performance of “All Around,” a song off their new album Black Sheep, which was released earlier this year. The full-length studio album represents the influx and evolution of talented artists that have coalesced over a seventeen-year period, culminating in the five-person powerhouse touring today. Yonder Mountain String Band closed out the evening with Kral taking the lead on vocals, exclaiming, “Time to bust out your ‘Pulp Fiction’ dance moves,” before sliding into a playful yet sultry rendition of Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell.”

July 18, 2015
Yonder Mountain String Band Performs at Albany’s Alive at 5

The Blind Owl Band played a great opening set, highlighted by a bluegrass take on The Allman Brothers Band classic “Whipping Post.” The Saranac Lake based band had a small contingent of devotees in the front at the beginning of the set, but by set’s end the whole crowd was won over. Yonder Mountain took the stage to a packed Alive at 5 house under the overpass of I-787 and presented classic YMSB numbers, covers and tracks off their new album Black Sheep.

“On the Run” opened the night, part of the celebrated ‘Bolton Stretch’ saga that weaves in and out of Yonder’s setlists. A pair of tracks from Black Sheep, “Insult and an Elbow,” and the Colorado inspired “Drawing a Melody.” The highlight of the high energy 90 minute set was a pair of sandwiches. The first combined Springsteen and Dylan with “Saint in the City” > “Spanish Harlem Incident” > “Saint in the City,” perking the ears of many Bruce fans in the audience, as Albany has more than a fair share. The second appeared in the encore, taking Yonder’s “Troubled Mind” and seguing into the punk number “20 Eyes” by The Misfits, making the tune seemingly inocuous in the process, before moving back into the end of “Troubled Mind,” capping another successful Alive at Five in Albany.

A photo posted by NYS Music (@nystatemusic) on Jul 9, 2015 at 4:18pm PDT

Next week, stay tuned for Rival Galaxies and Atlas Genius as Albany’s Alive at Five summer concert series continues.

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July 13, 2015
10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss All Good Music Festival

The 18th annual All Good Music Festival and Camp Out has returned to West Virginia this year, and boasts a jamband heavy lineup that is surely not to be missed and my favorite of the summer. With no overlapping sets, all of the weekend’s amazing music can be seen without sacrificing one band for another. The music takes place for 3 days, Thursday July 9 – Saturday July 11, with gates opening at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Here are 10 reasons this year’s All Good Music Festival is not to be missed!

10. CAKE

This American alternative-rock band from Sacramento, California draws from a heavy influence of country, rock, funk, hip-hop and more. Not your typical act on the jamband circuit, but these guys know how to have fun and put on a great show. You can catch Cake on the Dragon Stage on Saturday from 10:15 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

9. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

The quartet based out of Balitmore, MD has been growing tremendously over the past few years. Blending rock, funk, and electric grooves is their specialty. These guys bring the heat every night and you are guaranteed to find yourself dancing to their infectious grooves. Pigeons are performing on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the Dragon Stage.

8. Dark Star Orchestra

Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra has been recreating the Grateful Dead concert experience since 1997. They are widely considered one of the best tribute acts on the scene, and play a host of festivals every year on top of extensive nationwide touring. With the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead this year and the Fare Thee Well shows happening in Chicago the week before, expect Dark Star’s set to be a celebration. They perform on Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. -1:00 a.m. on the Crane Stage.

7. Late Nights: STS9, Thievery Corporation, Lotus

All Good boasts a stacked late night lineup to keep the party going into the morning hours. Thursday night features STS9, playing from 1:15 a.m. -3:00 a.m. on the Dragon Stage. Friday night features Thievery Corporation performing on the Dragon Stage from 1:15 a.m. -3:00 a.m. Lotus will be closing out the festival on the Dragon Stage from 1:00 a.m. -3:00 a.m. on Saturday.

6. Lettuce

These guys bring some serious funk to every show. Lettuce is on my list of must see bands anytime they play a festival. With a late night spot on the Crane Stage from 12:00 a.m. -1:15 a.m. directly following Primus, things are sure to go from weird to funky as soon as they take the stage. Be warned, you will find yourself dancing way too much at this set.

5. Yonder Mountain String Band

Who doesn’t love some late afternoon bluegrass to go with their whiskey? Veterans of the bluegrass world, Yonder is sure to deliver a high octane string infused dance party. They play the Crane Stage on Sunday from 6:15 p.m. -7:40 p.m. The addition of fiddle virtuoso Allie Kral and mandolin player Jacob Jolliff has Yonder sounding as good as they ever have.

4. Primus

Headlining Friday night at All Good on the Dragon Stage from 10:15 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Primus is sure to bring the weird together for an unforgettable concert experience. Hot off the recent Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory tour, expect good things from bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde, and drummer Jay Lane. Primus is no stranger to All Good, having performed at the festival in the past.

3. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

JRAD is a fairly new band that has exploded onto the scene. These guys bring high energy, intense, authentic Grateful Dead tunes every time they step on stage. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is super group composed of Scott Metzger, Tommy Hamilton, Dave Dreiwitz, Marco Benevento & Joe Russo. They perform on the Crane Stage on Friday night from 9:00 p.m. -10:15 p.m. If you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to check them out!

2. Twiddle

If you don’t know who Twiddle is by now, you should. Hailing from the green state of Vermont, they are taking the jamband world by storm and right now the sky is the limit for the quartet. Twiddle blends reggae, funk, and rock n roll into heavy improv laden sets. Twiddle has a huge following of fans and they are growing each and every time they take the stage. Twiddle kicks off the festival with an hour long performance on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on the Crane Stage.

Twiddle

1. moe.

New York State’s own moe. are veteran’s of the jamband festival circuit. Mixing heavy rock n roll with psychedelic improvisations moe. is going to rock the Dragon Stage on Thursday night for two hours from 10:00 p.m. -12:00 a.m. Expect soaring, crunchy, guitar solos and funk laden bass lines all night. Moe. has a heavy following all over the county, so expect many moe.rons to flock to All Good to see their beloved band and the rest of All Good’s amazing lineup.

moe. Saranac Brewery

There rest of All Good’s amazing lineup can be found here. Tickets will be available online until Wed July 8th, and prices will go up at the gate. Tickets can be purchased here. See you all in West Virgina!

July 3, 2015
Hearing Aide: Yonder Mountain String Band ‘Black Sheep’

Yonder 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

June 14, 2015
NYSMuse: A Conversational Review of Dear Jerry

A few of us from NYS Music made it to the Dear Jerry show at Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 14, mostly for the fun of attending an outdoor show early in the season and celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead. Afterward we couldn’t help but discuss the show and found we had several similar and differing thoughts. Even though we went without intending to review the show, we thought it would be a different twist to bring you some of our back-and-forth thoughts.

Set 1: The Wheel, Uncle John’s Band, Standing On The Moon, Liberty (Communion featuring Phil Lesh), Get Out My Life Woman (Allen Toussaint with Bill Kreutzmann), Shady Grove (David Grisman & Sam Bush), I’m a Roadrunner (Peter Frampton with Bill Kreutzmann), Deal (Buddy Miller), Sugaree (Jorma Kaukonen with Barry Mitterhoff), The Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff), Attics Of My Life (Jimmy Cliff with Bob Weir and Mickey Hart *One verse, acapella), Fire On The Mountain (Jimmy Cliff with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Dave Schools)

Set 2: Help On The Way> Slipknot!> Franklin’s Tower (Billy & The Kids), Scarlet Begonias> I Know You Rider (Disco Biscuits with Bill Kreutzmann & Tom Hamilton), Loser (moe. Chuck on vox), St. Stephen (O.A.R), Not Fade Away > Bertha (Los Lobos with Bob Weir), Brown Eyed Women (Trampled By Turtles), Shakedown St (YMSB), Days Between (Bob Weir), Friend of the Devil (Grace Potter with Bob Weir, and Matt Burr), Tennessee Jed (Eric Church with Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart), Morning Dew (Widespread), Touch of Grey (Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann & Mickey Hart), Ripple (almost all of the evening’s performers & the crowd)

Steve Malinski: Mickey and Bill were part of the last few songs too, right?

Graig Adler: Yeah. Bill was also in the house band as well as Dave Schools.

SM: I didn’t have the greatest of starts to the show — thanks to DC traffic I was delayed getting there from Alexandria and didn’t arrive until “Shady Grove.” I didn’t know who was on because I couldn’t see more than some of the crowd from the gate but knew pretty quick from the mandolin that it was Grisman. It was a good first song to hear after the hassle of getting to Merriweather. I’ve always loved the Garcia/Grisman collaborations.

SM: There were several times I was pleased with the performances and interpretations; obviously there were some better than others and one in particular that ranked lowest. But overall I wasn’t as impressed, as my expectations were high for the show. Some groups did a couple of Dead tunes and others did just one, which was cool, no big deal. The flow of the show was a bit jagged and staggered logistically, so there was a bit of down time which for me dampened the vibes a little bit. More continuity would have made the experience better, in my opinion.

GA: Yes, it was impossible to get in a groove. But will make for one fine $29.99 DVD, lots of professional recording equipment on stage. Biggest surprise of the night was how good O.A.R. was and how good The Disco Biscuits would be if they stopped playing that crappy jamtronica.

SM: I thought Disco Biscuits had a pretty good groove going, especially with adding their own style jam in the middle. Billy and the Kids too. I think what made their sets stand out is they did more than one song and had the opportunity to loosen up and bloom a bit on the Dead tunes.

GA: Also, Bill Kreutzmann on drums and Tommy Hamilton on stage — two guys who play dead tunes for a living.

SM: O.A.R.: It was cool to hear the island vibes from the song but they had a shaky start with the opening riffs and that set the tone for me. It wasn’t bad, but not my favorite of the night. I did enjoy the one O.A.R. show I had seen before outside of that though. I really enjoyed the refreshing arrangements by Trampled by Turtles and Yonder Mountain String Band playing stripped-down Dead. YMSB’s version of “Shakedown Street” had everyone’s attention.

GA: O.A.R., I thought they sounded great. His mic wasn’t turned on to start the song.

SM: It was tough to notice that in the wash of the crowd where I was. I don’t recall seeing Phil Lesh on stage throughout the night. Was he there at all? It would’ve been awesome to see them all play together, especially since I just missed getting a Dead 50 ticket.

GA: Communion (Phil Lesh, Stu Allen, Grahame Lesh, Ross James, Alex Koford and Jason Crosby) played the first four songs.

SM: I’m sad I missed Phil. I heard people mention him in passing and I hadn’t realized he was on the bill.

GA: It seems he still doesn’t want to play with these guys. Which is concerning for Dead 50. He really only seems to play Terrapin and Shapiro events these days.

SM: I do hope Phil settles his differences or whatever is going on for Chicago. I’m sure no one — the fans or the band — want to see the farewell shows dampened by differences.

GA: Audley Freed and Buddy Miller were also in the house band.

SM: The house band was pretty solid. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see the stage well so it was tough from the projector to keep track of who was up there except for the announcements of the guest artist for a particular song.

SM: For me, the end of the show made up for what I missed at the start. It was a bit emotional and a tear-jerker. “Ripple” is one of those pretty songs to begin with. Now add a slide show with images of Jerry along with the song’s lyrics to encourage a 19,000-Dead Head sing-along. This was probably the best way to end the show, with something that rings out.

GA: I’m surprised that nobody mentioned that the house band drummer for the show was Raymond Weber, the legendary funky NOLA drummer and former member of Dumpstaphunk. He’s SOLID! There was a very funny exchange involving him in an episode of Treme that went like this: Bass player Cornell Williams asks with surprise, “I know you didn’t just tell Raymond Weber that he dropped the beat, did you?” “Yeah, I did,” Antoine replies. “Ray, when was the last fucking time you dropped the beat?” Williams asks. “Me? ’83,” Weber responds.

May 20, 2015
Get Ready to Head Back to Summer Camp

Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us and despite all the festival potential in store across the Northeast, the Midwest holds one of the best festivals of the year – Summer Camp Music Festival. Now in its 15th year. Summer Camp has become the Midwest’s number one destination for all things jam, rock, electronic, bluegrass and plenty of general partying and hollerin’.

There’s a lot going on this year at Summer Camp, including some just announced improvements and rules changes that fans need to be aware of. Read here for a detailed list, but take note of the following in particular:

Entry: A new main gate setup and more efficient entry procedures will allow for quicker and easier entry this year.

Vibe Tent: To accommodate some of the massive EDM artists playing this year’s festival, expect a bigger-than-ever Vibe Tent! From the production and sound, to the stage and the tent itself, Summer Camp has expanded and fine-tuned every element of the stage.

Charge your cellphone on site with Solar Go’s Custom USB Recharging Batteries: Order your battery now and it will be charged and ready when you arrive. Then, each day you can exchange it for a fully charged one, and at the end of the festival you take it home with you.

Chinese Fire Lanterns are banned!: Due to safety concerns (and common sense) these have been added to our prohibited items list, and will NOT be allowed at Three Sisters Park!

You can access the Summer Camp schedule here and use the app for IOS or Android to build a customized music schedule.

Of course, the music and activities at Summer Camp are the reason you are coming, not to block the view of Jeff Waful with your ragestick (leave those home too) so here are the Top 15 acts and events not to miss at Summer Camp 15.

15. Keller Williams / Keller Williams & Grateful Grass

With the release of his latest album Vape, Keller is back with new material and a Dead set with Grateful Grass that offers anything but the traditional Grateful Dead covers. Being the Dead’s 50th year, expect plenty of tributes to the Grateful Dead at this year’s Summer Camp. (2am Friday, Campfire Stage // 5pm Friday, Moonshine Stage)

14. Make a Difference

Increase your social and environmental awareness as you make a difference at Summer Camp this year in a variety of ways. Check out non-profits, help clean the grounds, take part in the treasure hunt, and spread the word! Summer Camp is a great way to have a blast and kick off the summer, as well as do a good part for your community! (Throughout the weekend, Soulshine Tent)

13. Pink Talking Fish

We have had the luxury of Pink Talking Fish playing a bevy of shows in their native Northeast, and checking them out at Summer Camp will be a real treat whether you have seen them or not already. Combining Phish, Talking Heads and Pink Floyd songs in unique ways – you won’t be disappointed. (2am Saturday, Soulshine Tent)

12. Krewella

I haven’t seen Krewella, but given the amount of vitriol some fans gave the female electronic duo when they were added to the lineup, even going so far as to start a petition to have them removed from the lineup, now I REALLY want to see them. I enjoy EDM and don’t pass judgment until I see music live, and with the duo hailing from near Chicago, IL, they are now a must see. (9pm Friday, Moonshine Stage)

11. Field Day
Akin to Camp Bisco’s Color Wars, Field Day is a great friendly competition that features dodgeball, capture the flag, a spelling bee, a Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas eating contest, and more! Pre-register here and Go Purple! (12pm – 5:30pm Saturday, 312 Beer Garden next to Vibe Tent),

10. Wild Adriatic

One of the best bands to come out of Upstate New York, Wild Adriatic has played SXSW and will perform at Bonnaroo this summer, and are well-known throughout the Northeast for rocking sets and choice covers, including “Ain’t No Sunshine”, featured on their new EP Never Enough. (5pm Thursday, Starshine Stage)

9. North American Scum

If you love LCD Soundsystem even a little bit, you have to stay awake on Sunday and catch North American Scum. I saw them in Chicago last July and was blown away – it’s as close to the real deal as you can get. Watch below and see for yourself (2am Sunday, Soulshine Tent)

8. Amazeballs Mini Golf

Music festivals have been waiting for this one – mini-golf! Amazeballs Amusements is an awesome addition to Summer Camp and will host a unique 15 hole miniature golf course in honor of Summer Camp Music Festival’s 15th Anniversary. Bonus: the mobile mini golf course will be free to play all weekend! Proceeds from Sunday afternoon will benefit a special Make a Difference Drive. Stop by the Soulshine Tent, cool down in the shade or avoid the rain while hitting some balls. (Daily 10am-6pm)

7. Aqueous

Making their return to Summer Camp with two full sets on Thursday and Friday, this Western NY jam has a great summer tour ahead of them and a thriving fan base that Umphrey’s fans have begun to take note of, and for good reason. See the band NYSMusic named their 2013 Band on the Rise. (8:30pm Thursday and 8pm Friday, Camping Stage)

6. Family Groove Company

Chicago has a presence at Summer Camp, and for good reason. The number of bands that have come out of the Windy City in the past 15 years is remarkable, and Summer Camp offers a chance to see some of the best. Family Groove Company is a stellar jam band, offering a complete sound, especially with Janis Wallin rockin the bass. (6pm Thursday, 12pm Saturday, Starshine Stage)

5. Umphrey’s McGee and GODBONER

Umphrey’s has played their festival since the beginning, so naturally they are on the list. With The London Session and UMBowl VI in their rearview, expect 4 incredible sets, along with a bonus – Gene Ween joins Umphrey’s for GODBONER! (6pm, 7:45pm & 9:45 pm Friday, 9pm & 11pm, Sunshine Stage)

4. Yonder Mountain String Band

With a lineup recently made official, adding Allie Kral (fiddle) and Jacob Jolliff (mandolin) and new album Black Sheep due out this summer, Yonder’s daytime set at Summer Camp is a must attend, and with a slightly different sound but the same vibe and jamgrassy goodness you love, you’ll want to see where the new lineup takes them. (2:45pm Sunday, Sunshine Stage)

3. Future Rock/Daft Rock

Future Rock is a fantastic electronic trio from Chicago and the fact they are playing two sets insists you see at least one of them – but their third set, as Daft Rock, is the one that is truly intriguing and why they are #3 on the list. A set of Daft Punk from this talented trio is going to be one of the highlights of Summer Camp, guaranteed. (Future Rock – 9:30pm Thursday, 12:30am Saturday – Starshine Stage // Daft Rock 2am Friday, Soulshine Stage)

2. Widespread Panic

The past two years have seen Widespread Panic turning out some of the hottest shows and tours in recent years with a strong connection between Jimmy Herring and Butch Trucks (filling in for Todd Nance on drums) leading to jams that are beyond what the Southern rockers have been known for in previous years. Get floppy with Panic! (7pm & 9pm Sunday, Sunshine Stage)

1. Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers/moe with Bruce Hornsby

Music legend Bruce Hornsby brings The Noisemakers, playing originals and covers with his iconic voice, but his set with moe. will be the most looked forward to set this Summer Camp, simply for the potential of what is in store. A band such as moe. playing along with the piano and voice of Bruce Hornsby is one of the best collaborations to come out of music festivals since Steve Winwood joined Widespread Panic at Bonnaroo 2002. Don’t miss this one! (1:15pm & 3pm Sunday, Moonshine Stage)

May 15, 2015
Photo Gallery: Yonder Mountain String Band and Friends at the Boulder Theater
Yonder Mountain String Band packed the house in Boulder, and brought a few friends along for the ride. Per Live Music Blog, each night featured a different theme and a variety of guests: a three-set traditional show New Yearâs Eve, a funked up evening with John Popper (Blues Traveler), Shawn Camp (Earls of Leicester) and Dave Watts and Joey Porter of the Motet on Thursday, a horn-filled soul affair with Jen Hartswick and Natalie Cressman of the Trey Anastasio Band on Friday and a bluegrass supergroup on Saturday joined by Andy Hall and Andy Falco from the Infamous Stringdusters.

Setlist via PhantasyTour

Set 1: All Aboard, Left Me in a Hole, Hello City Limits, Sometimes I’ve Won, Damned If The Right One Didn’t Go Wrong1, Complicated1,2, Run-Around1,2, Pockets1,2, Fingerprint1,2, Shakedown Street1,2

Set 2: Spanish Harlem Incident, Polka On The Banjo, Honestly, Would You Go With Me1, Criminal1,2, Hook1,2, New Deal Train1,2, Rain In Durango1,2, I’ve Got A Name1,2, Girlfriend Is Better1

Encore: My Love Will Not Change1,2, Ziggy Stardust1,2, Shady Grove1,2

1 Shawn Camp on guitar, vocals & fiddle
2 John Popper on vocals & harmonica, Joey Porter on keys & Dave Watts on drums
January 7, 2015