NYS Music 20​16

Author: Pete Mason

  • PB&J Bringing Biscuit Miller and the Mix to Plattsburgh

    A welcome addition to the North Country music scene, Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is a new live music series featuring top blues and jazz performers. On Sunday, March 6, PB&J will feature Biscuit Miller and the Mix. Biscuit was recently honored as Bass Player of the Year at the Blues Music awards.

    Biscuit has a heavy touring schedule of more than 250 appearances in the U.S. and abroad. “Biscuit and the Mix put out one of the best performances on the national blues scene. They’ll have the crowd up and dancing like it’s a Saturday night in Memphis!” says Laura Carbone, a music photographer from Plattsburgh who recruits the acts from around the U.S. and Canada.

    The show on Sunday, March 6 will be held at The Champlain Wine Company. Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. All event proceeds from PB&J shows go to the 30 City Foundation to fund the artists and to bring new performers to Plattsburgh. Tickets can be purchased online at Plattsburghbluesandjazz.com and in person at the Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place.

    PB&J was launched on February 12 with a performance by Swampcandy, an Americana blues duo out of Maryland and winners of Best Emerging Artist at Floydfest. Upcoming shows include:

    Saturday, March 19: The Slam Allen Band

    Sunday, April 3: JP Soars and the Redhots

    Tuesday, April 12: John Nemeth

  • Slightly Stoopid Stopping in Utica this Summer

    California reggae-fusion act Slightly Stoopid has announced their ninth annual cross-country summer tour, bringing them to Saranac Brewery in Utica on July 22.

    The Return Of The Red Eye Summer Tour will criss-cross the country, hitting amphitheaters and pavilions throughout North America, with supporting act SOJA announced as direct support for most dates. Zion I, the Grouch & Eligh and Fortunate Youth will also perform on select portions of the tour, with all acts aside from Fortunate Youth performing at Saranac Brewery on July 22.

    Return of the Red Eye Summer Tour Dates:
    6/15 Redmond, WA – Marymoor Park # *
    6/17 Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater # *
    6/24 Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre # *
    6/25 Irvine, CA – Irvine Meadows # *
    6/26 Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl # *
    6/30 Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex # *
    7/01 Las Vegas, NV – TBA # *
    7/02 Stateline, NV – Harvey’s Outdoor Arena # *
    7/03 San Luis Obispo, CA – Avila Beach Resort # *
    7/09 San Diego, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre # *
    7/15 Houston, TX – The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall # *
    7/16 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater Pavilion # *
    7/17 New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheater # *
    7/21 Portland, ME – Maine State Pier # *
    7/22 Utica, NY – Saranac Brewery # *
    7/24 Simsbury, CT – Simsbury Performing Arts Center # *
    7/29 Portsmouth, VA – Portsmouth Pavilion # *
    7/30 Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater # *
    7/31 North Charleston, SC – Riverfront Park # *
    8/03 Des Moines, IA – Brenton Skate Plaza # *
    8/04 Kansas City, MO – Crossroads # *
    8/06 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre # *
    8/07 Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Cove # *
    8/11 St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre # !
    8/12 Cocoa, FL – Riverfront Park # !
    8/14 St. Petersburg, FL – Vinoy Park # !
    8/18 Boston, MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion # !
    8/19 Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage # !
    8/20 Philadelphia, PA – Festival Pier # !
    8/21 Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion !
    8/25 Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze Outdoors # !
    8/27 Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion # !

    # with SOJA
    * with Zion I, The Grouch & Eligh
    ! with Fortunate Youth

  • Sunday Night Legends: Dave Mason and Leon Russell at The Egg

    Watch the Oscar’s or go see live music? Leo and Chris Rock or Leon Russell and Dave Mason? It wasn’t a close call when The Egg announced the pairing of two legendary musicians from the 60s who have continued to create and perform music to crowds for nearly half a century.

    leon russell dave masonDave Mason (no relation) got the night started with songs spanning his career, featuring solo work and songs written during his time with Traffic. A darker “Dear Mr. Fantasy” came early in the set and was hauntingly bluesy, a theme reprised throughout the set. An extended blues jam was patient and went beyond with Johnne Sambataro (guitar) and Anthony Patler (keys) taking requisite solos; they synced up well and carried the song through its motions without a need to rush. “Good 2 U” came from a certain era of 70s rock that is smooth, accessible and engaging without being too jazzy or improv reliant. The set closed with “Feelin’ Alright,” rearranged slightly for a darker vibe, as well as the encore of “All Along the Watchtower.”

    leon russell dave masonThe only subpar aspect of Mason’s set was the backdrop for the band. What amounted to a computer screen broadcasting behind the band was basically a billboard for albums and dated promo for the artist as though he was just getting around to branding himself in 1995 and never updated his ad set. There were some albums, cover art and his music catalog along with some old photos, but it felt as though Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam could have used a much more psychedelic feel to their stage presence, beyond the music.

    After a short change over, Leon Russell took to his white grand piano to perform Elvis’ version of “I Got a Woman” and didn’t hesitate to keep playing the hits. “Rolling in my Sweet Baby’s Arms” and “Let the Good Times Roll” fit the label of not soft rock yet not hard rock. It was Goldilocks rock:  just right. Russell told stories about playing The Concert for Bangledesh at George Harrison’s behest and performing in Woodstock for Bob Dylan, including on “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall.”

    A classic country version of “Wild Horses” was highlighted by the pedal steel of Beau Charron who was versatile on the keys and mandolin over the course of the night. “I’ve Just Seen his Face” by The Beatles had a Widespread Panic sound to it which was followed shortly after by a remark about the All-Star Mad Dogs and the Englishmen set that he performed at Lockn’ Festival this past September. “Delta Lady” and “The Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen” both reminded me of that powerhouse set with Tedeschi Trucks Band, Chris Robinson and the singers from the original album, all of which Russell spoke highly of in reminiscing. “Roll Over Beethoven” served as the final song of the night, and while a dual encore of Dave Mason and Leon Russell would have been great, there were no complaints to be had from a night of classic rock at The Egg.

  • Legends Alert: Leon Russell and Dave Mason at The Egg on February 28

    Rock legends Leon Russell and Dave Mason will perform at the Hart Theater at The Egg Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 28 at 7 PM. Part of the American Roots & Branches concert series, the two rock music icons will perform individual sets with their bands, performing a variety of classic songs from their storied repertoire, including Leon Russell’s “Delta Lady,” made famous by Joe Cocker, and Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright,” among many other hits from across their careers.

    Tickets for the concert are $34.50 and $39.50 and are available at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, or by telephone 518-473-1845

  • Umphrey’s McGee and TAUK Rock The Palace

    Update August 18: Full show video of Umphrey’s performance has surfaced.

    Umphrey’s McGee wrapped up a four-night run of the Northeast at The Palace Theatre in Albany on February 6, bringing TAUK to open the show and join them for an impressive “Bad Friday,” one of many stand out moments from a four-and-a-half-hour show between the two bands. Fans were still arriving while TAUK warmed the crowd up for Umphrey’s and made a strong case for the opening act that best compliments the main act. TAUK celebrated keyboardist Alric ‘AC’ Carter with an inventive yet smooth “Eleanor Rigby.”

    Tom-Miller_UM_020616_42 copybw

    Umphrey’s got the night started with “Catshot” followed by a double threat of “JaJunk” > “Mulche’s Odyssey,” with “The Peqoud” and the newer “Gone for Good” slowing things down briefly. Joel Cummins took over for a heavy jam in between “Cemetery Walk I” and “Cemetery Walk II” that neared the 20 minute mark, and paired nicely with “Ringo” that followed. Teases of “Voodoo Child” from Jake wound their way back into “JaJunk” to close the set.

    Set 2 opened with the recently debuted “Attachments,” after which UM welcomed birthday boy AC to the stage to join in on keys for “Bad Friday,” with Isaac Teel on vocals, yet another fantastic collaboration between the two bands.

    We love this! #taukaboutit #umphlove #fanmade @umphreysmcgee

    A photo posted by @taukband on

    After a strong “Higgins” jam, Bob Marley’s birthday was celebrated with the mashup “Life During Exodus,” intertwining Marley, Talking Heads and Zappa’s “City of Tiny Lights.” “Resolution” that followed had expert level jamming led by Jake and Kris Myers, with a strong “Norwegian Wood” jam to bring it home into another fresh tune, “Remind Me,” wrapping up a six-song set with four songs clocking in over 12 minutes. The second set was a real treat, and those fans got a great duo in the encore of “Triple Wide” and “Hajimashite,” to keep the energy flowing out the doors and onto South Pearl Street.

    Setlist via AllthingsUM

    Set 1: Catshot > JaJunk > Mulche’s Odyssey, The Pequod > Gone for Good[1], Cemetery Walk,Cemetery Walk II, Ringo[2] > JaJunk

    Set 2: Attachments, Bad Friday[3], Higgins, Life During Exodus, Resolution[4] -> Remind Me
    Encore: The Triple Wide > Hajimemashite

    [1] with Jake on acoustic
    [2] With Voodoo Child (Jimi Hendrix) teases from Jake
    [3] with Alric Carter on keys and Isaac Teel on vocals and percussion
    [4] with Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (The Beatles) jam

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’609′]

  • Acoustic Candlebox Performs to Sold Out Crowd at The Egg

    I’ll admit I was more than thrilled to see Candlebox on The Egg’s calendar for February 2, 2016. Having been a fan since the early 90’s and caught their show at SUNY Albany’s RACC (now SEFCU Arena) in February 1995, it was a chance to relive the glory days of senior year, before life happened.

    Acoustic Candlebox So when I found out earlier this week that it would be acoustic Candlebox, I gave pause because I was expecting the full band instead of something stripped down. Expectations were set on electric but acoustic performances of songs you’ve listened to for more than 20 years was a change I could get behind. Within moments of Kevin Martin discussing the story and the conditions behind writing “Sweet Summertime,” I became intently focused, more so than I would have been hearing the usual renditions from the Candlebox lexicon, without a little something extra on the side. Over the next two hours, Martin and Brian Quinn played a dozen Candlebox songs and gave insight into how these compositions were created amid turbulent paths taken by the band and behind the scenes.

    Acoustic Candlebox It only took two songs to get to the dark side of Candlebox, and just like that, I was 17 again. “Drowned” was introduced as the result of Maverick Records, who launched Candlebox’s first album to national acclaim, faced pressure from in an effort to produce Lucy, the follow up their 1993 self-titled debut. “Cover Me,” has a religious focus, as Martin doubted that one lone god was the right one among the many gods throughout history.

    Acoustic @candlebox_official @theeggpac performing ‘Cover Me’ #nysmusic #swyertheater #90srock

    A video posted by NYSMusic (@nystatemusic) on

    Casual drug talk accompanied the stories behind some of Candlebox’s songs this night. Martin didn’t overshare or have a story of a wild night in a hotel room leaving no detail behind – rather he referenced what particular substance was behind the writing of certain songs, without glorifying or defending the drug usage. If anything, it was matter of factly explained and accepted by the audience, just as spats with Maverick Records were taken as a frame for particular songs and not a rant for the sake of complaining. Drugs influenced a handful of songs as recalled by Martin, including “Change” (mushrooms), and “Blossom” (love). “Want it Back” was the lone new song of the night, appearing on the upcoming album Disappearing in Airports, due out in April. Martin made note that New York is still the state with Candlebox’s best all time album sales at 1.5 million, and thanked the sold out crowd in The Egg’s Swyer Theatre.

    Acoustic Candlebox Throughout the night, it was uncanny how the tone of Martin’s voice hasn’t changed a bit in 25 years; emotion packed lyrics poured out over intense guitar work from Quinn. Songs of longing, such as “Miss You,” was dedicated to his father, a WWII veteran, and “Love Come Back to Me” were stellar.

    Acoustic Candlebox He did decline a request to play “Breakaway,” regarding the suggestion with “Memories of the process are very painful and the process of recording Happy Pills was so raw,” that to revisit the lyrics in this point and time wouldn’t have the same power and meaning behind them. “Far Behind,” written in tribute to Andy Wood from Mother Love Bone, whom they first knew in the Seattle scene in 1991, was given a new frame from which to hear the song.

    Acoustic Candlebox After, Brian broke into “The Weight” to the surprise of the audience who sang along while a song off the forthcoming album, “Alive at Last,” closed the show. Without a doubt, acoustic Candlebox exceeded expectations and makes seeing the full live band a must with new light shed on songs that have aged well.

    Frank Palangi, a Queensbury native, opened the show with a 30 minute set of gritty acoustic guitar work and flexible vocals that captured the attention of the crowd. Palangi channeled Faith no More, Alice in Chains, Lifehouse and other late 90s rockers through a series of originals that must translate well in a live, plugged-in setting. For a local musician opening for Candlebox at The Egg, the thrill was visible in his smile and on stage presence.

    Frank Palagni Setlist: Break These Chains, I am Ready, Godsmack Mix, Working Man, Boohoo, Driving These Lines, Turn it All Around

    Candlebox Setlist: Sweet Summertime, Drowned, Cover Me, Change, Blossom, Want It Back, Miss You, Lover Come Back To Me, Sometime, You, Far Behind, The Weight*, Alive At Last

    *Brian Quinn solo

  • Thursday Nights in February at Funk n Waffles Presented by NYS Music

    We’re deep into winter, or somewhere at the start of spring, depending on how you look at it. The weather however, if great at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse, and NYS Music is proud to present Thursday nights throughout February at the popular downtown venue.

    February 4 – Normal Instruments

    A supergroup creating brand new music every single night – all improvisation, every time – kicks things off on February 4 in grand fashion. Featuring Michael Carter from The Indobox, Jules Jenssen from Ross Jenssen, Matt Beckett from Cosmic Dust Bunnies and Jeff Bujak of Bujak Live, Normal Instruments is one of the most unique jamtronica bands in the scene today.

    February 11 – Root SHOCK with West End Blend

    Root SHOCK blends roots reggae, dancehall, heavy drum & bass, and soulful vocals with conscious lyrics into positive dance music will make you want to move. The band has been surprising and delighting crowds across the Central New York region and beyond, bringing their unique high-energy style spearheaded by the stunning vocals of Jessica Brown to a wide range of settings. The band’s dedication to spreading music with a positive message has paid off in entertaining, elevating, and energizing music lovers of all walks of life! 2016 promises to be an explosive year for Root Shock, as they’ve finally made time to record their first studio album, are anchoring a monthly Syracuse reggae night designed to bring the best and most diverse acts that modern reggae has to offer to the area. They’re not stopping there though; the band is set to hit the road to spread their uplifting message and vibes and take their renowned live performances to the masses!

    Since their conception, ten piece band West End Blend has been playing their version of pop, funk and soul in venues all over the Northeast. Fronted by vocalist Erica Bryan, the band pays homage to classic throwback sounds while adding their own distinct vibe and flair. West End Blend boasts a four­piece horn section, two guitars, bass, keyboards and drums packing the group onto stages every night. From humble beginnings in an epic basement funk dance party, The Blend’s goal has always been to bring a party atmosphere to every show and venue ever since.The Blend just released their debut full length record, Rewind, on September 26. Recorded at Telefunken Elektroakustik with engineer Brendan Morawski in CT, the band is proud to present the kick off to the next step in their career. West End Blend is just getting started and there’s so much to do. But right now… it’s time for them to pile into the van. This juggernaut of a funk and soul band is ready to hit the pavement.

    February 18 – Bob Holz: A Vision Forward

    Composer/drummer Bob Holz is one of New York’s most experienced and in-demand band leaders. An alumni of Berklee School of Music, Bob majored in performance and composition with teachers Gary Chaffee and Michael Gibbs. He went on to study privately with Dave Weckl and Billy Cobham. He also found a mentor in drummer Wilby Fletcher Jr.( McCoy Tyner). Holz has composed and played on numerous live and studio recordings, movie sound tracks and theatrical productions. Perhaps his most well know movie sound track was for the major motion picture entitled Show Your Love directed by Edward J. Bruno for VCA films. Holz has also toured extensively as a band leader (The Bob Holz Band).

    Holz played at the 1999 Woodstock Music Festival in New York. He also performed along with Dr. John at a coveted awards ceremony at the 2006 M&T Jazz Festival in Syracuse, NY. In 2010 he traveled to Memphis to participate and perform as a finalist in the W.C. Handy Blues Awards.

    February 25 – The Moho Collective with Boots n’ Shorts

    The Moho Collective lives in a world with no words. In fact, they make it a point to convey their story without any vocals at all. The Rochester NY based instrumental trio knows how to push the envelope stylistically and tonally yet keep their audience engaged with exciting arrangements and a wide range of dynamics. Drummer Ryan Barclay, guitarist Kurt Johnson, and bassist Justin Rister combine disparate influences ranging from the Allman Brothers and the Meters to Sigur Ros and the visual loops of Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher. Expect to hear things you like and maybe something you don’t. The range of this band is vast yet accessible for all audiences. TMC at some points will move your feet and at other times challenge your ears. Don’t let the size fool you, TMC packs a huge sound into a 3 piece package that doesn’t disappoint.

    Boots n’ Shorts carries on the tradition of old-time music while making it relevant to a modern audience. Meeting at the crossroads of mountain music and the merry pranksters, they introduce new sounds to old-timers and old sounds to new-timers. Blending backgrounds in bluegrass, folk, old-time, jazz, blues, and psychedelic rock,BnS has a large repertoire of original music, classics, and traditional tunes.

    All shows start at 8pm each night. Visit Funk n Waffles for more info

  • Proctors and Capital Rep Announce 2016-17 Series in Grand Fashion

    When is a theater announcement more than just an announcement? When Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre get together and present their 2016-17 KeyBank Subscription Series to the public in grand fashion.

    This was more than just a presentation of 13 musicals, it was an event and a spectacle featuring performances from some of the shows that will grace stages in Albany and Schenectady in the coming year.

    Presenting the lineups for each venue in a mock debate, Proctors CEO Philip Morris and theREP’s Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill kept the audience laughing and cheering as they rolled out the Broadway shows that will come to the Capital Region for the first time, some on their first national tours. John Gray and Kydia Kulbida from WTEN offered commentary from the stage left upper box and kept the show flowing in between each well received announcement.

    Proctors’ 2016 schedule includes the four-time Tony Award winning production An American in Paris, which will be seen for the first time outside of New York and Paris in October 2016. Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage arrives in November 2016, followed by The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which tells the tale of an autistic boy accused of a crime and his struggle to communicate his innocence, also in November 2016.

    The first national tour of musical comedy Something Rotten! makes its way to Proctors in January 2017, followed by the Broadway blockbuster Wicked in March. The beloved story The Sound of Music is next in April 2017, while Roundabout Theatre Company brings Cabaret to Proctors in May 2017.

    Among the most anticipated shows, which also received the largest applause, was Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, coming to Proctors in April 2017 for a limited engagement. Sara Sheperd performed two selections from the musical, “Will Your Still Love me Tomorrow” and “(You Make me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” to great fanfare.

    Capital Repertory Theatre will offer a combination of classics, musical biographies and world premieres, including A Night with Janis Joplin, Outside Mullingar, NEXT ACT 5! New Play Summit, Camelot, Reluctant Wingman and An Iliad. By the end, when the stage was festooned with red, white and blue balloons, there was no question that Proctors and Capital Rep will bring a phenomenal lineup of musical theater to The Capital Region well into 2017.

  • The Ether Project Brings Audience-Led Improv to Brooklyn Bowl on February 5

    The Ether Project, a new jam band experience that brings the audience into the creation of the music, will bring special guest Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band) with them to Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, February 5.

    The Ether ProjectThe process of engaging the audience starts with a lucky guest who gets to choose a new key and genre for the jam from a selection of white laminated placards. The genres range from “Phunky Furry Thug” to “Hipster Polka” to “Light Metal” and builds a back-and-forth of audience participation leading to a unique musical performance.

    Guitarist Vic Cornette spoke with NYS Music to share what their live performance entails and what fans can expect from their special performance this weekend at Brooklyn Bowl.

    Pete Mason: Ether Project is a unique live experience. For the uninitiated, what sets Ether Project shows apart from other improvisational performances?

    Victor Cornette: I think what sets us apart from other improv performances is that the audience initiates what we do next by choosing key and Genre before each Jam or song.  It ultimately breaks down the barrier between audience and musician.

    PM: How does Ether Project differ from Everyone Orchestra?

    VC: It’s funny that you bring up Everyone Orchestra because Matt Butler is the inspiration for this project. I had great pleasure in working with them intimately for some runs through Colorado and the East Coast. The difference between us is the audience decides musician to start jam, the key and the genre not the conductor. I feel Ether takes on the daunting task of letting the listener be apart of the improv process and to understand how magical it is when it all works out or when it doesn’t.
    PM: What influences does the band draw upon in creating each live show?

    VC: As far as influences for each live show it’s completely based on what the audience wants, who I have sit in and what’s on the mind of my bandmates.  It’s all from The Ether.

    PM: In what way does the audience play a part in The Ether Project?

    VC: This took some time to work out but I came to solution with the help of my amazing band. A table is placed in front of the stage which have cards of genres and keys.  Audience members ,first come first serve , will decide what we do next. Our Jam liaison helps orchestrate this and puts it into play when we are ready for the next Jam.

  • Candlebox Acoustic will Rock The Egg on February 2

    Rock band Candlebox made its mark in the 1990s with a self-titled debut featuring multiple singles, including “Far Behind,” “You,” and “Cover Me,” and follow ups Lucy and Happy Pills. Touring throughout the decade and selling over 8 million albums brought the band to a hiatus in 2000, but the reformed band reunited in 2006 for two more albums, Into the Sun and Love Stories & Other Musings. 

    An acoustic performance, featuring Kevin Martin and Adam Kury, will take center stage in Albany on Tuesday, February 2 at The Egg Performing Arts Center in the Swyer Theater at 8pm with Frank Palangi opening. Tickets are available at The Egg box office or online. Candlebox are currently hard at work on their new album, which is set for release on March 11, 2016. Preorder Disappearing in Airports.

    Check out upcoming Tour dates  and visit their Facebook  and Twitter accounts to stay up to date on all things Candlebox.