NYS Music 20​16

Category: Blues/Jazz

  • Chenango Blues Festival 24th Annual set for August 19-20 in Norwich

    On January 29, Chenango Blues Festival organizers were presented with the “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award during this year’s International Blues Challenge. The award is in recognition of their twenty-four years of all-volunteer festivals presented “by blues fans, for blues fans.” They have consistently presented both fan favorites and the very best new talent they can find in a relaxed setting, with many fans stating that this is their favorite blues festival every year. A look at this year’s 24th annual Preferred Mutual Chenango Blues Festival lineup reveals another astounding collection of musical talent.

    Frontier Communications – Free Friday night show, August 19th
    6:00 – 6:45 p.m. – Funky Blu Roots  The Chenango Blues Festival kicks off with a Central New York based band with a diverse catalog of styles. Veteran blues fans will recognize singer, harmonica player, and all-around blues ambassador Tom Townsley contributing his talents.

    7:15 – 8:30 p.m. – Englishman Laurence Jones, just 24 years old, has already had 3 record releases on the prestigious Ruf Records label. His newest, Take Me High, was released on July 22. He has led his eponymous power trio since the age of 17 and does so while living with Crohn’s disease, requiring a daily regimen of diet and medication and monthly two-hour treatments. While studying at Birmingham University, he was faced with a decision – stay and take his final exams or go on tour with Johnny Winter and Walter Trout. There are some things that simply can’t be learned in the classroom.

    9:00 – 10:30 p.m. – “For blues fans, by blues fans” is the Chenango Blues Festival’s guiding principle. They respond to fans by routinely bringing back crowd favorites. Davina and the Vagabonds were a huge hit on the main stage in 2012, and return to headline Friday’s free show at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Their sound encompasses the New Orleans style reminiscent of Professor Longhair, gospel, soul, Tin Pan Alley songs and beyond.  Davina Sowers is an entrancing presence backed by a rhythm section featuring a stand-up bass and the deft drumming of Conrad McRae Hammergen while rounded out with a trumpet and trombone. DATV released their latest recording, the live album Nicollet and Tenth in March of this year.

    Saturday, August 20th

    The Saturday schedule lists over ten hours of music, alternating between the Sheffield Bio-Science Infield Stage and the Nelson & Flanagan/Grouse Ridge Kennel Tent Stage

    Infield Stage
    12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Noah Wotherspoon Last year, Wotherspoon and his band mates placed second in the finals at the International Blues Challenge with Wotherspoon receiving the Best Guitarist Award. Those achievements have had him in demand at festivals and venues from coast to coast. Earlier this year, the band saw its debut release entitled Mystic Mud.

    1:45 – 3:00 p.m.- Southern Avenue In a town renowned for premier musical talent, Memphis-based Southern Avenue is generating a lot of buzz for its live performances. Israeli born Ori Naftaly on guitar, Daniel McKee on bass, and sisters Tierinii Jackson on vocals and drummer Tikyra Jackson make up this dynamic band that is sure to catch fans’ ears and turn their heads.

    4:00 – 5:15 p.m. –  Curtis Salgado  One of the world’s very best blues and soul vocalists, Portland, Oregon’s Curtis Salgado, makes an infrequent swing to the East Coast and fans will come from near and far to hear him. In 2013, Salgado was the Blues Music Award Winner for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year and also won Soul Blues Album of the Year. An extraordinary harmonica player as well, Salgado’s latest Alligator Records recording, The Beautiful Lowdown, was released in April of this year.

    6:15 – 7:30 p.m.- Canned Heat The legendary blues band still features the rhythm section of Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums and bassist Larry “The Mole” Taylor. The group took its name from a Tommy Johnson tune referring to the habit of straining inexpensive Sterno through cloth and drinking the alcohol. Best known for their hits “On The Road Again,” “Let’s Work Together” and the unofficial theme song to the movie Woodstock, “Going Up The Country,” they also were credited with rediscovering numerous blues men and reviving their recording and performing careers.

    8:45 until ?? Anders Osborne A triple threat as a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Osborne’s relentless touring has won him thousands of dedicated fans throughout the world. He has written hit songs for pop, blues, and country artists and performed with reggae, blues, funk, swamp rock, jazz, and jam bands. His brand new recording, Flower Box, was released July 22.

    Tent Stage

    1:00 – 1:45 p.m. – Vanessa Collier Band Led by the Berklee School of Music trained vocalist, saxophonist, and songwriter Collier, this group looks to be yet another in a long list of outstanding emerging artists identified and brought to Norwich by Chenango Blues Festival organizers.

    3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons At the 2016 IBC Awards, Hunter and Seamons won first place in the solo/duo category. A unique approach has the pair focusing primarily on pre-World War II music including jazz, Appalachian folk music, field hollers and work songs, and jug band favorites. Respectful musical historians as well as first class musicians, Hunter and Seamons are an opportunity to hear songs and sounds not always presented at festivals.

    5:15 – 6:15 p.m. – Duke Robillard No less an expert than Jerry Portnoy, who once held the harmonica slot in Muddy Waters’ band, has said of Robillard, “Believe me, I’ve played with all of them, and Duke is the man.” He played the main stage in 2012 with his full electrified band and returns this year for an acoustic set, highlighting his 2016 Blues Music Award winning album, The Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard, on Stony Plain records.

    7:30 – 8:45 p.m. – Carolyn Wonderland With a raspy edge and a powerful delivery, Carolyn Wonderland’s voice surrounds the listener, grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Add to that her impressive attacking style of playing guitar without a pick and you have an artist that easily attracts fans throughout the U.S. and Europe. Her appreciation of those fans was never more evident than following a recent incident in which her tour money and personal belongings, including cell phone, wallet and passport, were stolen while she was on stage in the Canary Islands. Fearing she might have to end her European tour, fans rallied behind a gofundme effort and raised a significant amount of funds in ten hours. The U.S. Embassy in Madrid was able to provide her with a replacement passport and, following the conclusion of her European tour, she will return to the U.S. and blow the roof off the tent stage. Do not miss this blues woman!

    Ticket Prices: Friday night show is free! Tickets for Saturday – $25.00 in advance; $35.00 on the day of the show. See the festival website for more info.

  • 15th Annual Albany Jazz Fest Announces Lineup

    The City of Albany has announced the lineup for the 15th Annual Jazz Festival, to be held on Saturday, September 10. The day-long free event will be held at the Washington Park Parade Grounds, due to construction at Jennings Landing.

    The Ellis Marsalis Quintet headlines Jazz Fest, a legend of modern premier jazz piano. The father of Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason, all legends in their own right, the patriarch of one of the world’s most famous musical families will perform with a quintet of musicians for a memorable headlining performance.

    Lucky Chops, a brass band who made their name in the NYC subway system, calling on their roots at LaGuardia Arts High School. Having toured Demark and France, as well as clubs all over New York, they were featured on MTV’s “Girl Code Live” and carry a wide fanbase that grows with each performance.

    KJ Denhert blends urban folk & jazz that can move you to laugh, dance and cry.  She steps out of the box for her latest recording, Album No. 9, exploring genres that have influenced her throughout her career. Praised for her pathos, originality and impeccable musicianship, KJ is a one-of-a-kind songwriter, guitarist and performer, not to be missed.

    Jazz Caravan, based out of Albany, is a trio blending west-coast modern and Latin jazz stylings. Roger Noyes (guitar), Tony Berman (bass) and Jim Ketterer (drums) make up this unique trio, drawing on mid-century swing to bop and post-bop, as well as Ellison-inspired music, mashups of Monk and Brubeck-based figures; an odd-meter remake of a traditional hymn, a swingin’ rendition of folk melodies inspired by Leo Tolstoy, a hard-backbeat take on baroque and klezmer music, and even a Latin-groove reconstruction of Led Zeppelin.

    Cliff Brucker & Full Circle is led by multi-instrumentalist and composer/producer Brucker, well known in the Capital Region for his 40 years of performance in the region. Full Circle includes Leo Russo, a local jazz legend, as well as pianist Larry Ham, trumpeter Dylan Canterbury, guitarist Mike Novakowski and bassist Otto Gardner, all masterful players who have performed with some of the most important names in jazz.

    Schedule of performances during the 15th annual City of Albany Jazz Festival:

    Cliff Brucker & Full Circle 1-2pm

    Jazz Caravan 2:30-3:30pm

    KJ Denhert 4-5pm

    Lucky Chops 5:30-6:30pm

    The Ellis Marsalis Quintet 7-8:30pm

    Since its debut in 2002, the City of Albany Jazz Festival has featured an eclectic array of all-time musical greats, critically acclaimed up-and-coming artists and local favorites at Albany’s most spectacular outdoor venues. Great food, beverages and vendors make the Jazz Festival an event for all ages – and admission is still free! No glass, animals or recording of performances. All City of Albany parks are now curb-to-curb tobacco-free.

  • Central New Yorkers Celebrate 75th Birthday at Red Rocks

    To play a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheater located in Morrison, Colorado is a modern day right of passage as a musician.  Constructed in early 1900’s, this National Historic Landmark documents it’s earliest show, the Grand Opening of the Garden of the Titans,  on May 31, 1906, some 100 years ago, featuring Pietro Satriano and his 25 piece brass band.  This spectacular modern day venue was the vision of John Brisbane Walker, who found this setting to be the perfect acoustic balance between these gigantic rock formations, just as the Ute might have for generations preceding.  In 1941 the City of Denver purchased the land and with the assistance of the Civilian Conservation Corps, built the amphitheater we know today. Dedicated on June 15, 1941, Red Rocks Amphitheater is now celebrating it’s 75th birthday, hosting concerts series each year with some of the worlds most elite performers.

    central new york red rocksIn an article by John Wenzel of The Denver Post, Wenzel revisits a few of Red Rocks’ most notable concerts throughout it’s history.  Notably the Beatles tour of 1964 was included.  This show actually was the only show on that tour not to sell out for them.  What very well could have set the precedent of the jam band movement at Red Rocks, can possibly be directly linked to the Grateful Dead’s show in 1978 spawning a myriad of jam bands to return each year since to the mystical setting.  Included also in this list was the Jimi Hendrix Experience who came to perform to the 9,525 capacity venue and was the only show there to date that did not document the event with photos or video.  Annual events tend to be a common occurrence with The Blues Traveler as they take up residence each 4th of July at Red Rocks.

    The late John Denver, was a huge advocate of Red Rocks and performed there a total of 17 times throughout his career, televising it live to a global audience reaching the masses and shining a light on the jewel nestled within the rocks.  In 1971, what is recalled today as the Riots at Red Rocks, ticket-less fans stormed the venue to see the Jethro Tull show prompting both a riot with law enforcement and spawning a five year ban of Rock & Roll at the Rocks.

    With such rich history, such breathtaking beauty, and such mystical healing of music and nature combined, it is truly a venue that every performer wishes to have an opportunity to experience at least once in their careers.  Joe Bonamassa, a native of Central New York, is no exception.  Having performed there several times to date, it seemed fitting that this journalist would experience her first show and check off her bucket list item with a hometown hero.  Bonamassa is one of this generations most influential blues guitarist forging music not for the airtime it would be grated, but solely for the love of music.  Influenced throughout his life by such greats as B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Paul Kossoff, Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, Bonamassa knew guitar was what he wanted to do at the age of 4.  He had to experience the movement it gave him.  As he closed out his recent tour with his parents looking on from the audience at Red Rocks, it was an honor to take part in this magical night and hear what inspired him to become the musician he is today.

    As the angry storms poured down on eager concert goers just prior to the show, the delays forced all to take cover and ride the storm out.  It was only a matter of time that the clouds blew their way across the rocks to give a peek to what was most definitely the most spectacular view of Denver and the surrounding mountainous terrain that surrounded it.

    With concert goers encompassing the seating throughout the venue and sitting on the rocks surrounding the stage, it was as though they were hugging the stage.  The magical music was accompanied by the most spectacular back lighting highlighting the rocks behind and crowning Bonamassa in the center of the stage; creating the most breathtaking set I’ve seen to date.  As if that wasn’t enough, then moon crept up behind the stage to peek out above the jumbo tron.

    This show was everything and then some for myself and those lucky enough to attend the closing show of the tour.  To have Joe Bonamassa as the star in the middle of this jewel, was truly an honor shared by his hometown friend and those back home at NYS Music.  It is highly recommended to make the journey to see both Joe and Red Rocks, checking two “must sees” off your bucketlist.  Happy 75th Birthday Red Rocks from NYS Music.  It was an honor to bring this home to our readers.

    Setlist:  Beck’s Bolero/Rice Pudding, Mainline Florida, Boogie with Stu, Let Me Love You Baby, Double Crossing Time, Motherless Children, SWLABR, Tea for One/Can’t Quit You Baby, Little Girl, Pretending, Black Winter/Django, How Many More Times Encore: Locomotive Breath Intro>This Train, Mountain Climbing, Hidden Charms, and Sloe Gin.

  • NYS Music Presents Friday Nights in August @ Funk N Waffles

    NYS Music is once again proud to host Friday nights at Funk N Waffles in August. A stellar lineup of music is on tap all month long, with local and regional bands highlighting the month.
    8/5 Mosaic Foundation w/special guest boogie low
    With a style as unique as its members are diverse, Mosaic Foundation is forward thinking reggae that stays true to the roots. Formed in 2009 and based in the Finger Lakes region of New York, the band has grown a loyal following, thanks to electric live performances and three studio releases. Blending roots, ska, dub, dance-hall and beyond, Mosaic is an exploration in reggae that is pushed to the limits and sometimes spills over. With lyrics that inspire dancing in the moment, and activate the mind in reflection, the songs encourage positivity, sustainable living and community.

    August Funk N Waffles

    Boogie Low is an acid reggae funk band based out of Syracuse, NY.
    8/12 The Honey Smugglers w/special guest Chris James and Mama G ft. Spittin’ Sirens

    The Honey Smugglers, from Rochester, NY, describe their music as “folkrock, jamgrass and acoustic Americana…melted in a pot of honey.” The five members played their first show as a full band in late 2014 and quickly generated a buzz around the Western NY music scene with their energetic live performances. Their fast pickin’, stompin’ rhythms and wild improvisations are sure to get a crowd moving it’s feet, but its the unique instrumentation and catchy vocal harmonies, that make their shows memorable.  Look for The Honey Smugglers at clubs and festivals around the Northeast in 2016 as they tour in support of their second, full-length studio album, “When the Fun Begun”.
    Visit their official website for music and more!
    Chris James and Mama G  are a “string pickin, harmony singin, high energy, positive vibe”. The american duo play a multitude of genres in a beat you can dance to.
    Click here to check out their music!
    8/19 ESSO Afrojam Funkbeat w/ FABI
    Voted “Best New Band” in Chicago Reader’s 2016 poll, ESSO (El Sonido Sonic Octopus) performs funky Afro-Latino and roots rock inspired dance music. The ethnically diverse crew of musicians establish driving polyrhythmic grooves, combining biting twang guitar with the strength of brass horns, coro group singing, and urban poetry in an eclectic mix of raw energetic sounds. All members bring a vital contribution to the band’s unique “afrojam funkbeat” style. Inspired by Chicago’s soulful blues, jazzy house, and global fusion heavyweights, the group deliver their performances with purpose and direction; unifying through music, dance and collaboration.
    Visit their official website and soundcloud !
    8/26 Curtis Salgado
    Vocalist/songwriter/harmonica icon Curtis Salgado sings and plays with soulful authority and is the winner of three awards at the 2013 Blues Music Awards, including the coveted B.B. King Entertainer of the Year!

  • Night Lights Music Festival to Hold Battle of the Bands 2016

    Night Lights Music Festival will hold a Battle of the Bands to give two bands an opportunity to perform at the sixth annual event on August, 25, 26 and 27, 2016. NYSMusic is proud to sponsor this year’s contest.

    Interested bands are asked to submit a current Electronic Press Kit including a Hi-Res live video performance, a current band photo and social media details to nightlightsfestbands@gmail.com.  All submissions must be received no later than 11:59 P.M. on Aug., 3, 2016.  Finalists will be announced on Aug., 4th. Voting will run Aug., 5th through 12th. NYSMusic.com voters will have the final word, with the band with the highest number of votes will open up the festival’s Friday Main Stage. A second artist or band will receive the Judge’s Choice Award and a slot in the festival’s line-up.

    night_lights

    The Night Lights Music Festival is a magical three-day event in Sherman, NY that combines the power of sound and light to give festival-goers a unique sensory experience. At the top of the bill are the renowned fusion/electronica powerhouse Beats Antique, two-time Grammy Award winning guitarist Eric Krasno, Moon Hooch, the London Souls, Ithaca’s Jimkata, Holly Bowling, and Buffalo’s groove-rock quartet, Aqueous.

    This year’s festival will feature expanded and enhanced lighting trails and installations, and new daytime activities, such as a Kan Jam tournament, poetry readings from Just Buffalo Literary  Center, yoga, Hoop-a-Thon from UltraHoops, swimming, biking/ hiking and much more.

    For full lineup and more information on Night Lights Music Festival, visit their website.

  • In Focus: Gregg Allman at Xerox International Jazz Fest

    Gregg Allman graced the Xerox International Jazz Fest to kick off the July in Rochester.  Gregg’s ability through his music took over the anxiously awaiting fans in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre to a free spirits and a peaceful loving vibe.  Fans danced, smiled and let loose as the venues incredible acoustics floated the sweet sounds of each song.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vxAQkiPdq4

    The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist headlined as a main draw to attend the annual festival.  People from all over the world attended the community to support all of the bands, including this performance. Music brought people together, enjoying the harmony of the music and with one another.

    Take a look at what visuals were captured by NYS Music from the Friday night show.

  • Ameribeat Festival of Art’s 2016: Celebration of American Freedom & Freedom of Expression

    Once a year families and friends gather at Sterling Stage Kampitheater, located in Sterling, New York to celebrate American freedom. This freedom was celebrated through music, art and dance. The three-day festival was held June 30 – July 3 and people of all ages joined for a beautiful weekend of love and laughter in a community where artistic expression is encouraged.

    There were many arts and crafts available for children to take part in, which included painting, jewelry making, origami and much more, while everyone else enjoyed great music.

    The festival featured The Heavy Pets, Sophistafunk, Rootshock, Freekbass, Flux Capacitor, and many more incredible artists such as The Primate Fiasco, who did their annual parade around the festival grounds allowing others to join in on the fun. The Ameribeat Orchestra, which includes Sterling family and alumni, one of which was Jack Brown, lead vocalist of Sophistafunk also took the stage, finishing off the set with a line that echoed through the forest, “Some come to chill, some come to rage, may the four winds blow you to Sterling Stage.”

    On that note, make sure you make it to Last Daze of Summer, Labor Day weekend September 1-4, the last festival of the 2016 festival season at Sterling Stage featuring Max Creek two times, Ryan Montbleau,  Formula 5 and many more to be announced.

    Get your tickets here.

  • Trombone Shorty Holds Dance Off on Day 2 of Syracuse Jazz Fest

    Day 2 of this years’ 34th Annual M&T Syracuse Jazz Festival held at Onondaga Community College Campus in Syracuse, was the night that over 5,000 plus fans were waiting for.   With a large roster of highly awarded artists and performers sharing 1 stage throughout 2 days and nights turned out to be an incredible event. As New Orleans’ own Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and the Orleans Avenue braced the lineup, other national and local bands brought their “A game” to get the crowds energized for the headlining act.

    Jim Houle Photography - Trombone Shorty - Syracuse Jazz Fest - NYS Music Files - Watermark-60

    Returning to this years fest, the City of Syracuse Parks & Rec All-Stars kicked off the day with their fluid compositions, directed by the highly regarded Joe Carello.  The all-stars swung through a 45 minute set, all taking turns at solos and giving the crowd a piece of their heart and souls.

    Second Line Syracuse Brass Band was second in command of day 2 of the fest.   Led by the Juilliard School of music master jazz trombonist Melissa Gardiner, the core group features one other trombone, two trumpets, a saxophone, sousaphone, and drums.  The eight-piece ensemble performed a various array of original scores and a few covers.

    Paulie Cerra and Andrew Lippman led Groove Legacy through a fantastic set of jazzy tunes, sprinkled with bluesy twists and soulful harmonies.  Increasing with energy as the evening sun settled, the steadily growing audience was getting loose on their feet and enjoyed a new song recently recorded with Utica’s own Joe Bonamassa.

    Originally scheduled was Larry Coryell and the Eleventh House.   Tho, Larry is currently in post-surgery and was unable to perform, son and master jazz guitarist Julian Coryell led the group with determination to show Syracuse how to have a good time.  Performing a variety of covers and originals, the group shined through the evening with many tasteful guitar licks and drum fills.   Just as the group was ending, Executive Director Frank Malfitano rushed the stage accompanied with a beautiful plaque to present to the band, giving thanks for continuing to show up and perform considering the circumstances of Larry condition.

    Malfitano briefly returned to the stage to give warm welcome to Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.    The band bounced onto the stage one by one as drummer Joey Peebles kicked up a funky groove.   Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews dramatically appeared lastly with shades on, Trumpet in one hand and Trombone in the other.   As the band got underway, they immediately cranked up the energy and didn’t let up until the their set was done.   Aside from his skillful brass chops, Andrews danced his way across the entire stage, covering almost every inch replication the styles of James brown and Michael Jackson.   At points, even gathering other members to march around in a huddle, while others shared solos and some spotlight.   A memorable highlight of the nearly 2-hour performance was an intimate rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On,” along with accompanied with a crowd sing-a-long.  Before closing out the weekend, Andrews eagerly invited Frank Malfitano up on stage to dance along to their mashup of “Mardi Gras Medly” and “When the Saints Go Marching In,”  representing their hometown of New Orleans.

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  • In Focus: Grace Potter at Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest

    Day one of the Xerox International Jazz Fest and Grace Potter gave an energized performance.  Grace rocked the blues as the headlining act in the beautiful venue of Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.

    The packed venue of seated fans were told by Grace in between songs, her performance will feed from their energy.  She elaborated sharing that if people felt like like they wanted to stand, dance sway, tap their foot to feel comfortable with enjoying as they wished.  The crowd loosened up as she continued through her set and took up her offer to get up close to the stage if they wanted to.  Fans faces were lit up with smiles as they enjoyed her close interaction by reaching out to them from stage.  The air filled with the excitement while she was on stage.  A piece of that night stays with each person of the energy that was created by the performance, music and people.

    Grace and each member of the band played the whole set with meaning and directed it to those there to see them.  It was an incredible treat to have attended to see Grace in action whipping her hair as she moved to the music playing.  Every song was given the attention, emotion, energy and soul as if it was the first time they played it, no mechanical movement or sound could be noticed.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty7J5tJRZIQ[

    Setting on her piano had a large crystal on one side and an alien figurine on the other, a sign she is filled with wonder, depth, love and channeling energy.    It was unforgettable night because of Grace Potter coming to Jazz Fest.  The tone had been set for the remaining 9 days of the festival after that show.  The Jazz Fest had the positive vibe of people coming to enjoy music to dance, smile and have a good time with one another each day.  Check out these moments caught from the night brought to you by NYS Music.

  • Hearing Aide: Tasha Taylor “Honey For the Biscuit”

     

    Tasha Taylor’s third album Honey for the Biscuit

    Tasha Taylor is bearing her heart and her love of soul and blues in her third album Honey for the Biscuit. Daughter of American vocalist Johnnie Taylor, Tasha released her third album in February 2016. The 13-track disc infused with soul and blues, funk and pop, is the perfect vehicle for Tasha’s powerful yet measured vocals and instrumentation.

    “It’s soulful blues and good storytelling, but it also has something you can shake your butt to here and there,” said Tasha.  

    Honey For The Biscuit features a star-studded line-up. Tasha is joined by Keb Mo on Track 03 “Family Tree,” Robert Randolph contributes to Track 06 “Little Miss Susie” and Tommy Castro lends his vocals for Track 13 “Same Old Thing.”

    “I think being on tour and doing so much live music with these blues artists inspired me on Honey for the Biscuit to find my own blues,” she said. “Most of the songs I wrote on my guitar. I felt inspired by these guys. If I heard something I thought they’d be perfect for, I’d call them up and ask them if they had time.”

    Track 10 “Leave That Dog Alone,”  features a sultry and salty duet with Samantha Fish about kicking a man to the curb.

    “Had a Sweet Talking Man. Had to let him go. He wouldn’t leave other women alone. He wouldn’t stop, messing round on me. I had to throw his stuff out on the street. Better leave, better leave, cause his back, his back, his back ain’t got no bone.”

    The Blues Caravan, featuring Ruf recording artists Ina Forsman, Layla Zoe and Tasha Taylor, rolls into Rochester at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at Abilene’s Bar in Rochester.
    The Blues Caravan, featuring Ruf recording artists Ina Forsman, Layla Zoe and Tasha Taylor, rolls into Rochester at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at Abilene’s Bar in Rochester.

    Nathan Watts, best known as Stevie Wonder’s bassist for 30 years, helped produce the album, pulling together a band for the studio recording including Tasha’s brother John Taylor on guitar. Tasha also collaborated with Richard Flemming and Grammy award-winning Buffalo native rock, country and blues artist Tom Hambridge on the songs “Weatherman,”  “How Long” and “Leave that Dog Alone” during a traditional Nashville songwriting session.

    A fireball of energy, actor/musician, Tasha is fresh off a European tour promoting her album and from starring in “The Heart of Soul…The Stax Musical,” about the record label with which her father recorded with Booker T. & the MG’s.

    Tasha rolls into Rochester with the Blues Caravan at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at Abilene’s Bar in Rochester along with fellow Ruf label artists Ina Forsman and Layla Zoe. Click here for information and advance tickets.

    Key Tracks: Little Miss Susie, Leave That Dog Alone, Family Tree, That Man