NYS Music 20​16

Category: Jam/Progressive

  • 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′]

  • Annie in the Water w/ St. Lenox Take the Spotlight

    Annie in the Water brought a huge crowd to Funk ‘n Waffles located in downtown Syracuse Friday night, two party buses of about 90 people from Hamilton NY pulled in, more than half of them were Colgate University students.

    Opener St. Lenox took the stage as a solo act and immediately captivated the roaring crowd with his incredible voice, catching the attention of passerby’s who peered in the window out of curiosity, before entering.

    Annie in the Water is proving to be one of the most formidable funk bands that has ever occupied Funk ‘n Waffles and it was to no surprise that they immediately captivated the crowd.

    Those who are familiar with the band know that this tenacious trio haven’t had a bass player for quite some time, but it took them by surprise to see they welcomed back an old friend Lucas Singleton from Albany NY. Lucas has played with Michael Lashomb and Brad Hester in the past and he was undoubtedly a great addition to the show. Brad Hester also introduced a significantly new instrument to the mix, the Jamboxx, which plays high quality impressive digital sounds and is still under development.

    Stay tuned for their newest album to be released this year!

  • Anthology Will Host the Rochester Revival

    In early March, the new venue in the East End of Rochester, Anthology, will host a two-day celebration of roots and Americana music called Rochester Revival 2016.

    Pennsylvania’s emergent jam-grass heroes Cabinet will return to Rochester to headline the first evening of music on Friday, March 4. Also on the bill that night are fellow ‘grass and dust-kickers The Blind Owl Band from Saranac Lake and The Prickers from Naples.

    The party continues early Saturday afternoon for a full day and night of ear-pleasing, foot-stomping fun. Oyster Bay’s electro-prog instrumental powerhouse TAUK will provide a massive sonic cleanse when they close out the mini-festival late Saturday night.

    Leading up to the grand finale will include the introduction of two new Rochester groups and one of the oldest and most beloved bands of Rochester. Aaron Lipp, who has played keys for Robert Randolph, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad and the Campbell Brothers, has assembled a new band which will play their premiere performance at this event. Another Dub Squad player, guitarist Dylan Savage, will also introduce a new band with Wil McKenna of RootsCollider called the Medicinals. Rochester’s very own gospel legends The Campbell Brothers are slated to bring their classic sacred steel style that is tried, true and always a great time. Other announced bands include Josh Rollins, Personal Blend and the Honey Smugglers, with more to be announced soon.

    Mark March 4 and 5 down in your calendars. It’s a weekend that will showcase music from all across New York state including a dip into our neighbor Pennsylvania, so make plans now to come and show your support. Tickets are on sale now at the Anthology website. Admission is $12 for Friday and $24 for Saturday, or $32 gets you in for the whole weekend. A great deal for a great deal of music!

  • 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

  • Stepping Off the Bus — Lucid to go on Hiatus

    In what will surely cause a ripple effect across the Upstate New York and Northeast music scene, longtime North Country act Lucid will take a touring hiatus in the coming months.

    “We’re certainly not breaking up — that’s something we want to make clear,” said Lowell Wurster, vocalist/percussionist for Lucid. “Everyone is doing great and we’re as close as ever. We’re brothers and our musical flow is undeniable.”

    For the first time since their inception in 2004, the Plattsburgh-based sextet will be parking their trademark bus, Lucy. It is in an effort to focus more on their personal lives, and also take a new approach to climbing to the top of that unforgiving mountain this is the music industry.

    “Our songs are filled with powerful stories of love and life, important messages for the human soul,” Wurster said. “But somehow, as we go into our 13th year together, there just hasn’t been enough of a buzz to really be able to make it touring nationally, and make a living in doing so.”

    Wurster emphasized the sincere need to pump the brakes a little bit, especially for a band that has played hundreds of shows a year, every weekend, for almost a decade and a half.

    “At this time, the hiatus is going to breathe new life into us,” he said. “It’s a drastic change in policy, but we’re going to try something new, something we’ve never tried before. This time away will allow us to slow down, spend more time with family and loved ones, and to relax. Musically, it will allow us to take all the time we need to craft each song just the way we want it before we release it into the world.”

    Though, in a somewhat hushed tone, Wurster does admit part of this recent decision stems from a losing battle down a slippery slope between being a full-time musician and also finding footing in the industry.

    “I talk to older musicians who say they are getting paid the same now as they were 25 years ago. Unless you have a big name and the right industry types pushing you from behind, it’s very hard making a living doing this. I know that it may all sound sad and disheartened, and it is a bit, but it’s just hard out there,” he said. “Now we’re going to put our energies into pushing our music into uncharted territories and see what happens. If we have success in doing so, and it’s time to get Lucid back on the road, then that’s what we’ll do. If it doesn’t work, then we can safely say we tried everything and move on with our lives.”

    And yet, beyond Wurster’s explanation of the hiatus, one still has trouble wrapping their head around the idea of Lucid not being on the road, roaring up and down highways and back roads like some band of melodic pirates. Lucid was (is) the foundation of the North Country music scene. They are the torchbearers of artistic hopes and dreams. They are the guys who have given creative faith and genuine friendship to countless groups and social circles that came after them (and as a result of them). Lucid is the glue that holds much of the scene together, and having them take a step back from touring will leave a large hole in North Country music.

    “We’re family that will never be broken,” Wurster said. “We fight like brothers and we love like brothers, and I don’t see that ever changing. None of us are going to stop playing music, it’s just not possible and something that’s not in us.”

    And as an offering to their fans, the band will go on a short “Off The Bus” tour, which will go around the northeast in March, culminating with a show on April 16 at The Strand in Plattsburgh. Until then, Lucid is putting the final touches on their fifth studio album, Bonsai Zen, which is expected to drop sometime this spring.

    There are also plans currently in the works for a follow-up record to be released by the end of 2016.

    “We’re going to keep doing what we do, and we’ll see where that carries us,” Wurster said. “Lucid isn’t going away, we’re just changing course. The future is wide open and we’re excited to see what it brings — whatever it brings, anything it brings.”

    Lucid Off the Bus Tour

    3.3 Java Barn, Canton, NY

    3.4 Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smith, NY

    3.5 Olive Ridley’s, Plattsburgh, NY*

    3.11 Penuche’s, Manchester, NH

    3.12 Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs, NY*

    3.17 Smoke Signals, Lake Placid, NY

    3.25 Stratton Mountain, VT

    3.26 Nectars, Burlington VT*

    4.16 The Strand, Plattsburgh, NY

    *with support to be announced

    www.rulucid.com or www.facebook.com/rulucid

  • No moe.down Again This Year

    Despite many fans with hopes to the contrary, no, moe.down will not be revived this year.

    When the band announced that there wouldn’t be a moe.down in 2015, the first time in 15 years, fans were devastated. .rons started to have hope for the festival to return in 2016, especially after new owners bought the ski slope in Turin where the festival has been held most of its 15 years and expressed interest in making sure moe.down came back to their venue. But it turns out those hopes were misplaced.

    Jim Houle Photography - moe. New Years Day 2016-97-small

    Here’s the full text of the post on the moe.down Facebook page:

    We appreciate so many fans reaching out to tell us how much they miss moe.down music festival, and we know there have been many questions on whether or not we have plans to bring it back this year. At present, we do not have any plans for moe.down 2016. The moe.down discussion on bringing it back in the future is very much alive between all those involved. In the meantime, we will be announcing a few other special summer shows in addition to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – we hope to see you there!

    Here’s hoping that 2017 will see the return of the festival that many moe.rons refer to as, “My home, my heart, my best friend.”

  • Annie in the Water returning to Funk ‘n Waffles with St. Lenox

    On Friday, February 5 Annie in the Water will be returning to Funk ‘n Waffles with St. Lenox  who are sure to bring a unique mix to downtown Syracuse.

    Annie in the Water whose roots remain in Watertown NY, will be making their second stop on their 2016 Tour here in Syracuse NY, bringing their positive vibes to numerous venues throughout Vermont, Maine, Potsdam NY, Troy NY, Wilmington NY and their homestead Watertown. Founding members Brad Hester (vocals/percussion/guitar/looper) and Michael Lashomb (guitar/vocals) and featured member Dillon Goodfriend (keys) are sure warm the atmosphere with a mixture of high energy reggae/rock and uplifting lyricism.

    Andrew Choi is the incredibly talented singer/songwriter behind St. Lenox, with Chris Hills / Nick Fed (guitar), Jorge Vega/Brandon Vitruls and Todd Celmar (drums), Chris Bolognese (bass) and Fritz Chrysler (mp3 Player). St. Lenox is a smooth mixture of jazz, classical music and electronica. Andrew Choi’s will surely bring some depth to the stage with some powerful lyrics from his debut album Ten Songs About Memory and Hope released on January 20, 2015. Andrew hopes to release their newest album titled Ten songs from my American Gothic in the Spring of 2016.

    Doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm. Get tickets here.

  • Todd Nance Returns to Widespread Panic

    Widespread Panic drummer Todd Nance is back from his time away. He was seen behind the drum kit during yesterday’s soundcheck at their Panic en la Playa destination music festival in Mexico.

     

    Widespread Panic had announced that Nance would be taking a leave from the band prior to their fall 2014 tour to deal with personal matters. He has since performed with various projects, but hasn’t played with Widespread Panic since their performance at the Phases of the Moon festival in September 2014. Duane Trucks has been filling in during his absence. Nance, a childhood friend of deceased guitarist Mikey Houser, has been with the band since their incarnation in 1986.

    Nance’s return was announced on the Panic en la Playa Facebook page, where pictures of the soundcheck were posted. Panic en la Playa 5, the band’s festival in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is scheduled to run Feb. 2 through 6. Upon returning stateside, Widespread Panic will embark on a short winter tour in February followed by a more extensive spring tour in April and early May. Tickets for their winter tour are currently on sale. Tickets for the spring tour go on sale Feb. 19 and 26.

  • 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.

  • Update: Thunder Body to Replace GPGDS for Waterhole Reopening Party

    Update 2/11/2016: Due to a member being sick, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad canceled their performance scheduled for the Waterhole’s reopening party Friday night. But never fear, Thunder Body is here!

    The eight-piece Thunder Body, from Rochester, features founding members of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad Matt and Rachel and will headline the Friday night show in place of GPGDS. According to Thunder Body’s Facebook page, the band “dabbles in American roots, funk, soul, dub, afro beat, and more.”

    Local group Painted Sol and Rochester funk/soul four-piece Funknut are still scheduled to open the evening. Doors are at 8 p.m. and the show is scheduled to begin at 9.

    The ‘hole opens at noon Friday, and they’re hinting at some sort of live music surprise at 1 p.m., likely a little taste of Blind Owl! Don’t miss it! It’s gonna be a great Saranac Lake Winter Carnival weekend!

    Update 2/4/2016: The Waterhole has announced that funk/soul group West End Blend will play upstairs directly after the parade. The 10-piece band from Hartford, Connecticut, will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, directly after the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Gala Parade wraps up.

    Original post:

    A local musician plans to revive the currently closed Waterhole for the legendary Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

    This year’s Saranac Lake Winter Carnival runs Feb. 5-14, and it just wouldn’t be Carnival without music at the Waterhole.

    Luckily, Eric Munley of the Blind Owl Band, along with girlfriend Kiki Sarko, has taken over operations at the hallowed venue, and it will open temporarily Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13. The Blind Owl Band will headline a show at 10 p.m. that Saturday, which is Parade Day – the biggest day of the Carnival. Everyone comes out for the Winter Carnival Gala Parade, then hits the town and celebrates for the rest of the day.

    The upstairs will be open for free directly after the parade, and Munley is still working on finding an act for that time slot. But later on that day, Maryland-based two-piece band Swampcandy will open for The Blind Owl Band in a show that is set to begin at 10 p.m. and will cost $10.

    On Friday, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad will headline. Funknut and Painted Sol will join them.

    Munley and Sarko will operate the two days during Carnival on a temporary liquor license, then apply for a full one after the Carnival madness subsides. They expect to open the establishment in full sometime in March.

    Due to the temporary license, only the upstairs bar will be operating during Winter Carnival, though the downstairs will be open to customers sans bar.

    The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival began as a one-day event in 1897, put together by patients who had come to the Adirondack village to cure from tuberculosis. It was intended to get a break from the winter’s chill and to promote outdoor sports and games. Today, it’s grown to a 10-day festival that includes sports, games for kids, an ice palace and lots of live music. The whole town comes together and celebrates in one of the best weeks of the year.

    The Winter Carnival theme for 2016 is “Superheroes and Villains,” so start working on your costumes now!