On Saturday, November 12, Highly Suspect, one of hard rocks bands that are fast on the rise, made their first appearance at Upstate Concert Hall in over three years, but this time, they headlined, and have all this momentum with a studio album, (with another on the way this week) a Grammy nomination, and few songs on active radio. So did the band live up to the hype?
The night started with indie trio Slothrust, who received a warm reception from the packed crowd. Now I am not familiar with any of their material, but musically they were very clutch, and that “I don’t give a shit” attitude gives them a unique appeal. It will be interesting to see what the future holds from this band. My only minor criticism would be that there’s a minor lack of chemistry on stage between the three of them.
Things got very loud when Highly Suspect took the stage. There was plenty of build up before they got on. They started their set with “Bath Salts” easily one of the best songs off their debut album Mister Asylum. This band shares a unique chemistry between twin brothers Rich and Ryan Meyer and guitarist/vocalist Johnny Stevens. They’re heavy enough for the metal heads, they’re hip enough for the hipsters, mainstream enough for the casual rock listener, and have enough sex appeal for the ladies. You could take anyone with you to see this band and you’re guaranteed a kick ass time.
The band also did a wonderful job showing off their versatility between each member. Ryan Meyer had a couple of sick drum solos, and there were a couple songs where Rich Meyer took over lead vocals. Rich has more of a softer voice than Johnny Stevens, whom I think, has the most emotion behind his voice since Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. Highly Suspect also debut a few songs off their upcoming album The Boy Who Died Wolf such as “My Name Is Human” and “Serotonia.” But the main highlight was the song that everyone wanted to hear “Lydia.” They even teased the crowd a little bit during the song to add a nice element to it that would make this song extra speciallive.
After finishing their initial set, they came out with a three song encore and closed with the dirty tune “Fuck Me Up” that got the crowd pumped one last time. All I can say is that this band has a very bright future ahead of them and will be playing much bigger venues in the next couple years. Everyone needs to catch this band now while they’re playing the smaller venues. They’re a young, talented, power trio that will make bigger splashes in the music world and is giving rock and roll the much needed facelift that it needs, so that rock as we now know it, doesn’t fade to obscurity.
This Tuesday, November 15 Porter Robinson and Madeon take a pit stop on their fall Shelter Tour to play at the Orpheum Theatre Boston. Porter Robinson got his musical start from the upbringings of his brother bringing home Dance Dance Revolution and hooking him instantaneously on the expansive capabilities within the electronic realm. Similarly, in the electronic dance style is Madeon who achieved his first sight of fame by artfully mashing up 39 of his favorite tunes, all mixed together into one pop explosion, fittingly entitled “Pop Culture.”
Fast forward about five years and each artist has released highly successful albums. Porter Robinson’s 2014 Worlds is a must listen dance album, and Madeon’s Adventure is an equally as powerful collection of well crafted nighttime, hit the dance floor or sit back and listen to the entirely immersive nature of the record. The two artists’ recent collaboration entitle “Shelter” proves that when two artists in similar soundscapes put their heads together it’s guaranteed to be a must see show. And coming from two humble guys when asked about their success, it appears they both take the music, tones and particular style of electronic music to heart. This should be a good night out in Boston. Get your tickets before they sell out for this 7:30pm one.
Concept show artwork created by PTF guitarist Dave Brunyak.
In the hustle and bustle of Saratoga Springs, sits a treasured concert venue known as Putnam Den–not only to its show dwellers but to the talent that plays its stage as well. Gurus of blending together a trifecta of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish, Pink Talking Fish plan to put a fresh spin on their faithful covers during next Saturday night’s gig, which they just so happened to save for the Den.
Only preformed once prior in 2016, the hybrid fusion group will unleash their concept show, Dark Side of Gamehendge, on November 19. What exactly is that, you ask? Well, in simplest terms, its two sets of genius. The entire night will be a blanket tribute to Pink Floyd’s prominent and timeless album, Dark Side of the Moon, which still finds its way onto the charts today, as well as Phish’s rock opera, Gamehendge. The two sets combine tunes from each album while Talking Heads favorites will be peppered throughout.
PTF closed out their winter tour in North Carolina with the first and only performance of Dark Side of Gamehendge and referred to it as “quite the journey” on their Facebook page. Judging by the show’s artwork, crafted by PTF’s own Dave Brunyak, let’s take bets if the second journey will bring us to anywhere close land far, far away. See we shall. Doors open at 8pm and Primate Fiasco takes the stage at 9pm followed by Pink Talking Fish shortly after.
Q & A with PTF Guitarist Dave Brunyak:
Alyssa Ladzinski: You’ve only performed this concept show once before while closing out a tour earlier in 2016, what made you want to bring this show back?
Dave Brunyak: There’s something symbiotic about combining Pink Floyd’s iconic “Dark Side of the Moon” with Phish’s grand oeuvre “Gamehendge.” Both catalogs share elements of the battle between light and darkness and good versus evil. Quests for knowledge, desire for peace, and the race against time are themes universally present in the music. One informs the other and, by linking the two tales together, they both gain significant emotional gravity. For instance, in my head I see the Famous Mockingbird flying through the sky as the lyrics “Breathe, breathe in the air” set the opening scene. Below him, Colonel Forbin has just stepped into yesterday and is immediately on the run. Rutherford the Brave is under the same sun in a relative way, but he’s older and shorter of breath. King Wilson likely owns a football team and his insatiable greed for power is the root of all evil in Gamehendge, so they say. The Helping Friendly Book is what the fighting’s all about and the lizards are just ordinary men. The deeper you look, the more connections you find.
AL: The Den is a venue you frequent, what made you want to bring the concept show to Putnam Den specifically out of all shows on the fall tour?
DB: The Putnam Den has been a staple for us in recent years and may be our most frequented venue to date. I think we’ve done a pretty good job making our performances as diverse and entertaining as possible with each visit. That being said, we have to keep pushing the envelope to maintain that cutting edge. Also, Saratoga Springs has an active nightlife scene and people there are lucky to have great choices in entertainment every night. Bringing back “Dark Side of Gamehendge” for only it’s second exploit is another attempt to raise the bar in a community that demands (and deserves) our finest work.
AL: What do you hope to do differently this time around to set the show apart from the first time you played it in NC?
DB: Well, given the nature of what we’re doing, two-thirds of the songs in the show are predetermined. Choosing the Talking Heads tunes that support the narrative will create the concrete diversity from our first attempt. Executing the composed sections with precision is always a priority, but improvising harmoniously and meaningfully during the jams will inevitably be what makes this performance stand out on it’s own.
AL: If you had to choose one song off of Dark Side and Gamehendge as your favorite to play, what would it be?
DB: Tough one. Let’s use the deserted island analogy. If I were stranded with a lovely bunch of coconuts and a guitar that would only play two songs, I would choose those two songs to be “The Lizards” from Gamehendge and “Time” from Dark Side of the Moon. Both are pieces with broad movements in texture and they both have those epic guitar moments. Ask me tomorrow and I may have a different answer!
AL: How long did it take you to throw together the Star Wars inspired artwork for the show?
DB: This one came together very naturally. Take the two words “dark side” out of context and I bet you 99/100 people infer a Star Wars reference. Cloaking the blend of the two albums in a Star Wars theme really brought the whole thing together visually. It took most of one workday to craft the artwork.
AL: I gotta say, I sure hope someone dresses up as a Jedi or a Sith, or at least throws in a Chewbacca or R2D2 loop somewhere. Can we expect any Star Wars treats?
AL: Do you plan on introducing innovative concept shows to fans in the future?
DB: Absolutely. We’re due to bring back a Talking Heads-centric concept show. “A Live One” was the album that really blew me away when I first started listening to Phish, so I’ve been bugging the guys to get that ready. Our NYE concept “PTF in the Mirror” incorporating Michael Jackson songs is going to rage in Boston! The concept shows are caveats we’ve employed to bring diversity to the schedule and keep things fresh and we’ve benefited from that.
AL: As a band that covers three huge music phenomenons, what other avenues do you hope to explore to make your live shows different as your careers move forward?
DB: The possibilities are endless! There is still so much ground to cover in the Pink Floyd/Talking Heads/Phish worlds, we could spend the rest of our career digging for gold in those catalogues. Like you said, they are phenomenons, so gold is not hard to find! Right now, I’m working on surrendering to the flow and trusting that, wherever we’re destined to be, we will get there.
The Nth Power’s latest release To Be Free – Live is exuberantly funky, bursting with spirituality, and clearly on a mission to inspire! After touring to promote their 2015 release Abundance, The Nth Power obliged their fans by creating this nine-track live recording during two nights of performances in Boston, Massachusetts and one night in the band’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York.
This feel-good 10-track album captures something that you can’t get from a studio recording – the authentic energy that can only come from bearing your soul before a live audience hanging on every note. Anchored in the jazz and funk of New Orleans, The Nth Power’s heady gospel tones and inspirational messages create a well-grounded album which promotes understanding through music. This, my friends, is what love sounds like.
“Gil said the revolution won’t be televised. These days I start to see it with my own eyes. The media has got you fused with a state of fear. Got you believing all the hate and lies that you feel. I used to believe everything that they tell me was true. But since 9/11 I know I stay lied to. Go smash your TV. You can choose to be free. Stand up and be your own page in history.”
The lyrics to the song “Truth,”, are a nod to Gil Scott-Heron’s political statement “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” With it’s polished yet quirky world-music feel, “Truth” is the track you’d be most likely to hear on your local college radio station. With powerful and poignant lyrics, the song is a call for action, and proof that music is just as powerful of a weapon in this day and age as it was in the 1970’s.
“Right Now,” featuring a funky Motown vibe, is a reminder to live in the moment, and “celebrate what you’ve been given. This life is so worth living right now.”
The genre-melding song “Could It Be” mixes a Doobie-Brothers-esque feel – specifically a throwback to the 1973 hit “Drift Away” – with smooth and sultry vocals, ending in a round of “Stir It Up with You,” conjuring up a bit of Bob Marley’s spirit.
“Take My Soul” is one of the highlights of the album with the scream of the organ ushering us into roadhouse-style guitar licks and smokey vocals.
Each member of the quartet brings varied musical backgrounds. Nikki Glaspie toured as Beyonce’s drummer for five years before joining up with Dumpstaphunk. Bassist Nate Edgar plays with the likes of Groovechild and John Brown’s Body. Singer and Guitarist Nick Cassarino came from the Jennifer Hartswick Band and toured with Big Daddy Kane. The newest member, Courtney J’Mell Smith, toured with Braimah and was musical director of a church in St. Louis, which comes through in the strong gospel tones on “To Be Free.”
Since 2013, the Nth Power has performed at renowned festivals including Electric Forest, Bear Creek, Catskill Chill, North Coast Music Festival, and in just the last six months, the group has performed more than 50 shows in 21 states, along with making their second international appearance. Distributed on Harmonized Records, “To Be Free – Live”will be available online and in stores starting November 11th. Check them out on Facebook or visit their website for a full tour schedule!
For a sneak peek at the band’s new material, check out their latest video below for “Take My Soul” – a standout blues track from the album which was filmed live in Boston at The Bridge Sound & Stage.
Leon Russell, the long-haired, top-hatted, mystical Oklahoman who rose to fame as the bandleader for Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen touring band, died quietly in his sleep Sunday. He was 74. His wife, Jan Bridges released the following statement:
We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time. My husband passed in his sleep in our Nashville home. He was recovering from heart surgery in July and looked forward to getting back on the road in January. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.
Russell, born Claude Russell Bridges, was known as a “musician’s musician,” having performed among rock royalty for decades, often anonymously as an in-demand studio pianist. Elton John, whose 2010 collaboration with Russell, The Union, kicked off a comeback for Russell, mourned his mentor on Instagram.
Russell had been suffering from a variety of ailments over the past few years. In 2010, he was hospitalized for a brain fluid leak and heart failure. He suffered a heart attack in July of this year, causing the cancellation of several tour dates. Russell’s last performance was in Nashville July 10.
In an era of flamboyant musicianship, Leon Russell was king. For a period in the early ’70s, he was a dynamo. He put together a band for Joe Cocker, performed as part of the Delaney and Bonnie and Friends touring band and played a major role in George Harrison’s 1971 benefit Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
Russell took an interest in music at a early age. Born in Lawton, OK April 2, 1942, he began playing the piano by the age of four. He began playing nightclubs around Tulsa by the age of 14, able to do so because of Oklahoma’s status as a dry state, forming the band the Starlighters, which also included J.J. Cale.
He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17, where he became a member of Phil Spector’s infamous “Wrecking Crew,” a loose-knit group of studio musicians responsible for the backing music for Jan and Dean, Sonny and Cher, the Mamas and the Papas, Frank Sinatra, the Monkees and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.
Ever modest, Russell once described himself as a “jobber,” likening himself to an air conditioner installer in a Rolling Stone interview, “You need air conditioning? You call this guy. People called me to do what I did.” And what he did was legendary. Russell played many instruments with aplomb. Russell meandered among genres like a master.
In 1975 Bob Dylan had requested Russell to play bass, an instrument he wasn’t particularly deft at playing, on the recording of “Hurricane,” or as Russell described it, “that song about the boxer.” Russell recalls of that session:
“We did a take — just running it down, I thought. I said, ‘Are you going to do the real thing now?’ Bob said, ‘Why? We’re just going to make the same mistakes.’”
Just another ho-hum story in the life of a storied musician.
Russell’s signature song, “A Song for You” has been recorded by more than 40 artists over the years, including the Carpenters, Willie Nelson, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse and Ray Charles, whose performance earned him a Grammy in 1993 for Best Male R&B Performance.
Russell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by his friend, Elton John in 2011.
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song for you
– Leon Russell, “A Song for You”
Saturday November 5, Irving Plaza, New York City; the air was still and the room was quiet, the only exception was the sweet, soulful sounds and warm, fuzzy lyrics of Joshua Radin.
Radin is currently on tour supporting his new album, “The Fall”. Radin says, “The Fall” is my seventh studio album, but it’s the first album I’ve produced myself, so this feels like the most honest work I’ve released in my twelve-year career.”
In the vein of storytellers, Radin enchanted us with tales of love lost and proclaimed his “songs are as quiet as you can possibly get,” which is the best thing about listening to Radin. His songs have the ability to quiet our souls while simultaneously waking up a part of ourselves that we may have lost.
Songs that stood out; the inspirational “Brand New Day,” Radin shared it was written after the demise of a 6 year relationship. “Paperweight” from a movie called Dear John is a wonderful song full of sweet and innocent love. “My My Love” a song about finally finding the one that makes your heart flutter. It’s all love, love love for Mr. Radin.
The last time Radin was at Irving Plaza was about a year and half ago—he recalled a moment in the audience when a young man proposed to his girlfriend after his Yaz remake of “Only You”. Not only was that woman there on Saturday night, but confessed to them breaking up, Radin jokingly a la “Sleepless in Seattle” said he’d meet her at the top of the Empire State Building after the show.
Joshua Radin deserves to have a song featured in every rom-com movie until the end of time, his heart opening music sets the stage for uninhibited love, vulnerability and deep connection on otherworldly levels.
Radin is continuing his tour to the West coast and then to Europe.
Setlist: No Envy, Beautiful Day, You Got Growin’ Up to Do, Brand New Day, Closer, I’d Rather Be With You, Only You, My My Love, Belong, High and Low, Underwater, Today, Winter, Enough For You, Don’t Think Twice
Haewa’s, There Is No History, offers a wide assortment of songs, encompassing a range of 90s grunge and jam band influences. Matching its meditating psychedelic album cover, Haewa sets forth a heavier side in the realm of thoughtful soundscape.
An instantly likeable track is “Born Into the Morning Light,” which has an excellent convergence of drum and slide guitar, both of which work off of each other in a format that seems fitting as what could be part of a film soundtrack. Coming in at the #4 slot on the album this song is a track that utilizes multiple and interlocking guitar riffs that give the song longevity in repeated listens. The lyrics, “I was born in the morning light,” allot this song a hopeful outlook amidst its more serious style. Although somewhat of the black sheep song on the EP, this one definitely deserves attention as a great listen.
“Chem Division” is a track off the EP that retains much more of the style that Haewa is known for based off of this EP. It’s a heavier jam that has a prominence of layered and unique guitar chords. Similarly related is the Black Keys/Led Zeppelin riffing of “Innovation at the Edge of Time.” This gives great credit to Haewa’s ability to likely be an excellent live show band. “No Ocean” is another fitting jam and be sure to listen to the fluttering guitar work found towards the end of the song.
Last but not least, “Swamping,” is a key track off the EP, which displays the use of harmonica, feeding into the 90s grunge feel overall. Ultimately, Haewa is a highly guitar driven band that has a great deal of potential going forward with their future EPs, which hopefully come out frequently.
There is nothing like experiencing music in its original form and in its original setting first hand. Whether it’s Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline at the Ryman Theater, Peter Gabriele at The Roxy, the Beatles at Shea Stadium or Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park, seeing and feeling it live in the moment far exceeds anything you can possibly hear through a recording.
A fan of Celtic music, it has been a lifelong dream for this music photojournalist to be able to take the trek to Ireland one day and experience the music scene first hand. After all, the traditional Celtic sound is a cornerstone to my beloved bluegrass and country music which I tend to gravitate towards back here in the states. When the opportunity came to travel together with my good friends and musicians, The Elders and The Moxie Strings, as they took their annual trip with family and friends, I jumped at the chance. Working together with these bands for years now, it was the perfect introduction to Ireland.
For those who may not be familiar with them, The Elders are a Celtic rock band based out of Kansas City, MO who constantly set the bar higher with the quality of music on each album they write and produce. The Moxies, who hail from Michigan, blend an edgy sound to your traditional strings and percussion, growing a new generation of musicians and Celtic music lovers. These two bands meld together perfectly and offer a rock and bluegrass edge to the regular traditional Celtic sound. Amassing fans all over America, it’s never difficult for them to fill a few buses to take the journey annually. So off I went.
Hopping the pond, we made our way across the country, stopping to play in the cities of Sligo, Galway, Cork, Arklow and Dublin. At the first stop in Sligo, the bands took to the stage at 5th on Teeling, a small local pub that usually began hopping later in the evening. They had no issues filling the venue quickly with the fans from America and those locals that made their way in from the streets as the music filtered out, luring them inside. After a riveting set from both bands, the bar was set high to achieve a more electric set as they continued on their tour.
As we began to make our way south, next on the map was the bustling city of Galway where the bands were scheduled to perform at the amazing Quays the following night, located in the heart of the city. As we arrived in Galway, we set out to explore the area and happened into a small pub called the Tig Cóilí which was only a few doors down from The Quays. Best known for it’s Traditional Irish Session, musicians and patrons often crowd this pub to partake in ongoing music sessions. Finding a spot in the front window amongst the other musicians, they join in and play whatever tune is being played at that moment. As quietly as they arrive, they depart when they need to go while not disrupting the sound in the least. This introduction to a true Irish session was refreshing and special as that is what music is all about – the blending of talents and sounds to make the tune. Although this was only my first session, it would be a foreshadowing of what I was to experience as the trip unfolded.
As the sunrise came up, our troops dispersed on adventures to many a site within the area, however, they later came back together to The Quays that evening for what was a memorable night of music. This venue, one of many in and amongst the pedestrian walkway, adjacent to Eyre Square (aka John F. Kennedy Memorial Park), offered passers by a unique experience inside. Whether it was the sights and touches of the venue, the smells and tastes of delicious food and beverages being served or sounds coming from this venue, The Quays offered patrons something to tantalize each of their senses.
This, hands down, was the coolest venue the bands had an opportunity to play in my opinion. The stage, set on three alternating tiers, offered a backdrop of old organ pipes and stained glass that had one time been in a French church. Filled to the brim with American tour mates and college students that seemed to overtake the area on this evening, The Elders and Moxies were once again able to top the performances of the previous gig. Whether it was the Moxie’s rendition of Ah Ha’s “Take On Me” or The Elders singing my favorites, “Galway Girl” and then closing with “Message In A Bottle”, they definitely left their mark on this city.
As we set on to the next stop on our journey, the city of Cork, it seemed almost impossible to live up to the prior shows as they began their set at Cyprus Avenue. Another cool city with a bustling night life, it was a shame that this venue rushed us in and out as they had a tech show immediately following our sets. Being rushed and poorly lit to boot, this venue was not one of my favorites but of course, in true Elders/Moxie fashion, they put on a show that made those awaiting outside wish they had arrived earlier to enjoy their set as well. It didn’t go unnoticed that while we Americans were there craving everything Celtic, they were there craving everything American. Karmic as it was, it was also here that we welcomed our new friend, a student from Buffalo studying abroad, as she started her first night working at the venue. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat! Amber.
The following day we embarked to Arklow, hometown of Ian Byrne, lead singer of The Elders, which is located in the eastern part of the country and within the county of Wicklow. These two days in Arklow were my most favorite for several reasons. First, the area was absolutely beautiful. It was as though the Adirondacks of NY and all the best of Ireland merged to become this beautiful lush region with rolling green hills, mountains, waterways and oceanfront. It truly felt like home to me and the welcome we were given was heartwarming and most meaningful. Secondly, surrounded by family and friends who welcomed us as though they had known us for years, we all gathered that first evening to the Harbour Bar in Arklow to a small room above the pub where we were met by some amazing local musicians.
At an extremely long table, we were joined by young and old who would treat us to a true Irish session. To begin the evening, three of the five musicians that are known as Small Town Crisis (Sean Fox, Jack Hanlon & Cat Leibowitz) began their acoustic set with amazing performances of original work. They were extremely talented and joined in a few more times throughout the night before exiting to go home and get ready for school the following day. Meeting Denis Nolan, the 2015 All Ireland Fleadh Ceoil Champion, was truly a treat as well as he serenaded us with his award winning harmonica playing. John Stafford joined in with moving vocals and, my favorite, the banjo on several numbers while Aoibhinn Redmond added her melodic touches to tunes throughout the night. Gabriel Brady, who I believe just released an album, gave a whimsical spin on folky tunes throughout the night leaving us all in stitches while Denis New brought out the bagpipes and filled the room with traditional Celtic tunes.
Yvonne Kenny, who orchestrated this amazing evening for us, sang and played the bodhran while Chris Steele played some classical violin, moving us almost to tears! Playing traditional Celtic tunes throughout the night, each performer added yet another highlight to a trip that I couldn’t imagine ever to get better. To say that the voices of both Naoimh Penston and Denise Brennan (who is known as one of the leads in the Women of Ireland Tour & Riverdance) were angelic is an understatement. Their beautiful harmonies captivated us all night long.
Playing and singing, Naoimh also joined in with Ian and longtime friend Fran Harper as they played and sang Men of Erin, a song we all knew and love so much. Invited to play and sing were we Americans as we vied for the coveted title of the year. Elliott Phillips played and sang while Tim Braun and Isaac and Keenan Reilly joined in with guitar/percussion on a few tunes. Defending her title from last year, Caity Reilly once again set the bar high with a very moving song, while David Sizer swiped the title with his rendition of “Allelujah”. I really thought it was a tie myself; both pieces were amazing and yet so different. And of course, The Elders and Moxies joined in with bluegrass tunes, traditional Celtic tunes and shared some new music yet to be recorded. All in all, it was fun, it was spontaneous, it was more than I ever imagined and truly was my favorite part of the whole trip. Thank you, Arklow for such a great evening.
As this night long session went well into the wee hours, it was only a few hours later that the bands would be hitting the airwaves to the local radio station while The Moxies would be joining Chris Steele and her students at St. Mary’s College to practice for a very special performance that evening. The next gig would be right there at the Arklow Bay Hotel, and all proceeds from this show would be donated towards Nolan House, Rathdrum and Arklow Music and Arts campaign to secure the provision of a Music and Arts center in Arklow.
As the banquet room began filling up, it was apparent how truly loved the bands and the causes were to the town. And, although I’m sure a bit apprehensive, the orchestra from St. Mary’s College nailed their performances and the night was a smashing success as Arklow celebrated with the Americans. It was the cherry on top as Denis New once again joined the bands on the bagpipes in full attire.
As the tour headed out and left the hometown and headed north, it would be on the top of the hill in Glencullen at Johnnie Foxes where the final show would occur. I could think of no better place either than this whimsical pub for the final setting as a wonderful, fun filled two weeks of music in Ireland came to a close. With delicious food, Guiness, and the most whimsical decor ever, it just seemed fitting to end on such a high note, literally.
As the buses made their way up the steep hill, overlooking Dublin at night with its twinkling lights, it was probably a good thing we couldn’t see the drop off on the side of the road. We arrived, were seated and fed, and somehow found a square of real estate to dance along with the bands. The party was complete, the music a hit, and with family and friends from all over the world, this hop across the pond definitely left an impression on this journalist, leaving her longing for more very soon.
Grammy nominated Cape Cod rockers Highly Suspect are set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall this Saturday, November 12 for the first time. Doors are open at 7:00 p.m with show at 8:00 p.m. Slothrust is slated to open the show.
Along with the upcoming show, Highly Suspect is releasing their sophomore effort The Boy Who Died Wolf on November 18 via 300 Entertainment. The band will undoubtedly play a few songs from that album.
This is a band on the rise so it would be best to purchase tickets for this show sooner rather than later.
Tuesday night saw, what seemed like, a never ending election style end to the tune of some funky, improvisational music at this photog’s favorite small NYC venue, Brooklyn Bowl. It was here that HeadCount presented a “Soundtrack to History” via the Everyone Orchestra. Hosted by Matt Butler, Everyone Orchestra is an ever changing cast of musicians who are conducted through a dry erase board and crowd participation.
This evenings cast for Headcount’s “Soundtrack to History” was no slouch, and included Marc Brownstein, Steve Kimock, Marco Benevento, Karina Rykman, Mihali Savoulidas, Vinnie Amico, Jeremy Salken, Jay Jennings, Chris Bullock, Natalie Cressman, Jans Ingber, and, unannounced for the second set, Robert Randolph. What a list… apologies if I missed someone.
As you can tell from the gallery below, the Bowl had televisions tuned in to the election, offering a unique vibe to say the least. There were cheers, jeers, eyes locked high to the walls and not at the stage, and nearly everyone on their cell phone. Not a reflection of the music in any way, as this was my favorite EO show I’ve caught over the years, exceeding expectations to be quite honest. Feel free to make your own call as the show is available on YouTube.
The night started with indie trio Slothrust, who received a warm reception from the packed crowd. Now I am not familiar with any of their material, but musically they were very clutch, and that “I don’t give a shit” attitude gives them a unique appeal. It will be interesting to see what the future holds from this band. My only minor criticism would be that there’s a minor lack of chemistry on stage between the three of them.
Fast forward about five years and each artist has released highly successful albums. Porter Robinson’s 2014 Worlds is a must listen dance album, and Madeon’s Adventure is an equally as powerful collection of well crafted nighttime, hit the dance floor or sit back and listen to the entirely immersive nature of the record. The two artists’ recent collaboration entitle “Shelter” proves that when two artists in similar soundscapes put their heads together it’s guaranteed to be a must see show. And coming from two humble guys when asked about their success, it appears they both take the music, tones and particular style of electronic music to heart. This should be a good night out in 
The Nth Power’s latest release To Be Free – Live is exuberantly funky, bursting with spirituality, and clearly on a mission to inspire! After touring to promote their 2015 release Abundance, The Nth Power obliged their fans by creating this nine-track live recording during two nights of performances in Boston, Massachusetts and one night in the band’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York. 
Russell had been suffering from a variety of ailments over the past few years. In 2010, he was hospitalized for a brain fluid leak and heart failure. He suffered a heart attack in July of this year, causing the cancellation of several tour dates. Russell’s last performance was in Nashville July 10.
He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17, where he became a member of Phil Spector’s infamous “Wrecking Crew,” a loose-knit group of studio musicians responsible for the backing music for Jan and Dean, Sonny and Cher, the Mamas and the Papas, Frank Sinatra, the Monkees and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.
Radin is currently on tour supporting his new album, “The Fall”. Radin says, “The Fall” is my seventh studio album, but it’s the first album I’ve produced myself, so this feels like the most honest work I’ve released in my twelve-year career.”
Haewa’s, There Is No History, offers a wide assortment of songs, encompassing a range of 90s grunge and jam band influences. Matching its meditating psychedelic album cover, 
As you can tell from the gallery below, the Bowl had televisions tuned in to the election, offering a unique vibe to say the least. There were cheers, jeers, eyes locked high to the walls and not at the stage, and nearly everyone on their cell phone. Not a reflection of the music in any way, as this was my favorite EO show I’ve caught over the years, exceeding expectations to be quite honest. Feel free to make your own call as the show is available on