Category: Pop

James Taylor Showers His Fans with Love – in Syracuse

Through a career spanning six decades, James Taylor has put his stamp on the American songbook. That catalog of songs, as well as many outstanding cover tunes, were on display by Taylor and his All-Star Band Saturday, July 30 at the sold-out Oncenter War Memorial Arena in Syracuse.

Taylor delivered far more than fans had a right to expect in a two set show lasting over 2-1/2 hours. His top-notch 11-piece ensemble included Rochester native Steve Gadd and Luis Conte on drums and percussion, Walter Fowler on trumpet, Blue Lou Marini on sax and flute, vocalists Arnold McCuller, Kate Markowitz, and Andrea Zonn, Michael Landau on guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Larry Goldings on keyboards. Above and beyond all that were the iconic songs and unmistakable voice of JT, Sweet Baby James, the one and only James Taylor.

He was engaging, sharing stories of how certain songs came to be at different points in his career, and often hilarious. He joked about intermission. “I don’t even know why we have one. I usually just stand behind the curtain over there and stare at my watch for twenty minutes.” Surprisingly, he moved to the front of the stage during intermission, signing autographs and posing for photos with fans, and continued doing so while the band returned to the stage and jumped into an instrumental piece. Special praise is deserved by the sound technicians who made that venerable old arena sound better than I’d ever heard. Every voice and every instrument could be identified. If you have the opportunity to see James Taylor in concert, do so. There is nothing quite like seeing a world class musician at their very best.

Setlist:

Set 1: Wandering / Secret O’ Life, Everyday (Buddy Holly), Walking Man, Today Today Today, Country Road, Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, Coppermine, Carolina In My Mind, (I’ve Got to) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That, Fire and Rain, Shed a Little Light.

Set 2: Up on the Roof (Carole King), You’ve Got a Friend (Carole King), Promised Land (Chuck Berry), Shower the People, Angels of Fenway, Sweet Baby James, Steamroller Blues, Mexico, Your Smiling Face.

Encore: Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd), How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (Marvin Gaye).

Second Encore: You and I Again

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August 6, 2016
Photo Gallery: Coldplay Heats Up Buffalo

Coldplay heated up Buffalo this on Monday, August 1 as they brought their show to the First Niagara Center. NYS Music was there to capture a few shots of the show for readers. Usually the bells and whistles are saved for the close of the show, but these guys brought the big guns out right out of the gate with some of their best hits, canisters blasting confetti, and showering laser lights through the packed to capacity venue.

Touring for their most recent album release, A Head Full of Dreams, Coldplay is half way through the tour that spans North America and then heads overseas to Australia for the month of December. Check to see if they’ll be coming to a city near you soon. This kaleidoscope band delivers one heck of a colorful high energy show.

Setlist: A Head Full of Dreams, Yellow, Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall, The Scientist, Birds, Paradise, Always in My Head, Magic, Everglow, Clocks, Midnight, Charlie Brown, Hymn for the Weekend, Fix You, “Heroes” (David Bowie cover), Viva la Vida, Adventure of a Lifetime, Kaleidoscope, Green Eyes, In My Place, Til Kingdom Come, Amazing Day, A Sky Full of Stars
Encore: Up and Up

August 5, 2016
Foreigner Turns Heads at Turning Stone

No Lou, no MickÂ … No Foreigner? NO WAY! Despite the fact that original Foreigner founding member and guitarist Mick Jones was not on stage last Tuesday, July 26, at the Turning Stone Event Center was not indicative of Foreigner’s inability to turn heads, wow the audience and put on a huge rock show at itsÂ sold out shows wherever it isÂ on tour.

The band performs all the classic and top Foreigner hits flawlessly, never missing a beat, a lick or even a second of doubt. The seasoned band, most who have been with this current version of Foreigner for the greater part of the last decade play the music as it was most likely heard in 1983. Close your eyes and you would swear this is the original Foreigner. For all intents and purposes, it really is Foreigner with Jones still performing when he is able. Jones, who has been hit or miss as of late due to speculated health issues was surely missed at the Turning Stone show, however the band which he cherry picked to become the new generation of Foreigner, picks up in his absence in superb form. Especially Bruce Watson, who is handling Jones amazing and timeless guitar work on all the Foreigner classics from “Hot Blooded” to “Feel’s Like the First Time,” “Dirty White Boy” and more.

Foreigner, one of the world’s best selling bands of all time with worldwide sales exceeding 80 million records, formed in New York City in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and American vocalist Lou Gramm. The band’s debut album, Foreigner was released in 1977 and featured the mega-hits “Cold as Ice,” “Feel’s Like the First Time” and “Long, Long Way From Home.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Foreigner and the band has currently been promoting the iconic success of the band with Foreigner40 merchandise from t-shirts to guitar picks and highlighting the milestone at every show. Jones has recently discussed, in a 2016 interview, a possible 40th anniversary reunion tour, featuring the Head Games era lineup. If a 40th Anniversary reunion tour becomes a reality and, “… hopefully feasible and possible to pull it off next year,” as Jones relates, It may include a line-up of original members including Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliot and Rick Wills.

At just a little after 8:00 p.m. with the Turning Stone Casino Event Center totally blacked out, the pre-show recorded music stopped and gave way to Foreigner’s dramatic opening score as drummer Chris Frazier entered stage left and greeted the exuberant crowd with a wave of his sticks before sitting on his drum throne. At the same time, entering from stage right was Foreigner’s multi-talented keyboardist Michael Bluestein who also gave the crowd a well received greeting gesture before settling down behind his rig. As the opening score continued to build, the other members of Foreigner walked on stage including Jeff Pilson, Bruce Watson and Thom Gimbel. Then in an instant the house lights went up illuminating the band as lead singer Kelly Hansen ran out on stage and the band immediately broke into their first number, “Double Vision”. The large crowd at Turning Stone was now on their feet screaming and singing along and did not have time to catch their breath before Foreigner went right into their second song, “Head Games”. At 55 years of age, Hansen shows know signs of getting too old to rock as he has the stage energy and moves that keeps the fans engaged and entertained at the same time. Hansen performs and sings all the classic Foreigner songs effortlessly, all while running, jumping, leg kicks and mike stand twirling like a twenty something year old warped tour rocker. He shows know signs of letting up and seems to perform each show like it was his first.

Foreigner continued throughout the night with Hansen engaging in the crowd to interact and engaged with the band and each other. Next on the set the multi-talented Thom Gimbel, who plays guitar, sax, flute, and backing vocals, moved in place behind a diamond plated piano case as Hanson reminded the crowd of this next song being heard “Maybe in their late twenties” and chuckled as he introduced one of the top hits of the 1977 album, “Cold As Ice.” As expected, as soon as Gimbel hit those unmistakable first notes of the hit song, the crowd at Turning Stone went absolutely wild. There was no letting up from the hit parade as Hansen talked briefly to the crowd telling them to grab their partner, lover or just find someone in the crowd to hold on to as he announced Foreigner’s 1981 mega-hit power ballad “Waiting for a Girl Like You” featuring the talented Bluestein on keys. Despite this being the digital cell phone era, there were actually a few old school lighters in the air for this one.

Foreigner had the audience highly engaged and up on their feet for the entire set. Kelly Hansen urged the crowd to move up to the front of the stage where there was no barricade. It was elbow to elbow in front of the stage and Hansen, the energetic crowd pleaser made the fans feel a part of the show by high fiving them, running out into the crowd during “Head Games” interacting with fans as he circled the floor before jumping back up on stage. In fact, all band members were certainly into the performance and not lacking for energy. One highlight of the show was an acoustic version of “Say You Will”. Hansen shared this was the idea of bassist Jeff Pilson who arranged the song acoustically which ultimately led to their successful unplugged album Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged. Again, with much reverence for the Foreigner classics, Hansen announced the next song in their set, the mega 1977 hit that launched Foreigner into the big-time “Feels Like the First Time”. And again, as expected the crowd was enthralled in the moment, with most of them bodies deep in front of the stage waving and extending their hands in the air hoping to grab a high five or catch a guitar pick from one of the band members.

The hits kept coming all night including “Urgent” from the 1981 number one album Foreigner 4, Then Bluestein and Frazier got the already pumped crowd even more riled up with an amazing keyboard/synth solo followed by a killer Chris Frazier drum solo. At times Frazier would take a drink from his bottled water then dump the rest on his floor tom and thrash it while the water lit by an underneath spot illuminated the splashing liquid. “Juke Box Hero” and “Long, Long Way from Home” followed.

The kids backstage could probably barely contain their excitement and anticipation to join Foreigner onstage next to perform their number one and biggest hit to date, “I Want to Know What Love Is” from 1984’s Agent Provocateur album. One by one the students from the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School Choir made its way to the riser between keyboardist, Bluestein and drummer, Frazier as the intro to the number one song began. Foreigner has been inviting local high school and singing groups onstage to accompany them with this song for the last several years and it never gets old. This gesture continues to remain a very noble and gracious act on the band’s part. It is humbling to witness and very entertaining.

Foreigner completed its summer 2016 tour at the end of July. The band then departs for a European tour the first two weeks of August before returning to the states to finish up its regular show. A much anticipated acoustic tour begins in the fall of 2016 beginning in October running through the end of November 2016. Whether you’re an old fan or a newcomer to Foreigner, the band is timeless and the current line-up features hand picked top notch musicians that perform all the Foreigner hits with flawless sound, energy, and passion check out the upcoming tour dates, news and more at their website.

Foreigner’s Current Line-up:
Mick Jones – Founding Member, Guitarist
Kelly Hansen – Lead Vocals
Bruce Watson – Guitar
Thom Gimbel – Guitar, Sax, Flute, Keys
Jeff Pilson – Bass Guitar
Michael Bluestein – Keys
Chris Frazier – Drums

Set List:
1. Double Vision
2. Head Games
3. Cold As Ice
4. Waiting for a Girl Like You
5. Dirty White Boy
6. Say You Will
7. Feels Like The First Time
8. Urgent
9. Keyboard Solo
10. Drum Solo
11. Juke Box Hero
12. Long Long Way From Home
13. I Want to Know What Love Is (w/VVS School Choir)
14. Hot Blooded

August 2, 2016
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.

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

July 18, 2016
WEQX Presents: AWOLNATION @ Upstate Concert Hall July 13

This Wednesday AWOLNATION will headline the stage at Upstate Concert Hall with guests Finish Ticket and Irontom.WEQX presents AWOLNATION, an electro rock band formed and lead by Aaron Bruno. The American band is signed onto Red Bull Records, and their first EP, Back from Earth, was released on iTunes in May of 2010. Their first studio album, Megalithic Symphony, followed just a year later with hits such as “Sail” that hit #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart, and #5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

Bruno has performed in other bands such as Home Town Hero and Under the Influence of Giants. He writes all his own music and will be performing with his band through October including festivals such as the Billboard Hot 1oo fest in NYC this August.

http://awolnationmusic.com/

Doors 7:00 PM Show 8:00 PM

Click here for tickets!

July 11, 2016
Syracuse Jazz Fest Day One Begins and Ends with A Bang

Day one of the Syracuse Jazz Fest couldn’t have dialed up better weather, a better lineup, or better setting as the crowds filled in to the Onondaga Community College campus like a wave coming into shore. With music in the wind, literally, this spectacular day went down in the record books as a huge success.

Kicking off the day with locals Scottie Madonia, Sam Smith, Dunhan Hall, David Millen, Rick Bostick, and Nick DeMaria who make up NOTEified, they welcomed special guest Julia Goodwin to entertain early arrivers with hits from Stevie Wonder, Peggy Lee, Herbie Hancock, some Snarky Puppy, and Annie Lennox.

However it was Julia’s cover of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” that blew away the audience and would make Billy Joel himself sit up and take notice. Her voice is full of passion, yet strong and effortless, and with the accompaniment of some amazing musicians, this young group rocked the stage opening what would become the 34th epic weekend of music for the Syracuse Jazz Fest.

Next up was a band of amazing local artists from the Central NY region who paid homage to the late Mark Murphy. Mark was instrumental in the Syracuse musical scene as well as making his mark on the world with his innovative song writing and acting abilities. Discovered in the 50’s by Sammy Davis Jr. at the Ebony Jazz Club, Murphy was considered by his peers to be one of the greatest jazz vocalist ever, touching their lives and influencing their sounds. With six Grammy nominations and more than 40 releases over his 40 year career, the stage was full of top notch musicians this past weekend ready to celebrate his life and accomplishments.

Randy Brecker 2016 Artist in Residence, Joe Carello, Jay & Marty Ashby, Ronnie Leigh, Nancy Kelly, and Darmon Meader, took to the stage together with Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, and Kim Nazarian also known as the New York Voices. Their set celebrated some of his greatest songs and memories they each shared with him over the years. Known as a whistler it was fitting that during this set, a wind blew up and blew his sheet music all over the crowd reaching those in a way so fitting for the legend.

As the sun began to set, it was time for the The Mavericks to heat up the stage and the party to begin. Those not familiar with this vivacious group were in for a real treat. Best known as country musicians, their eclectic mix of sounds can best be described as a Bakersfield sound. You’re familiar with it…it’s a recipe with a Tex Mex flavor, a bit of rockabilly, a tad of Latin, some rock and roll, and traditional country to make a unique country mix that is the perfect recipe. These spicy entertainers are not only outstanding musicians, they have one of the best stage presence I’ve ever seen.

It didn’t matter that this music wasn’t traditional Jazz per se, because with a voice like a purr and a smile that melted all the girls hearts, Raul Malo mesmerized that audience from the get go, making his mark on this event. Joined by band members Paul Deakon on drums who laid down the beat and percussion for the evening, he set the stage for Eddie Perez’s rocking solos. With flying rock star hair and the best rhinestoned pants that would make any vaquero proud, Eddie’s rifts brought the house to their feet. Rounding out this dynamic group was the one only oh so very colorful Jerry Dale McFadden on keyboards. This charismatic musician won the crowd over the minute he took the stage in his dapper green suit. This band stood out as a cohesive group. No one member outshone the other, instead they each complimented and played off of each other and the crowd throughout the whole set. With an elite ensemble of brass rounding out the group, these gentlemen had that crowd on their feet dancing in no time flat.

Singing a setlist of some of the most versatile songs this evening, they had this journalist’s attention as they played a personal favorite “Harvest Moon”, a Neil Young cover that Malo made his very own. Getting into a patriotic mood for the 4th of July weekend, his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s America to Me”, demonstrated the varied influences other musicians have had on the band. As the smiles grew wider on the audience’s faces, the toes began tapping moreso, it was no time flat that the audience was eating out their hands and becoming part of the show. Feeding off this energy, and throwing in their rendition of Guantanamera by Pete Seeger and Twist and Shout made famous by the Isley Brothers, Mr. McFadden danced his way across the stage from one end to the other, inciting the crowd in a happied frenzy. Yes, it was crystal clear they were going to be a very tough act to follow on this gorgeous July evening.

As the sun set, and the fire began to fade in the sky, the mood also changed on stage as it was time for the headliner Michael McDonald to take the stage. Sharing a personal message, this humanitarian personally spoke about the state of this country, perfectly segwaying into “Freedom Highway” and “Sweet Freedom”. It was a joy to sit back and listen to this melodic voice once again.

Seeming timeless, Michael McDonald surrounded himself with an amazing ensemble with Bernie Chiaravalle on guitar/vocals, Dan Needham on drums/percussion, Mark Outhit on sax/keyboards, Pat Coil on keyboards, Jacob Lowery on bass/vocals, and Drea Rhenee’ rounding out the group on back up vocals and percussion. Whether real or Memorex, McDonald’s voice is spot on and the emotions are heartfelt as he closes his eyes and belts out his music.

As the night ended, fitting it was to have the evening end with a bang, with the fireworks display for all those who gathered on this holiday weekend to enjoy friends, community, and music at it’s best.

The Mavericks Setlist: Back In Your Arms, All Night Long/Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In, Stories, All That Heaven Will Allow, There Goes My Heart, Dance the Night Away, Harvest Moon (Neil Young cover), Only Question Is, Loving Tonight, Acoustic, The House I Live In, That’s America To Me (Frank Sinatra cover), Ride With Me, Fall Apart, Every Little Thing About You, Dance In the Moonlight, Summertime, Come Unto Me, Bring Me Down, and Guantanamera/Twist and Shout (Pete Seeger cover/the Isley Brothers cover)

Michael McDonald Setlist: Freedom Highway, Sweet Freedom, It Keeps You Runnin’ (The Doobie Brothers song), I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near), I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Marvin Gaye cover), Hurt Me, Obsession Blues, You Don’t Know Me (Eddy Arnold cover), Here to Love You (The Doobie Brothers song), Ain’t No Love, Minute by Minute (The Doobie Brothers song), This Is It (Kenny Loggins cover), What a Fool Believes (Kenny Loggins cover). Encore: On My Own (Patti LaBelle cover), Yah Mo B There (James Ingram cover), Takin’ It to the Streets (The Doobie Brothers song)

July 10, 2016
Melissa Etheridge brings sexy back at the Beacon Theatre

Singer, songwriter and activist, Melissa Etheridge, who is currently on tour with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, stopped by the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Wednesday night to strut her stuff, flash her pearly whites and remind us what sexy music sounds like.

Watching Etheridge perform her hits from the 80’s, 90’s and the 00’s is a sensual pleasure for the ears and the heart. Her still stellar raspy signature voice commanded the audience as she tore through all her hits including “I Want to Come Over”, “Pulse”, “Chrome Plated Heart”, “I’m the Only One”, “Bring Me Some Water”.

Her Grammy award winning, “Come to My Window” had everyone on their feet and reminiscing about the longing and ache we’ve all felt for another.

Her pumped up, energetic encore of “Like the Way I Do” practically blew the roof off the Beacon and left us all howling for more.

Ms. Etheridge is on tour across the states and Canada all summer long. Come October, she’ll joining the reigns of many with her own cruise, “Melissa Etheridge and Friends, Rock the Boat” sailing from Tampa to Mexico.

July 10, 2016
NYS Music Presents Thursday Nights @ Nietzsches

NYS Music Presents, Thursday Nights at Nietzsches in Buffalo.

7/7 Tyler Pearce Project, Dirty Smile, Noah Gokey

Tyler Pearce Project is a soulful pop rock band consisting of Miss Pearce and her band mates Greg Broadhurst (drums), Chris Vandenbos (Guitar), and John Cannon (Bass). Her enchanting voice and passionate performance is not one to miss.

Dirty Smile always comes prepared with honest songs and infectious energy. This rock pop soul band stands resolute in its pursuit of rock-n-roll greatness. The energy of their live performance leaps from the bandstand with grand enthusiasm. It’s difficult to ignore the vibrant, free flowing presence of Megan Brown at the microphone. Erik Eimiller, Jesse Raderman, Mike Suda, and Gus Walters form the adept band behind Brown that sounds seasoned beyond its years; dynamic and intense with a rock soul.

Noah Gokey is a Buffalo, NY based singer and songwriter who has produced over 120 songs and 9 albums while appearing on radio stations TV, and a variety of stages. Gokey’s unique sound is difficult to categorize in one genre but can be described as an eclectic mix of arsenal rock with influences from folk, blues, jazz, and reggae.

7/14 Tiny Rhymes, RADARADA, The Tins

Tiny Rhymes is an indie alt-folk chamber group from Buffalo, NY. Featuring tight vocal harmonies, richly melodic string lines, and the introspective songwriting of leader Sharon Mok. Though the group members are classically trained, they strive to be instinctive about their technical choices and arrangements

RADARADA  is Buffalo’s freshest Jazzy HipHop band. Inspired by artists such as Common and John Coltrane, RADARADA seeks to expose and exploit the similarities between jazz and hiphop in both a meaningful and creative way.

With influences ranging from Talking Heads to Tame Impala, The Tins masterfully create layered jams that USA Today claims as “brilliant pop exuberance.” From Buffalo NY, the trio has released a number of critically acclaimed records and are currently in rotation on SiriusXM Radio and have been licensed to several hit TV shows including Beverly Hills 90210 and Roadtrip Nation.

7/21 The Public Presents: The Get Money Squad, Uncle Crunchy & the Granolas, Feverbox, Jon Bap

The Get Money Squad  is a Surf Rock duo consisting of Quinton Brock & Jon Bap.

Feverbox , formed only at the beginning of this year consists of Josh Little, Nicholas Kelly and Griffin Smith who have been playing music together since high school. .Taking notes from bands like The Beatles, The Strokes, The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys and The Shins, the trio decided to start a new project with the intention of making original music that stayed true to their creative influences with a focus on vocal harmony, catchy riffs, smart lyrics and a tight live performance.

7/28 Buffalo Infringement Festival Opening Ceremonies

8pm   Brass Pro and the Waterfront Revivalist
8:30pm   beerhall philosophers
9pm   the Minions
9:30pm   The Left Hand of Darkness
10pm   The Hell’s Harlots Burlesque
10:30pm   MatKa
11pm   Bagel Jesus & Friends
11:30pm   Lazy Ass Destroyer
midnight   Intent To Sell
12:30am   Hooked on Casiophonics

July 7, 2016
Fitz & The Tantrums Dance the Night Away

American neo-soul and indie-pop band, Fitz & The Tantrums strutted into Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park on June 23 to a large crowd of 18 and under kids accompanied by parents who for the most part stayed near the back of the venue.

The Los Angeles band, fresh off the Firefly Festival in Dover the weekend before, dominated the stage from the start in support of their third and self-titled album, Fitz & the Tantrums featuring “HandClap.”

Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs delighted the energetic crowd during their 19-song set, which included the band’s classics “Out Of My League,” “Money Grabber,” “Walker” and “6 AM.” Although the band’s style has progressively changed over the past few years, there’s no denying their stage presence and dedicated fan base.

Opening the night were fellow Californians, Finish Ticket. Signed back in 2014, the band performed a surprisingly hypnotic set which even included a cover of the Killers’, “When You Were Young.”

Fitz & The Tantrums Set List:

Get Right Back
Spark
Don’t Gotta Work It Out
Out Of My League
Run It
Breaking The Walls
Breakin’ The Chains of Love
Walking Target
Complicated
Fools Gold
Roll Up
Do What You Want
Money Grabber
Tricky
Burn It Down
L.O.V.
HandClap
6AM
Walker

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June 28, 2016
Hearing Aide: Darling Valley “Crooked Orchards”

As the latest album from the newly re-imagined folk quartet, Darling Valley, falls into our laps, there is quite a bit of substance undetermined. With this double wife-husband duo, we get all the warm feelings of family and hospitality, even in the freezing climates of Upstate New York, where the four band mates first originated. From their distant years under the name Accents, this group has numerously reshaped their genre, band members and multi-instrumental capabilities to land them where they are now —releasing Crooked Orchards on June 24 through Sounds and Tones Records. The real question is, where, in their transition from Accents to Darling Valley, was their musical peak as an ensemble? To some, it may not be in this new release.

Featuring a plethora of emotional roller coasters, instruments and vocal timbres, this 11-track record was the first step in pulling together what is now Darling Valley. They made their first appearance online competing in the NPR Tiny Desk Competition, where they performed “Widows and Revolutionaries,” which eventually made its way to this album. Their other hit singles are featured on this album as well, including the adorable “Graces” and the uplifting ode to growing pains, “You’ll Go Far, Kid.”

Multi-instrumentalists TJ Foster, Ashleigh Whitfield, Lauren Foster and Jordan Stewart are testaments to a premier ensemble. Their songs are uplifting, while featuring an array of instruments, from mandolin to trumpet. They have the most warming videos, including their newest video release of “You’ll Go Far, Kid,” which was directed by an 8 year old and features the bandmates dressed as animals.

With the stories they portray through songs like “Widows and Revolutionaries,” there is no doubt that the 1,186 likes they have on Facebook are truly devoted fans. However, there is still something missing from Crooked Orchards. One theory would be its overall lack of contrast, featuring nothing new enough to bring to the table of 2016’s top charts. That being said, there is a market for folk-pop lovers on the Internet, and there is no doubt that they will eventually find Darling Valley, and that will be all the fans they need. Listening to Darling Valley will also provide three things you didn’t know you needed: tight vocal harmony, a variety of instruments and an overwhelming mix of heartbreak, encouragement and joy. And for that, we are grateful for Crooked Orchards.

Top Tracks: Graces, Widows and Revolutionaries, You’ll Go Far, Kid

June 24, 2016