Category: Rock

Hearing Aide: Sly Fox and The Hustlers “American Gypsy”

Sly Fox and The Hustlers released their new, full-length CD, American Gypsy at The Hollow in Albany on January 9th. Well known in the Capital District and beyond, they’ve found a place opening for touring Nationals around the region and doing incendiary shows, large and small, since 2010. The band consists of Sly Fox: guitar/vocals, Dylan Storm: bass/vocals and Sean Ireland on drums. Collectively they’re a three-piece blues-rock outfit, individually, they’re highly accomplished at their craft, sharing a passion for live performance. This is the domain of blues-rock, its strength lies in presence along with the music, the more difficult part is translating that to recording.

The opener and title source, “American Gypsy” skips the formality of introduction and goes straight to the point. It has a defiant, swampy feel of movement and searching that echoes Steppenwolf with its drive and instrumentation. It’s a tribute to the hit tv show “Sons of Anarchy” and the video illustrates it well. “Home By Morning” speaks to the blues leanings Sly obviously lives by. The guitar is down and dirty, the harp accentuates and the organ fills are well-placed. Then there’s the rhythm section, make no mistake, a soloist is a soloist, but blues-rock lives on the drive underneath and these cats are tight. It reminds me a bit of Foghat when they jam and just about any other 70s era outfit from their cut, like J. Geils.

“Forever Young” is a tribute to the memory of a friend shortly before his passing. It’s soulful and spiritual with a reading that moves from Hendrix to Martha Davis in its gut-wrenching emotion. It’s blues with a spiritual longing, raved-up into expression. Followed by “Smooth”, contrasting the prior with a cock-sure upbeat rock tune. The mandatory clap and response section is a pitfall of trying to studio record a live action. “Angels Can Fly” strikes on another aspect of Sly’s musical personality and voicing. It’s softer, emotive and wanting, the guitar solo is crisp and clean, the string-feel adds that heavenly lift to the lyric.

“Revolutions 2012” is a straight-up rocker spitting against the overwhelming injustices and practices of our times. It’s a rallying cry to the masses for revolution, it’s heavy on all counts and may well hold the best guitar work of this release. Sly flips another switch and turns on a Texas-Blues feel on “Let Me Down Easy”, his influences flying freely from Hendrix to S.R.V., a twist of Morrison in the vocal and the simplicity of ZZ Top in the roll. This is another road song, there are many here, but this one excels, highly.

Photo by Bryan Lasky

“My Name Is Jimmy” tries to reach into the punk attitude jar, but gets its hands slapped with over-zealous imagery. It has its moments, but is disconnected and over-stated. “Jessica’s Song” is an acoustic guitar song, strumming out a Page-like melody. It’s just slightly dissonant, short and bittersweet, leading back to his and their strength with the closer, “Heart & Soul”. It’s got all of the pieces shining brightly, the organ holds such importance and is easily under-mixed, but not here. Sly meters out his thoughts, rips a few licks and rides on the driving rhythm, reaching into his basket of tricks for the soul aspect. “Got ta, got ta, feel it!”

Sly has put together a solid release, exhibiting the many facets of his musical personality and life-experiences. It’s well done with maximum energies applied, at moments forced, but it’s damn hard to translate this style to the studio. Get out and catch these cats live, there’s plenty of evidence here that they’ll rip it up. Check them out on their website and on Facebook for news and upcoming tour dates.

Key tracks: American Gypsy, Home By Morning, Smooth

January 21, 2016
Radiohead Returns With 2016 Summer Dates

Radiohead won’t leave some fans high and dry summer 2016.

The English alt-rock band has officially booked headlining slots for three European festivals — OpenAir S. Gallen (Switzerland), Primavera Sound Music Festival (Spain) and NOS Alive Festival (Portugal) — and is rumored to be playing three North American festivals, including Lollapalooza (Chicago), Outside Lands (San Francisco) and Osheaga Music Festival (Montreal), according to Consequence of Sound. More dates are speculated to be released after the band debuts their much-anticipated ninth studio album.

In October, the band quietly established the company Dawn Chorus LLP, fueling rumors that a new LP was on its way, as it’s been typical Radiohead fashion in the past to uniquely distribute their work. Let’s not forget when the band let the public pay what they wanted for 2007’s In Rainbows and incorporated Xurbia Xendless Limited beforehand, or when they set up Ticker Tape Limited before releasing The King of Limbs in 2011.

Most recently, Radiohead recorded a song for the latest James Bond film, Spectre; however, the band noted on their website that “it didn’t work out” and instead shared it as a free download on Soundcloud (hear below) because the tune “became something of our own, which we love very much.”

Radiohead, consisting of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien and Phil Selway, has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide since coming onto the scene with their debut single “Creep” in 1992 and is always ranked high by Rolling Stone and others as one of the greatest artists of all time.

This marks the band’s first live performances since 2012, when the five-man group toured in support of The King of Limbs. Radiohead will share the bill with other headlining acts Mumford and Sons, the Chemical Brothers, the Pixies, Tame Impala and LCD Soundsystem, while abroad this June and July. Most of the festival tickets are available for purchase now; stay tuned for more updates on Radiohead’s next album drop date.

January 21, 2016
Snapcase Announces Show in Buffalo to Celebrate 25 Years

For those who grew up within hardcore, punk and related circles throughout the ’90s, it’s time to dive head-first into nostalgia once again. This week, Snapcase announced a 25-year-anniversary show in their hometown of Buffalo. The preeminent hardcore punk masters are back just like that and their social media has been spun into a worldwide frenzy.

With posting nothing more than a link to buy tickets, Snapcase made the announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and the hype took off from there. In less than 24 hours, the post has been liked more than 1,000 times, shared more than 200 times, and is nearing 100 comments. Not bad for a band who is technically retired. For anyone that follows the band, though, their ’04-05 breakup wasn’t the end, with reunion shows happening here and there, most recently last summer in Philadelphia at the 10th annual This Is Hardcore Festival.

While the band never really blew up in the same way some of their peers did, their influence carries a wide breadth and they’re even mentioned by the likes of bands as big as the Deftones. If you were lucky enough to catch them in their heyday, you would understand why their name and music got around. Snapcase relentlessly toured with bands from all different styles of music and never shied away from jumping on a bill or tour with a band doing something different from their own sound. They inspired punks, hardcore kids, and even some metal fans who couldn’t ignore their crushing melodic riffs, inspiring lyrics, and raucous live shows.

The announced reunion takes place at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom and will be held on Friday, Feb. 26. Judging by the social media hype that already surrounds this one-off appearance, there will be fans from near and far as road trips are already being discussed. Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 22. The show will feature two other great hardcore acts of yesteryear in Louisville, Kentucky’s Endpoint and Burlington, Ontario’s Grade as openers. Don’t wait to get your tickets, as there is never a promise of another return and this will most certainly sell out!

Here’s their full set from last summer’s This Is Hardcore Festival:

January 20, 2016
Hearing Aide: My Plastic Sun “jumping karma trains”

You know 2016 is starting out fine when word of a new My Plastic Sun EP emerges. jumping karma trains includes five songs, one re-do, a former single and three new songs, it’s their third EP. If you’re unfamiliar with My Plastic Sun, the Rochester duo consists of Johnny Cummings – lead vocals, piano, various keyboards, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitars, and Roy Stein – drums, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals and studio engineering. This project spends most of its time in the studio, they excel there, each with deep writing, musicianship and live performance creds. They work under the radar, but their products continue to be way above expectations, which are extraordinarily high.

The timing of the news from My Plastic Sun couldn’t have happened at a better time, the morning of January 11th, the morning the music world was shaken by the loss of David Bowie. There are few things that could’ve brightened that day, but there it was, an e-mail from Roy Stein, sent the night before. I could see the excitement in his eyes and hear the enthusiasm in his voice, “It was great to press the send button and get it out to you.” Stein continued, “We wanted to make a gentler EP with a bit of a spiritual journey kinda undercurrent to it. Not sure how that will play out but we made the record we wanted.” Ultimately, it’s what they always do, make the record they want, it’s been a solid benchmark for them for years.

“Wheels Turn Slow” is an introspective opener. It begins the story with a longing refrain, a look back, a look forward, reflecting on the progress of change and enlightenment. Brilliantly built-up from a acoustic track, the Sam Snyder floating electric guitar feels wanting, the soft march speaks to determination, the vocal toward mistake, deceit and re-invention, the difficulties of momentum.

“Falling Awake” will be familiar to long-time fans. Stein said, “We redid “Falling Awake” in a new way we felt captured the essence of the song better.” “Falling Awake,” the source of the EP’s title, has it’s origins founded in Sgt. Pepper’s with Lauren Becker’s subtle french horn, but this remake is all Pet Sounds. The light orchestration from the keys and choral backing harmonies ring true to the concept of “gentler EP” and the singer/songwriter basis shines through clearly. “In The Moment” has a bit of Philly Soul like Hall and Oates, but Cummings’ play with words keeps hinting at something more spiritual. Something bigger, more true, just slightly out of reach, from hand and heart. It’s hymnal, it’s beautiful. It’s love.

Cummings voice has a distinct feel of Chris Martin and the production plays right into it on “Somethings Coming Over Me.” It reveals itself as he goes to falsetto and retains the strength of his full voice. The hoped-for undercurrent is on full display here, the piano, the choral backing vocals, the broad mix, the “Tears For Fears” opening and rhythm. A tall standard to accomplish indeed. John Viviani’s guitar track is perfectly placed and Bree Draper’s vocal speaks to spirituality, strongly.

“Couldn’t Love You More” wasn’t on any EP and we thought it fit well on this so it was in.”, Stein says. “Couldn’t Love You More” is as sweet as pop can be, Johnny’s light vocal reading and ukulele lilting with the emotions expressed then enhanced with the acoustic bass by Kyle Vock. This is well visualized by Stein’s multi-talented wife, April Laragy Stein and John Runkel in the video previously released with the single. (see below) This song is Revolver quality, the addition of accordion (April Laragy Stein), acoustic guitar and reversed electric are deftly applied with Snyder’s assistance.

jumping karma trains was produced by My Plastic Sun, recorded and mixed by Roy Stein and mastered by Brad Blackwood. EP artwork by April Laragy Stein. While this band has seen a few bright lights, they haven’t been nearly as bright as they deserve. They consistently deliver music that is way above their current recognition and if someone in the know actually listened, there is so much more ground for them to cover. My Plastic Sun continues to be among the clearest voices expressing true pop art music anywhere. Get on the train and learn more about the band on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify and Youtube.

Key Tracks: Couldn’t Love You More, Falling Awake, In The Moment, Somethings Coming Over Me, Wheels Turn Slow

January 19, 2016
Glenn Frey, Founding Member of Eagles, Dies at 67

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York City on Monday, January 18, 2016.” A simple statement from a complex band; the announcement was made on the Eagles’ website late Monday. Frey was 67.

In recent weeks, Frey had been battling rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, conditions that also led to the postponement of a tribute at Kennedy Center last month. His family included a message to fans in the message on the band’s website:

The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery.

Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide.

Frey was born in Detroit in 1948. By age 19, he was under the tutelage of Bob Seger and contributed backing vocals and acoustic guitar to Seger’s hit, “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” in 1969.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, Frey crossed paths with future collaborators J.D. Souther, Don Henley, Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon, with the latter three going on to become members of Linda Ronstadt’s 1971 backing band.

Following the Ronstadt tour, the four went on to form the Eagles and the rest is history. The Eagles went on to become one of the biggest selling artists of all time behind such Frey-penned hits as “Take it Easy,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Heartache Tonight” and “Already Gone.” Frey and Henley shared much of the songwriting and vocal duties on their biggest hits.

The Eagles broke up in 1980 after Don Felder and Frey nearly came to blows following a concert in Long Beach. Many members went on to successful solo careers with Frey scoring two number one hits in the 80s with “The Heat is On” from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack and “You Belong to the City” from the television show, Miami Vice. Frey also took a turn at acting during this period. Among his most prominent roles was in Miami Vice in an episode based upon his song “Smuggler’s Blues.”

A fourteen year band hiatus ended when it embarked upon its Hell Freezes Over album and tour in 1994. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. An album entitled The Long Road Out of Eden was released in 2007 and the band toured through the millennium.

Despite periods of animosity between them, Don Henley considered Frey a brother. Henley issued the following heartfelt statement regarding the death of his long-time friend:

“He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved. We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry — and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved is wife and kids more than anything. We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year ‘History of the Eagles Tour’ to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I’m not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some.”

http://youtu.be/aRMlHRo7eAE

January 19, 2016
John Mayer Confirms Trio Back in Studio

Last week, John Mayer made news when he confirmed his self-titled blues-rock trio would be reuniting.

As reported on Jambands.com, the singer-songwriter casually posted the picture below on Instagram with bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan, captioned “In the studio, day one.”

Mayer most recently wrapped a tour with Dead and Company, and although official dates have not been confirmed, the promise of future collaborations with the remaining Grateful Dead members was leaked by Dead guitarist Bob Weir in a Periscope interview.

The John Mayer Trio released their last album, Try!, in 2005, and made their last televised performance together on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” in 2014. The album was nominated for a Grammy, and included “Vultures” and “Gravity” from his then-forthcoming album Continuum. JMT has not announced an official album release day or tour dates.

The “Your Body is a Wonderland” crooner was recently spoofed in a Star Wars audition skit on “Saturday Night Live” with other celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal and Wynonna Judd screen testing for roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And this year marks the 10th anniversary of his Grammy-winning pop tune “Waiting on the World to Change.”

In a video captured last July, Mayer self-described the sound of his possible next album as a mix of his records and explained why he is taking his time with it:

If you have an album that really saturates, then you can have it out for a long time. One of the ways to find out if a song has legs is you have to write it, then step away from it.”

Stay tuned for news of the album’s drop date.

January 18, 2016
David Bowie Remembered: 25 Covers that Celebrate the Iconic Originals

David Bowie is arguably one of the most influential artists of multiple generations. He infused his music with fantasy and fashion to create a style all his own—and that style was always changing. His legacy was felt years before his passing, and his influence spans genres, generations and location, including several artists deep-rooted in New York State.

David Bowie performs during a concert celebrating his 50th birthday, on Jan. 9, 1997, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

NYS Music takes a moment to not only honor the iconic musician, but to also revisit artists who have paid tribute to David Bowie with these covers.

Umphrey’s McGee with STS9 – “Let’s Dance”

During their encore from Northerly Island in Chicago on Aug. 17, 2013, Umphrey’s McGee invited STS9 on stage for this knock out rendition of Bowie’s most successful hit to date:

Beck – “Sound and Vision”

With a little help from his father, legendary arranger David Campbell, folk artist Beck went big on this 1977 Bowie tune. The evening was sponsored by Lincoln Motor Company and was part of their “Hello, Again” campaign, which used Beck’s version of “Sound and Vision” for its campaign theme song:

Starset – “Space Oddity”

Alternative rockers Starset showed up big in December 2014 at WQLZ’s aQustic Christmas Jam. The Columbus, OH, natives turned out a stunning rendition of Bowie’s “Space Oddity”:

moe. – “Ziggy Stardust”

What could be better than Halloween and Star Wars? Halloween, Star Wars and Bowie! Jam rockers moe. treated the crowd at their 2015 Halloween show to a little Bowie. Makes you wonder what a Bowie song sung by C-3PO would really sound like:

Aqueous – “Fame”

Buffalo groove rockers Aqueous cover highly produced, multi-layered tracks with amazing accuracy. In this rendition of “Fame” at the 2014 Gathering at Chaffee’s, they surprise the crowd as they flow into the classic Bowie tune. They hit the mark at about three minutes, but enjoy the jam before they get there. You won’t be disappointed:

The Cure – “Young Americans”

The Cure carry their own legacy in the world of rock, but the Bowie influence is deep with these fellow Brits. They contributed their version of Bowie’s song “Young Americans” for a 1993 compilation for London’s 104.9XFM. The song later reappeared on their 2004 release Join the Dots: B-Sides & Rarities 1978-2001:

Placebo – “Five Years”

Slightly known fact: David Bowie was a big fan of alternative rock band Placebo; he even performed with them on several occasions. In this clip, Brian Molko of Placebo quickens the pace on this acoustic version of “Five Years” to create a slightly altered but beautiful version of the Bowie tune from The Fall and Rise of Ziggy Stardust and the Spider from Mars:

Def Leppard – “Ziggy Stardust”

Def Leppard turned up for an acoustic set in a Sheffield England pub back in 1996. They encored with an incredible version of “Ziggy Stardust”:

Dr. Dre – “Fame”

Bowie’s influence isn’t limited to genres: famed producer and headphone guru Dr. Dre put his own twist on a Bowie tune. This version was featured on the 1996 album Dr. Dre Presents: The Aftermath and features Jheryl Lockhart, King Tee and RC along with Dr. Dre and Chris “The Glove” Taylor. Youtuber Mychael Helmz edited some fashion video footage and credited a piece good enough to have been the song’s official video:

Natalie Merchant – “Space Oddity”

The former lead singer for the 10,000 Maniacs enjoyed a solo career she probably never dreamed of growing up in the small town of Jamestown, NY. Her unique vocal style adds drama to this haunting rendition of Bowie’s “Space Oddity” during a performance on June 12, 1999:

Lucero -“Modern Love”

Hailing from Memphis, TN, Lucero is a five-piece band that mixes punk rock and country, creating a sound that is distinctly all their own. They showed up to the AV Club and banged out their own version of this Bowie pop classic with the addition of a saxophone solo:

James – “China Girl”

A lot of artists show up to their BBC Sessions with covers in hand. Manchester, England, natives James were no different; they rocked out their version of one of the three top 10 singles from Bowie’s 1983 album Let’s Dance:

Nirvana – “The Man that Sold the World”

Nirvana brought new life to this song during their 1993 performance on MTV Unplugged. They also exposed Bowie’s music to a host of new listeners. The song would garner major market radio play, as well as be featured on both the released album and video of the performance:

Foo Fighters – “Under Pressure”

When the Foo Fighters showed up in Mendig, Germany, during June 2015 to play the “Rock am Ring,” they played a set list infused with music they felt was the most influential to their journey as musicians. On the list was this David Bowie/Queen collaboration:

Smashing Pumpkins “Space Oddity”

Smashing Pumpkin’s frontman Billy Corgan says in this video for San Diego’s ROCK 105.3 that he appreciates the song more as an artist covering it, than he ever did as a fan listening to it. The Pumpkins put their own brand of alt-rock styling on this version recorded on June 19, 2012:

Fall Out Boy – “Life on Mars?”

FOB guitarist and singer Patrick Stump cites Bowie as his favorite musician of all time. In April 2013, he sat down to record an acoustic session for BBC One. He shows off his vocal range and passion for his idol in this lovely version of “Life on Mars?”:

Warpaint – “Ashes to Ashes”

Los Angeles-based indie-rock band Warpaint has been known for their dream-pop sound since they formed in 2004. The all-female quartet set a mellow groove at the BBC Music Tepee in 2014 with their ethereal version of this Bowie classic:

Atrocity – “Let’s Dance”

German metal band Atrocity brings a whole different level to Bowie’s No. 1 hit, and the song was featured as part of the Hard Rock Covers album series:

Duran Duran – “Fame”

British ’80s pop icons Duran Duran followed Bowie’s model of fashion, reinvention and style better than almost anyone. Bassist John Taylor has even cited Ziggy Stardust as the “perfect album.” Their version of “Fame” was a beloved B-side before landing on their 2003 box set Singles 1981-1985:

Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts – “The Jean Genie”

Scott Weiland was never quiet about his fanboy obsession with Bowie. Shortly before Weiland’s death, he and the Wildabouts stopped at the Strombo Show where they did an acoustic performance of “The Jean Genie”:

Second Child – “Young Americans”

The future folk band based out of NYC and Philly, Second Child does a mixture of electric and acoustic jams. This version of “Young Americans” is so groovy that even some neighborhood kids get in on the dancing action:

Commander Chris Hadfield – “Space Oddity”

In May of 2013, Canadian astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield made musical history when he made this video on the International Space Station, making it the first video ever created in space. The video is nearing 30 million views on YouTube:

The Get Up Kids – “Suffragette City”

The Get Up Kids were major players in the ’90s emo-rock scene. They paid tribute to Bowie with a fairly non-emo version of Bowie’s “Suffragette City”:

Phish – “Life on Mars?”

Shortly after debuting their version of “Life on Mars?” in 1995, Phish would later play the song at the Clifford Ball. The seven-disc box set celebrating the festival was more than a decade old in March of 2009:

Seu Jorge – “Rebel Rebel”

Brazilian musician Seu Jorge’s Bowie covers came to prominence when they were featured on the soundtrack to Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Jorge translated the Bowie tunes into Portuguese. His version of “Rebel Rebel” from Diamond Dogs sounds romantic and whimsical in Jorge’s hands:

January 15, 2016
Local Talents Unite to Fund the Bern at the Palace Theater

A cavalcade of vehicles armed with Bernie Sanders political stickers barricaded the streets surrounding the Palace Theater in Syracuse on Friday, January 8. Bernie supporters flocked to the 1920’s era theater for a diverse assortment of musicians who volunteered their time and talents to bring awareness to Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign and to Fund the Bern. Presented by Funk ‘N Waffles, the event was initially slated to be held at the downtown location before widespread interest garnered the need for a larger event space. With a more suitable venue in place, Sophistafunk, Joe Driscoll, Root SHOCK, The Fat Peace, Subsoil, Charley Orlando and Castle Creek were among the large assembly of local talent who performed for the roughly 700 attendees who coalesced at the Eastwood locale.

With the iconic fluorescent sign beckoning onlookers from the James Street sidewalk, spectators filtered through glass doors and down a carpeted entryway. A gaggle of smiley volunteers donning outfits littered with political pins greeted passersby asking them to sign the petition to get Bernie on the ballot in NY state. Just beyond the congregation of friendly volunteers, the corridor opened into a lobby bustling with jubilant activity as guests happily sipped on adult beverages and talked politics.

The theater room seats were amply filled with Bernie devotees as Chris Merkley sweetly grazed a slide guitar, serenaded the attentive audience from a dimly lit stage, soft spotlight outlining his seated figure. Merkley exuded a city-meets-country vibe sporting a hip purple beanie and dishing out a satiating serving of country blues. By the end of his set, a few brave souls had ventured to the open space between seating and stage, dance moves demonstrating their satisfaction.

Castle Creek, named one of New York State Music’s “Bands on the Rise” filled the theater with blues-infused fire, drum beats furnished by Sophistafunk’s Emanuel Washington. Kim Monroe asserted robust lead vocals, piping through a petite frame as she strummed away at her electric guitar, while Chris Eves (guitar/vocals) tactfully interjected attention-grabbing guitar work. Among the sparse dancers at the family friendly event, a young woman clothed in fashionable Sunday school attire merrily spun in circles, jostling a preschooler in her arms who giggled in delight.

Charley Orlando, a familiar face to frequenters of Funk ‘N Waffles Downtown, wielded harmonica and guitar, inviting a number of musical guests including Merkley and Eves to play alongside. Orlando’s song choices seemed to consciously reflect the themes of the event with lines like, “I try to listen more than speak,” which could reflect Sanders’ more diplomatic demeanor in contrast to Republican candidate Donald Trump’s “carnival barker” disposition.

As Rochester-based Subsoil began their set later in the evening, the bohemian hip-hop group featuring Mooney Faugh and Laz Green on the mic invigorated the room with dancing and excitement as theater goers abandoned their seats, forming a mob at the foot of the stage. Trailing their performance, environmental activist Renee Vogelsang briefly brought attention to current environmental struggles, championing Sanders’ support of many of these efforts. Reggae collective The Fat Peace followed, infusing some funk into the ongoing dance party, keeping the crowd on its toes when the drummer mysteriously disappeared. The remaining band members resigned to gawking awkwardly at the abandoned drum kit and speculating the drummer’s whereabouts until his much anticipated return. Directly after their set, the projection screen behind the stage displayed a video of Bernie Sanders addressing a Muslim student’s concerns regarding racism in America. The room filled with cheering and applause as the video ended, before reggae group Root SHOCK immediately took the stage, sustaining the audience’s animation and radiating energy with a snappy, high-powered performance. Jessica Brown seared ear drums with a spicy heat that seduced a crowd, amorously applauding her howling mid-song vocals. Joe Driscoll followed, revving up the crowd with catchy beats and praises for Sanders.

Sophistafunk rounded out the musical marathon with an overall well-polished performance despite a few brief moments of disorienting beats and the unsettling sound of popping cables. Crowd undeterred, dancing raged on until nearly 1 a.m. as performers from earlier in the night including Joe Driscoll and members of Castle Creek joined Sophistafunk to bid the crowd farewell.

January 14, 2016
Hearing Aide: Last Conspirators ‘Hold That Thought Forever’

The Last Conspirators just released fourth album Hold That Thought Forever moves the band into new territory. While past releases’ lyrics have dealt with politics and the feelings towards how things have been moving along in the country, this album showcases a more personal side of the band. To go along with the lyric change, the music has also been toned down at times from the punk rock aesthetic known by their fans. The changes are welcomed and it is great to hear the band try something different and succeed in Hold That Thought Forever.

“Addiction” is one of the darkest songs on the record and the funk bass line that it follows goes right along with the subject material, taking the listener into the depths of what addiction can be. “1302” is the first track on the album to have the band start to rock behind Tim Livingston’s lyrics and constantly builds until the end when a fury of music takes over the proceedings and joins the voice in bringing the song to a fiery end.

“Two Days in May” is one of the tracks on the album that finds The Last Conspirators trying something new. The chorus almost comes out of an early Bruce Springsteen song when you could hear him and Steven Van Zandt harmonize with one another. The fact that The Last Conspirators have gone for a more eclectic sound on this record shows how many bands truly influence them as a unit and brings the history of music to the fore front as they continue to push on wish new tunes.

The song “Tracks” bring the punk attitude back, with Tim spitting the lyrics and Nick Bisanz laying down some dirty grungy guitar licks that would fit right in on an old Patti Smith record. “Alright” is great rocker with Mike Grundy and Al Kash constantly moving the song along with their fantastic bass and drum playing on what is sure to a great song to see live.

While most of the record isn’t political, “Truth and a Gun” hits the mark perfectly, especially with how crazy gun violence is gotten in the past year. The song easily makes clear which side of the argument the band is on and ends in a blaze of guitar work by Bisanz. Being a local Albany band, they may not get out of the state to play, but if you’re close enough they definitely are worth checking out. In the live setting their songs get you moving and thinking and this record does the same. Hopefully the band can keep the creative juices flowing and give us another collection of music soon.

Key Tracks: Addiciton, Tracks, Truth and a Gun

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS3pMUJk2Ow[/embedyt]

January 12, 2016
Syracuse ‘Fund the Bern’ Concert Raises $16,000

On Jan. 8, more than 700 people packed the Palace Theatre in Syracuse to “Fund the Bern.” Local music venue Funk ‘N Waffles hosted the benefit concert to support presidential candidate Bernie Sanders—and it made more than $16,000 in one night.

Photo by Carol Thoryk O’Leary

Syracuse musicians Joe Driscoll and Charley Orlando organized the grassroots event to raise awareness about Sanders’ platform and registering to vote

The Friday night show featured guest speakers and musicians from the Syracuse and Central New York community like Colleen Kattau, Jane Zell, Irv Lyons Jr., Grupo Pagan, Dave Risen, Root SHOCK, the Fat Peace, Subsoil, Castle Creek, Mage IX, Chris Merkley and Sophistafunk. Popular Syracuse food trucks PB&J’s Lunch Box, LLC and The Chicken Bandit were on hand to provide food.

On the event’s Facebook page, Driscoll shared a lengthy thank you letter, recounting the evening’s success:

“There are win-win situations, and then there’s whatever last night was—win-win times twelve, such good vibes, so many great performances, great food and tons of new volunteers recruited for the [Bernie] Sanders’ campaign… We raised awareness, we raised massive funds, we raised the roof and we raised some spirits. Most importantly, the sense of community in the room was so strong; it blew me away. And I haven’t danced and smiled that much in a while.”

Driscoll also reported that the volunteer group is planning to hold another concert at the historic Palace on James Street in Syracuse in April to continue raising funds for Sanders’ campaign, and he encouraged interested people to stay tuned via Facebook.

Photo by Dave Frisina

Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern Bern

January 12, 2016