An exclusive to NYS Music, Space Carnival has released the video for “Moon Boots.” Filmed by Front Row Dave at Damn Sam’s Harvest Festival in Laurens, NY on October 8, 2016 and edited by Shane O’Sullivan, the song debuted as a single off the group’s recent debut album Drawn in By the Sun.
Category: Oneonta
-
Ladies Sing the Blues: The 24th Annual Chenango Blues Festival
In 1956, Billie Holiday wrote her autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues. Sixty years later, Holiday would be pleased to know that ladies still sing the blues most impressively, as four female band leaders wowed the crowd at the 24th Annual Chenango Blues Festival, held August 19-20 in Norwich, New York. Davina Sowers of Davina and the Vagabonds, singer/saxophonist Vanessa Collier, sisters Tierinii and Tikyra Jackson of Southern Avenue, and Carolyn Wonderland all displayed powerful vocals and musicianship, as well as overwhelming stage presence that was met by thunderous applause from more than five thousand fans in attendance over two days.
Festival attendees enjoyed perfect weather in a comfortable outdoor setting, and were treated to a variety of roots and blues music styles from more than a half dozen other outstanding acts, leading up to the headliner, New Orleans’ Anders Osborne.The festival began Friday evening, with the traditional free performances on the tent stage. The crowd grew quickly, with hundreds of fans setting up chairs and pop up tents on the lawn for the following day, as Central New York’s Funky Blu Roots played the fest’s first notes. Fronted by the husband and wife team of guitarist Mikal Serafim and bass player Nancy Giannone, the group included Tom Townsley on harmonica and vocals, drummer Phil Leone, and special guest George Rossi on keyboards. Serafim and Townsley traded lead vocals, backed by Rossi, on primarily original material of blues, light rock, and up-tempo numbers.
Flying in from London the night before the show, exuberant Englishman Laurence Jones next took the stage for his first performance in the United States with his own band. Just twenty-four years old, Jones led his power trio, including bassist Roger Inniss and drummer Phil Wilson, through a high energy seventy-five minute set, featuring his brand new Ruf Records release, Take Me High, produced by the legendary Mike Vernon. Yet again, the Chenango Blues Festival secures its reputation for presenting the very best emerging artists for their Central New York debuts.
Returning to the Chenango Blues Festival was Friday’s featured act, Davina and the Vagabonds. The group was a smash hit on the main stage in 2012. Due to return last year for Norwich’s Thursday Summer Music Series, that performance was canceled after the band was involved in a tragic accident on the day of the show. A man named John lost his life in that incident, and an emotional Davina Sowers dedicated her set Friday night to his memory. Piano, stand-up bass, trombone, trumpet, drums and four vocalists combine for rollicking, barrel house piano songs, a show-stopping cover of “I’d Rather Go Blind,” and her own crowd favorite tunes, including “Pocket,” “Start Running,” and “LipsticknChrome,” all from her release Black Cloud.
Following the tent stage show Friday evening, fans were treated to a jaw-dropping preview performance by Saturday’s opening act, Noah Wotherspoon, at a small local tavern.At high noon on the main stage, Noah Wotherspoon, the 2015 International Blues Challenge Best Guitarist winner, led his trio through a set that included “Going to Mississippi” from his debut release Mystic Mud, and a handful of cover tunes. The diminutive Wotherspoon, who appears to be much younger than thirty-four, proved that a small band and a small guitarist sure can make a mighty big sound. In addition to gaining new followers, Wotherspoon and bandmates Rob Thaxton (bass) and Brian Aylor (drums) were unabashed fans of the other musicians, chatting up old friends and making new ones. Thaxton commented that he couldn’t believe all the talent he got to hear, and Wotherspoon had a smile a mile wide while talking to Carolyn Wonderland following her set.
Acts alternated between the main stage and the tent stage throughout Saturday’s schedule, and first up under the big top was Berklee College of Music trained singer/saxophonist Vanessa Collier. She started off with a funky tune that easily won the crowd over, and toward the end of the set, had one of the festival’s highlights, a walk through the crowd during an extended rendition of Joe Zawinul’s “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” made famous by his bandleader, Cannonball Adderley. Collier made a point of making eye contact with members of the audience, a very effective technique to keep fans engaged. It is up-and-coming debut acts like Collier, Jones, and the next act, Southern Avenue, that made the 24th Annual Chenango Blues Festival so special to its fans. Collier’s sax, vocals, and award-winning songwriting can be heard on heart soul & saxophone.
Immediately following Collier’s set, Southern Avenue took to the main stage. Sisters Tierinii (vocals) and Tikyra Jackson (drums, backing vocals) along with Ori Naftaly (guitar) and Daniel McKee (bass) showed tremendous versatility playing blues, gospel, soul, funk, and more. Tierinii Jackson is a compelling vocalist, as showcased on a slinky tempo-changing cover of Prince’s “Kiss,” and accompanying McKee’s infectious bass on Bill Withers’ “Use Me.” The band spent time last month recording at the Zebra Ranch in Independence, Missouri, in anticipation of their debut release in 2017 on the prestigious Stax Records label.
Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons presented a unique glimpse of much older musical songs and styles, as the duo explained the origin of many of the songs, performed with combinations of guitars, banjo, fiddle, and harmonica, performed with a vintage microphone. Under the tent, the IBC award winners made listeners feel as though they were transported back to the early twentieth century.Curtis Salgado is a favorite vocalist of many blues/soul aficionados, and his voice paired wonderfully with the Hammond B3 organ handled masterfully by his keyboard player. The 2013 Blues Music Award Entertainer of the Year, singing to his ex in the time-honored blues theme of love gone wrong, explained “I learned more about the blues in two weeks with you than twenty years of B. B. King.” His latest recording, The Beautiful Lowdown featuring “Walk a Mile in My Blues,” is available from Alligator Records.
Duke Robillard played a stripped down set of semi-acoustic material, accompanied by Bruce Bears on keyboard, and Brad Hallen on stand-up bass, in support of his 2016 Blues Music Award winning album, The Acoustic Blues and Roots of Duke Robillard. He will release Blues Full Circle, with special guests Jimmy Vaughan, Sugar Ray Norcia, and Kelley Hunt in September 2016.
Canned Heat hit the main stage and got the crowd boogieing to the familiar strains of “Goin’ Up the Country.” Original members Fito de la Parra (drums) and Larry “The Mole” Taylor (bass, guitar) were joined by John Paulus (guitar, vocals, bass) and Dale Spalding (vocals, harmonica, guitar.) The band is touring in celebration of their fiftieth anniversary, and concluded with an extended version of their hit “Let’s Work Together.”
Although she has played several times throughout New York State, Carolyn Wonderland’s first appearance at Chenango was eagerly anticipated, and she delivered a dynamic set to a raucous, sweaty, appreciative crowd. Backed by Bobby Perkins on bass and Kevin Lance on drums, Wonderland blew the roof off the tent early in her set with “Judgement Day Blues.” She was demonstrably thrilled to have guitarist Eric McFadden from Anders Osborne’s band (who sported a pink daisy shaped small scale guitar) join her for a couple of tunes, including “Two Trains.” The Austin, Texas based Wonderland paid tribute to her home state’s Freddie King, concluding her evening’s show with an incendiary version of his “Palace of the King.” I will go, and I have gone, a long, long way to hear this woman play guitar and sing. You should too.
Anders Osborne stalks the stage like a party looking for a place to happen. Expressive, energetic, and engaging, it’s hard not to feel good when Osborne and his top notch band start making noise. Carl Dufrene on bass and vocals, Eric McFadden on guitar, and Tony Leone on drums are all renowned musicians with impressive resumes. Highlights of Osborne’s set included “Different Drum,” “Flowerbox,” “Fools Gold,” “Mind of a Junkie,” “Higher Ground,” “Lafayette,” “Back To Mississippi,” and “Louisiana Gold.”
Two days, twelve acts, thousands of fans, a small army of critically important volunteers, and tremendous community support add up to twenty-four years of “Keeping the Blues Alive.” Congratulations to the 24th Annual Chenango Blues Festival for another unsurpassed success! I can’t wait ‘til next year.
-
Exclusive: Space Carnival Debuts “Moon Boots” Video
Space Carnival, who are releasing their debut album Drawn In By The Sun later this year, have released the video for “Moon Boots,” a highly groovy upbeat number that was filmed at The Haunt in Ithaca, NY during their opening slot for Twiddle in April.
Drawn In By The Sun has 8 tracks that cover the melting pot of the genres that influence this young group, which will shine on the studio album for a band that has until now been best appreciated live for their improvisation. The album is the result of a successful IndieGoGo campaign this past fall.
The video was shot by Shane Sullivan, who has also been a featured vocalist on live covers since the band’s inception. Space Carnival is Cameron Fitch (keyboards/vocals), Jeremy Kraus (guitar/vocals), Chris Meier (bass/vocals), and Nick Tassinari (drums).
-
Experience ‘The Last Waltz Live’ with Rev Tour Band and Friends in Oneonta
The Oneonta Theatre is fortunate to be the next stop on the Rev Tour Band’s northeast tour performing “The Last Waltz Live,” a re-creation of The Band’s concert film. On May 21, join fellow fans of The Band for an evening that has lived on in our memories for so long, and — thanks to bands like Rev Tour Band — will continue to do so for decades to come.
The Rev Tour Band, founded by frontman Tor Krautter in 1996, has been extensively touring the East Coast since its inception, but more recently, they have come to focus on delivering audiences a live rendition of The Band’s The Last Waltz, a movie that recorded a special moment in rock history, as the iconic group’s final concert. During the concert, which was filmed by Martin Scorsese at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, numerous special guests joined The Band on stage, including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Eric Clapton, to name just a few. On Rev Tour Band’s “The Last Waltz Live” tour, the roles of these special musical guests are performed by musicians from the local scene, making each show a unique experience as the band travels from city to city. During Rev Tour’s stop in our neck of the woods this weekend, guest performers will include none other than the legendary Darcy Gibson, Ned Brower, Steve Dillon, Randy Miratello and John Scarpulla, among many other equally as legendary local characters.
On top of the magical night of music you will surely be treated to, you will at the same time be supporting a good cause: the St. James Food Pantry. This worthy organization, through its “The Lord’s Table” program, offers a free hot meal every weeknight for those in need. All concert attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation of any size (specific needs at the moment include peanut butter, juice, crackers and rice).
For those looking to reminisce and re-live an incredible moment in rock history, come on out to the Oneonta Theatre this Saturday night. The show will start at 8 p.m., but doors will open at 7 p.m., so be sure to get there early to grab yourself a drink and settle into a good spot for what’s sure to be a fun musical adventure.
-
Tony Markellis Spring Schedule
Bassist Tony Markellis keeps himself quite busy this spring when he is not touring with the Trey Anastasio Band. He is scheduled to play a number of shows throughout New York and nearby this spring.
Markellis, of Saratoga Springs, recently joined Floodwood, the bluegrass side project of moe.’s Vinnie Amico. He’ll join them at many shows throughout New York, starting this week. He also plays with a variety of other musicians in the area and can be seen throughout New York, primarily in the Capital Region.He joins Grateful Dead tribute band Dead Set on May 20 at the Westcott in Syracuse. He will also be at Summer Camp Music Festival with Floodwood. His full set of dates can be seen below.
Tony Markellis spring dates:
Thursday 4/28 – Floodwood – Nectar’s, Burlington, VT
Friday 4/29 – Floodwood – The Hollow, Albany, NY
Saturday 4/30 – Floodwood – Garcia’s, Port Chester, NY
Sunday 5/1 – Caffè Lena Folkathon Benefit with Jo Henley (3:30 p.m.), Michael Jerling (7:45 p.m.), New Standard (8:30 p.m.) – Saratoga Springs, NY
Thursday 5/12 – Floodwood – NaNola, Malta, NY (9 p.m.)
Friday 5/13 – Melick, Maul & Markellis – First Reformed Church, Selkirk, NY
Saturday 5/14 – Jeanne O’Connor and the New Standard – One Caroline, Saratoga Springs, NY (9 p.m.)
Wednesday 5/18 – Michael Jerling – Mouzon House, Saratoga Springs, NY (7 p.m.)
Thursday 5/19 – Floodwood – Abilene, Rochester, NY (9 p.m.)
Friday 5/20 – Dead Set – Westcott, Syracuse, NY
Saturday 5/21 – Jay Barady & Nick Piccinnini – Oneonta Theater, Oneonta, NY
Wednesday 5/25 – Jo Henley Trio – Mouzon House, Saratoga Springs, NY (7 p.m.)
Thurs-Sun 5/26-29 – Floodwood – Summer Camp Festival, Chillicothe, IL
Wednesday 6/1 – Jeanne O’Connor Trio – Mouzon House, Saratoga Springs, NY (7 p.m.)
Thursday 6/2 – Floodwood – Outer Space, Hamden, CT
Friday 6/3 –Floodwood – Smoke Signals, Lake Placid, NY
Saturday 6/4 – Floodwood – Taste of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY (7 p.m.)
Wednesday 6/8 – Bob Warren – Little Theater on the Farm, Ft. Edward, NY
Thursday 6/9 – Floodwood – NaNola, Malta, NY (9 p.m.) -
Hearing Aide: Baked Potatoes “Loaded”
Baked Potatoes is a group of reggae, ska-rockers based out of Oneonta, New York. The first time I heard their album I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. A lot of the colors in my musical palette have been the likes of Reel Big Fish, Phish, and Badfish, so it was phenomenal to finally find a more accessible, equally talented group.
The guys follow opening track “The Builder” with a tune called “Blue Dream,” a lovely reggae song that evokes mental images of innocence, relaxation, and contentment. Guitar and drums gently ease listeners into a euphoric mix of horns and hand percussion. With that, the scene is set for the vocals, sung in a style adds to the overall reggae flavoring.After this, “Don’t Close The Door,” a song about winning a breakup, provides a nice change in pace to the album and leads into one of my favorite tracks on the album “Homewrecker.” Horns, a halftime drum shuffle, a vibey melody. THIS, this is what I need more of in my life. The precision of the guitar parts, the lyrics, and the way the instruments blend make this one of the highest of highlights in my books.
There is no drop in quality throughout the entirety of this album. Sometimes in the middle on album the project’s goals can seem to go off the rails a little bit, not here. ”No Shirt No Shoes,” “Postcard Song,” and “Satellite Beach” are a block of 3 songs that I would say stray out of the norm, and become more like an experiment. These songs seem dip their toes in the water of a more poppy sound, a sound I can still relate to nonetheless.
The project ends with “Satellite Beach” and “Unity,” two songs that give the album a strong finish. Unity’s rock-jazz influenced complexity makes it a strong ending song, and a great way to close out the project. I hope that others share my excitement in the future of this great band. Seriously, if Baked Potatoes are in your area, try and make it out to a show. Take it from a guy who’s seen enough to Ska to know the cream of the crop.
Key Tracks: Homewrecker, Blue Dream, Unity
-
Oneonta Audience Grooves With Jimkata and Space Carnival
Breaking in the new month, Jimkata, a musical trio from Ithaca, and Space Carnival, a fiery four-tet based out of Oneonta, hit the Oneonta Theatre on Saturday, April 2. Fans were raging about the floor and craved some more.
Space Carnival unlocked the stage and were born into the atmosphere as they unleashed magical sensations throughout. With Jeremy Kraus on guitar, Cameron Fitch on keys and vocals, Chris Meier on Bass, and Nick Tassinari on drums, these four gentlemen took the night and fed their fans more of their funky psychedelic slippery disco.
This group has become outstandingly popular; having been to several of their shows, they never seem to disappoint. Since their formation in 2013, they have created a beautiful fan base and evoke a sphere of jam and funky madness. On this night, they pumped the smoky carnival air with tunes such as “Regal Krad”, “Moon Boots”, “Uh Oh I Slipped My Disco”, “Rango”, “Mister Sam”, “Plibt”, and “Entree The Giant”. It is pleasing to witness how they have progressed over the years and it is an honor to watch them continue to grow into galactic flowers.
Space Carnival meshes funk, progressive rock, and high-energy disco all while melting brains and hearts. They have a unique rhythm and spatial sound which all keep their fellow dancers afloat and on their toes. They performed covers throughout the night along with their fresh jams to keep the spacey flow going. Stay tuned as they are currently recording their debut album Drawn In By The Sun.
Following Space Carnival, Jimkata settled the night in the most perfect way, allowing the audience to cool down and sooth to the smooth moves of soft soundwaves. This night was about the promotion and celebration of their newest album In Motion. This band is much more than what they seem; their anthemic-synth-washed rock n’ roll and pop take you through the night and underground on a happy rollercoaster with sweet melodies and charming hooks. One can feel the emotional energy that emanates from their gentle tunes. It has an adventurous, continuous flow of undulating waves.
On this night of the tour, Evan Friedell (guitar/vocals), Aaron Gorsch (synth/guitar), and Packy Lunn (drums) collectively embraced their listeners with a fresh perspective of feeling. Their music lures you with emotion and hits your body with the beat. The crowd cheered to some of their hits such as, “Wild Ride”, “Innocence”, “Won’t Let You Down”, “Jumping Out of Airplanes”, and “Ride The Wave”, all from their most recent album.They have a very natural sense of feeling and breath of life that they fuse into their hits. The background jams tune into the vocals as it creates a fresh experience all around. It shifts into different forms along the journey of each song. They were able to evolve their music, as they are now three members instead of four. They were able to successfully regroup after their recent transition. It was certainly a reflective time period for them; it is all about positive energy for Jimkata, a beautiful balance.
-
Big Mean Sound Machine Shakes B-Side Ballroom
On March 11, Big Mean Sound Machine blew multiple minds away on a groovy Friday night at B-Side Ballroom in Oneonta, NY. A collection of nine talented souls graced the little nook of a stage that night, and gave it their all. It was evident that this group loves what they do, and are extremely cheerful about it. Throughout the night, they brought funkadelic afro-dance madness, with hints of worldly, succulent, jammy beats full of jazz and wonder. It can really get the best of someone in the best possible way, and I know it got the best of me.
Having been the first time seeing Big Mean perform, my breath journeyed its way up through my esophagus and exited only to create electrical gasps. Smiles filled the air as each musical build up was brought to the attention of the B-Side audience; it was impossible to look away. It channeled energies and was not only mesmerizing, but jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring.To put the night into perspective, envision a tiny stage within a restaurant/bar, packed with assorted instruments and intense skill. Everyone was hanging out at first, but the next thing you know, the floor was filled with dedicated dancers who yearned to experience the largest and meanest sounds that this machine created. ‘Twas a machine indeed, and it lit up the floor and crowd, as if fanciful fireworks were exploding into thin air.
The show commenced, and the performers wooed the audience with a song called “Whoa Gosh,” one of many various fresh tracks from Big Mean’s most recent album, Contraband (2014). The Ithaca, NY, band has the power to gather the vibes that instruments generate and transform sound waves into jiggy, psychedelic beauty. With their unique sense of musical style, Big Mean raises the bar with their originality and feel-good atmosphere.
Angelo Peters rocked out on the bass, whileto his right Bobby Spellman owned the trumpet. Andrew Klein beat the drums to death, as Lucas Ashby brought the congas to life. Dan Barker and Ray McNamara created rhythm and movement with every jam from their guitars. Rob Tate hit up the audience with some electric rhythms, as Tyler Burchfield soothed souls with his baritone saxophone and Alicia Aubin danced the night away with her trombone.
The fans handled every sound the band threw at them; the rhythms made each soul move and each body shake that night, bringing a sense of euphoria and enlightenment. Throughout the show, Big Mean rocked the stage with even more hits from their newest album, some of which included “In the Name of What,” “Contraband,” “Sweet Tooth” and “Wolfpack.” They also threw in “Marauders,” a classic from 2012, that brought a different sense of style and flair to the set. Big Mean Sound Machine is more than just a group; they are a beautiful arrangement and outstanding collective that brings life to every stage they perform on. Their jiggy style makes you want to move all night and it will resonate with you, as it is quite contagious my friends.
-
Central New Yorker Ryan Quinn has “The Voice” to Win it All
Ryan Quinn, a Clinton High and SUNY Oneonta graduate, was the only contestant to turn all four chairs during the blind audition portion of NBC’s The Voice last week. Quinn’s performance of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” blew away the judges and rocketed to number two on the iTunes rock charts following the broadcast. To date, his performance has over one million views on YouTube.
This week, he faced off against fellow Team Adam member Katie Basden, performing a duet of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” and was selected to continue as a member of Levine’s team. Basden, managed to stay in the competition after Blake Shelton “stole” her for his team.
Since last Monday, Quinn’s life has been a whirlwind. His Facebook following has increased fourfold, the number of Twitter followers has done the same and naturally, reporters have come calling for interviews. No further proof of his popularity surge was needed than at his performance Friday night at one of his home venues, Cavallo’s in New Hartford.Reservations were recommended to attend the show, and the room was at full capacity thirty minutes prior to Quinn stepping onstage with his partner, long-time family friend, guitarist Dave “Dinger” Wingfield. NYS Music was on the scene for the home town performance and also sat down to speak with Quinn about how he’s dealing with his sudden fame; what the kids at the House of the Good Shepherd mean to him and where to next.
To meet Ryan Quinn is to meet a down-to-earth, humble young man grateful for the opportunity to make music. His show Friday night, at the bar that has given him a home the past two years, was his opportunity to not only showcase his incredibly diverse vocal range and musicianship, but to also share the spotlight with his friend, vocalist Cassidy Gerkin and heap praise upon his co-workers and students at the House of the Good Shepherd for the support they have given him. Quinn paused frequently between songs to recognize the cheering section comprised of fellow House of Good Shepherd staff, all donning black t-shirts with the hash tag #Quinnsanity across the front.
Quinn’s support team, fellow staff from The House of the Good Shepherd Quinn sat for an interview with NYS Music on the eve of the second round of competition for The Voice. The person who emerged was one eager to deflect attention towards others and who is just now coming to terms that he has earned a spot on one of television’s most popular shows.
Mike Kohli: It was great meeting you the other night. Great show. You had a ton of people there.
Ryan Quinn: Thanks for coming out Friday. I appreciate it. It was wild. Probably the best show I’ve ever played.
MK: So, has it started to sink in yet? This whole The Voice thing?
RQ: I think it’s finally beginning to. Maybe not the sheer magnitude of it, but every day it’s a little bit more clear as to what’s going on. I guess that gig was a good indication. People were there from Boston. People were there at 3:30 for a show that started at 8:00. It was so absurd to me. But, yeah, I’m finally starting to wrap my head around it.
MK: One thing about the people in this area; when one of their own does well, they’re all on board.
RQ: Oh, my God. It’s unbelievable. The support is more than I could ever have even dreamed of.
MK: It was obvious during your performance, many times throughout the night, the look on your face was one of overwhelming shock at the adulation you’re being given. You did a great job of… you were very humble, in deflecting that attention towards the people who were onstage with you, the people and kids you work with…just mentioning the House of the Good Shepherd several times throughout the show. It just kind of shows that you’re not in it to become a famous musician. You’re in it because you’re doing something you love and you just happen to have people that you love surrounding you. Is that Ryan Quinn?
RQ: Yeah. Yeah, that’s definitely me. I’m just really glad that came across. Music is just something that I’ve just always loved to do. It’s my favorite thing in the world, to sing. I’m just happy that I get to do it. And with the circumstances now, it’s just so cool. I couldn’t be any happier about it.
MK: So, the House of the Good Shepherd is your full-time job? Are you kind of on a leave right now while doing the show?
RQ: Yep. That’s correct. I’m on a leave. They’ve been super flexible with me. I don’t know if I’ll be able to continue working there, depending on what happens. I’ve worked there steadily for two years and it’s a great experience. Whether I can continue working there or not, I just want to always be giving back to them. They’re a great organization.
MK: What drew you to work there?
RQ: You know, funny story. My mom actually worked there a long time ago in the 70s. The guy who’s playing guitar with me [Dave “Dinger” Wingfield], he’s my dad’s best friend and his wife is my mom’s best friend and she’s still working there. It’s where she and my mother met and became friends. After college, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I just knew I wanted to play music. She thought I would be a really good fit teaching music at the school and told me about the position. I applied and got it on my own. She didn’t pull any strings or anything. I didn’t really know what to expect but I ended up falling in love with it.
MK: What do the kids think about all this?
RQ: They were completely shocked. Obviously I couldn’t say anything to anybody. But they can’t even believe it. They didn’t expect it at all. I just kinda said, “I’m pursuing a musical opportunity. I’ll be back to visit.” That’s basically all I said. I dont know if you saw the WKTV segment where they interviewed them; it’s one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen.
Sign made by Quinn’s students at The House of the Good Shepherd MK: It has to be very rewarding for you.
RQ: Oh, absolutely. I just want to be a positive. Really, it’s just to be a positive, consistent force in their lives because it’s something they’ve never had. I just want to carry that forward.
MK: Is your style of music something they’ve been able to latch on to and be influenced by?
RQ: I don’t push it on them. I just kind of let them choose whatever they want to listen to, sing whatever they want to sing and just kind of help them do whatever they’re doing to the best of their ability.
MK: So you went to Oneonta. There’s a pretty good music scene going on down there.
RQ: I was in a couple of ensemble groups, basically just for credit. I was the lead vocalist with a funk band with Jeremy Wall. He was a founding member of the band Spyro Gyra, which is kinda cool. We played Stevie Wonder and Tower of Power stuff. I did a band called The Mothers of Intention. It was a Frank Zappa cover band. So we just did a bunch of albums of Zappa material. Yeah, the music scene there is very tight knit.
MK: You and Dave have been putting together some songs for an EP. Has there been any progress on that at all?
RQ: Ya know, kind of…I have some original material. It’s on Reverb Nation, a couple of songs on Soundcloud. It just takes me so long to write. I’ve been focusing on this and only this. It just takes me so long to write because I’m so hyper critical of everything that I do. Eventually I will put out my own material.
MK: When did you sit down and say, “I want to audition for The Voice?
RQ: Four years ago, I went to New York for an audition and it didn’t really go anywhere. And then my parents and my girlfriend and random people at gigs would just say, “Why don’t you just try?” I finally caved after about four years. So in July, I went and did an open call, and here I am!
MK: When did you find out you were going to be on the show?
RQ: (laughter) A few months after that. It was one of the most exciting days of my life. It’s horrifying too. It’s like, “My God, I’m actually going to audition in front of these people for real?” I can’t just put it on the back burner anymore. It’s like, no, you’re there. It’s gonna happen, so get ready.
MK:Obviously tonight and tomorrow night, the show is airing. You’re not sure when or if you’ll be on either show, correct?
RQ: Correct. I’m not sure when or if, but there’s always a chance. I’m gonna be watching anyway to see everybody. Of course, I hope to see myself too.
MK: It’s an exciting time around here, as exhibited at Cavallo’s the other night.
RQ: That was such a great show.
MK: You basically went straight through, what, 32 songs…
RQ: (laughter) You counted? Nice! I used to do three sets but the energy was so great that when you get the adrenaline going and everything, at least for me, I feel like I could just sing forever. I took a break not needing to, just realizing that I probably should. But I probably could have just played straight through if I wanted to. I just love doing it.
MK: Your guest vocalist…
RQ: Oh, Cassidy? Her name is Cassidy Gerken. It’s a small community here. Her father, Vic Gerken, who was doing sound Friday…he was in a band with Dinger, who I was playing with, and my dad, who was a drummer, back in the 70s and 80s. They were in a band together, all three of them.
MK: It’s all coming full circle.
RQ: It’s all coming full circle. It’s pretty funny. We’re all working together again.
MK: Best of luck to you. Thank you.
RQ: Of course, thank you.
Ryan Quinn is performing again at Cavallo’s Friday March 25. If you’re in the area, the man puts on a show covering all genres from all decades. He has a voice that does justice to Marvin Gaye and Thom Yorke. But be forewarned, you may have to arrive at 3:30 to get a spot on the deck.
https://youtu.be/eBkI7KwNFr4
[FinalTilesGallery id=’679′]