NYS Music 20​16

Category: Plattsburgh

  • Plattsburgh Blues Presents Three Shows in Late August

    Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz has three big shows coming up to end August in the North Country. Among them are some fantastic award-winning blues artists and singer-songwriters.

    On Tuesday, August 23 at Naked Turtle in Plattsburgh, Curtis Salgado, a nationally known award-winning soul, blues and R&B vocalist/harmonica and songwriter will take the stage. The winner of the Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Artist of the year, Soul Blues Album of the Year and BB King Entertainer of the Year, Salgado performs joyful, blues-soaked R&B.

    Sugaray Rayford Band performs on Friday, August 26 at Olive Ridley’s. Rayford, the former singer for the Mannish Boys, and recent winner of Best Blues Album, will be bringing a 7-piece band with horns and vocal dynamite with funk, soul and pure energy.

    Brad Cole, Matt Nakoa and Robinson Treacher perform on Wednesday, August 31 at Champlain Wine Company. This young Americana trio of soulful and engaging singer/songwriters today create music that weaves sound, lyricism and inspiration for a unique and powerful live show.

    All shows start at 8pm. Tickets info for all shows can be found here.

  • Hearing Aide: BREN ‘Hot Lunch’

    BREN, from Plattsburgh, have just released their debut EP, Hot Lunch. In a world where many will say punk rock is dead or watered down, those skeptics have not heard BREN. BREN is a three piece ensemble that can honestly call their music punk, complete with nasally vocals screaming personal lyrics. Yes, this is fun punk rock and you can dance to it, but to actually sit down and listen to the lyrics being sung and written by Matt Hall, there is a lot more going on and that is what makes this debut album a must-have.

    Opening with “Parade”, and the lyric repeating “ There was something there, there was something there! I’m not imagining it.” shows that this punk rocker has a paranoid, more emotional, side to him. This could be ground breaking: a three piece punk band that actually has something personal to say in a punk rock setting. In “If there was something going on.” Hall paints a perfect upstate New York autumn of contemplation and anger. This song is brilliant. But in the 1:28 second rant if you don’t pay attention, the fast paced music will take away from the song’s meaning.

    “Dream Song” is different from the other tracks on the album in a few distinct ways. The lyrics are short, but sweet. Matt sings “ I kissed you in a dream last night” and then there’s an instrumental bit that showcases Sarah Mundy’s bass slapping as well as Zach Hircsch’s drums. This is a direction punk rock does not often take. The songs are usually short and to the point with very little to show in the jamming out sense. This song, however ,was different, letting listeners know that this group is more than three power chords and yelling – they are the real deal. In the album closer, “I’m better now”,the lyrics take us on an American Psycho journey through some very dark imagery in pleading her to talk to him again, because he’s better now. The song seems to be a metaphor for going through a rough patch in life. This album has the potential to reach many different audiences, and each unique listener can find their own meaning.

    KEY TRACKS: Parade, Dream Song, If There Was Something Going on

  • Miles Deep: Lucid Bids Farewell

    Before I could even step inside I was already spotted. Walking down Brinkerhoff Street in downtown Plattsburgh on a Saturday evening, the bright lights of the newly reopened Strand Theatre could be seen for several blocks. And as I rounded the corner and approached this beacon of culture for the Lake City, numerous familiar faces turned towards me, smiled and ran over to say hello.

    It sure had been a long time. And yet, it all felt like one gigantic moment, hung proudly on the mantle of my soul. Standing in front of the theatre, the sounds of legendary North Country rock act Lucid spilled out onto the streets — echoing across the deep waters of nearby Lake Champlain and pushing up in the heavens, ultimately swirling around the ancient Adirondack Mountains to the west. For the last 14 years, their melodies have been the soundtrack of the Champlain Valley and beyond, and now, it was time to put the record on pause with the recent announcement of their hiatus.And yet, the irony lay right at the start of the evening. You see, for as long as Lucid has been together, the Strand Theatre has been under renovation, a longtime storied venue whose rejuvenation rolled along at such a slow burn, one wondered if the embers were just some glowing mirage we’d only hoped for in dreams.

    Lucid bids FarewellWandering into the large building, hundreds of glorious beings milled about, most of which standing like a rippling ocean of rhythmic movement at the base of stage. And just as stood there in awe of the spectacle, you heard a noise above you and looked up, only to realize there was a full balcony of music freaks overhead. Sure, there were two full sets of music, roaring like a freight train across the spectrum of the band’s career, making musical stops ranging from reggae to hip- hop, gypsy to nitty-gritty blues. And yes, it a performance that sent a chill through your body, where you raised your arm and could see the goose bumps emerge. But, that wasn’t what the evening was about, at least for those in the band and their inner circle.

    Lucid is (was) about creating a space for all walks of life to converge. It was a scene that was created to foster change, understanding, and happiness. It was about pulling into some random North Country town and showing them just how beautiful and mesmerizing the circus can be. It was about you, and me, and all of us. The power of their music, and their presence, is what was at the core of Lucid. They preached love, personal growth, and the joyous possibilities of humanity, where you can wake up everyday and conquer the world with your positive intent and bright light radiating from within.

    Lucid bids FarewellAnd as I stood there on the side stage, watching my musical brothers take their final encore for may be awhile, I was struck by how loud the standing ovation was from the enormous crowd. It wasn’t surprising, it was more so awe-inspiring, this never-ending roundabout circle of passion and energy shooting back and forth between the band and the audience — the essence of what music is, always and forever. Lucid chose “Whiskey Dreams” for their encore, a song whose word ricocheted around the depths of my heart when the lyric “we are them, and they are us…” catapulted out of the speakers, tying a bow on a career that, to at least myself, still
    has a few chapters left to write.

    Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

    Set 1: Suenos Intro Mind Trippin Four Winds>Gemini Eye* Boats Ancient Incantations Green Money Whoa Mamma$ Rainbow* San Pedro^ Po Man’s Blues^ Miles Deep Pushin Dirt

    Set 2: Black Smoke Blessed and Cursed Ground on Up Tight Tight Body in Free*% Psychedelic Bad Habit Break a Man* Lucky Dice Came and Went>Silhouettes Styles of the Smooth Backwoods^

    Encore: Whiskey Dreams$

    * – Meadow Eliz
    $ – Chris English
    ^ – George Wurster
    % – Catherine Wurster & Shannon Rigsby

    Lucid bids Farewell

  • A Look At Lucid: Last Show Before Hiatus, The Strand Theater April 16th

    Lucid, for those of you who don’t already know-is one of the North country’s well-known and hardest working bands, originating from Plattsburgh and the Adirondacks and playing a hiatus show at The Strand Theater. Lucid’s sound is vast, but is known to be termed as “Wood Rock”. In all of the years of live music that I have experienced thus far, Lucid is the one band that has continuously stood out as one who has maintained a unique, lustrous sound that touches the depths of the senses in their own, powerful way.

    lucid strand theaterThe complexity of this group consists of Kevin Sabourin on guitar & lead vocals, Lowell Wurster on percussion, harp & lead vocals, Jamie Armstrong on saxophones & vocals, Chris Shacklett on bass & vocals, Andy Deller on keys & vocals, Meadow Eliz on vocals and Josh West on drums & vocals. One of my personal favorite dynamics of Lucid, is the variety of vocal expressions that exist within their music. Their sound is reflective of such a broad spectrum of genres, ranging from blues, funk, hip-hop and reggae-to folk, rock and country.

    They have released four albums since the beginning of their formation, the first album being ‘Miles Deep’ released in 2004. Lucid spent many years heavily touring, playing countless live shows up until the release of their second album, ‘Dewdmanwah’ in 2009. Then came ‘Home Is Where We Wanna Grow’ in 2013, and ‘Dirt’ in 2015. The release of ‘Bonsai Zen’ will be the marking of a very special moment for many, including all of their long time followers & friends.

    Lucid has been the host band at Backwoods Pondfest – a two-day music festival at Twin Ponds Resort Campsite in Peru, NY since 2007. After the third year, ‘Backwood Promotions’ formed, which consists of Lowell Wurster, Katie Bazzano and Chris Boire. This has given Lucid the opportunity to play alongside such renowned acts as Chali 2na, Break Science, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Bernie Worrell, Particle and more. Lucid got to share their stage with local and regional favorites such as Twiddle, Mister F, Sophistafunk, The Blind Owl Band, and Spiritual Rez.

    Lucid has been together since 2003, putting them at thirteen beautiful years of creating together. Their music has touched the lives of many, including myself. I was introduced to their music 10 years ago, at the age of 16-my uncle hand delivered me a copy of ‘Dewdmanwah’ and I couldn’t stop listening. All it took was this one encounter, for the doorway into the live music world to open up for me on a personal level. It was at this time that I decided that I wanted to photograph live music. This choice was directly intertwined with all of the many ways that their music made me feel. I have been fully walking that path and hold much gratitude for the impact that Lucid has had in my story. I can only imagine all of the imprints, paths and doorways that they have created for others. In speaking with Lowell Wurster, I gained some insight upon his reflection of their need to take a hiatus:

    “We’ve been on the road for 13 years, we just need to step back and take a breath for ourselves and our families. We want to spend time with loved ones and take some time to do us. Whatever that may be”.

    “For 13 years we have all been totally focused on one thing. We have all passed up different life opportunities and given everything we had to our music. We aren’t breaking up. We are still Lucid, we love each other and are brothers. We get along great. We fight like brothers, we love like brothers. We have no idea what the future holds. We could take a break for a year, or 2 or 10…and want to come back. Or we may move on and discover other life paths. We don’t know, we have no idea. But for me, I’m excited to see what the future holds. We are all going to continue playing music, we can’t stop. It’s a huge part of who we all are. For all of us, since birth music has helped define and create our personalities-whether it’s with each other or with others, we will keep playing. If it’s immediate or takes some time we will always play music”.

    “We know it’s a bit unconventional to have a CD release on the same date as our last show. But we really wanted to get this music into the world…to get it to our fans. And we still have a lot of music-I think we may get back in the studio in the next year and do another album. We have so much music that we want to record and put into the universe“.
    It’s clear that these guys have been dedicated on many levels and so much has come to fruition because of that. The drive-the obvious love that they have all put into the creation of what we know as Lucid-has allowed for years of transformation, growth and open flow of creative energy to course through their lives in great abundance. Lucid’s music will live on, and the future of their creation together will remain to be seen. They will be hosting an album release party for ‘Bonsai Zen’, as the last show before their hiatus from playing live. This show will be held at The Strand Theater in their hometown of Plattsburgh, NY on April 16th, 2016. The Strand Theater was built in 1924 at the end of the Vaudeville Era, and after years of crumbling into the ground closed down. It has been newly renovated and just recently reopened with nearly 6 million dollars in grants for restoration. It has state of the art lights and sound-not to mention the beauty of the structure itself-providing for an all-encompassing sensual experience. If you have a chance, you should be sure to catch this evening of music!
    You can find Lucid’s music on Spotify, CD Baby and Bandcamp. Learn more about their journey here: www.rulucid.com

  • PB&J Series Bringing John Nemeth and The Blue Dreamers to Plattsburgh

    This coming Tuesday, April 12, Plattsurgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) will feature blues legend John Nemeth and The Blue Dreamers. Nemeth most recently won Best Soul Blues Album at the 2015 Blues Music Awards and is a nominee for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. Considered the “New face and sound of Soul,” Nemeth is a contemporary member of the Blues elite and one of the most soulful singers today.

    On the harmonica, Németh began building on the style of rootsy heroes like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. Németh’s first paid performance came in 1991, when he was hired to perform drinking songs for a pinochle luncheon held by the Catholic Daughters of America before setting his sights on the Boise club scene, where, for nearly a decade, he played seven nights a week at local pubs, taverns, joints, and parties.

    Memphis Grease, the long-awaited follow up to Németh’s fourth solo studio release, is innovative and unique while epitomizing the absolute best of the genre. It’s a deeply forged combination of scorching harmonica-driven blues and sweet blue-eyed soul ala the Box Tops or Roy Head.

    Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is a new live music series that brings the best, award-winnig performers in Blues in Jazz to the Plattsburgh area. All event proceeds from PB&J shows go to the 30 City Foundation to fund the artists and to bring new performers to Plattsburgh. Tickets can be purchased online at Plattsburghbluesandjazz.com and in person at the Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place.

  • Hearing Aide: Comrade Nixon ‘Wine and Circuses’

    Comrade Nixon

    “Alright you bunch of fuckin’ hippies, here we go,” growls Andrew Wilson (guitarist/vocalist) of Plattsburgh punk group Comrade Nixon. His feisty remark is embedded in the track “Rex Ingram,” included on their first full length album, Wine and Circuses. Released through Rat Pâté Records, the album was recorded at Don Fury Studio in Troy, NY.

    Wilson’s lazy muffled vocals might call to mind Joey’s impression of Chandler in this Friends clip. Collaborating with drummer Antwon Levee, the duo have put together a high strung album with blurred vocals entangled in scribbly guitar and crashing drums. They combine high speed instrumentation that makes you want to weaponize a floor lamp and repeatedly ram it through a wall screaming “eat shit!” as Wilson does midway through “Micromégas.”

    The band recalls elements of Nirvana’s 1992 album Incesticide with Kurt Kobain offering his own disheveled vocals especially on “Beeswax” and “Mexican Seafood.” Several of the tracks on Wine and Circuses take off with suspenseful lead-ins that keep the listener engaged and waiting to hear where the song will go. Ultimately, the songs level out with a monotony that doesn’t set the album apart from other punk offerings. As with any punk, they’re a genre meant to be seen live. Luckily, Comrade Nixon will embark on their first northeast tour this Spring in support of the album, cassette tapes in tow. For now download it digitally here.

    Key tracks: Constant Scrape, Micromégas, Rex Ingram

  • The Slam Allen Band Featured in PB&J Series in Plattsburgh

    Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is bringing yet another award-winning blues performer to the North Country. On Saturday, March 19, PB&J will feature The Slam Allen Band, a 2016 Blues Music Awards Nominee for Best New CD by a New Artist. Slam has spent nine years as a bandleader, lead vocalist and lead guitarist with blues legend James Cotton and is also a New York State Blues Hall of Fame Master Musician Inductee.

    All proceeds from PB&J shows go to the 30 City Foundation to fund artists and bring new performers to Plattsburgh. Tickets can be purchased online at Plattsburghbluesandjazz.com and in person at the Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Doors open at 8 pm. Show starts at 9 pm.

  • PB&J Bringing Biscuit Miller and the Mix to Plattsburgh

    A welcome addition to the North Country music scene, Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is a new live music series featuring top blues and jazz performers. On Sunday, March 6, PB&J will feature Biscuit Miller and the Mix. Biscuit was recently honored as Bass Player of the Year at the Blues Music awards.

    Biscuit has a heavy touring schedule of more than 250 appearances in the U.S. and abroad. “Biscuit and the Mix put out one of the best performances on the national blues scene. They’ll have the crowd up and dancing like it’s a Saturday night in Memphis!” says Laura Carbone, a music photographer from Plattsburgh who recruits the acts from around the U.S. and Canada.

    The show on Sunday, March 6 will be held at The Champlain Wine Company. Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. All event proceeds from PB&J shows go to the 30 City Foundation to fund the artists and to bring new performers to Plattsburgh. Tickets can be purchased online at Plattsburghbluesandjazz.com and in person at the Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place.

    PB&J was launched on February 12 with a performance by Swampcandy, an Americana blues duo out of Maryland and winners of Best Emerging Artist at Floydfest. Upcoming shows include:

    Saturday, March 19: The Slam Allen Band

    Sunday, April 3: JP Soars and the Redhots

    Tuesday, April 12: John Nemeth

  • Hearing Aide: Trinity Park Radio “TPR Comes Alive”

    TPR, short for Trinity Park Radio, just released a live album playfully titled TPR Comes Alive. Many nuances throughout this album make it an unique adventure from Cleveland to Chicago (more on that later), and these fun loving college guys have etched themselves a niche in the live music scene. Some live albums overshadow the band with long drawn out jams, and don’t highlight the personality of the band and focus on their ability. TPR connects with their audience in a more intimate way, making them feel as if they are part of the show. By recording in a cozy setting, the listener feels like they’re one of the people in the crowd.

    Right off the bat, “King of the Park” hits you in the face with pure adrenaline charged rock and roll while “Cleveland Gary” shows a different side of the band – a softer, more emotional side. “You’re on Fire” is a catchy little number with a fun repeating title phrase which speeds up to astronomical speeds, bringing out a silliness from the band members as they get increasingly excited and deliver that energy through the speakers.  TPR also put a hip spin on a grade school classic, the famous “Stop Drop and Roll.” These lads added rock ‘ n before the roll and all are left singing along. That wasn’t the only point in the album where the lyrics were ironic, the title “I Love Dick’s….Sporting Goods”, is another perfect example.

    The album closes out with “Carl Winslow,” yes, that Carl Winslow, the Chicago mailman from the ABC hit “Family Matters.” It’s a delightfully hokey song telling stories of Steve Urkel and others cast members, but the music itself is the most catchy part, although you may find yourself confused by the band saying Carl Winslow, as the music doesn’t fit the character at all – a middle class, mid-America man – does not translate to hard kicking guitar riffs and slamming drums.  Again, this fits the over riding motif of the album, with the titles and the lyrics making the listener believe they are going to hear one thing, but the music delivering another.

    Listening to TPR Comes Alive, the amount of effort put in becomes clear straight away. You can tell they don’t take themselves too seriously, but they are far from a joke. TPR is having fun toeing that line, and if they stay they the course it can only mean a bright future for these guys from Upstate New York.

    Key Tracks: Cleveland Gary, King of the Park, You’re on Fire

  • Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz Brings New Meaning to PB&J

    Plattsburgh residents can rejoice in drawing clever new meaning from the acronym PB&J. Starting Feb. 12, prominent music photographer Laura Carbone, in partnership with 30 City Foundation and Shen Marketing Solutions, will spotlight award-winning musical talent with Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz.

    PB&JThe music series will supply a rich diversity of blues and jazz styles, ranging from southern bayou roots to funk-infused soul. Those looking to diversify their musical interests or support time-tested favorites have a sparkling opportunity to witness world-class entertainment in a small city nestled in northern New York between Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

    Performances will transpire every three to four weeks, with artists scheduled through mid-April. Those already booked for PB&J’s inaugural year include Swampcandy, Biscuit Miller and the Mix, the Slam Allen Band, JP Soars and the Redhots and John Nemeth. Tickets range between $12 and $15, with proceeds circulating right back into the musical flow to fund artists and to continue drawing inspiring talent to the Plattsburgh area.

    The series promises to add extra flair to the Plattsburgh music scene, providing reliable, top-notch entertainment for locals, but also a worthy reason for out-of-towners to make Plattsburgh their next day-trip destination. Most shows will take place at Champlain Wine Company located at 30 City Hall Place. Tickets can be purchased through 30City, their online music and arts forum.