NYS Music 20​16

Category: Regions

  • Getter Rips at Webster Hall

    Following the release of his stylistically diversified Radical Dude EP, San Jose native Getter (aka Tanner Petulla) wreaked some auditory havoc at Webster Hall on Friday, March 18. Fans were engaging Webster Hall’s social media channels with a fierce perseverance, determined to find out what time he went on as their excitement amplified leading up to his performance.

    HN3A3740_BW

    After a super heavy, brain-combusting dubstep set by New York’s own Symbiotic, Getter took the stage and swiftly opened with the first single from Radical Dude, “Rip and Dip.” Getter’s style of producing/DJing has evolved through the years from massive dubstep tracks to a diverse assortment of genres which culminate to an ethereal, trap-light sound that still contains those hard-hitting dubstep roots. His live shows are most definitely a reflection of his most recent release as he’s stated in interviews that he has purposely released his expanded styles to show fans that they can expect vastly different genres of producing in the future. When a producer and DJ of Getter’s caliber creates tracks like “666!” and can incorporate Enya’s “Only Time” and Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar We’re Going Down” into a live performance and have the crowd cross-eyed with amazement, it’s safe to say they are most definitely capable of broadening their approach and style with new releases and live shows.

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjJ90jhS84A[/embedyt]

    Some highlights of the performance included a “Damn Daniel!” sample, obligatory “SUH DUDE” appearance, which has an excellent melodic, crunching bass behind it, and some new tracks, namely one feat. rapper Pouya. Getter’s collaborations with Pouya and other rappers are a fascinating departure from his earlier work, clearly showing his range as a producer. I’d never seen a mosh-pit at an EDM show before Getter at Webster; glad he’s upgraded from the BASSment to the Grand Ballroom.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’700′]

  • NYS Music’s 2016 March Madness – The Finals

    And then there were two … We started NYS Music March Madness 2016 with 64 New York State bands who are all ready to make a name for themselves outside their local scenes. These fresh faces were spread over many genres and all over The Empire State. In fact, our Final Four represented four distinct regions around the state; Folkfaces in Buffalo, Big Mean Sound Machine from Ithaca, Sly Fox and the Hustlers representing the Capital Region and Sprocket from New York City.

    But only two bands could make it to the finals, so congratulations to the blues-rock stylings of Sly Fox and the Hustlers and Brooklyn’s newest jam sensation, Sprocket.

    Sly Fox and the Hustlers is a high-energy blues/funk band band out of the Capital Region. The band formed in 2010 and has shared the stage with many notable names within their genre, such as Blues Traveler, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robin Trower, and Soulive’s Sam Kininger.  Their latest full-length LP American Gypsy was released earlier this year and is available on their website.

    Brooklyn’s jam quartet, Sprocket, was conceived in late 2011 and didn’t work their way out of the city scene until 2014. They released their debut album Tropical Bushwick last March and have headlined NYC’s The Knitting Factory, Webster Hall Studio and the Mercury Lounge.

    The Finals: Sly Fox and the Hustlers (blues funk rock) versus Sprocket (jam).

    Buffalo Iron Works, Funk ‘n Waffles, The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, and The Waterhole each sponsored a regional bracket this year and we’d like to thank them and all the venues that support local, original music around the state.

    The Finals voting starts at noon EST on Friday, March 25 and ends at midnight on Sunday, March 27. Vote now for your favorites!

  • Hendrix Spirit Alive In Syracuse

    On Wednesday, March 16th, The Experience Hendrix rolled into the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse as an all-star cast brought the legacy of Jimi Hendrix’s music to life for the capacity crowd. Jimi’s sister, Janie, opened the festivities, welcoming the congregation to the Electric Church in celebration of the spirit and music of Jimi Hendrix.

    The stage saw a revolving cast of guitarists and singers coming on and off the stage to share their renditions from Hendrix’s library. The evening started with Dweezil Zappa on lead guitar, Billy Cox (who played in both the Band of Gypsies and The Jimi Hendrix Experience) on bass and lead vocals, and Chris Layton (of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble) on the drums, ripping through “Freedom”.

    hendrix syracuseThe absence of an opening act was evident as it took several songs before the crowd matched the energy level of the music being pumped out of the Marshall stacks. Though, with the 25-song setlist clocking in at 3 hours with a 20 minute intermission, it is debatable if an opening act was even feasible.

    Much like a well-written symphony, the onstage ensemble went through physical crescendos and decrescendos as musicians were added to and taken from the mix, providing a seemingly endless variety of ingredients to the hungry masses. From the basic power trio, to a full stage that included two pedal guitars, two lead guitars, bass, and percussion, The Hendrix Experience delivered a full spectrum of flavors through the night.

    Each of the guitarists more than held their own and provided his own take on Hendrix signatures. Dweezil churned out an amazing wah-laden solo in “Stone Free”. Eric Johnson spent much of “Are You Experienced?” off in the wings of the stage conjuring supernatural feedback sounds from the amps. Zakk Wylde invoked some Jimi showmanship with both behind the head soloing, as well as literally chewing out a solo with his teeth. The Slide Brothers’ Calvin Cooke and Chuck Campbell hit unfathomable registers on their pedal guitars, most notably on “The Sky is Crying”. Mato Nanji and Johnny Lange shared a blistering solo in “Spanish Castle Magic” that had the crowd screaming in appreciation.

    hendrix syracuseThen of course there was Buddy Guy, who was doing his thing before Jimi was doing Jimi’s thing. And at 79 years old, Buddy continues to do it. Buddy delivered gritty, witty lyrics in “Louisiana Blues”, and backed them up with shredding solos that reinvigorated the crowd that had started to look at their watches (not out of boredom, but disbelief and exhaustion). There is something about watching an elder statesman ripping through scales with the speed and feel that most guitarists will never know, it gives folks the energy to cheer just a little louder, a little longer.

    hendrix syracuseLeaving the venue, I noted that instead of hearing conversations that started with “I wish they had played…”, what I heard mostly was “I can’t believe they played…” as the crowd was clearly pleased with how deep they dug into Jimi’s catalog. Much like a congregation after mass, those leaving the Landmark Theater appeared to be uplifted, fulfilled, and spiritually satiated, thanks to the service at The Electric Church.

    For more information on the Experience Hendrix tour, visit their website here. To check out the full photo gallery by Mark McGauley, visit this link.

    Cast (in order of appearance): Dweezil Zappa: guitar; Billy Cox: bass, vox; Chris Layton: drums; Mato Nanji: guitar, vox; Henri Brown: vox; Chuck Campbell: pedal guitar; Scott Nelson: bass; Calvin Cooke: pedal guitar; Eric Johnson: guitar, vox; Noah Hunt: vox; Zakk Wylde: guitar, vox, keyboard; Johnny Lange: guitar, vox;Janie Hendrix: backup vox; Kenny Wayne Shepherd: guitar; Billy Austin: drums; Buddy Guy: guitar, vox; Guitar: Dweezil Zappa, Mato Nanji, Eric Johnson, Zakk Wylde, Johnny Lange, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Buddy Guy; Pedal Guitar: Calvin Cooke, Chuck Campbell; Bass: Billy Cox, Scott Nelson; Drums: Chris Layton, Billy Austin; Vox and Backup Vox: Henri Brown, Noah Hunt, Janie Hendrix

    Set 1: Freedom, Stone Free, Foxey Lady, The Sky is Crying, Wait Until Tomorrow, One Rainy Wish, Love and Confusion, Third Stone from the Sun, Are You Experienced?, Manic Depression, Little Wing, Purple Haze,

    Set 2: All Along the Watchtower, Fire, The Wind Cries Mary, Spanish Castle Magic, Gypsy Eyes, I Don’t Live Today, Come On – Part One, Voodoo Chile, Voodoo Chile (Slight Return), Louisiana Blues, Hey Joe, We Gotta to Live Together, Red House

  • John 5 and The Creatures Terrorize Syracuse’s Westcott Theater

    There was no shortage of excitement this past Friday in Syracuse; The Syracuse University Men’s basketball team crushed the Dayton Flyers in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the SU women’s basketball team dominated Army West Point for a huge win and nestled in the culturally diverse Westcott Street neighborhood, the Westcott Theater hosted the infamous and incredibly talented guitar legend, John 5! John is on his current headlining solo instrumental tour.
    John 5 Westcott Theater 1

    It was an awesome sight to see so many music fans in attendance. To say that this was just a night of instrumental music would be understating it. I would describe it as an artistic live performance of a horror movie set to an intricate, perfectly designed musical score.

    John lurked out onto the stage with his fine-tuned band, The Creatures, and from the moment the first notes hit the air, they tore up the stage with selections from the most recent album “Careful with That Axe” along with some surprises from earlier albums.

    For those who recognize John 5 as Rob Zombie’s current guitarist and as a horror aficionado, it was probably not shocking that the band paid a little tribute to the horror genre.  John and company played a very kooky and cool version of the classic “Munsters Theme.” During their rendition, a macabre looking skeleton tossed out guitar picks. The audience was definitely getting into the whole vibe.

    John 5 Westcott Theater 7

    I have to say what truly amazes me, and I think I have said this before, is how John’s guitar playing is incredibly diverse! From tearing through intense solos, to a very laid back, warm country sound and a revved up killer version of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”  I can’t wrap my head around the precision in his delivery and his ability to make it look effortless.

    Some of the song highlights of the evening included: “This is my Rifle”, “Mad Monster Party”, “Black Grass Plague” and a medley that pays homage to classic rock and metal music icons!

    After the smoke cleared and final notes faded away, John 5 and the Creatures took a moment to express their thanks and appreciation to those who attended. If you didn’t get the chance to experience John 5 and the Creatures on this tour, you definitely missed an incredible experience musical experience.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’699′]

  • Jimkata Brings ‘In Motion’ to Buffalo Iron Works

    Ithaca based jamtronic/indie rock trio Jimkata is currently touring in support of their latest fan funded release In Motion.  The trio will roll into Buffalo Iron Works on Saturday March 26th.

    Aaron Gorsch, Evan Friedell & Packy Lunn- Jimkata- Copyright Pat Tellier

    After taking a brief hiatus that took the band off the road for the majority of the fall and winter, Jimkata hit the road for the first time as a trio this February. Frontman Evan Friedell told NYS Music that touring as a three piece has helped strengthen the bands dynamic.

    “I think having just the three of us on stage has simplified the dynamic a little bit in that its easier to communicate and improvise as musicians.  It also has led us to focus specifically on each sound and make everything sound bigger.  We’re also starting to get a good sense of set flow, like what songs pair well with each other, and are continually getting better at making good sets every night.”

    After the departure of longtime bassist David Rossi in late 2014, Stephen Learson (The Endobox) jumped on the road with the band for the majority of 2015.  The band made the decision while on hiatus to tour with only the band’s orginial three members: Friedell, Packy Lunn (drums)  and Aaron Gorsch (guitar/snyths).

    And in Friedell’s opinion, the gamble has paid off.  “Packy and Aaron have stepped up to the plate big time in terms of covering multiple parts.  When we first started rehearsing as a three piece I had some apprehension that maybe we would be missing something.  But, honestly, it feels like the exact opposite, that we’ve gained even more sonically especially with adding all the new songs to our sets.”

    Friedell also noted that the bands long awaited return to the Queen City is met with excitement by not just the fans but the band as well. “We’ve been playing Buffalo for quite a while so our relationship with the city runs deep.  Its starting to feel like a home base for us, especially since we’ve been rehearsing there a lot lately and Packy is now living there.  I’ve found the Buffalo crowd to be a little rowdier than other places we play which is fun.  Something about that goes along well with our upstate New York attitude and upbringing.”

    Tickets for this Saturday’s show are available online through Ticketfly.  Buffalo based band Lazlo Hollyfeld will open.  Doors open at 8pm;Music starts at 9pm.

  • A Tribe Called Quest Founding Member Phife Dawg Dies At 45

    It was a sad day in the hip-hop community this week. Founding member of A Tribe Called Quest and rapper Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor died Tuesday at the age of 45.

    tribe-called-quest

    While the cause of death has yet to be officially released, Rolling Stone reported that Taylor had dealt with many health issues due to a longtime battle with diabetes — he underwent a kidney transplant in 2008 — and noted that he said he was addicted to sugar like drugs. (Taylor also famously called himself “the Funky Diabetic” in several ATCQ songs.) In his final interview with the magazine last fall, Taylor was optimistic about the future and was working on a new album, Muttymorphosis, that was “basically my life story.”

    The Queens native joined the New York City-based band at 19 and is credited with influencing the group’s rise to critical success. Taylor, with bandmates Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and honorary member Jarobi White, were game-changers to the early 1990s hip-hop sound. Together the foursome pioneered a more progressive style to their aggressive West Coast contemporaries that layered smooth jazz and Afro-centric beats with socially conscious lyrics. The iconic group was signed to Jive Records and recorded five studio albums. Last November, Tribe made its last performance together on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to promote the 25th anniversary reissue of their debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. 

    Since the news of Taylor’s death, artists like Questlove, Kendrick Lamar, Sean Lennon, Chris Rock, Chance the Rapper and Mac Miller, among others, have noted ATCQ’s importance to their own careers and took to social media to say goodbye to the late hip-hop legend known as Phife Dawg.

    Phife forever 1970-2016. 1991 in Sept I went to visit Tariq at Millersville U in the middle of PA (Lancaster). Miles Davis had just passed & I went on a binge to study his post jazz works. Went to Sound Of Market to purchase Nefertiti, In A Silent Way & Live Evil—the only non jazz purchase I made that day ironically was the most jazziest album in that collection: #TheLowEndTheory by @ATCQ. —it was raining that day so somehow the 1…2 punch of “Nefertiti”/”Fall” just had me in a trance that train trip—even though I suspected there was a possibility that Tribe could possibly have made a better album then their debut (the perfect @@@@@ mic Source rating would be on stands in a week so I was right)—but I knew I wanted to save that listening for when I got up to the campus w Riq.—so some 90mins later when I get to his dorm–we ripped that bad boy open (I can’t describe the frustration that was CD packaging in 1991, just imagine the anger that environmentalists feel when all that paper packaging in Beats headphone gets wasted—it’s like that)—the sign of a true classic is when a life memory is burnt in your head because of the first time you hear a song. —Riq & I had this moment a few times, but the look on our faces when we 1st heard “Buggin Out” was prolly Me & Tariq’s greatest “rewind selector!” moment in our friendship. (Back then every MC’s goal was to have that “rewind!!!” moment. As in to say something so incredible. Or to catch you by surprise that it makes you go “DAAAAAYUM!!!”& you listen over & over—Malik “Phife” Taylor’s verse was such a gauntlet/flag planting moment in hip hop. Every hip hop head was just…stunned HE. CAME. FOR. BLOOD & was taking NO prisoners on this album (or ever again) we just kept looking at the speaker on some disbelief old timey radio Suspense episode. & also at each other “Phife is KILLIN!”–by the time we got to “Scenario” I swear to god THAT was the moment I knew I wanted to make THIS type of music when I grew up–(yeah yeah dad I know: “go to Juilliard or Curtis to make a nice living at “real music”) but he didn’t know that Phife & his crew already wrote my destiny. I ain’t look back since. THANK YOU PHIFE!

    A photo posted by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on

  • Marshall Tucker Band Packs The Stanley for St. Patrick’s Day

    Stepping into Utica’s elegant Stanley Theater is like stepping back in time.  Built in 1928 as one of the original movie houses, the look and feel of the building lends itself to nostalgia. Nostalgia was on the minds of many in attendance to catch the Marshall Tucker Band on its Long Hard Drive tour on St. Patrick’s Day.

    20160317-Marshall Tucker Band-4

    The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) is considered one of the forefathers of southern rock. Along with the Allman Brothers Band, Lynryd Skynyrd and the Outlaws, the band helped bring a unique mix of country music and rock to the mainstream with songs like, “Take the Highway” and “Can’t You See,” songs that are still in heavy rotation on classic rock radio. What makes MTB unique among its peers is the inclusion of a flute in its repertoire.

    The 2016 edition of the band, fronted by lead singer Doug Gray, the sole remaining member of the band from its salad days, includes Pat Elwood on bass, Marcus Henderson on keyboards, flute, sax and vocals, B.B. Borden on drums, Chris Hicks on guitar and vocals and Rick Willis on guitars and vocals.

    The set was slightly delayed as Gray explained that they hadn’t had a chance to do a sound check earlier in the day. That statement proved to be ominously prophetic. The house sound team, Fanelli Sound and Lighting, wasn’t running the boards Thursday night. Their experience mixing bands in the storied theater would have helped this show immensely. The resulting sound issues plagued MTB the remainder of the night.

    20160317-Marshall Tucker Band-2

    Gray played the part of story teller throughout the show, often pausing between songs to give the audience a history lesson of how the song was written or particularly noteworthy performances of the song. The patient crowd indulged the singer, applauding during moments of Gray’s mention of his Vietnam service but there were times when he pleaded for their patience as he continued his story.

    The band ran through a solid set of newer compositions alongside all its classic songs. The musicians in the band, particularly drummer Borden, were in top form despite the frustrating sound levels. In a moment of pure humble honesty, prior to the performance of “Take the Highway,” Gray admitted to those in attendance that he is no longer the man in the band to sing the song, before introducing Henderson to perform the band’s classic. After a solid flute intro, Henderson ripped into the vocals, making the song his own.

    20160317-Swamp Drivers-9

    Opening for MTB was Utica-area bluesmen The Swamp Drivers. They brought a large following with them to the Stanley too. A quick glance around the audience showed as many Swamp Drivers shirts as MTB shirts. What sets the Swamp Drivers apart immediately is their odd collection of instruments, all homemade. Guitarist Terry Johnson performed much of the set using a guitar made from a Revereware frying pan, it also made an appearance later on in the hands of MTB guitarist, Hicks during the aforementioned performance of “Take the Highway.” Other unorthodox instruments making an appearance in their set included a one-string hoe, dubbed “Ida,” Phil Diehl’s garbage can drum set, and Tom Guidera’s hybrid cello-bass, a repurposed cello acquired without a neck that has a traditional bass guitar fretboard and headstock built into it.

    The Swamp Drivers had the hometown fans dancing in their seats with a bluesy set of originals with sounds reminiscent of ZZ Top or George Throrogood.

    The Swamp Drivers were chosen from many local entries to open the show. In an interview with WKTV, Johnson could barely contain his excitement. As a lifelong resident of the area who has always wanted to perform on the Stanley Theater stage and a long time fan of the Marshall Tucker Band, Johnson declared Thursday’s show a double check off his bucket list.

    20160317-Swamp Drivers-2

    When the Swamp Drivers finished their set, the audience rose for a standing ovation, a dream come true for this time-tested band of New York State Blues Hall of Famers (The band was inducted in 2014).

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’693′]

  • Stuyedeyed at Shea Stadium

    The Brooklyn/NYC DIY scene is replete with talented bands and artists that offer a plethora of genres for anyone’s taste. Stuyedeyed stands out with their psychedlic, desert-esque facet of punk rock. It’s almost as if Jimi Hendrix, Danzig and Kyuss had a peyote ceremony in the desert and made music. Their live performances are bursting with masses of energy and instrumental intricacies that will have you wondering how they played those notes and moved around so much. Stuyedeyed is Nelson Antonio Espinal (guitar/vocals), Andrea Scanniello (guitar/organ/vocals), Luis Ruelas (drums), and Humberto Geñao (bass).tkenna_stuyedeyed_shea_04

    A recent performance at Shea Stadium in Brooklyn showcased their raw talent and ability to croon a crowd with heavy, crunching guitar riffs, smooth, groovy bass and ferocious drumming that could have you saying a divine four letter word. Although most of the material they performed was brand new, some tracks I’m familiar with made an appearance such as “Land Mines” (from their Cursed EP) which has a melodic guitar riff over a driving force of drums and a bass line that makes you want to groove your hips and bang your head simultaneously. “Erik’s Song” was played (also from the Cursed EP) and its heavy, droning guitar riff over a continuous drum roll matched superbly with Espinal’s aggressive, crooning vocals. Stuyedeyed bleeds DIY and possesses a natural talent not seen in many groups which is why they have become one of my favorite bands in the scene. I heard they may be recording new material soon; I’m very excited to see what comes next for the psych-rock quartet.  Check out their EP, Cursed as well as their Facebook page for upcoming shows in Brooklyn/NYC.

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’692′]

  • Vote in MarchSCampness from SummerCamp & Win Tickets and More!

    We are deep into March Madness and the counselors at Summer Camp have launched their own March SCampness.

    Fans of the Midwest festival on Memorial Day weekend are encouraged to vote for their favorite aspects of Summer Camp. Voting also enters fans in contests for VIPupgrades, Red Barn late night tickets, Thursday pre-party tickets, and more! Round 2 voting is now open through Wednesday, March 23!

    Counselor Carmel shed some light on the MarchSCampness:

    We really wanted to highlight the uniqueness of Summer Camp. There are a lot of festivals out there, but not many of them have survived as long as Summer Camp has. There are these deep seeded elements that add to our community and traditions that keep us all coming back every year. This will be my 12th. The idea came about from Brad and was an evolution of a Umphrey’s McGee bracket we did last year in our Summer Camp group. That was an idea of Alex, one of our Camp Counselors. We had such a good response that festival management wanted to take it one step further this year.

    Of the remaining rounds, the Sweet Sixteen ends tonight, Wednesday, March 23. The Elite Eight runs Thursday, March 24 until Saturday, March 26. Voting for the Final Four will be held Sunday, March 27 through Tuesday, March 29. And the Championship round will last two days: Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31.

    Prizes include SCamp Merch Packages (five winners), Thursday pre-party tickets (three winners), pair of Red Barn late night tickets of your choice (two winners), and VIP Upgrade with your choice of Red Barn late night tickets (two winners). Read more about the rules here.

  • Rock n Roll Resort Releases Schedule, Announces Artists at Large

    Rock n Roll Resort v6 “Low Key” has released their schedule for this weekend’s festivities and with hardly any overlapping sets, there’s no excuse to not get down with your friends this weekend in the Catskills!

    On Friday night, things get started in the Acoustic Lounge with some Phish via Uncle Ebenezer, along with Cousin Earth’s funky earth sounds, and Outer Style. The Empire Lounge heats up with Fat Bradley in the Empire Lounge and some funk shortly after via Formula 5. Hayley Jane and the Primates kick off the night in the Manhattan Theatre, followed by the first of three Max Creek sets this weekend. The music doesn’t stop until dawn with Roxy Roca, Teddy Midnight and Funkadelic Astronaut stretchin the night until day.

    Saturday has music starting at 11am for the early risers! Don’t miss Goose, Black Mountain Symphony and Mister F as they start your day off right. New England favorites The Kind Buds start their set promptly at 4:20, right before Master of Ceremonies Honeycomb demonstrates some of the best beatboxing in the Northeast. Two more sets of Max Creek and a pair from West End Blend span the night in the Theater, while Clevland’s Broccoli Samuari hits the Lounge at 10pm, followed by Chromatropic and Space Bacon. Don’t miss psychedelic duo The Balkun Brothers or The Other Brothers (no relation), the latter hailing from nearby New Paltz and ready to fill your ears with soul.

    Artists at Large include members of Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, Danny “Soul Train” Meyer and Mary Corso.  Danny is a founding member of On The Spot Trio, and is currently with Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan & formerly of Alan Evans’ Playonbrother (2012-2015). Mary Corso, the lead vocalist for Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan & founding member of her own band Broca’s Area. Mary and Danny have recently worked together in a new project called Danny Mayer Trio featuring members of Turkuaz & Nth Power.