Leon Russell, the long-haired, top-hatted, mystical Oklahoman who rose to fame as the bandleader for Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen touring band, died quietly in his sleep Sunday. He was 74. His wife, Jan Bridges released the following statement:
We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time. My husband passed in his sleep in our Nashville home. He was recovering from heart surgery in July and looked forward to getting back on the road in January. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.
Russell, born Claude Russell Bridges, was known as a “musician’s musician,” having performed among rock royalty for decades, often anonymously as an in-demand studio pianist. Elton John, whose 2010 collaboration with Russell, The Union, kicked off a comeback for Russell, mourned his mentor on Instagram.
Russell had been suffering from a variety of ailments over the past few years. In 2010, he was hospitalized for a brain fluid leak and heart failure. He suffered a heart attack in July of this year, causing the cancellation of several tour dates. Russell’s last performance was in Nashville July 10.
In an era of flamboyant musicianship, Leon Russell was king. For a period in the early ’70s, he was a dynamo. He put together a band for Joe Cocker, performed as part of the Delaney and Bonnie and Friends touring band and played a major role in George Harrison’s 1971 benefit Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
Russell took an interest in music at a early age. Born in Lawton, OK April 2, 1942, he began playing the piano by the age of four. He began playing nightclubs around Tulsa by the age of 14, able to do so because of Oklahoma’s status as a dry state, forming the band the Starlighters, which also included J.J. Cale.
He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17, where he became a member of Phil Spector’s infamous “Wrecking Crew,” a loose-knit group of studio musicians responsible for the backing music for Jan and Dean, Sonny and Cher, the Mamas and the Papas, Frank Sinatra, the Monkees and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.
Ever modest, Russell once described himself as a “jobber,” likening himself to an air conditioner installer in a Rolling Stone interview, “You need air conditioning? You call this guy. People called me to do what I did.” And what he did was legendary. Russell played many instruments with aplomb. Russell meandered among genres like a master.
In 1975 Bob Dylan had requested Russell to play bass, an instrument he wasn’t particularly deft at playing, on the recording of “Hurricane,” or as Russell described it, “that song about the boxer.” Russell recalls of that session:
“We did a take — just running it down, I thought. I said, ‘Are you going to do the real thing now?’ Bob said, ‘Why? We’re just going to make the same mistakes.’”
Just another ho-hum story in the life of a storied musician.
Russell’s signature song, “A Song for You” has been recorded by more than 40 artists over the years, including the Carpenters, Willie Nelson, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse and Ray Charles, whose performance earned him a Grammy in 1993 for Best Male R&B Performance.
Russell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by his friend, Elton John in 2011.
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song for you
– Leon Russell, “A Song for You”
The Nth Power’s latest release To Be Free – Live is exuberantly funky, bursting with spirituality, and clearly on a mission to inspire! After touring to promote their 2015 release Abundance, The Nth Power obliged their fans by creating this nine-track live recording during two nights of performances in Boston, Massachusetts and one night in the band’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York.
This feel-good 10-track album captures something that you can’t get from a studio recording – the authentic energy that can only come from bearing your soul before a live audience hanging on every note. Anchored in the jazz and funk of New Orleans, The Nth Power’s heady gospel tones and inspirational messages create a well-grounded album which promotes understanding through music. This, my friends, is what love sounds like.
“Gil said the revolution won’t be televised. These days I start to see it with my own eyes. The media has got you fused with a state of fear. Got you believing all the hate and lies that you feel. I used to believe everything that they tell me was true. But since 9/11 I know I stay lied to. Go smash your TV. You can choose to be free. Stand up and be your own page in history.”
The lyrics to the song “Truth,”, are a nod to Gil Scott-Heron’s political statement “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” With it’s polished yet quirky world-music feel, “Truth” is the track you’d be most likely to hear on your local college radio station. With powerful and poignant lyrics, the song is a call for action, and proof that music is just as powerful of a weapon in this day and age as it was in the 1970’s.
“Right Now,” featuring a funky Motown vibe, is a reminder to live in the moment, and “celebrate what you’ve been given. This life is so worth living right now.”
The genre-melding song “Could It Be” mixes a Doobie-Brothers-esque feel – specifically a throwback to the 1973 hit “Drift Away” – with smooth and sultry vocals, ending in a round of “Stir It Up with You,” conjuring up a bit of Bob Marley’s spirit.
“Take My Soul” is one of the highlights of the album with the scream of the organ ushering us into roadhouse-style guitar licks and smokey vocals.
Each member of the quartet brings varied musical backgrounds. Nikki Glaspie toured as Beyonce’s drummer for five years before joining up with Dumpstaphunk. Bassist Nate Edgar plays with the likes of Groovechild and John Brown’s Body. Singer and Guitarist Nick Cassarino came from the Jennifer Hartswick Band and toured with Big Daddy Kane. The newest member, Courtney J’Mell Smith, toured with Braimah and was musical director of a church in St. Louis, which comes through in the strong gospel tones on “To Be Free.”
Since 2013, the Nth Power has performed at renowned festivals including Electric Forest, Bear Creek, Catskill Chill, North Coast Music Festival, and in just the last six months, the group has performed more than 50 shows in 21 states, along with making their second international appearance. Distributed on Harmonized Records, “To Be Free – Live”will be available online and in stores starting November 11th. Check them out on Facebook or visit their website for a full tour schedule!
For a sneak peek at the band’s new material, check out their latest video below for “Take My Soul” – a standout blues track from the album which was filmed live in Boston at The Bridge Sound & Stage.
Saturday November 5, Irving Plaza, New York City; the air was still and the room was quiet, the only exception was the sweet, soulful sounds and warm, fuzzy lyrics of Joshua Radin.
Radin is currently on tour supporting his new album, “The Fall”. Radin says, “The Fall” is my seventh studio album, but it’s the first album I’ve produced myself, so this feels like the most honest work I’ve released in my twelve-year career.”
In the vein of storytellers, Radin enchanted us with tales of love lost and proclaimed his “songs are as quiet as you can possibly get,” which is the best thing about listening to Radin. His songs have the ability to quiet our souls while simultaneously waking up a part of ourselves that we may have lost.
Songs that stood out; the inspirational “Brand New Day,” Radin shared it was written after the demise of a 6 year relationship. “Paperweight” from a movie called Dear John is a wonderful song full of sweet and innocent love. “My My Love” a song about finally finding the one that makes your heart flutter. It’s all love, love love for Mr. Radin.
The last time Radin was at Irving Plaza was about a year and half ago—he recalled a moment in the audience when a young man proposed to his girlfriend after his Yaz remake of “Only You”. Not only was that woman there on Saturday night, but confessed to them breaking up, Radin jokingly a la “Sleepless in Seattle” said he’d meet her at the top of the Empire State Building after the show.
Joshua Radin deserves to have a song featured in every rom-com movie until the end of time, his heart opening music sets the stage for uninhibited love, vulnerability and deep connection on otherworldly levels.
Radin is continuing his tour to the West coast and then to Europe.
Setlist: No Envy, Beautiful Day, You Got Growin’ Up to Do, Brand New Day, Closer, I’d Rather Be With You, Only You, My My Love, Belong, High and Low, Underwater, Today, Winter, Enough For You, Don’t Think Twice
Haewa’s, There Is No History, offers a wide assortment of songs, encompassing a range of 90s grunge and jam band influences. Matching its meditating psychedelic album cover, Haewa sets forth a heavier side in the realm of thoughtful soundscape.
An instantly likeable track is “Born Into the Morning Light,” which has an excellent convergence of drum and slide guitar, both of which work off of each other in a format that seems fitting as what could be part of a film soundtrack. Coming in at the #4 slot on the album this song is a track that utilizes multiple and interlocking guitar riffs that give the song longevity in repeated listens. The lyrics, “I was born in the morning light,” allot this song a hopeful outlook amidst its more serious style. Although somewhat of the black sheep song on the EP, this one definitely deserves attention as a great listen.
“Chem Division” is a track off the EP that retains much more of the style that Haewa is known for based off of this EP. It’s a heavier jam that has a prominence of layered and unique guitar chords. Similarly related is the Black Keys/Led Zeppelin riffing of “Innovation at the Edge of Time.” This gives great credit to Haewa’s ability to likely be an excellent live show band. “No Ocean” is another fitting jam and be sure to listen to the fluttering guitar work found towards the end of the song.
Last but not least, “Swamping,” is a key track off the EP, which displays the use of harmonica, feeding into the 90s grunge feel overall. Ultimately, Haewa is a highly guitar driven band that has a great deal of potential going forward with their future EPs, which hopefully come out frequently.
“If someone could guarantee me that the preliminaries will not be too disagreeable, I look forward to…” This was Leonard Cohen’s response to a question asked of him in a 2009 interview with the CBC’s Jian Ghomeshi. What he was looking forward to is what ultimately happened Thursday. Poet, novelist, songwriter, Leonard Cohen has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed on his Facebook page.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Adam Cohen, his son and producer issued the following:
My father passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with the knowledge that he had completed what he felt was one of his greatest records. He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humor.
The record his son is referring to is the recently released You Want it Darker, an album hailed by the magazine as a “late career triumph.” The album was recorded as Cohen was suffering from back issues that kept him confined to the house. His son created a recording studio in the house the elder Cohen had been sharing with his daughter Lorca. The resulting album is nothing short of a beautiful goodbye.
Cohen’s most famous composition, “Hallelujah,” has been performed by everyone from Bob Dylan to high school choirs. The most renowned version was done by Jeff Buckley nearly a decade after it was first recorded. The song was recorded for his 1984 album Various Positions, an album seen as not commercial enough by his label. The spiritual ballad has been so ubiquitous since Buckley brought it to the forefront that Cohen himself indicated that maybe there should be a moratorium on performing it. In the coming days, however, it is sure to appear many times over in tribute to its creator.
Cohen began his career as a musician later in life than most of his contemporaries. He was a highly regarded poet and novelist, but was unable to parlay that into a career. So he turned to music in an attempt to make a living through his writing. His first album, Songs of Leonard Cohen was released in 1967, when he was 33 years old. His song “Suzanne” from his debut, was recorded by Judy Collins as well as many other artists, launching his musical career.
Known among his fans as “The Godfather of Gloom,” Cohen still possessed a sardonic wit, once suggesting that perhaps his label should give away razor blades with his albums. Despite the grim and somber tone of his work, he influenced not only his contemporaries but a generation of pop musicians to follow. According to the New York Times, his work has been recorded over 2,000 times by everyone from the aforementioned Dylan, Collins and Buckley to Elton John, U2 and R.E.M.
Cohen was born in Montreal on Sept. 21, 1934 to Nathan and Masha Klonitzky, his father a Polish emigre, his mother the daughter of a Lithuanian Rabbi. His father, a clothier, died when Cohen was nine years old, leaving a trust fund that allowed Cohen to pursue his writing interests.
He enrolled at McGill University, studying English. Upon graduation, he spent time pursuing a graduate degree with little satisfaction, likening it to “passion without flesh, love without climax.”
Cohen’s eventual move to the U.S. fostered the musical career he sought. He became a member of Andy Warhol’s inner circle and began to achieve success as a touring musician throughout the ’70s and early ’80s. Always a spiritual, if not necessarily religious man, Cohen chose to retreat to the Mt. Baldy Zen Center in the Los Angeles area in 1994, becoming an ordained Zen Buddhist monk in 1996.
Following his five year retreat, Cohen again returned to the studio in 1999. The result was the 2001 album Ten New Songs. He continued writing, recording and touring through the early years of the 21st century. A bitter legal dispute with his former manager Kelley Lynch, however, left him financially strapped.
In 2008, he embarked on an extensive tour, mainly out of financial necessity. Between 2008 and 2010, Cohen performed all over the world without rest. Stops on his tour included New Zealand, Canada, Europe and performances at the Glastonbury and Coachella Festivals.
Cohen often referred to his career as a three-act play. Thursday night, the curtain was drawn on the final act of this legendary career. His final album was released in October and is a fitting cap on the life of a true Renaissance man.
“He said all men will be sailors then until the sea shall free them”
Grammy nominated Cape Cod rockers Highly Suspect are set to play a show at Upstate Concert Hall this Saturday, November 12 for the first time. Doors are open at 7:00 p.m with show at 8:00 p.m. Slothrust is slated to open the show.
Along with the upcoming show, Highly Suspect is releasing their sophomore effort The Boy Who Died Wolf on November 18 via 300 Entertainment. The band will undoubtedly play a few songs from that album.
This is a band on the rise so it would be best to purchase tickets for this show sooner rather than later.
There is nothing like experiencing music in its original form and in its original setting first hand. Whether it’s Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline at the Ryman Theater, Peter Gabriele at The Roxy, the Beatles at Shea Stadium or Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park, seeing and feeling it live in the moment far exceeds anything you can possibly hear through a recording.
A fan of Celtic music, it has been a lifelong dream for this music photojournalist to be able to take the trek to Ireland one day and experience the music scene first hand. After all, the traditional Celtic sound is a cornerstone to my beloved bluegrass and country music which I tend to gravitate towards back here in the states. When the opportunity came to travel together with my good friends and musicians, The Elders and The Moxie Strings, as they took their annual trip with family and friends, I jumped at the chance. Working together with these bands for years now, it was the perfect introduction to Ireland.
For those who may not be familiar with them, The Elders are a Celtic rock band based out of Kansas City, MO who constantly set the bar higher with the quality of music on each album they write and produce. The Moxies, who hail from Michigan, blend an edgy sound to your traditional strings and percussion, growing a new generation of musicians and Celtic music lovers. These two bands meld together perfectly and offer a rock and bluegrass edge to the regular traditional Celtic sound. Amassing fans all over America, it’s never difficult for them to fill a few buses to take the journey annually. So off I went.
Hopping the pond, we made our way across the country, stopping to play in the cities of Sligo, Galway, Cork, Arklow and Dublin. At the first stop in Sligo, the bands took to the stage at 5th on Teeling, a small local pub that usually began hopping later in the evening. They had no issues filling the venue quickly with the fans from America and those locals that made their way in from the streets as the music filtered out, luring them inside. After a riveting set from both bands, the bar was set high to achieve a more electric set as they continued on their tour.
As we began to make our way south, next on the map was the bustling city of Galway where the bands were scheduled to perform at the amazing Quays the following night, located in the heart of the city. As we arrived in Galway, we set out to explore the area and happened into a small pub called the Tig Cóilí which was only a few doors down from The Quays. Best known for it’s Traditional Irish Session, musicians and patrons often crowd this pub to partake in ongoing music sessions. Finding a spot in the front window amongst the other musicians, they join in and play whatever tune is being played at that moment. As quietly as they arrive, they depart when they need to go while not disrupting the sound in the least. This introduction to a true Irish session was refreshing and special as that is what music is all about – the blending of talents and sounds to make the tune. Although this was only my first session, it would be a foreshadowing of what I was to experience as the trip unfolded.
As the sunrise came up, our troops dispersed on adventures to many a site within the area, however, they later came back together to The Quays that evening for what was a memorable night of music. This venue, one of many in and amongst the pedestrian walkway, adjacent to Eyre Square (aka John F. Kennedy Memorial Park), offered passers by a unique experience inside. Whether it was the sights and touches of the venue, the smells and tastes of delicious food and beverages being served or sounds coming from this venue, The Quays offered patrons something to tantalize each of their senses.
This, hands down, was the coolest venue the bands had an opportunity to play in my opinion. The stage, set on three alternating tiers, offered a backdrop of old organ pipes and stained glass that had one time been in a French church. Filled to the brim with American tour mates and college students that seemed to overtake the area on this evening, The Elders and Moxies were once again able to top the performances of the previous gig. Whether it was the Moxie’s rendition of Ah Ha’s “Take On Me” or The Elders singing my favorites, “Galway Girl” and then closing with “Message In A Bottle”, they definitely left their mark on this city.
As we set on to the next stop on our journey, the city of Cork, it seemed almost impossible to live up to the prior shows as they began their set at Cyprus Avenue. Another cool city with a bustling night life, it was a shame that this venue rushed us in and out as they had a tech show immediately following our sets. Being rushed and poorly lit to boot, this venue was not one of my favorites but of course, in true Elders/Moxie fashion, they put on a show that made those awaiting outside wish they had arrived earlier to enjoy their set as well. It didn’t go unnoticed that while we Americans were there craving everything Celtic, they were there craving everything American. Karmic as it was, it was also here that we welcomed our new friend, a student from Buffalo studying abroad, as she started her first night working at the venue. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat! Amber.
The following day we embarked to Arklow, hometown of Ian Byrne, lead singer of The Elders, which is located in the eastern part of the country and within the county of Wicklow. These two days in Arklow were my most favorite for several reasons. First, the area was absolutely beautiful. It was as though the Adirondacks of NY and all the best of Ireland merged to become this beautiful lush region with rolling green hills, mountains, waterways and oceanfront. It truly felt like home to me and the welcome we were given was heartwarming and most meaningful. Secondly, surrounded by family and friends who welcomed us as though they had known us for years, we all gathered that first evening to the Harbour Bar in Arklow to a small room above the pub where we were met by some amazing local musicians.
At an extremely long table, we were joined by young and old who would treat us to a true Irish session. To begin the evening, three of the five musicians that are known as Small Town Crisis (Sean Fox, Jack Hanlon & Cat Leibowitz) began their acoustic set with amazing performances of original work. They were extremely talented and joined in a few more times throughout the night before exiting to go home and get ready for school the following day. Meeting Denis Nolan, the 2015 All Ireland Fleadh Ceoil Champion, was truly a treat as well as he serenaded us with his award winning harmonica playing. John Stafford joined in with moving vocals and, my favorite, the banjo on several numbers while Aoibhinn Redmond added her melodic touches to tunes throughout the night. Gabriel Brady, who I believe just released an album, gave a whimsical spin on folky tunes throughout the night leaving us all in stitches while Denis New brought out the bagpipes and filled the room with traditional Celtic tunes.
Yvonne Kenny, who orchestrated this amazing evening for us, sang and played the bodhran while Chris Steele played some classical violin, moving us almost to tears! Playing traditional Celtic tunes throughout the night, each performer added yet another highlight to a trip that I couldn’t imagine ever to get better. To say that the voices of both Naoimh Penston and Denise Brennan (who is known as one of the leads in the Women of Ireland Tour & Riverdance) were angelic is an understatement. Their beautiful harmonies captivated us all night long.
Playing and singing, Naoimh also joined in with Ian and longtime friend Fran Harper as they played and sang Men of Erin, a song we all knew and love so much. Invited to play and sing were we Americans as we vied for the coveted title of the year. Elliott Phillips played and sang while Tim Braun and Isaac and Keenan Reilly joined in with guitar/percussion on a few tunes. Defending her title from last year, Caity Reilly once again set the bar high with a very moving song, while David Sizer swiped the title with his rendition of “Allelujah”. I really thought it was a tie myself; both pieces were amazing and yet so different. And of course, The Elders and Moxies joined in with bluegrass tunes, traditional Celtic tunes and shared some new music yet to be recorded. All in all, it was fun, it was spontaneous, it was more than I ever imagined and truly was my favorite part of the whole trip. Thank you, Arklow for such a great evening.
As this night long session went well into the wee hours, it was only a few hours later that the bands would be hitting the airwaves to the local radio station while The Moxies would be joining Chris Steele and her students at St. Mary’s College to practice for a very special performance that evening. The next gig would be right there at the Arklow Bay Hotel, and all proceeds from this show would be donated towards Nolan House, Rathdrum and Arklow Music and Arts campaign to secure the provision of a Music and Arts center in Arklow.
As the banquet room began filling up, it was apparent how truly loved the bands and the causes were to the town. And, although I’m sure a bit apprehensive, the orchestra from St. Mary’s College nailed their performances and the night was a smashing success as Arklow celebrated with the Americans. It was the cherry on top as Denis New once again joined the bands on the bagpipes in full attire.
As the tour headed out and left the hometown and headed north, it would be on the top of the hill in Glencullen at Johnnie Foxes where the final show would occur. I could think of no better place either than this whimsical pub for the final setting as a wonderful, fun filled two weeks of music in Ireland came to a close. With delicious food, Guiness, and the most whimsical decor ever, it just seemed fitting to end on such a high note, literally.
As the buses made their way up the steep hill, overlooking Dublin at night with its twinkling lights, it was probably a good thing we couldn’t see the drop off on the side of the road. We arrived, were seated and fed, and somehow found a square of real estate to dance along with the bands. The party was complete, the music a hit, and with family and friends from all over the world, this hop across the pond definitely left an impression on this journalist, leaving her longing for more very soon.
The photographer stands in front of a print of a young Bruce Springsteen squatting down and looking out upon the crowd as he straddles his guitar. “I try to tell a story with every picture I take,” said Patrick Harbron, acclaimed concert and portrait photographer of some of the biggest names in rock. “Even here with Springsteen. Unless you lived under a rock or were in solitary confinement, you can tell what’s happening here.”
In Lawrence Kirsch’s “The Light in Darkness,” a book covering Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town” tour, Harbron described The Boss’ music as “grand but not arrogant.” The same could be said for the photographer who penned the words. The helix of Harbron’s career wraps around a pivotal time line in rock and roll history — out of the infancy of touring county fairs and maturing in front of sports arenas. He has followed and captured the likes of The Who, B.B. King, KISS, Prince and Blonde, in their respective primes, yet recalls stories of his personal interaction with these legends devoid of pretense.
Harbron began his concert photography career capturing local acts in the Canadian media hub of Toronto, Ontario. At the onset of the 70s, Toronto was a blossoming music scene teeming with local acts while being a natural stop for the largest personalities in rock and roll.
Born to a photographer as a father and an editor as his mother, Harbron’s lifework began covering concerts as a freelance journalist. Having a natural proclivity for both film and prose, he said he had difficulty choosing on which career to focus.
“When I saw how large the picture was, and how [much smaller] the article was, the choice was easy.” he said.
The Albany Institute of History & Art is showcasing Harbron’s work in its latest exhibition “Rock & Roll Icons: Photographs by Patrick Harbron” from Nov. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. The exhibition includes some of Harbron’s concert posters, memorabilia and souvenirs, as well as items on loan from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“As disparate as some of these artists seem,” said Harbron, “they all share the common ideal that rock and roll is made up of many faces, voices and influences. Everybody’s love of rock and roll is personal choice. I couldn’t do justice to just one artist or the entire genre at once, so this is rock and roll from my point of view.”
The exhibit includes Harbron’s collection of concert and promotional posters and personal memorabilia he collected over the years. Much of the work on display, including album covers, books, magazine and publicity shots, have not been viewed before.
Harbron first brought a camera to a show in December 1975. The Who was playing at Maple Leaf Gardens. “I had no idea then where it would take me,” he said.
A black and white image of Debbie Harry tossing her hair is the lone image displayed on the show’s promotional material. It’s a picture Harbron captured at El Mocambo Club in Toronto in 1978. The contrast between her skin and platinum (and black) hair against the backdrop of the club shows a flash was used — a no-no for today’s photographers.
“The early concerts were really exciting, and there was a little more freedom,” said Harbron. “Somebody asked me about access recently. There was a little more access. You could do more. And as groups began to understand how they appeared visually, they became more controlling. To the point it’s out of control, from a photographer’s point of view.”
Camera technology had advanced so far as allowing photographers to capture images in low-light environments by tweaking their ISO setting. ISO once distinguished a film’s sensitivity to light. A roll of 100 ISO film was best used for bright, outdoor shots, where 800 ISO film was best for indoor, low-light action shots. Harbron commonly shot shows with 400 ISO film with a shutter speed of 1/125. Today’s high-end cameras are capable of shooting at 25,600 ISO (so, a flash would be unforgivable).
“Photography was, it wasn’t digital, it was all film,” said Harbron. “You had to have the skill set. And, of course, I hit the runway running. … I don’t remember shooting [those first] live performance shoots foundly because it was really before my skill sets matched the requirements of the job. I learned the hard way. I learned on my feet.
Harbron’s body of work includes two JUNO Award nominations for album cover photography. His work appears in magazines, advertising, annual reports and books. His clients include Rolling Stone, Time, People, and Business Week. His style of photography has lended him opportunities in photographing advertisements for Apple Computer, IBM, American Express, AT&T, PepsiCo, and Nabisco, among others. He now works for television network programs like “Marvel’s Daredevil” on Netflix, and is a faculty member of the International Center of Photography.
Over nearly 20 years, Harbron photographed the likes of Springsteen, Ray Charles, the Grateful Dead, Blondie, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, RUSH, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, KISS, Queen and The Who. “Many of these performers influenced me as a listener and musician,” Harbron said, who still plays the drums, and was able to pull a favor to display a symbol and a pair of drumsticks from Neil Peart. “I grew up with them. The photographs on display are only a slice of my archive, and of rock and roll itself. … Through it all, I never lost my love of music, the artists or the shows. And, I still have most of my hearing.”
The above piece appears special to NYSmusic.com from TheSpot518, a weekly arts and entertainment newspaper out of New York state’s Capital District. You can find content shared between NYSmusic.com and TheSpot518 in their concerted effort to provide quality coverage of our area’s music scene. For more information on TheSpot518, visit www.TheSpot518.com.
Tuesday night saw, what seemed like, a never ending election style end to the tune of some funky, improvisational music at this photog’s favorite small NYC venue, Brooklyn Bowl. It was here that HeadCount presented a “Soundtrack to History” via the Everyone Orchestra. Hosted by Matt Butler, Everyone Orchestra is an ever changing cast of musicians who are conducted through a dry erase board and crowd participation.
This evenings cast for Headcount’s “Soundtrack to History” was no slouch, and included Marc Brownstein, Steve Kimock, Marco Benevento, Karina Rykman, Mihali Savoulidas, Vinnie Amico, Jeremy Salken, Jay Jennings, Chris Bullock, Natalie Cressman, Jans Ingber, and, unannounced for the second set, Robert Randolph. What a list… apologies if I missed someone.
As you can tell from the gallery below, the Bowl had televisions tuned in to the election, offering a unique vibe to say the least. There were cheers, jeers, eyes locked high to the walls and not at the stage, and nearly everyone on their cell phone. Not a reflection of the music in any way, as this was my favorite EO show I’ve caught over the years, exceeding expectations to be quite honest. Feel free to make your own call as the show is available on YouTube.
Lotus completed a two night run in Buffalo October 29-30 with a Space Disco Theme on Halloween, complete with the Town Ballroom’s giant Disco Ball shining on a crowd who were dressed to impress.
The room filled in shortly after Jimkata took the stage to a sold out show. Lotus followed and absolutely crushed the room and blew the roof off the place.
October 29 Setlist Set 1: Middle Road, I’ve Been a Fool (Toy Guns), Uffi, Destroyer, Bubonic Tonic>In the Bliss>Bellwether Set 2: Fearless, Ashcon, 128>Philly Hit>Did Fatt>128, Turquoise, Greet the Mind Encore: Sodium Vapor, Age of Inexperience
October 30 Setlist Set 1: Nematode, Opo, Arupa>Sift>Mikesnack>Hammerstrike, Eats the Light Space Disco Set: Space Disco Intro Story>Snooze 4 Love>Stellar Triangulation*>Bizarre Love Triangle>Giffards Airship*, Sextant*, Ra Ako St>Life on Mars>Like a Prayer>Get Lucky Encore: Jump Off, Disappear in a Blood-Red Sky
*original music written for Space Disco Set
Russell had been suffering from a variety of ailments over the past few years. In 2010, he was hospitalized for a brain fluid leak and heart failure. He suffered a heart attack in July of this year, causing the cancellation of several tour dates. Russell’s last performance was in Nashville July 10.
He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17, where he became a member of Phil Spector’s infamous “Wrecking Crew,” a loose-knit group of studio musicians responsible for the backing music for Jan and Dean, Sonny and Cher, the Mamas and the Papas, Frank Sinatra, the Monkees and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.
The Nth Power’s latest release To Be Free – Live is exuberantly funky, bursting with spirituality, and clearly on a mission to inspire! After touring to promote their 2015 release Abundance, The Nth Power obliged their fans by creating this nine-track live recording during two nights of performances in Boston, Massachusetts and one night in the band’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York. 
Radin is currently on tour supporting his new album, “The Fall”. Radin says, “The Fall” is my seventh studio album, but it’s the first album I’ve produced myself, so this feels like the most honest work I’ve released in my twelve-year career.”
Haewa’s, There Is No History, offers a wide assortment of songs, encompassing a range of 90s grunge and jam band influences. Matching its meditating psychedelic album cover, 
Cohen’s most famous composition, “Hallelujah,” has been performed by everyone from 
Following his five year retreat, Cohen again returned to the studio in 1999. The result was the 2001 album Ten New Songs. He continued writing, recording and touring through the early years of the 21st century. A bitter legal dispute with his former manager Kelley Lynch, however, left him financially strapped.
As you can tell from the gallery below, the Bowl had televisions tuned in to the election, offering a unique vibe to say the least. There were cheers, jeers, eyes locked high to the walls and not at the stage, and nearly everyone on their cell phone. Not a reflection of the music in any way, as this was my favorite EO show I’ve caught over the years, exceeding expectations to be quite honest. Feel free to make your own call as the show is available on 