NYS Music 20​16

Blog

  • Nitro Fest, featuring Beats Antique, Ignites Longmont, CO

    In retrospect, I am a bit surprised there was no carnival barker in candy cane-striped pants with a handlebar mustache shouting, “Step Right Up, Ladies and Gentlemen!” There was the obvious, the circus tent. And the carnie stilt walkers, acrobats and aerialists. But it wasn’t a circus. It was a beer festival. Or was it?

    Last week, local Colorado brewers, Left Hand Brewing Company, sponsored their annual Nitro Beer festival on the lawn of an open park in Longmont. There were long lines of people holding shot glasses of nitrogen infused craft beers from several craft brewers around the country. But that is where the resemblance to typical beer fests ended. Left Hand instead threw a vaudevillesque party in which every participant was in formal masquerade/steampunk attire. There were fire performers, jugglers, hoopers, and acrobats hanging from fabric attached to the high tent ceiling. And there was Beats Antique.  Their unique blend of Old World gypsy electronica, along with the dizzying visuals from fire and acrobat performances by Lunar Fire and Fractal Tribe, transformed a beer promotional event into a bewitching evening of stylish costumes, art and music.

    Beats Antique closed out the evening on an intimately-sized stage while celebrating the birthday of their percussionist, Tommy Cappel.

    Punctuated with a belly dancing stage show and throbbing gypsy beats, the stage shuddered with gale-force energy from inspired performers and rabid fans, jumping and clawing at the stage. Needless to say, I didn’t spend much time in beer lines for refills. The circus was in town, and I sure didn’t want to miss any of the razzle and dazzle. The Nitro Fest last week was the greatest show on earth of beer festivals.

  • Jam for Tots Benefit Shows Kick off November 25 in Tannersville

    Jam for Tots returns to the Capital Region of New York for the 10th year in a row, with a series of performances that bring the live music community together in supporting children in need this holiday season.

    jam for totsHosted by Luke Weiler of Positive Mental Trip, the event started as a way to help make less fortunate children happy and doing so through music for a positive cause. Working with The Marines Corps, who run Toys for Tots, the events grew from one in 2007 to nine in 2013, while keeping a focus on the Northeast as an area of need.

    “Our goal for 2016 is to make as many children happy on Christmas Day and make sure that every person that comes to Jam for Tots leaves happy and glad that they took the time to come,” said Weiler. “We go to great lengths every year to make sure people have a blast at Jam for Tots with raffles, giveaways, great bands and all around good vibes. When a town and a good promoter get behind these events, there is really nothing that can stop them from being successful. This year all four shows are in places that love Jam for Tots and are all about it so they are all gonna rock.”

    The four Jam for Tots events kick off on Friday, November 25 in Tannersville at The Spinning Room. Bring a toy for a child as your cover charge for the shows.

    November 25, The Spinning Room, Tannersville, NY

    Bands include Positive Mental Trip (band), The Vicious Knishes, and In Good Company. Doors 8:30pm, Music goes from 9pm-1 am. Event link

    December 2, The Stewart House, Athens, NY

    Bands include Positive Mental Trip (band), For the Grateful and DUBB Agents. Doors 6:15pm, Music from 7-10pm. Event link

    December 10, Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs, NY

    Bands include Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets, Positive Mental Trip (band), The North and South Dakotas, Too Much Too Fast, and Dustin Sawyer. Doors at 7pm with live music until 2am. Event link

    December 17, Aaron’s Irish Pub, Gloversville, NY

    Bands are Too Much Too Fast, Positive Mental Trip -Band, Our Secret Love Society, Noise Between Stations and Memory of Me. Doors at 6pm with live music from 7pm – 2am. Event link

  • Interview: NYS Music talks to The Other Brothers

    The Other Brothers have been bringing a soulful twist to funk and R&B in the greater New York City area since 2012. They’ve  since appeared on stage with artists like Goose, Bushicks, with members of Kung Fu and Deep Banana Blackout and more.

    This six piece includes Brandon Bera (drums), Chris Owens (vocals), Gabe Marquez (organ and keys), Jared Nelson (percussion), John Morrison (guitar) and Jordan Mendelson (bass), all of whom are SUNY New Paltz students, both current and graduated.

    They took out some time this weekend to answer a few questions for NYS Music about their origin, creative process, and future aspirations.

    Karina Verlan: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

    The Other Brothers: We would say we’re neo-soul, but with some jam flavor. Our sound is derived from a handful of records that we’ve been in love with for the past few years, including Voodoo (D’Angelo), Channel Orange (Frank Ocean), and Off the Wall (Michael Jackson). We take a lot of cues from Phish, who we’ve collectively seen a million times. The Band is also a big influence on us, especially since we live in the Hudson Valley where they set up shop.

    KV: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

    TOB: John & Chris met at a Phish show at Bethel Woods in 2011. Then John heard Chris jokingly sing Creed at a house party and was very impressed. In fall 2012 John met a then-freshman Brandon at a jam session at the then-house of Matt Richards (of Formula 5) where they had a memorable “Good Times Bad Times” jam. Brandon met Jordan through a mutual friend at the very start of college (2012) and they jammed together in the dorms as well as in jazz ensembles. Then in the past year we met Jared and Gabe through jam parties and mutual friends.

    KV: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

    TOB: Our goal has always been to write soulful tunes based in a real moment or feeling so that our audience can share that experience with us. Whether they are funky, slow and soulful, or dark, we try to keep the original emotion as raw as possible. We try to keep the tunes loose so that we can jam on them if the mood strikes at a particular show. The recent addition of Gabe (organ/keys) and Jared (percussion) has opened everything up. They’re both great musicians and they’re really elevating our sound.

    KV: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

    TOB: We have a cozy rehearsal space at Castle Studios in New Paltz, where we practice usually 3 times per week depending on schedules. We keep it mostly productive, working on new material or polishing up old tunes. We also spend a lot of time kicking it and jamming on covers we’ll never play – just having fun. The other nights of the week we are usually out seeing music in New Paltz or shredding with our favorite vinyl at our house (Brandon, John, and Jordan live together).

    KV: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

    TOB: Play music with people you love to be around. We’re always joking around with each other and we care about each other. The stronger your friendship is, the stronger the musical relationship will be. Also, support your friends’ bands and local scene as much as you can.

    KV: What was the most exciting gig that you have done in 2016 thus far?

    TOB: Our gig at American Beauty in NYC in support of the B.R.Y.A.C. Funk All Stars (of Kung Fu and Deep Banana Blackout) was too much fun. We had an amazing audience of friends and new fans. It was also our first full show with Gabe on keys, and he just crushed it. Halloween weekend at Neptune’s in Lake George was insane – the crowd was killer and Formula 5’s Lord of the Rings improv set was simply incredible music.

    KV: What is your dream gig, venue, and supporting artist?

    TOB: Someday we’ll host our own festival in the beautiful Hudson Valley with Breakfast for the Boys, Formula 5, and Let’s Be Leonard. Be on the lookout… We’re also looking forward to our gig at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve 2023 with Anderson Paak opening.

    KV: How can fans-to-be best gain access to your music?

    TOB: If you sign up for our email list and we will send you a copy of our album which we’re recording in February at Art Farm studios in Accord. For now we have a few demos on our site. Also be on the lookout for our live release medium called Noach’s Roaches from chemist, brewer, and archivist Adam Noach.

    KV: How do you feel about the influence of the internet on the music business?

    TOB: It’s causing a shift in focus back to live performance because that’s where the money is now, which is fine by us because that’s where we thrive. We’re big Vulfpeck fans, and Jack Stratton is currently reinventing the game in terms of music marketing, which is cool to see.

    KV: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

    TOB: We don’t have a standard setlist and play mostly originals with some covers. We’ve played our song “Addicted to Weed” at pretty much every recent show because it’s such a fun groove. Also a big tune for us is called “In the City,” which is about all the social injustice our country is facing. We have a few covers that are in pretty heavy rotation including “Nothing from Nothing” (Billy Preston) and “Who Did That to You” (John Legend). We’ve covered a wide variety of artists from Eminem to Radiohead.

    KV: Which gig are you most excited for before the end of the year?

    TOB: We have three more shows this year. We’re playing Thanksgiving Eve at the Hollow in Albany with our good friends the Late Shift and Loveport. Then December 2nd we have a hometown banger scheduled at Snug Harbor in New Paltz with our best friends Formula 5.  December 3rd we hit Rockwood Music Hall in NYC where we always enjoy a nice crowd.

  • Hearing Aide: A Tribe Called Quest “We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service

    Nostalgia has taken over modern pop culture. Star Wars and Ghostbusters are back in theaters, Dave Chappelle guest starring on SNL, and now one of the most influential  American rap groups rises again for the first time in 18 years to release their sixth and final album. It’s a product of the exact recipe of what makes a Tribe album so revolutionary,  but with a slight variation of every ingredient.

    The production value of A Tribe Called Quest We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service is immaculate. It feels like listening to a remastered, never released album, because Tribe led the public to believe their fifth album was their last breaking up in 1998. And even without all of the original members, their sound is still effortless and always moving. The passing of  Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor was an inspiration for the production of the album that includes a variety of unpredictable, unique jazzy grooves and heavy drum and bass beats, placed under quick and witty lyrics. Putting aside the negative feelings and thoughts was the best thing the members could have done for themselves because once again, the group has created something one of a kind a revolutionary, that listeners can only hope will inspire other artists to follow in Tribe’s footsteps.

    Key Tracks: Whateva Will Be, Lost Somebody, Solid Wall of Sound

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PdW50Vt4x4

  • Photo Gallery: Dopapod w/ Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

    Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY played host to Dopapod and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong on Saturday, November 19. Check out some of the the action below.

    Dopapod pigeonsPigeons Playing Ping Pong Setlist: Walk Outside, Stay, Too Long, Lightning, Poseidon, >Horizon->Eyes of the world->Horizon, King Kong, Fortress, Time to Ride

    Dopapod Setlist: My Elephant Vs. Your Elephant, Flipped, FABA, November, Nuggy Jawson, Foxy Lady*, Nude^, Vol. 3 #86, The happy song->Trickery, Braindead
    Encore: Blast, You Oughta Know”
    *Jimi Hendrix Cover
    ^Radiohead Cover
    “Alanis Morrisette Cover

  • The Jesus and Mary Chain Announce First New Studio Release Since 1998

    Post-punk sensations The Jesus and Mary Chain have been getting back up to speed of late. In 2014 and 2015 they played several tour dates in the run up to last year’s release of Live from Barrowlands, and now longtime Jesus and Mary Chain handler Alan McGee, of Creation Records, has announced that the band is set to release a new studio album in March 2017 on Warner Brothers Records. In an interview with CBC Music, McGee exclaimed, “they’ve made another album. It’s a big deal! It’s unbelievable.”

    While the Jesus and Mary Chain, led by brothers Jim and William Reid, released a compilation record, 21 Singles, in 2002, the upcoming release will give fans their first dose of new material since 1998’s Munky. Eighteen years is a long time to wait, but this announcement comes as a taste of candy for all the devoted fans who feared this day would never arrive.

    No tour dates have been announced in support of the new release as of yet, however, there remain three chances to catch The Jesus and Mary Chain live in the act before the year ends. The brothers Reid, who are now joined by Scott Van Ryper on guitar, Mark Crozer on bass, and Brian Young on drums, will take the stage at the Georgia Theatre in Athens on December 13, 2016, followed by a performance at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA on December 14, and then a trip to New Orleans for a show at The Joy Theater on December 16.

    Click here for further details, including tickets, and check out the official video for “You Trip Me Up,” from 1985’s landmark release Psychocandy.

  • All You Really Need: DSO at the Palace Theatre

    On Saturday night at the Palace Theatre in Albany, Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) brought the good ol’ Grateful Dead back to life in a stellar fashion.  Excitement filled the room before the first note was played as word had spread that Jeff Chimenti would be on keys for the entire show as he did the night before in New Haven, CT.  Normally holding down the boards, Rob Barraco replaced Skip Vangelas on bass creating a music chairs scenario that we were all ready to embrace.  

    DSO Palace TheatreOpening the set with a heartfelt “Sugaree,” the Capital Region crowd began to “shake it” on low gear while blissfully enjoying Jeff Mattson’s passionate vocals.  After the silky first set introduction, rhythm guitarist Rob Eaton wasted no time channeling the cowboy in Bob Weir with a wild west “Me and My Uncle> Big River” one-two punch.  While “Me and My Uncle” is by far the most played song in the Dead’s expansive repertoire, I never get tired of the rockabilly energy release after a soul searching Jerry Garcia tune.  Chimenti gave the fans a symbolic “YEEHAW” on the keys during “Big River” and reminded the room why he was invited by the remaining Dead members to join them on the “Fare Thee Well” run.  

    Slowing things down with an exceptional threesome of “Peggy-O,” “Cassidy” and “Friend of the Devil,” this show was starting to feel like a classic late-70’s gathering.  Barraco displayed his nasty bass playing abilities during “Peggy-O” before Lisa Mackey floated her way on stage during “Cassidy,” playing the role of Donna Godchaux. She would return two songs later for “From the Heart of Me” which would turn out to be one of the last times this tune was ever played on stage.  It was after “Ramble On Rose” that a wide-eyed seasoned tour-veteran giddily informed me of the Grateful Dead show the Orchestra was recreating:  January 11th, 1979 from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.  

    My original hunch of a late-70’s show turned out to be true, but I did not realize the importance of the date until hearing the tear-the-roof-off “Jack Straw.”  Cowboy Bob was back for this desperado masterpiece as Mattson threw in some rawer than usual jamming.  Deadheads young and old call this one of the best versions of all time for the blistering Jerry solo and, nearly 38 years later, DSO honored their heroes to the fullest extent.  Also noteworthy in the original performance was Bobby’s comical word-swap as he sang, “We used to play for acid, now we play for Clive.” But from what I heard on Saturday, Eaton left those lyrics in 1979.  Out of all the stand-out moments of the first set, the vocal belting of “Jack Straw from Wichita” hit the crowd with a sonic uppercut that we didn’t recover from until after set break.  The always rockin’ “Deal” closed out a set filled with Jerry’s greatest hits and some colossal Bobby moments in between.  

    Picking up right where the first set left off, “I Need a Miracle” carried the tidal wave of momentum that was felt over the intermission.  “Ship of Fools” calmly sailed into the number two slot of the second set before kicking off another Weir-inspired highlight in “Estimated Prophet.”  Chimenti, Barraco and Mattson provided the foundation for the psychedelic reggae and while we were in Upstate NY, the California lyrics were shown a lot of love.  “My time’s comin’ any day” eerily stood out to me as the original 1979 show would be Keith Godchaux‘ last appearance at the famed Grateful Dead stomping grounds of the Nassau Coliseum.  An even more fitting tune for the final night of Keith in Long Island, “He’s Gone” allowed my over-thinking self to read even further into the lyrics, symbolism and song placement of my favorite band.  Fortunately, we were given a temporary vocal time-out and the spinners in the audience were treated to a short and sweet “Drums” by Dino English and Rob Koritz on kits and percussion.  

    [singlepic id=6787 w= h= float=none]

    New Yorkers from Long Island to Albany were able to enjoy the home state lyrics delivered in the straightforward version of “Truckin’” before the second major highlight of the set, “Stella Blue.”  Mattson made his guitar strings shine one more time during this bluesy crowd pleaser.  “Stella” may have a somber tone, but Jerry’s fiery guitar solo always brings the boil to high during this signature ballad and the Orchestra perfected the nucleus of the original.  Closing the second set with a reminder of all we really need, “Good Lovin’” pleasantly drifted off into DSO show history.  

    The boys encored with “Casey Jones,” which serves as a rarity in late-70’s era.  The “upper” drug reference in one of the band’s most radio-played tunes gave the crowd the extra pep in their step before pouring out into the street of Albany for a night cap.  Similar to the good ol’ Grateful Dead, Dark Star Orchestra seems to have a particular affinity for the Empire State.  While I have not done the research, I would suggest that New York may have more Deadheads per capita than any other state from sea to shining sea.  Saturday night’s recreation of a legendary 1979 Nassau show performed in front of an Albany crowd furthered my love for New York State, the Grateful Dead and the incredibly talented Orchestra that pays tribute to them tour after tour.   DSO returns to the state with “the ways and means” for two shows on November 25th and 26th at The Paramount in Huntington.  

    01/11/79
    Nassau Coliseum – Uniondale, NY

    Set 1: Sugaree, Me And My Uncle, Big River, Peggy-O, Cassidy, Friend Of The Devil, New Minglewood Blues, From The Heart Of Me, Ramble On Rose, Jack Straw, Deal

    Set 2: I Need A Miracle, Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet, He’s Gone, Drums, Truckin’, The Other One, Stella Blue, Good Lovin’

    Encore: Casey Jones

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”233″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow” gallery_width=”420″ gallery_height=”300″ cycle_effect=”fade” cycle_interval=”8″ show_thumbnail_link=”1″ thumbnail_link_text=”[Show picture list]” ngg_triggers_display=”never” order_by=”pid” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

  • Caravan of Thieves Raise the Dead at Nelson Odeon

    Imagine taking a journey on unfamiliar roads, and your GPS isn’t working. You’re left to trust your instincts, fairly confident that you’ll reach your destination, even if you don’t quite know what lies ahead of you. That’s a bit like seeing Caravan of Thieves for the very first time. The band performed at the Nelson Odeon on Saturday, November 19. Their multiple styles were all over the musical map. There were elements of swing, bluegrass, alt-country, folk, Americana, big band, gypsy rhythms, Celtic influences, and yes, disco, throughout the evening. Their infectious songs had the audience singing along on the choruses, or on familiar cover tunes, and earned the crowd’s trust that we’d all find our way to an enjoyable evening.brian-cornish-caravan-of-thieves-03 Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni, the husband and wife guitarists that front the band, accompanied by Nicole Scorsone on violin and Rich Zurkowski on upright bass, led a nearly full house through a rollicking two sets of high energy, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, finger-snapping songs. When not playing guitar, Fuzz played extended solos on what looked to be the world’s most make-shift percussion kit, comprising of a five gallon plastic water bottle, a sauce pan, a spring, a coffee can, what may have been half of a fifty-five gallon drum, and other instruments not readily identifiable. His drum solos added to the band’s “anything goes” attitude and brought smiles and thunderous applause.

    Many of their originals, such as the opening piece “Wasting My Time,” and “I Get Sad,” showcased the remarkable harmony of Fuzz and Carrie’s voices. Scorsone’s expressive violin and Zurkowski’s double bass, which he both plucked and bowed, deserve mention for the richness they added to Caravan of Thieves sound.brian-cornish-caravan-of-thieves-01 The cover tunes were stunning in both their selection, and in their execution. The band put their own signature stamp on these pieces, rather than cookie cutter versions of the original recordings. These included a Beatles “Girl/Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” medley, an audience sing-along on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and to begin their encore, an instrumental version of Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood,” followed by Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” I am going to go out on a limb and state that I’m fairly certain that no other band at any time or any place has ever played those two songs back to back.

    For their finale, the band came down from the stage, gathered the audience around them, and played an unplugged rendition of their song “Raise the Dead.” This piece would be right at home in an Irish saloon, with reverence for the departed and celebration for the living, complete with a stomp, clap, and sing along chorus that those in attendance readily joined in. Maybe we didn’t know exactly how we ended up shoulder to shoulder with strangers, singing and stomping and clapping in public without a care in the world. But, I’m glad to have trusted Caravan of Thieves to get us there.

    [ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”232″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_blog_gallery” override_image_settings=”0″ image_quality=”100″ image_crop=”0″ image_watermark=”0″ image_display_size=”800″ image_max_height=”0″ spacing=”5″ border_size=”0″ border_color=”#FFFFFF” display_captions=”0″ caption_location=”below” ngg_triggers_display=”always” ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”0″ captions_display_sharing=”1″ captions_display_title=”1″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” order_by=”pid” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

  • Cross Country Interview with the One and Only Zach Deputy

    Talents in the music world like Zach Deputy are a rare breed. The multi-instrumentalist singer and songwriter is from Savannah, Georgia ( I thought he told ya?) He is currently  on tour to support his newest album Wash It In The Water. With his upcoming show November 29 at Buffalo Iron Works he recently took the time to talk with me about tour life, our great state of New York and much more.

    gsfdsfdsdfsd

    Tim Merrill: Where in the world is Zach Deputy today on this fifth day of November?

    Zach Deputy: That’s today I’m assuming (haha)? I just crossed the California border into Arizona. We are in Tempe, AZ right now. I’ve got a show in Tempe tonight at the Marquee Theater

    TM: You’ve got a show later this month in Buffalo. The show is five days after Thanksgiving. How do you plan on spending your Thanksgiving?

    ZD: What am I doing for Thanksgiving? Probably hanging out with the Worm. A bunch of Wormtown Family. I’ve spent Thanksgiving there two or three times over the past few years.

    TM: You’re no stranger to playing in Buffalo. Is there anything you like to do when you pass through town?

    ZD: I’m always down to play disc golf. I love the wings at the Anchor Bar. Some people claim they’re the best. Some people don’t. But yea, that place is awesome. Those wings are legit!

    TM: When you’re  on tour traveling through the rest of the great state of New York how do you like to spend your time off stage?

    ZD: I love Keuka Lake. Swimming in that lake is awesome! I’ve been sick before and jumped in and felt instantly better. I love New York. Lake George, tons of places upstate. Except for the winters. I’m a Southern boy

    TM: You’re latest album Wash It In The Water was released a few months ago. What song(s) are you having fun playing on tour off the album?

    ZD: I’ve been playing a few different versions of “Put It In The Boogie.” Maybe four different versions but they are always different.  I’ve had a lot of fun opening up the jam on that song, especially the solo.

    TM: At what age did you pick up your first instrument?

    ZD: I’ve always told people that I played my voice first. Before my recollection it was there. But I picked up the guitar at 13. Got one for my 13th birthday.

    TM: Whats in store for Zach Deputy in 2017?

    ZD: I’m always trying to work on my craft. I’m always trying to give back the love that was so freely given to me. Just trying to make this thing bigger and better. You know, onward and upward. Wherever that takes me!

    Doors are at 7 PM and the show starts at 8 PM Tuesday November 29 at Buffalo Iron Works. Tickets are available here. Bring your dancing shoes. See you there!

  • Hearing Aide: Chris Robinson Brotherhood ‘If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now’

    It has been a trying year for the music community. Times like these are when we seek comfort. Comfort can often be found in the familiar. There’s nothing more comfortable or familiar than home, and on their new EP If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now, Chris Robinson Brotherhood seeks to get you to that sweet spot as quickly as possible.

    If You Lived Here You Would Be Home By NowLike your upcoming Thanksgiving feast, this compact-yet-sprawling 30 minute companion to their summer release Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel, is immediately familiar and comforting. Warm, well-rounded, deep, earthy, groovy melt-in-your-ears gravy, ladled generously into every crevice.

    Robinson has unabashedly ridden the coattails of the Grateful Dead to jamband glory. Whereas others have rehashed the material into the ground, the Brotherhood have found ways to pay tribute to their tradition of American roots rock with new original music. The psychedelia shines through again in these new recordings, though without devolving fully into hippy drippy Tofurkey. There’s plenty of muscle and meat on these bones to bite into.

    The familiarity doesn’t end at the Dead. On “Shadow Cosmos,” comfort is found in the fleshed-out country-rock of The Band. “Roan County Banjo,” devoid of actual banjo, finds some nice groovy and funky notes and features an extended organ jam that borrows simultaneously from the recently departed Keith Emerson and Bernie Worrell. “From the North Garden” jumps unexpectedly to Southern Asia with a psychedelic instrumental ramble while closer “Sweet Sweet Lullaby” doesn’t quite let the tryptophan kick in. Rather, it stirs up and invigorates the soul, sending you right back home again. Time to flip the record and have another go.

    If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now, released November 4, was recorded during the Stinson Beach sessions that produced the Brotherhood’s previous 2016 release, Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel. As Robinson tells it, “these five songs seemed to want to hang together in their own way and tell their own little story, so they were set aside to present separately.” Their release seems perfect for the season and the band will continue to stretch them out on the road, touring extensively out West throughout the late Fall.

    Key Tracks: Shadow Cosmos, Roan County Banjo