NYS Music 20​16

Tag: Prince

  • Best of NYS Music 2016: Biggest Musical Loss and Best Live Cover or Tribute Performance

    As we give thanks for the awe inspiring musical talent living among us, we must also honor those who have left incredible music legacies behind. 2016 was particularly rough, having lost several pioneers and visionaries whose music has influenced not only other musicians, but has affected so many of us far outside the realm of making music. Their songs are the songs we queue in epic DJ mixes at dance parties, belt the lyrics alone in our rooms when we’re feeling melodramatic, and reflect on their lyrical wisdom in challenging times.

    1). David Bowie

    January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016

    2). Prince

    June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016

    3). Leonard Cohen

    September 21, 1934 – November 7, 2016

    Staff and readers unanimously agreed David Bowie, Prince and Leonard Cohen were our three most cherished losses in the music community this year. All three were producing up until their heartbreaking deaths with Bowie’s Blackstar (2016), Prince’s HITnRUN Phase One and HITnRUN Phase Two (2015) and Cohen’s You Want it Darker (2016).

    Other notable losses in 2016 include Leon Russel, Sharon Jones of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, John Berry of Beastie Boys and Merle Haggard.

    Best Live Cover or Tribute Performance

    It seems fitting to follow up Biggest Musical Losses with Best Live Cover or Tribute Performance as a way of honoring the work of past musical greats. In this year’s poll, we received so many noteworthy performances. Our staff voted on Dopakuaz’s Yacht Rock, Lotus’ Space Disco set at the Town Ballroom, Mirk’s Michael Jackson medley, Phish’s Ziggy Stardust tribute, Start Making Sense, James Brown Dance Party, Salt City Waltz and Twiddle’s cover of ALO’s “BBQ”

    Readers chose Aqueous covering “Band on the Run,” JRAD’s performance at Lockn’, Phish’s Suffragette City cover, Pink Talking Fish’s Nov. 17 show in Denver, Twenty One Pilots covering “Cancer” and White Denim’s Prince Medley. Recap Monday’s staff and reader picks for Albums of the Year, and stay tuned as the series continues throughout the week.

    https://youtu.be/hF_0E31d7dQ?t=29m54s

  • Pink Talking Fish Announce Fall Tour, New Years Eve Show

    Pink Talking Fish has announced a huge fall tour and a New Years Eve show that will close out the year in their hometown of Boston. The show will not only include the music of Michael Jackson alongside that of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish, but will include special guests Natalie Cressman & James Casey, both of Trey Anastasio Band.

    PTF fall tour includes stops at Catskill Chill, Wormtown, Luna Light and Hangtown music festivals and will perform Phish’s Gamehendge rock-opera in full at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT on September 15. Halloween weekend finds Pink Talking Fish in Covington, KY and Denver, CO performing as Pink Talking Fish is Bowie.

    Full Tour Dates through NYE:

    8/19: The Beachcomber, Wellfleet, MA
    8/20: Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs, NY – Track Week Party w/ Hayley Jane & The Primates
    8/31: The Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO – Phish PreParty w/s/g Greener Grounds
    9/1: Dulcineas, Denver, CO – Phish Pre-Party – intertwining sets with PTF & John K Band
    9/2: Dulcineas, Denver, CO – Phish AfterParty
    9/15: Higher Ground, Burlington VT
    9/16: Portland House Of Music & Events, Portland, ME
    9/17: Wormtown Music Festival, Greenfield, MA
    9/23-25: Catskill Chill Music Festival, Lakewood, PA – PTF & Pink Talking Fu: Prince Bowie
    10/6: Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY
    10/7: The Rex Theater, Pittsburgh, PA
    10/8: Backyard Fall Festival, Scranton, PA
    10/14: Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY
    10/15: Gypsy Sally’s, Washington, DC
    10/16: Luna Light Music & Art Festival, Darlington, MD
    10/18: Winstons, Ocean Beach, CA
    10/19: Teragram Ballroom,Los Angeles, CA
    10/20: Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA
    10/21-22: Hangtown Music Festival, Placerville, CA
    10/27: Mercury Ballroom, Louisville, KY
    10/28: Madison Theater, Covington, KY – PTF is Bowie
    10/30-31: Dulcineas, Denver, CO – PTF Is Bowie
    11/9: The Pour House, Charleston, SC
    11/10: Smith’s Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA
    11/11: New Mountain Theater, Asheville, NC
    11/12: Southbound Brewing Company, Savannah, GA
    11/18: Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA
    11/19: Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs, NY
    12/1: The Magic Bag, Detroit, MI
    12/2-3: Woodlands Tavern, Columbus, OH
    12/31: The Paradise, Boston, MA – with Bearly Dead

  • Zac Brown Band Sling-Shots Their Way Into Syracuse’s Lakeview Amphitheater

    Zac Brown Band brought a diverse mix of traditional mainstream country, bluegrass, gospel and even rock ‘n’ roll to create an unpredictable evening of music for an enthusiastic crowd at the Lakeview Amphitheater on Thursday July 21. The eight-piece group transitioned seamlessly from one music style to another while incorporating a unique array of sounds including a three man horn line, pizzicato violin interludes, Latin percussion and powerful backup vocalists.

    Jim Houle Photography - Zac Brown Band - Lakeview Amp - Watermark-28

    The group kicked off their set with “Homegrown” followed by “Knee Deep” and “Whiskey’s Gone” before getting the crowed all revved up with the well-known “S.O.B.” (Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats cover). Brown was engaging and endearing throughout. He paused before playing “Tomorrow Never Comes” to invite the fans to “Forget whatever bull**** happened to you this week, this month or this year or whatever and just get lost in the music.” He took a moment to promote his new line of red wine and to let folks know it was being sold at the venue. The band also appeared to have a blast catapulting merchandise into the crowd using a hand-held cannon and giant slingshots.

    The band took a short break midway through their set before coming back to delight fans with their notable covers of the Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane.” Both were interesting choices for a country band but they performed them well and the crowd responded by dancing and singing along. They ended their set with fan favorite hit “Chicken Fried” before coming back onstage to perform a two song encore that included “Let’s Go Crazy” (Prince Cover) and “Beautiful Drug.”

    Zac Brown Band proved that they are much more than a mainstream country act. The show was well worth long waits in traffic both getting to and leaving the venue. Hopefully, the venue’s powers that be will continue to work to improve the traffic situation before next season.

    Set list: Homegrown, Knee Deep, Whiskey’s Gone, S.O.B. (Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats), Goodbye in Her Eyes, As She’s Walking Away, Tomorrow Never Comes, Colder Weather, Sweet Annie, It’s Not Ok, I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter), Baba O’Riley (The Who), Toes, Loving You Easy, Jack & Diane (John Mellencamp), Keep Me in Mind, Castaway, Chicken Fried

    Encore: Let’s Go Crazy (Prince), Beautiful Drug

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’906′]

  • Dave Matthews Band Gets Sexy With Sold Out Lakeview Amphitheater

    Dave Matthews Band brought an eclectic mix of its unique catalog of songs and covers to an enthusiastic crowd of 17,500 at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse on Wednesday June 22. The show marks the first sold out show at the newly opened amphitheater.

    Jim Houle Photography - Dave Matthews Band - Lakeview Amp - NYSMusic Watermark-1

    Fans were a bit apprehensive about the traffic, the no tailgating policy and the venue’s ability to handle the large crowd, but the venue seemed to do a good job managing traffic. Shuttles were running constantly to and from alternate parking locations as far away as downtown Syracuse. The no tailgating policy was generously overlooked. People were having a good time enjoying a few drinks but it didn’t appear that anyone was out of control. However, a no pop-up tent and no grill policy was strictly enforced. Some lighting could be added to improve visibility toward the exits and in the parking lots and they definitely need to add some additional porta-potties. The sound quality and the views are the best I’ve experienced compared to other amphitheaters in the northeast.

    Dave Matthews Band took the stage around 8:30 and opened with their classic tune “Warehouse,” followed by “When the World Ends” and mega hit “Crash Into Me.” It seemed as if every single person in the audience knew every song as they belted out the words with every breath. The audience continued singing and dancing through “Don’t Drink the Water.” The band slowed things down with “Stay or Leave” and immediately got the crowd revved up again with fan favorite “#41,” where Boyd Tinsley had the audience cheering as he showcased his awe inspiring violin skills.

    As the band is currently on tour celebrating their 25th anniversary before they go on a hiatus in 2017, they had no problem celebrating as fans jumped up and down, pumped their fists and occasionally took the lead singing parts of songs. At one point the fans lead a chant of “Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself,” to which Matthews took a step back and treated the audience to his trademark impish grin and eyebrow raise.

    Jim Houle Photography - Dave Matthews Band - Lakeview Amp - NYSMusic Watermark-2

    Between songs, Matthews was relatively quiet, thanking the audience and remarking about the beauty of the venue. He did leave fans hopeful by stating, “I hope we can come back here and play for y’all again sometime.” The celebration continued as the band paced through a nineteen song set. Stefan Lessard rocked a beautiful six string bass for the occasion. Carter Beauford, smiling as always, pounded the drums so fast at some points it looked like his hands were vibrating. Guitarist Tim Reynolds zipped up and down the fret board, producing intricate and unique sounds while making it look completely effortless.

    Jeff Coffin (saxophone) and Rashawn Ross (trumpet) were joined by saxophonist and old friend, Sam Kininger. Kininger has played with Ross in Lettuce and Soulive’s Shady Horns Section. The horn section showed they are more than just an accompaniment as they blared in perfect harmony through “What Would You Say” and “Jimi Thing.”

    Matthews showed his silly side as he borrowed a party hat from an audience member and wore it through the band’s almost hilarious version of Prince cover “Sexy Mother F*cker” to end the main part of the set. You would think that after almost two and a half hours that the fans would start to fade, but instead they roared, cheered and many chanted their “wish list” song hoping the band would oblige and play it during the encore. Shouts of “Two Step,” “Halloween,” and “Watchtower” rang out over the deafening cheers of the crowd. It is this intense level of excitement and anticipation that proves why Dave Matthews Band is a summer ritual for so many fans.

    Jim Houle Photography - Dave Matthews Band - Lakeview Amp - NYSMusic Watermark-3

    The band took a short break and ended the evening with a two song encore that included “The Song That Jane Likes” and fan favorite “Tripping Billies.” Carter Beauford tossed out buckets of drum sticks as fans roared and begged for more.

    Set list:

    Warehouse, When the World Ends, Crash Into Me, Sugar Will, Don’t Drink the Water, Stay or Leave, #41, Samurai Cop, Grey Street, Satellite, Break Free, Lie in Our Graves, Shake Me Like a Monkey, Typical Situation, What Would You Say (with Sam Kininger), Jimi Thing (with Sam Kininger), Sexy M.F. (Prince cover) (with Sam Kininger)

    Encore:

    The Song that Jane Likes, Tripping Billies

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’838′]

  • Grace Potter Proudly Returns to Saranac Brewery

    Grace Potter brought an eclectic mix of pop, dance and soul music to an enthusiastic crowd at the Saranac Brewery on Friday, June 17. Potter, who parted ways with her band the Nocturnals, has been forging ahead as a solo artist this past year with her album Midnight. Potter and the band’s set covered several songs from Midnight, but also included hits from the Grace Potter and the Nocturnals catalog and covers of upbeat tunes like “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” by Rod Stewart and “When Doves Cry” by Prince.

    grace 5
    Photo by Chris Besaw

    Potter opened with “Hot to Touch,” followed by “Turntable” and “Empty Heart,” causing the totality of the audience to dance and sing-along. Fans continued singing and dancing through “Apologies” off the Grace Potter and the Nocturnals album This is Somewhere.

    Potter was energetic throughout; she danced and engaged the audience the entire show. She often describes her shows as “a dance party” and invites the crowd to move up front to really get the party started. Potter showcased her vocal talents and range in the songs “Delirious” and “Stars.”

    Between songs, Potter joked about her days at St. Lawrence University in nearby Canton. “Some of the best nights of my life happened right here in Utica,” she laughed. Potter ended the evening with a four-song encore that included “When Doves Cry” (Prince cover), “Stars” and the fan-favorite “Paris (Ooh La La).”

    Set list: Hot to Touch, Turntable, Empty Heart, Your Girl, Apologies, Nothing But the Water, Alive Tonight, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy (Rod Stewart cover), Delirious

    Encore: When Doves Cry (Prince Cover), Stars, Instigators, Paris (Ooh La La)

    [FinalTilesGallery id=’833′]

  • Pop Icon Prince Died at 57

    Pop icon and acclaimed musician Prince has died at the age of 57 at his home in Minnesota.

    prince-891228150

    Police were called to his Paisley Park estate earlier today. According to several media outlets, an investigation is pending.  Last week, Prince was rushed to the hospital several hours after a performance but was released after doctors cleared him with flu symptoms. There are no reports that the two incidents are related.

    Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson, was a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor and arranger. He recorded more than 30 albums and sold more than 100 million records during his career. He became a worldwide superstar in the 1980s with multiple hits including “1999,” “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry.” In 2004, Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    The superstar recently released a pair of albums and launched a tour called Piano & A Microphone. He performed live at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta last week.

    The news was first reported by TMZ and confirmed by the Associated Press.

    https://youtu.be/7NN3gsSf-Ys