Several years ago I had an opportunity to see a local young man open for Parmalee at Toby Keith’s. Impressed by his talent, I made a point to speak to him that evening as I noted something unique about him. Fast forward two years later and color me pleasantly surprised to have his new EP Where Would I Be come across my desk to be reviewed. After listening to it, once again I noted that unique quality in his work that makes him stand out amongst the crowd. Kolby Oakley, a 22 year old country musician, hails from a musical family.
Although he is young in years, his experience is that of years of musical influences. His father, Steve Oakley, sings, his mother, Kim Oakley, plays bass, and his uncle Craig Oakley, is well known for performing with both The Beach Boys, and Bob Hope. Playing alongside his folks throughout the years on drums, he taught himself the guitar, and after loosing his great Grandmother in 2007, he began writing his own work. A wonderful musician, it’s his writing that stands out to me. Kolby has a gift of story telling. His descriptive lyrics place you in a frame of mind of the characters he sings of and transports you to the moments in which they reflect. This was evident as I began to listen to his four-song EP that is being released this week.
The title track, “Where Would I Be,” paints a story of those influences throughout the years that shaped the person he sings of. This upbeat song, gives thanks to those moments and the reflective journey taken to arrive at the destination of today. The next track, “First Kiss,” slows down the tempo, but not the momentum of this EP. Kolby’s knack of writing mimics that of a novel writer, giving your senses the touch, taste, smell, and flavor of the moment, making this track somewhat sensual. My favorite track however is the third, “Keeps Me Coming Back.” Perhaps it’s the fun Caribbean flare of toes in the sand, sun on your shoulders, beer in your hand that come across and pulls me in on this number. The final track, “Counting On,” is my next favorite. The consistency in his writing once again draws you in and takes you on a journey of heartbreak, loss, and coping. It floors me that at only 22 years of age, this young man, has the soul of a seasoned country musician.
I highly recommend catching Kolby Oakley this weekend at his EP release party, in Binghamton at Touch of Texas. Doors open at 6pm and tickets can be purchased both online and at the door.
Key Tracks: Keeps Me Coming Back and Counting On
https://youtu.be/RTdXHgiSVug
Brian Wilson
The 8 artists we launch with include: Space Carnival, Cousin Earth, Formula 5, Folkfaces, Boogie Low,
That being said, the tracks on Devil On Your Back do feature some variety.
A highlight of this particular show was the homecoming of Brit Floyd bassist and Chapman stick player, Ian Cattell. Cattell grew up in the Syracuse area and performed in many Syracuse area bands prior to joining the Australian Pink Floyd Show in 2005. He is equally adept at channeling Roger Waters and David Gilmour. One unique instrument he employed during the later era Floyd songs is the Chapman stick. It is a long 10 or 12 stringed guitar used to play bass and melody lines. Cattell’s gig with the Australian Pink Floyd Show led to his current one in 2011. You can read more about Catell in the NYS Music preview interview 
Brit Floyd dipped its toes into every era of Pink Floyd’s history, from the psychedelic era “Astronomy Domine” off the band’s 1967 debut album to the opening numbers, the instrumental “Cluster One” and “What Do You Want From Me” from 1994’s The Division Bell.
The graphics used introduced the year of each song played and mixed public domain videos and images along with original animation synchronized to the music and lights.
Cattell and musical director/guitarist Damian Darlington took on the vocal roles of Roger Waters and David Gilmour with daft precision. Cattell’s inner Waters proved a highlight throughout the night. Cattell also took turns on Gilmour-sung songs such as on the A Momentary Lapse of Reason track, “One Slip.” Cattell claims his natural voice is more similar to that of Gilmour’s. This was proven on the latter era Floyd songs he captained.
The band is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Animals album on this tour. Following the second set opener “Astronomy,” the band broke into the familiar keyboard intro and pig noises that open “Pigs on the Wing, Part 1” from that album. The crowd immediately responded in favor. Not stopping there, Brit Floyd seamlessly worked its way through the remainder of the “first side” of the criminally overlooked album.
Following the Dark Side tracks, the spirit of Syd Barrett paid a visit to Crouse-Hinds in the form of “Wish You Were Here” and “Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Parts VI-VII).” The video screen flashed video of early Floyd performances and glimpses of Barrett to the applause of the crowd. During “Wish You Were Here” Scordo and Darlington traded acoustic riffs as Darlington sang accompanied by those in attendance.
Listen to the show below and check out the numerous events taking place across New York State to honor this milestone anniversary in Grateful Dead history.
Whether belting out blues standards like Blind Willie Johnson’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” or her own soulful original, “Only God Knows When,” Wonderland proved that she is one of the genre’s most dynamic acts. Her Joplin-esque rasp held the crowd’s attention while her six-string prowess had jaws on the floor.
Following Wonderland’s show, the party continued on the main floor of the juke joint as the Carolyn Kelly Blues Band took the baton on Carolyn night. Kelly’s soul, especially in the Roosevelt Dean song, 
Managing Director of the Carrier Dome, Peter Sala, told