NYS Music 20​17

Category: Syracuse

  • Hearing Aide: Chris Eves and The New Normal ‘Find Your Way’

    Chris Eves and The New Normal debut their album Find Your Way this Friday night, December 22 at Funk n Waffles in downtown Syracuse, and on a busy night of Christmas parties and shows, its a must-see show given the prowess shown on this release. Recorded, produced and mastered at More Sound Studios in Syracuse by The New Normal and Andrew Greacen, this homegrown album and band sound ready to deliver in a live setting.

    chris eves Find Your Way
    Chris Eves Band

    Opening tracks “Remember to Forget” and “Green and Blue” show off the guitar work of Jay Lock, with the latter a stand out track on the album, truly soaring to height after height. “Walking on a Wire” is light and poppy in a Dave Matthews/Dispatch way, down to the built in crowd sing along. “Find Your Way” – all eight minutes of it – is a journey of a song, with peaks and valleys with an Assembly of Dust vibe throughout, down to Mike D’Ambrosio’s keys, which shine even more on “On Rainy Days.”

    The album doesn’t have a lull or soft spot, and halfway through there’s a steady rock groove that gets harder with “The Chains You Wear,” with an early Soundgarden vibe.  “Fall” is the hardest rocking track, bringing to mind moe.’s “McBain” and “George” amid an accelerated raging first half and a mellow reflective second one that turns up with Bayliss/Cinninger-esque guitar licks. Eves’ vocals are a treat throughout the album – like a diamond in the rough of jam band vocalists – notably, on the soul-extending “New Normal” and song of longing that closes the album, “Flown Away.”

    Most tracks clock in between 4-6 minutes, giving a sign that these songs will stretch out much further in a live setting. After a few listens to the album, two things are apparent: Find Your Way is a debut album with shine and depth, and The New Normal might be the best new band out of Syracuse.

    Key Tracks: Green and Blue, When the Stars Start Falling, Fall

  • Dana Fuchs Perseveres Because Love Lives On

    Dana Fuchs has built a loyal following in central New York, based on her energetic performances at the New York State Blues Festival and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que over the past half decade. That made her a popular choice for a NYS Blues Festival fundraiser appearance Friday, December 1 at Funk N Waffles in downtown Syracuse.

    Her most loyal fans are familiar with Fuchs’ songbook and a few of their requests were granted during the evening. This included a rarely played tune as a tribute to an unnamed member of the Syracuse music community unable to attend due to serious illness. The notion of overcoming hardship or loss is a common theme in Fuchs’ songs as well as in the title of her upcoming release, Love Lives On. Throughout the set, she revealed details about herself and her family’s lives. While doing so in the club setting, it felt as though she was connecting to both old and new fans in a manner that other performers don’t often achieve. During one intro, she spoke of her own astonishing personal loss of both parents and three siblings over a short span, and how that loss was a basis for the captivating “Calling Angels.” This song featured Craig Dreyer on saxophone, in addition to his usual keyboard duties, and was one of the highlights of a memorable night of music.

    Brian Cornish - Dana Fuchs 07

    While Fuchs displayed elements of many different styles, from blues to soul to gospel and even R&B at times, she is most decidedly known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence during dynamic rock songs. Still, perhaps her best moments this particular evening were during the somewhat quieter pieces, including a poignant duet with her longtime songwriting collaborator Jon Diamond on guitar, “Keep On Rollin,” and the heartfelt “Faithful Sinner.” She and Diamond also displayed resilience in working around some technical difficulties in order to deliver the country blues tune “Nothing On My Mind.” Fuchs will return to touring next year in support of her pending 2018 release, Love Lives On, which can be pre-ordered here.

    Fuchs mentioned that the drummer, Santo Rizzolo, was playing his very first show with the band and that the bass player, Brian Gearty, was fairly new to the ensemble as well. She made a point to thank them for stepping in and stepping up in order to help keep things rolling for her and the rest of the band. And roll they did, as Fuchs closed the show with some thunderous vocals on her own “Keep On Walking” and a blistering version of The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter,” much to the appreciation of an attentive and enthusiastic crowd.

    Fuchs will return to Syracuse next summer when she and her band perform at the New York State Blues Festival, held in Syracuse’s Clinton Square July 12-14, 2018. You’d be wise to make plans to see Dana Fuchs and her band, whether it be again or for the very first time.

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  • Cait Devin Returns to Funk n Waffles

    Cait Devin will once again grace the stage of Funk ‘n Waffles Downtown on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 p.m. The 16-year-old singer/songwriter from Westmoreland got her start at open mikes, like the one at Funk ‘n Waffles. Now she’s playing shows throughout the Central New York region, performing a mix of indie pop originals and classic rock covers. You can also catch Cait solo on Dec. 9 at the Villa Verona Vineyard and Bistro in Verona and with her band Triple Threat at Copper City Brewing Company in Rome on Dec. 28.

    She is currently working on her first EP of original material, recording at Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica. Follow Cait on Facebook for updates.

  • Live Music across the State this December, Presented by NYS Music

    Once again, NYS Music is happy to present to you another packed month full of great live music for New York State.  Make sure not to miss out on these shows taking place in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Saratoga Springs and Cohoes.

    Albany/Cohoes/Saratoga Springs

    December 8 – For an unforgettable pop-funk and party-rock performance, don’t miss when Ripe takes Putnam Den with psychedelic-soul duo Okey Dokey and indie rock band Campo! Event link.

    December 9 – On their 20th Anniversary “Cheers and Echoes” Tour, the highly acclaimed group Enter the Haggis will be stopping in Saratoga Springs a memorable night of Celtic Folk Rock. Accompanied by Black Mountain Symphony, it’s sure to be a night of incredible performances. Event link.

    December 15 – Back by popular demand, Pink Talking Fish will be sure to bring an electric performance with their unique synthesis of hits from Phish, The Talking Heads and Pink Floyd.  This time Annie in the Water is joining them to open up the night with some funk, reggae and rock. Event link.

    December 23 – For a fresh take on your favorite Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers come see Steal Your Peach Band. It’s a can’t miss show for jamband fans. Event link.

    Cohoes  (Presented by Guthrie/Bell Productions) 

    December 3 – At Cohoes Music Hall, come see Hot Tuna Acoustic, electric blues power duo of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady.  You don’t want to miss these living American music legends. Event link.

    December 7 – Fresh off the release of their second album Cheen, Lespecial will be at Parish Public House with Backup Planet to give a dynamic and captivating contemporary rock performance. Event link.

    December 8 – As it reads in their biography, “If intergalactic beings of pure energy, after initiation into an order of whirling dervishes, built some kind of pan-dimensional booty-shaking engine, powered by psychedelics and abstract math, it’d probably just sound like a CTS tribute band.” And that’s exactly why you can’t miss this.  If you have not experienced “Sci-Fi Middle Eastern Fusion” yet, there is no better opportunity than coming to see Consider The Source with Teddy Midnight at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link.

    December 9 – For pure musical brilliance and a horn section to die for, come see Big Mean Sound Machine with special guest Nautilus at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. Event link.

    December 16 – Gratefully Yours would like to bring every Dead head their dream setlist of Grateful Dead music.  For this show at The Hollow, head to the bands website and make your suggestion for what the ideal setlist would be, then come out for an incredible performance! Band website.  Event link.

    December 20 – For a moving performance and an intimate night with Bettye LaVette, featuring simply her stunning vocals and a piano, come to The Cohoes Music Hall.  Her soulful style is widely acclaimed by all who have experienced her live and definitely a treat you do not want to miss out on. Event link.

    December 22 – ‘Tis the season for the Guthrie/Productions Christmas Party, this year featuring Eastbound Jesus, Girl Blue and the Eastern Highs at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen.  Nothing like some good bluegrass and rock and roll to get you in the holiday spirit! Event link.

    December 29 – For a once in a lifetime experience,  come see The Talking Heads tribute band, Start Making Sense, at The Cohoes Music Hall for some 80’s rock and funk. Event link.

    December 31 – Ring in the New Year with Mister F and Goose at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, a walk across Pearl Street from Twiddle the same night.  Come see Mister F’s last performance before going on hiatus and celebrate the new year! Event link.

    Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

    December 1 –  Formula 5, Blue Rootz, Vinyl Orange Ottoman – catch three powerhouse jam bands to kick off December! Event link

    December 8 –  Strange Machines, Dr. Slothclaw – Boston jam wizards Strange Machines are out to Buffalo on the heels of the release of their new album Voice of Color, along wit Dr. Slothclaw, an out of this world, freak explosion of funk, progressive rock, blues, and everything beyond that you must see for yourself. event link

    December 16 – Murmur (A Tribute to R.E.M.) recreates the power and passion of R.E.M.’s live performances with precise musical detail. Event link

    December 22 – Censored by ZFT: A Tribute to Frank Zappa. Honoring the music and legacy of Frank Zappa with two sets of his music. The show will feature songs from all eras and bands with an ensemble similiar in size to his touring bands of 1975-1976. Event link

    December 27 –  THE TRUTH, Elliot Scozzaro. THE TRUTH is a jazz/funk/fusion quintet from Buffalo, NY that takes a modern approach to improvising while keeping a connection to the deep language and history in the jazz community.  Event link

    December 31 – Celebrate New Years Eve at Nietzsche’s with Folkfaces and Intrepid Travelers! Event link

    Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

    December 5 – Backup Planet’s progressive funk-rock performances will have you feeling like you’re time traveling.  They will joined this time by the Jimmy Wolf Blues Band. Event link.

    December 7 – Check out Deadgrass, the five piece tribute band to Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Event link.

    December 8 – Mammal Dap, the electronic group, will be hitting Funk ‘n Waffles with the anti-genre indie band, SeeppeopleS.  Event link.

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    December 14 – Come out to The English Project’s Album Release Party for a free show featuring Chris Jame & Mama G, and make sure to grab an album while you’re there! Event link.

    December 16 – Dodapod After Party featuring Syncpulse, Craig Brodhead of Turkauz. Event link

    December 21 – For some progressive and psychedelic rock, come see Railbred, Astro Collective,  and Fordham Road. Event link.

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    December 22 – Come celebrate and hear some great jam rock music at The Album Release Party Chris Eves & The New Normal with Chiggin. Event link.Image may contain: 5 people, text

    December 23 – Syracuse’s longtime favorite hard rock band, Dracula Jones, will be performing with special guest TBA. Event link.

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    December 28 – For night one of their rock and roll New Years run, Gang of Thieves with Balkun Brothers will be hitting Funk ‘n Waffles and bringing their funky riffs, high energy, and some special surprises with the help of KTR Lighting. Event link.

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    December 29 – Barrom Philosophers, Astro Collective, and Organic Soul will be performing and bringing an overall mix of reggae, rock, and psychedelic sound. Event link.Image may contain: one or more people

    December 31 – Don’t miss Sophistafunk, for some hip-hop, funk fusion with Syracuse’s own Skunk City, the funk rock experience. Event link.

    Rochester – Funk ‘N Waffles

    December 5 – Be sure to click the link to the event page to grab your tickets for Larry Carlton Quartet with Chet Catallo & The Cats for some jazzy blues guitar. Event link.

    December 6 – Another local opportunity to see Lespecial with Backup Planet while they’re in New York. Event link.

    December 7 – Right before they hit Syracuse, Mammal Dap with SeedpeopleS will be giving you another opportunity to hear them in Rochester. Event link.

    December 8 – And right after they rock Syracuse with their Grateful Dead tribute, Deadgrass will be coming to Rochester. Event link.

    December 15 – For an unforgettably unique, psychedelic hip-hop fusion show, come to Hyperborealis III to see Haewa, Pine Needle Soul, and SKYwalker. Event link.

    December 20 – Railbred, Astro Collective, Fordham Road will be rocking out in Rochester before they roll to Syracuse. Event link.

    December 22 – Vanishing Sun will be releasing their album live, so the four Rochester-based including Lost Wax Collective, The English Project and Eli Flynn will be jamming together the celebrate. Don’t miss it! Event link.

    December 23 – Pearly Bakers Best, The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band and The Beatles tribute band will be bringing their usual great performance from their weekly residency in Syracuse to Rochester. Event link.

    December 28 – Personal Blend will be releasing their reggae/rock EP with special guests Upward Groove, and a solo performance by Joe Kaplan. Event link.

    December 30 – Check out The Pumpkin Patch All-Star Party featuring Barroom Philosophers, Syracuse’s own genre benders, as well as Mother Funkin Planets, Stone Jack Ballers, Aaron Rizzo, Nic Deluc. Event link.

    December 31 – Dirty Blanket and Root Shock will be starting off the year right with great music at Rochester’s Funk ‘n Waffles New Year’s Eve Celebration. Head to the link for tickets and more information! Event link.

  • John Carpenter Live Anthology Tour 2017 Wraps up at The Palace Theatre

    It’s the first snowy evening of the season on November 19 and I can think of no better way to spend it than by checking out the “Master of Horror” John Carpenter and his incredibly talented band on the final date of their live Anthology: Movie Themes 1974-1998 tour. What a treat for those in attendance at the Palace Theater in Syracuse. They got to see the famed movie director change up roles and get behind a synthesizer to perform themes from his beloved horror flicks with clips from the films playing on a giant screen behind him.

    Carpenter took the stage promptly at 7:30 and showed that he is a man of many talents. He made eye contact, danced and pointed at fans as he worked his way through his impressive catalog. Carpenter came well-armed with a gifted back-up band comprised of Tenacious D’s drummer Scott Seiver, their guitarist John Konesky, their bassist John Spiker and Carpenter’s son Cody Carpenter on lead synth and his godson whom Carpenter described as, “the prince in waiting” Daniel Davies on lead guitar.

    The group produced an impressive sound. They took fans through the main title theme from “Escape from New York,” “Assault on Precinct 13” and “The Fog.” In an excellent tribute to the late “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Harry Dean Stanton, Carpenter and the band donned sunglasses as they performed “Coming to L.A.” from “They Live.” This drew a large roar of applause from the crowd. The fans also went wild when Carpenter stated, “I believe in love and I believe in love that lasts forever,” as he introduced the opening notes to his infamous “Halloween” theme. Fans of Carpenter’s Halloween will be excited to note that it appears he will be releasing a follow up to the 1978 film due to hit theaters October 2018. It is even rumored that Jamie Lee Curtis will reprise her role as Laurie Strode. Yeah, I’m excited!

    The group ended the main set with the theme from the ever creepy “In the Mouth of Madness.” Do you read Sutter Cane? They barely stepped off stage for a moment before returning and punching through a four-song encore that culminated with Carpenter advising everyone to “drive home safely this evening. Christine’s out there.” They ended their set with “Christine Attacks.” It was fantastic to see Mr. Carpenter bring his work to life in such a unique way. He seemed to be legitimately having a great time and proved that he is in fact a “master of horror.”

    Setlist: Escape from New York: Main Title, Assault on Precinct 13: Main Title, Village of the Damned: March of the Children, The Fog: Main Title Theme, Vortex, Mystery, They Live: Coming to L.A., Starman: Starman Leaves (Jack Nitzsche), The Thing: Main Theme – Desolation (Ennio Morricone), Distant Dream, Big Trouble in Little China: Pork Chop Express, Wraith, Halloween Theme – Main Title, In the Mouth of Madness: In the Mouth of Madness

    Encore: Body Bags, Vampires (Santiago), Prince of Darkness: Darkness Begins, Christine: Christine Attacks (Plymouth Fury)

  • A Perfect Circle and The Beta Machine Deliver Powerful Performance

    A Perfect Circle made a stop on their current North American tour at the War Memorial at the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY on Sunday. The band is on the road as a prelude to their touted upcoming album to be released sometime in 2018. A new single, “Doomed,” was issued this past October to pacify the anxious fans. APC has not released an album since their 2004 collection of covers titled Emotive.

    The show started promptly at 7:30. Opening act The Beta Machine is on tour in support of their debut EP release All This Time. Despite a few technical difficulties, the band stayed calm and worked their way through a melodic and harmonious set. Bassist Matt McJunkins promised that he and drummer Jeff Friedl would be back in a few minutes before leaving the stage since they’re both in Keenan’s other spin off band, Puscifer, as well as A Perfect Circle.

    Between sets there were multiple warnings about the use of cell phones, cameras and other electronic devices resulting in ejection. This policy was hardcore. I got yelled at for trying to send a quick message to my son’s sitter in between the sets. Not sure who or what I was taking pictures or videos of when there was no one on stage, but be warned, they are very serious about this policy.

    A Perfect Circle took the stage behind a semitransparent curtain and led off with “The Package” from Thirteenth Step. The shadows of band members Billy Howerdel, James Iha, Maynard James Keenan, Matt McJunkins and Jeff Friedl could be seen moving around the stage; it was a pretty cool effect. A few notes into the second song, “The Hollow,” the curtain dropped. Howerdel was the most active, running around the stage, engaging fans. Maynard remained hidden in low lights and a cloud of smoke for much of the show. James Iha also remained in the background allowing McJunkins to take the lead.

    APC worked their way through a nineteen song setlist. Keenan’s vocals melded flawlessly with Howerdel’s and McJunkin’s on the John Lennon cover “Imagine” and the Brinsley Schwartz cover “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.” The guitars and drums created a rhythmic grind in the politically charged “Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums.” The live version gave me chills.

    The band did not take any breaks. Keenan paused only for a moment to introduce the band. Iha took the spotlight for a quick satire on the cold weather in Syracuse and they were right back to the music. They played a two-hour set that culminated with their new single, “The Doomed,” followed by “The Outsider” and they ended the evening with the softer melodic tune “Feathers.”

    Setlist: The Package, The Hollow, The Noose, Weak and Powerless, Rose, Imagine (John Lennon cover), By and Down, Thomas, (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Brinsley Schwartz cover), Orestes, Vanishing, Magdalena, A Stranger, 3 Libras (All Main Courses Mix), Hourglass, Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums, The Doomed, The Outsider, Feathers

  • Doyle Bramhall II Brings the Heat to the Westcott

    When Doyle Bramhall II comes to town, you make a point to attend the show. Bramhall, who has collaborated with such prominent musicians as Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Roger Waters, put on a scorching show at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse on Wednesday. For someone of such prominence in the music world, it’s a shame the house wasn’t full. Those who were in attendance, however, were appreciative of what they were about to witness. Many of those present represented a who’s-who of the Central New York music scene.

    Doyle Bramhall II is touring in support of his 2016 Concord Records release, Rich Man, his first solo album in 15 years, along with his superb band (Anthony Cole on drums and sax, Adam Minkoff on keys and guitar and Ted Pecchio on bass.). Bramhall’s style takes its influence from the blues and jazz as well as world music.

    The opening number, a cover of the Serge Gainsbourg and Jean-Claude Vannier title track from the 1969 film Les Chemins de Katmandou, set the tone of the evening early. The chattiness of the crowd was self-policed, putting the focus entirely on the magic that was happening on stage.

    Doyle Bramhall

    Doyle is a left-handed guitarist who plays with right-handed stringing on a guitar flipped upside-down. This unique style of play makes for some interesting sounds.

    While Bramhall let his influences fly with some select covers, including George Harrison’s “Let Me Down,” Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “I Get a Feeling” and the Isaac Hayes instrumental “Hung Up on My Baby,” his unique style and interaction with his band mates showed that this is a band in a groove and ready for bigger things.

    Bramhall’s originals framed the set. “My People,” from his latest, revealed Bramhall’s Middle Eastern influences and served as a great transition from “Les Chemines de Katmandou.” After the intro, the song moved into a more typical blues style, reminiscent of Bramhall’s friend Joe Bonnamassa.

    Speaking of Bonnamassa, rumors circulated throughout the night that the blues legend may be in the house, as he and his band were performing in nearby Ithaca the following night. While Smokin’ Joe didn’t appear at the Westcott on this evening, his band was in attendance to take in the show.

    Bramhall and his band worked the crowd musically and sarcastically. When enthusiastic fans began shouting out requests, particularly songs from his tenure with Arc Angels, a band that included Charlie Sexton and the members of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble. Bramhall responded with a spectacularly sarcastic, “That’s right, just shout out anything. We’ll play it,” only to tease a few notes of one particular blues song until abruptly stopping, saying, “Sorry, we don’t really know that one.”

    As the night wore on, Bramhall worked in more originals from his latest, revealing his guitar prowess as well as the expertise of his band. While most blues based electric guitarists can claim Jimi Hendrix as an influence, Bramhall revealed that Hendrix is not only an influence but a kindred spirit. Bramhall’s left-handed style emulated Hendrix and at times, he used feedback as a voice in his songs. This was explicitly realized in his set closer “The Samanas.”

    The band closed out the night with a joyful , psychedelic rendition of the Beatles’ “She Said, She Said” that had the crowd singing and dancing along to it.

    Bramhall is a musician with superior skills and a lineage to be envied. His solo work is on par with the best in the game and deserves to be more widely heard. It is highly recommended to check him and his superior band out in a live setting.

    Opening act, Althea Grace, an artist produced by Bramhall and part of the Concord Records stable of musicians, performed a solid acoustic set inspired by artists as varied as Led Zeppelin and Brandi Carlisle.

    Check out Bramhall’s fan-shot set closer, “The Samanas” below:

    Doyle Bramhall II Setlist:

    Les Chemins De Katmandou (Jean-Claude Vannier & Serge Gainsbourg cover), My People, The Veil, Keep You Dreamin’, Hands Up, I Get a Feeling (Johnny “Guitar” Watson cover), Mama Can’t Help You, Let It Down (George Harrison cover), Rich Man, Hung Up on My Baby (Isaac Hayes cover), New Faith, The Samanas

    Encore: She Said She Said (The Beatles cover)

  • The Security Project Re-imagines the Works of Peter Gabriel, On Tour and In New Live Album

    The Security Project brings together seasoned musicians to pay homage to the early works of Peter Gabriel. The band’s current lineup includes Jerry Marotta (former drummer for Peter Gabriel), Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Michael Cozzi (Shriekback), keyboardist David Jameson from New York, and on vocals female singer/songwriter Happy Rhodes. Their new live album Contact is out this month, and they are touring to promote it. Tickets are on sale now for shows in and around New York, including Pawling, Schenectady, and Syracuse.

    Mid-West/East Coast US Fall Tour Dates:

    Nov. 7 – Northampton, MA – The Iron Horse
    Nov. 8 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House
    Nov. 10 – Boston, MA – Regent Theater
    Nov. 11 – Schenectady, NY – Van Dyke Lounge
    Nov. 12 – Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon
    Nov. 14 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland
    Nov. 15 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
    Nov. 17 – Indianapolis, IN – The Irving Theater
    Nov. 18 – Auburn Hill, MI – Callahan’s
    Nov. 19 – Jerry Marotta drum clinic Chicago – Martyr’s (3:00 p.m.)
    Nov. 20 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall
    Nov. 21 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s

  • Hearing Aide: Darkroom ‘Darkroom’

    Remember those glory days of rock n roll when such bands like Kansas, Bad Company, Blue Oyster Cult, and many more classic giants reigned supreme? Something about that sound and tone of those bands really made an impact on music history. So many active audiophiles know you can never appreciate the modern sounds we have now, without paying homage to the ones that set the classic rock standard. Yet, we keep on forgetting that type of sound still carries a  large fan base. Even to this day we have radio stations, podcasts, and concerts all dedicated to that chapter of rock. Let me tell you though brother, that sound is still kicking and screaming! This proves to be the very case with a band hailing from the snowy land of Syracuse, Darkroom, whose textbook rock vibe will bring back that sound of the past and bring it to new light!

    darkroomThe album, Darkroom foundation is created by the hands of  David Manzano (drums), David DiNiro (guitar/vocals), Jeff Brown (bass/vocals), Ronnie Dark (guitar/keyboards/vocals) and Steve Kratz (vocals). This motley group of guys know how to package something old and to make it as if it was brand new. The album presents itself with so many classic rock influences from all across the rock realm spectrum. With tracks like “Trouble” and “The Hunted,” the energy of that rebel rock hits you hard like a brass knuckled punch. The fact that “The Hunted” is actually about a famous serial killer in our area really gives it that nice tongue in cheek play with the lyrics.  Manazo really can show you how he can make his kit come alive keeping that nice jazz and blues infused playing on the tracks. Let us not forget Brown’s bass playing pretty much hits in the same ball park paving the way with some hints of funk aspired basslines, keeping that rampant energy striving.

    The guitar work from both DiNiro and Dark really gives the album a clean guitar style, which in this day in age is extremely missed in the modern rock era with great melodies with huge hints of progressive influences if you listen closely enough. With Kratz on main vocals, you really can hear the passion this guy has while presenting the final product. Sometimes I feel like listening to these tracks he could give some classic rock heavyweights some run for their money.  If you enjoy groups like Bad Company, you will find these two tracks to be your gateway drug to something simply incredible.

    If you are like me, a man who likes to enjoy a nice cold beer, sometimes you just gotta have the perfect tunes to enjoy that said beer. The band possesses many diverse  elements which come alive on this album. They are able to create a very calming and at peace vibe on some tracks. Tracks like “Fly” and “Reflections” really carry that bar rock sound with great approach from the guys. “Reflections” has strong presence of The Eagles as it presents some great catchy lyricism and fabulous groovy sections. “Fly” has that type of energy that makes you just kinda want to put a quarter in the jukebox, order yourself a beer, and relax a bit after a tough day at work. The slow and steady style really makes this track one hell of a great song and with some of the most intriguing keyboard playing I heard in the last couple years from Dark. The keys shaping that ambient  background really helps amp up that idea of just taking it easy.

    In the end, it looks like that rebel rock attitude and perfected sound will continue to beat in the hearts of the fans. With Darkroom always finding new ways to make the material of the past interesting and relevant, I have no doubt these guys will not give up with that strong of a drive to keep on exploring new and old territory.  This album gets 4.5 out five stars. Checkout the band’s page and give them a good hard listen to!

    Key Tracks: The Hunted, Fly, Trouble

  • Hearing Aide: Blind Owl Band ‘Skeezy Patty’

    Just in time for peak fall foliage, the Blind Owl Band are set to release their third studio album, Skeezy Patty on October 13.  Hailing from the beautiful Saranac Lake region of the Adirondack Mountains, this 7-year-old quartet resembles the type of grizzly musicians you expect to see kicking up dust at a bluegrass festival. The self-proclaimed “Freight Train String Music” that they create can be heard heading down the tracks with a thunderous roar that certainly resembles bluegrass, but with a little extra coal added to the fire.

    In the third spot, “Hit Em High” clocks out as the longest track on the album and tightly packs a fantastic bass breakdown into the genre-blending composition.  Christian Cardiello’s uniquely placed slaps add a jazzy undertone to the heavily bluegrass driven tune which combines the elegance of a downtown Manhattan lounge with the rowdiness of an Upstate NY dive bar.  The clever lyrics are sung as a team and give each of the members a voice in the storytelling.  Imagine a group of gnarly pirates sitting around a bottle of whiskey as the waves chaotically surround and collide into their ship and that is “Hit Em High” in a nutshell.

    “Reloading” was thought up by guitarist Arthur Buezo who exchanges lyrics with James Ford on banjo for the song.  As the band developed “Reloading” for live shows some of the stylistic layers were transformed into the current composition.  One major addition to the studio version is the voice effect used.  It is reminiscent of the Tom Waits appearance on Primus’ “Tommy The Cat” which adds a haunting and sadistic character to the lyrics which cover the topic of rejuvenation.  For a band that has played over 700 shows since 2011, they know a lot about being on the road and the importance of time management.  “We are stronger than we were” suggests that these periods of reloading have been an integral step to developing their first studio album in almost 5 years and now that they are refreshed, they can showcase their growth on the road.

    “The Gates” has a waltzy ballroom feel before energetically dancing back into the bluegrass barnyard realm that primarily rules the album.  Buezo’s burly and hellish vocals are complimented by the speedy mandolin playing of Eric Munley.  As a special addition, an electric guitar finds its way into the studio full of wood and steel for a rare and powerful moment.  “Two Sides of Story” is the final track and once again the intelligently crafted lyrics are the highlight of the piece.  It comes as a surprise to hear the hipster-esque “Hey!” chant in the background, but this dark and stormy album is anything but predictable.  The straightforward composition is a soothing way to close out an album full of peaks and valleys, much like the land where the band was born.

    The first Skeezy Patty release party will take place this Friday, October 13 at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse before making their way east to The Hollow in Albany for round two of their album release.  Tickets for both shows are available online or at the box office on the day of the show.

    Key Tracks:  Hit Em High, Electric Chair, Waterhole