NYS Music 20​17

Category: Regions

  • Former Assembly Candidate Jesse Calhoun Named GM at School of Rock Albany

    School of Rock Albany has announced that former Assembly candidate, Jesse Calhoun, has been named as General Manager. The position brings Calhoun’s experience as an organizer and musician to a nationally famous program. Thanks to the 2002 Jack Black film, School of Rock has 11 chapters around New York State, expanding in recent years and opening an Albany chapter in 2013. Calhoun spoke to NYS Music about his new role and what he brings to the job, and why we need to save the arts.

    Pete Mason: How did you first get started in music as a kid when you were growing up?

    Jesse Calhoun: I had been involved with vocal music ever since I was a kid, had my first solo thanks to Miss Mescudi in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, (fun fact that’s actually Kid Cudi’s Mom.) But I really dove in my senior year of high school. I asked my mom for a guitar that Christmas, and then spent every waking hour that I wasn’t in school trying to learn riffs from my favorite bands. I learned the little riff from “Come Out and Play” by the Offspring and the riff from “Song 2” by Blur and was hooked forever after that.

    Jesse Calhoun

    PM: How did you start The Ameros?

    JC: I started a band called “Cultural Relativity” in Ohio with my best friend since 5th grade, Charles Pope. We recorded a little 5 song demo CD called The Controlled Demo – which the same night we recorded it and put it up, I was contacted by a DJ from Leaf Pile Radio out of Columbus who loved our song “Name Your Price for Freedom” and wanted to put it into rotation. We were sharing that song all over the country to local activist groups. It was right about the time of the Patriot Act being passed and I was concerned with a swift erosion of liberty that was happening in our country. It wasn’t long before Sean Muniz, a local organizer (who would eventually become our bass player) asked us to come do a benefit concert here in Albany, NY. A few years down the road not only had my view on relativism changed but our moniker had changed as well.

    jesse calhounPM: What can be done to increase access to music and arts education in schools today?

    JC: Great question! To me Paul Green (the guy the School of Rock movie was based off of) in his creation of the School of Rock has found an amazing answer. In the current educational model, what’s the first thing to get cut? The arts. Always. Not only does the current educational model come from a scarcity mindset, meaning that there are very many talented music teachers out there in the world, decreed officially or not, not many of them can find work, they have to wait for the music teacher to retire or die and then fight for that job amongst hundreds of other applicants. The School of Rock Albany not only enables local, active musicians to teach some of the greatest skills that they have learned both on stage and on their instrument, but it provides an outlet for children who are interested in music that might not be getting it otherwise. Here locally we are happy to supplement great local music programs and provide opportunities for children to unleash their inner rock stars, building confidence, teamwork and more.

    PM: Can you tell us about what’s behind the planning for a Blues show and David Bowie tribute this spring?

    JC: We are early in the season right now, so we’ve cast a variety of students into each show. We aim to teach concepts in context of some of the famous songs that many of us have come to love. We try to choose songs for each student that challenge them or help them learn concepts and expand their musical vocabulary. Right now it’s cool to see the students starting to learn both about the blues form and the roots of Rock ‘n’Roll, and also to explore the multifaceted artistry of David Bowie.

    These shows have filled up due to popularity so we are excited to announce that on Thursdays we are starting up a Tribute to Nirvana show rehearsal from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. So if you know any young aspiring musicians who are looking to make friends, learn music, and get on stage – let us know!

  • Hearing Aide: Battle Beast ‘Bringer of Pain’

    Imagine this scenario if you may: you are about to enter an epic battle of man vs the world. You have your leather wrist bands and your battle vest prepared for combat. The boots are all laced and ready to kick up the mud. Deep inside you know something is missing. What could it be? Suddenly the answer came from the metal gods, a wicked and powerful soundtrack to capture the energy of a true warrior. The battle hymn of choice goes by the name, Bringer of Pain from Finland’s own Battle Beast! Today we shall fight for the metal.

    Battle Beast Bringer Of PainNo strangers to the way of steel, Bringer of Pain, is the fourth installment to be added to the band’s ever growing discography. This follow up from their 2015 release Unholy Savior (via Nuclear Blast) and my personal favorite Battle Beast (2013 via Nuclear Blast), they once again present their own unique brand of heavy and power metal to the metal masses. The vocal approach by Noora Louhimo will capture the hearts of the male fans and inspired many females lurking in the genre to take up the horns. With such powerful tracks like “We Will Fight” and “God of War,” they will ignite a flame inside the listener  that will burn brighter than any other star in the sky. The guitar work of Juuso Soinio and the drumming of Pyry Vikki will remind you of Odin’s eight hooved horse galloping to crush the enemies of metal. You will find yourself doing your battle cry as you raise your sword or roll a d20 while playing DND, as each soaring guitar solo with the help of bone crushing war drum makes the opposition tremble before you. Critical hit; victory is yours.

    When it comes to power metal, you know there will be some songs that hit you hard straight into your soul. The track on the album that puts the emphasis of emotion is the very passionate song “Far From Heaven.” The vocals mixed with the guitar skills of Vikki and Björkroth created a masterpiece of melody and melancholy resonance. I am a big scary looking guy and let me tell you, this track makes me feel like a hopeful teenage boy again; simply beautiful. I do admit this is my personal favorite from the new release. Another track that has a wonderful executed dread-filled painted landscape is “Lost in Wars” which features Tomi Joutsen (Amphoris). His deep sorrowful vocals mold a dark picture where a world lost all hope and light because of man’s own doing. It will send chills down your spine with the bass playing of Sipilä giving the song as if it was a funeral dirge. I do see this song  becoming the most popular one on the album in the coming weeks as well as help the band grow their devoted fan base.

    If I could give this album a rating, it would be a solid 5 out of 5. You may order it from the band’s page and your local record store. Buy it and together we will fight with Odin!

    Key Tracks: Bringer of Pain, Lost in Wars, We Will Fight

  • Hearing Aide: Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds ‘Fowl Play’

    If success is playing over 700 shows and releasing three wildly successful studio albums, then Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds have it. Their presence on stage is infectious, contributing to a vast and ever-growing festival scene. The Brooklyn-based Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds just released their newest addition to the catalogue, a two-disc live album titled Fowl Play, that provides enough horsepower and sheer grit to get you in the mood to roll down the windows and hit the road.

    The album starts hard and heavy with “Freight Train,” complete with wailing horns and a voice that could bring just about anyone to their knees. It’s no surprise that lead vocalist Arleigh Kincheloe can use her voice to soar over the rest of her seven-piece band. “Freight Train” is how you start a live album. If you’re new to the band, then that’s the song that will keep you listening.

    “My House” slows it down, with that 50’s soul feel almost comparable to a Sam Cooke ballad. The song is bookended with Kincheloe’s sultry voice, but the meat of the song is the guitar solo in the middle. You’ll definitely want to go back and listen again to get the full effect. For a band who prides themselves on hard-hitting, gritty rock, the ballad is where you really see the definition and talent. Ballads can be tough for a large band, but their ability to settle down and hit you with the feels is undeniable.

    Disc two opens with “Dirt,” which is a prime example of why you should set the computer down and go see them live. The attitude and low-end growl is what makes Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds so popular among a vast fan base. The harmonica and sax solo battle is one for the ages, grabbing your attention from every angle. Arleigh’s brother Jackson Kincheloe on harmonica and Brian Graham on saxophone somehow fit more notes into a solo than what should be possible. But nevertheless, it builds to a full-band roar, like a battle cry after winning the war.

    Fans crave live albums, and this one does not disappoint. It appeals to just about every genre, and provides funky, gritty jams that can get just about anyone moving. Get your copy on their Bandcamp where you can also preview the album. They don’t currently have any tour dates announced, but keep a close eye on their website for upcoming tour and festival announcements. Do yourself a favor and hop on the Dirty Birds train, because wherever it’s going, you’re in for one wild ride.

    Key Tracks: Freight Train, Dr. Feelgood, Dirt

  • Frank Palangi Shines at Lucky Strike Social

    On Friday, Feb 17, local rock artist from Upstate NY, Frank Palangi, and his band, had the sold out crowd at Jupiter Hall inside the Lucky Strike Social located at the Crossgates Mall in Albany, on their feet. Opening for Red Sun Rising and Badflower, Palangi performed all his fan favorite tracks, and threw a cover in by Full Devil Jacket. The boys more than did their job, and after their set, they had the sold out venue more than ready for a rock show.

    New York state is filled with a tremendous amount of musical talent on the rise. Whether you’re a local writer, photographer, or both, NYS Music is one of the leaders when it comes to promoting local talent chasing down their dreams in the music industry, while we hone our crafts by covering these artists.

    Palangi got right down to business, and rocked out track after track, which is expected, since he was slated in the crucial spot of opening the show to warm the crowd up. In the end, he and his band rocked the faces off everyone inside Jupiter Hall. It was obvious by the crowds reaction, and those who have not ever seen Palangi perform, and wrote him off as just a local talent not worthy, had their minds changed in a heartbeat making a perfect example why fans should show up early to events, and take in all the artist on the bill.

    This group of musicians have a good chemistry on stage. They come off as well polished veterans in the business with their stage presence, playing style, and personality which are traits you look for in a band. All three seemed to be genuinely having a blast on stage.

    Palangi is really coming together as an artist, and owned the crowd with his deep husky vocals and catchy rock tunes. His confidence and professionalism on stage grows with each performance. The Queensbury native opened the show with the track “Break These Chains,” which he recorded with Daughtry guitarist Brian Craddock, at Craddock’s recording studio in Virginia. Before the band played the single “I’m Waiting,” drummer Josh Opitz held down the beat, as Palangi tossed out free merchandise to the crowd. New guitarist Dillon Swertner, is very charismatic in showing off his guitar skills throughout the bands set.

    Palangi is no stranger when it comes to opening up shows for national artist. He has opened up shows and festivals that have included several major rock artists including Shinedown, Megadeth, Alice in Chains, Ghost, Janes Addiction, Buckcherry, 3 Doors Down, Trapt, Lacey Sturm, Powerman 5000 and Aaron Lewis to name a few.

    Electric is not his only forte, Palangi holds many acoustic shows across the region. He has upcoming shows on March 25, at Mean Max Brew Works in Glens Falls, and April 21 at Dinosaur BBQ in Troy. Frank Palangi consists of himself on vocals and guitar, Josh Opitz (drums), and Dillon Swertner (guitar).

    Setlist: Break These Chains – I Am Ready – Now You Know (Full Devil Jacket Cover) – Thank You – Jam – I’m Waiting – Turn It All Around

  • Hearing Aide: The Bowling Alley Sound ‘The Bowling Alley Sound EP’

    On Friday, February 24, New Jersey’s own The Bowling Alley Sound will release their self-titled EP on their label 46 West. Their sophomore release brings musical and physical growth, as the original 4-piece has now transformed into a quintet with the addition of bassist and album cover artist, Andrew Capuano.

    The post-rock follow up to their 2014 debut, Metaphysical You, begins with the most energetic release of the four-track list, “Henry and Clark.” Well-known bands in the post-rock genre such as Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai can be heard echoed in their opening song as EP producer and guitarist, Mike Basil, kicks it off with a soft and subtle rift. Nick Looney’s drum playing anchors the song in place until the final section finds Issac Rubins’ violin eerily bringing the song to an end.

    “Night Flight” recreated the rich and repetitive textures heard in the first track, but much like the song title, the listener is reminded of dreams about flying. While the song will not make you want to get up and dance, or get up at all really, it would fit well at a yoga studio, meditation session, or music score of a Planet Earth episode.

    During the final two tracks, they inject muffled crowd noise to bring the listening audience together as one with the band. The group attempts vocals for the first time during the closing track, “The Conversation Of The Street Lights Will Pass As Quickly As Our Words,” a title almost as long as the EP itself. The post-rock vocal approach is very different from the typical verse-chorus structure found in many other rock genres, and The Bowling Alley Sound stay true to form using soft, spoken words to poetically describe a 2017 New Year’s resolution. While I would have liked to hear more trumpet textures from Danny Molloy, the final track sends the listener off in a tranquil and serene mood.

    The digital-only release of The Bowling Alley Sound will be available on all major platforms and can be pre-ordered now for only $1 (US currency).

    Key Tracks: Henry and Clark, The Conversation Of The Street Lights Will Pass As Quickly As Our Words

  • SPAC 1995 is the Latest Live Phish Release

    The latest release from Live Phish features the band’s June 26, 1995 performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

    SPAC 1995 Phish

    This show would be the last time Phish performed at SPAC until June of 2004. The show highlights include a rare cover of “Don’t You Want to Go?,” an extended “Down with Disease” > “Free” (see video below), and a monster “You Enjoy Myself.”

    Setlist via Phish.net:

    Soundcheck: Time Loves A Hero > Dog Log/Time Loves A Hero mashup, Nellie Kane, Santana Instrumental, Rocky Mountain Way

    Set 1: My Friend, My Friend, Don’t You Want To Go?, Bathtub Gin, NICU > The Sloth, My Mind’s Got a Mind of its Own, It’s Ice > Dog Faced Boy > Tela > Possum

    Set 2: Down with Disease [1] -> Free > Poor Heart > You Enjoy Myself , Strange Design > Run Like an Antelope

    Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Rocky Top

    [1] Unfinished.
    My Friend started with a Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 tease from Trey. Trey teased and quoted Long Tall Glasses in Bathtub Gin. Possum contained a Heartbreaker tease and YEM contained Immigrant Song teases from Trey. Down with Disease was unfinished. This show is available as an archival release on LivePhish.com.

    Read our detailed breakdown of this 1995 live Phish performance at SPAC here.

  • Joe Beard, Gary Lewis and Uncle Rog Among Inductees to Rochester Music Hall of Fame

    The Rochester Music Hall of Fame 2017 announced the names of the 2017 inductees this week. The honorees are Samuel Adler, Joe Beard, Gary Lewis, Uncle Roger McCall, Greg Sullivan and the Penny Arcade, and Lewis Soloff. The induction ceremony, which will include several performances and tributes, takes place on April 30 at the historic Eastman Theatre.

    rochester music hall of fame joe beardInductees (in alphabetical order):

    Samuel Adler, celebrated classical composer and Eastman School of Music professor of composition from 1966 to 1995. With Adler in attendance, the Upton String Quartet with Yi-Yang Cheng on piano will perform his 1999 composition “Piano Quintet for Piano and String Quartet.”

    Joe Beard, revered blues guitarist and vocalist, who has played with the likes of Son House, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and John Lee Hooker. Joe Beard will perform at the ceremony, joined by his sons, Chris and Duane, and backed by house band Prime Time Funk.

    Gary Lewis, frontman of Gary Lewis and the Playboys, peforming since the 1960’s, topping charts and selling millions of records worldwide. Gary Lewis and the Playboys will be performing some of their best hits.

    Uncle Roger McCall, also known as “Uncle Rog,” the longest running DJ at a single station in the US (1973-2003) and hero to the local music scene, which he passionately promoted up until his murder during a robbery in 2003. Local musicians will peform a tribute to both Uncle Rog and Greg Sullivan.

    Greg Sullivan and The Penny Arcade, the legendary rock club was opened in 1973 by Sullivan, who booked national acts and mentored local musicians. Sullivan died of a heart attack in 2014, and the plaque in his honor hangs on the now-closed Penny Arcade.

    Lewis Soloff, Grammy Award-winning trumpeter for Blood, Sweat & Tears, and instructor at Juliard and Manhattan School of Music. Sorloff died of a heart attack in 2015. A tribute to Lew will be performed by David Clayton-Thomas, lead singer of Blood, Sweat, & Tears.

    Tickets for the ceremony on April 30 are now on sale at the Eastman Theatre box office or online.

  • Sinkane Brings A Well-Traveled Musical Experience to Great Scott

    This past Thursday night, February 16, Great Scott welcomed the hip shaking, heart grooving, culturally wide-brimmed (wider than the brim of frontman Ahmed Gallab’s awesome cowboy cap) group known as Sinkane to an excited crowd.

    The Brooklyn based band was only on their second stop in their Life & Livin’ It tour. And after spending the past month in a rehearsal space in New York City, it was clear Sinkane was eager to show exactly what they had spent their time honing in on, which was nothing short of a very tight, impactful and all around free flowing and positive performance, often extending their songs into engaging jams.

    Sinkane1

    Immediately of interest was the shear size of the crowd. Last time Sinkane trekked their way up to the Bean Town (without the accompaniment of keyboardist and co-singer) they played to a mere ten people, one of which Ahmed Gallab impressively remembered and called out to from the stage in thanks of the support. This time however, the audience packed the venue and it’s a clear case in point of Sinkane’s success with the time acquired in-between. The band has really honed in on their sound, and with Life and Livin’ It, Sinkane is able to exhibit where they truly glow. It isn’t in one particular style in fact. Reggae, psychedelic, jam, funk, world—all of these peak their way into the uniqueness of what is Sinkane. Take their tracks “U’Huh” and “Favorite Song” for example, both off Life and Livin’ It. These take on so much influence from great songs and genres that the outcome is more along the lines of highly cultivated originality.

    Sinkane3

    With the help of one of the opener bands, No BS! Brass Band, for horns, Sinkane even furthered the immensity of their sound. The two groups had actually never performed together, as Gallab was excited to admit, and yet the result was an even fuller and more dynamic, refined sound. This might be something Sinkane wants to consider adapting to their live set next time around on tour, which if history repeats itself will likely be performed to an even bigger crowd.

    Sinkane closed with the audience favorite “How We Be,” and afterwards came back on stage for an encore that jammed into the wee early hours of 1:30am. This is a band that simply loves to play. And only the most respect goes to this group who’s shining attributes are giving every musical bone a rattle and shake and spreading some obvious cheer and positivity while doing it.

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  • NYC Busker Gives Earnings to Those in Need

    Come to find out, our generous busker not only resides in NYC, current street performer Will Boyajian, is a Clifton Park native, and son of notable Albany lawyer, Don Boyajian. Boyajian graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 2008. He studied music theater at Ithaca College, and has been living in NYC since 2012.

    As word of his story rapidly spreads, Boyajian stated to The Schenectady Gazette, that he hopes someone will step in and make it bigger, as he will be leaving NYC in March to act in the Capital Repertory Theater production of “They Built America: The Workers of the Erie Canal.” After that, Boyajian will take his acting skills, and head back to the cruise ship from April through December.

    Musicians from Los Angeles and Chicago have reached out to Boyajian, wanting to start their own #HopefulCases, but Boyajian wants to make sure that people are doing it for the right reasons, at that the campaigns name is never used for profit and personal gain.

    Original Article Follows:

    In Upstate NY, you can usually catch street performers playing their instruments, looking for a little extra cash near all the downtown hot spots in whatever city you reside. When you travel to a bigger city, like New York, one common place to see street performers looking for earnings, are in subway terminals. In a different twist, one specific street performer does it solely for humanitarian reasons, and now has the whole city talking.

    The New York Post reports that 26-year-old Will Boyajian, performs his bluegrass style of music to strap hangers walking by at the 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal subway station, and gives away his earnings throughout the day to those in need while trying to show New Yorkers a different way to give back and donate.

    Boyajian, who saved money for his cause by performing 8 months for Norwegian Cruise Line, earns around $400 daily in tips from passersby. Before he starts playing, the busker leans a sign against his case that reads, “If you’re homeless or need help, take as much as you need from the case.” His goal at the end of the day is to end with zero dollars in the case. If any cash is left, Boyajian will either hand out the left over singles, or purchase single ride MetroCards to pass out.

    There is no limit to what a person can take from the case as Boyajian trusts the persons taking from the case are truly in need. When talking about his experiment, which he calls Hopeful Cases, Boyajian stated to the New York Post:

    It’s really wild. Some people come up and take a dollar or take five dollars,  some people come up and take $80… It’s not my job to judge it’s just my job to give.

    Boyajian reflected about a moment that grabbed his heart Sunday when a man, with his dog, approached the case:

    I probably had $40 or $50 left, and my voice was trashed, and I wanted go home. ‘I said, just empty it out man…Treat yourself.’ And he said it’s enough for one of those hotels that let the dogs come, and he told the dog, ‘Moby, we’re going to be OK.’

    He also recounted about a time when he first moved to the city:

    When I first moved to the city… this dude got on the train… and was clearly homeless. The whole train moved away. None of us will ever experience that kind of rejection in our lives.

  • Hearing Aide: Ross Jenssen ‘Stories’

    Future groove group Ross Jenssen put forth their sophomore release February 7, titled Stories. The instrumental nature of the album , sans lyrics, provides a suitable backdrop for listeners to marry their own imagination with the instrumentation. A frantic moodiness looms throughout the EP, keeping the listener ever so slightly on edge. Ross Jenssen (writer/producer), Brian Ross (bass), Sam McGarrity (guitar), Jules Jenssen (drums/moog), and Ricky Tiven (violin on tracks 2,3) are the instrument wielders behind the madness.

    Stories opens with “The Chronicle,” which begins with brooding bass before quick and subtle percussion and guitar distorted with a trace of metal lend the song a sense of urgency. “The Tall Tale” holds a beat that ceaselessly drives the song forward before sliding into its own noodly jam. “The Myth” rounds out the three-track trio with a flurry of wavering tempos that suggest the group couldn’t settle on a cohesive rhythm for the closing tune.

    The songs are similar enough in style that if you were to listen without paying attention to track numbers or knowing this was a three song EP, you could mistake it as one lengthy jam. It’s a bit too repetitive, although the musicianship is crisp and controlled. Recorded at Sub Station Studio in Housatonic, MA, the EP was engineered by Jackson Whalan, Jules Jenssen, Ian Stewart, mixed by Ian Stewart, mastered by Taylor Larson (periphery, veil of maya, FFTL) with album cover by Simon Ban. Get the album here.

    Key Track: The Chronicle

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