NYS Music 20​18

Category: Features

  • WinterWonderGrass comes to Vermont in December

    WinterWonderGrass arrives this weekend at Stratton Mountain Resort from December 14-16 in Stratton Vermont. Locals introduced to this traditionally Colorado music festival can expect craft beers, tasty treats, outdoor winter fun, and the intimate family atmosphere that WWG is famous for fostering. At the popular mountain resort located just a short drive from both Boston and New York City, concert attendees can enjoy a perfect winter backdrop for WWG’s inaugural New England appearance.

    Here’s this weekend’s schedule including ‘Grass after Dark’ shows held nightly.

    WinterWonderGrass vermont Single day tickets are currently $59 for Friday and Sunday, while Saturday tickets are $79.  The best priced ticket package is the three-day ticket ($149). On top of three days for WWG musical offerings, three-day tickets include three hours of beer, cider, tea and Switchel samplings each day.

    After each day’s main headliner, fans are welcome to attend special performances at the Soapbox featuring Pickin on the Dead on Friday, Rumpke Mountain Boys on Saturday, and the Jon Stickley Trio to wrap up on Sunday. Committed to community engagement, WWG is also hosting free afternoon meetings for WWG artists and local musicians interaction. Bring your own instrument, refreshments will be provided.

    Be on the lookout for more bluegrass events at the festival, more is still to come for the evening.  WWG is preparing to announce ‘Grass after Dark’ late night shows on Nov. 13. The late shows will bring guests to more intimate peaks and settle the concert into a more casual vibe. Connecting artists with the local community, these events bring you up close and personal with bluegrass icons as they improvise musical conversations with ease.

    WinterWonderGrass is a low-impact event with music throughout the day. Get to know the lay of the land, what beers will be available for sampling (daily from 2-5p), what food trucks will be on hand, where the Kids Zone is and more.

    If you still need lodging options, WinterWonderGrass has partnered up with a few local options to ensure maximum comfort during your visit. Shuttles will run from select properties in Manchester as well.

    In 2018 alone, WinterWonderGrass diverted more than 23,000 lbs of waste from landfills due to their composting, recycling and food donation program. WWG has long been a partner with Waste-Free Earth out of Burlington. Get to know their company and how big of an impact they’ve made on our festival community.

    Check out the dining options around the resort outside of the festival grounds and for more info, check out WWG’s additional FAQs with anything and everything you need to know to have the best possible WWG experience. From what to wear, what not to bring, what’s allowed and so on. See you in Stratton!

  • Hearing Aide: The Breakfast ‘Phantasmagoria’

    It’s been twenty years since the jam band The Breakfast formed. Originally known as Psychedelic Breakfast and based out of Connecticut, the band is releasing their 20th anniversary album, Phantasmagoria, featuring freshly revamped tracks filled to the brim with exploratory attitude. Consisting of members Tim Palmieri on guitar, Chris DeAngelis on bass, Jordan Giangreco on keys and Adrian Tramontano on drums, the long-awaited new album is nothing but explosive energy right out of the gate.

    phantasmagoria

    With eager anticipation, “Metropolis” kicks off with light tones that increase in energy as the tune progresses. DeAngelis and Palmieri take turns strutting their guitar magic midway through, while Tramontano keeps the tune rolling with tireless drumming. The calmest track rears its head second song in as “Shotgun Butterfly” slinks by with sharp lyrics and edgy bass before “Rush” wastes no time jumping in with a brisk tempo and harmonized lyrics. The track takes a surprising twist as the tune creeps into a psychedelic melody crammed with Giangreco’s kaleidoscopic keys. Close your eyes and disappear into a dreamlike state as this tune takes hold of your earholes.

    An upbeat “Reel Time” is a clean tune immersed in sleek vocals, dynamic keyboard tones and crisp guitar. Sliding in and out of time changes makes for a dramatic song full of surprises around every note. Meanwhile, “Rust” electrifies the senses as Palmieri’s masterful guitar delivers by continuously elevating the track just when the listener thinks his solo will come to an end. Intense is a mild word to describe the energy built up during this tune.

    “Episode III (Awakening)” does just that – awakens and stimulates the brain as the track flows in and out of varying musical styles. A rocking, heavier backbone glues the track together while hinting at a touch of jazz, as well as a more classical style, before swinging back into the heavier melody. A bluesy beat also makes an appearance before, once again, sliding right back into a harder tone.

    Wrapping up the album is an expansive 23-minute “Hard Luck Harry.” This final track has the air of accomplishment and triumph streaming throughout a diverse range of tones. Darker notes emit their shadowy depths midway, tiptoeing along the rim of multi-colored tones that dive deep into an exploratory rhythm that stays parked for a good long while. This is one track to listen to in the dark, with headphones on and eyes closed, in order to truly experience the energy created throughout. A sense of being thrown into deep space takes hold while plummeting through the musical rabbit hole of this melody.

    Phantasmagoria is a welcome reprieve from the usual jam band numbers. Tracks throughout are a breath of fresh air. Unexpected tones, experimental melodies and time change treats make this album an innovative blend of musical delights that awaken all the senses. To fully experience this album in all of it’s musical glory, make sure to listen with headphones to capture the true depth of the masterfully produced numbers. If you’re seeking a fresh sound, this album delivers, hands down. The Breakfast is back and better than ever.

    Key Tracks: Reel Time, Rust, Hard Luck Harry

  • Photo Gallery: Phish dresses up as Kasvot Växt, Faceplants Las Vegas into Rock

    Phish fans got a trick, and a treat on Halloween. For their Halloween show, Phish didn’t cover a classic rock album like fans hoped, but instead did something far scarier – they performed brand new music as Kasvot Växt to a sold out MGM Garden Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

    kazvot vaxtCombining their 2013 (Wingsuit) and 2014 (Chilling Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House) costumes, Phish created something completely different, brand new and unique, to say the least – they invented a band, backstory and full album to cover, performing as Kasvot Växt, a Scandinavian prog rock outfit dressed all in white and bringing an incredibly fresh sound to Phish’s legacy of Halloween runs.

    kasvot vaxtWearing all white suits on an all white stage and playing all white instruments, Phish performed i rokk, which when combined with Kasvot Växt translates as ‘Faceplant into rock.’ All 10 songs were brand new Phish, or Kasvot Växt, depending on how you look at it.

    What was most amazing about the show is the level of secrecy that kept this set so under wraps that no one knew what would really happen until the first notes of the set. Performing a new album has been done before in 2013 with Wingsuit, and again in 2014 in Las Vegas with Chilling Thrilling, but combining those two efforts and writing 10 songs in a prog rock/metal-ish style AND the Kazvot Växt persona to go along with it is a level up, even for Phish.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Buried Alive > Ghost > Crazy Sometimes > Free, More, Halley’s Comet > Ocelot > Theme From the Bottom > First Tube

    Set 2: Turtle in the Clouds[1], Stray Dog[1], Everything is Hollow[1], We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains[1], Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.[1], The Final Hurrah[1], Play by Play[1], Death Don’t Hurt Very Long[1], Cool Amber and Mercury[1], Passing Through[1]

    Set 3: Set Your Soul Free > Tweezer > A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing > Backwards Down the Number Line > Meatstick, Bug > Run Like an Antelope

    Encore: Loving Cup > Tweezer Reprise

    [1] Debut.

  • Hearing Aide: BoomBox ‘Western Voodoo’

    It’s been a busy two years for the EM musical maestros BoomBox since the departure of original member Russ Randolph in 2016.  Founder Zion Rock Godchaux put the time to good use with the addition of new musical partner DJ Harry and the creation of exciting new material that comprises the newly released Western Voodoo.  This is the Muscle Shoals, AL based duo’s 5th LP and was recorded right outside of their hometown at Rat Nial studios.  Godchaux describes the new tracks as a bit of a departure from their earlier material, “All of the rhythms, melodies, and frequencies add up to these healing properties. I hope people feel rejuvenated and re-focused on some level when they hear us. That’s Western Voodoo.”

    This is readily apparent on the album, and is specifically noticeable on the LP opener “Castles”.  The trance-like intro sets the stage for the entire album.  The track kicks off into a great EM synth hook that precedes Godchaux’s haunting vocal.  The groove on the number is so infectious, I found myself unconsciously moving in my chair, as if movement was a mandatory prerequisite to enjoying the jam fully.

    Another highlight to BoomBox’s latest effort is the 5th track on the LP “Selling Fun”. It combines funky bass with the classic 80’s beats including synthesized horn accompaniment which is reminiscent of the early years of that decade’s dance music.  Groovy guitars help accentuate Godchaux’s lyrics which tells the story of a pusher working the street “selling fun” on his little piece of the dark city.  The rhythm is atypical of the gritty subject matter and is thoroughly upbeat which is in stark contrast to the dark lyrics of the song.

    BoomBox’s hometown of Muscle Shoals, Alabama is famously known for Rick Hall’s historic FAME Studio and it’s famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, commonly referred to as the “Swampers”.  These gifted musicians backed a variety of rock and soul artists throughout the sixties, including legends Wilson Pickett,  Aretha Franklin, and the Allman Brothers Band.  While the “swamp sound” is much different than the EM beats of BoomBox, you can hear these jam influences in tracks like “Easy Operator” which features a laid back enjoyable guitar riff that completely balances out the number.  This relaxed vibe is also reflective of Godchaux’s musical pedigree, a result of being the progeny of two members of the Grateful Dead.

    This is definitely a band to see live in concert.  They boast a killer light show that fits their grooves perfectly.  Both Zion Rock Godchaux and DJ Harry are at the top of their game while performing live in front of an audience. BoomBox’s next outing will be a very special “hometown show” at the Brass Monkey in Florence Alabama on November 30th.  They will continue to tour the US in support of Western Voodoo throughout the remainder 2018 and into early 2019.

    Key Tracks: Castles, Selling Fun, Easy Operator

  • New York Funeral Pop Duo MXMS Share New Single “Gravedigger”

    Looking for a new genre of music? Try Funeral Pop, and the sounds of New York based duo MXMS who have recently released their new single “Gravedigger.” The self-produced duo from New York City and small-town Oklahoma have created their own genre, which fuses classic melodic songwriting with dark, unfiltered chaos, driven by a thousand forms of fear. Just in time for the holidays. They’ll perform in Hollywood, CA at underground nightclub Cloak & Dagger on October 30.

    MXMS is short for “Me and My Shadow” and brings together singer Ariel Levitan and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Dawson. MXMS’ debut untitled album will be released on We Are:The Guard/Kobalt Records in early 2019.

  • Vusi Mahlasela brings Township! and the sounds of South Africa to The Egg

    With a crowd diverse in age and race, a lively audience came to the Swyer Theater at The Egg in Albany for a night of South African music that was engaging and inspired dancing in the crowd all throughout the evening. Celebrating the 100th birthday of global peacemaker Nelson Mandela and nearly 25 years of freedom from apartheid, Vusi Mahlasela paid tribute to South African music legends Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masakela, Dorothy Masuka and Brenda Fassie with ‘Township!’Vusi Mahlasela

    South African music was hard to come by for the mid-late 20th century, due to the cultural boycott on the country due to apartheid, and at home, black South African music was banned from the radio, so American records were played at pubs. Known as “The Voice,” Mahlasela hails from Mamelodi Township, outside Pretoria and experienced this music embargo first hand, yet became an international legend starting in the late 1980s. Accompanied by Mongeze Ntaka on guitar, Jimmy Mgwandi on bass and Ian Herman on drums, Mahlasela took the audience on a tour of South Africa’s sights, sounds and languages through a variety of songs from the influential artists that came before him.

    The night opened with the acoustic “Ubuhle” in the Hosa/Zulu dialect of South African – where there are 11 official languages – and was followed by a song about the beauty of the land, “Silang Magele” and “Jabula,” a song sung by a dove during harvest season. “Draaikies” by Dr. Phillip Tabane, was sung in a slang language of South Africa, combining elements of regional and European dialects. An untitled song referenced the pain of separation and was written on toilet paper while in jail. Here, Mahlasela spoke of Africa deserving better because Africa has been giving all along – through slavery, raw materials, and colonization, and still today through the neo-colonization seen by China.

    “Our Sand” was dedicated to the San people, who were the first people to walk the earth, also known as Bushmen. The upbeat and joyful Township songs closed the performance, starting with “Jesu” and “Uncolo.” “Unomeva” was inspired by the speakeasies of South Africa and the characters and musicians that were found there. Finally, Mahlasela mentioned the concept of Ubuntu, the quality of human virtues, including humanity, compassion, tolerance, love, among others. “Say Africa” was sung with the audience enthusiastically serving as the chorus. An encore of “Woza” gave a swingtown vibe to the Township we were welcomed into this evening.

    Setlist: Ubuhle, Silang Magele, Miyela Africa, Jabula, Amdokwe, Draaikies, When You Come Back, Untitled, Our Sand, Jesu, Uncolo, Unomeva, Say Africa

    Encore: Woza

  • Hearing Aide: Animal Sounds ‘Ennui’

    Animal Sounds EnnuiHaving originally started as a funk-based instrumental group, Animal Sounds is debuting their record Ennui, that will soon define them as one of the indie powerhouse bands that call Western New York their home. The five-piece group released an all instrumental EP back in 2015 titled Fling Mingus which had well written guitar duos and harmonically vibrant compositions that didn’t get too complex, making for an easy and interesting listen. A couple years later, the band released a single titled “Ghost” which had lyrics- marking a change in the group’s direction. Composed of Erik Gordon (vocals), Shawn Brogan (guitar), Alex Brophy (guitar), Angel Figueroa (bass/keys), and Theo Schirmuhly (drums), Animal Sounds presents a versatile and eclectic sound that doesn’t veer far from their roots while also solidifying the band’s progression into a vocally driven sound with intriguing instrumentals. While this new release, Ennui, can take a very strong cue from the group’s main influences, there’s enough in this 8-track album to warrant a close look at how well the band is able to execute these sounds and create a product that oozes the stylings of some big-name alt rock/indie groups.

    A major highlight of the album are the guitar performances. The clean lead duos are reminiscent of Minus the Bear, with both guitars playing melodic parts that mesh as one voice. This is apparent right from the get-go, with the second track “Hesitation” starting off with a conversation between the two guitars, one just slightly grittier than the other so as to differentiate the voices enough. Schirmuhly’s drums do a great job to accent both the bass and guitar lines. On the seventh song, “Wanderlust”, the hi-hat accentuates beats in a way that makes different parts of the guitar line pop out, while the bass drum syncs with the bass to achieve a really big lower end without the frequencies getting muddied in the mix. The bass overall keeps a steady groove in each song, never becoming too flashy but also not becoming redundant or droney. It leaves room for the guitars to shine and will even jump in on a well composed trio part like in “Antelope”.

    The vocals are very strong from top to bottom. Gordon weaves his way through already melodically layered songs, finding open spots to color the music with his own melody. The lyrics seem to ride on one theme- a dissolution with the current state of one’s being and how growing into adulthood amplifies those feelings. It’s a darker lyrical focus, which matches the melancholy mood of the songs well. The harmonies are a big stand-out, with numerous vocal parts being layered to create atmospheric backdrops to mesh with the ethereal guitars. The group displays a lot of chemistry, and strong song structuring.

    One thing that comes out a bit much are the sounds from the group’s influences. A few of the tracks instrumentally sound very similar to a Tame Impala song, sometimes Minus the Bear. Despite these parallels, the songs are well written and do a very good job of nailing down the timbres and subtleties those groups use in their music- an achievement regardless. Animal Sounds has a lot of chemistry, and it’d be interesting to hear a bit less of the influences and more of the unique sound the band can bring to the table. The group puts on a very strong live show too, covering tunes that are complete departures from their influences and making them their own. If you enjoy the album, get out to one of Animal Sound’s shows in the WNY area!

    Key Tracks: Hesitation, Wanderlust, Kid Dankë Schon

  • Musicians Show Politicians How to Play Together at Hudson Valley Votes

    “If you told my high school self that I’d be receiving an email from Natalie Merchant,” Paul Rudd quipped, “asking me to take the stage with Mary Stuart Masterson and introduce Antonio Delgado, I would’ve said, ‘What’s email?’.”

    The event– Hudson Valley Votes– took place at UPAC on October 20 and featured prominent Hudson Valley residents. In addition to 10,000 Maniacs’ frontwoman Natalie Merchant, long-time David Bowie band member Gail Ann Dorsey, renowned songwriter Dar Williams, Lettuce collaborator Alecia Chakour, and Woodstock favorites Rachael Yamagata and Simi Stone participated in the musical portion of the evening.

    Natalie Merchant, Gail Ann Dorsey and Resistance Revival Chorus

    The show, organized to trump up support for local progressive politicians, began with a rendition of Woody Guthrie classic “This Land Is Your Land.” The itinerary progressed fluidly; after the Guthrie cover, children and teenagers from Kingston’s Energy Dance Company took the stage and invaded the aisles, putting on a high energy hip-hop dance performance that earned a standing ovation. The youth movement continued with a subsequent performance by members of Woodstock’s Rock Academy.

    “We aim to turn New York blue through the activism of young people!” one of the event’s organizers exclaimed. It was reiterated throughout the evening that young voters would need to show up on November 6 in order for the progressives’ candidates to succeed. In addition to young people, women carried the night. Many of the featured candidates were females running in their first elections; most of them expressed displeasure with the unequal representation of women in Congress.

    Merchant, the musical director, sang a moving rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” vocally accompanied by Dorsey and Yamagata, with Jack DeJohnette on the piano. Dorsey, who womanned the stage more than anyone, showed off her vocal versatility all night. She also collaborated with Williams, Chakour, and The Rock Academy.

    Gail Ann Dorsey (left) and Dar Williams (right)

    The musical highlight of the evening undoubtedly came, however, from the Resistance Revival Chorus. More than a dozen women, resplendently clad in white, put on a haunting acapella protest performance, singing about marching to take back Congress, the Supreme Court, the White House, and to take back power. They received a well-earned, deafening ovation from the exuberant audience.

    Keynote speaker Antonio Delgado, who is challenging John Faso for a seat in the US House of Representatives, followed the Resistance Revival Chorus by continuing the tone of resistance. “We cannot solve problems,” Delgado claimed, “if we do not have civic discourse.” The charismatic politician joked about the difficulties of raising twin boys, spoke about challenges he faced growing up as a black boy in Schenectady, and vowed to supporters, “I will always be straight with you and I will always be accountable to you.”   

    Antonio Delgado, NY19th District Candidate

    While the political sphere in the country seems to be growing increasingly partisan, musicians showed the beauty of collaboration Saturday night. The crowd was energetic and the atmosphere full of hope. The sold-out event appears to have been a success, although attendees and participants may be waiting until November 7 to make their final determination.

  • Hearing Aide: Edward David Anderson ‘Chasing Butterflies’

    Have you ever heard of the genre known as Black Dirt Music? No? Here’s a hint – buy Edward David Anderson’s new release Chasing Butterflies, put on headphones, close your eyes to the world and let the music take over your soul. Recorded in the Muscle Shoals region of Alabama, an area famously known for timeless music recorded here, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with this artist as soon as you hit play. Anderson’s refreshing blend of tone, lyrics and melody make for an exhilarating new batch of Americana tales sung straight from the heart.

    Anderson has a knack for being relatable with his lyrics. Swaying from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other, he hits home with several tracks that everyone can respond to easily. Gut wrenching, soul searching tunes include “The Ballad of Lemuel Penn” and “Crosses.” The former cuts deep into the soul with heart wrenching lyrics that tell the true story of a man who died “because of his own skin.” Though Penn was senselessly murdered by Klansmen, this song still rings true today as racial hatred unfortunately remains alive and well in parts of this nation. The latter reaches into the heart while painting a musical visual of crosses that quietly dot roadsides. Unafraid, this track eloquently speaks of heartache and loss and those who died that are remembered with a simple cross “on the side of the road.”

    Upbeat, spirited tracks also line this well-balanced album. Easily understandable stories are sung within several songs throughout. “Bad Tattoos” speaks just about that – the why and how of a bad tattoo. It’s hard to resist a quick chuckle as the lyrics “if I had to choose, I’d do it all over again” roll by. Who hasn’t seen a few bad ones in their time? Man’s best friend is honored and appreciated in “Dog Days” while “Sittin’ ‘Round at Home” lyrically rambles through noodling around on a guitar and recharging while relaxing at home.

    Graceful melodies that meander along the edges of seriousness and playfulness also show their graceful presence. “Harmony,” “The Best Part,” “Only In My Dreams” and “Chasing Butterflies” flow with melodies that make it easy to sway and tap to without noticing. The Americana spirit winds along the lyrics and melodies of these tracks, maintaining a clean tone while etching a story-filled landscape of emotional appeal.

    Wrapping up the album, “Seasons Turn” flawlessly breathes while inviting the listener to feel the notes as an edgier guitar takes hold. A perfect transition to bring Chasing Butterflies to a close. Overall, Anderson’s latest release is uncluttered with clean lines, graceful lyrics and spirited energy. If you’re searching for a refreshing sound that you can’t put down, this is it. You will not be disappointed.

    Key Tracks: Harmony, Crosses, Chasing Butterflies

  • Scumdog Millionaire$ plan Inaugural performance post-Disco Biscuits in Albany

    After The Disco Biscuits wrap up their two-night run at The Palace Theatre in Albany, head down to Parish Public House for an after-party featuring the debut of Scumdog Millionaire$. Born out of Funk Night in Albany, the inaugural affair will focus on exploring the sounds of wild improvisation amid heavy grooves.

    Scumdog Millionaire$ features Rob Compa (Dopapod), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu), Beau Sasser (Kung Fu) and Justin Henricks (Wurliday). The show starts at 11:30pm and goes late – $10 cover at the door. More info can be found here.
    Scumdog Millionaire$

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