NYS Music 20​18

Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: News From Planet Kniffen ‘Dreamland’

    Darryl Kniffen’s brainchild News From Planet Kniffen released their debut album Dreamland on April 27, and the Vermont-based sextet has shown that they have the chops to produce some truly innovative fusion jazz/funk music. An eclectic musician from Clifton Park, New York, Kniffen has performed with a number of bands and musicians, and dominated the stage solo. He is responsible for all the arrangements found in NFPK’s triumphant debut album.

    The 9-track album begins with the promising “Blackness,” a worthy introduction track with soaring horn and trumpet lines, setting the tone for the high-energy voyage the listener is about to embark on. “Peace Journey” features a memorable piano line and some layered drumming, as well as some ultra-smooth sax and trumpet, culminating in a peaceful and ambient tune. The third track is the only cover on the album, a fresh take on AC/DC’s “Back In Black,” which manages to be both inventive and new, while remaining faithful to the hard rock classic.

    The aptly-named “Midnight Drive” builds the groove up slowly, and lets each member of the group take turns showcasing their ability and cultivating an entrancing atmosphere. See them perform it live here. After the sultry mellow groove of “Midnight Drive,” the band lets loose with the titular track, “Dreamland.” This is arguably the most danceable number on the album, with a salsa influence shining through their already-recognizable style. This intoxicating Latin-inspired track is sure to animate a crowd.

    “Song of Everest” follows on “Dreamland’s” heels with a heavy-metal inspired riff and some aggressive piano, adding more depth to the eclectic palette of the album. “Everest” brings some dark, raw energy that adds interesting variety and features a riveting peak and breakdown. “Beautiful Mystery” is essentially the tonal opposite of the previous song, with NFPK returning to their original, undeniably jazzy sound. “Inspiration” builds on a wave of pleasant horns and a steady build to a euphoric crescendo before the epic coup-de-grace that is “Tick Tock.” “Tick Tock” evokes the feeling of an old spy movie, with its jaunty piano-line and frantic pace, instilling a dramatic sense of urgency.

    News From Planet Kniffen shows tons of promise with their first foray into the world of jazz-fusion, with a debut album that blends mesmerizing soundscapes with genre-bending arrangements and musical prowess. These guys are not to be missed. Purchase the album here.

    Key Tracks: Back in Black, Midnight Drive, Dreamland

  • The Flock Hits Brooklyn For 3 Sold-Out Pigeons Shows

    Few bands put the “f.u.” in fun and funk like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and May 3-5 at Brooklyn Bowl demonstrated why. Pigeons is one of the hottest up-and-coming acts in the jam scene, and their ravenous fans and followers are known as “The Flock.” This weekend, the Flock flew into Brooklyn and filled out the Bowl 3 nights in a row.

    pigeons brooklyn

    Not many bands are capable of packing it out for one night, especially when considering that they were up against Jazz Fest, which annually brings many New Yorkers down to NOLA. But PPPP sold out the Bowl 3 nights in a row, a feat commemorated with special gold, silver, and bronze coins being sold at the merch table all weekend. Their meteoric rise through the scene has been a joy to watch, and it is clear why: musically, they provide what their crowd is there for—funky, fun bass lines, high energy drumming, and soaring peaks. Performance-wise, they are top-notch, with a lighting design that matches the enthusiasm of the band onstage. Not to mention, it doesn’t seem as if any band could possibly have as much fun as they do!

    This weekend showcased all of those reasons that Pigeons are experiencing this meteoric ascent, from their choreographed playing and superb lighting design to their high energy stage presence to the dancey funky fun they bring. Beginning Thursday night, it was apparent that the crowd was ready to get down. And the Pigeons didn’t disappoint! They opened the first night with “Whoopie,” with rhythm guitarist “Scrambled” Greg Ormont, lead guitarist Jeremy Schon, and bassist Ben Carrey engaged in a choreographed head-nod dance move. And the fun continued straight from there until the encore on Saturday night.

    The band played 6 sets without repeats and many fun covers, including “Hava Nagila” (a fun Pigeons staple), “Hyrule Castle” (the theme song from classic Nintendo video game “Zelda”), “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” (from The Lion King), the Star Wars “Cantina Song” and “Imperial March,” the Beatles’ “Get Back,” The Velvet Underground’s “Rock & Roll,” “Tequila,” Michael Jackson’s “Pretty Young Thing,” and The Who’s “Pinball Wizard.” And they of course broke out some of their most popular hits, like “F U,” “Fun In Funk,” “Julia,” “Poseidon,” “Horizon,” and “Melting Lights.” Each set was fun, funky, spacey, raging, and different. The energy inside Brooklyn Bowl was off the charts, and the crowd was dancing and having as much fun as the band!

    Before the encore on Thursday night, Greg announced to the enthusiastic crowd: “This is our home now, yall!” During Friday’s performance towards the beginning of the first set, he maintained “We love the Brooklyn Bowl! One of our favorite places to play…and the food is do dank!” Saturday night, just before launching into the encore, Greg proclaimed: “This is our happy place! We wish we could stay here forever!” Clearly, the Bowl and the New York crowd made an impact on the boys from Baltimore; and PPPP certainly made an impact on the flock who made it out Brooklyn this weekend, as no one wanted to go home at the end of the weekend. Pigeons can be seen next at Domefest, their curated festival in Bedford, PA, from 5/17-5/19, as well as at Summer Camp Music Festival (Chillicothe, IL 5/25-5/27), Great South Bay Music Festival (Patchogue, NY 6/14), Peach Music Festival (Scranton, PA 7/19), LOCKN’ (Arrington, VA 8/25), and many other great events throughout the summer.

  • Seth Faergolzia Multibird Appears on Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight

    Seth Faergolzia stopped by The Bop Shop for the 10th of fifteen episodes in this season’s Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight. The experimental folk rock artist spoke with the show’s producer/host Dan Gross about Multibird and his other bands, his recent European tour, and participating in the 100 Songs Project. Following the interview segment, Faergolzia and the members of Multibird performed a selection of songs, including “Garbage Night,” “High Diver,” and “Yup’s Birthday.”

    This episode of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight is directed, edited, recorded and hosted by Dan Gross. Camera work and production by Gross and Jason Thibault. Josh Pettinger of Wicked Squid Studios mixed the audio. This season is made possible by Bop Shop Records, Rowe Photographic Video and Audio, Bernunzio Uptown Music, Sound Source, Joe Bean Coffee Roasters, Three Heads Brewing, Wicked Squid Studios, and patrons who contributed to the Season 5 indiegogo campaign.

    For more about the Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight, read the NYS Music feature. For the latest news and access to dozens of episodes, visit Dan Gross Music and Journalism.

  • Blues Music Awards Honor Chenango Blues Festival Performers

    The Blues Foundation held its 39th Blues Music Awards on Thursday, May 10, in Memphis, Tennessee. Several award winners have appeared recently in Central New York, most notably at the Chenango Blues Festival. Victor Wainwright took home the prestigious Pinetop Perkins Best Instrumentalist – Piano Award, and Jason Ricci was named Best Instrumentalist – Harmonica. Both Wainwright and Ricci delivered jaw-dropping, show-stopping performances at the 2017 Chenango Blues Festival, reviewed by NYS Music’s Mike Kohli here.

    Jason Ricci

    Other winners that have appeared at Chenango through the years include Curtis Salgado, Soul Blues Male Artist; Southern Avenue, Best Emerging Artist Album; Ronnie Earl, Best Instrumentalist – Guitar; Samantha Fish, Contemporary Blues Female Artist; Mike Ledbetter, who won with Mike Welch for Traditional Blues Album for Right Place, Right Time on Delta Groove Records; Mike Zito, Rock Blues Artist; Rick Estrin, who won Band of the Year, Traditional Blues Male Artist, and Song of the Year, for “The Blues Ain’t Going Nowhere;” and the late, great Luther Allison, Best Historical Album for Luther Allison – A Legend Never Dies, Essential Recordings 1976-1997 (Ruf Records).

    Other BMA nominees that have appeared at Chenango include Paul deLay, Guy Davis, Shemekia Copeland, Janiva Magness, Mitch Woods, Chris Cain, John Nemeth, Upstate New York’s own Tas Cru,  (whose latest release, Memphis Song, was recorded at SubCat Studios in Syracuse), Anson Funderburgh, Savoy Brown, Vanessa Collier, Sugaray Rayford, Anthony Geraci, and the North Mississippi All Stars. 2018 Festival performers Toronzo Cannon, The Cash Box Kings, and Elvin Bishop were also nominated.

    Emerging Artist nominees Larkin Poe, quickly gaining followers and national attention, will headline opening night of the NYS Blues Festival in Syracuse on June 28.

    Some of this year’s Blues Music Award winners can be seen throughout New York State this summer. Here is a partial list:

    Mike Zito is at The Tralf in Buffalo on May 17.

    Keb Mo plays at the Tarrytown Theater on May 25.

    Jason Ricci can be seen in Ellicottville on June 2, and in Lima, NY on June 3.

    Samantha Fish can be seen June 2 in Rochester at Flour City Station, June 7 at Daryl’s House in Pawling (already sold out), June 12 at Funk ‘n Waffles, Syracuse, and will return to Chenango on August 18. A NYS Music review of her appearance at the Westcott Theater on February 9, 2018, can be viewed here.

    Robert Cray stops in Vestal on June 13, and in Geneva on June 15.

    Victor Wainwright will perform at Funk ‘n Waffles Syracuse with an early 6:00 p.m. show on July 6.

    Beth Hart is on the bill with Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Albany’s Palace Theater, July 27.

    Trombone Shorty visits Bethel, NY on August 11, and Lewiston, NY on August 14.

    Rick Estrin & the Nightcats are scheduled to appear at Wakely’s on Varick, in Utica, NY on August 11.

  • Premiere: Watch “VHS” from synth-pop group Founding Fathers

    Cincinnati synth-pop outfit, Founding Fathers, today debut their new video for “VHS,” a track from their latest album, Mating Rites. The retro feel of the video will immediately bring you back to the early days of MTV, when music videos were nascent and MTV actually played videos.

    With a blend of synth-rock, funk, dance, and new wave, “VHS” is both an infectious composition and accompanying video. The band chose “VHS” for their video because of its upbeat and catchy nature, and gives a strong representation of their current sound, per Eric Johnson, guitarist of Founding Fathers.

    The refrain “Pop me in like a VHS cassette, I wanna relive this moment again” has a Devo-esque quality to it and coupled with rustic blue screens for their effects, you’re getting a rough feel of what music videos had in store in the mid-80s. For 2018, this is a throwback video that hits all the right notes: a catchy tune, a poppy synth beat and four guys in purple who clearly loved making this video.

    Founding Fathers vocalist and bassist, Mahoney (Matt Chmielewski) came up with the initial concept to capture the spirit of 80’s public access music videos.  “It became a really appealing idea because we were able to do something visually entertaining, yet have an element of self-awareness and weirdness. It exacerbates the motif of over-using low budget video effects in public access videos,” said Johnson.

    “VHS’ was produced by Mark Borison (The Mark) and Holland Rains of Local Favorite Productions. Catch Founding Fathers this month in Buffalo on Saturday, May 20 at Mohawk Place and in Manhattan on Wednesday May 23 at Bowery Electric. Listen to recent release Mating Rites below.

  • Brandi Carlile Wrestled with Loss to Bring Back Joy at The Palace

    If you were seeking a little bit of country, a touch of rock, some moments reminiscent of church hymns and Irish music, and a whole lot of honesty, the Palace Theatre was the right place to be Sunday night. Brandi Carlile, with special guests Secret Sisters, filled the Palace Theatre with over 2,000 guests to hear authentic harmonies and sometimes almost “too honest to bear” lyrics that offered redemption, forgiveness and even joy.

    Brandi Carlile

    Secret Sisters Laura and Lydia opened the night with the promise that their music was primarily filled with sadness, and noted they were going to “wrestle joy away” from audience members with their harmonies. Their deadpan humor and teasing of one another juxtapositioned their swampy songs of longing perfectly. From Muscle Shoals, Grammy-nominated Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle sang about loves lost, mistakes made and poor choices, mostly in minor keys. The women acknowledged the normalcy of loving the wrong person as both human and worth growing through. The sisters joked about how Laura named her previous lover in “He’s Fine,” bringing laughter when the sisters sang his name in the actual song.

    Secret Sisters was so welcomed by the audience that it was easy to forget they were just the opening act. Their easy rapport with the crowd, combined with the women’s amazingly clear vocals and Everly Brothers-like harmonies, struck a strong chord with the audience. The sisters closed with “You Don’t Own Me Anymore,” an original song with a nod in the bridge to Lesley Gore’s 1963 tune “You Don’t Own Me.” The audience responded with a standing ovation.

    The silent stage washed in purple lights opened up with a string trio joined by a French horn, teasing melodies from Brandi Carlile’s new album, By The Way, I Forgive You. The crowd cheered these classical musicians as they welcomed Brandi Carlile on stage with twin brothers Phil and Tim Hanseroth. Playing their most popular radio tune first thing, audience members had to notice: this was confidence. What would be left for the rest of the night?

    Brandi Carlile answered any doubts and questions immediately with her high energy jumping across the stage through 17 years of music. The band could play a Crosby, Stills and Nash sound and then jump into a more rock sound, alternating and enjoying the variety. This was true talent.

    Brandi Carlile

    The band’s newest album is full of hard songs to sing. Lyrics about loss, forgiveness, parenthood and survivorship didn’t sugar coat a moment. Two particular pieces, “Sugartooth” and “Fulton County Jane Doe,” touched upon the drug epidemic and violence against women. “The Joke” is a social advocacy song pushing people to be fearless in whom they are. And “The Mother” authentically tackled the normative ambivalence of becoming a parent.

    The twins and Brandi sang an unplugged acoustic version of “Cannonball” to its audience after declaring the Palace “a singing room.” The band members’ strongest pipes are clearly shared among the three vocalists; all three could fill the hall with equal harmony. If you closed your eyes, you could mistakenly believe you were in church. The screaming fans, of course, would ground you back to the theater.Brandi Carlile

    Sounding of country, rock and folk music, Brandi Carlile’s diversity and range was showing. And she was clearly having fun, jumping around the stage like a teen and sharing stories that charmed about her children. She even introduced her four-year-old daughter Evangeline to the audience, who waved and said, “Thank you Albany.”

    And just when you thought they had done everything possible, Brandi Carlile covered the Led Zeppelin tune “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You” in quite possibly the sexiest and most compelling song of the evening. Brandi’s achingly gorgeous voice as she leaned into her vocals was a reminder: this band can do whatever it chooses to do.

    And it does. Brandi Carlile chose to make us cry and remember past loves. They reminded us to forgive our parents and love them regardless of faults. They cued listeners to be social activists who encouraged acts of goodwill. Brandi Carlile took the Albany audience on a very human journey Sunday night. With a diversity of style and sound, and generosity to include their opener in their later acts, Brandi Carlile wrestled with loss and pulled it away from Albany, leaving pure joy in its place.

    Setlist: Every Time I Hear That Song, Raise Hell, Harder to Forgive, The Eye, The Mother, The Joke, Have You Ever, Sugartooth, Mainstream Kid, Fulton County Jane Doe, Cannonball (front of stage, off mic), Most of All , Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You (Led Zeppelin cover), Secret Sisters song “Mississippi”, The Story, Whatever You Do, Party of One

    Encore: Hold Out Your Hand, Amazing Grace

  • 2018 Saranac Thursday Lineup Announced

    The F.X. Matt Brewery in Utica announced the lineup for its 20th anniversary Saranac Thursday series for 2018. The annual event showcases many local and regional acts with the occasional national act as well. This year’s series kicks off May 24 with the Rome-based classic rock outfit, Work Related.

    In addition to 20 years of Saranac Thursdays, the brewery is celebrating 85 years of Utica Club, the brewery’s flagship beer, and 130 years of the F.X. Matt Brewing Company.

    Gates to the courtyard open at 5:30 and performances begin at 6:00 p.m. each week. A portion of the proceeds benefits the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area. The events have raised more than $600,000 dollar total to date.

    2018 Saranac Thursday Schedule: 

    May 24 – Work Related
    May 31 – Chris Eves & The New Normal
    June 7 – Big Mean Sound Machine
    June 14 – Eric Tessmer Band
    June 21 – Our Common Roots
    June 28 – Follow the Muse
    July 5 – Gridley Paige
    July 12 – Last Left
    July 19 – LDF
    July 26 – Sir Cadian Rhythm
    Aug. 2 – Showtime
    Aug. 9 – The Old Main
    Aug. 16 – The Crazy Fools
    Aug. 23 – Handsome Young Ladies
    Aug. 30 – The Bomb
    Sept. 6 – Floodwood

  • Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul Bring Spiritual Nourishment to the Palace

    Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul brought a crowd of 900 to church on Friday, May 4. The full band of 14, including 5 horns, 2 pianos, 2 percussionists, 1 guitar, 1 bass and 3 back up singers, were joined on stage by Little Steven a little after 8 pm.  As the wall of sound overtook the Palace, it became immediately clear that the crowd was about to get some soul nourishment through old-fashioned big band live music.

    Little Steven spoke to the crowd repeatedly through the concert, asking initially if the crowd liked “good music” as he pointed out dancing, head bobbing fans in the seats. As the band roared through their set list, memories of Little Steven’s history playing in the E Street Band and with Southside Johnny flooded the theatre. The top-notch musicians created chord progression after chord progression of satisfying sound, filling the space with covers and new songs alike and bringing the audience to a fevered pitch of joy.

    Ever the entertainer, Little Steven was in constant motion. Between removing his trench coat, pointing to band members to cue them to take solos, and dancing with his fans, the star powered his way through five songs before taking a break and instructing his audience to “sit and relax” too. He announced the release of the group’s live album and dedicated the night to the teaching profession, noting, “It is time to give them the respect due.” He added he probably should also dedicate it to those teachers he gave a hard time to in school, which drew laughter from the agreeable crowd.

    Steven graciously shared his stage and highlighted talent within his band, giving ample opportunities to each section for solos and audience applause. Generous and joyful, Steven reflected on how live music can nourish your soul.  “The world’s going crazy out there,” he mused, “ We need to gather in cathedrals like this to remember our common ground.”

    Soul music was the common ground for this band, and as they gave nods to Motown and Springsteen alike, they shared high-intensity energy and love for their craft.  They brought the audience with them; with hands clapping and the crowd jumping, as a frenzy of lights and a wall of music lifted spirits and grounded souls in Albany.

    Setlist: Sweet Soul Music (Arthur Conley cover), Soulfire (The Breakers cover), I’m Coming Back (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover), The Blues Is My Business (Etta James cover), Love on the Wrong Side of Town (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover),  Until the Good Is Gone, Angel Eyes, Some Things Just Don’t Change (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover), St. Valentines Day, Standing in the Line of Fire (Gary “U.S.” Bonds cover), I Saw the Light (Little Steven cover), Salvation (Little Steven cover), The City Weeps Tonight (Little Steven cover), Down and Out in New York City (James Brown cover), Princess of Little Italy. Groovin’ Is Easy (The Electric Flag cover), Ride the Night Away (Jimmy Barnes cover), Bitter Fruit (Little Steven cover), Forever

    Encore: I Don’t Want to Go Home (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover), Out of the Darkness (Little Steven cover)

  • Renowned Musician Alejandro Escovedo to Perform in Cohoes

    Rock musician, singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, will bring his multiple talents to Capital Region when he takes the stage at the Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes on May 11.

    The show will also feature special guest Kris Gruen. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show time at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$35. All ages are welcome.

    Born in 1951, the Mexican-American musician’s guitar playing skills cross genres such as punk rock, roots rock, and alternative country. He comes from a family of musicians including brothers Coke and Pete Escovedo. Pop star of the late ’70s and early ’80s Sheila E., is Escovedo’s niece (Pete’s daughter).

    Escovedo has released fifteen studio albums since 1992 including his latest effort, Burn Something Beautiful (2016). He collaborated with R.E.M. lead guitarist Peter Buck, and The Minus 5 member Scott McCaughey on songwriting for Burn Something Beautiful. The pair also helped produce the album. Throughout his career, Escovedo has collaborated on several albums including a tribute album to Moby Grape co-founder Skip Spence.

    Alongside Jennifer Miro and Jeff Olener, Escovedo started his musical career in the punk rock group The Nuns during the ’70s music scene in San Francisco. In the ’80s, he moved on from The Nuns and teamed up with brothers and former The Dils members Chip and Tony Kinman to form the punk rock band Rank and File. Together they would release three studio albums before disbanding in 1987. He formed the band True Believers with his brother Javier.

    When talking about how he carries his career, Escovedo stated: “You just do your good work, and people care. I always believed, when I was a kid, that if you worked hard, you would find fulfillment. I think I got a lot of that from my father and my brothers. A working musician is all I ever wanted to be. Hard work, stay true to what you want to do, and then eventually someone would notice for that very reason.”

  • Hearing Aide: Erez Zobary ‘Love, and Lots of Sleep’

    The end of college can foster a variety of emotions, most commonly fear of the unknown and wonder in where the next path begins. For recent grads like Erez Zobary, her path of music is not only defined, but ensured in the raw talent behind her senior year creation of Love, and Lots of Sleep. This five track phenomena has a emphasis on r&b and soul electronica influences, reminiscent of NAO and Keri Hilson. She released the EP within weeks of graduating college, and with some diverse instrumentation, creative producers, and a lush and powerful voice, this is a strong first step into the music scene for Erez, and we’re certain she’ll have many strong releases to follow.

    Each of the five tracks on this EP offer us a variety of colorful tempos thanks to producer Brian Han (stage name Brahny), with brilliant melodic lines overarching in each song. Most notably, the combination of rhythmic pulsing and melody on the chorus of “Tides” creates a well mixed, layered motion of sound. Contrasting from “Tides” in intensity is the ballad “November,” which features a delicate, tropical backdrop to support yet another catchy and clever melodic line in its chorus.

    Gaining a huge following in her college’s city of Kingston, Ontario, her music still has many miles to travel to reach the ears of her bigger audience. Hopefully her time out of college will make way for more music, allowing her to expand the capabilities of her already well-developed vocal timbre. As she takes more risks as an artist in a post-grad world, we hope to see her grow in popularity, while developing a diverse discography to take her places all over the nation.

    Key Tracks: Tides, November