NYS Music 20​18

Category: Genres

  • Funk and Hip-Hop Invade Buta Pub

    I met the lead singer of The Elementals about a year ago at the winter Battle of the Bands competition at Lovin’ Cup at RIT. I was there supporting my brother, before I even picked up a camera to shoot bands semi-professionally. While I wasn’t there for him, Dari Pryce of The Elementals put on a great show. Dari was in a different band at the time that is no longer together, but he has brought his talent and sound to The Elementals. Dari contacted me after my brother posted the pictures I took of his last show. Dari wanted me to come out and take pictures of his band and I accepted. buta pub

    Dari introduced me not only to his new band, but also to Blake Pattengale; (a student at the Eastman School of Music) and the rest of his band; Red Beard Samurai. Blake and company were electric with a sound that was not only lively with fast spitting lyrics and great beats, but also with a funk sound coming from the trumpet and trombone. Red Beard Samurai has a unique sound and creative bars, but also sounds like some famous artists of whom you might have heard. When I listen to Red Beard, his lyrics remind me of rappers such as Little Dicky and some rappers of the ’90s. I also got a feeling that I was listening to the rapper Outasight who published a popular single called “Good Morning.”


    Dari and The Elementals was energetic and the crowd was happy to the band. The vibe in the room was very lively as The Elementals rocked the house. Dari’s funky love songs were blasting through the speakers as the crowd enjoyed every minute of it. The amount of passion that was exhibited through Dari’s vocals was palpable. Watching those guys up close, you could tell how much fun they were having. Geraldo the trumpet player was laughing all throughout the set as he enjoyed playing with the band as a guest musician. Even though I knew Geraldo was not an original member of the group, he blended in perfectly with the rest of the guys. The lead guitarist  (Zach Cullinton) was rocking through the whole show, eyes closed most of the time as he vibed to the room and the music. The bassist (Zach Cullinton) and drummer (Christos Dembeyiotis) brought veteran talent to the group of young kids and rounded out the band very well. After the group was done, they gathered for a group shot around the pool table. I can’t wait to work with both The Elementals and Red Beard Samurai again. Red Beard will be playing again at Buta Pub on April 20, and The Elementals will be playing at Three Heads Brewery April 19 and at Funk ‘n Waffles on May 12.

  • Cayuga Sound Returns for a Second Year

    Cayuga Sound Music Festival will close out back to back summer seasons in Ithaca’s historic Stewart Park and other local venues on Sept. 21-22, expanding the festival to two days during the city’s week long outdoor concert festival series.

    Last year’s event helped raise nearly $50,000 to benefit non-profit organizations that specialize in helping children throughout the community. This year’s festival will be no different, with a portion of the proceeds going back into the community.

    Ithaca natives, platinum recording artists and curators of the festival, X Ambassadors, will return as one of the festival’s headliners along with Young The Giant. Other artists confirmed to appear include Talib Kweli, Matt & Kim, Buddy, Sofi Tukker, Morgxn, with other artists still TBA. Local and regional artists will also appear during the two day event including KNEW, No Comply, and Lady D & the Shadow Spirits to name a few.

    X Ambassadors frontman Sam Harris, shared his excitement for not only being back home, but returning to the festival, “We’re beyond thrilled to be bringing Cayuga Sound back to Ithaca this year. Last year was such a milestone for us and the prospect of making this an annual tradition is so exciting. Expect another eclectic lineup with both global acts and some our favorite Ithaca music too.”

    This Fiction founder, and band manager, Seth Kallen, showed his enthusiasm, “Building a festival from the ground up was huge challenge, but the weekend was incredibly gratifying for all of us involved. To be able to create something that will continue for years to come, while giving back to such a great community was so amazing. We’re so excited to expand to two days this year and bring even more amazing music to the city of Ithaca.”

    DSP founder Dan Smalls, commented on how beneficial the festival was to the community in its inaugural run, “DSP set out to bring a true world class music festival to our home town and we did just that. The comments from folks who attended were just great and we feel we created a venue that made for an amazing experience all around. We donated nearly $50,000 last year and over 80% of that stayed right here with 10 not-for-profits that help kids in our community. There is nothing more gratifying than giving back and we hope to do even more this year – both financially but also through our talk series, events and growing idea list. Just saying it aloud gets me excited for what we have in the works!”

    Early bird two-day tickets for Cayuga Sound Festival will go on sale Wednesday April 4 at 10 a.m. with general admission two-day tickets going on sale Friday, April 6 at 10 a.m.

  • Brazilian Ska-Punk Band Abraskadabra Plot U.S. Tour in April

    Brazilian ska-punk band Abraskadabra recently released their newest album Welcome and are coming (back) to America to celebrate. Over 15 dates, the group will tour from Boston to Denver with a stop at Brooklyn’s El Cortez on April 1, bringing one of the most interesting punk bands in Brazil to the States.

    Abraskadabra

    Guitarist/vocalist Buga looked back on the band’s last time touring America and noted, “We had a great time there four years ago and met one of the greatest ska icons, Brent Friedmann. He’s setting us up with awesome gigs and bands from all over the country and has become a very good friend of ours. We’re very excited to be coming back for the second time.”

    Abraskadabra and their latest album, Welcome, delivers the band’s own vision of the ska-punk essence, and according to guitarist/vocalist Du, “It’s an album that sums up what this band is pretty well. Fast punk rock songs with horns, melodic vocals and backing vocals. We wanted to give no chill to the listener because we believe this is what punk rock/hardcore/ska music is all about.”

    Tour Dates:
    4/13 – Boston, MA @ O’Briens
    4/14 – Brooklyn, NY @ El Cortez
    4/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
    4/17 – Hamtramck, MI @ New Dodge Lounge
    4/18 – Chicago, IL @ Liars Club
    4/20 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Blue Note
    4/21 – Dallas, TX @ Three Links Deep Ellum (Ska By SkaWest Festival)
    4/22 – Austin, TX @ Kick Butt Cafe
    4/24 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Garth
    4/25 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Trunk Space
    4/26 – San Diego, CA @ Tower Bar
    4/27 – Berkeley, CA @ 924 Gilman
    4/28 – Fullerton, CA @ Slidebar
    4/30 – Portland, OR @ Twilight Cafe
    5/01 – Seattle, WA @ The Kraken Bar
    5/02 – Boise, ID @ WavePOP
    5/04 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
    5/05 – Denver, CO @ Seventh Circle Music Collective

  • Hearing Aide: TAUK ‘Shapeshifter I: Construct’

    The age-old dilemma for musicians who thrive in the live setting is trying to figure out how to take the sounds and experiences they magically produce spur of the moment and capture it on record. While it was no easy task, heavy instrumental rock fusion group TAUK did an exemplary job at taking what makes them pop as a live band and showcasing their unique sound with a fresh batch of compositions for their new EP, Shapeshifter I: Construct.

    TAUK Shapeshifter I ConstructListening to the EP, the first thing that comes to mind is how strikingly appropriate the Shapeshifter name is.  The band is constantly changing their style from track to track, as well as within smaller parts of their meticulously well written compositions. Within a matter of minutes, the band weaves through movements that draw inspiration from a variety of genres from jazz, metal and hard rock to techno, reggae and hip hop. While this may sound like one large sensory overload, TAUK does a fantastic job of blending unlikely melodies and expressions while producing a sound that flows effortlessly and keeps the listener highly engaged.

    If the album did not sound so clean, it would not be crazy to think that each track was taken from a live show. The band does a pristine job emulating their live sound in the studio to the point where, if you close your eyes as you are listening, you can imagine yourself dancing along to the tracks in an imaginary theater with blue and green lights flashing around. TAUK’s unique blend of textured soundscapes and high energy compositions keeps the listener on their toes, constantly fascinated and curious as to when the second Shapeshifter will be released.

    Key Tracks: Square 2, Stranger Danger, Malware

  • Kung Fu at Buffalo Iron Works

    One of the best parts about living in Western New York is the guarantee that on any given weeknight you can catch mesmerizing performances by world class artists who dominate their niche. One night that might mean seeing the next up and coming jam band, and the next a jazz legend you never thought you’d see live. On Thursday, March 29, Buffalo was devoted to pure funk as Kung Fu turned Buffalo Iron Works into a contemporary groove factory.

    Before Kung Fu took the stage and serenaded the crowd with their jams, Maryland-based funk/psychedelic band LITZ got things going early in the night with a unique sound of their own. The four-piece opener thoroughly engaged the audience by incorporating different wind instruments, deep funk grooves and an animated front man who sang like a combination of Steve Winwood and Greg Allman. The band clearly did their homework and it showed, as the crowd went wild for their rendition of “Shout” with a full “Let’s Go, Buffalo” call and response section. By the time Kung Fu took the stage, the crowd felt a collective euphoric buzz and was eager keep dancing.

    Kung Fu got things going again with a grimy funk groove which picked up right where LITZ left off. Guitar player Tim Palmieri was quick to showcase his technical ability as he laid down a swirling, meditative solo which bounced sounds around the room like a ripple in a small pond. The murky green lights behind the band gave the impression that the crowd was being brought to Oz as the band made their way through the final verse.

    Without missing a beat, the band quickly teleported the audience from Oz to 42nd street in 1977 with a gripping funk instrumental led by saxophone player Rob Somerville that can only be described as “street music.” Percussionist Adrian Tramontano held down the low end and hypnotized the crowd with exotic fills while the rest of the band took turns with individual takes on the song’s main theme.

    As the set went deeper it was clear the band knew exactly what tricks to pull to have the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. The veteran funk group seemed to do everything right as they strutted along as one cohesive entity, making impressive shifts in tempo, dynamics and key. They nailed composed sections to difficult newer songs as if they had been playing them for years, and could turn on their improvisational prowess on the turn of a dime. Bassist Chris DeAngelis was clearly responsible for many improvisational peaks of the night, as he dazzled everyone in attendance, both on and off stage, with his natural feel for the groove and prodigious knowledge of the instrument.

    The band only got tighter as the night continued, with keyboard player Beau Sasser keeping the rest of his bandmates on their toes by changing keys and tempos mid jam. It was clear that the band was constantly challenging both themselves and the audience throughout the show, giving the feeling that anything could happen at any point. While most of the night was rooted heavily in funk, it was obvious that the band was influenced by a wide variety of music from around the globe, creating an incredibly personal, indistinguishable sound. At one point, it felt like the band was leading an exploration of an Egyptian pyramid, and then suddenly without a warning they were in the middle of a Coltrane-esqe avant guard cyclone.

    By the time Kung Fu finished up their last song and said their goodbyes to the crowd at Buffalo Iron Works, no one in crowd was ready to leave. They received a cheering ovation and came out for one more high energy ‘victory lap’ song which sent attendants home smiling and wishing they were returning for one more night of funk.

  • Hearing Aide: John Craigie “Opening for Steinbeck”

    John Craigie combines the guitar of Bob Dylan with the idealism of Seeger, the wit of Mitch Hedberg with the longing sound of John Prine. Take all that in, and you’ll get an enjoyable, relaxing, humorous album in Opening for Steinbeck.John Craigie

    The title itself refers to Craigie’s noting that musicians are one of the only professions to have opening acts, as if you would have to read a short story by another author before getting to a work by Steinbeck. Casual wit like this that flickers like a fuse before popping on the punchline is something you might find in Carlin, or Todd Snider, and Craigie makes his own mark as a troubadour, a social satirist and a singer/songwriter with an engaging live show.

    Lightly touching on religion (the hypocrite take down of “Leviticus”) and politics (“Presidential Silver Lining”), John Craigie treats the audience like adults with college humor and observations on life that get far out at times but swing back in with a laugh. Sharing anecdotes about how his father grew up with Michael Collins, he sings on the song of the same name about the astronaut who went to the moon, but never left the spacecraft. “Westbound BART” is a missed connections Craigslist ad that is touchy and easy to identify with. “28” may be the most poignant of all, asking that he make it to 28 and not befall the same fate that Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, Morrison and so many others found. Craigie takes the dark and makes it light, and does so in a superb album.

    Key Tracks: Burning Man, Leviticus, Westbound BART, 28

  • Toronto’s Common Deer premiere “Mistakes” Video, Announce Northeast shows

    Fresh off their first ever SXSW performances, Toronto indie group Common Deer have debuted the video for “Mistakes,” and have announced additional April dates in the Northeast of the U.S., including April 17 at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC.

    Common Deer formed while in college, centered around the harmonies of Graham McLaughlin (guitar, violin) and Sheila Hart-Owens (keyboards), with Sheila’s brother Adam Hart-Owens (guitar, cello, synths) and brothers Liam Farrell (drums) Connor Farrell (bass).  The group developed their sound and eventually worked with producer Laurence Currie (Wintersleep, Hey Rosetta!) to release EP I, released in January, followed by II released in September and produced by Gus Van Go (Arkells, The Stills).

    Guitarist/violinist Graham McLaughlin shared his thoughts on “Mistakes,” stating “Performing “Mistakes” live is always cathartic. It’s a very personal track about mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety in our current climate, and we hope that others can find the same release listening as we do playing it.”

    Common Deer

    Tour Dates
    March 24 – Vancouver, BC – Biltmore (JUNOfest)
    March 27 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Temple
    March 29 – Calgary, AB – Palomino Smokehouse
    March 30 – Saskatoon, SK – Amigos Cantina
    March 31 – Winnipeg, MB – Good Will Social Club
    April 2 – St. Paul, MN – The Amsterdam
    April 3 – Madison, WI – The Frequency
    April 5 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Music Joint
    April 6 – Pontiac, MI – Pike Room
    April 7  – Columbus, OH – Rumba Room
    April 8 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern
    April 12 – Hamilton, ON – The Casbah
    April 17 – New York, NY – Rockwood Music Hall
    April 18 – Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live
    April 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Smiling Moose

  • Jon Lewis Band Premieres Video for “Cinnamon Only”

    Jon Lewis Band has released the video for their single “Cinnamon Only,” off their upcoming album Get Wild Somewhere. (more…)

  • Tulip Festival 2018 Springs Forth This May in Albany with Exciting Lineup

    The promise of colorful blossoms, a great selection of artwork and crafts, delicious food and two full days of music will all unfold as the 70th annual Tulip Festival takes place in Albany, Saturday May 12 and Sunday May 13, 2018 in Washington Park during Mother’s Day weekend.

    With the lineup just announced, there’s plenty to be excited about with a great selection of talented regional acts vibrantly showcasing the magnitude of musical skill in Albany and around the state. The lineup below is sure to offer every music lover something to look forward to. NY bands (which is nearly all of them!) are in bold. This event is free so there’s no reason not to go support these fantastic musicians.

    For more information including kids events, tulip tours, volunteer opportunities, shuttle services, the BEER GARDEN and more, visit their website.  And don’t forget to bring your mom.

    SATURDAY, MAY 12

    MAIN STAGE

    Washington Park Parade Grounds
    Media sponsor: 102.7 WEQX
    4:30 p.m. – White Denim (Rock) – Austin, TX
    3:00 p.m. – Naked Giants (Indie) – Seattle, WA
    1:30 p.m. – Front Business – Albany, NY

    LOCAL 518 STAGE

    Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
    Presented by WellCare

    Media sponsor: Exit 97.7

    4:45 p.m. – The Age (Neo soul) – Upstate NY
    3:30 p.m. – The LateShift (Rock) – Albany, NY
    2:15 p.m. – Blind Crow (Bluegrass) – Albany, NY
    1:00 p.m. – Sorrow Estate (Indie folk) – Albany, NY

    SUNDAY, MAY 13

    MAIN STAGE
    Media sponsors: 98.3 TRY, 1023 Kiss FM, 99.5 The River & PYX 106
    4:30 p.m. – Dr. K’s Motown Revue (Motown tribute) – NY
    3:00 p.m. – Taina Asili (Afro-Latin/reggae) – Albany, NY
    1:30 p.m. – The Sea The Sea – (Indie folk/pop) – Upstate NY

    LOCAL 518 STAGE
    Media sponsor: Exit 97.7
    4:45 p.m. – North and South Dakotas (Bluegrass) – Upstate NY
    3:30 p.m. – Zan Strumfeld (Folk) – Troy, NY
    2:15 p.m. – Jordan Taylor Hill (Indie roots) – Albany, NY
    1:00 p.m. – Ryan Leddick Trio – (Indie acoustic rock) – Albany, NY

  • Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra Worth the Wait for Honest Folk

    Honest Folk has been around for almost exactly two years, and they’ve been itching to book San Francisco’s Marty O’Reilly and the Soul Orchestra ever since. The dream became reality on Tuesday night at Good Luck, and it was well worth the wait.

    marty O'reillyMore than midway through their show, lead vocalist and guitar slinger Marty O’Reilly apologized that they weren’t playing straightforward folk music. Of course, no apology was necessary.  The crowd had already been moved to multiple standing ovations and were visibly having a hard time containing their gyrations to the confines of their seats. No apology was necessary, regardless, because their music was their music and no one in the room was there to judge its purity. While the promoter’s name may be Honest Folk, the ‘folk’ could just as well refer to the people, not the genre. That is, the people who book the shows, the people who support the shows, the people who attend the shows and the people who play the shows, honest folk one and all.

    And what about their music? Genre-less for sure. We know so far that it isn’t exactly folk. It’s also bluesy, but not the blues, soulful but not soul, and rocking but not rock. O’Reilly’s band mates, Chris Lynch on fiddle, Ben Berry on upright bass and Matt Goff on drums and percussion, aka the Old Soul Orchestra, are old souls pumping with new blood. The band’s origins stem from the blues which certainly shines through. But even in covering some traditional blues, like Muddy Waters’ “Smokestack Lightning” or Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor,” the lyrics are the same, but the music is rewrote to give them a freshness all their own.

    marty O'reillyThe band is touring behind their recently released album Stereoscope, a labor of love that was years in the making, featuring songs conceived of from a cabin in picturesque Santa Cruz, California. O’Reilly’s emotional and weathered voice could evoke those landscapes on new ones like “Stereoscope,” “Ghost” and “Let the Wind In,” though they were being played on a drearily rainy and cold day in Rochester, New York. The cozy and dimly lit brick confines of Good Luck made for just as perfect a setting for the rich tapestries being constructed between the finger picked guitars and vibrantly ethereal fiddle. Goff’s drums, which meandered between intricately understated and invigoratingly punctuated, and Berry’s bass boomed and moaned at all the right junctures. They weren’t afraid to let the music take control of the band. The reins were loose and the tunes stretched their legs, arriving at some rather brilliant moments, delighting the band and audience alike.

    The show finished, as most of these shows seem to these days, with the band leaving the stage to join the audience, unmic’ed. Chairs were pushed aside and space made for the four members to play from the floor, as they broke into a stirring rendition of “Cold Canary Gaslight” off of their Pray for Rain album. The audience got to join in on the music-making fun with a finishing singalong of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Up Above My Head.”

    Hopefully it doesn’t take another two years to get these guys back to Rochester, but if it does, at least we know it’ll be worth the wait.