NYS Music 20​18

Category: Manhattan

  • Hearing Aide: Jane Lee Hooker ‘Spiritus’

    Jane Lee HookerJane Lee Hooker is back, and better than ever.

    After the release of their debut album No B! in 2016, the five piece punk-blues powerhouse caught much deserved attention among NYC’s club scene. Since then, Jane Lee Hooker has spread like a wildfire: one that certainly won’t be extinguished anytime soon.

    Spiritus, the band’s second album, was released in November of 2017. Primarily comprised of original music, Spiritus further explores JLH’s unorthodox take on the blues. The ten-track release is riddled with undeniably catchy hooks, superb guitar licks, and just the right amount of grit.

    The album goes from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds with the first track, titled “How Ya Doin’?” From there, Spiritus takes a step back with some slow/moderately paced jams (including the most popular track “Later On,” which currently has over 21,000 spins on Spotify).

    But don’t be fooled; halfway through, Spiritus lifts off once again with “Black Rat.” Shortly afterward, to the listener’s unexpected surprise, the album takes a moody turn with a downtempo track titled “How Bright the Moon.” And to wrap things up, Spiritus comes full circle with the longest track on the album, “The Breeze.”

    To say the least, Spiritus is bold, nostalgic, and groundbreaking. If you’re in search of a sound that steps far beyond the boundaries of modern rock music, Jane Lee Hooker’s gotcha covered. Keep up with JLH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    Key Tracks: Later On, How Ya’ Doin?, The Breeze

  • Formula 5 Shares Stage with Fellow Tri-state Bands at DROM NYC

    Formula 5‘s spring tour brought them to Manhattan’s East Village venue, DROM, on April 12 with support from other tri-state bands Goose, Animal Reporters and Bee The Band.

    Setlist:

    Breaking Glass, Blue -> Tangled Up In Blue+, The Clear* -> Booher’s Pass, Come Along

    + Bob Dylan cover
    * Unfinished

  • Amy Helm Shines on the First Night of the Woodshed Residency Tour

    This past weekend, Amy Helm kicked off her second annual Woodshed Residency Tour, a revolving run of shows that is split between three venues across New York State and Massachusetts. Night one was held at Albany NY’s The Hollow Bar, a return venue for Helm, and the ebullient and groovy kickoff show set the bar for the whole trip at a lofty height.

    Each stop on the Woodshed Tour will feature guests that Helm has procured from her ever expanding roster of musical friends and colleagues. Rocking night one at The Hollow Bar was The London Souls guitarist Tash Neal, Chris Robinson Brotherhood bassist Jeff Hill, Woodstock-based guitarist and keyboardist Connor Kennedy, and Brooklyn-based Yuval Lion on drums. Just like the late Levon, her old man, Amy Helm seems to have an affinity for not only surrounding herself with incredible artists, but for getting the most out of them on stage. Together, the four-piece made for a seriously airtight jam session that on the one side played Helm’s originals very professionally, but on the other hand had a lot of daring and creative fun with a slew of cover tunes.

    But Helm first dove into the former, offering confident and well received versions of songs from her first and latest album, Didn’t It Rain. “Odetta” and “Didn’t it Rain” opened the evening with a grand, almost spiritual feel. Later on, “Rescue Me” from this same album hit off with The Hollow crowd as much if not more than any other tune of the evening.

    The show also included a whole mess of other covers, which as Helm has described is another element naturally built into the essence of the Woodshed Tour—Helm’s background has given her an affinity for tributing the rich and expansive americana songbook that makes up her musical universe. Every cover at the Hollow was appreciated in full, as Helm and her jam session put a shine on all of them. One of the first was a Mary Goshen cover upon which the band flexed out a breezy little jam, that eventually cascaded into an “I Know You Rider.” The apex of the evening clearly revealed itself after this in the uptempo version of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” for which Helm and crew gathered around one microphone. It imbued a stripped-down feel to the buzz of the night until Neal put a cool, Dick-Dale-style guitar solo on it.

    One of the strongest delivered covers was a rousing take on “Michigan” by The Milk Carton Kids—a terrific songwriting duo of brothers out of California. The end of this one featured a frenetic and trilling guitar solo from Kennedy. Other gems included a Ronnie Hawkins tune, sung by, in Helm’s words, “one of the greatest singers of all time” (Richard Manuel), and a bubbly take on The Pointer Sister’s “Yes We Can Can,” which Helm clearly was  hip-hop style verses.

    For sure, Helm has implied challenges of stage fright throughout her past, but today it seems that on stage any supposed nervousness washes away pretty quickly. Every single time the music revved back up, almost uncontrollably Helm was persuaded by the energy of the band and the responsive crowd, and repeatedly took command of it all. She became the center of her little musical melting pot, and shined as a lead singer, as a troubadour, as a stage performer.

    Helm and her bandmates hung out afterwards around The Hollow’s bar, trading stories with fans and taking photos. It encompassed the spirit that seems to be at the center of this Woodshed Tour, and The Hollow seems to be a no-brainer, choice spot for a tour of this musically rare nature.

    The tour continues this Sunday night with another set at The Hollow, among dates at other venues such as Marlboro’s The Falcon, Northampton’s Parlor Room, and NYC’s Rockwood Music Hall.

  • Hearing Aide: Lakecia Benjamin “Rise Up”

    Lakecia BenjaminLakecia Benjamin is a funk, jazz, and R&B artist from New York City. She is best known for her own recorded saxophone work and her group Soul Squad. She has also performed with other great names including Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Clark Terry, and many more.

    Her latest album titled, Rise Up, comes to us from the New York label Ropeadope. The LP features 13 tracks of a funk and jazz fusion led by Lakecia’s voice and her Alto Saxophone. The lyrics span a variety of topics but there is a clear focus on social justice and particularly the issues facing the African American community.

    In opening jam, “March On,” Lakecia’s vocals and instrumentation command your attention and set a poignant tone for what is to come. Track two, “On The One” keeps up the momentum, but adds smooth male vocals for a different flavor; of course Lakecia continues to flourish with her evocative saxophone. After a thoughtful and meaningful lull in the middle, the album turns it back on with the song “Little Children.”

    The powerful record not only calls people to arms, but it also offers encouragement to those who have already joined the fight. It’s tracks like “Takeback” that Lakecia is able to say so much, without actually “saying” very much at all; her saxophone screaming at the top of its lungs, heavy undulating bass and drums marching forward, and a complete atmosphere of power holding it all together. Perhaps the most urgent and evocative track from the album is “Little Children,” which harkens back to the blistering pace and utter catharsis of “Sinnerman” from Nina Simone.

    Lakecia’s saxophone playing has intensity and poise. Benjamin manages to sew together lead riffs that bring the songs a strong cohesiveness, while also taking the audience on a more personal journey during her improvisations. The instrumentation is akin to the work of Kamasi Washington and the work he did with Kendrick Lamar on To Pimp a Butterfly, but with Lakecia’s own unmistakable style.

    For all things Lakecia Benjamin, find your way to her website. The album will be available on bandcamp, and iTunes come March 23.

    Key Tracks: March On, Little Children, Cornbread

  • UK Trio Girl Ray Arrive in New York City this March

    If you’re in New York City this week, you should consider checking out one of the upcoming shows from Girl Ray. The London-based group features Poppy Hanking on guitar/vocals, Iris McConnell on drums, and Sophie Moss on bass. They started the group two years ago as teenagers going to school in North London and now they’re on their first tour in the U.S.

    Poppy’s songwriting is influenced by pop artists like ABBA and The Beatles and indie artists like Neutral Milk Hotel. Their newest album, which cleverly rhymes with their band name, is called Earl Grey. The vinyl version album is sold out on Bandcamp, but listeners may still enjoy online or on Spotify. They recorded the album at Ramsgate’s Big Jelly Studios and they claimed they little crazy during the process giving it their all. The organ sounds throughout give it a full texture coupled with the distorted guitar. The vocal harmonies are fragile and exciting to listen to.

    The girls are still teenagers, and their sound reflects the uncertainty young adults feel as they move through life and have to make important decisions. They’re just what young listeners need to hear in terms of heartbreak and losing friendships. Their music videos are a bit quirky and show their individual personalities.

    After a stop in Washington DC, you can catch them at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on March 23rd in Brooklyn, The Bowery Ballroom on the 24th in Manhattan, and back again in Brooklyn on the 25th at Union Pool.

  • Bob Weir and Phil Lesh to Webcast First Ever Duo Tour

    Even after all these years, members of The Grateful Dead are still finding a way to push the envelope and explore new things.  Beginning tonight at Radio City Music Hall, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh will embark on their first ever set of shows as a duo.  Clearly, something must have clicked when the two founding members of The Dead reunited last summer for an entire Phil & Friends set at Lockn’ Music Festival.

    Bob Weir Phil Lesh duoThankfully, for those not able to attend any of the 6 shows on this abbreviated tour, the fine folks over at nugs.net will be making each one available via webcast and, thus, couch tour a reality.  After a two night stay at Radio City, the Duo Tour rolls on to Boston for shows March 7-8 and then Chicago for a final set of two show on March 10-11.  Rumors are running rampant as to possible guests and sit-ins for what’s sure to be a memorable tour for these two long time friends so go here to get all the information and order the shows.

    But first, enjoy this vintage clip of a younger Bob Weir and Phil Lesh duo performing with the rest of The Grateful Dead during their legendary 1980 run at Radio City Music Hall.

  • Squirrel Nut Zippers to Release Long-Anticipated New Album and Expand Upon US Tour

    The Squirrel Nut Zippers are back in business with their highly anticipated new album, Beasts of Burgundy is the first release in eighteen years.The twelve tracks are “inspired by the city of New Orleans, the poet Ron Cuccia, and a disregard for convention.” Pre-orders are being taken for the album, which will be available March 23 via Southern Broadcasting. They are already on tour for the album, and additional dates have been scheduled. They’ll be playing in the Northeast from late March to early April, with shows at the Center for the Arts of Homer on March 25 and City Winery in New York City on March 28. Tickets are on sale now.

    Squirrel Nut Zippers – 2018 Tour Dates

    March 2 – Palm Springs, CA – McCallum
    March 3 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House
    March 4 – Berkeley, CA – Freight & Salvage
    March 5 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre
    March 6 – Arcata, CA – Humboldt State
    March 7 – Nevada City, CA  – Miner’s Foundry
    March 8 – Reno, NV – The Saint
    March 9 – Grants Pass, OR – The Rogue Theatre
    March 10 – Eugene, OR  –  Jacqua Concert Hall
    March 11 – Portland, OR –  Aladdin Theater
    March 13 – Seattle, WA  -Triple Door
    March 14 – Seattle, WA  – Triple Door
    March 22 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
    March 23 – Pittsburgh, PA  – Jergels
    March 24 – Williamsport, PA – Arts Center
    March 25 – Homer, NY – Homer Arts Center
    March 27 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe
    March 28 – New York, NY – City Winery
    March 29 – New Haven, CT – The Ballroom
    March 30 – Fall River, MA – Narrows
    March 31 – Plymouth, NH – Flying Monkey
    April 1 -Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
    April 2 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
    April 28 – Oxford, MS – Double Decker Festival
    April 29 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s
    May 10 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
    May 11 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater
    May 12 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard
    May 13 – Wichita, KS – Crown Uptown Theatre
    May 15 – Indianapolis, IN – The Hi-Fi
    May 16 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
    May 17 – Columbus, OH – Skully’s Music Diner
    May 18 – Newport, KY – Southgate House
    May 19 – Milwaukee, WI – Wilson Center
    May 20 – Chicago, IL – City Winery

  • Computer Magic Release Second Album “DANZ,” Debut “Amnesia” video

    Computer Magic, aka producer/songwriter Danielle “Danz” Johnson, has released her official sophomore album, DANZ, this month along with a video for the track, “Amnesia.”

    Nods to Alien and Logan’s Run can be found in the black and white video, which finds Danielle in her workspace surrounded by what inspires her. “The song is about going crazy during your creative process. It’s about isolating yourself from the outside world, locking yourself in your studio to try and create something, but in the midst of this, you kind of lose yourself.”

    The upcoming semi-autobiographical album DANZ is even darker and more experimental than her first studio effort, Davos, and delves into themes such as losing yourself and your memory, a dystopian future and not following along with the crowd. Danielle writes and records at her Brooklyn studio while running Channel 9 Records and hosting her own radio show every other week on Newtown Radio called “Outerspace.”

    Computer Magic Tour Dates:
    3/03 – Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
    3/15 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada (Not So Fun Weekend)
    3/23 – Richmond, VA @ Gallery S
    3/25 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
    3/26 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
    4/14 – Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground

  • John Fogerty and ZZ Top Unite For ‘Blues and Bayous Tour’

    John Fogerty and ZZ Top join forces for a ‘Blues and Bayous Tour’ this year. These Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends set off on their epic musical journey in New Jersey in May, with stops in New York at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on June 20 and Marvin Sands Theater in Canandaigua on June 23. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 2 at 10am local time. Presale ticket information can be found on the websites for John Fogerty and ZZ Top.

    John Fogerty and ZZ Top Blues and Bayous Tour

    May 25 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Spa & Resort – Event Center
    May 26 – Holmdel, NJ – P.N.C. Bank Arts Center
    May 27 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
    May 29 –  Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
    May 30 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
    June 1 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Bay Center
    June 2 – Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park
    June 3 – West Palm Beach,FL – Coral Sky Amphitheater
    June 5 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheater
    June 6 – Atlanta, GA – TBA
    June 10 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheater
    June 12 – Chicago, IL – TBA
    June 13 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
    June 14 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
    June 16 – Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
    June 17 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
    June 19 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre
    June 20 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Heath at Jones Beach Theater
    June 22 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavillion
    June 23 – Canandaigua, NY – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
    June 24 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
    June 26 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort *with Willie Nelson
    June 27 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
    June 29 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino

  • Gramatik and Balkan Bump team up for “Aymo” ft, Talib Kweli

    Balkan Bump, the newest project from trumpet player, producer and ethnomusicologist Will Magid, Gramatik and Brooklyn-born Talib Kweli have combined forces on the debut track “Aymo.” Balkan Bump debuted at Gramatik’s NYE show at Terminal 5 this past December and will be joining Gramatik on the road during his Spring 2018 Re:Coil tour.

    Aymo

    Musically, Balkan Bump is a fusion of live instruments, world influences and lush electronic production. The debut EP demonstrates his experience as an instrumentalist and arranger, fusing energetic Balkan brass with heavy electronic production and hip-hop/trap influences. This thrilling blend of live brass and electronic production carries over to Balkan Bump’s live show, and can be found joining Gramatik as he unveils his horn-infused live set to a North American audience in Spring 2018 for the Re:Coil Tour starting in February 2018.

    “Aymo” was a collaboration from Gramatik’s Re:Coil Part I EP, originally written by Will Magid and Talib Kweli, who met while playing alongside Pretty Lights on The Conan O’Brien show. Gramatik loved it so much he wanted to put his own spin on it and now his independent label Lowtemp will also provide a home for Will’s first EP under the Balkan Bump moniker, due out in early March. In December, Will released the first single from the upcoming EP, “Irfan.”

    Re:Coil Tour Dates
    Feb. 21 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
    Feb. 22 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
    Feb. 24 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theatre
    Feb. 26 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Druid City
    Feb. 27 – Chattanooga, TN – TBD
    March 1 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
    March 2 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
    March 3 – Knoxville, TN – The International
    April 12 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
    April 13 – Richmond, VA – The National
    April 14 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
    April 15 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
    April 18 – Columbia, SC – Music Farm
    April 19 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre
    April 20 – Washington, DC – Echostage
    April 21 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
    April 22 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
    April 24 – Syracuse, NY – The Westcott Theater
    April 26 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall