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.
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
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.”
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
The award-winning and popular New York City music venue (Le) Poisson Rouge will serve as the setting for a concert on April 10 that will feature both an All-Star band of esteemed musicians as wells as some local acts on the rise. Art for Progress, a non-profit arts organization committed to providing arts education programs throughout city schools and impoverished areas, will present “Once in a Lifetime,” a benefit show that features such names as Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin & Wood), Nels Cline (Wilco) and Marc Ribot. Together, with other special guests, they’ll comprise The Art for Progress Band in what’s sure to be a memorable collaboration.
Serving as supporting acts will be Big Sweater, a young band that melds blues and rock influences that features Gabriel Calderin on drums, Greg Morello on bass and Barry Komitor on piano and keys while Elijah McCoy and Franklin Santiago share lead vocal and guitar duties. Also appearing is Bad Faces, a Brooklyn power trio that goes heavy on improvisational rock. Led by Singer/Guitarist Barry Komitor, who manages and teaches at Arts For Progress and is fixture on the NYC folk and bluegrass scene, sings and plays guitar with the rhythm section comprised of two of the city’s rising musical talents with Brian Stollery on bass and drummer Ethan Kogan. This is an 18+ show with advance tickets for $15, $20 at the door. Tickets can be bought through (Le) Poission Rouge’s website here.
You can also visit the Art for Progress website here for more information.
When pop icon Paul Simon split from the famous folk duo Simon and Garfunkel in 1970, the future was foggy for the young singer. He briefly stepped away from the hectic pop world to figure out where he wanted to go next with his musical career. For two years he spent his time teaching songwriting classes at New York University, travelling around the country to record demos and searching for inspiration in genres of music with which he was not very familiar. After some much needed soul searching, in January 1972, Simon released his first solo album in the US, Paul Simon. The album looks at many of the issues Simon was going through at the time, ranging from his fading adolescence to increased drug use. The second single off the album, “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” is inspired Simon’s whimsical childhood in Queens, and was written as a vague, yet playful, reflection of growing up during an era of change.
Over the course of his childhood in Kew Garden Hills in Queens, NY, Simon saw his small Jewish community grow into a more diverse neighborhood featuring many different cultures and ethnicities. Many believe the name “Julio” (then controversial for a white artist to write a song featuring a Latino name) is used in this song to highlight the increasing diversity in Queens, and the obscure use of Brazilian percussion techniques often used in samba music only further support this theory.
In addition to Simon’s own neighborhood changing during the ’60s, the entire country was going through an intense shift which furthered the gap between the political left and right. When asked what the crime committed in the song that made mama pajama so distraught was, Simon was very vague with his answer. In a 1972 interview he said:
“I have no idea what it is. Something sexual is what I imagine, but when I say ‘something,’ I never bothered to figure out what it was. Didn’t make any difference to me. I like the line about the radical priest–I think that’s funny to have in a song.”
While the crime may in fact be something sexual, many fans theorize that it could also be referencing something illegal pertaining to drugs, political activism, or is somehow racially motivated. With the influx of political movements occurring during the 1960s, any one of those theories could essentially be accurate with regards to the story. All we know from the narrator is that the crime committed was illegal at the time, and controversial to the point where a radical priest questions its morality on a national level. Because of their actions, the narrator and Julio will never view the world on such a small scale again and must say goodbye to local heroes, such as Rosie the Queen of Corona (Corona Park is close to where Simon grew up in Queens), and they are also forced to say goodbye to their adolescent bubble.
Since the release of “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” the Kew Garden Hills neighborhood Simon grew up in has seen many different changes in terms of demographics. It is still an ethnically diverse neighborhood with Jewish roots which has seen a recent influx of Korean immigrants inhabiting the neighborhood. As many things change, some things will always stay the same, such as the ambiguity of this song. If Simon were to rewrite the song today, it might even be titled “Me and Do-Won Down by the Schoolyard.”
‘Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard’ Lyrics:
The mama pajama rolled out of bed
And she ran to the police station
When the papa found out he began to shout
And he started the investigation
It’s against the law
It was against the law
What the mama saw
It was against the law
The mama looked down and spit on the ground
Every time my name gets mentioned
The papa said, “oy, if I get that boy
I’m gonna stick him in the house of detention”
Well I’m on my way
I don’t know where I’m going
I’m on my way
I’m taking my time
But I don’t know where
Goodbye to Rosie, the queen of Corona
Seein’ me and Julio
Down by the schoolyard
Seein’ me and Julio
Down by the schoolyard
Whoa, in a couple days they come and take me away
But the press let the story leak
And when the radical priest
Come to get me released
We was all on the cover of Newsweek
And I’m on my way
I don’t know where I’m going
I’m on my way
I’m taking my time
But I don’t know where
Goodbye to Rosie, the queen of Corona
Seein’ me and Julio
Down by the schoolyard
Seein’ me and Julio
Down by the schoolyard
Seein’ me and Julio
Down by the schoolyard
Lettuce and The Motet finished up their two-night stand at The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY on Saturday, March 24. The Motet’s high power, high energy brand of in-your-face-funk started the night off on the right foot. They were joined on stage by percussionist extraordinaire Nate Werth (Snarky Puppy, Ghost Note), adding an extra layer of rhythm to their already robust sound. Lettuce and The Motet capped the run off with a set of deep funk jams and crowd hyping beats. They came complete with a few musical twists and turns including a quick version of Biggie’s “Juicy” and encoring with Rick Jame’s “Mary Jane”.
Set List
Moetet:
Own It, Damn, Supernova, Fountain, Keep On, Conatagious, Handcuffs, Get It Right
Lettuce:
Mt Crushmore, Lobbiest, Blaze, Prince SMZ, Purple Cabbage, S.L.A.P., Lettsanity, Gogo (Juicy), Gang Ten, 116th, Chief It Up, Moksha, Trap
Lespecial made their return to Brooklyn on Friday, March 23. It’s been five months since they had the release party for their latest studio album, Cheen, in Brooklyn last October. The Knitting Factory opened their doors at 11:00 p.m. for an “after midnight” show, but in true New York City fashion, the room didn’t fill up till around a quarter to 1. Also in true New York City fashion, the fans came to rage! Lespecial brought the Williamsburg crowd into the early hours of Saturday morning with a set that ran a gauntlet of musical genres. Their original songs contain influences from everything from hip-hop to metal and everything in between. Fittingly, the songs they covered on Friday ranged from Black Sabbath to Cardi B. With an arsenal of talent, high energy and a sound to call their own, Lespeical continues to be on the “must see shows” list.
Set List:
(Mars Attacks Theme Intro), Donut Ghost House I, Jackwise>DnB> Jackwise, HMU*> The Vessel, March of The Pigs> Piggy•, Fruit Wolf Dance> 21st Century Iron Man+> Fruit Wolf Dance, American Life#, American Apocalypse, Fanfarra % > Pray For Me~, Donut Ghost House II, Wake Up! @ > Sound That We Do> Bodak, Yellow¥, Gallows Hill
E: Onlookers, National Anthem£
* Space Jesus
• Nine Inch Nails medley
+ King Crimson/Black Sabbath mashup
# Primus
% Sergio Mendez
~ Kendrick Lamar
@ Zion I
¥ Cardi B
£ Radiohead
Long Island metalcore outfit Call It Home are on the verge of releasing their debut full-length album Better Days. The latest single “Deserter” made this week’s Alternative Press “9 Songs You Need To Hear This Week” list. Lineup changes have brought long-time member Dom Delfino to the helm of clean vocals and lyric-writing, resulting in a fresh new sound that appeals to both new fans and long-time followers. His bandmates are Chris Christofi on harsh vocals, Jay Schwartz on guitar, and Jon Beane on drums. NYS Music spoke with Delfino in advance of the album release and upcoming tour with This Curse.
Paula Cummings: How does the new album compare to your previous work?
Dom Delfino: It’s still the same sound, but more mature. It’s more technical in the instrumental work, more interesting for the listener. There’s a little sampling of piano/synth, and a little dub step in there. We also have a few different guest vocalists, which we haven’t done before: Jayden Panesso from Sylar, Landon Tewers from The Plot in You, and Michael Swank from Myka Relocate.
PC: What about the lyrics?
DD: The lyrics are a lot different. We’ve had a switch in clean vocalists. My writing style is different. The album is called Better Days because every song is about an issue people go through every day, whether it be a relationship or a family issue. Every song is a breakdown of these things, but we show how to get through them. A lot of bands write angry songs that people can relate to, but not about how to get through it.
PC: I could see that in the video for “Lanterns.” Can you tell me about the filming of the video?
DD: Josiah Moore filmed and edited the video in Rochester. It was so much fun, but there was a lot of stress. The day we left for filming, we couldn’t get in touch with the actress. At the last minute we were able to find a replacement.
PC: You’ve spent a lot of time touring. Any memorable moments you’d like to share?
DD: We were starting a tour. On the first day we were going to Michigan from New York. We’re in Pennsylvania, and it’s snowing. As we’re going it gets worse and worse to the point where we can’t see. We have another band following us. We pull off and look to the left and there’s a big hill. We turn in the other direction. It turns out there’s a giant hill. Both vans with their trailers get stuck on this hill. The only way out is to go in reverse, two vans with trailers going down. After a couple hours, we’re on flat ground. We find a gas station six miles away, and a drive that should have taken six minutes took thirty. That was a crazy experience. We still got to the show on time.
PC: And that didn’t deter you from continuing to tour?
DD: We do everything we can to make it to the show. That’s the worst thing in the world to us is cancelling a show.
Lakecia 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 herwebsite. The album will be available onbandcamp, and iTunes come March 23.
British electro-funk act Jamiroquai announced their first New York show in more than a decade. The recently-reunited group will perform at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on September 8. They have been touring the world to promote their new album Automaton, and will be playing Coachella next month. A full list of dates they will play are available on the Jamiroquai website and tickets for the show at Forest Hills Stadium, Queens, NYC go on sale Friday, March 23 at 10 a.m.
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.
