Tag: Chris Merkley

Mike Powell set to release new solo EP, ‘Shelter Without Walls’

Mike Powell has had a prolific few years, performing throughout the northeast with his solo act, his duo, and his full band the Black River. He also released a solo album and an album with his band. This Friday, Oct. 5, Powell will release his latest solo effort, Shelter Without Walls.

The six song EP features two previously released, but re-worked songs, “Twenty One Rounds” and “Sad Day in Champion” and four brand new heartfelt compositions. The album can be pre-saved on Spotify and Apple Music through this link. It will be available on all streaming services beginning Oct. 5.

Powell is a unique storyteller who writes with emotion, breaking down walls to allow the listener into the story. He writes best when he draws from personal experiences. “Twenty One Rounds” tells the tale of a mother who lost her son while serving his country; something Powell has knowledge of through his upbringing in Carthage, just outside of the Fort Drum Army Base in Northern New York. This much-loved song gets a rework on the new EP and has lost little of the original’s emotional appeal.

Writing songs has always been a soul satisfying activity for me. I just have a deep love for words and telling stories. Music is the most impactful medium I’ve found for connecting with people and evoking emotion. Being able to play intimate acoustic sets in tandem with rock n’ roll shows with my band is like scratching two creative itches at once. I feel like I have two separate vehicles that share the same fuel system.

“Sad Day in Champion” recalls the closing of a paper mill in that same region of the North Country that affected so many of the people in the region as well as those close to the young Mike Powell.

One of Powell’s new songs, “Poison Diamond” closes the record. A dirgy number, highlighted by Hanus’ trademark guitar and a church-like organ, where the narrator laments, “You took my hand/You stole my heart/ You loved me to pieces/That’s what tore me apart/You set the fire/And it made me cold/You made me higher/And you cut me down low/That’s what tore me apart/I need some glue, or something heavy I can hold on to/This old bottle here will do/I’m never together with you.” This is one of the Powell’s most powerful recordings to date, from the lyrics to the delivery to the musicianship within the song. The subdued duet with a female voice on “I’m never together with you” hits the listener in the heart. This song could be Powell’s launching pad to a wider audience.

“The Polite Rebel” will also embark on the most ambitious month of his professional music career beginning Friday. The busy month kicks off with the Black River opening for Canadian rockers The Trews at Exhibition Hall in Watertown this Friday, Oct. 5. Following the Watertown gig, Powell and his duo partner, John Hanus trip down to Goshen, CT for a main stage gig at the Black Bear Americana Music Fest on Oct. 6. The weekend wraps on Sunday with an intimate gig at The Sinclair in Skaneateles on Oct. 7.

Powell’s intense schedule continues Oct. 10 and 11 as he makes his solo debut at Ani DiFranco’s 9th Ward at Babeville in Buffalo and Lovin’ Cup in Rochester. Oct. 12 sees Powell closer to home at the Brewerton Center for the Arts for another solo show.

The most highly anticipated nights of the month occur at the historic Nelson Odeon, a renovated former Grange Hall located in the rolling hills of Nelson, near Powell’s current hometown of Cazenovia on Oct. 13 and 14. These shows will be used to record Powell in both solo and duo formats as well as certain selections with the Black River, to be included in a future live Powell album.

The Odeon is one of Powell’s favorite rooms to perform and is the reason he chose this historic building for the recording of his first live album. He says of the building:

The Nelson Odeon stands for everything I love about music. It’s like stepping back to a simpler time. I have always dreamed of releasing a live record and this is the perfect room to try and bottle up a moment in time. It will be a special night.

The Black River, in addition to their gig opening for The Trews on Oct. 5, will take up a Thursday residency at King of Clubs in Syracuse’s famed Armory Square on Oct. 4 and 18. Dubbed “The Thursday Night Rock Show,” this ongoing event is hosted by the band and features some of the region’s top acts. Capital District rockers Wild Adriatic will join the Black River in a November session of “The Thursday Night Rock Show.”

Finally, on Oct. 19 Powell makes a trip to Blue Mountain Lake for a performance at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts and wraps up with a songwriters and on Oct. 20 the 18 Songs Tour visits Casita del Polaris in Ithaca. This set brings together three of Central New York’s premier singer songwriters for a night of music – 18 songs- with Powell joined by Charley Orlando and Chris Merkley.

When not on the road, Powell will be in the studio recording the Black River’s sophomore effort. The band released its debut, Classic Universe in January.

Check out the video for “Sad Day in Champion” below featuring Powell and members of the Black River.

October 2, 2018
KMase Productions Announces Storytellers Mini-Tour

Three of Central New York’s most talented singer/songwriters are teaming up for a mini-tour in April. This first ever mini-tour, presented by KMase Productions out of Syracuse, includes Mike Powell, Chris Merkley and Charley Orlando.

Orlando is the talent buyer for Funk n’ Waffles. He helped create a regular Saturday/Sunday Storytellers session at the Downtown Syracuse Funk and has now integrated it into the Rochester Funk’s calendar as well. He is also a talented singer/songwriter, with 16 albums to his credit across his 26 year career.

Powell has been working the CNY scene as a solo artist and duo act with John Hanus as well as a member of his new band, the Black River. The Black River’s debut album, Classic Universe, was released earlier this year to great acclaim.

Merkley is a blues/Americana/rock artist and founder of Old Boy Records. He performs throughout the state as a solo act, a duo (Merkley & Morgan), in an acoustic rock band (The Crooners) and a swampy blues rock trio (Digger Jones). Merkley has also composed and produced music for TV and independent films. He also created several original compositions for the HBO series Generation Kill.

KMase’s Storytellers Mini-Tour:

April 12 – The Loving Cup – Rochester, NY
April 13 – The Nelson Odeon – Nelson, NY
April 14 – The Borodino Grange – Borodino, NY
April 15 – Bru 64 – Cortland, NY

March 27, 2018
Squirrel Nut Zippers Prove They are Back and Better Than Ever in Homer

The ’90s was a decade of maelstrom in the music industry. The decade that saw the death of hair metal also saw the rise of alt-rock, the second wave of ska and the swing revival, among many other genres. It was arguably the most eccentric of all decades in the history of American popular music. One of the bands that hit the big time in this era was Squirrel Nut Zippers, a Chapel Hill, NC band that straddled the line of swing music and New Orleans jazz. Their hit single “Hell” was ubiquitous on alternative radio in 1996.

Sunday night, the revamped version of Squirrel Nut Zippers rolled into the Center for the Arts of Homer, once the Homer Baptist Church, to hold a Palm Sunday service of their own, rapt with swing music, New Orleans style brass, Klezmer and old school crooning.

Riding the release of their first album in 18 years, Beasts of Burgundy, the new version of the Zippers provided the near sellout crowd with Vaudeville style entertainment and world class musicianship.

The band has been revamped after relocating to New Orleans and showcases some of the genre’s best musicians, including Dr. Sick, the spirited fiddler/multi-instrumentalist who stole the show with his outgoing and somewhat suggestive performance. Sick had a local connection to the show, Cortland musician Chris Merkley opened the show in the Community Space at the Center for the Arts of Homer. He documented his connection with Dr. Sick and the Squirrel Nut Zippers in a Facebook post on Friday:

https://www.facebook.com/cmerkley/posts/10155196362865825

The Zippers kicked off the show with a rousing rendition of a new song, “Karnival Joe From Kokomo,” a song that would fit right in with the 1996 Zippers’ catalog. The remainder of the night was a mix of old and new songs mixed with many jokes. When attending a Zippers show, you’re not just going to dance, you’re going to laugh your ass off. Between songs, band leader Jimbo Mathus and Dr. Sick riffed off each other with a string of cringe-worthy Dad jokes and bad bird puns that had the audience simultaneously laughing and wincing.

The highlight of the night was when Mathus introduced the “dancing portion” of the night. Permission was asked for audience members, who had largely been seat-ridden most of the show, to get up and dance for the upcoming section of the show. Mathus often referred to the early Zippers’ catalog as “songs from the past century.” These songs comprised the “dancing portion” of the night and the crowd complied. The band ripped into “Bad Businessman,” “Hell” and the rousing Klezmer-style song “Ghost of Stephen Foster” to finish out their outstanding set.

The encore consisted of “Axman Jazz,” “Prince Nez,” “Plenty More” and another new song, “Hey Shango!,” a Cuban-style romp from their latest album that led to a Second Line exit for the band. The Second Line wound its way through the audience and made its way to the Community Space, where the band continued playing before settling in for pictures and autographs with fans.

The Center for the Arts of Homer proved to be a tremendous host for a show like this and the Squirrel Nut Zippers were very grateful for those who attended. And the Zippers proved that original American music is not dead.

March 27, 2018
NYS Music Presents: Live Music this March across the Empire State

Happy March from NYS Music! The year seems to already be flying by, but it’s never too late to make the most of your time and see as many live shows as you can. NYS Music is here to help you out and give you some highlight shows you really cannot miss across the state.

Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

March 7th – To catch Universal Sigh and Witty Tarbox on their Cosmic Serpent Tour, come out at 9 PM for the high-energy rock show. This show is perfect for fans of Radiohead, Snarky Puppy and Umphrey’s McGee. Event link.

March 15th – At 9 PM, the Syracuse native band, Major Player, will be filling Nietzsche’s with their indie-rock sound and bringing along Mosswalk, Nothing Casual, and Del Rue. If you are looking for a night packed full of alternative rock, look no further. Event link.

March 21st – It is sure to be an eventful and energized night at Nietzsche’s as the alternative hip-hop duo Cosmic Brownie brings down the house and brings along Elowvate, Soularplexus, and Cypher. Event link.

March 23rd – Folkfaces are bringing their Spring Tour through Buffalo with Pine Fever, and The Tenants. There will be hillbilly stomping, swanky swinging, and gritty blues that you do not want to miss. Event link.

March 31st – As The Strange Standard says, “It is here.” And that it will be on the 31st! The funky rock and blues band will be playing with The Bee Trees, Glitch Video Game Band, and The Good Neighbors at 8 PM. Event link.

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

March 3rd – The award-winning nationally touring band Dynamo will be bringing down the house with their jazz, rock and funk fusion music with special guest Darla at 10 PM Event link.

March 9th – “In the tradition of James Brown, with the balls of Led Zeppelin.” You do not want to miss Swift Technique and the Fritz at 10 PM. Event link.

March 10th – Fireside Collective, the progressive bluegrass band, will be doing a free show at 10 PM Event link.

March 11th – Come out to see the jazz funk duo, Soul Monde with special guest The English Project at 8 PM. Event link.

March 16th – If you cannot make it out to see Major Player in Buffalo, then come see them with special guest Stranger to Look for some quality indie-rock at 10 PM. Event link.

March 17th – Come celebrate St. Patty’s Day the right way with Jameson and great live music from Spring Street Family and Skunk City at 10 PM. Event link.

March 23rd – Stu Hamm will be slapping the bass and playing Funk N’ Waffles as he swings through Syracuse on his 2018 Tour with special guest Nigel Felony. Event link.

March 24th – Toronzo Cannon will be playing the CNY Blues & NYS Blues Fest Fundraiser with special guest Chris Merkley at 8 PM. Come out for a great night of live music for a good cause. Event link.

March 28th – Come out to see Gangstagrass and find just how good rappers paired with banjos sound. They will be performing at 8:30 PM with special guest Bendetti. Event link.

March 29th – Hayley Jane & The Primates and Wolfe Den Studio will be performing 9 PM and it is sure to be an electrifying night full of soulful Americana rock. Event link.

March 31st – The locomotive of love that is Big Mean Sound Machine will be bringing good vibes and good music with special guest Sundrop Rise at 10 PM. Event link.

Rochester – Funk N’ Waffles

March 3rd – The funky Philadelphia native band that is sure to have you grooving all night long, Swift Technique, will be accompanied by music that is “funky in spots and beautiful all over,” provided by Kat Wright. Event link.

March 9th – Our Friends Band is always excited and eager to play for a new audience and would love for you to be their newest fans. Come and catch them with Spring Street Family at 9:30 PM. Event link.

March 10th – The notable raw talent of Soule Monde is something you do not want to miss. They will be showcasing their funk sound with special guest and soul, funk band, The English Project at 9 PM. Event link.

March 16th – Buddahood and Root Shock will be bringing fusion music based on reggae to Rochester at 9:30 PM. Event link.

March 22nd – For live electronica music that combines genres and breaks barriers come experience EOTO with special guest Strange Machines, Stereo Nest, SKYwalker BASS. Event link.

March 23rd – Chiggin’ and their funky fusion is sure to ruffle your tail feathers and make you want to move. Come see them with Mother Funkin’ Planets and Everyday Hologram at 9 PM. Event link.

March 28th – Hayley Jane & The Primates will be performing their blend of Americana, rock and soul at 9 PM. Event link.

March 29th – And to round out the highlights of the month at Rochester, Cole Davidson will be performing with The Phyryg at 9 PM. Event link.

Plattsburgh

March 3rd – Given that last time Dawn Tyler Watson performed at Olive Ridley’s Taphouse & Grill it was so incredibly packed, the whole restaurant will be dedicated to this show-stopping performance on the Jawbreaker Tour. The event is hosted by PB&J: Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz and the soul-driven jazz starts at 8 PM. Event link.

March 23rd – Another show-stopping PB&J show will be hosted at the Retro Live as the Sugaray Rayford Band rolls through Plattsburgh. For an exciting show full of soulful blues that you hear and feel, come out at 8 PM to see the band take the stage. Event link.

March 29th – But if you can’t come out for the Sugaray Rayford Band on the 23rd, come see them and support Bluseed Studios at the Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge. Doors at 7 PM and music at 8 PM. Event link.

Albany

March 2nd – Come out to The Hollow Bar + Kitchen at 8 PM to see The Lizards, Phish Tribute band who are bringing the genuine Phish experience all the way from Toronto. Event link.

Cohoes

March 24: Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Join a legend at a legendary venue, Cohoes Music Hall, on Saturday, March 24. Event Link

March 4, 2018