NYS Music 20​18

Tag: Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall

  • An Unscripted Evening of Unique Jamming

    Mike Gantzer and David Loss of Aqueous, Mike Carubba and Josh Schwartz of Turkuaz, Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Matt Jalbert of Tauk and Hayley Jane all walked into a bar for a night of Unique Jamming… and took the stage at Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall in Rochester with no set list and no songs, not even covers. But it actually isn’t a joke. They were brought together by the mastermind behind Everyone Orchestra, Matt Butler. He would be their conductor on this mad science experiment in improvisational music.

    Decked out in a glittery purple conductor’s jacket and top hat, Butler, with hand motions, vocal cues, a white board and an iPad, directed the musicians through completely made-on-the-spot compositions across two sets for over 2 hours Friday night. The only time this music will ever get played was on that night and the only people to hear it were present then and there.

    Some of the jams got started with a written note from Butler. Some of these were made available to the crowd. “A2 D2, indie rock” was scrawled out on one for example; others remained for the band’s eyes only. Other jams were prompted by one of the musicians, as requested by Butler. Loss started one with a crunchy organ groove, the rest of the band joined in, and a theme was established and another jam had begun. It was a game and Butler was the game master.

    As jams tend to do, these pieces changed in character the deeper they got. But with a conductor, they didn’t veer out of control either. Solos were kept in check with a nod or point, or were egged on further with emphatic arm and hand motions. In one thrilling moment, the guitarists battled to a raging tangle as Butler essentially live-edited the two competing sounds into a perfect jarring climax.

    With quickly improvised lyrics and melodies, Jane, or occasionally Butler himself, was able to develop a familiarity to the pieces that the band could return to again and again, at times creating songs the crowd could even sing along to by the end. Early in the second set, the band gelled around the lyrics “Open your eyes to see / The truth will set you free,” in a jam that finished in a building and bright rock-ready progression that was certainly a highlight of the evening.

    Taking in the show as a whole, one aspect that must be marveled at is how, through it all, the music never settled into a familiar or well-worn groove. There were no covers, teases, or even any “sounds-likes” to be had. With a one-time band put together for a one-time concert, that is a rather incredible feat. Perhaps in the end, the only proper reaction is to laugh after all.

  • FOMO is a Mofro

    Before JJ Grey was ever seen on stage, the sound of his harmonica came humming across the PA. The man himself soon followed as he sauntered out in a slick black suit. The harp echoed throughout Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall in Rochester. As the evening progressed, he shed the harmonica to rock out some guitar. Then lap steel, tambourine and keys followed. The instrument that was ever present was his soulful Southern croon belting out his dirty funky blues with swampy Florida roots.

    Despite the prowess across many instruments, Grey is not a one man band, of course. Mofro, all in nearly matching black suits, were there every step of the way. Their attire, it should be stated, was not apropos of the evening –  a hot and muggy one –  even for a band from Florida. Grey even switched up the lyrics in “Every Minute,” singing “so good to be hot… in this club.” The bass, guitar, keys and drums slugged out the blues and funk while a two-trumpet back line brought some bright New Orleans flavor to the mix. Each member brought their own character to the sound and each was featured multiple times throughout.

    Through his lyrics and his inter-song bantering, Grey brought to light some of his life philosophies. It’s clear he’s never been happier. He may have been an idiot before, but as he continues to improve, “next year he’ll be an idiot this year,” he says. At times, he sounded like a preacher, doling out the gospel of Mofro. “Lord I’ve changed!” “Glory Hallelujah!” Still at others, he was pining for his grandmother’s cornbread.

    The rabid crowd, almost entirely decked out in Mofro attire, were not just around to be entertained, but to get involved. Most of the songs turned into singalongs. Grey using that to his advantage, managing mic-in-the-crowd choruses on “A Woman” and “Brighter Days.” None was more moving than the encore of “Hey Jude.” The show closed with the crowd heartily singing the finish to the quintessential Beatles classic. If every day ended with a communal singing of “Hey Jude,” the world would certainly be a better place, and JJ Grey would be an even happier man.

    Freddy and Francine, a trio out of Nashville, opened the night with some quieter, but no less soulful tunes. It tested the exuberant crowd, but their gorgeous and powerful three-part harmonies won them over and played as a perfect setup for JJ Grey and Mofro.

    Setlist:
    How Junior Got His Head Put Out, A Woman, Every Minute, Brighter Days, Country Ghetto, Hide and Seek, ?, Seminole Wind (John Anderson), Lochloosa, Orange Blossoms, Lazy Fo Acre, Ho Cake, The Sun is Shining Down
    E: Hey Jude

  • 5 Shows to See in Rochester in February

    We’re back with another great slate of shows for you to see in Rochester in February. The typical winter slowdown doesn’t seem to be happening this year. These suggestions just scratch the surface, so time to break out of your cabin fever and go see some live music!

    Saturday, February 3
    Huntertones @ Abilene Bar and Lounge

    During the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester gets to experience some of the best music the world has to offer. The artists, in turn, get to experience the best Rochester has to offer as a music town. Lucky for us, this gets many of the acts to return, even in the off season. The Huntertones were a hit with their sets at this past year’s festival and they’re back for an encore at the intimate Abilene Bar and Lounge. The old juke joint will be jumping with their big brass sound. They’re not afraid to throw in some uniquely surprising covers in the mix; their version of “God Only Knows” was a highlight this summer.

    Monday, February 5
    Honeysuckle @ Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall

    Boston’s Honeysuckle bring their acoustic trio to Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall. It’s traditional in nature, with guitar, banjo and mandolin. But throw in a kick drum and some non-traditional song structures and it becomes something unexpected and exciting. Three-part harmonies and wonderful songwriting bring this young group to the next level. Fans of Americana looking for something fresh but familiar will find lots to warm to here.

    Wednesday, February 14
    The Ballroom Thieves @ Arbor Loft

    Another folk-trio from Boston, The Ballroom Thieves have been a band on the rise the past couple of years. We caught their show here a few years ago and had this to say: “It begins with Earley’s guitar work. Then sprinkle on the unique rhythms from Mauch and engaging cello work from Peters. Layer upon that what might be this bands strongest attribute, their soaring 3-part harmonies. Working all together to perform the music they’ve written, a varied collection of rockers, ballads, hymnals, barroom blues and on.” Can you think of a more perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day?!

    Saturday, February 17
    Critt’s Juke Joint @ Anthology

    Buffalo’s multi-instrumentalist Eric “Critt” Crittenden plays a fun mix of jazz, funk and soul he has dubbed “Soulprovisational.” His band, Juke Joint, is actually an ever-evolving, rotating cast of musicians. For this iteration he’s employed DJ Logic, Turkuaz’s Michael Carruba (drums) and Craig Broadhead (guitar), and Harry Graser on keys. Put your dancing shoes on and head down to Anthology for a funky good time.

    Thursday, February 22
    Oval Sandwich @ Flour City Station

    Lastly this month we have Oval Sandwich. You’re forgiven if you’ve never heard of them. This will be their first show and there might not be many to follow. Dopapod is taking 2018 off from touring. Rob Compa, the guitarist, is keeping busy with other musical endeavors. He put together this Rochester supergroup of sorts (Paul McCardle: guitar – Doja, English Project, Will O’Riley: keys- The Niche, Swooners, Tristan Greene: drums – Doja, Ocular Panther and Justin Rister: bass – Moho Collective) and right now the only two shows will be this one and one in Syracuse the next night. To find out more about how he put the band together and other things he’ll be up to on the break check out an interview he did with our own Pete Mason. As to how this will sound, your guess is as good as ours. But we definitely recommend being there to find out!

  • Photo Gallery: An Adult Prom in Winter at Funk ‘n Waffles

    Hilarity ensued as concertgoers strapped on their swanky vintage prom attire to attend “Prom Night” by Pumpkin Patch Presents at Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall in Rochester, NY.

    Pumpkin Patch Presents, the newest event promotion company to launching out of Rochester, NY, catapulted into the scene by hosting regional favorite Folkfaces, with very special guest The Big Jazz Small Band for this adult-themed prom. As attendees, NYS Music saw matching outfits, vintage ties, prom dresses, shined shoes, high heels, dancing, drinks, and even a prom photo booth. To document the soiree, check out this photo gallery, courtesy of Meg Borruso Photography.

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