Author: Pete Mason

  • Celebrate 10 Years of Phish’s Seven Below->Ghost

    Over November 27 and 28 2009, Phish performed two nights at Albany’s Times Union Center, the latter of which produced one of the band’s ultimate jams from their ‘3.0’ era. Opening set two with “Seven Below” and segueing seamlessly into “Ghost,” the band put forth 45+ minutes of Type II jamming (improvising beyond the song’s composition and structure) that still serve as one of their best from the last 10 years.

    seven below ghost

    Listen via LivePhish.com, Phishtracks.com, stream the full show, or just the 45 minutes of “Seven Below” -> “Ghost” below.

    November 28, 2009 setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Party Time, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, Uncle Pen, Sanity, Foam, Walk Away > NICU, Alaska, Split Open and Melt, Joy, Vultures, Backwards Down the Number Line

    Set 2: Seven Below > Ghost, Cool It Down > Gotta Jibboo, Let Me Lie, Wolfman’s Brother > Julius

    Encore: You Enjoy Myself

    This show featured the first Uncle Pen since July 11, 2000 (129 shows). Ghost contained a tease of Seven Below.

  • Restless World Music drops haunting R&B single “Cyclone”

    Yesterday, Restless World Music released their third single, “Cyclone,” on the heels of two singles, “Stratosphere” and “Ashes” which premiered earlier this year. “Cyclone” is the third of four singles that precede the group’s EP, due out in 2020.

    The Washington, D.C. based group says of the track:

    Sometimes love leaves with a whisper, slipping through our fingers. Other times, loves leaves nothing behind but wreckage, and no matter what – or who – we try, nothing can replace it.

    No matter how you’ve experienced love leaving your life, “Cyclone” illuminates the feeling that is left behind. Showcased by an inspired male vocal bringing heat over a dark atmospheric R&B/trap beat, lyrics such as “my life’s a ghost town, when you’re not around” will hit home.

    Prior to “Cyclone,” songs by Restless World Music have won several songwriting awards, including five years in a row of recognition in the Great American Song Contest, with two first-place wins (in Pop in 2012 and in R&B in 2016). The Great American Song Contest recognized Restless World Music on Facebook for being one of only two songwriters in 17 years to win first-place honors in two of their songwriting categories.

    restless world music restless world music

  • Listen to the Soulful “Holding Me Down” by Danielle Ponder

    Rochester native Danielle Ponder, former public defender and now full time musician, has released her latest single “Holding Me Down.” Rife with emotion, “Holding Me Down” shares the pain and struggle found in relationships, and is the lead track on her upcoming album, due in Spring 2020.

    Ponder says of the upcoming album:

    This album is probably my most vulnerable work. I wrote this song one night at 2 am sitting at my dining room table. This song describes the struggle many have in relationships, the struggle between a heart that want to stay and a mind that want to go.

    Danielle has spent the past few years rendering goose bumps by perfecting her style, with charismatic performance. The result of her focus and dedication is a tone that is both enchanting and seductive, along with a riveting, honest stage presence. Her voice has helped secure gigs opening for powerhouses such as George Clinton, Ledisi and The Roots.

    “Holding me Down” was produced by John Viviani, whom Danielle Ponder previously worked with in the band Filthy Funk, with additional production by Dave Drago at his 1809 Studios. The song also features Tony Gallicho from Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad on organ.

    Danielle Ponder has an upcoming show on January 31 in Rochester. This special acoustic show will be open to only 300 attendees and will be held in the oldest building in Rochester. More details will be shared through Ponder’s website.

  • Goose announces 2020 dates with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong; headline Syracuse April 22

    Fast-rising indie-rock band Goose kick off 2020 with two sold out NYC shows, and then fly west to join Pigeons Playing Ping Pong for 13 shows on their first ever West Coast tour. The Norwalk, CT based group has taken flight this year, with notable performances at Peach Fest and sold out shows throughout their Fall Tour.

    Not only will Goose open for Pigeons to start 2020, they’ll be on the Rock Legends Cruise, setting sail in late February, then head to Pelham, TN to perform at The Caverns for a PBS special.

    Tickets are on sale now through Goose’s website.

    Goose 2020 Tour Dates

    January 24 — New York, NY
    January 25 — Brooklyn, NY

    February 5 — Tempe, AZ*
    February 6 — Solana Beach, CA*
    February 7 — West Hollywood, CA*
    February 8 — West Hollywood, CA*
    February 12 — San Luis Obisbo, CA*
    February 13 — Santa Cruz, CA*
    February 14 — San Francisco, CA*
    February 15 — San Francisco, CA*
    February 16 — Crystal Bay, NV*
    February 19 — Eugene, OR*
    February 20 — Bend, OR*
    February 21 — Portland, OR*
    February 22 — Seattle, WA*
    February 28-March 1 — Rock Legends Cruise
    March 27 — Pelham, TN
    April 16 — Asheville, NC
    April 17 — Raleigh, NC
    April 19 — Baltimore, MD
    April 22 — Syracuse, NY
    April 23 — Philadelphia, PA
    April 25 — Boston, MA
    April 26 — Boston, MA

    * with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

  • Antibalas introduces new single “Fight Am Finish,” plan two nights at Brooklyn Bowl in March

    Afrobeat legends Antibalas, fresh off celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2019, have just released their newest single, “Fight Am Finish.” The group will release their upcoming album Fu Chronicles on Daptone Records on February 7.

    antibalas fight am finish

    Singer Duke Amayo says of the track to Brooklyn Vegan:

    We have arrived at a time when we must be ‘Seshat in Red Gloves’ and punch throw the sand curtain of Lies and deceit.
    We must fight for the Truth.
    We must fight for Sustainability.
    We must fight for Peace.
    We must Fight for our Dreams.
    We must Fight am finish and never ever give up the good fight, for the Destiny of Truth is Exposure.

    Triple triple triple exposure!

    Antibalas will head out on an extensive winter/spring tour in 2020, with two shows at Brooklyn Bowl on March 20 and 21. Tickets are on sale Friday, November 22 at 12noon. Check out NYS Music’s gallery of their 20th anniversary performance at Brooklyn Bowl this past March.

    Antibalas 2020 Tour Dates

    Tuesday, February 11 — The Siren — San Luis Obispo, CA
    Wednesday, February 12 — Moe’s Alley — Santa Cruz, CA
    Thursday, February 13 — The Regent — Los Angeles, CA
    Friday, February 14 — The Independent — San Francisco, CA
    Saturday, February 15 — The New Parish — Oakland, CA
    Sunday, February 16 — The Independent — San Francisco, CA
    Thursday, February 20 — Neptune Theatre — Seattle, WA
    Friday, February 21 — Rickshaw Theater — Vancouver, BC
    Saturday, February 22 — PDX Jazz — Portland, OR
    Sunday, February 23 — The Olympic — Boise, ID
    Wednesday, February 26 — Knotty Pine — Victor ID
    Thursday, February 27 — The Commonwealth Room — Salt Lake City, UT
    Friday, February 28 — Washington’s — Fort Collins, CO
    Thursday, March 19 — The Sinclair — Boston, MA
    Friday, March 20 — Brooklyn Bowl — Brooklyn, NY
    Saturday, March 21 — Brooklyn Bowl — Brooklyn, NY
    Thursday, March 26 — Terminal West — Atlanta, GA
    Friday, March 27 — The Grey Eagle — Asheville, NC
    Saturday, March 28 — Cat’s Cradle — Carrboro, NC
    Friday, April 3 — Sleeping Village — Chicago, IL
    Saturday, April 4 — SPACE — Evanston, IL
    Friday, April 10 — Lee’s Palace — Toronto, ON
    Saturday, April 11 — Lee’s Palace — Toronto, ON
    Friday, April 17 — Theatre of The Living Arts — Philadelphia, PA

  • Karolina Rose adds noir alt-pop twist to Shakira’s “Objection”

    Emerging NYC alt-pop artist Karolina Rose has followed up her well-received single “Greytopia” with a dark spin on Shakira’s legendary “Objection.” The Shakira classic is a sexy yet playful story of a tortured love triangle, and is mirrored here in the indulgent production of Karolina’s high-class offering helmed by Elliot Jacobson (VÉRITÉ, Allie X, Elle King).

    Speaking about her take on “Objection,” Karolina explains: “She’s such a global, iconic superstar and I have loved her songs all my life. I randomly started belting out ‘Objection’ in between a session with my producer Elliot – he then encouraged me to cover the song while putting our own twist on it. We filmed with my friend’s baby to represent motherhood and the Divine Feminine strength. This decision was also intended to be an ode to Shakira, given that she posed with a baby on the iconic artwork for her Oral Fixation, Vol. 1 album.” 

    Compared to the glittery upbeat rhythms in “Greytopia”, the dusky groove of “Objection” perfectly exhibits Karolina’s versatile, unique brand of ‘noir rose pop’: alluring, seductive and layered, with a prick of danger.

    Often focusing on deeper perspectives in her music, the quickly-rising indie singer’s compelling twist on “Objection” sounds gloomier than the original, while still brilliantly channeling its sass, empowerment and frustration.  

    “Objection” is step two in Karolina’s upcoming visual EP project, which will witness the AWAL artist tell a tale of love, loss and healing through four spectacular video experiences. The future is clearly bright for Karolina Rose, a sensational artist unfolding who has the potential to reach the upper echelons of the pop sphere with several more enthralling anthems to come.

  • Roan Yellowthorn releases holiday single “I’ll be Home for Christmas”

    Confessional indie rock musician Roan Yellowthorn (aka Jackie McLean) has released her new holiday single, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Listen on all platforms here or below via Spotify.

    I'll be Home for Christmas
    Photo courtesy of roanyellowthorn.com

    Having released her debut studio album Indigo on Blue Élan Records in 2018, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” follows her previous holiday single, “River” (featuring Car Astor), which was released on November 1.

    ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ was recorded at Clearlake Studios in North Hollywood, CA. Accompanied by Ty Bailie (Katy Perry), this indie reworking of the classic is ethereal, moody, and melancholy, evoking at once both the wonder and nostalgia often felt during the holiday season.

    Roan will celebrate the release of her new singles with a showcase at Rockwood Music Hall on November 23 and will perform an Official Showcase at SXSW in Austin TX in March 2020. Full tour dates can be found below

    Nov 23 – Rockwood Music Hall, NYC

    Nov 30 – Monopole, Plattsburgh, NY

    Dec 16 – Sofar Sounds, NYC

    Dec 20 – Monopole, Plattsburgh, NY

    Jan 17 – Sofar Sounds, Boston, MA

    Jan 27 – Sofar Sounds, Boston, MA

    March TBD – SXSW, Austin, TX

  • Voodoo Dead to headline 14th Annual NolaFunk Mardi Gras Ball

    Voodoo Dead will headline the 14th Annual NolaFunk Mardi Gras Ball, to be held at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on February 6. The supergroup features Steve Kimock, Dead & Company’s Jeff Chimenti, moe.’s Al Schnier, John Morgan Kimock and The Meters’ George Porter Jr.

    With a recently announced tour that includes shows in Ardmore, PA and three shows in Japan, the group will also headline the 2020 Skull & Roses Festival, held annually in Ventura, CA, celebrating the music of the Grateful Dead.

    Tickets for both American shows go on sale Friday, November 22 at 12 noon.

    Voodoo Dead 2020 Tour Dates

    Feb. 5 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
    Feb. 6 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    Feb. 9 – Tokyo, Japan – Unit
    Feb. 11 – Yokohama, Japan – Bay Hall
    Feb. 12 – Osaka, Japan – Club Quattro
    Apr. 2 – Ventura, CA – Skull & Roses Festival

  • More than a dozen Jam for Tots shows planned across New York State this holiday season

    NYS Music is proud to announce 15 Jam for Tots shows around the Empire State this holiday season. Kicking off on November 27, each show will have a Toys for Tots box set up for patrons to donate gifts to kids in need.

    With a wide variety of artists, including Consider the Source, Runaway Gin, Annie in the Water, Tim Herron Corporation, Strange Machines, and Swedish metal guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, this annual series will connect live music fans with those most in need in their local communities.

    jam for tots

    Support kids in need this holiday season by bringing an unwrapped toy to any of the following shows. Jam for Tots is brought to you by NYS Music.

    Regional shows include:

    Mid-Hudson Valley

    Nov 27 Open Jam – Main Street Public House, Philmont

    Dec 5 Open Jam – The Stewart House, Athens

    Dec 7 Yngwie Malmsteen – The Chance, Poughkeepsie

    Dec 14 IS – Hilltop Bar and Tavern, Tannersville

    Westchester

    Dec 4 The Spadtastics – Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester

    North Country

    Dec 6 Hunter – The Monopole, Plattsburgh

    Western New York

    Dec 14 Strange Machines w/s/g Haewa- Flour City Station, Rochester

    Dec 20 PA Line “Chrismukkah Show” w/ Special Guests – Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo

    Capital Region

    Dec 14 Annie In The Water, The Deadbeats – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

    Dec 14 Consider the Source w/s/g Swimmer – The Hollow, Albany

    Central New York

    Dec 8 The Old Main – Woods Valley, Rome

    Dec 19 The Action! – Copper City Brewing Company, Rome

    Dec 28 Tim Herron Corporation – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

    New York City

    Dec 26 Runaway Gin – Knitting Factory, Brooklyn

    Massachusetts

    Nov 30 Fennario – Electric Haze, Worcester, MA

  • The Residents plan January live video concert of iconic “God in 3 Persons” album at Museum of Modern Art

    Legendary art rockers The Residents, in collaboration with celebrated video artist John Sanborn, will perform their epic 1988 album, God In 3 Persons, at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City on January 24 and 25, 2020. The performances will include eleven performers, featuring a live seven-piece music ensemble. Audiences will witness the terrifying gospel of Mr. X and The Holy Twins, brought to life by legendary SF-based art rockers.

    The story of God In 3 Persons will be told using lurid multi-layered video projections created by Sanborn while The Residents provide live accompaniment with vocalist Laurie Amat.

    God In 3 Persons will be directed for performance by Travis Chamberlain with musical direction by Joshua Raoul Brody and puppetry and background design by Leigh Barbier. Steve Saporito produces.

    In this propulsive and brooding rock oratorio, The Residents’ anonymous lead singer, performing as Mr. X, preaches of his encounters with a pair of ambiguously gendered conjoined twins (portrayed on video by noted genderqueer porn star Jiz Lee). Their physical union has magical healing powers…or so he claims! A confession of faith-mongering complicated by a crisis of desire, God in 3 Persons functions as a darkly twisted cautionary tale about the risk of losing yourself in the process of refusing to accept others in their entirety.

    God in 3 Persons is sung in rhythmic spoken word fashion, similar to the talking blues, and driven by a bombastic and dynamic score derived entirely from the first few bars of the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy,” along with the melodic hook from the Swinging Medallions 1966 hit “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love.” Despite being one of their most critically successful albums and a fan favorite, God in 3 Persons has never toured as a concert or live performance.

    Performances are January 24 and January 25m with tickets $12 for the general public and free for museum members. Tickets will go on sale at MoMA’s website on January 10 at 9:30 am (for the Jan. 24 show) and January 11 at 9:30 am (for the Jan. 25 shows). 

    Special merchandise is available through an IndieGoGo set up by The Residents for the upcoming performance at MoMA.

    Since their first official release, Santa Dog, in 1972, The Residents have released over sixty albums, numerous music videos and short films, three CD-ROM projects, and ten DVDs. They have undertaken ten major tours and scored multiple films and are considered pioneers in exploring the potential of CD-ROM and similar technologies, having won several awards for their multimedia projects.

    Ralph Records, a record label focusing on avant-garde music, was started by the band. Throughout the group’s existence, the individual members have ostensibly attempted to operate under anonymity, preferring instead to have attention focused on their art output. In public, the group appears silent and costumed, often wearing eyeball helmets, top hats and tails — a long-lasting costume now recognized as its signature iconography.

    In addition to their groundbreaking work in the areas of trance, world fusion, electronica, punk, industrial and lounge music, the group has also been credited with being among the originators of performance art and music video. Two of their videos are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art and their Freak Show CD- ROM has recently been featured in MoMA’s “Looking at Music 3.0” exhibition. The Theory of Obscurity, a documentary about The Residents, premiered at SXSW in 2015.