NYS Music 20​19

Author: Sean Nevison

  • Interview: Oliver Wood Returns To Upstate With Two New Albums

    Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards is set to host The Wood Brothers and Lake Street Dive with an incredible night of music on July 26 in the rolling hills of Central NY. Lake Street Dive is touring behind their 2018 album Free Yourself Up. The Wood Brothers, fresh off a Grammy nomination for “One Drop Of Truth,” will share the bill. Oliver Wood took time to speak to NYS Music to share the news on two new upcoming Wood Brothers albums, their new studio in Nashville, life on the road, his love for cookies and much more.

    oliver wood
    Dan Smalls Presents

    Sean Nevison: So tell me about the tour with Lake Street Dive?

    Oliver Wood: Oh it was awesome, and it’s not completely over. We have a few more shows left and it’s a really good pairing….if I was going to a show I’d love to go to that show!

    SN: We are stoked to see you guys up here at Beak And Skiff.

    OW: What a beautiful spot, we’ve done that show a couple of times and just love playing there!

    SN: Are there future tour plans after these shows with LSD?

    OW: We’ve got tour with Colter Wall which is in August. He’s a singer songwriter from Canada who is amazing. We have our first headlining show at Red Rocks, Colorado in September which we are very excited about.

    SN:  Who else is on the bill for RR?

    OW: Two incredible bands are opening, Fruition and Steep Canyon Rangers.  We have played RR as a support act several times over the years and we are so excited to headline. Chris and I grew up in Boulder, so that was where I saw my first concerts.

    SN: So changing gears, how did you feel about the grammy nomination this year for “One Drop of Truth” as Best Americana Album?

    OW: Well it was quite cool, we’ve been doing this for a long time.  Sometimes you can get kinda jaded and think that stuff is rigged, which it most likely is. But it is so rewarding because this is the first album that is self produced and on our own label (Honey Jar Records). So I feel like we made the right decision, we wanted to be more independent, creatively and financially, but especially the creative part, to be able to go into your own bubble and not have anyone mess with it.

    SN: Where was “One Drop Of Truth” recorded?

    OW: It was recorded in two studios in Nashville, and mixed four times by different people. We recorded mostly at Studio Nashville with our buddy Brooks Sutton. We have now actually opened our own studio with Brooks, we liked working with him so much! Now we have our own production facility and it’s awesome, we’re working on a new record right now. Anyhow, it was kinda cool when we were at our most independent state and made all our own choices that we got that recognition, I think it’s a good record and I’m proud of it, I mean I think we’ve made good ones before… but man I’m really proud of that.

    SN: So your new space is in Nashville?

    OW: Yeah man, it’s run by our buddy Brooks, but as partners we can go in and record, rehearse and write whenever. It’s a huge luxury and it’s making these new sessions so much fun. It’s like we are our own independent artist with a little playground.

    SN: This new record will be done in the new space?

    OW: Yes, it will be the first one 100% in there and comes out right after the first of the new year. And we’re finishing up a live album that comes out this fall.

    SN: That’s the Fillmore album?

    OW: Yeah, that’s the Fillmore in San Fransisco.

    SN: So you started just with your brother, tell me about your progression as a band?

    OW: Well it just started as my brother and I, him on upright bass and me on steel guitar and we toured around in a little mini van. Both of us had been on other projects and this was our chance to play together which we had never done besides jamming as teenagers at our parents house. So we started doing that, made a record, got a deal and we were lucky that Chris was established with Medeski Martin and Wood so we were taken on by his management and booking.

    What I brought was the songs I had from all these years of playing in other bands that I took and added some new tunes to and we did that first Wood Brothers album. A few years later, we started playing bigger stages and we said we need a third person to round this out and rock a bit more to get some sonic variety. So we hired Jano on percussion, not knowing what an amazing keys player and singer he was. He could just throw these third harmonies like it was nothing.  He can drum, play keys and harmonize all at the same time, it’s like having two musicians with us.  He is also just a great dude and has become part of our family.

    SN: Can you tell me about your writing process?

    OW: Oh man, it’s all over the place. Chris and I both have notebooks. Our favorite way to compile music is to just jam with the three of us, record it, listen to the grooves. We like to play spontaneously with each other and not worry about the song and just play.  That’s been a really fruitful way to come up with music. So we cut those recordings up and we can sometimes use them for a master track or to help the writing progress.

    SN: Your last live recording (Live At The Barn), I was fortunate to attend, could you talk about playing Levon Helm Studios and playing venues in Upstate NY?

    OW: Boy that was amazing. Well when we started The Wood Brothers Chris actually liveed in Saugerties while I lived in Atlanta. In those early days, my brother lived not far from the barn and he got to know Amy Helm and we got very close with those folks and got invited to those rambles. I have very fond memories of playing all over the place up there: Syracuse, Buffalo, Ithaca, Saratoga, Albany, all those places are awesome! I feel like the people of Upstate are just so passionate about their music.

    SN: Who do you listen to when you create and who influences you?

    OW: Man there are so many of them. We get inspiration from everything like Jimmy Reed, J.B.Lenoir that’s been huge Louisiana blues guy, his record Passionate Blues we always go back to and get cool drumbeat ideas. Then there is Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Sly Stone, The Pointer Sisters and all kinds of things we play and listen to when we set up our gear or get ready to record. A lot of cool old gospel music. Los Lobos, I’m crazy about, we are all crazy about. We run into them at festivals sometimes, but we’re huge fans. They are an American treasure, they are the best American band out there I think.

    SN: So you’ve met some of your heroes and some people look up to you. What is the best wisdom you’ve received about balancing life on the road, family and your art?

    OW: I’m glad you said balance. Some of these folks live the music life to the extreme and the rest of their life can fall apart. I’m not that guy, I have a family that I take so much inspiration from. So I try to keep it connected, and it is a challenge, being away is a challenge. But the wisdom I’ve garnered the last few years in being a musician, a touring one, is that creating music and performing is about connecting with people and connecting people. It is not about money or fame or accolades, it’s not about that stuff. 

    It’s a a huge sacrifice to be out on he road and be away from your family and you go out and you’re like what the hell I am doing, its like I’m floating. But then someone will walk up, or send an email or write a letter and say hey your music really got me through some hard times, thank you. Something like that happens and I say man it really is worth it, this really is important. 

    As far as words of wisdom, when a room full of people are singing together, not for me or my pleasure, but the feeling of everyone singing and being connected. It’s such a moment where we are all one and equal and joyous, that’s what it’s all about.  It’s not that other stuff. I mean the other stuff can be fun but traveling loses it’s charm and money only goes so far if you even make any.  People applauding you is awesome, but it’s not the ultimate part of this job.

    SN: In the end you only have memories you create with people; you connected and connect with, right?

    OW: Exactly, you can leave something healthy for them, to warm their hearts or connect them or if it’s a song people listen to  when they are down…that is a huge thing!

    SN: So just to finish with two fun questions, my friend Aurora who does marketing for Ray Brothers BBQ another Upstate venue…

    OW: Oh yeah man, they wrote us the sweetest letter and we hope we can stop by there sometime!

    SN: They are great folks. Her question is: what is your favorite road trip snack?

    OW: Oh wow. Hmmm. That’s a great question. I’m kind of a sweet tooth guy, so I’d say just an amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie. That’s tough to beat, haha.

    SN: Everyone on earth could get on board with that! Final question, do you like puppets and which is your favorite if so?

    OW: Oh man, that’s so tough. I love the muppets, my whole family does.  I’m actually looking at cookie monster so we will tie it in to the cookie concept and say that.  Man I’m not sure why, but there is literally a blue cookie monster looking at me on my kitchen table right now.  It’s meant to be!

  • Mountain Man Sold Out Levon Helm Studios for Intimate Performance

    The sun shone across the beautiful woods, and glistened on nearby lakes, surrounding Levon Helm Studios as fans gathered in eager anticipation of Mountain Man. Zephyr, the barn pup, greeted each car at these hallowed grounds. It was peaceful, as the sold out crowd entered one of New York States most treasured venues, last Saturday, June 1.

    Zephyr the barn dog, and official greeter.

    Singer songwriter from Toronto, Doug Paisley, began the evening with a cozy set of original songs from his new album, Strong Feelings, recorded in his hometown. His beautiful imagery synced brilliantly with intricate guitar work. Paisley also charmed the audience with his storytelling, setting the mood for a very intimate show.

    Mountain Man took the stage, surrounding one microphone. Amelia Meath, Alexendra Sauser-Monnig and Erin Sarle all took turns on lead vocals, switching places and positions to find their perfect harmony points. Sarle and Sauser-Monnig also alternated on the guitar for several songs throughout the evening. The performance was stunning and mesmerized the audience. One could hear a pin drop at any point of the evening, excluding a thunderous applause after each song.

    The performance felt like you were sitting around a campfire in the woods, or at a laid back house party with best friends. It carried a wonderful weight and elegant presence that left all applauding and wanting more. Each of the three women made everyone feel comfortable and at ease with laid back jokes and stories.

    The night before they had actually returned to Bennington, VT where they all met eight years ago and began Mountain Man, during College. Judging from the response they received at Levon Helm Studios and their tour dates quickly selling out, we are certainly lucky that they met all those years ago, and have reunited again.

    For Mountain Man tour dates, and to get their new album ‘Magic Ship’ check HERE.

    For upcoming shows at Levon Helm Studios follow this link HERE.

  • Ray Brothers BBQ Opens Yard Amphitheater’s Fourth Season With Benefit Show

    On a beautiful Memorial Day, Ray Brothers BBQ kicked off their fourth season of live music with a concert featuring The Lightkeepers, paris_monster and Chris Eves & The New Normal. “The 4th Annual Backyard BBQ” was a benefit show with ticket sales going to 4 Animal Adoption agencies in the area.

    The Lightkeepers hit the stage first with classic rock covers and original tunes from their new SAMMY-nominated album Poor Man’s Blues. Lead singer Jes Sheldon has an incredible energy and charm that captures the audience and certainly sparks the band. The Lightkeepers ripped through their set and left a smoking crater on the stage.

    Luckily for the huge crowd that came, that crater was filled shortly afterwards by the duo paris_monster. It is difficult to categorize their music, but in a very good way. You have not seen anything like these two, and the sound they put out is mesmerizing. With a driving bass line and synth fills, Geoff Kraly fits perfectly with singer, keys player and drummer Josh Dion. Their incredible set ended with Chris Eves (high school friend of Geoff) joining the duo on guitar for the final two songs, trading solos throughout. It’s no wonder Turkauz picked these guys to open for them on their West Coast tour. paris_monster has also been touring heavily, not only throughout the United States but Europe as well.

    paris_monster

    As the sun began to set, Chris Eves & The New Normal began the final set of the night. Chris and his band tore into some covers ranging from The Grateful Dead to Michael Jackson. The band also debuted several new songs from an album that will be released shortly. Everyone was grooving and swaying as the music filled the rolling hills of Central New York. It’s a wonder the beautiful amphitheater is still standing after all of these rocking sets! The audience definitely got their money’s worth with these three incredible bands, delicious BBQ Nachos, tacos, half chickens and pork, not to mention puppies and cats to pet and adopt. If you have never been or are a regular to this outdoor venue, it is a summer must. Colin and Tucker Ray have cultivated another great line up this season along with a wonderful atmosphere for live music. You can check out the rest of the line up and get tickets to The Yard Amphitheater at Ray Brother’s BBQ HERE as well as Instagram and Facebook.

    Chris Eves & The New Normal

  • Hearing Aide: Doom Boys ‘All I See Is Doom’

    Doom Boys are a new three piece band from Upstate New York with a brand new EP titled, All I See Is Doom. The five-song record was released April 19, and is available on CD and streaming services. The band consists of Zach Collins (Same Blood Folk, Son Bully) on lead vocals and guitar, Alex Lavon (Rabbit In The Rye, Byclops) on bass guitar and Blaze DiStefano on drums.

    Doom Boys formed after New York City studio musician, DiStefano, relocated Upstate and the trio began recording in his home studio. This EP delves deep into the human psyche and struggle of a cynical world, lyrically. Collin’s writing is very timely, and although dark, it has elements of hope in notion that we are all in this together. One can tell that over the two years the group has been playing together, they have become very tight. The title track, “All I See Is Doom,” is a raucous journey of heavy blues, straight rock-and-roll, and an element of intense garage fuzz. All three band members have been playing professionally for over a decade and the mix on this EP is exquisite. Each player clearly celebrates the talent of one another and it comes through in this superb recording.

    Blaze DiStefano, Zach Collins, Alex Lavon

    All I See Is Doom rips through each track with incredible lyrics and a synergy in the sound, that builds and crescendos in a wave of hits that will rock you down to your core. If you are a fan of The Black Keys, The White Stripes or old school blues musicians, this record will be right up your alley. The Doom Boys have produced an excellent first EP and have a bright future with this bold and loud new sound. Up until the surprise ending, as they take a shot at themselves, “All I See Is Doom” creates a unique and fresh identity, and then-some.

    Key Tracks: All I See Is Doom, All My Heroes, Teeth

  • Los Lobos Rock Out At Center For The Arts Of Homer

    A beautiful thin layer of fresh snow covered the quaint and “Rockwellian” village of Homer, NY on an early Spring evening. That did not keep anyone away from the sold out Los Lobos show at the Center for The Arts of Homer on Sunday.

    Many traveled from Syracuse, Ithaca, Cortland and many other villages and towns throughout Central New York to enjoy this remarkable venue. The night began with an acoustic trio; members of the band sang traditional Mexican folk songs.  Their energy could barely be contained and their joy was palpable throughout the entire room.  As the set progressed saxophone, keys and finally drums were added. After another traditional number dedicated to “our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico,” the band sizzled up through the set break, closing with the first and only English language song of set one. The sound was swelling through the renovated church and many in the audience took to the aisles to dance.

    Los Lobos Homer
    After a brief intermission, Los Lobos continued to rock the stage, covering tunes from their catalog that spans 46 years. The instrumentation was driven by the percussion and very strong back line which allowed for other members to take turns on smoking hot guitar leads, swinging accordion melodies, runs on the keys and saxophone solos that often times reminded the audience of the driving rock of the band Morphine. One could almost taste the history and blend of blues, rock, Mexican rhythms and feel the looseness and ease in how the band crafted each song together.
    It was a masterclass, played in an incredible room.  It is such a rarity in this day and age to find an audience in the moment. Center for The Arts of Homer can thank their fans for creating a listening room experience, so important for the enjoyment of the fans and players alike.  The great volunteer staff made everyone feel at home and the venue experience as a whole was warm and welcoming. No matter if you were on the ground floor or balcony, there is truly not a bad seat.  The sound was mixed very well and captured the richness and quality of the band that can best be described as a heartwarming experience.
    Los Lobos Homer
    Los Lobos played an excellent show and after playing mostly originals and traditionals, they ripped through the final few songs, getting the audience on their feet, clapping and stomping along.  “Bertha” was followed by “I Got Loaded” and the standing ovation lasted for the entire 5 minutes until the boys came back out for the encore and closed the show with a stellar cover of “Cinnamon Girl.”
    The people at Center For The Arts of Homer have struck music gold.  Their upcoming program continues to showcase many great regional and national artists. This is a “must visit” venue with an intimate feel and an audience that appreciates the performers’ integrity. After the show multi-instrumentalist Louie Perez had this to say, “Having this much fun should be illegal! There is certainly something special about this place and these people and you could see that tonight!”

  • Los Blancos Bring Feeling To Historic Earlville Opera House

    On the first truly warm day in Central NY, Los Blancos, took the stage at a Historic Theater. The Earlville Opera House was built in 1890 and has survived many changes throughout its history, with the most recent phase beginning in 1970. Los Blancos keys/harp player Max Eyle’s father was actually in attendance and was the first Director of this beautiful theater.

    Just as the day, the room was warm with an excited audience, intent on hearing Los Blancos debut show at the famed Opera House. The sound in this space was perfect for the band’s very intimate performance.  One could almost compare a show here to a classic episode of VH1 Storytellers.  Colin Aberdeen, on guitar and lead vocals, seemed to sense this and kept the crowd laughing between songs with tales of the various incarnations of his band, playing bar rooms and theaters and everything in between, as well as shenanigans over 25 years of playing regionally and touring.

    [bs-quote quote=”Man it feels like we are playing at a campfire in here and I’m setting my drink on the back of a pickup…This is an incredible and legendary place, with so many icons having played here before. You can really feel it and it’s an honor to be here.” style=”style-2″ align=”center” color=”#dd3333″ author_name=”Colin Aberdeen” author_job=”Los Blancos, Guitar”][/bs-quote]

    The Syracuse based band used this show to play many original songs. Of the few covers, Los Blanks dug deep into blues/americana with Dan Penn and Earle King. With Aberdeen’s lead and Steve Winston’s solid bass playing, Eyle was allowed room to get the blues driven tunes in full gear. Lenny Milano held a steady backbeat on the vintage house drum kit from 1965 to complete this foursome with perfect fills, choosing his moments.

    Los Blancos as a whole, played the room astonishingly well, earning ovations for solos and commanding the attention of the room. Listening in this mostly wooden space, sounded like a live album that had already been mixed down. It is no wonder both the band and The Earlville Opera House have been at it so long.

    The band was able to fuze elements of swing, down home blues, and on some of the slower tunes, a campfire feel that set the tone. Aberdeen actually mentioned this in the second set addressing the audience: “Man it feels like we are playing at a campfire in here and I’m setting my drink on the back of a pickup.” During intermission he spoke about the history of the theater, which boasts many incredible performers over the years. “This is an incredible and legendary place, with so many icons having played here before. You can really feel it and it’s an honor to be here.” Los Blancos has over 200 songs in their repertoire and asked if they made a setlist Aberdeen said, “Sometimes we have an idea, but man we just play what feels right for the room.”

    Photo contributed by Sean Nevison

    Theater Director, Michelle Connelly, noted that “We are thrilled to have Los Blancos here tonight! They are a true burst of energy with heart and soul and they blew the roof of the place tonight!” The concert tonight was a testament to the theater’s great programming and care in every detail of the show.  The audience could see it in the smiles of the players, and the mutual respect could be felt as each song was enjoyed thoroughly be this very attentive crowd.

    If you are around the Syracuse area, make sure to look out for Los Blancos. They are true masters of their crafts and very humble musicians. The audience was won over from the very beginning with the band’s playing and charm. There is certainly something special about Earlville Opera House as well, that brings the best out of its performers – creating a positive and fun atmosphere, in one of the best listening rooms in New York State. This is a must see theater and one of the few Opera Houses left. The first floor is also an art gallery and there are many special events throughout the year as well.