NYS Music 20​19

Category: Media

  • Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Leftover Salmon release sounds in support of Backline

    On the heels of the Jeff Austin tribute show ‘What the Night Brings,’ Backline has announced the release of two singles by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Leftover Salmon, both of whom have joined Backline as partners.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong released “Dawn a New Day,” a psychedelia-inspired lyric video via Billboard in announcing their partnership with Backline, in an effort to help those struggling with mental health “dawn a new day.” Contributions to Backline’s “Dawn A New Day” fundraiser can be made .

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong singer and guitarist Greg Ormont said in a statement:

    “Our new single ‘Dawn A New Day’ is all about looking on the sunny side of life. We’ve been fortunate to be able to spread that message of positivity to The Flock for years now, and we’re always looking for even more ways to give back. While we always encourage people to ‘dawn a new day’ when they’re experiencing a difficult chapter in their lives, we also recognize that it’s easier said than done. It made perfect sense to partner with Backline around this single to help raise awareness about mental health and offer a direct line to mental health resources for those who need it. We’re honored to give back to the music community in this way and we’re determined to find even more ways to help people ‘dawn a new day’ moving forward.”

    Likewise, Leftover Salmon, a band with a close connection to the late Jeff Austin, released “Songs You’ve Left Unsung” as a tribute their dear friend. The song was penned by Leftover Salmon bassist Greg Garrison and is available via Backline.Care in a ‘pay what you want’ format.

    Greg Garrison shared the following about “Songs You’ve Left Unsung” and his memories of his friend:

    “I first met Jeff Austin when we were in 7th grade. Through the 80’s and 90’s, we somehow always wound up in the same places at the same times…Rolling Meadows, IL as kids, Decatur and Urbana, IL during our college years, and eventually Colorado as adults. And then, maybe predictably, as members of touring bands in the same scene. “Songs You’ve Left Unsung” is a reflection on some of these times…the verses move chronologically, starting in Illinois and winding up in Colorado. The chorus is meant to be bittersweet but also hopeful for those of us that are still here writing songs, experiencing music, raising families and living life with all of its turbulent ups and downs.”

    Garrison spoke of his connection to Backline, noting:

    “I think their mission is exceptionally important; providing mental health and wellness support to people in the music industry while also providing an opportunity for those of us who deal with issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse to share our stories. Hopefully, these stories will provide comfort, clarity, support, inspiration and a helping hand to anyone who is in need.”

    Backline is a hub for music industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources. Backline has partnered with leading support organizations and care providers to streamline access to a wealth of services and educational resources specifically geared towards this work and lifestyle. A hub to discover existing organizations, unique content, peer networks, and case managers who can help create a plan that addresses your unique mental health and wellness challenges–on and off the road, the website was created by music industry professionals for music industry professionals. More information is available at Backline.care.

    PPPP will perform in Buffalo December 13-14 at Town Ballroom, with Lespecial supporting them on December 13. For a full list of upcoming tour dates visit Pigeons’ website.

    Leftover Salmon are currently on tour, with Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman embarking on an acoustic tour in December with New York dates in February.

  • Grateful Shred Opens East West Tour With Three Night Run at Brooklyn Bowl

    With no shortage of bands playing homage to the Grateful Dead catalog, Los Angeles based Grateful Shred is quickly distinguishing themselves in this crowded space. The band welcomed Adam MacDougall, formerly of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and bandmate of bassist Dan Horne with Circles Around the Sun, on B3 and keyboards to kick off their East West tour last night at the Brooklyn Bowl. This was the first of three consecutive shows at the Bowl and second such run this calendar year after an earlier run this past March. Joining MacDougall were founding members Horne and guitar trio Austin McCutchen, Sam Blasucci, and Clay Finch, along with a pair of drummers.

    Grateful Shred

    The three guitar format is largely responsible for what gives Grateful Shred their signature sound, and likely their name as well, though Horne’s bass is also a driving force. MacDougall made his presence known early and often, treating the crowd to some masterful work on the Hammond and Moog. “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” a Rolling Stones tune from the JGB catalog, got the crowd into an early groove, Sam Blasucci on lead vocals. Like one of those old what’s wrong with this picture cartoons, it might take the casual observer a minute to notice that southpaw Blasucci is shredding his lefty solos on a righty guitar played upside down, a la Jimi Hendrix. “New Minglewood Blues” was next with a fierce solo from MacDougall before a return to the JGB catalog with Jimmy Cliff’s “Harder They Come.” “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire on the Mountain” preceded the set, closing with “Deal.”

    Grateful Shred

    The second set got underway with a frenzied “Cumberland Blues” featuring gorgeous harmonies from the three guitarists on top of a sweltering bass line from Horne. “Mexicali Blues” was next, the third song of the night with blues in the title. “Reuben and Cerise” was the first JGB cover actually written by Garcia with lyrics by Robert Hunter, though the Grateful Dead did play it four times, as well. A lovely “Mississippi Half-Step” sung by Clay with piercing solos to match was up next before a “Playing in the Band” > “Mountains of the Moon” > “Playing in the Band” combination that went deep and got a little spacey, sans drum solo.

    The set closed with a final offering from the JGB catalog, Allen Toussaint’s “Get Out of My Life Woman” before a fiery “Jack Straw” closed. After a brief respite, “US Blues” took the encore slot and wrapped up the 90-minute set.

    Grateful Shred

    Grateful Shred returns to Brooklyn Bowl to finish their run Friday and Saturday before heading back to California to finish the East West tour. All three Brooklyn Bowl shows have free webcasts on the Relix channel. Check out last night’s stream below.

    Set One: Let’s Spend the Night Together, New Minglewood Blues, Harder They Come, Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain, Deal.

    Set Two: Cumberland Blues, Mexicali Blues, Reuben and Cerise, Mississippi Half-Step, Playin’ in the Band > Mountains of the Moon > Playing in the Band, Get Out of My Life Woman, Jack Straw.

    Encore: U.S. Blues.

  • In Focus: Marshall Tucker Band Keeps Southern Rock Alive At The Skyloft

    The Marshall Tucker Band was ‘born’ in Spartanburg, S.C. when Doug Gray teamed up with Tommy and Toy Caldwell, Paul T. Riddle, George McCorkle, and Jerry Eubanks. The name “Marshall Tucker” came from a piano tuner whose name was found on a key ring in their old rehearsal space. In 1973 Marshall Tucker Band opened for The Allman Brothers Band, and the following year, they began to headline their own shows.

    Marcus James Henderson – Multi-instrumentalist

    The SkyLoft in Albany, NY Crossgates Mall, was almost at full capacity on Saturday night, November 2, 2019. The crowd cheered as Doug Gray, the only original member of The Marshall Tucker Band, took center stage.
    At 71, and fronting the band since 1972, he still held his own.

    Gray almost took on the part of an orchestra conductor, when he wasn’t belting out a crowd favorite. He would share the moments with the highly talented band members, who proved their musical chops, which included a 13-minute version of the bands’ well-received hit, “Can’t You See.”

    “This is one song that’s played eight million times on the radio,” Gray told the crowd. “I want you to sing it with us.” And they did. Gray handed the microphone to two fans in the front row, and they sang a few bars. He then tossed his tambourine into the audience, and the crowd cheered again. You can see the appreciation in Gray’s eyes. The moment, it seemed, to say thank you for all the support over so many years. Truly, this must be what it is all about.

    With many southern rock bands, such as The Allman Brothers not performing any longer, and Lynyrd Skynyrd on their last tour, The Marshall Tucker Band kept the genre going. Today, the band members have all changed, with the exception of Gray. B.B. Borden is on drums, Tony Black, bass and vocals, Marcus James Henderson, commands keyboard, saxophone, flute, and vocals. Chris Hicks and Rick Willis shred the guitar and vocals.

    Fans become part of the show as Gray hands over the mic

    Similar to many of the crooners still touring of his generation, Gray did not sing on every song, he stuck to the classics and let the younger crew take charge, and take charge they did. Each band member had at least one showcase of their talent, with Henderson and his multi-instrumentals taking much of the spotlight. Chris Hicks wailed on guitar and vocals, sounding strong. After “Take The Highway,” Borden did an amazingly-energetic drum solo, which caused standing fans to inch closer into the magic. Recent American Idol finalist, Madison VanDenburg, made a brief visit to take the stage, and tambourine. The generation gap was evident, as she didn’t know the song as Gray tried to prompt her.

    If you are able to see this show, you owe it to yourself to do so. One can only hope the hard work and extended tour will help keep this genre alive for many more generations.

    Chris Hicks

    One of the few bands of this generation still doing an extended tour. You can find many upcoming shows on the band’s website

    Setlist: “Running like the Wind”, This Old Cowboy”, “Hillbilly Band”, “Take the Highway”, “Blue Ridge”, “Fire on the Mountain”, “24 Hours”, “Midnight Promises”, ” I’ll Be Loving You”, “Can’t you See”.

  • 2nd Generation Wu Release Debut Single

    The Wu Tang Clan legacy is alive and well, and is being carried on through the children of some of the iconic group’s more charismatic members. 2nd Generation Wu is comprised of iNTeLL (son of U-God), PXWER (son of Method Man), SUN GOD (son of Ghostface Killah), and Young Dirty Bastard (son of the late Old Dirty Bastard).

    While they each have their own respective solo careers and records, the second generation rappers have decided to come together to continue the legacy left by their fathers, and have taken the first step in doing so, with the release of “7.O.D.”

    The Jojo Pellegrino and J. Glaze produced record sees the younger Wu’s put their own spin on the Wu-Tang Clan’s most recognizable song, C.R.E.A.M.  The record, while an ode to the legends that preceded them, does not stop the young emcees from distinguishing themselves and making it their own.

    Aside from delivering their own personal lyrical warfare throughout the song, the famous line that Method Man employs on the original record, “Cash rules everything around me C.R.E.A.M., get the money, dollar, dollar bill y’all,” has been changed to, “God made everything around me, forget about the money, none of it is real y’all.” Showing that the new Wu is quite aware of their different upbringing, proving the content won’t always be the same. One thing that seems to be everlasting though, is the grittiness of the beats and the rhymes.

  • Hearing Aide: Citris ‘Delusions of Glamour’

    Brooklyn’s Citris has an animated energy synonymous with an experienced on the L-Train, when some bare chested entrepreneurs decided to bust into a dance routine. It’s a flash of joy when the rest of the day remains unsurprising; it’s that sort of spontaneity and uncertainty that Delusions of Glamour inspires.

    Citris has grunge rock principles, but remind listeners of experimental metal. While they’ve been described as a ‘pop grunge act,’ “Hell is a Place on Earth” vibrated with metal nuances, instantly. It’s Gwar infused with System of a Down’s political and social angst.

    Cirtis’ Angelina Torreano experiments with vocal passages, vocoder layering, and finds a way to lyrically loop varying emotional moods within a single song.

    Delusions of Glamour will also appeal to fans of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors. It has solid, intricate drumming, lyrical themes of toxic relationships and societal disagreements, and incredible instrumentation throughout. They’re never scared to have intricate harmonies, with little bass lines like in the song “Genetic Makeup” that keep your ears glued to the track. Citris is a group to stream and enjoy during the remaining bitter sweet days of autumn.

    Key Tracks: Genetic Makeup, Hell is a Place on Earth

  • Jeffrey Martin and The Sea The Sea Sing for Folks in Rochester

    A Saturday night crowd, on a Monday, settled in for a wonderful night of folk songs in the cozy and warm exposed-brick confines of Restaurant Good Luck. Honest Folk Presents brought in two great artists representing both coasts. The crowd was familiar with Portland Oregon’s Jeffrey Martin, making his third stop at the venue. The Sea The Sea, from the much closer Troy, however, were making their first appearance in Rochester and would open the night.

    A male/female duo, featuring Mira and Chuck Costa, The Sea The Sea moved effortlessly between electric and acoustic guitars, a small percussion setup and an even smaller keyboard, mixing different combinations of sounds. Regardless of the instrumentation, their beautiful two-part harmonies were the true highlight throughout the night. It was remarkable how perfect their voices blended together, making a signature sound. They featured them so regularly that it started to become two parts of a single voice. On the rare occasions when only one voice rang out, it was almost as if one of the channels on the stereo was faulty.

    The pair has spent a good deal of the past year on the road, and also recently relocated to Troy, both of which have been providing inspiration for a bevy of fresh new tunes, some of which they shared, like “Foreign Country” and “Stumbling Home.” Most of the set was filled with their more well-worn material, like the palindromic “Love We Are We Love” and the familial “Good For Something.” They rounded those out with two choice covers, the Bob Dylan deep cut “I’ll Keep It With Mine,” and “No Love Today” from the under-appreciated songwriter Chris Smither.

    Jeffrey Martin was last on the Good Luck stage almost exactly two years to the day from this night. It was in fact the Monday after the end of daylight savings, just as it was on his previous visit. Martin’s music doesn’t really evoke blue skies and sunshine, so the fact that it was middle-of-the-night dark throughout the show, which ended at the Monday-friendly hour of 9:45, was very welcome. Perhaps it was both genius and coincidence.

    For an hour Martin held court on the Good Luck stage, telling stories both in song and out. Though sometimes it was hard to tell the difference, as he noodled on his guitar during his between-song bantering and there was just something lyrical about the way he spoke. Some of the stories spanned the songs that interjected, and the songs always related somehow with the stories. Some of the stories inspired the songs, sometimes real life followed the songs, and other times the story and the song were one and the same. Stories, songs, acoustic guitar and a rich singular voice made for about as pure a folk show as you can achieve. Seems so simple, and yet it’s so hard to achieve, but Jeffrey Martin pulled it off with a natural and unfettered brilliance. It’s no wonder Honest Folk has booked him again and again.

    As for the next Honest Folk show, they’ve just announced twin-brother outfit, appropriately named The Brother Brothers, who will be at The Arbor Loft on Wednesday December 11. Tickets are on sale now at early bird pricing for a limited time.

  • Philly electro-rockers Tweed make “Moves” in retro workout video

    With a wildly colorful, multi-screen retro workout music video, Philadelphia’s Tweed had fun in style with the release of “Moves.” The electro-rock powerhouse puts on a bright display of 80s-themed jazzercise and old-school fitness in a Wes Anderson-esqe compilation. Driven by an undeniable groove of thick bass, smooth vocals, and electrifying melody, the song is something you can kick back with, or dance to.

    Tweed cites hometown heroes The Disco Biscuits and Lotus as inspiration, but their music draws from indie rock, electronica, and disco – a combo of Phoenix meets Daft Punk. Having recently added violinist and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Field to the band, you can expect something unique from this lineup as Tweed prepares to release their debut full-length album.

    “The song (“Moves”) was a collaboration since its inception,” notes Tweed drummer, Joe Vela. “From writing in a cabin we rented in North Carolina while on tour, producing with Jeff “Mud” Mahajan and Jesse Miller of Lotus in the studio, to designing the film shoot with our director, Nicholas J Piser, and the help from our film team who made it happen, it was a big team effort.”

    “Moves,” the single for the video, is out now on all streaming platforms and will be featured on Tweed’s debut full-length of the same name expected before the end of 2019. Having already performed at Camp Bisco, Peach Festival, Beardfest, and their hometown curated SENSORiUM Festival, the band has their eyes set on a big 2020.

    Upcoming Fall shows

    11/27 Sprout Music Collective – West Chester, PA

    11/30 The Shaskeen – Manchester, NH

  • Indie Argentine-American Belén Cusi releases video for “Estrella Fugaz”

    Belén Cusi, an Argentine-American singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn has unveiled the video for her second single, “Estrella Fugaz” (Shooting Star). Shot over the course of six months around Manhattan and Brooklyn, “Estrella Fugaz” was directed by Tatiana del Fuego, among a diverse core team of mostly LatinX women. Belén Cusi will perform on Saturday, November 9 at Groove in the West Village of Manhattan.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0qfpfHtUDg

    In directing “Estrella Fugaz,” del Fuego expressed to Cusi how it important it was for her to helm the ship of a very heavy femme team, “and how important it is for femmes to dictate what we consider sexy and empowering. This is 100% the female gaze, and it’s very delicately executed.”

    Belén Cusi Estrella Fugaz

    Cusi appreciated this vision, and sought of the video to be elegant, feminine, and to show a strong female character that, despite singing about being played on by her partner, emerges as victorious and empowered at the end of the video. “I think we succeeded at that,” said Cusi.

    Born to Argentine parents, Cusi was raised in San Antonio, TX, where she began studying classical piano at age 8. She studied at Boston University where she began singing and writing songs. After working with a local producer on what would be her (unreleased) first LP, Closer, and a two-year leave of absence from college, Cusi felt restless and dissatisfied creatively upon the album’s completion, she returned to school, studying philosophy and traveling to Argentina to connect with her familial roots.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEVFpotmNl0

    After an almost five-year hiatus from music, Cusi experienced an epiphany reading the book Mastery by Robert Greene and decided to return to her music career indefinitely. She quickly assembled a band and became a local regular at various Boston clubs, before moving to New York City in 2017.

    Upon her move, she began recording new music with DJ Afro and has since become a local staple at legendary clubs like Groove in the West Village. Lauded as a “whimsical performer who can transport you with just one song,” Cusi has proven herself to be a formidable artist. She consistently hones her craft and takes inspiration from other disciplines. In addition to driving her music project single-handedly, she also works in architecture PR to pay the bills and goes to acting school at night. Cusi is not your average triple threat.

    Listen to her previously released single “Me Has Liberado” (You’ve Released Me) below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLyBbD-OqtE

    Don’t miss Belén Cusi on Saturday, November 9 at Groove in the West Village of Manhattan. Click here for details.

  • In Focus: Mihali at Pearl Street Pub

    Twiddle frontman Mihali Savoulidis performed to a near sold out crowd at Pearl Street Pub in Albany on Friday, November 1. A wide array of Twiddle songs, some new songs and a closing cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Lime in the Coconut.”

    Catch Twiddle November 29-30 at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester for their annual Frendsgiving, with Aqueous opening both nights.

    Mihali setlist (via iTwiddle): New Song, Everysoul, Son’s Gonna Rise, Strongest of our Kind, Round Here, Stubborn Smile, New Song, Apples, Heart Song, Carved Lines, New Song, Mickey’s Medley (Orlando’s > RickiSnick > Nicodemus Portulay > Frankenfoote > Jamflowman > Carter Candlestick > Frankenfoote), Lost in the Clouds, Girl I Want to Lay you Down, Over Land & Sea, Hatties Jam > When it Rains it Poors, Lime in the Coconut

  • Stefan Alexander covers Tweet/Missy Elliot classic “Oops (Oh My)”

    NYC-based queer pop artist Stefan Alexander, whose promising initial surge began three years ago with his debut single “Skeleton,” has released a video for his cover of Tweet’s “Oops (Oh My)” feat. Missy Elliot.

    “Back when I was a kid, the song (and the iconic music video) felt so scandalous in the best way possible,” says Alexander. “Now, from an adult perspective, I understand the lyrics to be about self-pleasure and independence, especially for women and femme-identifying folks, who are too often stigmatized for their sexual desire. The message is timeless!”

    Stefan grew up in an artistic household in Northampton, MA playing multiple instruments including cello, piano, guitar and mandolin. While attending NYU’s Clive Davis program, he formed a folk band opposite pop singer Phoebe Ryan. In the NYC folk clubs, Stefan honed his songwriting and vocals, realizing his strengths as a pop musician. Stefan soon began collaborating with producers Elliot Jacobson (Verité, Elle King) and Andrew Horowitz (John Legend, Janelle Monae) to discover his sound.

    With his smooth as silk vocals laid over a very stylized R&B bed, Stefan switches up the perspective, tackles the track, and posits it in a very modern take, while maintaining all of the flavor. Replacing the sparse Timbaland production with a more synth-driven texture, he embraces all of Tweet’s sensual delivery and turns up the heat, making the song more intimate and seductive.  

    Tackling such an iconic song is no easy feat, and Stefan told Stitched Sound, “I tried to modernize the song with some more current production, but I wanted to stay true to the original as much as possible. The most important thing was to keep the sensuality of the original, so hopefully that comes through.”

    Although his career trajectory was cut short when he succumbed to a mysterious pain disorder (Central Sensitization Syndrome) that made it impossible for him to perform music, much less most physical activity, Stefan has picked up where he left off. He is using his platform to speak honestly about his chronic illness and hopes his story can inspire others to overcome whatever challenges they may be facing in their lives.

    Back in the ring, Alexander released the much-lauded EP Thunderclap earlier this summer, signaling his return to form, of which The New Nine said, “An emotional pop masterpiece that will get stuck in your head but also make you cry if you let it sneak up on you.”

    Stefan plans to release his second EP in early 2020, with more music coming throughout the spring and summer.

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