Trance-fusion pioneers, The Disco Biscuits, laid down some serious jamtronica heat at NYC’s PlayStation Theatre on Saturday during their annual New Year’s run. PlayStation Theatre is closing permanently at the conclusion of this run, and the Biscuits are ensuring the venue goes out with a bang. The Disco Biscuits members include Allen Aucoin (drums), Marc Brownstein (bass), Jon Gutwillig (guitar), and Aron Magner (synthesizers).
Saturday’s first set included a delicious “Munchkin Invasion” jam sandwich, filled with an inverted “The Great Abyss.” The second set intensified with jam vehicles “Caterpillar” and “Spraypaint” seguing into a fresh and dirty “Tractorbeam Jam,” and then right back into both.
Tickets are still available for the two remaining nights of this soon to be legendary run at this link. FOMO can truly be damned because the band is webcasting this historic run as well. Head over to their Youtube page for more details.
Set One: King Of The World> Munchkin Invasion> The Great Abyss*> Story Of The World> Freebis Slinky> Munchkin Invasion
Set Two: Caterpillar> Spraypaint> Humuhumunukunukuapua’a**> Tractorbeam Jam> Caterpillar, Air Song> Spraypaint
Just as Phishmas at YEMSG got underway last night, so too did after party season. Night one’s offerings were numerous, highlighted by the one-off supergroup of John Medeski (keys), Billy Martin (drums), Scott Metzger (guitar, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead), and Nels Cline (guitar, Wilco) at Sony Hall. Not to discount the draws of Metzger and Cline, but MMW’s acid jazz has been intertwined with the Phish scene since 1995 and this highly anticipated show would eventually sell out in the hours before its 1:00 am start, leaving many fans outside on the sidewalk.
Sony Hall occupies the footprint of The Diamond Horseshoe, a celebrated and historic Times Square dinner theater with a standing room capacity of 1,000. The room is trimmed with gold paint, coffered ceilings and a disco ball, and lounge seating around the perimeter, lending to its historic feel. The room sounded great, although overcrowding was a serious deterrent for many.
Medeski, Cline, Metzger, and Martin were arranged audience left to right respectively, and began their two hour improvisational journey just before 1:00 a.m. Medeski would contribute the evening’s bass lines on his keys, as he and Martin provided the anchoring rhythm section for guitarists Cline and Metzger to explore in, on, and around. There were gorgeous moments of Metzger shred amidst a backdrop of effects heavy psychedelic exploration from Cline. The tempo was deliberate and purposeful and, coupled with the intense crowding, didn’t create much of a dancing atmosphere. At times the music felt almost transcendent, as Medeski and Martin created an ambient space for guitarists Metzger and Cline to play, their guitar work totally dictated by the tempo and beat of the drums and keys.
These musicians clearly enjoyed playing with one another as they treated those who braved the crowds and the late hours to a two hour set of improvisation that ended at 3:00 a.m. Sony Hall will host after shows on nights two and three as well, with Star Kitchen on 12/29 and Ghost Note plays Prince on 12/30.
It’s been 25 years since their first New Year’s Run show at Madison Square Garden, and Phish kicked off four nights of shows to end 2019 with some new material, a second set chock full of improv, and an “On Broadway” jam.
The festivities began with the debut of a new Phish original, “Evening Song.” Sung by guitarist Trey Anastasio, the opener had many looking around and checking phones to find out what exactly it was. From there, the first set took a second set type of turn with a rousing “No Men In No Man’s Land” and a monstrous “Down with Disease” that followed. Another first timer then appeared in the form of “20-20 Vision” as bassist Mike Gordon took the reigns and sang the cover song originally recorded by the great Gene Autry. “Ghost” then seemed to shift things back to the second set frame of mind courtesy of a locked in, psychedelic groove it produced. Another first set highlight was the first “Dog Faced Boy” since 2016. The opening stanza closed with a powerful “Say It to Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” which was a nod to the New Year’s spectacle of last year.
With sprits high, “Everything’s Right” was an ideal choice to open the second set. Phish let it be known to all that they were on point and having fun with discernable “On Broadway” teases from Anastasio and keyboardist Page McConnell that highlighted a “Set Your Soul Free” that transitioned seamlessly into “Gotta Jibboo.” about the second set jams, Barry Mann wrote “On Broadway” and the Guy Forget lyrics in the “Drowned” jam. Another true highlight was the triumphant return of “Drowned,” the Who cover that hadn’t been played in more than a year. Things then got a little silly thanks to “Ass Handed,” sung as usual by drummer Jon Fishman. This led to a wacky “Chalkdust Torture Reprise” of sorts that was sung to the tune of “Ass Handed” before “Character Zero” showed up in its predictable set closing slot. Further showcasing their ability to be sensitive and fun at the same time, an encore of “A Life Beyond the Dream” and “Rocky Top” closed the book on night one of the 2019 New Year’s run.
Setlist via Phish.net
Phish, December 28, 2019, Madison Square Garden, NY, NY
Set 1: Evening Song[1], No Men In No Man’s Land, Down with Disease, 20-20 Vision[2], Ghost, Gumbo > Rift, Weigh, Dog Faced Boy, Twenty Years Later > Tube > Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.
Set 2: Everything’s Right > Beneath a Sea of Stars Part 1 > Set Your Soul Free -> Gotta Jibboo > Free > Piper, Drowned, Ass Handed > Chalk Dust Torture Reprise[3] > Character Zero
Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream, Rocky Top
[1] Debut. [2] Phish debut. [3] With lyrics changed to Ass Handed.
Charleston, SC’s Runaway Gin delivered their “Evil Phish” covers to the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY on December 26, to a crowd excited for the upcoming Phish run at Madison Square Garden. Led by Dentist and guitarist Andy Greenburg, the funky jams hit for two delicious sets.
Space Junk is Forever opened the evening with vintage instruments and their self-described “simple melodies, stirring harmonic language, and frequent key and meter changes into impressionistic, aptly titled tunes.”
Notable covers by Runaway Gin included “Punch You In the Eye,” “Stash” and “David Bowie.” “Bowie” had excellent guitar work by Greenburg, and the crowd was loving the jam in “Stash.”
Runaway Gin is on tour this winter, with more doses of “Evil Phish.” Visit their tour page here.
ASAP Ferg paid a visit to Terminal 5 on Friday and brought with him an ensemble of artists for his second to last stop on the Floor Seats Tour. Prior to the show, the crowd’s anticipation came to a head, initiating a few mosh pits before the opening act. The openers arrived just in time to release the tension. Heater IV raved about glitter and glasses, MadeinTYO performed his biggest hits, and Mudra Beatz maxed out the energy with a DJ set.
ASAP Ferg then charged the stage to the tour’s title song “Floor Seats” and the room exploded with every color of the rainbow. Various other artists joined him on stage to perform their featured songs, including MadeinTYO, Murda Beatz, Brent Faiyaz, and Antha. It was all good vibes and love coming from ASAP Ferg, referring to his fans as family and reminding everyone to check up on their loved ones’ mental health.
Marcus King is currently on tour in support of his debut solo album El Dorado, which is slated to be released in January.
While the album may be a solo affair, Marcus King’s show in Buffalo at the Town Ballroom was a team effort with each member of the sextet having their chance to shine.
However, the spotlight definitely shined brightest on the namesake of the group. Marcus King may only be 23 years old but he already possesses the chops and stage presence of a timeless blues master that demands your full attention.
Marcus King – Town Ballroom, Buffalo
Setlist: What’s Right, Virginia, How Long, Beautiful Stranger, Radio Soldier, Dyin’, One Day She’s Here, Sweet Mariona, Good Hearted Woman, Side Door, Homesick, Always / Jesus Children, Plant Your Corn Early, New Song
Welcome to New York State Music’s Best Of 2019, with a twist. Whether you are racing down the interstate, or planing your holiday travels, radar detectors can be extremely useful. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Chuck DeFilippo, Features Editor of NYS – and I am about to acid-bath you from the glam of national touring acts and replant you in the roots of NYS Music: Underground Bands.
We have been blessed with so much great music throughout the Best Of 2019. My edge stems from discovery. If a spark fires, it not only excites, but is guaranteed to captivate readers.
Combing through over 40 votes, only two-and-a-half bands had coupled votes. The Best Of 2019 podium is shared with Consider The Source, Hartley’s Encore, and Mike Powell (with his second vote for Mike Powell & The Black River).
Consider The Source, a fairly (too) well know group to be considered Under The Radar, breeds music where galaxies collide. The NYC Sci-fi trio combines the energy of progressive rock, Middle Eastern, Jazz-Improv. and psychedelic math topped with Indian spices. Good luck getting through their flavourful artist bio, let alone the first set. Hang on! The Best of 2019 is just getting off.
Albany’s apocalyptic dance party, Hartley’s Encore, is just one of those bands that cumulates the epitome of NYS Music. Under their own label, Hartley’s Encore, LLC, the band draws influence from a precise blend of new jam band’s and classics: Lettuce, The Rolling Stones, The Meters, Marvin Gaye, B.B. King and Stevie Wonder.
The weekend warriors mission: making music equal parts soundtrack to your Saturday night & bacon for your Sunday brunch, since their inception in 2016.
Hartley’s Encore Live – 12/13/19 in Albany.
Mike Powell snagged the last spot for top-three with votes for his solo act and with The Black River. NYS Music has dubbed him as “One of the premier singer/songwriters in music today,” and we continue to follow him, as he is no stranger to the big stage. From sharing bills with Martin Sexton, to crafting his own art studio, Rising Feather in Cazenovia, NY, Powell is a musician’s musician.
The most apparent difference between this record (Gypsy Winnebago, 2019) and their first is the vocal harmonies. “I had a long conversation with the band and emphasized how much I felt these songs needed more voices,” says Powell. “There’s something really powerful about human voices singing one message together. The guys obviously have great ears so they grabbed ahold of the harmonies right away and it really brought these songs to life.”
Stay tuned as Mike Powell has a slew of shows, exclusive to New York State booked out through May of 2020. See details HERE.
Connecticut Is Close Enough, Right?
New York State Music’s Connecticut duo, myself and photographer Chris Sidoruk, are proud to see bands blooming outside of NY State into the shoreline. From New York City down through Connecticut cities Bridgeport and New Haven, the underground music scene is running rapid. Connecticut’s capital, Hartford, is also a hot bed for Albany and Upstate natives. It’s beautiful how these neighbouring bands and scenes are truly one in the same.
One Time Weekend @ The Acoustic – Brigeport, CT – Photo By: Chris Sidoruk
One Time Weekend‘s self titled track (video below), is offsetting from the first full band entrance. You don’t expect it. And it’s so good – so rock, only to be backdropped by a mellow reggae grove – sending you into an internet-search-furry for what else these cats have to offer. Go ahead, explore.
Stay tuned throughout the next few days as we delve into some of the best music, entered around New York State – and beyond. These picks have been curated from our staff and contributing writers to expose you the vast talent of musicians that pass you on the streets and dwell in your neighbouring towns. Each day will introduce new music for you to listen to, but for now – The Best Under The Radar Bands, you’ve never heard of. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Bushicks are a REAL Rock and Roll band. There are many imitators out there, but these guys don’t need to fake it. Drawing upon inspiration from our heroes of yesterday, I had the pleasure of recording a band that is building for the future and continuing the spirit of great Rock and Roll music. For a young band, I am excited to hear them grow and I hope you do too.
Bushicks Engineer, Phil Duke at Continental Recording Studios, Long Island. Read more at NYS Music…
NYS Music’s own, Gabe Birkby, is not only a talented writer and contributor to the site, but his talents shine all alone, onstage, or in his bedroom. NYS writers and contributors wear many hats, to which many of us are musicians, like Gabe. This Best Of 2019 features a beam of light, to shine, and thank all of our staff who continue to follow their passion, while working so hard to bring our readers quality content. With Gabe, he’s totally stripped down as a solo artist with nothing but a microphone, his guitar and loop pedal. Enjoy.
Folk, Singer-Songwriter, looping guitar, with a captivating voice.
NYC’s freshest Afrobeat-Jazz-Funk Dance Party; The Brighton Beat is a positive musical force for all ages, aimed at getting the crowd dancing. This diverse group combines elements of classic Afrobeat, Modern Jazz, New Orleans Funk, and World Music into their own sound that gets booty’s shaking and the bar flowing, according to the band’s bio.
Home For the Holidays featured a stacked lineup of top-of-the-line musicians in the Dead community including Melvin Seals, Oteil Burbridge, Tom Hamilton, Duane Trucks, Jacklyn LaBranch, and Lady Chi.
They played Jerry Garcia Band staples like “Tore Up Over You,” “My Sisters and Brothers,” and “Reuben and Cherise.” The first set started with “How Sweet It Is” and also featured “Shakedown Street,” “Eyes Of the World,” and an electric “Dancing In the Streets.”
Hamilton and Oteil had great chemistry on stage, working off each other’s grooves. Tom was listing vigilantly to where Oteil was going but always checked in to see where Melvin was at. And when it was time to peak, Melvin was really letting it ring!
The second set opened up with “Stop That Train” followed by “Money Honey” and a crowd favorite, “Tore Up Over You.” “My Sisters and Brothers” was touching and full of soul, it is a song about peace and brotherhood after all. The set ended with “Reuben and Cherise” and they encored by getting the whole theatre to sing along to “Shining Star.”
This past July, CAAMP put out their latest LP, By & By, on Mom + Pop Music and are still touring strong behind the record. This past week, the group made their way to Brooklyn for two sold out shows at Brooklyn Steel on December 10 and 11.
Support for these shows came from Savannah Conley; presenting a stripped back solo performance of breezy folk music. She was joined on stage for one song by the violinist from CAAMP’s band.
After blasting John Lennon’s “Mind Games” over the PA, CAAMP walked out to a massive ovation from the audience. The band has quite the following here in NYC, that was on clear display over the two nights in Brooklyn. Frontman Taylor Meier confessed to the crowd after the first song that he was very sick, joking “Why did this happen when the tour got to NYC? Couldn’t I have gotten sick in Omaha?” Despite the illness, Taylor performed seemingly unaffected and got a lot of help from the entire room singing along to each song. (Update: Taylor actually came down with the flu and subsequently cancelled the upcoming Philly and DC shows).
The band adorned matching denim jackets with their names embroidered on the chest, band logos on the back (Taylor was also sporting a Courtney Barnett pin). There was a full drum kit on stage, which was only used for a few of the songs. One band member primarily playing banjo had a separate kick drum which provided the beat for most songs.
The band continues their winter tour through December, concluding with three hometown shows (the last on New Year’s Eve) in Columbus, Ohio at Newport Music Hall. They hit the road again in the spring/summer for a lengthy tour with several festival stops along the way.
Phish fired on all cylinders at North Charleston Coliseum, making their seventh visit to the South Carolina venue deliciously-memorable for the sold-out crowd. Bust-out covers, banter, and barely played original tunes elevated the already enticing jam tapestry that this band is known for.
Page McConnell, Jon Fishman and Trey Anastasio sing “Carolina”
The band began the three night run with an acapella “Carolina,” which was last played on 12/30/2016 at Madison Square Garden. “Carolina” was followed by the crowd hyping Phish original, “Party Time.” The bust-outs continued with “Strawberry Letter 23” by Shuggie Otis, marking the fourth time that the band has played this beloved cover. During the second set, the audience was treated to Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter,” last played 12/29/2018 at Madison Square Garden.
Trey Anastasio was all smiles at North Charleston Coliseum
“I Been Around,” last played at MGM Grand on 11/1/2018, made an appearance, complete with humorous lead in pun. Trey said: “Hey Page, I’ve been wondering. Where have you been anyways?” Page cleverly replied “I’ve been around,” which lead into the song.
Two barely played original tunes graced the set list, including “Destiny Unbound,” last played on 2/23/2019. The encore included an even more rare “Bittersweet Motel,” last played on 7/6/2016.
Phish certainly gave their dedicated fans a reason to travel to the Palmetto State. They are back in action the next two nights at North Charleston Coliseum. Both nights are understandably sold out, however Phish is offering a live webcast of the event. Visit Live Phish to prevent further FOMO on this already legendary run.
Set One: Carolina, Party Time, Strawberry Letter 23 > Undermind, I Been Around > Divided Sky, The Sloth, Destiny Unbound, We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains > My Friend, My Friend[1] > About to Run, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, David Bowie
Set Two: Axilla > Scents and Subtle Sounds > No Quarter > Your Pet Cat, Mercury > Saw It Again > Limb By Limb[2] > The Lizards, Suzy Greenberg
Encore: Bittersweet Motel[3] > Death Don’t Hurt Very Long > Loving Cup
[1] No “Myfe” ending. [2] Unfinished. [3] Lyrics changed to “halfway from Charleston to Pittsburgh.”
Page McConnell got funky at North Charleston Coliseum
Saturday, December 7
Set One: Fluffhead > Ocelot, Nellie Kane > The Dogs > Reba, Halfway to the Moon > Train Song > Guyute, Strange Design, Moonage Daydream
Set Two: The Connection, Mr. Completely > Crosseyed and Painless > Dirt, Cool Amber and Mercury > Split Open and Melt > Crosseyed and Painless > Split Open and Melt, A Life Beyond The Dream > Wilson > The Squirming Coil
