NYS Music 20​19

Category: Photo Gallery

  • All in the Jamily: Mazzstock Music Festival 2019

    There is a festival where volunteer staff wear t-shirts that read “La Famiglia” and what better way to encapsulate a feeling of family. Many festivals claim to provide a feeling of family, but none better provides a sense of true community than the intimate Mazzstock Music Festival, where founder Lee Mazzola has graciously opened his back yard for music lovers like himself.

    On August 8-11, 2019 the uber-affordable Mazzstock Music Festival took place at Mazzstock Field in Marlboro, NY, within the picturesque and bucolic Hudson Valley Region. Conveniently located 1.5 hours from New York City, 2 hours from Hartford, 3 hours from Philadelphia and 4 hours from Boston, Mazzstock celebrated its 12th year (5th year as a 3-day fest) and drew soaring crowds with another very strong lineup.  

    Mazzstock Music Festival
    Photo by Mickey Deneher

    With the motto “3 days, 2 stages, 1 love, no worries,” Mazzstock Music Festival is something special. It is so intimate and friendly, one feels that they will meet and get along with any one of the smiling faces on the dance floor, in tent city or at concessions. This year included a variety of strong ascending artists. Festival favorite and Mazzstock veteran Zach Deputy returned as a headliner; while Flux Capacitor, Dark Side of the Hudson, Gratefully Yours, Escaper, Cousin Earth and Hayley Jane are just a few offerings from the festival’s varied lineup – which also featured a number of stylized and talented DJs for a very popular late-night silent disco.An impressive set from Kingston DJ, Joey Hernandez, who brought up-tempo house musings. 

    The weather was perfect throughout and there was no cell service so patrons were connected without any distractions. Another bonus was that one could clearly hear each set clearly from their campsite! Lee, Vinny and the rest of the organizing team provided a seamless experience with impeccable amenities including clean porto-potties with stocked toilet paper, always – all weekend.

    Dave Reiss and I Anbassa proved they are a fun band to watch; Flux Capacitor showed why they are invited to play so many festivals, Tom Clancy and Dave Heinzinger led a feisty Sky Daddy set that ignited a tight “Fire on the Mountain.” Will Hanza guided his ascending band, Escaper, to some monster jams while festival mainstay, Alpha Male Gorillas, brought a heavier but contagious groove.

    Mazzstock Music Festival
    Photo By Mickey Deneher

    Tigerman brought the funky rhythms, and stellar guitar work was showcased by ShwizZ Himsef while he adorned a tiger onesie. Dark Side of the Hudson demonstrated they are a premiere Pink Floyd experience with a professional cover rendition of the album Dark Side of the Moon and an exquisite vocal solo on “Great Gig in the Sky.” There were six artists at large, but those from Nyack (ShwizZ Himsef, Natasha May DiMarco, Dan Rappaport, Danielle Sheri Wasserman) shined brightest throughout their plethora of appearances; the bonfire jams were comforting with many bringing voices and instruments of choice for the familiar festivities.

    Highlights of the festival included Cousin Earth, Cosmal and Zach Deputy!

    Cousin Earth  :: East Stage  :: Friday 6:35-7:35pm

    Mazzstock Music Festival
    Photo By Mickey Deneher

    Cousin Earth were a pleasant welcoming committee to the many fans that arrived late Friday evening during the set. Formerly Ukelelian, the quintet has been touring hard over the past year, even doing a vast Southern run, spreading their energetic and innovative sound.  The NY based band, (a member of the Jam Band Syndicate), consists of Terry Brennan (vocals/keys/percussion), Melissa Raye (vocals/percussion), Corey J. Feldman (bass/vocals), Joey Calfa (ukulele/vocals) and Nate Searing (drums). The band was a breath of fresh air with their eclectic songwriting and hard to predict delivery. They are a band to watch as they ascend the ranks of our scene with more visibility.

    The Mazzstock set was electric – fuelled by soaring harmonies and moments of beautiful jam improvisation. “Can You Get to That” was buoyed by the virtuoso guitar work provided by guest ShwizZ Himsef (Ryan Liatis) and his presence on stage with Calfa, who possesses monster chops, was a music lovers delight. “Super Laser Beams” remains a show staple and for good reason– it really showcases the band at its full power with intricate time signatures, blended melodies and trippy surreal solos as part of a musical package that lures attendees in like a laser beam. A recent release, “Don’t Kill Us” is the song that could be a hit as a released and promoted single. Raye’s vocals lead a pleasurable auditory attack with a seriously addictive chorus on a fantastical lyrical romp.    

    Set List:  Pancakes, Burning Up, Window Video Game, Super Fun Laser Beams, Can You Get to That, Please Don’t Kill Us, Fleshy Car/Spain, Capricorn on the Cob

    Cosmal  :: West Stage  :: Friday 12:45-1:45am

    Hailing from New Paltz with over a decade of experience, Cosmal is well known to music aficionados in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Ryan Coyle (guitar/vocals) and his wife, Ali Laz (vocals/live painter), have partnered to unleash a musical experience like no other. A surreal and trippy exploration to the unknown, the dynamic duo has truly mastered the sharing of downtempo moods. Laz is relatively new to sharing her vocals on stage, but performs like a seasoned pro. She has become the consummate frontwomen – sexy, prolific and with a smooth vocal delivery.

    Laz is also an accomplished live painter who creates one of a kind masterpieces on canvas that fans share much adulation for.  The Wizard of Cosmal though is Coyle, who harnesses his brilliance to compose a myriad of uniquely contagious and infectious original sounds. The new song, “Snake Charmer” is meticulously crafted with solid guitar fills. However, it is “Caliente” that takes down the house as the highlight of the gig. Laz sultry sings, “I love the way you touch me” with relentless beats supporting the groove and it really delivers a euphoric vibe ala Gilberto in “Girl From Ipanema.” The song isn’t about sexual lust, but rather the yearning to feel someone’s entire soul. Cosmal are a quickly ascending band that I expect many more pleasant surprises from in the immediate future.

    Set List: Sumatra, Caliente, Ancient Future, Drishti, Realize, Snake Charmer, Final Gear, Way Down, Encore:  Blossom, Moment

    Zach Deputy  :: West Stage  :: Saturday 11:10pm-12:40am

    Zach Deputy returned to Mazzstock Music Festival as the headliner and had the prime Saturday night slot at the Main Stage. There is only one thing you need to learn about ‘Zachy Dee’ – he is a Master Looper. If you didn’t know that, his fiery and upbeat set soon would convince you. Hailing from Savannah, GA Deputy honed his chops at Riders Lounge on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. His unique approach delivered a bevy of bombastic acoustic numbers that inspired the crowd to shake their booty in delight. He shared crowd favorites like the party anthem “Put it in the Boogie,” the infectious “Twisty Twisty” and the rhythmic “Home.” He had the longest set of the weekend and patrons still were boogying at the end and salivating for more. A down to earth, generous, jovial giant of a man gifted fans with an assortment of benevolent ditties and in doing so proved that Santa Claus still delivers.

  • We Are Golden: Arlo Guthrie Celebrates Woodstock 50th Anniversary at Bethel Woods

    Fifty years after the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, many original festival goers and younger crowds alike returned to the site of the original festival to mark the golden anniversary at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Last night opened the weekend with a performance by Arlo Guthrie, who bridged August 15 and 16, 1969 with a midnight set all those years ago.

    Though a bit scaled down from the crowds of approximately 400,000 in 1969, the few thousand people in attendance brought their old memories back to life (minus the mud and inconveniences); they were able to soak in the atmosphere – breathe air that’s never been breathed before, as Woodstock/Bethel Woods mainstay Duke Devlin said. Guthrie was the only artist to perform, but fellow Woodstock alum Melanie Safka stopped by for part of the evening.

    arlo guthrie woodstock

    Some rain changed the original plans for the night, but the screening of the Woodstock documentary film still took place in the pavilion. This change didn’t dampen any spirits though; while various artists’ performances were shown from the 1969 festival many original attendees were giving as much as standing ovations.

    Check out a few images from yesterday’s happenings at Bethel Woods, and stay tuned to NYS Music for more on this Woodstock anniversary weekend. Bethel Woods continues the celebration with performances by Ringo Starr, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Edgar Winter (Friday), Santana and The Doobie Brothers (Satruday), and John Fogerty, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (Sunday).

    Tourism at the site this weekend is restricted to only those who have tickets and travel passes specific to each day.

  • In Focus: Woods Fest 2

    Woods Fest Music Festival is quickly becoming a “can’t miss” event in Central New York, featuring many of the best emerging and established bands in the region and New England.

    The second annual Woods Fest event at Woods Valley Ski Area in Central New York boasted a lineup that included Annie in the Water, The Old Main, The Black River, Nina’s Brew, Substanance, Les Brers, Los Blancos, Late Earth, and Dark Hollow.

    The all-day festival also featured a Super Jam to finish the night on the big stage. The jam saw members of Nina’s Brew and The Old Main joining Annie in the Water on stage to finish the festival. Following the outdoor festivities, the music continued inside the lodge until sunrise.

    • Woods Fest 2
      Dark Hollow
    • Mark Nanni
    • Michael Vincitore
    • Late Earth
    • Andrea Canale
    • Woods Fest 2
      Bruce Gerow
    • Colin Aberdeen of Los Blancos
    • Bruce Gerow & Booth Johnson
    • Anthony Zee Donaldson & TIm Woods
    • Nina’s Brew
    • Giovanina Bucci
    • Isaac French
    • Les Brers
    • Mike Powell
    • The Black River
    • John Hanus & Mike Powell
    • Joe Bell
    • Dom Scicchitano
    • John Hanus
    • The Old Main
    • Nash Robb
    • Dusty Elmer
    • Annie in the Water
    • Brad Hester
    • Michael Lashomb
    • Ryan Trumbull
    • Throwing posters to the crowd
    • Event organizer Tim Woods
    • Tim Woods & Mike Kohli

  • Artists and Industry Execs Connect at the Inaugural Hudson Valley Music Summit

    “Something that won’t necessarily be discussed today, just because we don’t have enough time, is how to do all of this outreach. How do you send that e-mail? How much is not enough, or too much and too annoying? But we should have this discussion, either in a separate function or one-on-one, and you can come talk to me. Because I want this region to do well; there is too much talent here.” Joel Feinberg, CEO of DeWolfe Music, said this at at the end of an engaging panel discussion titled Licensing Update: Moving Beyond Commercials at the inaugural Hudson Valley Music Summit, held August 9 in Kingston, NY.

    Feinberg, who calls New Paltz, NY home, is certainly right: The Hudson Valley comprises the section of New York reaching from Upstate to the the edges of the big city itself. And while that’s a vast stretch, it’s a strongly connected one, with many fast-growing musical and artistic performance scenes burgeoning within them. Representing this area and its continually multiplying numbers of talented, independent artists in the context of the music industry is an important and noteworthy, albeit long term, cause. 

    That’s where the Hudson Valley Music Summit comes in, the single day event planned and organized for as long as over a year by author and independent musician David Hoffman.  

    Beginning bright and early at 9 A.M. and lasting through a more informal, live music event at Kingston’s BSP lounge, the Summit was a chance for local artists and music career professionals to both connect with highly successful and renowned members of the industry and learn trade secrets from them. Across a series of panel discussions, hosted by a moderator and joined by a small handful of talking heads, the summit’s aim was to demystify the often intersecting, co-dependent niches of the music industry, and offer insight into the many diverse ways to achieve financial, creative, entrepreneurial success within it. 

    In that Licensing panel, for starters, Feinberg along with a handful of others, like panel moderator Sharon Tapper, CEO of Pivot Music Group, answered questions about the myths, misunderstandings, and gems of truth about getting one’s content into the hands of publicists, label executives and more. When discussing writing music for commercial, “Upbeat always beats depressed in the numbers,” was just one insight of many upon which the panel unanimously agreed.

    In a panel titled Conceiving a Coherent Image for a Strong Merchandising Strategy, Mara Frankel, Senior Directive Creator of Atlantic Records led a very intriguing conversation on artists’ best approach to visual mediums and making them work for their brand. At one point during this session, John Warner, owner of Hi-Line Merchandising, held up Keller Williams’ newest album, Add, to the crowd and succinctly explained its direct yet effective use of a single title single image to communicate the one-man-jamband’s thematic intention.  

    Some of the day was less study session and more nifty. One of the day’s highlights, for instance, was a lunch hour overseen by an intimate discussion between Relix Editor-in-Chief Dean Budnick and Capitol Theatre owner Peter Shapiro. Budnick pressed Shapiro for details on the recent success of The Cap, Port Chester’s renowned rock music venue, along with tidbits about its sister venues The Brooklyn Bowl and the now-defunct, yet ever famous, Wetlands Preserve.

    One of the more intriguing questions asked of Shapiro concerned how bands might able to transition from playing one size venue to a larger one, to which he offered: “Keep in touch with bookers, and let them know where you’ve played. Also be open to opening, tell bands and bookers you can bring this many people to their show. Go crush Garcia’s and you’ll probably get a phone call from us.” 

    And, in response to a question from the crowd asking, “Why staff at The Capitol Theatre love Shapiro so much?” which is something you don’t see too much,” Budnick actually answered for Shapiro, giving an answer that seemed to fit. “It’s because he’s there, at the shows. He’s down in it, just like any fan watching a show, and I think that’s what anyone should aspire to.”

    In a special panel that closed out the day, Manager’s Roundtable, the Summit gathered together the managers of The Wood Brothers, Wilco’s Nels Cline and others to paint a picture of a day in their life. The four members and moderator Linda Lorence-Critelli (president of the New York chapter of the GRAMMYs) all agreed firmly upon a simple yet paramount idea, one that seemed to sum up the entire day. In response to an audience member’s question about how to make get inside a manager’s door and establish a connection, they said, “It comes from relationships.” Hard Head Management founder and wife of Warren Haynes, Stephanie Scamardo, went on to describe how she recently also became manager of rock sensation The Revivalists, noting that it stemmed from a friendly conversation that led to a lunch date, and then ultimately a strong partnership. 

    Hopefully, that’s what the collection of local musicians, marketers, content producers and more found in attending the Hudson Valley Music Summit: the chance to connect with an industry leader or two, learn a thing or two, and possibly even offer services to one another or vice versa.

     

  • In Focus: Rob Thomas’ Chip Tooth on Syracuse

    Rob Thomas stopped at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 23 on the Chip Tooth Tour. Opening acts were direct support Abby Anderson and Chris Trapper.

    Setlist: I Love It, Real World ’09, Lonely No More, Her Diamonds, If You’re Gone (Matchbox 20), Can’t Help Me Now, The Great Unknown, Street Corner Symphony, One Less Day (Dying Young), Little Wonders, Fire on the Mountain, Let’s Dance (David Bowie), Early in the Morning, 3AM (Matchbox 20), Ever the Same, Someday, I Am an Illusion

    Encore: Something to Be, Unwell (Matchbox 20), Smooth, This is How a Heart Breaks

  • Greensky Delivers Tasty Bluegrass to Pier 17 in NYC

    Greensky Bluegrass brought their signature bluegrass with a jam twist to a sold out crowd at the elegant Pier 17 Rooftop in lower Manhattan. Residing in Michigan, the band members include Michael Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), Paul Hoffman (mandolin), Michael Devol (bass) and Anders Beck (dobro). The country boys felt right at home against the iconic NYC backdrop of the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge.

    Greensky Bluegrass on stage at Pier 17

    “Past My Prime” from Shouted, Written Down & Quoted kicked off the first set. More originals followed with “No Idea,” “Living Over,” also from Shouted, and All for Money’s “Like Reflections” and “What You Need.” The band channeled the great Paul Simon and delivered a tasty bluegrass cover of “Gumboots” from the Graceland album. Next up was a more traditional cover of “White House Blues” by Charlie Poole. The set wrapped up with a well executed segue of Tuesday Letter’s “Broken Highways” into “It’s Not Mine Anymore.”

    Anders Beck on the Dobro

    Set two opened with more delicious originals like “For Sure,” “Uh Huh,” and “All for Money” from the album of the same name. Live at Bell’ s “Old Barns” preceded a nice sequence of old and new songs with “Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise” segued into Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” before revisiting “Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise.” Another All for Money tune, “Ashes,” was played followed by “Hit Parade of Live.” Guitarist Scott Metzger joined the band on stage, adding mind numbing depth to “I’d Probably Kill You” and “Don’t Lie.” 

    The crowd loves Scott Metzger on stage with Greensky Bluegrass

    The band closed out the night with an encore of “Just to Lie” into Billy Joel’s “Big Shot” and had their fans yelling for more. They are one skilled team of traditional bluegrass musicians who aren’t afraid of new territory or a big city. Greensky Bluegrass will be back in New York State at the Borderland Festival in East Aurora, NY on September 22. Head over to their website for tickets and information.

    Setlist

    Set One: Past My Prime, No Idea, Living Over, Like Reflections, What You Need, Gumboots (Paul Simon cover), White House Blues (Charlie Poole cover), Broken Highways > It’s Not Mine Anymore

    Set Two: For Sure, Uh Huh, All for Money, Old Barns, Broke Mountain Breakdown > The Wind Cries Mary (Jimi Hendrix cover) > Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise, Ashes, Hit Parade of Love, I’d Probably Kill You*, Don’t Lie*

    Encore: Just to Lie > Big Shot

    Notes:

    * w/ Scott Metzger

     

  • Shinedown Stops in Syracuse

    There is a saying that it takes 15 years to become an overnight success and, with a lot of hustle and hard work, that statement rings true for the band Shinedown.

    Back in February of 2004, Shinedown headlined at a small club in Syracuse with maybe 50 people in attendance. Flash forward to July 6, 2019 and they practically sold out the Syracuse Lakeview Amphitheatre. It was truly a sight to see all of their hard work back then paying off with a fan-filled amphitheatre.

    Shinedown’s band members, lead vocalist Brent Smith, drummer Barry Kerch, guitarist Zach Myers and bassist Eric Bass, pour their energy out into the crowd as soon as they hit the stage. They keep a curtain up to build up anticipation but once that curtain drops, Shinedown hit the ground running.

    Brent Smith took the time to shake hands with photographers in the photo pit.

    Lead vocalist Brent Smith is a tremendous performer and front man because of his magnetic engagement with the audience, his band members and even the photographers down in the pit. Smith loves his band and his fans, which shows in how he interacts with everyone he comes in contact with at Shinedown’s shows. Smith is always very humble and thankful for Shinedown’s fans. No matter how much a fan loves a band and their music, it is always heartfelt and touching to know the band appreciates the fan in return. All relationships are a two-way street and Shinedown helps to pave both sides.

    Halfway through Shinedown’s set the entire band disbursed throughout the huge audience at the amphitheatre, playing stripped down versions of “Amaryllis,” “I Dare You,” “Through The Ghost,” and “Second Chance.” It is a challenging feat to play together so well being so far apart, but they pulled it off and it was a unique way to give audience members stripped down versions of the songs.

    One of the highlights of the night was when they performed one of their latest singles, “Get Up.”  Smith had the crowd light up the amphitheatre with their cell phones. It was a chilling site to see and the song portrays such a positive message that it almost served as a pep talk from the band to keep going no matter what life throws at you.

    Shinedown is one of those bands that simply puts on an amazing show every single time and the Syracuse, NY show was no different. When a band truly loves and appreciates their fans and truly love what they are doing it shines through in their music and performance. It may have taken the music world a little longer than Shinedown’s earlier fans from that night back in 2004 to see their amazing talent, but now the music world is aware and it’s truly apparent with the filled Lakeview Amphitheatre a few weeks ago that Shinedown has touched so many fans  throughout their still growing career!

    Be sure to check out one of Shinedown’s shows when they come back to NY in September. You can see Smith & Myers acoustic on September 12 and the full band with Papa Roach, Asking Alexandria, and Savage After Midnight on September 20 in Albany, NY and September 27 in Buffalo, NY.

    Shinedown’s Setlist:

    Devil, Diamond Eyes, Enemies, Monsters, Black Soul, I’ll Follow You, Unity, 45, Bully, Amaryllis, Through the Ghost, I dare You, Second Chance, Simple Man, Cut the Cord, Get Up, Sound of Madness, Brilliant

  • Train and Goo Goo Dolls Bring Summer Fun and Positive Energy to CMAC

    On Friday, August 2, Train, The Goo Goo Dolls and Allen Stone entertained a sold out crowd on a perfect summer night at CMAC. All three bands brought an amazing vibe and positive energy to the evening while The Goo Goo Dolls and Train performed all their classic hits from their respective extensive catalogs spanning from the 1990’s to the present.

    train CMAC
    Allen Stone entertains the crowd

    Kicking off the evening was Allen Stone, an amazing R&B and soulful artist from Chewelah, Washington. He and his band definitely had the sold out crowd primed and energized for the night. Stone, who has been on the scene since 2010, cites his influences as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and other legends. Stone is a very dynamic exceptionally entertaining showman, not to mention a phenomenal singer. It is apparent in his music and performance from where his musical inspiration originates. His set included his songs “Brown Eyed Lover” and “Chippin’ Away.” Pat Monahan even joined them on stage for a number.

    train CMAC
    John Rzeznik and Robby Takac perform “Slide”

    Making their way to the stage at 7:45 p.m. were co-headliners The Goo Goo Dolls. The enthusiastic crowd was already on its feet in anticipation as John and Robby made their way to the stage. The Goo Goo Dolls launched their hour-plus set with “Stay With You” and immediately followed with “Big Machine” before swapping out guitars. John greeted the crowd while making a reference about being close to his home town of Buffalo, NY before the band performed their third hit in a row, “Slide.” The Goo Goo Dolls continued playing their mainstream hits that span two decades, including “Black Balloon,” which, you guessed it, included what seemed like thousands of black balloons floating down into the crowd, “Name”and “So Alive,” before closing out the night with “Iris” and “Broadway.” They also played “Miracle Pill” in support of their upcoming album of the same name which is due out on September 13.

    train CMAC
    John Rzeznik performs “Stay With You”
    train CMAC
    Robby Takac

    Finally, taking the stage at 9:20, were co-headliner Train. Train seemed to pull out all the stops on this gorgeous summer night during their performance. Not only did they play an impressive hour and forty minute, 18-song setlist which included two encores, they also brought along confetti and streamer cannons as well as some pretty dazzling pyro effects. Despite the cool bells and whistles that helped make for a mesmerizing and stunning visual performance, there seemed to be something else, something uplifting and moving during Train’s performance.

    train CMAC
    Pat Monahan and Train sending love to the sold out crowd at CMAC

    Train, formed in 1993 and hailing from San Francisco, CA , has been a hit-producing machine since the release of their self titled debut album Train in 1998 with “Meet Virginia.” The multi-platinum and Grammy award winning band kicked of their set with “Calling All Angels.” It was during this song when frontman Pat Monahan put his hands up towards the sky and asked the audience to follow him in sending love to all loved ones near and far as everyone sang along. Monahan’s energy seemed to flow through the audience and back, giving a sense of connection and tranquility that flowed throughout the venue. Train’s second song, “50 Ways to Say Goodbye,” incorporated blasts of colorful confetti into the audience which continued to enthrall the crowd along with their third song, “If It’s Love.”

    train CMAC
    Confetti shoots into the crowd at CMAC during Train’s set
    train CMAC
    Pat Monahan of Train

    Train continued throughout the night with hit after hit including “Meet Virginia,” which featured a blazing solo by guitarist Luis Maldonado, “Hey Soul Sister”, “Play That Song,” as well as a house-rocking rendition of Queen’s “Under Pressure” and Tom Petty’s “American Girl” where John Rzeznik joined them on stage. Allen Stone also made a guest appearance on “Bruises.” Train ended the night with two encores, including a Led Zeppelin cover with “Heartbreaker” and, finally, “Drops of Jupiter,” which also included visually stunning pyrotechnics. Train rocked into the night with the energy and power of a locomotive steaming full ahead, yet the atmosphere was fun, happy and positive. I mean with balloons, beach balls, streamers, confetti and sparklers, the show was definitely a fun experience for all that attended. Despite the fun and positive hoopla, let’s not forget about all the songs that these two bands with over 50 years of combined experience deliver flawlessly night after night, while still having a blast and keeping their crowds entertained and dancing ’til the last drop.

    • train CMAC
    • train CMAC
    • train CMAC

  • Herbie Hancock and His All-Star Squad Shine at the Beacon

    The legendary Herbie Hancock brought his current gang of talented musicians to New York City’s Beacon Theatre last week and delivered a great mix of old and new by the jazz great. Thundercat opened the evening with his unique R&B, jazz-funk flavor and vibrant energy. Hancock then put on an incredible performance to a full house and showed NYC that he has still got it.

    Thundercat and Dennis Hamm

    Thundercat, aka bassist Stephen Brunner, started the evening off with his band that included Dennis Hamm (keyboards) and Justin Brown (drums). His eclectic songs and talented synergy with the band was evident from the beginning. Thundercat made several dedications, including to the departed Mac Miller and Ras G, as well as to Nintendo Switch lovers (video gamers).

    Thundercat and Justin Brown

    NEA Jazz Master and 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock’s line up included Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), James Genus (bass), Lionel Loueke (guitar), and Terrace Martin (sax/synthesizer). Hancock showed his deep appreciation for his band by introducing each member individually. Bass player James Genus was announced as the current house bass player for SNL. Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke were up next for the all-star introductions. Multi-genre instrumentalist and producer Terrace Martin, who according to Hancock has known and worked with Thundercat for years, rounded out this impressive team.

    Herbie Hancock

    The band began with a feeling of old by starting with a jazz improvisation, followed by the classic “Cantaloupe Island.” The band introductions were up next, followed by the Headhunter’s “Actual Proof.” Flautist and vocalist Elena Ayodele lent her services on the next two songs. Hancock went into new territory with his skills, instruments and musical style, and gave the crowd a healthy serving of his new material. He is no stranger to new directions and this material had a fresh blend of hip-hop, R&B, jazz and funk. It will be exciting to see where Hancock goes with his new vision.

    James Genus on the bass.

    The band returned for an encore of the fan favorite “Chameleon,” which was teased earlier in the evening. Thundercat joined the party on stage to make this a memorable rendition. All musicians came together at the end for a final bow, which had the audience on their feet cheering. NYC certainly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with this legendary musician.

  • Twiddle Delights With Surprises at 4th Annual Tumble Down

    Twiddle held its 4th annual Tumble Down Festival in Burlington, VT at Waterfront Park this past weekend. The beautiful park, right on Lake Champlain, hosted Twiddle for five sets along with: The Kitchen Dwellers, Stephen Marley, Turkuaz, Ghost Light, Jaden Carlson Band, Owl and Crow, The Big Sip, Nina’s Brew and The Jauntee. The festival, a family reunion for Twiddle fans, brought all ages together to celebrate music. The festival also brought fans and partners together to raise money for the White Light Foundation, a non-profit that raises money to help spread love, healing and kindness. 

    Twiddle kicked off the festival with a special acoustic set with fan favorites including “Hatties Jam” and “When it Rains It Pours,” and a special sit in by David Grippo. Their second and third sets closed out the first night and included a prerecorded message from “Colonel Norco,” which helped set the tone for two packed sets, and a special sit in by Todd Stoops. The second set included a new verse to “Jamflowman” that brought his tale home and an additional sit in by David Grippo on the beautiful, “Lost in the Cold.” 

    4th Annual Tumble Down

    Acoustic Set: Glycerine Medley, Earth Mama, Five, Wildfire, Fat Country Baby, Hattiebagan Mcrat, Hattie’s Jam-> When it Rains it Pours
    Set 2: Enter, Orlando’s, Amydst the Myst, Doinkinbonk, Grandpa Fox -> Apples -> Mamunes the Faun -> Every Soul
    Set 3: Jamflowman -> Subconscious Prelude -> Nicodemus Portulay -> Milk, Lost in the Cold

    Encore: River Drift

    4th Annual Tumble Down

    The second day started with a bit of deja vu as The Big Sip had their set shortened by a weather evacuation, that thankfully didn’t last too long, or turn into anything more than threatening clouds and some high winds. The Kitchen Dwellers began their set as masses of fans were still in line to re-enter the festival, music to the ears of those eager to get back to the party. They also welcomed members of Cabinet to sit in for a few songs, much to the audience’s enjoyment.

    Nina’s Brew, a trio from Burlington, played with a sound influenced by blues, soul, rock and R&B. They’re currently working on their first studio album and are anticipating a fall release. 

    Turkuaz, the nine piece funk juggernaut from Brooklyn, NY, played as the sun was setting over the water. Their brightly colored outfits seemed to glow in the “golden hour” of light, and highlighted their energy. 

    Twiddle’s final two sets to close out the fantastic weekend contained many treats for fans. The origin of “Ricky Snickle” and an additional verse,  another message from “Colonel Norco,” and a new verse to “Frankenfoote.” There were also many sit-ins over the final two sets. Jayden Carlson, The Kitchen Dwellers, Zach Nugent and Todd Stoops all helped Twiddle close out the festival. 

    4th Annual Tumble Down

    Set 4: Ricky Snickle Origin, Ricky Snickle, Syncopated Healing, Machine, Visions of Mohr, Latin Tang, Beethoven and Green
    Set 5: Polluted Beauty, Gatsby the Great -> Pond -> Zazu’s Flight -> Pond -> Grandpa Fox, Be There
    Encore: Frankenfoote Origin -> Frankenfoote

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