NYS Music 20​19

Category: Photo Gallery

  • Lúnasa Brings Troy Music Hall to their Feet

    As Lúnasa winds up their North American spring tour, it would be remiss not to take an opportunity to sing their folk praises. The sextet had quite the reputation to live up to, even as a first time attendee, after being quoted by New York Post as the “Hottest Irish Acoustic Group on the Planet.” With special guest Natalie Merchant, we would expect nothing less.

    For those of you who have not heard of Lúnasa, they are an award winning Traditional Celtic band from Ireland. Touring extensively over the course of the last 22 years, the band brings the highest level of musicianship.

    With Kevin Crawford on flute/whistles, Trevor Hutchinson on bass, Cillian Vallely on Uilleann Pipes/whistles, Colin Farrell on fiddle, and Ed Boyd on guitar, this group melds together perfectly, bringing  a flawless sound to their audience.

    The setting for the evening was Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Living in Troy a short period of time back in the early 90’s, I don’t recall this charming neighborhood of brownstones, little pubs and shops with such grand architecture all around. It was the perfect setting for a perfect evening of music. The venue itself is a work of art, with the most amazing lighting and acoustics. You couldn’t ask for a better place to see Lúnasa.

    Performing two full sets of music from their extensive library, Crawford would occasionally set up the songs with a personal story about who wrote the number, what inspired it and what the audience would be in store for. He was witty and charming, making the audience feel comfortable from the start. It was a personal insight that would invest you even more into the evening.

    Later they were accompanied by the acclaimed Natalie Merchant, lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs.  Her voice is sultry and smooth, with lyrics that speak to your soul. As she took the stage with the band, she spoke of joining them last year on a tour of Ireland, sharing how they came to work together. While working on a collaborative album, Merchant was looking for some of the world’s leading musicians to join her, she did not hesitate to invite them, and the rest they say is history.

    Ironically, was fun to hear that the first time she ever saw Lúnasa was in this very venue, pointing to the row and seat she sat in. Unbeknownst to the band, she longed to join them on stage that evening. Fast forward a few years later and the chemistry they share on stage is a true synergy.

  • In Focus: Widespread Panic Let it Rock at The Capitol Theatre

    Widespread Panic kicked off their sold out 3-night run at The Capitol Theatre with a traditional tribute to the Grateful Dead, playing “Let it Rock,” an occasional feature of setlists, off 1974’s Mars Hotel. From there the band performed a show of originals with a few choice covers thrown in late in the second set.

    Set 1 highlights included “C Brown,” a 10 minute “Shut up and Drive,” “Pleas” > “Henry Parsons Died” and “B of D” > “Conrad” to close the set out. Set 2 opened up with “You Got Yours” that segued very tightly into “Up All Night,” which has been taken out for excellent stretched out jams as of late. Fan favorite “Ribs n Whiskey” was met with huge cheers from the crowd, and Panic tour manager Steve Lopez hopped on percussion with Sunny Ortiz for War’s “Slippin into Darkness,” which paired with J.J. Cale’s “Travelin’ Light” to close the set. An encore of “Pilgrims” and Funkadelic’s “Red Hot Mama” closed out Night 1 of Widespread’s first show at The Capitol Theatre since 1991, and fans are pumped for what Saturday and Sunday night will bring. Stream last nights show courtesy of Panicstream.

    Friday, March 22

    Set 1: Let It Rock > Radio Child, C Brown, Dyin’ Man, Shut Up And Drive > Pleas > Henry Parsons Died, Sundown Betty > B Of D > Conrad The Caterpillar

    Set 2: You Got Yours > Up All Night > Blackout Blues, Party at Your Mama’s House > Ribs And Whiskey, Steven’s Cat > Fishwater > Drum Solo > Drums And Bass > Fishwater > Slippin’ Into Darkness* > Travelin’ Light

    Encore: Pilgrims > Red Hot Mama

    Saturday, March 23

    Set 1: Wondering > Mr Soul, Hope in a Hopeless world > 1×1, Christmas Katie > Good Morning Little Schoolgirl > Who do you belong to?, Though Sausage, Bowlegged Woman > Action Man > Bowlegged Woman

    Set 2: Saint Ex, Hatfield, Ride me High, Stop Breaking Down, Machine > Barstools > You Should be Glad > Contentment Blues > Goin Out West, Chilly Water

    Encore: Puppy Sleeps > Flatfoot Floozy

    Sunday March 24

    Set 1: Holden Oversoul > Makes Sense to Me, Let’s Get Down to Business, Little Lilly, Airplane, Jaded Tourist, Blue Indian, The Last Straw, Life During Wartime

    Set 2: Lawyers, Guns and Money, Little Kin, Love Tractor, I’m Not Alone, North > One Kind Favor, Bust it Big, Mercy > The Other One Jam > I’m So Glad, Postcard, Ain’t Life Grand

    Encore: This Part of Town, Low Spark of High Heeled Boys > Disco > Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature

     

  • Rubblebucket with a Bang in Rochester

    For a band, that by normal band-conventions shouldn’t even exist, Rubblebucket is stronger and as vibrant as ever. Leaders and remaining original members, Kalmia Travers and Alex Toth, have both climbed personal hurdles over the last couple of years, including the end of their romantic relationship. Instead of breaking up the band, they shuffled up the other members and put out a new album, Sun Chaser, last summer. Still in heavy support of their new release, they played through the entire record at their tour opener in Rochester, albeit in a modified order.

    A proper review of Rubblebucket’s show might be a dense word-cloud of adjectives and verbs, all punctuated with exclamation points. The stage was a constant blur of action and color. Their past antics were like a low budget Flaming Lips or Of Montreal, but here it was more reminiscent of the Talking Heads and David Byrne. Less party, more art. White fabric screens were hit with splashes of light, orange and green, red and blue, purple and magenta. Band members turned into psychedelic dancing silhouettes when they went behind the screens.

    The crowd was engaged 110% from note one, moving and grooving with every beat, singing along with every lyric. When prompted to help out with the chorus of “Annihilation Song,” they needed no instruction,  already acting as the collective backing chorus. Crowd and band merged at the inevitable march of the horns, including new trumpet player Sean Smith, down the length of the venue and again at the post-encore acoustic session in the back by the bar. Kal heaped praise on the Rochester audience frequently, even calling out a trio of front row fans with matching rainbows, who gifted her with a rainbow boa.

    The new rhythm section was a crack trio of New York City musicians (Ryan Dugre on guitar, Noga Shefi on bass, Jeremy Gustin on drums) who were more than up for the task, but mostly stayed in the background. As a bit of a palette cleanser after the set, they emerged on stage first for the encore, showing off their wares more overtly with a few minutes banging deep grooves.

    The night began with Alex Toth who mixed his live guitar and trumpet playing with effects pedals and pre-recorded material including beats, cellos, backing vocals in a preview of what is sure to be a very good album out in May.

    Mikaela Davis then showcased her harp-led pop-folk from her superb 2018 album Delivery, adding in a few new songs which mostly featured her playing keys. Her band was joined by Maybird’s Kurt Johnson on pedal steel and guitar throughout the entire hometown set. Davis, who sat in with Bob Weir in Syracuse last November, added a beautiful cover of “Brokedown Palace” to close out her night on stage. Davis will rejoin Rubblebucket midway through their tour, which will wind it’s way back to Upstate New York with a show at the Westcott Theatre on April 25.

     

     

  • Mike Gordon Brings His Funk to Jersey City

    Phish bassist Mike Gordon brought his brand to Jersey City, NJ for a rocking St. Patrick’s Day’s show. The current lineup includes Gordon, guitarist Scott Murawski, drummer John Kimock, keyboardist Robert Walter (JJ Grey, Robert Walter’s 20th Congress) and percussionist Craig Myers.

    Gordon’s band is nearing the end of a March tour that started in Atlanta, GA and moved up the East Coast. Upcoming dates include Buffalo, NY and Cambridge, Mass. The band will also play at Jazz Fest in April.

    Jersey City’s White Eagle Hall was the venue for this rocking event. Originally built as a community center, this restored historic building is in the downtown area. On this night, White Eagle Hall was sold out and at capacity.

    Set 1 began with the band entering to a roaring packed crowd. Mike showed off his matching illuminated bass with Murawski’s guitar. His funky, slappy bass playing transcended these songs, creating a rocking dance party. A cool multi-colored light show accompanied the music. The set ended with the high energy “Crazy Sometimes.”
    Set 2 picked up where set 1 left off. “Sweet Emotion” was the notable cover from the set. Elizabeth Nestlerode sat in with the band during the encore for “If You Want Me.” Nestlerode is a Broadway star in The Other Josh Cohen. The show ended on a high note with Jersey City anxious for more of the Mike Gordon Band.

    SET 1: Whirlwind, Steps, Sleep to Dream, Got To Be More Careful, Tropical Rocket, Angatta, You Strike My Main Nerve, Crazy Sometimes

    SET 2: Tiny Little World, Stealing Jamaica, Put Down The Phone, Noon to Noon, When Your Mind’s Made Up [1], My Favorite Mistake, Jones, Sweet Emotion

    ENCORE: If You Want Me [2], I Am Random

    [1] Mike Gordon debut.

    [2] Mike Gordon debut; with Elizabeth Nestlerode on vocals.

  • In Focus: Antibalas Celebrates 20 Years at Brooklyn Bowl

    With lead singer Amayo preaching ‘deep unconditional love’ throughout the night, Antibalas performed to a sold out crowd on the second night of their 20th anniversary run at Brooklyn Bowl this past Saturday.

    The fusion of African and Cuban music that Antibalas has brought to audiences for two decades is one that is rich in history and message, bringing the influence and sounds of Fela Kuti to a new generation. For nearly two hours, the 12-piece band and special guests took to the stage, creating a rich, full sound that moved the captive and diverse audience. Here’s to at least two more decades of Antibalas!

  • Mike Gordon Sells Out Asbury Lanes

    On Saturday, March 16, Mike Gordon played to a capacity crowd at Asbury Lanes, a new Jersey Shore venue brought to you by The Bowery Presents. The Phish bassist’s solo outfit is not to be missed, with Craig Myers, Robert Walter, and John Kimock the band is fun and tight, exploring each song. But it’s the long time collaboration with Scott Murawski that makes these shows ebb and flow through a funky jammy sound that is a lot of fun. Mike Gordon will be out on his solo tour for the rest of the month of March and for any Phish fan it is a must see.

    SET 1: Different World, Victim, Infinite > Jumping > Meat, Black Tambourine, Let’s Go

    SET 2: Up And Down, Sughn Never Sets, Yarmouth Road, Marissa, Cities, Face

    ENCORE: Destiny Unbound, Gimme Some Lovin’

  • Hozier transforms Palace Theatre into Church Wasteland, Baby

    Andrew Hozier-Byrne is having a great week. His sophomore album, Wasteland, Baby, hit #1 on the US Billboard charts. He played Good Morning America and the Colbert Show before selling out Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo and the Palace Theatre in Albany. And to top it off he’s getting ready to celebrate his 29th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day.

    From the moment Hozier came out onto the Palace stage, the crowd was clapping, singing and swooned into a mesmerized trance, hanging onto every word that came from Andrew’s lips. Great lighting added to the drama of the night and the long awaited debut of Hozier to the Capital region was well worth the wait.

    In November 2019, Hozier released a new song entitled “Jackboot Jump”, following live performances of it on tour. This song, besides being a direct reference to George Orwell’s 1984 alludes to social demonstrations in Hong Kong, Russia and in America.

    Alluding to upcoming songs, Hozier also performed a new song whilst on tour entitled “But the Wages” that refers to temperatures rising as well as riots all around the world, while wages remain the same.

    “I have a strong aversion to anyone in a scene-y way. In certain parts of the world where people are blowing smoke, I’ve an absolute allergy to it. I just f**king hate it. I have a strong aversion to people trying to ingratiate themselves. I don’t want to be ingratiated upon in any way, shape or form. Scenes are to be avoided, I think.”

    from an interview with the Irish Times

    Setlist: Would That I, Dinner & Diatribes, Nina Cried Power, Jackie and Wilson, Someone New, NFWMB, Wasteland, Baby!, Shrike, To Be Alone, Nobody, Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue), Almost (Sweet Music), Movement, Take Me to Church. Encore: Cherry Wine, Work Song

  • In Focus: Bob Weir and Wolf Bros Shine at Count Basie Theatre

    Completing a stellar two night run at the historic Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey, Bob Weir and Wolf Bros continue to shine, expanding the Grateful Dead’s legacy to new heights. Bob Weir is in top form, and is supported by two amazing musicians; Don Was on bass and Jay Lane on drums, each bringing their own style to the performance. Highlights included “Blackbird,” “Deal” and “Eyes of The World,” but it was the extremely intimate and emotional rendition of “Standing On The Moon,” that didn’t leave a dry eye in the building and rounded out an amazing two nights for the band and deadheads alike.

    Set 1: Easy to Slip, Gonesville, Blackbird, K.C. Moan, Odessa, Hell in a Bucket, She Belongs to Me, Corrina, Deal

    Set 2: Me and My Uncle, Cassidy, Truckin’, Fever, Ashes and Glass, Don’t Let Go, Eyes of the World, Standing on the Moon, Going Down the Road Feelin’ BadEncore: U.S. Blues

  • Say it Ain’t So, Albany loves Cuomo? Weezer and Pixies take on Times Union Center

    Weezer and The Pixies arrived in Albany on Thursday, March 14 with a full tank of gas and a show that will make you remember why you sang along to all these songs in college. Of course, Weezer is still cranking out new material, with The Black Album released earlier this month, and an album of covers in The Teal Album. Combine this with all the classic Weezer you could possibly ask for and impressive stage production that traces the evolution of the band, from the early days in the garage to the arena rock they unleashed tonight, and you have the makings of a fantastic performance from Rivers Cuomo and company.

    Kicking off the set with a barbershop quartet version of “Buddy Holly” in front of the draped stage, “My Name is Jonas” started the set proper with a Happy Days themed high school stage setup revealed. Pinkerton’s  “Pink Triangle” followed for a taste of early Weezer to please the eager crowd of Gen-X-ers. The first of five covers, Weezer’s take on “Africa” by Toto, might be the only time you sing this 80s hit with thousands of others, without a hint of shame. During the intro for “The Sweater Song,” the stage morphed into a garage setup, which served well for the next sequence of songs:  “Pork and Beans” (featuring a VHS tape recording of early Weezer antics), The Turtles “Happy Together” with a segment of Green Day’s “Longview” seamlessly worked in, the apropos “In the Garage,” “Buddy Holly” and the debut of The Black Album’s “High as a Kite.”

    As the stage underwent its final transformation, Rivers Cuomo hopped in a boat-on-wheels that brought him to the opposite end of the arena, where he serenaded the crowd with acoustic versions of “El Scorcho” and “No Scrubs.” As he was wheeled back around the arena towards the stage, a darkened stage welcomed Cuomo back for Jane’s Addiction’s “Up the Beach” and sing-alongs of “Beverly Hills” and “Island in the Sun.” To close the set, a-ha’s “Take on Me,” “Perfect Situation” and “Hash Pipe” closed the set, the latter with flames shooting up around the stage. For the encore, Weezer gave a sampling of songs from mid 00’s ((“If You’re Wondering if I Want you to) I Want you to”), and the 90’s (“Surf Wax America” and “Say it Ain’t So”) for a career spanning performance of nearly two dozen songs over 90 minutes.

    Weezer setlist: Buddy Holly*, My Name is Jonas, Pink Triangle, Africa, You Give Your Love to me Softly, Undone – The Sweater Song, Pork and Beans, Happy Together->Longview->Happy Together, In the Garage, Buddy Holly, High as a Kite, El Scorcho^, No Scrubs^, Up the Beach, Beverly Hills, Island in the Sun, Take on Me, Perfect Situation, Hash Pipe

    Encore: (If You’re Wondering if I want you to) I want you to, Surf Wax America, Say it Ain’t So

    *Barbershop quartet version ^Rivers solo acoustic

    UK rockers Basement kicked off the night with a short set of generic rock anthems with a stark 90s influence. The band, particularly animated lead singer Andrew Fisher, all had great energy to start the night but the sound fell flat on a limited crowd, still making their way into the Times Union Center.

    Pixies followed with Paz Lenchantin subbing for Kim Deal and her voice and presence were well suited for a band well into their fourth decade. Guitarist Joey Santiago nailed riffs throughout the 22 song set with Black Francis leading the way. The Pixies brought out deep cuts as well as familiar songs (thanks in part to ad placements) including “Gigantic,” “Monkey Gone to Heaven” and the classic “Where is my Mind?” At times it felt like Pixies would be better suited to a setting like The Palace, or even The Egg. They made a great pairing with Weezer, but an intimate evening with Pixies would be a true treat for fans who grew up on this incredibly influential group.

    Pixies setlist: Gouge Away, Vamos, Crackity Jones, Gigantic, Wave of Mutilation, Death Horizon, Here Comes Your Man, Tame, Rock Music, Monkey Gone to Heaven, Classic Masher, No. 13 Baby, Caribou, Planet of Sound, Hey, Broken Face, Bone Machine, Cactus, Debaser, In the Witching Hour, Something Against You, Where is My Mind?

  • Andy Frasco Brings the Party to Buffalo

    Andy Frasco & the U.N. have been hitting the road in support of their latest album Change of Pace and Sunday, March 10, saw them stop at Buffalo Iron Works. No strangers to Buffalo, they really made a name for themselves in the Queen City at last summer’s Cobblestone Live. Needless to say the place was packed by the time openers Wild Adriatic took the stage and the party did not let up. Beers were chugged, Jameson was passed around and crowd surfing …oh the crowd surfing.

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