NYS Music 20​19

Category: Video

  • Andrew Vannorstrand shares video for “Boy with the Gray Eyes,” performs in Syracuse and Auburn this week

    This September, Andrew VanNorstrand released his debut solo LP That We Could Find A Way To Be and this month premieres the video for “Boy with Gray Eyes” off the album. Americana Highways premiered the audio for “Boy With The Gray Eyes” and said of the track, “In a song about hope and hesitation, VanNorstrand constructs comforting, introspective guitar sounds, and the low vocals, clarinet and fiddle are the icing on the cake.”

    Andrew VanNorstrand, a musician, singer, songwriter and producer living in Upstate New York, has performed on festival stages, concert halls, dance floors and living rooms all over North America and beyond. For eighteen years, he toured and recorded with the popular dance band Great Bear which also featured his brother Noah VanNorstrand and mom Kim “Mama Bear” Yerton. Andrew and Noah continue to perform together in the bi-coastal folk quartet Wake Up Robin and acoustic power trio The Faux Paws.

    His debut solo album, That We Could Find A Way To Be, focuses on the complicated intersections of love, faith, loss and uncertainty, queerness and the search and struggle for understanding from the rust belt to the Blue Ridge, from a cold spring in New England to a summer’s night in Charlottesville. Andrew blends traditional folk, old-time and country music with indie-roots-Americana and a passion for shared connection and a song well sung.  

    On November 13, Andrew will make his solo, live television debut on Central New York’s ABC affiliate, WSYR Channel 9’s Bridge Street. He also performs a few shows around CNY over the next two months. Click for details below, or visit Andrew’s website for more details.

    Friday November 15
    Andrew VanNorstrand with Anna Patton and Dana Billings
    Auburn Public Theater, Auburn, NY  

    Saturday November 16
    Andrew VanNorstrand with Anna Patton and Dana Billings
    Rochester House Concert

    Thursday–Saturday December 5, 6 & 7
    Andrew & Noah VanNorstrand
    Annual Solstice at the Cathedral Concert, Syracuse, NY

  • HBO’s ‘The Apollo’ Traces the Theater’s Deep Roots Feeding Harlem Community

    Not many institutions mean as much to a community as The Apollo Theater means to Harlem. In The Apollo, academy and Emmy award-winning director—Roger Ross Williams, spends nearly two hours examining not only the musical importance of the theater but, also glimpses at the symbiotic relationship between The Apollo Theater and black community of Harlem.

    The world-famous musical hall—located on West 253rd street, between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. boulevard (formerly seventh ave.), and Frederick Douglas boulevard (eighth ave.)—is synonymous with the neighborhood.

    Williams, with the help of a number of A-list celebrities, historians and activists, chronicles the history of the theater. From its beginnings as a recognizable institution, under the ownership of Frank Schiffman and Leo Brecher, to the creation of its famous “amateur night at The Apollo.” Which has seen the likes of James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Dionne Warrick, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, among many other legendary entertainers begin their career there.

    Aside from the well-deserved homage to iconic figures that have gotten their start on Apollo’s stage, Williams explores what The Apollo really meant to the inhabitants of Harlem, post-Harlem renaissance. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow, it was one of the few theatre institutions that would allow black people to pay their hard-earned money and enjoy a show. In fact, the residents grew such a love for the theater, that during the riots that preceded the end of Jim Crow, the building was surrounded by people who refused to let any damage happen, as recalled by Schiffman.

    These are just some of the fascinating tidbits that can be learned throughout this documentary. Accompanied by great scoring of 19th century hits, The Apollo juggles traveling through time to tell the story of the hundreds of culture-shifting performers that have passed through the building, while simultaneously giving a present day viewing of its arrangements. With exclusive footage to backstage rehearsals of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me, as well as present-day “amateur night” auditions. It is a recommended informative watch that does justice to the cultural landmark.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Senior Living release music video for “Heathers”

    Albany’s Senior Living has released the music video for “Heathers,” the closing track off their 35mm EP that was released over the summer.

    The video was shot and directed by Nadia Boye from SUNY Oneonta, and centers on water and the fluidity of nature, with a focus on the moods and emotions inspired by the ground beneath our feet and the world that we live in and are a part of each day.

    Senior Living are planning shows for January around the Northeast and Southeast. More details to come.

  • Hearing Aide: Noon Fifteen ‘At the Festival’

    Ithaca, NY based progressive soul band, Noon Fifteen is set to release its epic prog-pop suite, At the Festival, Halloween weekend. Packing a punch in its 22 minute run-time, the album is a brilliantly-efficient storyteller.

    The members here are key to its delivery, starting with Mandy Goldman on vocals, whose dynamic range and myriad styles power this piece. Rounding out Noon Fifteen are: Samuel B. Lupowitz (keyboards & vocals), Joe Massa (guitars), Harry Nichols (bass, percussion, & vocals), and Phil Shay (drums & vocals).  Joining the band on this outing is Chris Ploss, not only on percussion and vocals, but he also recorded and mixed the album at Sunwood Recording in Trumansburg, NY.

    At the Festival explores the mood of Hero, the protagonist of the piece, as he contemplates the state of his life – past and present. Wondering where the time has gone and trying to truly feel his emotions, Hero conversely numbs himself with liquor and pills. It is this internal struggle that underlies the entire mini-rock opera.

    The alternate musical styles of At the Festival drive the narrative through the album. The band shines here moving effortlessly between pop soul sounds, prog rock riffs and sonically soaring movements. The free, yet vocally stunning “Wandering” showcases the beautiful harmonies this group can deliver, and simultaneously offers a small respite to Hero. As the story works to conclusion, it is apparent that Hero’s struggle is not over as he is battered by mourning and lost love in “Rock Bottom” and he defiantly disavows everyone in “My Ghost.”

    Well-crafted and performed, At the Festival is a testament to Noon Fifteen’s willingness to explore and grow musically. This is an effort to be cheered.

    Key Tracks:  Time for Me, Rock Bottom, My Ghost

    Join Noon Fifteen for their album release party at The Range in Ithaca on Saturday, November 2.

  • The late Neal Casal’s complete solo discography released

    One day prior to what would have been the 51st birthday Neal Casal, nine of the late artist‘s solo discography that were previously unavailable on digital music platforms have been released. These recordings, which can now be streamed and downloaded in their entirely, make complete Casal’s entire solo discography.

    Recordings by Casal released today include Rain, Wind & Speed (1996), The Sun Rises Here (1997), Field Recordings (1997), Basement Dreams (1998), Black River Sides (w/ Kenny Roby, 1999), Anytime Tomorrow (2000), Ran On Pure Lightning (w/ Shannon McNally, 2002), No Wish To Reminisce (2006), and All Directions (2007). Listen on various platforms here.

    Additionally, a rarely seen video for the song “Reason” from Casal’s 1998 album, The Sun Rises Here, has been made available, including a poignant ending segment with Neal and his father discussing his rock ‘n’ roll dreams.

    Neal Casal—a guitarist, singer and songwriter—passed away on August 26. He was celebrated most recently for his work with Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Circles Around the Sun. Prior to his involvement in those projects, however, he recorded and toured prolifically as a solo artist. Though never reaching the wider success he found in the later stages of his career, he left behind a critically acclaimed body of work under his own name, including nine solo albums, two duo albums and a handful of compilations and retrospectives that intertwined elements of vintage rock, country and soul. 

    Plans are currently in the works for a series of physical reissues of Casal’s solo work in 2020, while the finishing touches are being added to his final recording sessions with Circles Around The Sun a week before his passing.

    Neal Casal would have turned 51 on Saturday, November 2.

  • Futurebirds Take Flight At Three Heads Brewing for Rochester Residency

    In the case of the Futurebirds, it’s a whoa-eliciting moment. Two electric guitars, one acoustic, pedal steel, bass and drums round out this band from Athens, Georgia. They’re so tight, and the sounds intermingle so well. As a listener you don’t pay much attention to who’s playing what, but the full blended sound becomes king.

    In their 10th year, and touring in advance of a new album, the sextet found their way to Rochester for the first time, to participate in Three Heads Brewing‘s Rochester Residency. This month’s resident, bassist Kyle Vock, is putting his own spin on things by booking some of his favorite national acts to play in addition to getting in on the action with his own bands.

    Futurebirds mix country twang, soulful grooves, shoe-gaze swirls and a twinge of psychedelia with a centring Southern-rock pulse. It was all on full display during their 70-minute set that spanned their catalog, including some new tunes from their forthcoming LP.

    “Virginia Slims” off of 2013’s Baba Yaga got things going nicely. They showcased incredible two, and three-part harmonies throughout. Quality vocals certainly came in handy for a mid-set cover, Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry,” which they wonderfully smashed into an pulpy alt-country ballad. The set ramped up to close, with “Rodeo” off 2015’s Hotel Parties preceding a powerful “Ski Chalet” in the “we’re not playing an encore” slot. Some Neil Young-esque guitar shredding foreshadowed a surprise “Powderfinger” cover they managed to squeeze into the “Ski Chalet” closer to send the crowd off into the night with a proper rocking.

    Kyle Vock’s band, The Mighty High and Dry, opened the evening with a short taster set. Alan Murphy on guitar and lead vocals, Alex Cote on drums, and Eric Katerle on lead guitar joined Vock. The band can balloon to nine members or shrink down to a duo, but played at their baseline quartet. Opening with “Day and Night” they showcased their blues-based, soul rock across four of their original tunes, but kept them close to the vest. This is a band that can keep it rocking for three hours strong, stretching out with some fun rock tunes. So don’t miss them next time they play.

    Futurebirds
    Mighty High & Dry
    Futurebirds
    Futurebirds
    Mighty High & Dry
    Futurebirds