NYS Music 20​19

Category: Show Reviews

  • CAAMP Shave Off the Peach Fuzz at Brooklyn Steel

    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.

    caam
    Taylor Meier of CAAMP at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    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.

    caamp
    Savannah Conley at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello
    caamp
    Savannah Conley at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    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).

    caamp
    CAAMP at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    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.

    caamp
    CAAMP at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    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.

  • In Focus: Nothing Finer Than Phish In Carolina

    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.

    Setlist courtesy of phish.net

    Friday, December 6

    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

    Encore: Grind, Frankenstein

  • Frendsgiving with Twiddle: Two Nights of Love and Music

    Like a great sandwich of leftovers from Turkey Day, the Vermont-based band Twiddle served up two nights of their homegrown musical jam at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. Dubbed “Frendsgiving” by the band, the weekend show is now becoming an annual event, this being the third time around.

    Frendsgiving
    Twiddle

    With the theme of “Frendsgiving,” a portion of each night’s door sales was donated to the non-profit organization White Light Foundation. The foundation, run completely by volunteers, assists various charitable organizations and community causes. WLF describes itself as “founded on the principles of community, love, generosity, and passion” and is inspired by the music of Twiddle.

    Frendsgiving
    Aqueous

    I caught the second night of this two-night run which had Aqueous, who played both nights, opening the show. They kicked out a blistering 45-minute set, including a cover of Vampire Weekends “Sunshine,” stoking the house’s appetite for the main course. Twiddle took the stage to cheers from the crowd, serving up two sets of nonstop music to the delight of all. The second set opened up with “Latin Tang” which had Mike Gantzer and David Loss of Aqueous joining the band and taking the show to the next level .

    Frendsgiving
    Mike Gantzer and David Loss of Aqueous w/Twiddle

    With this being the beginning of the holiday season, the band gifted the audience with two new songs: “Mistakes,” which closed out the first set, and “Just Gravy” which was featured in the latter part of the second. “Lost in the Cold,” from Plump, took it home as the encore for the night. To make the evening complete, before the band left the stage they had the entire house join them for one big “family” picture to cap off the holiday weekend.

    Aqueous Set List

    On The Edge, Kitty Chaser (Explosions), Come and Go, The Median, Sunflower, Skyway

    Twiddle Set List

    Set I Orlando’s, Jamflowman, Gatsby the Great, Hattigan Mcrat, Orlando’s, BeeHop, Carter Candlestick, Mistakes

    Set II Latin Tang, The Box, Zelda Theme, The Box, Syncopated Healing, Machine FRENDS Theme, Just Gravy, Gatsby the Great (Ending)

    Encore Lost in The Cold

  • In Focus: Phish Dunkin’ Donuts Center Gig Kicks off Fall Tour

    Phish geared up for two nights at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI to cap the month of November. It was long overdue, nine years since Phish had performed DDC. Even more thrilling than the Phish stage presence at Dunkin’, both dates directly infected the community with musical-euphoria, as were fans Friday and Saturday night. Phish, along with the Mockingbird Foundation have donated a $1,500 in tour grants to New Urban Arts in Providence.

    Friday 11/29/2019

    Set 1: First Tube, The Final Hurrah > NICU, Steam > Scent of a Mule, Bye Bye Foot, No Men In No Man’s Land, Gumbo> My Soul, Maybe[1], Sand > Fire.

    Set 2: 46 Days > Back on the Train > Plasma > Farmhouse, Light -> Plasma Reprise > Birds of a Feather, Joy, Simple -> Set Your Soul Free -> Plasma Reprise, Walk Away.

    Encore: Meatstick > Sleep, Driver, Bug.

    [1] Phish debut.

    Saturday 11/30/2019

    SET 1: Turtle in the Clouds, Punch You in the Eye > Llama, Meat, The Old Home Place, Lawn Boy, I Didn’t Know, Maze, Horn, Gotta Jibboo > Stash -> Plasma Reprise > Golgi Apparatus.

    SET 2: Bathtub Gin > Alaska > What’s the Use? > Piper > Golden Age -> Plasma Reprise > Harry Hood.

    Encore: Big Black Furry Creature from Mars > Kung > Wombat, Possum > Plasma Reprise.

    Setlists via Phish.net

  • Joe Russo’s Almost Dead perform dream setlist at HeadCount Benefit

    The fans voted, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead delivered a dream setlist at the Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, November 25. “Make Democracy Rad Again” was a benefit for HeadCount included selfie moments as well as plenty of goodies for those who signed up to vote or showed support for democracy. The biggest treat was the incredible setlist played to a packed house.

    Joe Russo's Almost Dead Headcount

    If you aren’t familiar with the group, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead offer a fresh take on the music of the Grateful Dead. The band consists of Joe Russo (Drums), Dave Dreiwitz (bass), Marco Benevento (keyboards), Scott Metzger (guitar/vocals), and Tom Hamilton (guitar/vocals).  They are known to sell out venues within minutes and offer experimental takes on classic tunes.

    Joe Russo's Almost Dead Headcount

    HeadCount is dedicated to registering new voters through music. Joe Russo and Marco Benevento were part of the first HeadCount benefit back in 2004, making Joe Russo’s Almost Dead an easy candidate for the first of many benefit shows between HeadCount and the Brooklyn Bowl. Brooklyn Bowl owner Pete Shapiro was recently named Chair of the Board of Directors at the non-profit. The band has also outgrown this venue, which made this pairing more enticing. According to HeadCount’s twitter, the benefit successfully generated $150,000.

    Joe Russo's Almost Dead Headcount

    In order to uphold one of HeadCount’s missions, democratic participation, the set list was voted on by those attending the show. The results included heavy hitters, starting with a full suite of “Terrapin Station,” “Eyes of the World,” “The Eleven,” and “Franklin’s Tower.” Notable favorites like “Fire on the Mountain,” and “Help on the Way” didn’t get enough votes to make the cut, however, two stellar non-Dead tunes made the cut, including “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” by the Allman Brothers and “Atlantic City” by Bruce Springsteen.

    Joe Russo's Almost Dead Headcount

    After this incredible show of dynamic improvisation and fan favorites, it’s easy to see why this band quietly sells out venues. They are back on the road in 2020, kicking the year off at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. Head on over to the band’s tour page for more details before the tickets are gone.

    Setlist: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Headcount Benefit at Brooklyn Bowl, Monday, November 25, 2019

    Set One: Althea > The Eleven > Viola Lee Blues > Franklin’s Tower, Atlantic City > Reuben & Cerise > Eyes Of The World > In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed

    Set Two: St. Stephen > Scarlet Begonias > Dark Star > Terrapin Station Suite > Shakedown Street > Throwing Stones > Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 jam > Throwing Stones

    Encore: Jack Straw

  • Gramatik Formulates Electronic Wizardry in Brooklyn

    Electronic wizard and free music advocate Gramatik made people dance into the early morning hours with his digital weave of urban and funky beats at the premiere EDM venue in Brooklyn, Avant Gardner. He was supported by incredibly talented colleagues Opiou and Balkan Bump for a night of organic, hip-hop-infused electronica.

    Balkan Bump is an electronic artist who mixes live instruments, world music and digital production. Trumpeter, producer and enthomusicoligist Will Magid is the brain child behind this band. A tapestry of funky beats, stellar trumpeting and dance hall vibes was cleverly woven throughout the set. At one point, Magid announced that he was playing a one word song, and everyone should sing along. That song was “Tequilla” by The Champs, and it was a huge hit with the crowd.

    Opiou, a producer and artist from New Zealand, was up next, and brought his Kiwi electronic heat. Also known as Oscar Davey-Wraight, this DJ is known for funky beats and deep bass grooves, as well as a penchant for keeping the dance floor alive well into the late night. Will Magid joined Opiou during the middle of his set on trumpet, creating a refreshing organic synergy. His signature buildups and drops continued throughout the set, framed with an engaging LED light display and plenty of fog.

    Gramatik took the stage to a packed crowd that was ready to dance. And dance they did. Denis Jašarević is Gramatik, hailing from Slovenia, and is known for his mind numbing hip-hop beats and fresh remixes. He played with guitarist Adam Stehr, adding an organic feel to his live performance. His stage setup included several LED panels that displayed colorful graphics, a healthy dose of fog, and a stacked lighting rig that fostered an elevated visual experience.

    This evening’s stellar performance included samplings of “No Sleep Til Brooklyn” by NYC’s own Beastie Boys and “Can’t Get Enough” by Gramatik’s frequent cohort Griz. Will Magid joined the party on trumpet for a tune, and the crowd was loving every second of this vibrant collaboration. Gramatik noted that this was his last show of 2019 and he sure went out with a bang.

  • Kamaal Williams Showcases His Modern Jazz on Two Floors at Elsewhere

    UK-based modern jazz artist Kamaal Williams brought his band to Brooklyn this past Saturday for a headlining show at Bushwick’s Elsewhere. Also known as Henry Wu, Williams has been putting out hip-hop-infused jazz music since 2012. With a musical foundation as a drummer, Williams has brought a percussionist mentality to his music, developing deep layers and rhythms on the keys.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    In 2018, Williams founded his own record label, Black Focus Records, and released his debut as Kamaal Williams, The Return. The album is a true representation of the modern jazz scene, with influences from hip-hop, UK garage and funk melding with the jazz foundation in a unique way. All of these influences feature heavily on William’s NTS Radio residency as Henry Wu.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    The show relied heavily on The Return, but throughout the night the band ventured in and out of unidentifiable musical passages and jams. The connection between Williams and the drummer was obvious as they cued off each other constantly, all while keeping in sync. Along with Williams’ large keyboard setup, the band consisted of drums, bass and tenor saxophone, but the depth of their sound made them seem much larger.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    Shifting back to his roots as Henry Wu, Williams also released the 70th edition of the legendary series DJ Kicks this earlier this month. Still with jazz influences throughout, this release focuses more on the eclectic history of UK beat and garage music with Williams’ jazz style layered in. After the show at Elsewhere, Williams moved up to the second floor loft to DJ a late night party celebrating this release.

    Kamaal Williams at Elsewere, Brooklyn – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    The band continues a tour of North America through December. It will be very interesting to hear how Williams follows up The Return in 2020.

  • In Focus: Disco Biscuits wrap up first part of Fall Tour at State Fairgrounds in Syracuse

    The Disco Biscuits returned to Syracuse for two nights, their first run in the Salt City since Halloween 2015. The masters of live electronica and improvisation performed four flawless sets to enthusiastic crowds at SI Hall at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on November 22 and 23.

    On Friday, following an energetic “M.E.M.P.H.I.S.” opener, guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig stretched the intro to “Run Like Hell” out for an extended period before a triumphant burst into the Pink Floyd cover, then took the long route into an inverted “Aquatic Ape.” A full “Hot Air Balloon” closed the five song set, one of the few this tour to feature no new material that the band has been breaking out.

    disco biscuits syracuse
    photo by Josh Davis

    Set 2 opened with a pair of ‘global’ tunes, “Jigsaw Earth” and “Story of the World,” the latter of which sandwiched the remained of the set. “Anthem” and “Rocket Science,” two new originals debuted this tour, filled the sandwich, with an “Orch Theme” meshed in between. With the clock ticking, Men Without Hats’ “Safety Dance” served as an encore, with the show ending right at 11pm. A sweaty and smiling crowd rejoiced at one of the finest nights of the tour thus far.

    Disco Biscuits, Syracuse, NY – Friday, November 22 setlist via PhantasyTour:

    Set 1: M.E.M.P.H.I.S. > Run Like Hell1 > Aquatic Ape2 > Svenghali3, Hot Air Balloon
    Set 2: Jigsaw Earth, Story Of The World > Anthem > Orch Theme > Rocket Science > Story Of The World
    Encore: The Safety Dance

    1. unfinished
    2. inverted version
    3. ending only

    The Biscuits’ Saturday performance featured a pair of new songs, a Tractorbeam jam, and one of the best sets from the eight fall shows thus far. Two songs, “Mulberry’s Dream” and “Crickets,” were each interpolated with “Catalyst” and recent debut “4th of July,” respectively. In between these two combos found another new tune, “Electric Slinky,” part of a potential series of ‘Slinky’ songs, including “Freebis Slinky.”

    disco biscuits syracuse
    photo by Josh Davis

    Set 2 was filled with pure heat from start to finish. The four song set featured three roughly-15 minute jams, and one monster jam that went past the half hour mark. Opening with “Clocks,” a debut from earlier this year, the band ventured into “Gangster” which was met with cheers and fist pumps from the audience. What came next was one of the longest jams of the tour (thus far) and the highlight of the weekend. A 30+ minute “Spacebirdmatingcall” featured a Tractorbeam jam on Crackazat’s “Fly Away,” which draws on Earth Wind & Fire’s “I’ve Had Enough” and seemed to never let up as the band dove deep and kept exploring what the jam had to offer. “Little Shimmy in a Conga Line” wrapped up the set nicely, and a pairing of “Frog Legs” and the ending section of “Run Like Hell” from the previous night’s version cemented the night as one of the best of the tour. Setbreak is indeed over.

    The Disco Biscuits head south to Florida for four shows in mid-December, then return to New York City where they will close out the year in Times Square at the Playstation Theater, which will close on December 31st following their performance.

    Disco Biscuits, Syracuse, NY – Saturday, November 23 setlist via PhantasyTour:

    Set 1: Mulberry’s Dream > Catalyst > Mulberry’s Dream, Electric Slinky, Crickets > 4th of July > Crickets
    Set 2: Clocks > Gangster > Spacebirdmatingcall > Tractorbeam Jam1 > Spacebirdmatingcall, Little Shimmy In A Conga Line
    Encore: Frog Legs > Run Like Hell2

    1. Fly Away (Crackazat)
    2. ending only; completes 11/22/19 version
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • disco biscuits syracuse
      photo by Josh Davis
    • photo by Josh Davis

  • In Focus: Lotus Flavors Cohoes Music Hall with Groove

    The energy level at Cohoes Music Hall was infectious on Thursday, November 21. Wax Future set the tone from their first note, that this was sure to be an epic school night. The main event that followed was nothing short of stellar. Lotus curated two sets that flowed seamlessly and had everyone at Cohoes Music Hall sharing the groove. Check out the full setlist and photo gallery below.

    Set One: Eats The Light, Livingston Storm, One Last Hurrah, Philly hit>Spiritualize>Contagion>Spiritualize, 72 hrs Awake

    Set Two: Move Too Fast>Fortune Favors, Kalea, 128>Comptroller>Echoes, Plant Your Root>128

    Encore: Sunrain

    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall
    • Lotus Cohoes Music Hall

  • Mungion and the Magic Beans Drop Fall Tour Heat at the Knitting Factory

    Chicago’s Mungion, a funk/rock jam band, and the Magic Beans, another impressive jam band from Boulder, Co, delivered funky fall tour heat at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY. Both bands wrapped up an exciting fall tour on the East Coast together, alternating closing duties nightly. Mungion did the honors at the Knitting Factory. The Bushicks, a local Brooklyn band, opened the evening for these talented bands.

    John Adamski of the Busicks

    The Brooklyn native Bushicks are a power trio hailing around the tri-state region. The band consists of Jonny Patrizio (Vocals/Guitar), Jessica Bogwicz (Bass) and John Adamski (Drums/Vocals). The trio was joined by a saxophonist this evening for most of the set. They delivered their signature rock, including a sweet cover of “Axilla” by Phish.

    Casey Russell, Scott Hachey and Chris Duffy from the Magic Beans are feeling it.

    The Magic Beans wove their tasty funk/soul/rock sounds next. The Bean band members include Scott Hachey (guitar/vocals), Casey Russell (keyboards/vocals), Chris Duffy (bass/vocals), and Cody Wales (drums/vocals). The band began by immediately dropping into a deep jam, showcasing their exceptional improvisational skills, and never looked back. This band specializes in space jam funk, and did not disappoint.

    Mungion

    Mungion picked up the jam vehicle where the Magic Beans left off, and dove into a rocking jam of intricate riffs. This band is made up of Justin Reckamp (guitar), Joe Re (keys), Sean Carolan (bass), and Matt Kellen (drums). The exciting directions, stellar compositions and expressive improvisation were apparent from the first note.

    Scott Hachey of the Magic Beans

    Both the Magic Beans and Mungion are firing on all cylinders after their 2019 fall tour through the East Coast. Mungion is closing out 2019 by playing December 29-31 at Martyr’s in Chicago, Ill. The Magic Beans are playing one night at the Goat in Keystone, Co on December 28. They resume touring with Snowstalk, their own winter festival in Frisco, Co on January 24-25, 2020. The Colorado based lineup includes Kyle Hollingsworth from String Cheese Incident, as well as skiing at Copper Mountain, and is certain to be a special event.