Gov’t Mule and Warren Haynes made a stop on their Bring On The Music fall tour on September 19 with a performance at Albany’s Palace Theatre. The name of the tour is a play on the band’s new concert film and corresponding live album, Bring On The Music – Live From The Capitol Theatre, which came out in June on CD, vinyl, DVD, and BluRay.
To see the Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule live at this beautiful and historic Albany landmark was an amazing experience. The lighting was nothing short of perfection, which added greatly to the experience.
Photo by Stephanie J Bartik
Gov’t Mule is comprised of guitarist Warren Haynes, drummer Matt Abts, multi-instrumentalist Danny Louis, and bassist Jorgen Carlsson. Haynes took the stage and commanded the crowd’s attention with his soulful vocals and guitar chops while wowing the eager fans with the first song, “Traveling Tune.” His talent is known throughout the music world and he is the inspiration of many guitar players. He was the guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band and put together Gov’t Mule with the late Allen Woody (bass) in 1994 as a side project.
There is a connection between Haynes and bass player Carlsson and Abts on drums that can be easily observed. Each band member became completely immersed in not just their individual instruments, but the songs themselves. With Haynes’ soulful voice and virtuosic solos with expansive guitar tones, Carlsson’s expert bass playing, Abts locking it in with insane drumming, and Danny Louis dazzling the crowd on keys, each tune was performed to perfection
Jorgen Carlsson on bass
With rock at its core, Gov’t Mule integrated a full range of musical styles including blues, jazz, soul and some funky rhythms. No one left the room disappointed. If given the chance to see this band first hand, you owe it to yourself to do so.
Check out the Gov’t Mules website for a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates, ticketing, and more information.
Set One: Traveling Tune (part 1), Mule, Pressure Under Fire, Time To Confess, Lay Your Burden Down, Inside Outside Woman Blues, Unring The Bell, Endless Parade, Revolution Come, Revolution Go
Set Two: Wandering Child, What is Hip?, (with Jerry Marotta, without Matt Abts), Freeway Jam, Child Of The Earth, Lively Up Yourself, Fool’s Moon, Thorazine Shuffle, Traveling Tune (part 2)
The 19th Annual Native American Music Awards will take place at Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino in Niagara Falls on Nov. 2. Among this year’s nominees are four New York-based acts. Public voting is now open through the NAMA website.
Syracuse’s Irv Lyons, Jr., Joanne Shenandoah, and the Ripcords were each nominated as well as Buffalo’s Nick Lone. Lyons earned two nominations, one for Best Rock Recording for his Sisters and Brothers album and one for Song of the Year, “Looking for the Light” from that album.
Lyons recorded his latest album at SubCat Studios in Syracuse with an all-star cast of area musicians that included Joe Driscoll, Billy Harrison, Melissa Gardiner, Edgar Pagan, Melanie Krahmer, Richie Melito, and others. Lyons is a Oneida Nation native and also a member of the Ripcords, who have also been nominated this year. His band’s sounds are rooted in blues, Latin jazz and country. The lineup he put together for his latest album brings hip-hop, jazz, rock, Latin jazz performers, producing a truly eclectic album.
Irv Lyons, Jr.
Shenandoah is up for Best Indie Single of the Year for her song “We Will Rise Up.” She is a Grammy-winning and 14-time Nammy winning Oneida Nation Native that not only writes and performs but is also an internationally recognized humanitarian and peace advocate. She is a founding member of the Hiawatha Insitute for Indigenous Knowledge and has performed for the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. The Associated Press has described her as “America’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed Native American musicians of her time.”
Joanne Shenandoah
Buffalo’s Nick Lone is nominated in the Best Rap/Hip Hop/R&B category for his song “Native Pride.”
The Ripcords are a Syracuse-based band influenced by the blues, roots rock, rock-a-billy, and the music of New Orleans. They’ve been on the Syracuse music scene since 2003 and have performed throughout the Northeast. The band has been nominated in the Best Blues and Best Live Video categories for this year’s Nammys for their album Live at SubCat Studios.
The full list of this year’s nominees is below.
19th Annual Native American Music Awards Nominees:
Artist of the Year
Bear Fox (Mohawk) – Life Blanket
Murphy Platero (Navajo) – Butterflies, Horses and Guitars
Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) – Simple Truth
Tonemah (Lumbee) – Red Dirt Remark
Vince Redhouse (Navajo) – A Distant Star
Wade Fernandez (Menominee) – Journey of the Heart
Group or Duo of the Year
Crazy Flute (Cherokee) – We Belong To The Music
Cree Confederation (Cree/Various) – Medicine Horse
Larry Redhouse Quartet (Navajo) – Naomi’s Dance
Sihasin (Navajo) – Fight Like A Woman
The Cody Blackbird Band and Connor Chee (Dakota, Cherokee, Navajo) – Live From White Horse Black Mountain
Young Spirit (Plains Cree/Various) – Red Dress Special/Love, Life, Round Dance
New Artist or Debut Artist of the Year
Alex FireThunder (Lakota) – Makȟóčhe Kiŋ Theȟíla (Love For The Land)
D Johnson (Navajo) – K Town
David Lopez (Comanche/Tarahumara) – If I Won The Lottery
Rooted Entertainment and Woods Valley Ski Area are joining forces to celebrate Mother Earth with the inaugural Harvestfest at the ski area located just north of Rome on Oct. 19.
The day-long, first-year festival is headlined by Hayley Jane with special guest Rob Compa of Dopapod and Syracuse’s Root Shock.
The festival kicks off at 2:00 p.m. and is designed as a celebration of Mother Earth and female musicians. Joining the headliners are Connecticut r&b/soul act Erica T. Bryan from West End Blend with her latest project the New Mosaic, Ithaca ska band ¡Viva Mayhem!, and Syracuse alt-blues punks Late Earth.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to Groovesafe, a non-profit movement organized to stop unwanted touching and sexual assault at live music events.
Tickets for the family-friendly festival are $20 and available through the Woods Valley website here. For more information, visit the Facebook event page here.
Folkfaces will hold their second annual music fest this October 3-6 at Cherry Hill Campground in Darien Center, NY. The four-day event boasts 42 local and touring acts from a plethora of different genres, with an emphasis on original American roots music. The festival will also include vendors, food, art, workshops, games, raffles, bonfires, late-night jams, camping, yoga, and more.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 3 with early set-up and a pre-party featuring Pennsylvania bluegrassers, the Jakobs Ferry Stragglers. Friday through Sunday, music will start at noon and run until midnight or later. Headlined by Spoon Lady and the Tater Boys, these American roots musicians are a YouTube sensation and busking extraordinaires from Asheville, NC. Abby (Spoon Lady) met up with Folkfaces on their 2018 spring tour and became fast friends. She’ll bring her spoons and some friends (The Tater Boys) to play with, and also giving a Spoons workshop.
Other notable acts on the festival bill include folk multi-instrumentalist Aaron Jonah Lewis, two sets by Adirondack freight train stringers The Blind Owl Band, NOLA buskers Yes Ma’am, delta blues-inspired slide guitarist Cristina Vane, down-home folk swingers Woody Pines, roots/Americana/old-time multi-instrumentalists Aaron Lipp & Bobby Henrie, and Finger Lakes-based bluegrassers Dirty Blanket. Not to mention, two sets from Folkfaces.
For more information on Folkfaces Fest in Darien Center, visit the event’s website or Facebook event.
Following six sold-out Caribbean cruises and a sold-out inaugural Mediterranean sailing, legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa, along with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, and Sixthman, have announced the second annual Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean II cruise. The cruise sets sail August 14 to 19, 2020 on the Norwegian Jade, leaving from Barcelona, Spain with stops in Genoa, Italy and Cannes, France.
The cruise will feature blues musicians Jonny Lang, Walter Trout, Ana Popovic, The James Hunter Six, with more to be announced. They’ll be joined by just announced artists Marc Broussard, Samantha Fish, King King, Jimmy Vivino, The Suffers, Selwyn Birchwood, The Cold Stares, Daddy Long Legs, Elles Bailey, Ben Levin, and Lakota John, in addition to New Hartford, NY native Bonamassa for this second European voyage.
Music will be featured across multiple stages, as well meet and greets with artists, and one-of-a-kind collaborative sets from blues legends. In addition to non-stop music, the specially curated schedule of events offers a variety of music-centric activities including an activity with Joe Bonamassa. Beyond the onboard experience, guests will have the chance to explore two of the world’s most beautifully renowned cities. Attendees can spend the day at the waterfront town of Cannes, famous for sparkling, sandy beaches and lush attractions, and explore the historic streets of Genoa, a remarkable gem of the Italian Riviera.
Bonamassa has also announced the release of Live at the Sydney Opera House, featuring recordings from his 2016 performance at the UNESCO Heritage Monument. The album will include previously unreleased live versions of tracks from his No. 1 album Blues of Desperation.
Band members on the live release includeLate Night with David Letterman‘s Anton Fig (percussion), Nashville recording legend Michael Rhodes (bass), Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and member of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Reese Wynans (keyboards), Paulie Cerra (sax), and Lee Thornburg (trumpet), with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Gary Pinto on backing vocals.
Pressed on vinyl 180 Gram and including a commemorative booklet, the Double LP features the exclusive bonus track “Livin’ Easy,” and is due out on J&R Adventures October 25. Pre-order has begun and you can listen to the first track “This Train” below.
Live at the Sydney Opera House follows the 2018 release of British Blues Explosion Live, which marked Bonamassa’s milestone 20th #1 album, and precedes his latest studio album Redemption that took the blues world by storm later that year, bringing him his 21st #1 album on the blues charts.
In addition to Live at the Sydney Opera House, Bonamassa has a new studio album on the horizon, and plans to hit the studio this winter, following his extensive international and U.S. tour dates.
Fall 2019 Tour Dates
Friday, October 18 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
Saturday, October 19 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
Tuesday, October 22 – Bakersfield, CA – Fox Theater
Wednesday, October 23 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
Friday, October 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre
Sunday, October 27 – Las Vegas, NV – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Tuesday, October 29 – Oklahoma City, OK – Chesapeake Energy Arena
Wednesday, October 30 – Wichita, KS – Century II Concert Hall
Friday, November 1 – Springfield, MO – Juanita K. Hammons Hall
Saturday, November 2 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland
Sunday, November 3 – Springsfield, IL – University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, November 5 – South Bend, IN – Morris Performing Arts Center
Thursday, November 7 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theater
Friday, November 8 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
Saturday, November 9 – Washington D.C. – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Monday, November 11 – Burlington, VT – Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday, November 12 – Binghamton, NY – Broome County Forum Theatre
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe reconnects for a ‘Thick As Thieves’ fall tour. This 22 show tour in October and November comes just after Denson’s summer stretch as a saxophonist with The Rolling Stones. After shows in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, KDTU will be joined for the remainder of the tour by Thievery Corporation.
The tour will feature KDTU’s first album in the past five years, Gnomes and Badgers, which was released earlier this year by Seven Spheres Records. Blending rock, soul and classic funk, the album takes a dive into the many controversial topics of today. This includes the album’s first single ‘Change My Way’ which gives a moving statement about the issues going on at the US border.
KDTU will kick off their tour on Thursday, Oct. 3. Tickets are available now and can be purchased here on KDTU’s website. See the full list of dates below.
Oct.3 – The Pour House – Charleston, SC Oct.4 – Big House Museum – Macon, GA Oct.5 – Orange Peel – Asheville, NC Oct.6 – Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA Oct.8 – The Hamilton Live – Washington, DC Oct.9 – The Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC Oct.10 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA Oct.11 – Rex Theater – Pittsburg, PA Oct.12 – The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA * Oct.13 – House of Blues – Boston, MA* Oct.15 – Aura – Portland, ME Oct.16 – Le Capitole – Quebec City, Canada* Oct.17 – Mtelus – Montreal, Canada * Oct.18 – Putnam Place – Saratoga, NY Oct.24 – The Fillmore – Detroit, MI * Oct.25 – The Vogue – Indianapolis, IN * Oct.27 – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN * Oct.28 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL* Nov.6 – The Fillmore – Miami, FL * Nov.7 – The Ritz – Tampa, FL* Nov.8 – Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA * Nov.9 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL *
With three of the most prolific rock guitarists in the world, GE Smith (Hall & Oates, Bob Dylan & SNL band), Jim Weider (The Band & Levon Helm Band), and Duke Levine (Peter Wolf, Rosanne Cash), this is sure to be a historic night of roots rock n’ roll. Playing tunes from Roy Buchanan, Little Richard, Neil Young, Jimmy Reed, Steve Winwood, Sam Cooke and more, the Masters of the Telecaster promises to be a full night of quality music. Opening for the show will be Nate Gross Band followed by Sly Fox.
Jim Weider, a master of classic telecaster guitar, is renowned for his rock and a blues-based signature sound. He is among a select group of musicians with an endorsement from Fender, and for the past three decades, he’s earned enormous respect from fellow musicians and music fans throughout the world.
Born and raised in the famed arts colony of Woodstock, NY, Jim received great acclaim during his long tenure (1985-2000) as lead guitarist (replacing Robbie Robertson) for Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Band. During 15 years of international touring with original members Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko, Jim was featured on numerous albums, films, videos, and television appearances. Highlights included a 1990 performance with The Band and Ronnie Hawkins at The Berlin Wall concert, produced by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, and several cable TV specials including “The Bob Dylan Tribute” at Madison Square Garden, “The Road,” and “This Country’s Rocking.” Jim performed and recorded at the “Unofficial Blue Jean Bash” for President Clinton’s 1993 Inaugural Ball, with special guests Bob Dylan, Steven Stills and Dr. John, was on a 1994 pay-per-view concert telecast from the Woodstock ’94 Festival, and a 1995 appearance on the A&E Biography documentary “The Authorized Video Biography The Band” for cable TV and video, released by ABC Video.
Jim furthered his reputation as a versatile and talented guitarist in performances and recordings with Scotty Moore, Keith Richards, Los Lobos, Graham Parker, Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Hot Tuna, Bob Weir/Rat Dog, Johnny Paycheck, James Talley, Kim Wilson, Paul Butterfield and Robbie Dupree, among many others.
G.E. Smith was Music Director and led the Saturday Night Live (SNL) band for 10 years. During this time he also toured with Bob Dylan for four years. He also helped Mike Myers write a song for Aerosmith for when they performed on SNL. G.E. Smith was sought out by major recording artists like Jagger, who, shortly after Live Aid, called Smith to work with him on his first solo album, She’s the Boss. During this period Smith also did a few one-off recordings and concerts with David Bowie and Peter Wolfe. He just finished a three year run with Roger Water’s WALL LIVE worldwide tour.
Guitarist Robert “Duke” Levine was born and raised in Worcester, MA. He moved to Boston to study music and graduated from the New England Conservatory. In addition to releasing five records of instrumental guitar music, Duke Levine divides his time between the studio and the road. He has recorded and/or performed live with Peter Wolf, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash, Lee Ann Womack, The J. Geils Band, Robbie Fulks, Slaid Cleaves, Aimee Mann, Jonathan Brooke, The Del Fuegos, Otis Rush, and many others.
TV appearances include The Late Show w/ David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Late Show w/Conan O’Brien, Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, Austin City Limits, and Soundstage. You can hear his playing on film scores such as “Lone Star,” “The Opposite Of Sex,” “Passion Fish,” “Honeydripper” and “Music Of The Heart.” Duke’s work has been recognized by the Boston Music Awards (“Unsung Hero” of 2006, “Outstanding Instrumentalist” of 1995). He is featured in the book: The Fender Telecaster: The Life And Times Of The Electric Guitar That Changed The World, by Dave Hunter.
On September 7, the Greenwich Village event space (Le) Poisson Rouge was set for an intimate evening with SPAGA, a quasi-jazz project from the mind and fingers of Disco Biscuits keyboard player Aron Magner. Tables were draped with black cloths, lit by candles, and set with other accoutrements while on stage waited a baby grand piano, an upright bass on its side, and a full drum kit. Upon entering before the army of Bisco fans, the mood and setting were surprisingly sophisticated.
As The Disco Biscuits are generally known for their dance-inducing electronic music and laser beams, an open floor plan with room to move was the expectation. Alas, the performance did circumvent most expectations but lacked the confidence, or boldness, of traditional jazz stylings.
What is most interesting about SPAGA is the clear intersection between the old-fashioned and the new-age. It’s a classic trio set up with modern gadgetry intact. A synthesizer sat atop the grand piano with an assortment of foot pedals beneath, and a laptop computer was situated right next to the bench. The upright bass ran through a full effects pedalboard beside a rock drum kit. Throughout the course of the 90-minute set, all of the above were put to good use.
While the bulk of the night’s music was pulled from the recently released album (SPAGA, out now via AM Records) the opener was a non-album number, appropriately titled “For The Table.” This set the tone for the rest of the night’s offerings as it featured a tantalizing hook to anchor the more loosely fastened sections of improvisation. A major highlight right off the bat was drummer Matt Scaranos’ incredible ownership of the kit. As the keys and bassist Jason Fratacelli repeated the songs melodic content, Scarano displayed an impressive command over every little detail on top of, inside, and outside the beat. The songs that followed like the albums opener “Creed” and “Resurrection” both find their strength in their composition, giving the listener moments to mellow in ambiance and elate with blistering rhythms.
SPAGA did cover a wide spectrum on Saturday. “Resurrection” sits on a hip-hop beat, while a totally unique take on Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” seemed to be just a tease at first, eventually playing out as the full song. Improvisation was there, but it didn’t feel so much like it was in a jazzy conversationalist sense. Instead, it seems SPAGA has taken to sticking with the jam-band formula of creating a pocket, building a steady groove to fill it, and elevating the energy to a peak.
Magner took to the microphone to comment that SPAGA is a project grown from wanting to reconnect with and explore an instrument that he was properly trained on but spent a long time away from, the acoustic piano. While there isn’t much comparison between SPAGA’s piano-laden presentations and The Disco Biscuits electronically driven material, they certainly feel like they could have been made in the same kitchen. There’s different ingredients, but similar flavors.
All in all, SPAGA is a unique interpretation through a time-tested setup. There are moments of familiarity laced throughout a set that is, for the most part, completely separated from what you normally would hear from Magner and Co. SPAGA will be at Resonance Music Festival in Slippery Rock, PA ON September 19 and can be heard on all streaming platforms now.
Setlist: For The Table, Creed, Resurrection, Black Dog, Dig*, Colors, Four Angels, Good Old Days, Bird
*Temporary song name. Magner stated that it’s currently untitled and being decided on social media by fans.
The staff at the Historic Colgate Inn in Hamilton, NY have been working extra hard this summer in preparation for their new music venue. “The Library” speakeasy will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday each weekend featuring music, special events and opportunities for private parties. The venue is set to open September 14 with Colgate University Professor, Glen Cashman (saxophone/keys), with a three piece band visiting from the West Coast.
The Colgate Inn in Hamilton NY
This new venue is sparking interest among locals and more, as they put the finishing touches on the cocktail menu and small plates offered. The space in the basement of the Colgate Inn is also finishing a renovation with new lighting, seating including lounge furniture and bar stools as well as a stage for musicians. The Inn features 40 rooms and suites as well as several dining areas, a patio that overlooks downtown Hamilton and a cozy tavern room complete with a fire place.
The Tavern Room at The Colgate Inn
The music series is complete with jazz acts, folk singers, horn and rhythm pieces and much more. For the complete line up scroll to the bottom. The Library is billed as a sophisticated speakeasy serving a variety of bourbon, whiskey, wine and chef inspired plates to pair. This prohibition era style venue will offer music that compliments the dusky, intimate atmoshphere where you can settle into comfy seats or join patrons at the bar. It’s a great reason to visit Hamilton, NY and try this new space and see local, regional and national acts in a fun space.
List of Events:
GRAND OPENING: September 14, 8-10 PM.
GLENN CASHMAN TRIO: Seattle based trumpeter Jay Thomas and former Ithaca College Jazz Director/guitarist Steve Brown join jazz organist/Colgate Associate Professor of Music, Cashman.
STOCK MARKET SWING ORCHESTRA TRIO: September 27, 8-10 PM.
They will take you back to those swinging days of flappers, speakeasies, and doing the Charleston til dawn. Playing the best popular music of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, the band’s library consists of several hundred arrangements from the Great American Songbook, including well-known tunes of the era. Greats such as Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Rudy Vallee, Fletcher Henderson, Harry James, Bunny Berigan, Fred Astaire, and Bing Crosby form the backbone of the group’s repertoire. “Party Like It’s 1929!”
MARK SHINER’S STRUGGLEBUS: October 5, 8-10 PM.
Part jazz, part funk, and a whole lot of fun! Mark has played with musicians all over the world and as a Hamiltonian knows how to make any space better with his presence alone. With Dave Solazzo riffing on keys these guys will have you moving and grooving and you never know you might pop in and sing along!
THE DOVETONES: October 12th 8-10PM.
The Dovetones! Classic hits of the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond! Popular Swing, Blues, and Rock-n-Roll Classics; Ska & Rocksteady hits, Americana & more.
CHRISUNITED: October 19th 8-10 PM.
Left handed 17 year-old guitar prodigy ChrisUnited has been playing guitar for 17 years. Chris’ passion arose from within when he was two years old. His influences range from such artists as Bob Dylan, classic rock and even the classics. At a young age, Chris is becoming quite a name on the scene and we are so happy to have him in our series.
THE JES SHELDON DUO: October 26th 8-10 PM
Jes has been on the circuits her whole life, music being her passion since she could walk and talk. She is the lead singer of Syracuse, NY favorites, The Lightkeepers, and can transition from a rocking original or cover into a smooth jazz sing along. It will be a delight to hear her pipes soaring at this intimate show!
J. METTLER: November 1st 8-10 PM
Poetic, profound, folk-rooted and often blues oriented acoustic epics. Melodies that plod along on an R.S. Muth parlor guitar. An occasional pause for breath, perhaps a story, an account of his childhood or of a lingering sentiment. Frontman of the forthcoming band “Rabbit in the Rye,” his contrasting peaceful presence and soulful intensity during his performances rouse the faintest of hearts and instil a sleepy fondness for the romanticism of our everyday lives. Joseph lives in Sherburne, New York with his rabbit.
JJ MURPHY TRIO: November 9th 8-10 PM
JJ Hamilton, born and bred musician, will delve into all areas funk and jazz with his bandmates from Nashville, TN. This intsrumental three piece can regale you, and hear a pin drop on a Bill Frissell cover, then throw some country-jazz twang on a Hank Williams tune. They move in and out of jazz, funk and cover many standards as well.
THE DOVETONES: November 16th 8-10 PM
The Dovetones! Classic hits of the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond!; Popular Swing, Blues, and Rock-n-Roll Classics; Ska & Rocksteady hits, Americana & more.
MASON MCDOWELL: November 22 8-10 PM
Mason McDowell is equal parts storyteller and songwriter. He creates intricate stories from a theatrical perspective, and delivers them with a powerful voice and piano rock edge.
CHRIS “ISTO” WHITE: November 23 8-10PM
Hamilton favorite and native Chris White returns from Brooklyn for a special one night only, live and in person rendition of his favorite and covers and amazing originals.
JESS NOVAK (SOLO): November 29th 8-10 PM
She got a fiddle on fire and a pen on the page. Jess writes songs and writes stories. She plays shows all over this great country and is happy to call Syracuse home. With a passion for music, she was just voted The Best Female Vocalist of 2018 by the Syracuse New Times!
MARK SHINER’S STRUGGLEBUS: December 6th 8-10 PM
Part jazz, part funk and a whole lot of fun! Mark has played with musicians all over the world and as a Hamiltonian, knows how to make any space better with his presence alone. With Dave Solazzo riffing on keys these guys will have you moving and grooving. You never know, you might pop in and sing along!
MELISSA GARDINER (feat. ANDREW CARROLL):December 14th 8-10 PM
Emerging jazz trombonist, Melissa Gardiner, has been described by Curtis Fuller as ‘technically creative and emotionally powerful.’ Her improvisation is inspiring and motivating for the listener, and she draws you in with a raw expression that directly relates to life experience. Gardiner has shared the stage with several legendary musicians including: Aretha Franklin, Geri Allen, Wycliffe Gordon, Steve Turre, Gerald Wilson, Patti Austin, The Temptations, and Vulfpeck. As a bandleader, she performs regularly with her jazz organ trio, MG3, and Second Line Syracuse.
Rochester based multi-instrumentalist Alex Northrup and his band The Backup released their six-song album in March titled Long Story Short. The band is made up of Alex Northrup (keyboard, vocals), Andrew Carter (bass guitar, backup vocals), and Jake Walsh (drums, backup vocals). The trio has a sound that ranges from really small to huge, making use of each member’s prowess on their instrument and their abilities to hold a strong harmony. One thing that pops out in any of Northrup’s recordings is Alex’s ability to take a song out of the pocket with his strong keyboard performances. Evinced by the six tracks on this release, Alex Northrup and The Backup are beginning to carve out a sound all their own.
The opening track “Put on the Break-Up” ultimately sets the overall pace for the album. The sweet vocal melody is hashed out by wonderfully performed harmonies. Nothing here is too pristine; that is to say, the vibe is similar to the old Weezer Pinkerton days. The listener will be able to tell that the process of recording that the band took was organic, leaving the bulk of the work to the musicians to make the songs sound good.
“Sinning on a Saturday” offers a better look at how dynamic the band can be in their orchestration. The bass takes on a life of its own and the texture of the keyboard flexes a bit more as well, as Alex navigates his chord progression to make meaningful and interesting solos. The mood shift that takes place between the verse and chorus is subtle, but noticeable enough to invoke the feelings reflected in the lyrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOWdRFEhr8
One thing that should be taken note of is how Alex writes his lyrics. He talks casually, and even comically at times, about serious issues while never sacrificing the weight of the song’s topic. “Girl of My Dreams” is one such song. The ballad is a nice throwback to older ballads from the 50’s and the band does the style justice. While most of the songs are written by Northrup himself, he does collaborate with other members of the Rochester music scene. Specifically in “There We Go Again”, where some new creative elements and bass lines are added in by Dave Drago.
The album’s cap is an ethereal instrumental that comes out of almost nowhere to great effect. Each song flows into the next really well, and the entire album felt like it should end much like it does in “Blinded by Delight.” The band’s harmonies are sitting tight in the background behind a beautiful soundscape of textures. Overall, the album’s flow offers a whole new dimension worth analysis of its own. Definitely take a chance on this release, and be sure to find Alex Northrup and The Backup on Spotify, Bandcamp and social media!
Key Tracks: Sinning on Sunday, Put on the Break-Up, Girl of My Dreams
