Category: NYC Metro

Live from Here welcomes New York’s Phinest

As Live From Here continues its fall run from their new home at The Town Hall in New York City, fans were treated to another glorious episode (with slightly more than the usual phanfare) due to one particular name on the guest list. Being a live air show with a strictly dicatated schedule, 6:00:00 PM sharp brought on the opening notes of “Fugue State,” a Vulfpeck tune in its second year as the LFH theme song. After a mulit-faceted and highly layered “C Q,” this week’s song of the week (yes, Chris Thile writes a song every week!), which sounded somewhat like a venue appropriate mini Broadway musical, Thile announced this week’s first guest.

Photo courtesy of Live From Here

Trey Anastasio entered to thunderous applause as there were many Phish fans in attendance who probably saw their first and only episode of LFH last night. “Theme From the Bottom” was Trey’s first offering, rearranged to play alongside the house band of Chris Thile (mandolin), Mike Elizondo (musical director/bassist), Chris “Critter” Eldridge (guitar), Kush Abadey (drums), Brett Williams (keys), Brittany Haas (fiddle) and guest Sarah Jarosz (vocals, banjo, mandolin, guitar). “If I Could” was Trey’s next choice, and if you didn’t know better you might think it was a duet written specifically for he and Sarah Jarosz. Trey really opened up a beautifully composed solo for this one, his tone so clean as he played out of a very stripped down set up and not his usual Phish rig.

Photo courtesy of Live From Here

Tom Papa left the audience in stitches with his Out in America segment, followed by a jazzy house band number and then Sarah Jarosz covering Joanna Newsom’s “Book of Right-On.” Edward Norton was next up, explaining how he got hooked up with Thom Yorke and guest Wynton Marsalis for music for his new movie premiering November 1, Motherless Brooklyn, a 1999 book by Jonanthan Lethem from which he read like the world class actor that he is.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis quietly assembled on stage during Ed Norton’s segment and wowed the crowd with two numbers, the second of which saw them joined by Chris Thile. Fifteen members strong with twelve horns, an upright bass, baby grand piano and drums, Wynton immediately distinguished himself from the rest of the similarly clad ensemble, treating the room full of Phish phans to a heavy dose of culture from one of New York’s finest professional jazz outfits.
The birthday segment was next, where Thile recognizes musician’s birthdays and plays their songs. Sarah Jarosz shined bright again and showed off her range during a cover of Natalie Maines “Cowboy Take Me Away,” followed by Fela Kuti’s resounding protest song “Zombie” and Sweeney Todd’s “A Little Priest,” a nod to Miss Lovett and Angela Lansbury’s birthday. One more birthday for this segment and another opportunity to introduce Trey Anastasio, who quipped, “Everyone who’s ever strapped on a guitar owes a little to Chuck Berry,” before covering “Back in the USA,” again sounding so clean on his minimalist rig.

Photo courtesy of Live From Here

Before Trey’s next selection, Thile asked him just how he chooses only four songs from the mighty catalog at his disposal, “You know, I play in a band that goes on stage without a setlist so a lot of it is just feel and the vibe from…you people {pointing to the audience}. This is just a song I like a lot right now,” as he launched into a chilling “Life Beyond a Dream,” which was a perfect song choice for the setting.

Photo courtesy of Live From Here

Dulce Sloan was next with an outstanding set of stand up comedy as she opened with, “I can’t believe I’m gonna do stand up after the chillest song I’ve ever heard,” and, “did you notice the only black people here are me and the drummer?” A trio of fiddle songs featuring Britanny Haas was next before Tom Papa had a belly-laughing, eyes-tearing reading about parenting. “I used to listen to Phish,” he quipped, “now I do it quietly…in the bathroom.”

Photo courtesy of Live From Here

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra played another mind-boggling number (best music city in the world, anyone?), again highlighted by Mr. Marsalis though his company of professional musicians was almost equally impressive, and was soon joined by phan favorite Trey Anastasio, now set up stage left in front of the orchestra, for what would be the On-Air finale of “Blaze On.” Watching these musicians watch and marvel at each other, Thile and Trey at Wynton, Wynton at Trey, along with Thile’s endearing and wild gesticulations, just drove home the fact that the Live From Here faithful (and a roomful of LFH first timers) were treated to something special last night. A final off-air performance of Lester Flatts’ “I’m gonna sleep with one eye open,” with the audience on their feet sent everyone home reeling.

Photo courtesy of Live From Here

The crowd was grateful for the intimate performance, and that New York City is the new home of LFH, along with Trey, Winton, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Just another ho-hum night in New York of world class music and collaborations.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B3k1EvfAiol/?igshid=620a6futyhp

October 14, 2019
Halleloo launches Couch Concert video series

Halleloo, a Brooklyn-based creative agency and production company has launched a monthly video series featuring artists performing acoustic versions of their songs on the studio couch. With just one take, Halleloo’s series supports their mission of providing unique, creative video content for artists and businesses and empowering them to do what they love.

Founder Nathan Chang says of the series, “I started this project as a way to highlight musicians in a stripped down, acoustic setting. I love seeing videos of artists I love just noodling around in their living rooms, being amazing musicians, so this is a way to take that setting into a professional video environment, but still in a living room on a couch. No frills. Just great video, great lighting, great music – that was the goal.

“I think it’s simply because the folks we bring in are, at their essence, just amazing musicians – and sometimes I think that can get lost in a studio edit. But here, it’s highlighted.”

This month’s featured artist is Lohai, a Brooklyn duo made up of Alita Moses and Devon Yesberger who normally play with a full band. For their Halleloo session the pair sang their hit song “Baby I Know You Will” in the stripped down couch setting. Stay tuned for more Halleloo’s Couch Series through their YouTube and Instagram.

October 14, 2019
Sweet Megg & the Wayfarers to bring a modern twist on 1920s to Brooklyn’s Jalopy Theatre

Sweet Megg & the Wayfarers have recently announced details about their album release party, set for October 19 at Jalopy Theatre in Brooklyn. With a jazzy style, Sweet Megg & the Wayfarers take audiences back to the 1920s, with a six-member band consisting of a wide range of instruments, including three types of saxophones, upright bass, guitar, drums, and lead vocals by Megg Farrell.

Farrell describes the new album as a return to “earlier repertoire of the 1920’s and 30’s, but we’ve also been mixing that with some modern elements.” The lead guitarist adds sweet tones of a telecaster and pedals to the album, creating a sound similar to Les Paul. This new album also features some heart-felt original songs, written and performed by Megg. All members of the band have special arrangements in the album—creating a one-of-a-kind, old-fashioned jazz style with a touch of modern bluegrass and western swing. Listen to the band’s first album below.

Guests of the October 19 show will get a sneak peak of the album debuting in December, which features an array of songs from nearly a century ago. Songs by Jellyroll Morton (“Why”), Billie Holiday (“I Cried For You”), Fats Waller (“Sweet & Slow) and Bessie Smith (“Devils Gonna Get You”) are performed by Megg and the Wayfarers, with their own personalized takes on the ageless tracks. Originals by Farrell are also found on the album (“Under the Moonlight” & “When the Moon Covers Up the Sun”), which drew their inspiration from the moon. The band’s trombone player, Sam Chess, was utilized heavily in these songs to create a youthful and swing-type style.

Throw on your dancing shoes and join the band at the album release party on October 19th at Jalopy Theatre. Doors open at 8 PM and tickets are only $10! Click here for more info.

October 13, 2019
In Focus: Melvin Seals and JGB recruit John Kadlecik and George Porter for a night at Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn Bowl was treated to a double bill on Friday, October 11 as George Porter Jr. and his trio opened for Melvin Seals and JGB featuring John Kadlecik. Along with Michael Lemmler on keyboards and Terrence Houston on drums, the ageless and eponymous GPJ’s bass and vocals led the way for a 75-minute opening set of NOLA funk.

The Meter’s “Cissy Strut,” something of a New Orleans anthem, was an authentic offering with signature bass lines and what sounded like a beautiful jazz bar piano interlude thanks to Lemmler’s keyboards. Terrence Houston is an eye catching drummer, delicate when necessary but constantly energetic, somewhere at the nexus of jazz and funk. And for a band that improvises to the point of not even writing setlists, “They Love Each Other,” led by Porter’s bass solos and deep gravelly voice, was the perfect choice to get the crowd ready for Melvin, a perfect funk salad of Jerry tunes whetting our collective palate for the main course.

Photo by Zach Belfer

Taking the stage promptly at 9:30pm, Melvin Seals and JGB feat. John Kadlecik opened with a gorgeous “How Sweet It Is.” John-Paul McLean is a worthy bassist with the chops to take impressive solos and the rhythm section of he and Pete Lavezzoli that impressed all night. Vocalists Mary eL and Lady Chi lit up the stage and their playful back and forth with Melvin is fun to watch. But there’s a reason the big man on the keys and organ gets his name on the marquee, lighting up the Brooklyn Bowl with joy every time he took a solo on the Hammond B3. Largely due to the 18 years he spent playing with the Jerry Garcia Band, his playing just feels so familiar and authentic, bringing joy in spades, spread in a wide arc from the huge smile he always wears.

A tasty “After Midnight” > “Eleanor Rigby” > “After Midnight” sandwich, made famous by the JGB release of the Kean College show from 2/28/80, highlighted why John Kadlecik’s name now shares said marquee with Melvin. To think that earlier in the night someone was overheard saying Kadlecik’s voice is okay but he can’t play guitar… “Wonderful World” ensued and the love fest was on, at least until “Get Out Of My Life Woman” conflicted the love story woven through the early part of the setlist. Melvin really shone on that one, not to be outdone by a gorgeous bass solo from McLean. “I’ll Take A Melody” again gave the spotlight back to Kadlecik before a rollicking “Cumberland Blues.”

Photo by Zach Belfer

Melvin took lead vocals for the only time of the night on Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” followed by “Lonesome and a Long Way From Home,” the second Eric Clapton song of the evening (if you count “After Midnight,” a song popularized by Clapton but written by JJ Cale). “Lucky Old Sun” provided a nice bathroom break, an idea apparently shared by most of the sold-out but comfortably crowded venue, and gave others a chance to relocate, particularly stage right to enjoy the show from right under Melvin’s Hammond and soak in his joy from up close. “Sisters and Brothers” dutifully brought the dance party back before the set closing sequence of “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Terrapin Jam” > “Midnight Moonlight” which inspired some hair raising goosebumps and left the crowd feeling jubilant.

All these cats can really play. What a pleasure it was to join them and dance it up (16,854 steps) as they took JGB’s catalog out for a two-hour stroll through the Brooklyn Bowl.

Setlist: How Sweet It Is, After Midnight, Wonderful World, Get Out Of My Life Woman, I’ll Take A Melody, Cumberland Blues, Knocking On Heaven’s Door, Lonesome And A Long Way From Home, That Lucky Old Sun, Sisters & Brothers, Help On The Way > Slipknot! >Terrapin Jam > Midnight Moonlight
October 13, 2019
Kero Kero Bonito Draw Battle Lines at Brooklyn Steel
Sarah Perry of Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Fresh off their new EP, Civilisation I, London-based band Kero Kero Bonito brought their edgy electro-pop to Brooklyn Steel this past Thursday night. Negative Gemini opened the show, delivering a dance friendly set to a highly energetic crowd, eager to get the night started.

Negative Gemini at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Originally a trio, Kero Kero Bonito have expanded their live band to include two more members; adding a whole new layer of noise and groove to their live sound. Sarah Perry fronts the band and continuously engages the crowd while adding quirky theatrical elements, like waving an oversized white flag during the opening song “Battle Lines.”

Sarah Perry of Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

New band members James Rowland and Jennifer Walton were on percussion and keyboard duties, and throughout the show they kept switching instruments for various solos and jams. They each brought their own style to the instruments and the band remained just as sharp regardless of who was playing what.

Jennifer Walton of Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Kero Kero Bonito have a dedicated and highly engaged fanbase. The audience sung along to every track and did not let up the energy one bit. The lengthy 21 song main set never felt dull, even when Sarah announced a “break” to perform one of the groups slower songs. Break time quickly ended and the high energy performance continued. During the encore, there was an unlikely cover of U2’s “Vertigo,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Kero Kero Bonito at Brooklyn Steel – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

A unique mix of punk and electro-pop with a traditional J-pop influence really set Kero Kero Bonito apart from other indie pop blends. They present a vibrant performance and their discography continues to evolve. The band continues on their North American tour through November.
October 13, 2019
Head North Announces Headlining Buffalo and NYC Shows, New Album in the Works

Buffalo’s Head North has booked two shows in December. It’s been two years since the alternative band’s last live performances. They’ll be playing Brooklyn at The Knitting Factory on Dec. 19, then a show in their hometown at Mohawk Place on Dec. 21. Joining them for both dates is Tennessee-based singer/songwriter Bogues. Ticket information is available here.

Over the summer, Head North released the single “Rhodora,” the first taste of their upcoming sophomore album. This and other new material has been recorded at the band’s own space, Bigfoot! Studios, at the helm of frontman/producer Brent Martone. It’s a follow-up to 2017’s The Last Living Man Alive Ever in The History of The World. For more about that album, see the NYS Music interview.

October 11, 2019
Trey Anastasio Band Announces New Tour Dates for 2020

Phish frontman Trey Anastasio has announced a new set of performances for the Trey Anastasio band for the 2020 calendar year. Following the traditional slate of Phish shows to begin the year, the veteran guitarist will be back on the road for a nine-city run.

The tour will start off with a two-date stint in Port Chester before heading out west for four consecutive dates, finishing off in the South with shows in Texas and Louisiana.

After the official announcement, pre-sale tickets were made available and the rest go on sale for the general public on Oct.11.

Tickets can be purchased via Anastasio’s website.

The Trey Anastasio Band’s full list of tour dates can be found below:

Jan. 10 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY
Jan. 11 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY
Jan. 16 – The Observatory North Park – San Diego, CA
Jan. 17 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
Jan. 18 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
Jan. 21 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
Jan. 24 – ACL Live at Moody Theatre – Austin, TX
Jan. 25 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
Jan. 26 – Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX
Jan. 28 – The Tobin Center – San Antonio, TX
Jan. 31 – The Civic Theatre – New Orleans, LA
Feb. 1 – The Civic Theatre – New Orleans, LA

October 11, 2019
Jann Wenner Steps Down from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

It’s the end of an era as Jann Wenner, co-founder of Rolling Stone magazine, will be stepping down from his role as chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The change will take effect on January 1, 2020, where he will be replaced by John Sykes, the current president of Entertainment Enterprises for radio giant, iHeartMedia.

As Chairman, Wenner carried the responsibility of not only being the face of the Rock Hall, but the person who was blamed for perceived shortcomings, such as the lack of colored and women inductees. That burden will now fall upon Sykes, whom Jann Wenner himself nominated. “I just felt I had done what I set out to do… That it had been built, stabilized and become well financed and managed — and, after 30-plus years of running it, time for new energy, new ideas, a new generation,” Wenner said, according to the New York Times.

In 1983, Wenner aided in the founding of the Rock Hall, along with Ahmet Ertegun, Bruce Springsteen manager Jon Landau, attorney Suzan Evans, and record executives Seymour Stein and Bob Krasnow, and has served as its chairman since 2006 following Ertegun’s passing.

The institution began inducting honorees in 1986 and a few months later, Cleveland was selected as the permanent home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Throughout its history, there have been 330 inductees, comprised of esteemed artists, producers, and music executives.

Wenner is leaving behind a strong legacy, according to the Rock Hall’s website: “the Rock Hall had a total impact of $199 million in business sales in Cuyahoga County. Visitors to the Rock Hall spent an estimated $127.4 million in 2017, averaging a daily spend of $349,000, both on-site and at other businesses in the County.”

October 11, 2019
Groovesafe Allstars to perform at Brooklyn Bowl benefit on October 14

Groovesafe, a movement within the musical community to bring awareness about unwanted touching and sexual assault at concerts, has been making in roads through the music industry since the charity was formed in 2017 by Ashley Driscoll. On Monday, October 14, members of Turkuaz, Lespecial, Escaper, Goose and many more will join together as Groovesafe Allstars, for a benefit concert supporting Groovesafe at Brooklyn Bowl.

Driscoll has been bringing together musicians from across the jam scene to spread the word about Groovesafe. A topic such as unwanted touching is one that is all too common but the issue had not been brought to light until the past few years, around the same time the #MeToo movement pushed back against sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace. Through music scenes that intertwine, the mission of Groovesafe can be spread and consent culture can become the norm.

The October 11 Groovesafe Allstars benefit at Brooklyn Bowl has Driscoll’s mission front and center in the jam scene. Speaking to NYS Music about the event, Driscoll says, “I’m excited about this inaugural event because it allows us to showcase what our mission is all about. The thrilling thing about the “AllStar” aspect is we can unite different GrooveSafe Artist Ambassadors from bands of all genres. Bringing everyone together to highlight the importance of our work at GrooveSafe and our main goal to rebuild consent culture in the live music realm.”

“All we want to do is spread awareness that these bad behaviors are happening and that we won’t stand for them anymore. Change in behaviors begins with this awareness. We will be out there at The Brooklyn Bowl on Monday night to remind people how important it is to respect each others dance space, and focus on why we see shows; the music.
Ashley Driscoll – founder of Groovesafe

The show features The GrooveSafe AllStars – Sammi Garett (Vocals – Turkuaz), Josh Schwartz (Sax – Turkuaz), Greg Sanderson (Sax – Turkuaz), Chris Brouwers (Trumpet – Turkuaz), Luke Bemand (Bass – lespecial), Will Hanza (Lead Guitar – Escaper), Ben Atkind (Drums – Goose), Matt Dolliver (Keys, EWI – Swimmer), Sam Lisabeth (Guitar – Guerilla Toss), Melissa Goscinski (Vocals – Cousin Earth), and Tara Lawton (Vocals – Cousin Earth), with an appearance by Tom Salgo (Guitar-Of Clocks And Clouds). More info can be found here.

This initial event will be the start of a series of benefit concerts, spreading the mission of Groovesafe.

We hope to have a rotating act and continue to put on benefit concerts with talented musicians who support the movement to stop unwanted touching at shows in cities throughout the country. Our touring bands work so hard to bring you the music, let’s work together and make the show experience better. Let’s help people love the music again and give us a voice to create safer shows. Practice consent and take care of each other.
Ashley Driscoll – founder of Groovesafe

Additionally, at the upcoming HarvestFest at Woods Valley, Groovesafe will receive a portion of ticket sales from the weekend event, which features Rob Compa of Dopapod and Hayley Jane, among others.

October 11, 2019
In Focus: Steve Lacy ‘Apollo XXI’ at the Apollo Theater

Steve Lacy sold out the Apollo Theater, his fifth stop on his first ever solo tour, despite touring since the age of 15 with the group The Internet.

Steve Lacy walked on stage in his pink gown and played Apollo XXI end to end. He spent a great portion of the show singing with either a guitar or bass in hand, but ran around with only the microphone for a few bangers. After finishing the album and a couple of his singles, Lacy had run out of music to play. He decided to perform “Dark Red” twice to close out his set.

October 9, 2019

Built in Breakdance