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In Focus: Breaking Benjamin Brings Mini Rock Festival to Lakeview Amphitheater

Five bands on the same bill in one night makes for one long, but rocking evening. With so many bands playing it really felt like Breaking Benjamin brought a mini rock festival to the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY on Saturday August 24.

There was a great mixture of new and well known faces on the stage performing that night. Opening the evening was one rad rocker-chick named Diamante. Her blue hair and Joan Jett inspired style added to her incredible stage presence.

Next up was another amazingly talented rad rocker chick named Dorothy. Dorothy’s fashion and singing style was completely different, but equally as rocktastic as Diamante. It was great seeing two stylish and talented women opening up this tour. Dorothy has an old school rock sound mixed within with her sound. Diamante may have looked like Joan Jett, but Dorothy sounded more like a Joan Jett vibe/sound.

Three Days Grace is one of those bands that you don’t realize how many hits they have on the radio until you see them perform live. They have come a long ways with their lead vocalist change up back in 2013, but their new singer knows how to bring the energy and connect with the crowd.

Direct support for this tour was Chevelle. Chevelle is a three piece and always has played as a three piece live with no additional guitarist or tracks. They pride themselves on playing truly live and they don’t disappoint. Chevelle is a band that is all about the music and their performance reflects that. Chevelle is much like Three Days Grace where you just don’t realize how many of their songs have been on the radio over the years.

Headliners Breaking Benjamin started out strong with “Red Cold River” while lead vocalist Benjamin Burnley walked out giving the crowd a heart sign then began to sing. Breaking Benjamin had a cool stage set up along with pyros.

Breaking Benjamin are known for their song mash-ups during their sets and they brought it to Syracuse. This time their mash up consisted of “The Imperial March,” “Cowboys From Hell,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Enter Sandman,” “Bulls On Parade,” and they finished with a drum solo from Burnley. Burnley turned the mic over to band members guitarist Keith Wallen and bassist Aaron Bruch to sing a few songs.

Breaking Benjamin:

Chevelle:

Three Days Grace:

Dorothy:

Diamante:

September 3, 2019
Hearing Aide: Alex Northrup and the Backup ‘Long Story Short’

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

September 2, 2019
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds Plan Final Shows Before Maternity Leave

Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds have announced a final stint of shows before lead singer Arleigh Kincheloe embarks on maternity leave, with a second baby on the way, due in October. But that has not stopped her from holding true to the nitty-gritty Dirty Bird funk that goes down each and every time the band hits the stage.

Press Photo By Kevin Condon

The Dirty Birds had just performed a free show at Athens Riverfront Park in Athens, NY. For the last three dates fans will flock to Chattanooga, TN; Jersey City, NJ and a final cap at Brooklyn Bowl on September 14.

Kincheloe told NYS in a phone interview how it is just time to take a break from the road, rightfully so. However the front-woman stuck out the entirety of her pregnancy touring on the road, where as she did not with her first child. Despite the reactions by some fans, mothers especially, this is a true gift, taking the bands family ties to a second generation. Kincheloe is nothing short of grateful and glowing to be moving around stage with her child. Spiritually, and quite literally, Kincheloe feels her newborn-to-be on stage with her, making for a unique and special run of final shows.

Arleigh, rocking out with her newborn-to-be in Athens, last Friday.

Touring vigorously with Kincheloe’s latest realise Gold, the band spent the latter half of 2018 and early 2019 on the road selling out venues, including the accliamed Levon Helm Studios. Gold was produced and co-written in collaboration with Carter Matschullat (Chef’Special, Secret Weapons) at Brooklyn’s DØØM Studio, and made NYS Music’s Best Album of the Year in 2018, below.

The glimmer of Gold has caught our eyes. The overanxious wait for another Dirty Bird release had us on edge. In the past three years we have been deprived of the nitty-gritty funk powerhouse and soulful horn section that is Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds. While Gold is everything we want, this record is a spotlight on the undeniable front-woman Arleigh Kincheloe, a.k.a Sister Sparrow. This razors edge has captivated fans – a blend between modern-pop shimmer, electronic accents and that Dirty Bird flare.
Read more at NYS Music…

September 7 | Moon River Festival | Chattanooga, TN

September 13 | | Jersey City, NJ

September 14 | | Brooklyn, NY

September 2, 2019
In Focus: Lindsey Stirling ‘Shatters’ Syracuse

It really takes a special talent to bring a performance to life, like the way Lindsey Stirling does. Her show at the great New York State Fair on Friday, August 23 was inspiring. Lindsey can play the violin flawlessly while dancing choreographed parts of her songs with dancers, and alone. It was a beautiful mix of dance, ballet and music. Lindsey performed many of her hits including “The Upside,” “Crystallize” and “Shatter Me.”

September 2, 2019
Hearing Aide: Of Clocks and Clouds ‘Live at Brooklyn Bowl’

Brooklyn-based quintet Of Clocks and Clouds is a psychedelic rock powerhouse whose sound has been turning heads all over NYS and beyond. Their inclusion on numerous lists of bands to keep an eye on isn’t uncanny, it’s deserved. Through hard work and perseverance, the band has created a sonic experience that sets them apart from the litany of jam bands that have been popping up all over the northeast. Composed of Joe Salgo, Nick Salgo, Tom Salg, Yuri Soussov and Zander Ryzinski, the band offers fans of live music a look at their progressive psychedelic rock with this release of their set Live at Brooklyn Bowl from February 3, 2019.

Fusing elements of electronic music with their deft ability to improvise, based on style adherent chord progressions, is what gives OCAC such a characteristic sound. The first track of the live release, “Cold Hearted Woman” drives this point home, with each member adding in subtle elements to a core blues tune. The keyboard breaks open chords and sets a basis for a hard-hitting blues guitar solo. The drums do an excellent job of knowing when to break out of the pocket – the fills will range anywhere from lightning-fast to minimalist, with the overall mood of the song being reflected in the fills.

The live recording captures the band’s aesthetic really well. It’s evident that they are able to feed off of the audience and drag out jams without losing their interest. This translates really well on record too, with the 11+ minute “Worst Look” being a testament to that. OCAC starts their songs off similarly, with a slow build transitioning into an intro jam. Yet each time they do that, the outcome is sonically different. The band members find their own place within the song to either stand out or step back. The bass barrels forward without hesitation, accenting the grooves underneath the lush orchestration that the keys and guitars create.

While instrumental skill surely defines the band, something must be said about their vocals. The 90’s alternative rock style vocals fit well with the sound. It takes the listener out of the busy composition and bring focus to the anthemic nature of the lyrics. There’s also a lot of versatility in the singing – their cover of Rage Against the Machine’s “Bullet in the Head” is well worth checking out.

It’s impossible to listen through this live album and not notice how well the flow of the set moves. There are dynamic shifts, exciting developments, and headbanging instrumental breaks. With so much to love, it’s no wonder Of Clocks and Clouds is gaining so much steam nationally. Check out this NYS gem’s release, and be sure to catch them live if they come to your town!

Key Tracks: Worst Look, Cold-Hearted Woman, Hole in My Head (Pts. 1 & 2)

September 1, 2019
Ice Cube Brings the Party to Chevy Court at the New York State Fair

20,000 fans showed up to party with Ice Cube to see the legendary rap icon, movie star and Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer packed Chevy Court at the New York State Fair. Decked out in his trademark black bandana, tucked under a ball cap and dark sunglasses, Ice Cube got the party kicked off with the body moving track, “The New Funkadelic.”

Ice Cube and hype man Dub C “WC” delivered a slew of bass heavy, pumping dance songs spanning Ice Cube’s 30-year career from his beginnings in NWA to his most current release Everythang’s Corrupt.

Ice Cube paused and addressed the crowd shouting, “There ain’t nothing like rockin’ a house on Friday night.” He was quickly corrected by Dub C who pointed out that it was still only the middle of the week. “Whenever you see Ice Cube, it’s a goddamn Friday,” the rapper said as he gave Dub C the stare down.

Ice Cube kept the crowd bumping with notables such as “Check Yo Self,” “Straight Outta Compton” (tease) bridging into “Gansta Gansta,” followed by “No Vaseline.” The set felt short, 60-minutes, but no one in the crowd could complain about the closing number, “It was a Good Day,” one of his greatest tracks ever. So, for all of you who had their doubts, who didn’t think Cube could get on stage and still rock the mic, I say, “You better check yo’ Self before you wreck yo’ self.”

Setlist: That New Funkadelic, Now I Gotta Wet’cha, You Know How We Do It, Bop Gun (One Nation), Check Yo’ Self, Friday, Roll All Day, We Be Clubbin’, Straight Outta Compton (N.W.A.), No Vaseline, Natural Born Killaz, $100 Dollar Bill Y’all, I Ain’t Got No Haters, You Can Do It, Go to Church, It Was a Good Day.

September 1, 2019
In Focus: Phish at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, August 30, 2019

Phish’s first night of the infamous Labor Day Weekend run – August 30, 2019 – proved to be the cure for a weekend plagued with setbacks.

Phish – Friday, August 30, 2019 – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO

Set 1: Can’t Always Listen, Free^[1], No Men In No Man’s Land, 555 > Back on the Train > Rift, Steam > Poor Heart > Undermind, Train Song, Wingsuit > Blaze On

Set 2: Everything’s Right > Mercury > Shade > Light -> Party Time, Sand > What’s the Use? > Harry Hood

Encore: Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.

[1] Lyrics changed to “flea.”

Can’t Always Listen was performed for the first time since December 30, 2015 (142 shows) and included a Long Tall Glasses tease from Page. Free’s lyrics were changed to “flea” as a reference to an outbreak of plague transferred by fleas to prairie dogs in the Commerce City area. Trey teased NMINML in Back on the Train. Trey teased Tired of Waiting for You In Everything’s Right. As a further nod to the outbreak, Amie by Pure Prairie League was the postshow music.

September 1, 2019
Hearing Aide: Holly Bowling ‘Live at the Old Church’

The mark of an incredible jam band performance is the groups’ ability to be relentlessly creative. When four or five members work in unison to create, explore and build, we are gifted with a sonic adventure filled with memorable moments that can last a lifetime. It’s something only a gifted few can accomplish together. But for one person to achieve this – a full bodied musical excursion with moving parts and emotion – is the mark of a true virtuoso. Holly Bowling does just this as she blesses us with one of the most exotic ideas of what a cover could be, cultivating years of music and experience into one instrument, one voice, in one night, on Live at the Old Church.

She has finally released her first ever live album, which is odd considering her track record of live performances and the genre she has based herself in, but it was absolutely worth the wait. Read our past articles about Holly and her performances to get a better idea of her impressive background and experience.

Over the course of two and a half hours, we hear her interpretation of well known Grateful Dead and Phish songs, using nothing but her imagination and a stupendously recorded grand piano which was all complimented by the crisp acoustics of The Old Church Concert Hall in Portland, OR. Her ability to explore different emotions and attitudes is astounding.

Bowling flows effortlessly through “Mountains in the Mist,” emulating Phish’s airy jam with appropriate flair, courtesy to her classical background. But counter to her upbringing, she absolutely nails energetic and experimental tracks like “Slipknot! / Franklin’s Tower” and “Let It Grow.” Her relentless builds and solos are infectious and memorable.

The album is hard to sum up. Everyone will take away something different from it, as is the case from any live show. What is arguably most impressive is her ability to catch the listeners ear from minute to minute and track to track. One instrument covering one style of music is bound to become monotonous, but Bowling does the impossible and tours audiences through her interpretation of these pivotal tracks.

Bowling will continue to share her prowess with fans in a number of upcoming shows including, The Linda WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio in Albany, on September 11, Le Poisson Rouge in Manhattan on September 14, and the Ghost Light: Borderland Music Festival in East Aurora on September 22. The album is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Key Tracks: Mountains in the Mist, Slipknot! / Franklin’s Tower, Let it Grow.

August 31, 2019
Aaron Kamm and the One Drops Light Up The Yard Amphitheater

In the rolling hills of Central NY The Yard Amphitheater at Ray Brothers BBQ has emerged as one of the best run outdoor amphitheaters in New York State. When they hosted Aaron Kamm and the One Drops with support from Nina’s Brew Saturday night it was very easy to see why. The huge crowd came for the amazing smoked meats and stayed for an incredible show. On a cool summer night the trees glowed with bulbs, a fire-pit roared and the outdoor bar was rocking, as was the stage.

Burlington, VT based four piece band, Nina’s Brew, kicked off the night with a set of originals and covers that drew the audience in. Giovanina Bucci has been playing professionally for many years now and since moving back east from Colorado, has exploded onto the music scene. This past year they were voted into Grace Potter’s Grand Point North Music Festival sharing the stage with Nathaniel Rateliffe and the Night Sweats and more. Nina’s Brew is a tight soul band, mixed with elements of folk, rock and the blues. Their harmonies are some of the tightest in rock history which really sets them apart.

Nina’s Brew – Photo by Pam Merritt

After a quick breakdown, the stage was set for Aaron Kamm And the One Drops hailing from St. Louis. The sun had just sunk and trails of pink hung underneath the stars illuminatin the silhouettes of windmills on the surrounding hills that backdrop The Yard Amphitheater. Kamm wasted no time into showing of his chops. The sound was crystal clear and captured each note with a precise mix for this tight three piece unit. The band would be swaying with a reggae beat one moment, and the next, delving into a funk jam that could be compared to some of Stevie’s Wonder’s best material. Kamm would then surprise you with an all-out blues riff, laced with solo trades between himself and the back line that if one had their eyes closed would think Gary Clarke Jr, or The Black Keys were onstage.

Photo: Pam Merritt

The crowd immediately rushed the stage as the first notes dropped, as this was Aaron Kamm and the One drops return show after a very successful gig on the same stage in 2018. The combination of this band blowing up and this music venue selling thousands of tickets to their shows this summer made for a perfect night under the stars at Ray Brother’s BBQ. This band and this venue suited each other so well, and be sure to check out both Aaron Kamm and Nina’s Brew in your neighborhood. Swing by Ray Brothers BBQ for some tasty food and exploding summer concert series.

Photo: Pam Merritt

August 31, 2019
The Mavericks Chase Away Rain On Day Eight at Great NY State Fair

As the skies opened up on day eight of the Great New York State Fair, it didn’t deter anyone from taking a seat at Chevy Court awaiting the two-o’clock show that would feature one of the areas favorite bands, The Mavericks. People put on their ponchos, opened their umbrellas and patiently awaited the sunshine they knew was on its way from Miami. It had been three years since they last played the Syracuse Jazz Festival, and the impression it had left on the crowd was evident; they could care less that it was pouring rain. In fact, nor did I. With an umbrella in one hand, and my camera tucked neatly underneath protected from the elements, I too awaited this charismatic band to take the stage.

Celebrating 30 years together, the two original members Raul Malo and Paul Deakin, and long time members Jerry Dale McFadden and Eddie Perez were joined on stage by a full ensemble immediately kicking it into gear with favorite, “Back In Your Arms Again.” From the moment they took the stage, their eclectic mix of country, latin and rock and roll produced a signature sound that stops you in your tracks and demands your attention.

You’re locked in a trance. Your feet begin to move, your shoulders sway and your head begins to bob along with the beat Paul is laying down. Before you know it, Raul Malo’s sultry sound has you in his spell and you can’t help but dance along with Jerry as he plays his keyboards, or Eddie as he sways with his guitar. It’s inevitable. You can’t fight it.

Playing favorites such as “All Night Long” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” The Mavericks mixed up the set with covers of Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” and their newest release of John Anderson’s “Swingin.” Before you knew it, the set was over and all the rain had been chased away by these southern gentlemen. Perhaps it was the mash-up of “All Night Long” and “Let the Sun Shine In” that chased away the clouds. Or perhaps it’s just the sunshine they bring to Syracuse each time they play. Whatever their magic is, Syracuse couldn’t get enough and they once again brightened our day.

Setlist: Back In Your Arms Again, All Night Long / Let the Sun Shine In, Summertime (When I’m With You), Pretend, Easy As It Seems, Dance In The Moonlight, Loving You, Hungry Heart (Bruce Springsteen), As Long As There’s Loving Tonight.

Encore: Swingin’ (John Anderson), Come Unto Me, All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.

August 31, 2019