NYS Music 20​19

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  • Santana Thrills at SPAC

    Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana and his band delighted fans at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Friday, August 23 on part of his Supernatural Now Tour.

    Coinciding with the anniversary of Santana’s 50th anniversary at Woodstock, the Supernatural Now Tour initially felt like a substitute for the long-promised (and repeatedly canceled) Woodstock concert.

    Santana SPAC

    Playing after the Doobie Brothers, who got the crowd on their feet dancing and singing along for a solid hour before the main event, Santana came out at 8:45 pm after showing a montage of Woodstock photos accompanied by some sultry, jazzy guitar, trumpet and keys. The photos started with a hand-painted sign from the 1969 concert stating “War is not healthy for children and other living things.”

    Not only did the photos serve as a reminder that the then 19-year-old Santana shocked the world with his talent on the guitar at Woodstock, but that he has spent the last 50 years impressing crowds – and is still impressing them – with his passionate commitment to using music to empower others to do right by the earth. To top it off, the montage was accompanied by the music of one of Santana’s influences, Miles Davis.

    Santana SPAC

    Opening with one of Carlos’s earliest compositions, “Soul Sacrifice,” Santana and the band began the night with a heavy emphasis on jazz fusion with elements of rock. Santana’s soulful signature sound came through immediately as he shared the stage with other incredibly inspiring musicians. His wife Cindy Blackman Santana, a creative percussionist and legend in her own right, was captured by overhead cameras demonstrating precision and strength on drums that was inspiring. Ray Green and Andy Vargas were on vocals, Benny Rietveld, perhaps best known for his touring with Miles Davis, was on bass, and David Mathews was demonstrating how keyboards can lend swing to the melody. Rounding out with Karl Perazzo and Paoli Mejias, also on percussion, and Tommy Anthony on guitar, the Supernatural Now Tour appeared unnaturally gifted with musical genius.

    While better known for a few of his popular hits in the 1990s, Santana is powerful in his intuitive fusion of rock, Latin and jazz. He’s expanded interest to African music, recently releasing Africa Speaks. The combination of styles was the right formula to get the crowd dancing, and to show off the creative aptitude of the band. Their performance of “Jin-go-bo-la,” accompanied by a video of African men and women dancing in traditional garb, intensified the high energy of the crowd. Smoothing into “Evil Ways” right afterwards, the vocalists shone while demonstrating flexibility in pitch, style and presentation.

    The diversity of music styles kept fans guessing about what would happen next. From hosting the Doobie Brothers back on stage for “Some Kind of Wonderful” to instrumentals featuring Carlos Santana’s ever-evolving but still consistent signature sound, the concert was constantly shifting, expanding musical styles and blowing through boundaries.

    Of course, the crowd went wild for “Oye Como Va,” a popular favorite. Dancing in their seats, fans were inspired by the powerful drumming and compelling vocal performances.

    Santana SPAC

    And then there was Santana on guitar, vital and creative as ever. The 69-year-old was spry as he moved across the stage, still curious about music, still passionate about sound and movement.

    The musicians used bongos, whistles, maracas, tambourines, trombones and, of course, their voices, drum sets and guitars to really shake up the sounds. It was more like attending a world music concert than a pop or rock concert, which is just what Santana wants. Honoring Coltrane and Davis, he reflected on his love of jazz but also moved to include some Latin and African roots music too.

    Carlos Santana is passionate about peace, children and saving rainforests. He was proud to have his family on stage with him, and his smile and brief words reflected a man who has found his place in the world. He’s passionate about music and expanding boundaries. And from listening to the songs from his new work, Santana’s passion is keeping him as vital and youthful as ever.

  • Slipknot Brings Knotfest to Darien Lake in Epic Fashion

    The Knotfest Roadshow came to Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday with one of the heaviest lineups currently touring the United States, starring Slipknot.

    This was not just a tour, but the foundation for a yearly “Knotfest Roadshow” package that could continue to add heavy-hitting bands if Slipknot so desires. The traveling museum with the display of the band’s iconic masks and other items gave fans a much more personal touch and is another reason why this tour is so good.

    Fans packed into the nearly sold out Darien Lake Performing Arts Center ready for one hell of metal show. Metal isn’t dead, and this show proves just that.

    Behemoth took the stage as “Solve” echoed through the amphitheater with a giant backdrop of the United States and an upside-down cross in the middle of it. Fans unfamiliar with Behemoth were shown exactly what they are about with the satanic imagery, black skull masks, and chanting as the band took the stage. Immediately, Behemoth started their heavy and relentless set with “Wolves Ov Siberia”, which included some great pyrotechnics and followed right into “Daimonos”.

    slipknot Knotfest

    The only real break during their set was when Adam “Nergal” Darski went side stage and grabbed two flaming metal spheres and performed what appeared to be a ritual before blasting into “Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer” – the highlight of their set which was accompanied by tons of pyro.

    Behemoth commanded the attention of everyone watching, with Nergal being a charismatic frontman. With the amount of pyrotechnics, showmanship, and overall incredible sound, one would expect this to be direct support to Slipknot. The only downside to their set was that it was only seven songs long.

    Closing out with “Sabbath Matter”, and lastly “Chant For Eschaton 2000” – Behemoth left a very good impression. With a loud “HAIL SATAN!” yelled by Nergal the band ended their set and had the crowd on their feet wanting more.

    Gojira was up next, and the progressive metallers from France would not disappoint. Opening up with “Toxic Garbage Island”, Gojira delivered a heavy eight-song set. Joe Duplantier displayed his impressive fretwork on the guitar, while still doing vocals throughout the night. The sound was flawless as the band played some of their biggest hits, including “Back Bone,” and the fan-favorite, “Flying Whales”.

    While not as theatrical as Behemoth’s performance, Gojira had a stripped-down, raw, and heavy feeling that captivates you and draws you right in. Finishing off their set with “The Gift Of Guilt,” Gojira had an intense performance that left the crowd buzzing.

    After a quick set change, it was time for Volbeat. Fans seemed to be pretty mixed on their feelings towards this band. Some really enjoyed them, while others were clearly there for the heavier acts of the night.  Once frontman Michael Poulson took the stage, the band kept the spirit alive with “Devil’s Bleeding Crown,” an early rock and country influence with a taste of metal.

    Volbeat also played some new material, including the song “Leviathan.” Other highlights from their set included the fan-favorite “Warrior’s Call”  as well as the Slayer-influenced “Slaytan”. Ending their set with their most well-known song, “Still Counting,” the audience was very enthusiastic in singing along and seemed to pleasantly surprise even the more hardcore metalheads in attendance.

    Finally, it was Slipknot time. After almost five hours from the time the show started (there was also a good 45-minute wait between Volbeat and Slipknot) the headliner was ready to take the stage. With a huge black tarp covering the stage with “Slipknot” written across lit up in an eerie orange glow, the hype was real. Fans were already screaming waiting for the curtain to drop, with the thought of Slipknot performing completely reinvigorating the entire venue.

    The curtain dropped giving a view of the brand new stage production Slipknot has brought, and it is big.  The new three-tiered stage is almost overwhelming when you first lay eyes on it. There’s so much going on you don’t really know where to start looking first. There’s video panel walls, air vent windmills, a treadmill that Sid Wilson marched on, and a couple of epic drum kits.

    Each song was also uniquely lit to fit the mood. The heavy opener “People = Shit” was very red-hued, followed by a relaxing blue hue for “(sic),” and lots of pyro for “The Devil in I”.

    With the very recent release of We Are Not Your Kind, Slipknot played a few new songs off the album. The crowd went nuts over “Unsainted,” which sounds amazing live. “All Out Life” was another new one that performed very well, and also included some awesome pyro and explosions.
    Clown made his way down from up top with a flaming torch that he used to beat on a steel drum hanging from above during the performance of “Duality.” The performance of “Sulfer” seemed to raise the energy even higher than it already was with Corey Taylor going all out.

    They ended their set with an encore of “Spit It Out” followed by “Surfacing.” The crowd did not seem tired at all from the amount of chaos they had been enduring.  Corey Taylor is an incredible frontman and is absolutely dedicated to his art and performance. The Knotfest Roadshow is an absolute must-see for fans of metal and rock music. All the bands on the bill bring a unique, fun, and lasting experience. Each of these bands could have easily headlined, and the fact that a tour like this can be brought together makes it exciting for what future Knotfest Roadshows could entail.

  • Big Gigantic’s Rowdytown 3D Lights up the Brooklyn Mirage

    NYC has waited for a Rowdytown. We finally got one last Friday as Big Gigantic’s Rowdytown New York 3D descended into the Brooklyn Mirage to a sold out crowd. Hippie Sabotage, Shallou, Louis Futon and ilo ilo were the supporting artists at this high-energy EDM event. The industrial views of Manhattan from the venue combined with the onstage sensory odyssey made for a crazy night of music. 

    Ashe sings with Big Gigantic

    Ilo ilo started off the evening. Little is known about this enigmatic duo, though recently they took Louis the Child on a scavenger hunt through New York City to release the track “come thru.” Their eclectic mix of electro-pop and bass distortion really got the crowd going.

    ilo ilo

    Los Angeles-based Louis Futon brought his exciting mix of electronic hip hop, r&b and soul to the stage next. He was joined by Hailey Niswanger (flute, saxophone), Jawann Blanchey (drums) and Ariel Shrumpet (trumpet), with Blanchey on stage the entire time. His blend of fresh beats, organic instruments and clever visual displays was particularly tasty.

    Louis Futon

    Shallou, also from Los Angeles, kept the party going with delicious ambient and house melodies. The venue was almost full to capacity at this point, and the crowd was really digging Shallou’s visual production.

    Shallou

    Big Gigantic took the stage to a roaring crowd wearing 3D glasses. The band members include Dominic Lalli (saxophone/producer) and Jeremy Salken (drums). Behind the band sat a huge LED screen with vibrant 3D imagery that coordinated with the lights on stage and at high points in the venue. Big Gigantic played new hits and old favorites, starting with songs like “Touch the Sky” and “C’mon.” Halfway through the set, singer Ashe joined the band on stage for their recent collaboration, “Friends.”

    Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken

    Sacramento, California’s Hippie Sabotage provided even more high energy as the late night entertainment after Big Gigantic’s monster set. This indie electro duo isn’t afraid of late nights, as they started at 2:20 a.m. and blazed into the night.

    NYC is still reeling from our first Rowdytown 3D party. The outdoor festival feel was well executed, bands were on point, and the venue was perfect for the occasion. NYC looks forward to the next one. 


  • Hearing Aide: Young Cobain “I Got It”

    Young Cobain shares his latest single, “I Got It,” a unique blend of emo rap and alternative rock that draws influence from artists of multiple, diverse genres. The effort to combine digital instruments with live instruments bonds the mix together to create a melodic tune that flows effortlessly. It’s difficult as an artist to find the right balance. Young Cobain is able to execute this task smoothly in a way that blurs the thick lines between genres.  

    young cobain

    Finding himself immersed in a story of heartbreak and betrayal, his unforgiving lyrics are directed towards an old lover, that decides an attempt to reconcile with the artist only after he rose to fame.  The story begins with Young Cobain flipping burgers and bumming cigarettes, wondering where his partner is while he’s in a low point. His fame suddenly sky rockets, and his life is coincidently filled with friends and girls all of the sudden. These fearless lyrics express his frustration about people trying to ride his wave of success, and gain everything they can while it lasts. The story ends in a refreshing tone as Cobain belts out that she had her chance to reach out to him, but now he’s too occupied with his Benz.  Ouch!       

    Young Cobain is able to easily convey his emotions and channel them into his music.  Combining influences from different genres in his own creative way proves that this mixed style is Young Cobain’s forte. Throughout his heartfelt story of his struggles with love and fame, Young Cobain proves himself a resilient icon that is thriving through his lyrics and music.  Expect to see Young Cobain on festival lineups and consistently producing music. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDzDTHjYG2I

  • In Focus: KISS and the End Of The Road Tour in Syracuse

    KISS brought their End Of The Road Tour to Syracuse, NY at the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater last night.  Fans of the iconic rock stars were treated to loud heavy guitars, theatrics, explosions, silly gimmicks, lots of fire, fast paced music, and even more explosions. Even if you’re not a big fan of their music, it’s hard to not have a great time at a KISS concert. With all the production, rivaled by very few others in the music industry, KISS is just a great time.

    As the name suggests, this claims to be their last and final tour ever.  With Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley both near 70 years old, it would be good timing to retire the band that has been performing since 1973.  If this truly is the final KISS tour, it is going out with a bang with one of the most pyrotechnic, flame-throwing concert sets you’ll ever experience .

  • Neal Casal, Guitarist for Circles Around the Sun and Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Dead at 50

    Neal Casal, prolific guitarist and member of Circles Around the Sun, Chris Robinson Brotherhood and many more over his career, has died at age 50. Pitchfork reports through a representative of Casal that the death was ruled a suicide. The tragic news was confirmed on Neal’s Instagram account this morning.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1qfCJHDC73/

    A native of Denville, NJ, Casal was best known for his work with Circles Around the Sun, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Hazy Malaze and Blackfoot. Ryan Adams shared his thoughts this morning on his Cardinals bandmate

    Casal had performed at Lockn’ Festival in Arrington, VA. this past weekend with Circles Around the Sun (as well as with Oteil and Friends), a project that originated from being tapped to compose music played over the P.A. during setbreak of Fare Thee Well in July 2015. That music was so well received by fans, that Circles Around the Sun released the music as a double album, Interludes for the Dead, in 2016 and made their debut at Lockn’ Festival that summer, as noted by Jambase.

    In addition to his recent success with Circles Around the Sun, Casal was an original member of Chris Robinson Brotherhood alongside the Black Crowes co-founder. From 2005-2009, Casal was a member of Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, during which time Easy Tiger and Cardinology were released to critical acclaim. Neal spoke with American Songwriter in 2012 and said this of his time with The Cardinals: 

    “It really was a great lineup… For a couple years there, man, we were on fire. We really were. We were playing some amazing shows and running through Ryan’s entire catalog, just burning those songs to the ground. We really felt confident for awhile. We had a lot of synergy, we were all really connected, and everyone believed in it. We were firing on all cylinders. It was a great thing to be a part of.”

    Neal Casal to American Songwriter

    Casal was also a founding member of Hard Working Americans, a supergroup including Dave Schools and Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic), singer Todd Snider, and Chad Staehly (Great American Taxi), and performed with Phil Lesh and Friends on numerous occasions. Neal was also a photographer who shot cover art for a number of albums and publications.

    This October 18, Casal’s upcoming EP Circles Around the Sun Meets Joe Russo, is scheduled to be released. Listen to “Peace Reprise” from the forthcoming album.

    RIP Neal Casal 1968-2019

  • Dropkick Murphys Return to Court at the New York State Fair

    The boys were back in town at the New York State Fair. In 2018, Dropkick Murphys was a last minute Chevy Court fill-in for Dickey Betts, who suffered a mild stroke and was unable to perform. Singer Ken Casey announced at the 2018 performance that it was the band’s first state fair appearance. The Boston-based Celtic punk rock band drew  a crowd of 13,000 in 2018. This year, they more than doubled that with an estimated 30,200 in attendance. Casey joked that, “We played here last year as a last-minute addition. They invited us back this year. I can tell you, we don’t get invited back too many places.”

    Singers Al Barr and Ken Casey traded vocals throughout the evening as they ran back and forth across the stage, getting the crowd amped up. They brought along their traditional entourage of back-up sounds that included an accordion, banjo, keyboard and of course the bagpipes. All punk music should have bagpipes! The Dropkicks played a nice mix of fan favorites and rebel rousing tunes including, “The Boys Are Back,” “The State of Massachusetts,” “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya,” “First Class Loser” and their spin on the traditional Irish song “Black Velvet Band.”

    The Dropkicks ripped through 23 songs and kept the crowd on their feet and bouncing along to the music. A quick poll of the audience determined there were many first-time attendees. The band ended their main set with the inspirational union track “Worker’s Song” before coming back to finish off the night. For the encore, Ken Casey let the crowd sing along to the catchy hit “Rose Tattoo.” They rounded out the evening with “Until the Next Time” and ended with their biggest sing along hit, “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.”  Singers Casey and Barr ran through the crowd high-fiving fans and inviting them to sing along. The band knows how to make their fans feel welcome and that is why the Dropkicks will keep getting invited back.

    Review by: Kelly Besaw

    Photos: Chris Besaw

  • Ray Brothers BBQ Fifth Annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out Festival Set For September 1

    Ray Brothers BBQ in Bouckville, New York is getting ready for the fifth annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out, set to take place on September 1 at The Yard Amphitheater. The event that began as a small party behind the restaurant has turned into a daylong festival featuring vendors, multiple stages and well-known regional musicians. The Hop Harvest Smoke Out also offers hops and beer demonstrations from local farmers and much more.

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    In celebration of the event’s fifth year, the first 50 people through the door will receive a commemorative pint glass and their first beer will be on the house. The RBQ food truck will be set up outside serving items from the menu, the inside bar will be open with beer, wine and spirits, and the outdoor bar will be open for canned and draft beer. In addition to food and drink, The Hamilton Hop Mission will be onsite sharing educational talks about their homegrown hops. Attendees will have the opportunity to add fresh hops to their draft beer. Craft and merchandise vendors include artisan jewelry by Courtney Elise Handmade and wood burned designs by Shady Grove Burns.

    The musical guests for the fifth annual Hop Harvest Smoke Out include Root Shock, Sophistafunk, and Chris Eves and the New Normal, all hailing from Syracuse, and The Old Main from Utica. Root Shock is a high-energy roots, soul and reggae group with conscious, uplifting lyrics. Also with an energizing and uplifting vibe, Sophistafunk brings a unique combination of hip hop, funk and jam music to the stage. Chris Eves and the New Normal blurs the lines between rock, funk, blues and jam. Utica’s Old Main has been compared to The Avett Brothers, The Band and other greats in the Americana genre while making the sound all their own.

    The event is all ages and kids 12 and under get in for free. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and get comfortable. This event will happen rain or shine. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of. They can be purchased at the door or online. Doors are at 3 pm.

  • In Focus: Grace Potter debuts ‘Daylight’ single “Love is Love” at New York State Fair

    Thursday morning, just hours before her show at the New York State Fair Grace Potter announced the release of her first new single in four years, the soul wrenching “Love is Love.” Fans in attendance at Chevy Court were the first to hear the song performed live according to Potter. The song is the first single from Grace Potter off her upcoming album, Daylight, set to be released October 25.

    Potter told fans they were going to play a few new songs but, “had to get warmed up first.” The band kicked off the set with “Medicine” and played many dance-worthy tunes including “Loneliest Soul,” “Nothing But the Water,” “Alive Tonight,” “The Lion, The Beast, The Beat and the hip shaking hit, “Paris (Ooh La La).”

    Potter proclaimed her excitement for “being back in Central New York where she belongs.” She attended college at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY and recalled visiting Syracuse while she was at school. “We used to go to Syracuse to go shopping and it was the big city.” She told the audience that she has a new appreciation for State Fairs now that she has a kid, “I used to spend the whole time avoiding the fried dough. But now I’m like, yeah I’m having the fried dough.”

    Grace Potter and her backup band worked their way through a high energy 95-minute set leaving the estimated 8,700 in attendance dancing as she walked off the stage. Be on the lookout for her new album Daylight October 25 and available for pre-order now.

  • Knotfest Roadshow Comes To Darien Lake On Sunday

    Masked metal icons, Slipknot, are bringing their Knotfest Roadshow tour to Darien Lake Performing Arts Center this Sunday, August 25. The Grammy winning pioneers have a very heavy supporting lineup that makes for a good contender as the best metal tour this summer.

    Joining Slipknot are Danish rockers, Volbeat; French metallers, Gojira (who are absolutely incredible live); and Polish Black Metal giants, Behemoth. 

    With the very recent release of Slipknot’s new album, We Are Not Your Kind, fans can expect to here quite a bit of new music.

    Slipknot is known for an elaborate stage production, and they take things even further with this tour. Corey Taylor previously stated he wanted to create some “Iron Maiden stuff” for this roadshow, which should make fans very excited.

    There’s also the question of who exactly is “Tortilla Man.” While no one knows exactly who he is yet, you can expect to see him banging away at the top of the drums.

    Lastly, Slipknot will be offering fans a “specially curated” look at the bands history with a mobile museum. The exhibit will feature a plethora of “never-before-seen memorabilia,” including instruments, props and masks. The band shared a peek at the exhibit on Twitter, showing a few of the pieces to be featured at the festival.

    The band shared a peek at the exhibit on Twitter, showing a few of the pieces to be featured at the festival:

    To access the showcase fans will need to invest in a VIP ticket package. Two tiers are being offered along with exclusive merchandise, photo privileges and early access to the festival.

    Tickets for Knotfest are still available via Live Nation here.