Boo Riley, a Manhattan-based indie artist, has released a new music video for recent self-titled single “Boo Riley!” The video follows the band through the subway, Tompkins Square Park, and into a gig at Arlene’s Grocery. This rambling video tour of some of New York’s timeless places serves as a little reminder of what New Yorkers can look forward too once the lockdowns end.
This fun yet complex track possesses the detectable influences of the group’s sound. Classic rock, 80’s pop, and indie all blend together for a lovely and uplifting tune.
On the video, Austin Lesch of Boo Riley shares, “I was listening to Wilco’s ‘Wilco (The Song)’ and loved the lyric ‘this is aural arms open wide, a sonic shoulder for you to cry on.’ I wanted to write a song inspired by that line, but with Boo Riley’s perspective. The video is an extension of this. We wanted to visualize what we were trying to do sonically.”
Nyack duo ShwizZ slams you against the blackboard in awe that all your basic math skills have fleeted. Not only does ShwizZ explore a multi-level, mixed-meter halfway house of genres, but also bulldoze your ear to the other end of the record collection with their latest Big Things. No algorithm can compute this formula. Not from two people.
It’s hard to believe Big Things can lead you through all eight compositions without losing sight of what’s ahead. Something doesn’t add up. The duo – Ryan Liatsis and Andy Boxer – stab you with the sharp pain of “Splinter,” opening with an off the cuff funk tag. The tune walks on with staccato chunks of its bassline before Liatsis shoots out jarring guitar pads.
These guys look bored amid a musical Mortal Kombat where nobody breaks a sweat. Boxer is collected behind the kit, unleashing cool six-stroke rolls and collapsing tom fills in-between Liatsis’ ever-changing soundscape. Liatsis begins to crack a smile as he waves through his solo, far beyond the musical speed-limit. Boxer listens and instigates. The strings are not phased.
The albums second track “Khoi Khoi,” aides to more textured side of the duo. They explore a more mysterious side of scale that is oddly cathartic. That is until you’re stunned unexpectedly from your dream.
ShwizZ gets creative with “Your Call is Very Important Us,” in a meter that seemingly races ahead of the ear. Boxer’s cymbal work is airy and effortlessly hangs with Liatsis on Guitar. The meter does not exist.
There is no explaining how ironically calming this journey is. It’s the movie you can’t watch but inch closer to the screen. Liatsis has you on the hook with these roaring solos never loosing sight of the songs motif.
An album favorite for the die hard rocker is “The Shwizzard.” A chunky lead and solid back beat make the track stand out gritty. Liatsis shoves the lead right in your face. The track embarks on short epics with classic rock feel.
New York State’s theme of a “hearing aide” is unmasked by ShwizZ and their June release of Big Things. The album tunes the ears of the most complex listener and holds them to a higher standard.
We’re moving quickly through the ‘Summer of Home‘ and while live music is slowly making a comeback, we’re a ways off from having it back to what we remember as normal.
NYS Music looked back at the past decade and came up with a Spotify playlist of ‘Songs of Summer’ from bands across the Empire State. Looking for funk, jam, soul, rock, reggae or Americana? We’ve got an incredible sampling below. Give a spin and listen to born and bred New York artists.
Brooklyn band Turkuaz refuse to not give fans new content during the COVID pandemic. On August 4 they returned with the second episode of the new series from Turkuaz, “Hey You, Stay Tuned.” The recurring variety show included an arrangement of segments and a slew of special guests.
Opening with a “pop-up-video” of the band’s official 2015 music video for ‘Doktor Jazz,’ viewers were also treated to another round of the Hollywood Squares parody that the band has appropriately dubbed “Turkuaz Squares.” This round of “Turkuaz Squares” featured special guest contestants including Ivan Neville and Robert Randolph. Eddie Roberts and Alan Evans were also on the scene, revisiting performances from Turkuaz’s 2016-2017 co-headlining tour with The New Mastersounds.
Episode two also featured a comically unconventional makeup tutorial, a never before comedy scene from the vault and much more. Brett Siddell returned as the announcer and Ari Fink from Sirius XM remained the host.
Turkuaz has also released a performance of Beatles songs “Rain” and “Here Comes the Sun,” paying homage to a major influence for the nine-piece ensemble. “Rain” is part of a larger unreleased Beatles cover set that the band originally performed at Live From Out There. Turkuaz plans on releasing other covers from this set in the future.
According to the band’s press release “Rain” seemed appropriate to start of with during the confusing and unknown times we currently live in. Turkuaz adds, “But don’t worry, the sun will be coming out soon.”
Don’t miss additional Beatles covers from Turkuaz, and their variety special, “Hey You, Stay Tuned” by following them on Facebook and YouTube.
The third video from Turkuaz’ selection of Beatles’ covers featured “You Never Give Me Your Money” and shows the lasting influence of the second side of 1969’s Abbey Road. A favorite of both Dave Brandwein and Taylor Shell, and what Brandwein calls part of The Beatles’ “last burst of magic as a band,” the track is honest as it discusses the struggles and ultimate demise of the legendary English rock band.
“This song being third might represent the inevitable complications that arise in life, even after a sunny period. There’s always more. Things are always changing and evolving and this represents some of that.”
DAve Brandwein, Turkuaz
Staying true to the original arrangement of the song allowed bassist Shell to gain a deeper understanding of what makes The Beatles so incomparable. Through this rendition, his goal was to capture some of what he refers to as the greatest bass-playing of all time.
“This song really does it all. It unfolds with elegant mystery, it’s super catchy and the rhythm section parts are amazing. It’s really just a bold statement at the end of their amazing run.”
Taylor Shell, Turkuaz
Turkuaz will release their full Beatles set, as performed on Live From Out There, in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more information.
It felt good to see music performed live, on stage, once again. On Tuesday, August 11, host of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon, welcomed Phish’s Trey Anastasiointo the studio where he performed “I Never Needed You Like This Before” off his new quarantine-written and produced album Lonely Trip.
This was also the first time The Tonight Show house band The Roots had performed together since in-studio production was halted in March due to COVID-19. Anastasio spent that time writing in his Upper West Side apartment, where he recorded over a dozen songs which he shared on his Instagram. Among these would be the tracks that appeared on the raw, low-fi Lonely Trip, written with longtime collaborators Tom Marshall and Scott Herman.
According to Rolling Stone, Anastasio arrived at New York’s Rockefeller Center alone with just his amp and guitar. Once he took a COVID-19 test and tested negative, he took the elevator upstairs to play with The Roots in Studio 6A, Conan O’Brien’s old studio, where the band members and Anastasio could better socially distance.
Manhattan’s historic The Ear Inn has played a pivotal role in the music scene and beyond. In fact it is the oldest bar in New York City that has continuously served alcohol since 1817.
The Ear Inn has a very unique history after being open for two centuries. It dates back to a time where there was African aide to George Washington and The Ear served as residence for John Adams and Aaron Burr, among others. The Ear Inn was nicknamed by patrons as an untitled bar (“The Green Door”) for obvious reasons. As a result, the bar is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Buildings.
Recently unearthed recordings courtest of Jazz Lives feature performances from a bevy of jazz musicians in NYC. Every Sunday night at The Ear Inn was typical – those who knew, knew what to expect – but “typical” was also remarkable.
The Ear Inn c. 1940 – photo by kathy barbieri
We start back in October 2008, with a video featuring Howard Alden, alongside Jon-Erik Kellso, Danny Tobias, Harvey Tibbs, Evan Christopher, Dan Block, Sebastien Giradot, and Chuck Redd.
“Moonglow,” featuring Tamar Korn (vocals), Dan Block (clarinet), and Harvey Tibbs (trombone).
On June 7, 2009, the EarRegulars included Jon-Erik Kellso and Duke Heitger (trumpet), Matt Munisteri (guitar) and Neal Miner (string bass).
June 7, 2009 features Duke Heitger (trumpet), Harvey Tibbs (trombone), Dan Block (clarinet), Matt Munisteri (guitar) and Neal Miner (string bass), who summon Louis Armonstrong with “Some of These Days.”
Two weeks later, on June 21, 2009, featured Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet) Harvey Tibbs (trombone), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Danny Tobias (cornet) and Jon Burr (string bass).
On September 6, 2009, enjoy the sounds of Danny Tobias (cornet), Michael Hashim (alto saxophone), James Chirillo (guitar), and Frank Tate (string bass).
The lineup of EarRegulars on November 8, 2009, featured Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Harry Allen (tenor saxophone), and Neal Miner (string bass).
From the EarRegulars’ session on November 22, 2009, the groups includes Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Scott Robinson (reeds), Matt Munisteri (guitar), and Pat O’Leary (string bass).
From December 6, 2009, enjoy the sounds of Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Harvey Tibbs (trombone), Matt Munisteri (guitar), and Nicki Parrott (string bass) performing “Blues My Naughty Sweety Gives to Me” and “Blues in My Heart.”
From January 30, 2010, the EarRegulars were Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Dan Block (reeds), Matt Munisteri (guitar), and Pat O’Leary (string bass, cello). Here’s Billie Holiday’s “I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues.”
From March 14, 2010, an Ear Inn session featuring Pete Martinez (clarinet), Harvey Tibbs (trombone), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Neal Miner (string bass), performing “I Cover the Waterfront,” appropriate given the rainy night and The Ear Inn’s location near the Hudson River, plus “Deed I Do” by Ruth Etting and “Jazz me Blues” by Tom Delaney.
From March 21, 2010, the EarRegulars are Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Scott Robinson (bass sax), Pete Martinez (clarinet) and guest Julian Lage (guitar).
On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, the lineup included Matt Munisteri (guitar), Pete Martinez (clarinet), Charlie Caranicas (trumpet), Pat O’Leary (string bass), and Andy Farber (tenor saxophone), who joins in for the closing number.
Later in April 2010, we are joined at The Ear Inn by Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Harvey Tibbs (trombone) and Jon Burr (string bass).
Later on, a version of “Crazy Rhythm” by Roger Wolfe Kahn & his Orchestra (1928) featuring Matt Munisteri (guitar), Harry Allen (tenor saxophone), (John Allred (trombone) and Pat O’Leary (string bass).
From April 18, 2010, enjoy Benny Goodman’s “Avalon” featuring Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Matt Munisteri (electric guitar), Julian Lage (acoustic guitar), Harvey Tibbs (trombone) and Jon Burr (bass).
Cornetist Marc Caparone joins the band for Ruby Braff’s “One Hour.”
And finally, Caparone leads the EarRegulars on “Whispering” with Harvey Tibbs, Dan Block (clarinet), Matt Munisteri, Jon Burr, and Julian Lage.
From April 25, 2010, the EarRegulars were Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Harry Allen (tenor saxophone), Matt Munisteri (guitar) and Neal Miner (string bass). The opening song from a splendid session was a Chicago jazz classic with roots in Oliver and Bix, performed as a Basie stroll.
You’ll also find Ben Webster’s line on “In a Mellotone,” “Did you call her Today?,” “I Got Rhythm” and “The Jeep is Jumpin’”
From May 2, 2010, watch Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Andy Farber (tenor saxophone), Matt Munisteri (guitar), and Danton Boller (string bass) played “The Man I Love” (sans Kellso), “Somebody Stole My Gal,” and “Beer Street Blues.”
From May 9, 2010, aka “Mother’s Night,” where the core quartet is Matt Munisteri (guitar), Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Pat O’Leary (string bass) and Jim Masters (trombone), enjoy “I Found a New Baby,” “It’s the Talk of the Town,” “Please Don’t Talk About me when I’m Gone,” and a closing “Lazy River.”
Going back to May 16, 2010, the EarRegulars were Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Pete Martinez (clarinet), Matt Munisteri (guitar), and Greg Cohen (string bass). Watch them perform “I Believe in Miracles,” I’m a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas: Willie the Weeper,” “Mahogany Hall Stomp” and “I’m Confessin’”
Skip ahead on week to May 23, 2010, and the weekly session included Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Neal Miner (bass), Scott Robinson (tenor sax and cornet), and guest Julian Lage (guitar). This collection of musician perform “Oh Sister, Ain’t That Hot?,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “Wabash Blues,” and “Struttin’ With Some Barbecue.”
From May 30, 2010, here are a few combos featuring Danny Tobias (cornet), Chuck Wilson (alto sax), James Chirillo (guitar), Murray Wall (bass) Dan Block (clarinet), Pat O’Leary (cello/bass), and Tony Steele (bass). Various incarnations of these gentlemen feature “Beale Street Blues,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” and “China Boy.”
Zappa, the new documentary on the life of Frank Zappa is coming to Magnolia Pictures. The film will be available to the public for Thanksgiving weekend on November 27, 2020 in select theaters, as long as theater viewings are available by then, and on demand.
Zappa will be an intimate and expansive look into the life of the iconic — and iconoclastic — musician and artist Frank Zappa. The documentary was made with access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage. The film will explore the private life behind Zappa’s career including his knack for being involved in political turbulence at the time. The documentary is directed by Alex Winter known best for playing Bill S. Preston in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
Magnolia Pictures’ President Eamonn Bowles spoke on the film saying, “Alex Winter has created an amazing documentary. Zappa is an incredibly nuanced and compelling look at the visionary iconoclast and the environment that formed him.”
The documentary will feature appearances from Frank Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa and several of his musical collaborators. People on the docket include Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others.
Alex Winter spoke on the documentary saying, “This is the most ambitious project I’ve ever worked on, with a couple years of archival preservation in addition to several years to make the film itself. This isn’t your typical music doc but rather a multi-faceted narrative that aims to bring this complex artist to life. Magnolia, with its long and distinguished history of platforming great cinema, is the perfect home for Zappa.”
For more information on the documentary visit Alex Winter’s website.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm on 102.7 FM, you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear music from Fab the Duo, CANVAS and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to a ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Boyfriends Greg Driscoll and Brendan Eprile bring a unique blend of energy and open-mindedness to pop-rock. Add some blues and elements of Broadway and you’re in for a sound that is both fun and meaningful. The duo come from New York City and are building quite the following in the surrounding areas having even played a planned parenthood benefit in my hometown of Bennington, VT. Having pumped up audiences with their powerful and well-crafted tunes, they continue to challenge the status quo of today’s cultural scene.
Here is a band that likes to explore new territory, drawing influences from bluegrass, folk, punk, metal, and hip-hop. That said, experimentation is their mission and they don’t associate themselves with any particular sound or genre. They go boldly into uncharted territory and take a new approach with every song. Triumphant anthems, soulful ballads, and edgy fusions of alt pop, rock, and funk… it’s all there. Just dare them not to try it. Double. Dog. Dare them. CANVAS believes nothing is certain and all you have to do is take a listen to their ever-evolving hybrid sound to see what they mean.
In June and July, we looked at the state of music venues across New York State. Now in August, with hope for passage of relief bills in Congress to help small independent music venues across the country, venues remain closed for live music, in quiet anticipation of the day crowds can return.
Working with a dozen photographers to document more than 50 venues in 12 cities across New York State, NYS Music presents the third edition of our monthly series that looks at the current state of our beloved venues. When the venues reopen, we will share photo documentation recording the changes over time in all corners of the state.
Immense thanks goes out to all photographers and venues who are taking part in this monthly series. We’ll start this month in Manhattan and Brooklyn with Joseph Buscarello, covering a wide swath of the Big Apple. Here’s to getting back to live music sooner, rather than later, and safely.
On August 14, Brooklyn-based band Gawn will release their debut album, Thee Essence Ov Everything. The band’s newest single, “Pushed Aside,” is available to stream now.
Photo from @g_a_w_n on Instagram
Thee Essence Ov Everything is the perfect mix of soft, indie, and electric rock. Each song is individually interesting but maintains in harmony with the rest of the record. I had the opportunity to talk to Zach Koeing about Gawn, the band’s soul, about the new track and album.
Marilyn Feerick: How did you first get into music?
Zach Koeing: I started playing music probably when I was 10 years old. I grew up in a house with musicians. My dad was a guitar player and songwriter and he taught me to play guitar.
MF: What does “Pushed Aside” mean to you?
ZK: The meaning of the song and the lyrics is kinda just moving on from old friendships that have faded away, maybe because they’re toxic or people change.
MF: I read that it was hard to get one solid group to consistently do shows, so you play with different people almost every night.
ZK: When the project first started, it was more of just a recording project. It was different friends coming to the studio, handing out, laying down some tracks, writing some songs together, and when it kinda came down to shows, it seemed like a lot of people’s schedules were clashing with each other and stuff like that. So, it just seemed to be a lot less stress ad a lot easier to get a group of guys together on the flay than try to rely on just one group of people.
MF: Is having a rotating band more confusing, or does it help you keep everything more fresh?
ZK: I think it sounds like it would be more confusing, but it does feel like it is fresh because every single time that I sit down with a new group of people, it feels like I’m able to come up with something new and something original. With the same group of guys, it would seem like it would be harder to come up with new stuff. There’s definitely different feels. People play differently, and ideas some of the guys will bring to the table will just be kind of on a whim and it’s just like ‘that was it, let’s keep it,’ and if that guy wasn’t there that night, it wouldn’t have happened.
MF: How has COVID-19 and the quarantine affected you creatively? Are you writing anything new?
ZK: Before COVID, we were talking to our publicist about doing PR and all the promotions and everything for [the album], and out of nowhere, the country was shut down and we were kinda just like ‘oh no what are we gonna do? Are we gonna tour, should the record come out, should we go with it?’ And especially during the black lives matter protests, we didn’t want to be shining any light on us when there’s something more important going on. So we decided to basically just put it on the back burner until we started to find out what was going on in the world. During that time I had a little four track recorder at my house that I sat next to, like, every morning and every night just writing new ideas, because we weren’t working or anything so we were just kinda adjusting…to being home all the time. And I had my own little recording setup. So, I recorded about 30 new ideas on a four track during quarantine.
MF: And lastly, do you have any plans for projects once quarantine is over?
ZK: Me and the guys recorded two new songs probably like a month ago, so we plan on releasing probably a seven inch after we do the record and then hopefully next year we’ll be able to tour.
Stream “Pushed Aside” and other singles by Gawn in the meantime before Thee Essence Ov Everything comes out on August 14.
