NYS Music 202​0

Category: Features

  • P(x3) Stargazer: EDM For The Apocalypse

    Let’s face it, the year 2020 has been a spectacular gigantic bust. Pandemic, protests, self-imposed isolation and political strife have become the new normal and we are all a bit tired of the daily drama we are forced to endure. For many of us music has become an essential anchor, providing us stability, especially during troubled times. If you are looking for a musical safe harbor to temporarily escape the madness, look to the very talented Connecticut EDM duo P(x3) and their self-released third album, Stargazer.

    P(x3)

    Stargazer is a live performance by the self-described “Apocalyptic Organ Duo” that was recorded at Middletown Connecticut’s own La Boca. The show took place in late February of this year right before the Corona Virus pandemic hit the U.S. hard and changed everyone’s lives, especially those who perform live music.

    P(x3) was formed in 2019 by percussionist Rob Madore and keyboard/saxophonist Isaac Young, who both do double-duty in the band No Mind. Both musicians have continued to create a name for themselves in regional and national music scenes, famous for their improvisational performances. The production value of the nine tracks on the LP is exceptional. It is a testament to the technical skill of Cody Urban, who recorded and mastered the record for the band.

    P(x3)

    Stargazer starts off with the note and mind bending “Spachemmen,” which was additionally released as a single for the band. Synth melody intertwines with prominent percussion that has a culminating effect, transporting the listener on a cosmic celestial journey. It is hard to believe that Young and Madore are the only members in P(x3) when you hear layers of different sounds.

    There is a lot going on musically on this track and you can hear new elements emerge every time you listen. The third track on Stargazer entitled “Alchemy” was also released as a single and is a pleasant highlight of the record. Young’s early 80’s synth beat complemented by Madore’s classic synth drum machine kicks off the tune. About one minute in, the boys go modern EDM by interspersing contemporary synth and percussion making for a truly interesting experience. 

    Seventies funk meets 21st Century jam band techno with “Rocked,” the final single released on P(x3)’s Stargazer. Young’s use of Moog and Hammond organ shines on this track. The soulful groove of these instruments are augmented by Madore’s danceable beats and the use of modern synth effects provided by Young.

    Social distancing that is required because of COVID-19 has limited our ability to see live music in clubs and theaters.  Stargazer by P(x3) is a great reminder of what we all have been missing since this tragedy has hit. It is a captured moment in time that reminds us of life before the Coronavirus. Things have changed a lot since then and P(x3) has adjusted to our new world, using technology to keep their performances coming. They have live streams on Facebook and are scheduled to do another on December 11 at 8 p.m., with the help of their partners Jamcast.

    Music will always find a way to stay in our lives no matter what obstacles befall us. It is an essential part of the human condition. Hopefully, with the end of the pandemic clearly in sight, we will be back jamming out together this coming summer. Just like we did back in the good old days of 2019.

    Key Tracks: Spachemmen, Alchemy, Rocked

     

     

  • Rising Producer DJ MIME Releases Diverse Debut Album ’20/20′

    A myriad of talented musicians gives DJ MIME a stout debut album, 20/20. It is a punch of pop that this world needs right now, during trying times.

    MIME is a New York City music producer and songwriter. This is his first full album. With 14 tracks, the album includes collaborations with up and coming vocalists like, Zhiko, Jantine, India Parkman, Lily Denning, HAYL and more.

    DJ MIME
    DJ MIME releases his first full album 20/20.

    Each tune has its own unique sound. A melody of genres and styles represents the whole concept of celebrating diversity within electronic dance music.

    I feel like when multiple creative minds come together magic can really be made, sometimes the person you’re working with could have an idea that you would have never even thought of, those WOW moments are super special in the music making process.

    DJ MIME

    MIME named the album after his “vision” of creativity he used throughout the year. The songs provide a combination of underground house music for dancing and headphone-ready tunes. The album showcases a rapidly maturing artist, that continues to break the boundaries of what everyone thinks electronic music should be.

    MIME released his debut track “Electronic Zoo” just last year. Now, along with 20/20, has 11 more tracks under his belt. These have all gone through his self-made label, AlterEgo, that he created with his team.

    20/20 is out now and streaming on all platforms. If you’re looking for an album to listen to with a variety of moods, this is a perfect staple to add to your list.

    https://youtu.be/UUnDRMc14Hs
    DJ MIME and Zhiko – SRY

  • Frank Gallagher Hosts Soundman Confidential, featuring Talking Heads and B-52’s members

    Frank Gallagher, host of the podcast Soundman Confidential, is on a mission to keep the magic of live music in the public’s imagination. He  hosts conversations with some of the biggest players and artists in the music business, opening up about their careers performing live, and how they see the future of live music, post-pandemic.

    Season One commenced on November 12, finding Gallagher (as he’s most commonly known) conversing with all four Talking Heads, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds and Kate Pierson of the B-52’s.

    In 1977, Frank drove from London to Zurich in a truck filled with sound gear to meet up with two American bands flying in for a European tour – The Ramones and Talking Heads. Post-show, Frank went backstage and told Talking Heads he wanted to be their sound guy. The band gladly accepted his offer. In 1982, he met Scottish band, Simple Minds, rapidly becoming an important band in the UK’s post-punk scene. Frank encouraged the band to work hard, play each gig if it was to be their last, and to stay connected to their fans who showed up to see the shows.

    Frank Gallagher was still touring in his seventies before COVID-19 pulled the plug on a B-52’s tour. The B-52’s are a part of the legacy act touring business, and Frank commands their iconic sound with his punchy, energetic mix, much to the delight of their legions of fans. Based in Arizona and California, Frank awaits the call to get back on the road with the band.

    Season One Schedule: Soundman Confidential

    Nov. 18 – Jim Kerr
    Nov. 25 – Tina Weymouth
    Dec. 2 – David Byrne
    Dec. 9 – Chris Frantz
    Dec. 16 -Jerry Harrison
    Dec. 23 – Kate Pierson

  • Watch Morgan Wallen on Saturday Night Live

    Saturday Night Live returned on December fifth after a few well deserved weeks off. The 46th season began with six consecutive shows, an SNL first, with the return episode featuring host Jason Bateman and musical guest Morgan Wallen.

    morgan wallen SNL
    Morgan Wallen, Jason Bateman and Heidi Gardner

    Wallen had originally planned to be the musical guest for the October 10th episide, but after he was seen partying with fans in Tuscaloosa, AL the week before, and as a result his performance was canceled. The country singer thus missed out on his SNL debut out of an abundance of caution in COVID-19 pandemic.

    Replacing Wallen was Jack White, who paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen that night.

    Before taking the Studio 8H stage, Wallen appeared in a sketch poking fun at his going out to bars and hanging with fans. Future versions of himself – each from one month farther into the future – appeared to warn him of the consequences of that night.

    The first song of the night from Wallen was “7 Summers,” a ballad written with Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally from Wallen’s upcoming album Dangerous: The Double Album, due out January 8, 2021. Wallen’s band featured Luke “Cowboy” Rice, Mark “Taco” Annino, Dominic Frost and Tyler Tomlinson who performed under broad lighting in the shape of an M,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLhRaSP-DJs

    With the M display now resembling Christmas trees, Wallen returned later in the night with “Still Goin’ Down,” also off the upcoming Dangerous: The Double Album.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khCbT8AGveI&

    One sketch spoofed Eminem’s “Stan” and even got the rap icon to appear in a cameo. Staten Island’s Pete Davidson appeared as the Stan character, Stu, writing letter after letter to Santa, asking for a PlayStation 5. The Christmas-spin on “Stan” follows Stu down an obsessive path in search of a response from Santa. At the end, Eminem opens Stu’s gift, saying “That’s crazy, a PS5? I didn’t even ask for this. I guess Shady must’ve been a good boy this year. Sorry, Stu. You fucked up.”

    Saturday Night Live returns on December 12 with host Timothée Chalamet and musical guest Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

  • Neal Casal Final Solo Recordings Released

    The final two solo recordings from the late Neal Casal – “Everything Is Moving” and “Green Moon” – have been released across all digital music platforms. The accompanying video for “Everything Is Moving,” directed by Ray Foley, features footage of Casal from throughout his career, has also been released.

    The songs were initially written as early as 2013, but Casal, never completed them prior to his passing in August 2019. Over the course of 2020, Casal’s close friends and longtime musical collaborators Jeff Hill, Jon Graboff, John Ginty, George Sluppick, Jena Kraus, JP Hesser and Jim Scott came together to add additional parts and complete mixing on the tracks.

    neal casal final

    Working on these songs has been truly cathartic for me as I continue to process the loss of my dear friend. Neal writes in ‘Everything Is Moving,’ ‘I am just a shadow on the wall, you won’t even think of me at all.’ As much as Neal’s lyrics can be eerily prophetic of the tragedy to come, he was wrong. So many of us will be thinking of Neal for decades to come

    Jeff Hill

    The two songs are also featured on a limited edition 7-inch vinyl that will be released on February 26, 2020, by the Neal Casal Music Foundation (NCMF) in collaboration with Royal Potato Family, who released Casal’s final solo album, ‘Sweeten the Distance,’ in 2012. Pre-order for the vinyl edition is available now.

    All proceeds from the sale of the album will benefit the non-profit formed in Casal’s name, which will provide instruments and lessons to students in New Jersey and New York state schools, where Neal was born and raised, and will also make donations to much needed mental health organizations that support musicians in need.

    NCMF is being spearheaded by Casal’s longtime manager Gary Waldman and a team of the late musician’s friends. A first round of funding for the foundation was raised through a Kickstarter campaign earlier this summer comprised by two primary packages: a coffee table photography book, ‘Tomorrow’s Sky: Photographs by Neal Casal’ produced by Jay Blakesberg and edited by his daughter Ricki Blakesberg, along with a 30-plus song tribute album, ‘Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal,’ tentatively planned for release in Spring 2021.

    neal casal final

    Casal began recording “Everything Is Moving,” which in hindsight hints at some of the struggles he was facing, at The Stable at Studio G in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, around February 2013. The band on these initial sessions featured Casal on acoustic guitar and vocals, Jon Graboff on acoustic guitar, Jeff Hill on bass and Joe Russo on drums. Additional parts were cut in July 2020 w/ Graboff returning to play pedal steel and electric guitar, John Ginty adding piano and Hammond B-3 organ and harmony vocals contributed by Hill and Jena Kraus.

    With Casal beginning to envision a new album of solo songs, he started work on “Green Moon” at Castaway 7 Studios near his home in Ventura, CA in the summer of 2016, laying down lead and background vocals, acoustic and electric guitars and piano. Jeff Hill and George Sluppick would add bass and drum tracks respectively to the original recording in October 2020 to complete the song.

    Neal Casal was a songwriter, singer, guitarist, record producer, photographer, surfer and friend. Over the course of a 30-plus year career, he appeared on multiple recordings as a member of bands like Circles Around the Sun, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Beachwood Sparks, The Skiffle Players and Hard Working Americans.

    With the formation of the Neal Casal Music Foundation, the body of work he left behind, including an extensive archive of unreleased material, will be reimagined to further shine a light on his artistry, while providing resources to raise money for positive change. Neal Casal brought joy to so many and, in his absence, the foundation created in his name will further that purpose. It also hopes to reflect back to Casal the beauty he brought to this world in pursuit of a life dedicated to music and art.

    Stream both songs here and watch the videos below.

  • Elder Orange, Fine Grain and more featured on this week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 new music from Elder Orange, Fine Grain and many more!

    elder orange

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an 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.

    Vermont’s Elder Orange has released a new recording titled, “Brick’s in the Bathwater.” This release is a fascinating sonic journey, evocative and head bobbing, full of emotional voices, brilliant guitar playing, melody weaving, and genre bending. The album is a series of connected tunes that all work as one piece of music, one that is very inventive and unique in a world of singles that occupy the popular music format. This bold step of creativity is worthy of far more attention. Available for streaming on Bandcamp.

    Kicking off the show will be two new songs from Fine Grain. The first is a world premiere release of “Calculate,” available on Thursday, December 10, followed up by “Strings Attached.” Fine Grain is a weird punk/post-punk outfit out of the Capital District that doesn’t quite stick to genres. Their live shows feature antics, copious beer consumption and a lot of hair with a lot energy put into the music that even on record, they sound as though they’re playing in your living room. 

    EQXposure will also be featuring more music from Upstate Mixtape, Vol 1., a compilations of 518 artists, committed to amplifying Black voices and suppressing racism. One hundred percent of the sales of the release, will be distributed to black artists. Pick up a copy here.

    Upstate Mixtape Vol 1. is part of antiracist grassroots fundraising efforts, spearheaded by Jammella Anderson. Among songs contributed to Vol 1. include demos, B-sides, album loose ends and more from a group that showcases the multifaceted nature of musicians in the 518. This week you’ll hear JB and Victory Soul Orchestra‘s “God Self Icon,” NXNS “Motherbrain,” The Age “Take a Dive,” and Wurliday “Clyde.”

  • ESYO Musicians in Virtual Tutti! Festival

    The Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) musicians will perform in the virtual Tutti! Festival over two weekends in December. It will feature twelve ensembles in eight live recorded concerts. All concerts will be streamed online to virtual audiences through ESYO’s Virtual Concert Hall.

    ESYO

    The festival begins on December 3 with Beethoven’s First Symphony performed by the ESYO Symphony Classical Orchestra. The advanced Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Mozart including the Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute. ESYO Symphony Orchestra will also rediscover Dance in the Old Style by Hollywood composer Erich Korngold, The Serenade for Strings by Irish-American composer, Victor Herbert and Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos’ homage to Mozart Sinfonietta No. 1. On Saturday, December 12, members of the ESYO Jazz Orchestra will take the stage with Milestones by jazz legend Miles Davis and a jazzy take on the holiday favorite “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

    A full list of concerts and repertoire is available online on their website.

    The organization is excited to be able to provide incredible musical opportunities to ESYO students who are from throughout the Capital Region and beyond. This past fall, leaders at the organization developed creative and innovative ways the student musicians could come together, in person, to practice music, all while adhering to strict COVID-19 safe regulations.  They have been practicing in small groups throughout the season. 

    “The pandemic forced us to use many tools that we didn’t realize we had and forced us to think out of the box in the way we design our programs, orchestras, rehearsals and concerts. For example, the chance to break up our big orchestra into chamber orchestras allows for a lot of repertoire opportunities that we would not have before. The fact that we are challenged by the schedule having to rehearse half of the orchestra in one room and the other half in another room forced us to engage with assistant conductors and instrument coaches that tremendously increased the personalized educational attention that our musicians would not receive otherwise,” said ESYO Music Director, Carlos Ágreda. 

    ESYO

    Georgia Burtt, a violinist in Symphony Orchestra who is homeschooled in Berne, also believes ESYO has shined during this time. “I think that the music instruction is great. When we were first quarantined back in March, ESYO continued online. We had some speakers talk to us about college, performance, and what life is like working as a professional musician. I thought that those were incredible. Now, with the in-person rehearsals, we can directly work with our conductors and sectional coaches. We are also live-streaming the rehearsals so those who are quarantined are able to still learn and participate in the rehearsals. Overall, I think ESYO has done an incredible job modifying in accordance with these new restrictions while still giving us students opportunities to learn and improve.”

    ESYO has also kept its free, afterschool program called CHIME going strong, in the virtual world.  CHIME musicians are engaging in a private lesson, a group practice and a music appreciation class each week. The cuts in NY State arts education funding have presented a significant challenge, but ESYO remains committed to providing enriched musical experiences for its youth. They are so grateful to all who have made generous contributions this fall, and are hoping that the community will continue to step up to help ensure that the CHIME students are able to keep making music through the winter.  

    Virtual Concert Schedule:

    December 3 at 7:00pm: Symphony Classical

    December 4 at 7:00pm: Repertory Romantic and String Orchestra

    December 5 at 7:00pm: Repertory Strings and Youth Percussion

    December 6 at 3:00pm: ESYO Wind Orchestra & Concertino Strings

    December 10 at 7:00pm: ESYO Repertory Classical and String Orchestra 

    December 11 at 7:00pm: Symphony Strings 

    December 12 at 7:00pm: ESYO Youth Jazz

    December 13 at 3:00pm: Symphony Romantic 

    Tickets to the event can be found here.

  • Doug Beavers Steps into Spotlight with New Album “Sol”

    Grammy Award-winning Doug Beavers is of the stature of NYC’s top jazz aficionados who fearlessly push the boundaries of the genre itself. Beavers was an ace trombonist for Eddie Palmieri’s “La Perfecta” band and the current lead trombonist for the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. On his forthcoming new full-length studio album, Sol, Beavers steps into the spotlight like never before.

    Doug Beavers

    Sol showcases a dozen original compositions featuring special guests Joe Locke (Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson) on vibraphone, vocalist Ada Dyer (Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack), Latin jazz vocal sensation Jeremy Bosch (Spanish Harlem Orchestra), and Robby Ameen (Ruben Blades, Dizzy Gillespie) on drums. 

    Recorded in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic, Doug Beavers sought to produce an empowering album to help rekindle connections and return to values centered around kindness and compassion. At the heart of Sol, he revisits the sounds of the 1970s when addictive bass riffs, sophisticated horn arrangements, and African rhythms dominated the charts. It wouldn’t be a Beavers recording though if it didn’t have a powerful punch of Latin jazz and the best salsa players/singers NYC has to offer performing on the tracks. Hence, Sol dives deep into an organic alchemy of salsa, jazz, and R&B.

    Doug Beavers

    “It was the vibe of the sun telling me everything is going to be OK. I just took my score paper and the music immediately started pouring out,” Doug Beavers recalls. “You know, we’ve all been through a lot in 2020, and I wanted to record a New York album that uplifts people and puts smiles on their faces. I know that sunshine has that natural effect on me, thus I named the album, Sol.”

    Sol is set for international release on Friday, December 4, on Circle 9, a brand new subscriber-supported independent record label, recently launched by Doug Beavers.

  • Happy Birthday Jay-Z, Hip Hop’s Big Brother

    When talking about the significant birthdays in hip hop, few mean more to the genre than Jay-Z’s. The Brooklyn-bred mogul has turned modest beginnings into a billion-dollar empire while doubling as one of the world’s most popular and influential entertainers. A product of Brooklyn’s Marcy projects, Hov has found success by being a forward thinker and staying ahead of the curve, something he has no problem reminding peers and fans alike. After all, who else could serve as Hip Hop’s “Big Brother?” So, as we wish him a happy 51st birthday, here are the top Jay-Z songs where he lets you know that he sets the trends, we just follow.

    Imaginary Players

    The fourth track off of his sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, “Imaginary Players” has stood the test of time as one of the premier “sh** talking” records in Hip Hop history. Hov spends nearly four-minutes reminding rappers that their records don’t sell as well as his, they’re not as fly as him and their money simply doesn’t stack up. As part of his earlier discography, it’s always fun to hear Jay – Z brag about cars, money and jewelry before his ascension to mogul status. The intro alone sets the tone for the whole record.

    I gotta be like the pioneer to this sh**, you know
    I was popping that Cristal
    When all y’all n***** thought it was beer and sh**, you know
    Wearing that platinum sh**
    When all y’all chicks thought it was silver and sh**
    I gotta really be the pioneer of this sh**
    Bottom line

    30 Something

    This is an interesting part of Jay – Z’s career. Hip Hop has always been driven by the youth, yet on this record, a 35-year-old Jay tried to convince the world that all the youthful materialism (rims, jewelry, gunplay) that had been a part of the rap culture for decades was now irrelevant.

    I’m young enough to know the right car to buy
    Yet grown enough not to put rims on it
    I got that six-deuce with curtains so you can’t see me
    And I didn’t even have to put tints on it
    I don’t got the bright watch, I got the right watch
    I don’t buy out the bar, I bought the night spot
    I got the right stock
    I got stockbrokers that’s movin’ it like white tops

    It was certainly gaudy of him to believe that he could single handedly shift hip hop’s culture to fit where he was at in his own life. But, the fact that he was able to turn this train of thought into an entire album — Kingdom Come — and not get ridiculed is impressive in itself.

    On to the Next One

    https://youtu.be/AQY7hivw67Q

    One of the lead singles off of 2009’s The Blueprint 3 album, this record continues the trend of Jay – Z letting rappers know that they simply do not have the connections that he does, so the moves he make will always be of a higher plateau. The Swizz Beats assisted record sees Hov double down on his new way of thought, letting listeners know that he’s only moving forward and since he’s used to setting trends, this would just be another one that the masses would eventually follow.

    I had Oprah chillin’ in the projects, Had her out in Bed Stuy chillin’ on the steps, Drinking quarter waters I gotta be the best,
    M-J at Summerjam, Obama on the text,
    Y’all should be afraid of what I’m gonna do next.

    He also continues his hilarious vendetta against throwback jerseys, which have been and always will be a staple of Hip Hop culture.

    Used to rock a throwback, balling on the corner
    Now I rock a teller suit, looking like a owner

    U Don’t Know

    One of the very best records from one of the best album’s in Jay – Z’s discography, “U Don’t Know” is the 6th track off of the original Blueprint album. The record serves as a reminder that Jay – Z’s business acumen was crafted from his time on the street. Backed by thumping drums and horns, Hov reminds everyone that if he’s nothing else, he’ll always be a hustler. From selling crack cocaine, to records, to clothing, he’ll always find a way to remain on top.

    I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in hell
    I am a hustler baby, I’ll sell water to a well

    His ambition alone should serve as motivation.

    Could make 40 off a brick but one rhyme could beat that
    And if somebody would of told ’em that Hov’ would sell clothing
    Heh, not in this lifetime, wasn’t in my right mind
    That’s another difference that’s between me and them
    Heh, I’m smarten up, open the market up

    Otis

    I invented swag

    One of the very best songs of 2011, “Otis” is titled after legendary soul singer Otis Redding because of the heavy sampling of his voice throughout. But make no mistake, this song is 2:58 of unabashed braggadocio. The opening line sets the tone and from there on Hov and ‘Ye take turns letting us know that they’re the hottest sh** out and the biggest trendsetters in the game (and who would argue?).

    I made “Jesus Walks” I’m never going to Hell
    Couture level flow, it’s never going on sale
    Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses
    Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive
    I get it custom, you a customer
    You ain’t customed to going through customs
    You ain’t been nowhere, huh?

    After years of turning up his nose at those who would brag about women, cars and jewelry, Jay – Z sounded rejuvenated on this record.

    Poppin’ bottles, puttin’ supermodels in the cab, proof
    I guess I got my swagger back, truth
    New watch alert, Hublot’s
    Or the big face Rollie I got two of those
    Arm out the window through the city I maneuver slow
    Cock back, snap back
    See my cut through the holes

    We don’t know if Jay – Z will release anymore music, but his historic longevity has allowed us to see the maturation of the most influential figure out of New York City and for that, we can be grateful. While a few of these attempts at leading the charge have been hilariously head scratching, the impact, innovation and hustler’s mentality is something to be revered. Happy Birthday Hova!

    Happy Birthday Jay-Z

  • Premiere: Oak & Ash look for better days with “New World”

    Oak & Ash, an alternative rock band from New York today release “New World,” their first single in over three years. With a relevant message of change and hope for better days to come, “New World” is a motivational anthem for everyone who strives to build a better and more accepting world.

    oak and ash

    “New World” was written for people who are acknowledging today’s mistakes, with a reminder that although the world we live in is full of love, kindness, generosity, and beauty, it has yet to grow out of hate, inequality, injustice, and fear. There is still work to be done in order to eradicate these major issues, but in order to do so, we have to come together.

    Produced by multi-Grammy award-winning producer/ engineer, Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse), “New World” maintains the energy of a live band with added support from Moon Taxi’s Spencer Thomson who adds a layer of synthetic production work to the track.

    Oak & Ash captured the energy they bring to live shows and with help from Jacquire, the band was able to continue to spotlight vocals and instruments and stay true to their original sound. The band had been focusing on live performances since their last release and then hit pause due to the pandemic.

    Oak & Ash is Rich Tuorto (vocals, guitarist, keyboardist), Chris Tuorto (guitarist), Paul Gramigna (bassist), and Bryan Garbe (drummer). The band got thier start in New York City in 2014 when the Tuorto cousins and long-time friend, Paul, decided to join forces and they haven’t looked back since. Their debut EP, “Slightly Reckless,” was released in 2015 and singles “Step into the Light” and “For You” follwed in 2017. They also celebrated a career-defining moment in March 2017, opening for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden. 

    Follow Oak & Ash on Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube