Category: Blues/Jazz

Chenango Blues Association Reschedules 2020 Festival to 2021

The Chenango Blues Association announced on their website that their 2020 summer festival will be cancelled. The festival which was originally scheduled for Friday August 21 through Saturday August 22 is postponed to next year. Statements from the association can be seen below.

We agonized over this, and we held out as long as we could , but we have arrived at the conclusion that there is no responsible way to move forward with any of our planned events for 2020. We are all as disappointed as we know you are, and it was difficult to contact all our artists and break the news. At this point in events no one was very surprised, and everyone shared the belief that it was the safe and reasonable thing to do. Our artists, our volunteers and of course all our fellow music lovers mean the world to us and the thought of an event that would put anyone’s well being at risk was reason enough to take pause. An event next year where we will all be present to enjoy it means a lot more than rushing in to something we don’t understand well enough to prepare for. We like all of you too much to do that!
It came as quite a blow to have to do this but I have to tell you-we were uplifted by the many kind words of vendors, volunteers and artists about how much the event means to them and how excited they were to participate next year. In fact, most of our artists have already agreed to perform at the 2021 Fest, and we are all thrilled to death because we thought it might be our best lineup yet!
Hope to see you all next year-it will be bigger and better than ever. Until then-wash your hands, cover your face and stay safe!

While the Chenango Blues Fest is off for 2020, check out NYS Music’s coverage of past Blues Fests from 2019.

May 23, 2020
Watch: Onyx Collective Shares Official Video for ‘Where or When’

New York Jazz ensemble Onyx Collective have shared the official music video for their single “Where or When” off of their debut album Manhattan Special: Onyx Collective Plays Rodgers & Hart / Rodgers & Hammerstein. The song itself first appeared as part of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s 1934 musical comedy, Babes in Arms. So, while it may be viewed as a cover, Onyx Collective have added their own twist, with a feature from singer and cellist, Kelsey Lu.

Directed by No School & 22 and edited by 22 Note, the video was shot in Paris, France and served as a love letter to the city. Filmed right before the global shutdown as a result of COVID-19, the video sees Lu take to the town in black-and-white video, as the city’s landmarks, transportation services and civilian life are presented to the audience. Yet, it doesn’t feel much like a tour but rather an attempt of capturing the city’s infamous beauty, with Lu’s eerie vocals serving as our guide.

Onyx Collective is a nebulous jazz ensemble, hailing from Manhattan, NY. The group is composed of saxophonist, Isaiah Barr, Austin Williamson (on drums) and are regularly joined by Joshua Benitez on keyboard, Jack Guliemetti on guitar, Felix Pastorius and Spencer Murphy on electric bass, and Dean Torrey and Walter Stinson on upright bass, along with a collection of musicians whom like the official band members all attended New York’s musical conservatory. More recently Onyx Collective toured as A$AP Rocky’s live band.

May 22, 2020
The Jazz Foundation of America Partners With Relix for Online Benefit Concert

The Jazz Foundation of America has partnered with music publication Relix to produce an online concert on May 14 at 8 PM ET, dubbed #TheNewGig. Hosted by actor/producer Keegan-Michael Key, the lineup will include; Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Jon Batiste, Ivan Neville, Angelique Kidjo, Robert Cray, Stanley Jordan and more. Performances are expected to be new and will be pre-produced prior to air time. Drummer Steve Jordan will serve as the concert’s musical director.

Relix publisher Peter Shapiro said in the press release: “We are honored to be collaborating with the Jazz Foundation of America to host #TheNewGig on Relix’s YouTube platform. Jazz and blues lie at the foundation of everything, really, and it is at the core of the music that we feature everyday on our websites, in our magazine, and on our social platforms. As part of giving back, it’s a privilege to host this very special event.

In addition, the stream will feature performances by Herbie Hancock, Patti Smith, Brittany Howard and more who performed at the organization’s annual fundraiser ‘A Great Night in Harlem’. Many celebrities including Danny Glover, Bruce Willis and Mark Ruffin are set to make appearances during the music fundraiser.

Monies raised from the online concert will benefit the COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund. Established in March of this year, the emergency fund is geared towards helping musicians and their families affected by the pandemic by offering funding to cover basic living expenses.

“An entire community of artists who survive month-to-month have gone from standstill to freefall, financially speaking, but their music has continued to give us solace and comfort in quarantine,” said Joe Petrucelli, Executive Director of the JFA in the press release. “Support for #TheNewGig and the COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund offers them direct assistance and creates a sense of solidarity and hope in a time of despair and uncertainty.”

To tune into the #TheNewGig, head to the Relix YouTube Channel on May 14 at 8 PM ET, with a 10 PM ET rebroadcast. For more information, visit Jazzfoundation.org.

May 14, 2020
Happy Birthday Joe Bonamassa!

Happy 44th Birthday to Joe Bonamassa! As New Hartford, New York’s very own blues master, Bonamassa is an example of a modern-day artist who is keeping all the soul in blues alive. Born in 1977, Bonamassa began his career at the age of 12 opening for no other than blues legend B.B King at the Rochester Lilac Festival in 1989.

Making a name for himself playing small clubs around Upstate NY, Smokin’ Joe Bonamassa has transcended the dreams of a small-town boy wishing to be a Rockstar. Although still relatively young, Bonamassa has left a legacy behind including over a dozen studio albums, two Grammy nominations and at least 20 #1 songs on the Billboard Blues chart. Collaborating with musicians along the likes of Les Paul and Beth Hart, Bonamassa has proved his prowess to write hit songs. Also, an avid vintage guitar and amplifier collector, Bonamassa has proved his devotion to authenticity.

In addition to touring various world stages, Bonamassa has also launched a cruise, bringing blues to people at sea. Most recently, Bonamassa has announced the start of his new music label, Keeping Blues Alive Records in an effort to raise awareness for his charity, the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, started in 2011. Most recently, The Keeping Blues Alive Foundation has launched their charitable Fueling Musicians Program which aims to support musicians globally who are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo Credit: Robert Sutton

Bonamassa went live on Facebook with a heartfelt message urging for fans and musicians to make donations to support struggling musicians. The program has received overwhelming support from fans as well as big name brands such as Gibson, Normans Rare Guitars, and the Chicago Music Exchange. With the goal of $250,000, Bonamassa and the Fueling Musicians Program aim to raise as many donations as possible to lend a hand to the music industry which has been hit hard by the global pandemic.

To make a donation or to find out more about the Fueling Musicians Program visit Keeping Blues Alive.

Be on the lookout for Smokin’ Joe in 2020 for the continuation of his Keeping Blues Alive at Sea cruise and new music, hinted to be coming later this year. Happy Birthday Joe Bonamassa!

May 8, 2020
Warren Haynes to join Virtual New York Guitar Festival’s Celebration of Reverend Gary Davis

The New York Guitar Festival has added Grammy-winning guitarist Warren Haynes to the already packed line up for ‘Reverend Gary Davis: In Search of the Harlem Street Singer’. Slated to be a virtually accessible twelve song series, NYGF will release one video performance on their Youtube channel nightly at 4 PM EDT.

Listen to the full collection of audio recordings from Reverend Gary Davis: In Search of the Harlem Street Singer––as debuted yesterday on WNYC’s “New Sounds”––HERE.

While access is free, organizers are asking viewers that can, to make donations to MusiCares. Started by The Recording Academy’s MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, their goal is to help the music communities affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Listen below to Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal performing ‘Tryin To Get Home’

‘Reverend Gary Davis: In Search of the Harlem Street Singer’ Program Schedule

May 6 – Fantastic Negrito

May 7 – Bill Frisell

May 8 – Dom Flemons

May 9 – Sonia de los Santos

May 10 – Jorma Kaukonen

May 11 – Kaia Kater

May 12 – Brandon Ross

May 13 – Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams

May 14 – Warren Haynes

May 15 – Larkin Poe

May 6, 2020
Mipso Announces Spring Tour

The progressive quartet Mipso has released dates for a 2020 spring tour shortly after ending a very successful Living Room Tour this past January. Canadian folk artist Taylor Ashton is set to join the group on select dates to support his debut album The Romantic that was released just last week.

Out of the 14 stops across North America, Mipso is set to perform three nights in New York. First, with back to back shows at the Rockwood in New York City on April 13 and 14 where they will be joined both nights by special guests Taylor Ashton, Steph Coleman and Alec Spiegleman. Then they will continue the journey northwest to Ithaca were they are slated to play at The Haunt on April 18.

Hailing from North Carolina, Mipso is said to be the new rising force in Americana music, combining historic roots with a new music edge. In addition to touring, Mipso announced they will be releasing a remixed follow up album to their 2018 release Edges Run. The album had put the group at the top of the bluegrass charts when released with the single “People Change,” receiving over 45 million streams on Spotify. Currently in the works is a new full length LP which will be released later in 2020 under Rounder Records.

Tickets for all shows are now on sale and can be purchased here. Below is a list shows with additional spring/summer dates still to be announced.

Mipso 2020 Tour

Apr. 10 – Roy’s Hall – Blairstown, NJ*

Apr. 11 – Arden Gild Hall – Arden, DE*

Apr. 13&14 – Rockwood – New York, NY +

Apr. 15 – The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center – Old Saybrook, CT

Apr. 16 – Shea Theatre Arts Center – Turner Falls, MA

Apr. 17 – UVM – Burlington, VT

Apr. 18 – The Haunt – Ithaca, NY

Apr. 19 – Hopewell Theatre – Hopewell, NJ

*with Taylor Ashton

+ with Taylor Ashton and guest Steph Coleman and Alec Spiegleman

March 5, 2020
Kamasi Washington Blows Into Buffalo

Kamasi Washington and his talented band came to Buffalo for a sold out show at Asbury Hall at Babeville. Judging by those in attendance, his fans are as diverse as his music. Young and old were treated to a mix of blues, funk, world beat and more, all firmly rooted under the umbrella of jazz. “Is Mr. Washington the savior of jazz?” is not a question I can tackle here but the genre is in good hands if he is indeed the current face of it.

March 3, 2020
Allman Betts World Tour 2020: Tarrytown

2019 was some year for the Allman Betts Band. In March, the band performed its inaugural show 50 years after the first time the Allman Brothers ever played together. June saw their debut album, Down to the River, hit #1 on the iTunes Rock charts the week it was released. The summer brought the band to a host of festivals and sold out headlining shows as well as a European tour. Throw in a medical emergency and a wedding too, and it was some year.

Berry Oakley, Devon Allman, Duane Betts, Johnny Stachela – Allman Betts Band

So what do you do in 2020? You go on a worldwide tour, of course. With a second album in the works (recorded at Muscle Shoals) and having taken some down time to recharge, the Allman Betts Band (Devon Allman– guitar, vocals; Duane Betts– guitar, vocals; Berry Duane Oakley– bass, vocals; Johnny Stachela– guitar, vocals; John Ginty– keyboards; R Scott Bryan– percussion, vocals; John Lum– drums) is going global. We caught ABB at the Tarrytown Music Hall stop of their global odyssey. It was coincidental that this weekend we happened to be celebrating two of our founding fathers while listening to the sons of two men who may not have started the blues, but certainly influenced many a contemporary blues or rock musician.

Jackson Stokes

Opening the night was a St. Louis, MO guitarist and singer/songwriter named Jackson Stokes. Stokes is the first person signed to Devon Allman’s new label Create Records. Supported by a solid three-piece band, Jackson offered an unfiltered, raw performance, worthy of his signing to Allman’s new label. Stokes and his band have been playing multiple dates with ABB on this tour.

JD Simo

In the middle slot was JD Simo, a Nashvillian by way of Chicago. JD’s blistering guitar work most certainly pulls from those influences . This night he took the audience with him on his therapeutic musical journey as he performed, maneuvering seamlessly through the styles with no questions asked. A regular on last year’s ABB tour, JD and his band prove to be more than a warm up act, but one that stokes the fire in preparation for a big night.

Allman Betts Band

After two kickin’ acts, the house was set. The sold-out show (which is becoming the norm) had a mix of old and young in attendance. People were sharing stories of seeing Devon or Duane separately and looking forward to experiencing the coalescing of their talents. The band opened up with “Airboats & Cocaine” from the yet to be named upcoming 2^nd album. “Shinin’” from their debut Down to the River followed and the groove for the night was in full swing. With almost a year together, the band has jelled into a musical monster to which you are willing to sacrifice yourself. The set list this tour has been in flux, so no one is sure exactly what each night will bring. Sprinkled through the night, a few covers found themselves being pulled out. Berry Oakley took lead vocals on The Dead’s “Shakedown Street” which had everyone up and dancing, while Devon had the crowd waving their cell phone flashlights, a la lighters in the air, to “Purple Rain” adding a special glow to the house. The encore had the band sharing another new tune, “Magnolia Road,” and took it home in reverent fashion with The Allman Brothers’ “Blue Sky.”

Allman Betts Band at Tarrytown Music Hall

So what is 2020 to the Allman Betts Band? A new album, lots of travel stickers on their guitar cases and a band to see if their trek takes them to your town.

Devon Allman, Duane Betts – Allman Betts Band

Allman Betts Band set list: Airboats and Cocaine, Shinin’, Left My Heart in Memphis, Autumn Breeze, Ain’t Wastin’ Time, All Night, Good Ol’ Days, Jessica, Shakedown Street, Taking Time, Mahalo, Purple Rain, Long Gone

Encore: Magnolia Road, Blue Sky.

February 27, 2020
Kamasi Washington Delivers Jazz Master Class at Kings Theatre
Kamasi Washington and his band came through Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre this week as part of his latest round of winter tour dates. Although there has not been new music since 2018s critically acclaimed double LP, Heaven and Earth, Kamasi just released a film, Kamasi Washington Live at the Apollo Theater, on Amazon Prime Video. The live film was recorded at Kamasi’s show at the Harlem theater on February 23, 2019.

Watch the excerpt for “Street Fighter Mas” HERE.

Kamasi Washington at Kings Theatre – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The show opened with a short R&B and Soul DJ set from Natasha Diggs. Natasha paid homage to many late artists with her set; music filled the room as fans filed into their seats. The setting was a perfect fit for Kamasi’s music, and the first thing he said when the band took the stage was in admiration the beautiful theater.

Kamasi Washington at Kings Theatre – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Flanked by two drum sets, Kamasi stood center stage and dove straight into “Street Fighter Mas” from Heaven and Earth. When the band plays live, they tend to only play five or six songs, but extend them with solos and improvs to fill a nearly two-hour set. Both drummers took their turn during the show, delivering very different drum solos, accompanied by two separate solos on upright bass.

After the first song, Kamasi introduced his father, Rickey Washington, on stage who continued to play flute and soprano saxophone for the rest of the night. The father and son stood side by side. The chemistry between them could be felt across the theater.

Kamasi Washington at Kings Theatre – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The main set ended with a lengthy rendition of “Fists of Fury,” which featured soaring vocals from singer Patrice Quinn. There were several movements during the performance of this track, but the final solo of the night was reserved for Kamasi on tenor. The man is a master on the saxophone and his solo ended with a standing ovation from the audience, followed by a reprise of the epic conclusion. It was the most powerful moment, ending the show with a thunderous finish.

Kamasi Washington at Kings Theatre – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

In addition to the live film, Kamasi released the stand alone track “The Bombshell’s Waltz,” earlier this month also on Amazon Music. The band is just beginning this stretch of live dates, which continue across North America until a final show on March 12 in San Antonio – see the full itinerary HERE.
February 22, 2020
The Bad Plus Announce 2020 Spring Tour, Including Multi- Show Residency in New York City

The American jazz trio The Bad Plus confirmed their 2020 spring tour following the release of their second album, ACTIVATE INFINITY, which was released in October of 2019. The spring tour will include a multi-show residency at Village Vanguard in New York City for six consecutive days.

The tour will begin on March 19th in Kenosha, WI at the Bedford Concert Hall and will wrap up on April 12th in Washington, DC at the Blues Alley. The tour will include multi- show residencies not only in New York City but also in Oakland, CA and Washington, D.C. as well. The New York City residency is taking place at the Village Vanguard on March 24th through the 29th. The Oakland, CA residency will take place at Yoshi’s on April 3rd and 4th. Washington’s residency will take place at the Blues Alley on April 10th through the 12th.

The Bad Plus is made up of bassist Reid Anderson, drummer Dave King, and pianist Orrin Evans, hailing from Minneapolis, MN. Their newest album ACTIVATE INFINITY was produced by The Bad Plus themselves and engineered and mixed by Andy Taub at NYC’s Brooklyn Recording back in May of 2019.

For more information on The Bad Plus and their 2020 spring tour visit their website .

The Bad Plus 2020 Spring Tour dates:

March 19th – Kenosha, WI – Bedford Concert Hall

March 21st – Hartford, CT – The Bushnell Performing Arts Center

March 22nd – Rockport, MA – Rockport Music-Shalin Liu Performance Center

March 24th – New York, NY – Village Vanguard (8:30 pm & 10:30 pm)

March 25th – New York, NY – Village Vanguard (8:30 pm & 10:30 pm)

March 26th – New York, NY – Village Vanguard (8:30 pm & 10:30 pm)

March 27th – New York, NY – Village Vanguard (8:30 pm & 10:30 pm)

March 28th – New York, NY – Village Vanguard (8:30 pm & 10:30 pm)

March 29th – New York, NY – Village Vanguard (8:30 pm & 10:30 pm)

March 31st – Seattle, WA – Triple Door

April 1st – Seattle, WA – Triple Door

April 2nd – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre

April 3rd – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)

April 4th – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s (7:30 pm & 9:30 pm)

April 9th – Morgantown, WV – Lyell B. Clay Concert

April 10th – Washington, DC – Blues Alley (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)

April 11th – Washington, DC – Blues Alley (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)

April 12th – Washington, DC – Blues Alley (8:00 pm & 10:00 pm)

February 19, 2020