NYS Music and Music Minds have teamed up to check in with musicians around the scene and see how they are holding up and how they are feeling about their craft. For the first installment, we talked to Shira Elias, vocalist of Turkuaz.
Vocalist Shira Elias finds her voice in the space where soul, pop, and R&B collide. This spring, Shira welcomed her debut solo endeavor, GOODS the EP, under her latest project, Shira Elias’ Goods & Services. With funk band, Turkuaz, Shira has recorded six records and played shows across the globe at legendary venues and festivals. Elias is collaborating with producer and musical partner MEGA to offer up a series of songs that are deeply personal, decidedly honest, and undeniably unique.
Adam Chase: In what ways has this time period put live music into perspective?
Shira Elias: I mean, you don’t know what you got til it’s gone, right? In so many ways, over the past 4 months we have seen how art brings people together and HEALS us. Especially now, live music is necessary in that way.
AC: In what ways has music helped get you through tough times?
SE: Music is therapy for me, both by experiencing it from an outside source and in creating it myself. It transports me to a spiritual place where I can really look within myself for answers and for comfort. For me, it’s the most potent anxiety reliever out there.
AC: What makes being a singer different from other musicians?
SE: Your instrument is your body. It is all within you. Instrumentalists have a separate entity that they channel their expression through. Vocalists have a more literally visceral connection to their instrument, which is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I believe the sound of a human voice can resonate and express emotion in a more profound way than any instrument can by virtue of it being produced by a living being. And a curse, because there is no escaping it. You cannot put your instrument away in its case after the gig, which is why vocal health is a lifelong challenge for singers.
AC: What words of encouragement would you have for someone learning how to sing?
SE: I would tell them to sing as much as they can, as often as they can because your voice is a muscle that you need to train and work out just like any muscle in your body. You gotta get those reps in. And I would also encourage them to find their own true, authentic voice, rather than try to sound like someone else. No one else in the world can sound like you, so be the best you that you can possibly be.
With large gatherings banned for the foreseeable future, fans of musical theater and full-band live music are on the search for musical fulfillment and interesting story arcs. Enter the concept album- a perfect cross between long-form storytelling and studio recorded music. Albums like The Who’s Pinball Wizardand Green Day’s American Idiot hold their place on the pedestal of great rock operas. Over time, fans of musical theater have seen soundtracks becoming more contemporary. Musicals like Once and Hamilton make for otherwise great studio soundtracks to listen to apart from their visual stories. It’s a tall task for bands and composers to be able to write soundtracks in this long storytelling form. One NYC based band is doing it right here, combining catchy tunes with technically brilliant songwriting and performances.
The Ninth are a dynamic, often changing group of musicians. Ben Halperin (Guitar, Songwriter), Tim Russell (Vocals/Keys), Stephanie Genito (Vocals), Tim Galvin (Drums), and Jeff Ostroski (horns) make up the core of the group. The talented crew of musicians have two stellar studio works in their catalog, The Answer(2018) and Olympic Dream/Nightmare (2019). For the most part both combine elements of funk rock and musical theater. The outcome is wonderfully groovy and incredibly intricate. Catchy hooks unify every song, keeping the listener coming back.
The Answer
To begin with, The Answer isa short and sweet trio of songs clocking in at just over 10 minutes. The group’s propensity to uniquely combine the minutiae of classic rock, funk, and R&B is showcased in this initial release. Funky beats match with masterfully crafted bass lines to drive the songs and provide a delightfully dance-able groove. For instance, huge brass and string parts mesh well with the core-band. This gives each song a sense of grandeur.
Vocalist Tim Russel steals the show with his soaring vocals. Meticulously performed guitar and bouncing bass reinforce the technical expertise that the band possesses. Guitarist Ben Halperin remembers how the songs acted as a jumping off point in the first place. He recalls “We were just getting our bearings and feeling out our sound…we love those songs, but there isn’t anything to them other than that we thought they were good and ready.” Halperin had been working on something special however, before the band had even assembled.
Olympic Dream/Nightmare
The Ninth released their first full album Olympic Dream/Nightmare in October 2019. The album tells the story of the Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding Olympic scandal. Ultimately the story was adapted and written by Halperin. The songs were also written in collaboration with the band over time. Halperin’s wife had recently opened his eyes to Broadway, theater performance, and all the possibilities the medium presented. The album idea came quick.
Having watched the Hardy/Kerrigan debacle unfold as a child, and after watching an “ESPN 30 for 30” special years later, Halperin was inspired to write about the event. He focuses especially on a couple main themes. One being how difficult it is to achieve lofty goals. The other about the damage public judgement can have on a person. Together with each other, these themes are of principal focus in the lyrics. Album in hand, Halperin started to put together his troupe.
Halperin was able to assemble an incredible crew of musicians including the likes of Broadway pit performer Jeff Ostroski, who played trumpet and also arranged the horn parts for the album. Adding in musical theater performers Tim Russel and Stephanie Genito on vocals gave the project’s lineup an extra kick. Consequently, they were outfitted to sound like a Broadway ensemble. The Ninth’s music consistently exudes influence in funk rock and jazz. The band’s consistency in genre lends to their tight-knit sound. With the clear album topic and a great sound in mind, the project could move forward with a common goal.
Putting it All Together
The re-imagination of such a dynamic event allowed the group to leverage emotional complexity to create large compositions that reflect such bittersweet themes. The real life story is about as wild as any Hollywood script. Particularly, The Ninth do a great job of capturing the chaos and beauty of the story. Every track is a roller-coaster, with highs and lows dominated by the intricate composition and wonderfully crafted lyricism.
Halperin remarks that “almost the entire first half of the album comes back some way or another in the second half.” For instance, “the title song introduces themes that recur in Limelight and Oksana, with Limelight also having a Trailer Park reprise.” Everything ties together splendidly, despite the long story arc. No strangers to big studio projects, the band offers up hit after hit.
Halperin mentions specifically how “the emotion and characters translated well to the funk and rock music that I love.”
Full brass and string sections give each song a larger-than-life feeling. This is something that the band strives to deliver. Songs such as “Saving Grace” and “Trailer Park” provide character introduction and juxtaposition between two of the story’s main characters. Namely, the band uses different vocalists for each character. Each vocalist offers a magnificent performance on their tracks and also mesh well together in harmony.
The guitar work shines marvelously throughout the entire work. Halperin matches tone to every small part of the story thus acting as a sort of narrator in the story. He provides a magnificent performance all around. Cory Wong-styled funk lines opposite soaring solos. Generally the guitar foretells the mood of the song. A sleazy funk song like “Crowbar” emulates the Jeff Gillooly character wonderfully.
Successes and Challenges
Although projects of this size don’t come together easy. It was great preparation and a solid cast of musicians that helped Olympic Dream/Nightmare come out so well done. Halperin mentions that it wasn’t so much the undertaking of the music that made the recording a challenge. He says “making music in a great studio with great musicians always has and always will be a complete pleasure.” The band recorded everything Steely Dan-style. Putting painstaking detail put into each instrument’s recording and layering is a point of pride. Indeed, the hard part was the scheduling and financing. This was no rush job, and it shows with the final product. Everything was meticulously planned and executed.
Playing Live and The Pandemic
It’s no surprise that the group has a big live sound too. They have played some of NYC’s iconic venues such as The Bitter End. Their tight grooves keep live renditions of their songs dance-able and exciting. High energy is a big defining characteristic of The Ninth. Together, this unrelenting powerhouse of a group can perform with stellar execution. “Boy do I miss crowds”, Halperin says. Specifically those crowds including musicians who are digging the music.
The off time has been ultimately slow for the band since everything is shut down. For instance, Halperin has kids and a day job. Consequently, with no access to child care right now it’s tough to focus on music. Though he is optimistic about the future. He says “we’re itching to perform once it’s safe.” In the meantime, he says the band has new music to record. Otherwise, he is available to help out with other projects, and is available to write if anyone has an idea and needs music.
Soulive’s Alan Evans and his label, Vintage League Music, have released “As Far As We Know,” an uplifting soul ballad by Crushed Velvet and the Velveteers. Featuring an illustrious group of collaborators—including the BT ALC Big Band, Brother GoodLove and more – this project of Evans’ will showcase the multi-instrumentalist’s guitar skills.
At a time where the world might seem bleak and divided, Crushed Velvet and the Velveteers are here with a gentle track that carries a unifying message of peace, singing,
As far as we know / We ain’t too different / You and I could spend all our time / Make this world a better ride / Imagine the difference if we try.
Evans says of the collaborative project:
“I originally wrote the music for ‘As Far As We Know’ back in May 2019 with another VLM project in mind. I knew that I wanted to have Stephane (Brother GoodLove) singing on this song from the beginning. I didn’t realize that Stephane would turn that working title into such beautiful and powerful lyrics—I was really blown away when he sent me the first demo of the vocal and couldn’t wait to get it into full production but for whatever reason, it wasn’t the right time. But once I had the idea for the new Crushed Velvet and the Velveteers album, ‘As Far As You Know’ being included was a no brainer. So during quarantine, Stephane cut the vocals and I called on my Vintage League Music family of musicians to fill out the song and the rest is history. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”
Alan Evans
Stephane Detchou, who performs under the moniker Brother GoodLove, was born in Montreal to Cameroonian parents and has been surrounded by music his entire life. Genres like folk, jazz, soul, rock and reggae were central in his upbringing and would come to influence the music he would later produce. It is within soul where he explores his identity and sense of self, reflects on the world and contributes to a future he believes in—and “As Far As We Know” is no exception, a song in which he penned the lyrics for.
In addition to Brother GoodLove, “As Far As We Know” also features Darby Wolf on piano, Alex Lee-Clark and Brian Thomas of BT ALC Big Band on the horns, Ryan Hommel on acoustic baritone guitar, and Cynthia Tolson on the strings.
The official music video for “As Far As We Know,” directed by Samuel Hall, sees Brother GoodLove travel around Washington, D.C. while pondering the profound message of his lyrics, including footage captured during the current Black Lives Matters protests in the area.
Wurliday in front of The Palace Theatre. Photo by Frank Cavone.
The Live Stream Sessions will host artists performing in unique spaces within the The Palace Theater. The series kicks off on Wednesday, July 15 with a live performance by Wurliday. Wurliday are a soul-funk R&B fusion band from Albany, NY.
“We are thrilled to be able to welcome live music back to the hallowed halls of the Palace Theatre,” noted Billy Piskutz, Executive Director of the Palace Performing Arts Center. “This historic building exists to entertain and create memories and after a nearly four-month absence due to COVID-19, it is a thrill to know that it will again. We hope that our patrons will enjoy these performances as much as we do!”
The concerts series will start on July 15, and then take place on August 19, September 16, and October 21. Performances will stream live on the Palace Theatre and Mirth Films YouTube Page. The shows will begin at 7PM on each day. So far Wurliday is the only artist announced for the series.
“Summer in Albany is synonymous with music and entertainment and it is wonderful to have the Palace Theater hosting local musicians albeit in a different way this year,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.“I applaud the ingenuity of the Palace Theater, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and Mirth Films in bringing entertainment to people during COVID-19. I continue to be impressed with how our community has risen to the challenge of keeping the arts alive during this time and look forward to tuning in to the Palace Sessions.”
Donations can be made to benefit the Palace Performing Arts Center during the live stream. The Palace Performing Arts Center, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that owns and operates the historic Palace Theatre. Donations can be made here or directly through the Palace Theatre’s Text To Give program, by texting Palace2020 to 44321.
For more information on The Palace Sessions visit The Palace Theatre’s website.
Brooklyn-based funk band Turkuaz recently launched their latest creative endeavor this past with “HEY YOU, STAY TUNED,” their hour-long recurring variety show available exclusively through the band’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
The pilot episode sees the eccentric nine-piece ensemble partake in a Hollywood Squares parody, aptly entitled “Turkuaz Squares.” Comedian Brett Siddell, who also recently launched his own comedy special via Vimeo, acts as announcer, while Sirius XM’s Ari Fink hosts the show. Additionally, special guests Andy Frasco and Eric “Benny” Bloom appear as contestants on the game show.
Gameshow antics are accompanied by a pop up video replay of Turkuaz’s official music video for 2017 single “On the Run,” which stars Chris Roberti from HBO’s High Maintenance and Comedy Central’s Broad City. Fans are also treated to never-before-released content from the band’s recent None’sA Ton concert film, with “Nightswimming” and “Coast to Coast” footage from the film spliced in.
NYC Based Band Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns dropped their Take Me By The Hand EP on June 26th. The four song EP has a soulful, gospel, jazzy sound. Band leader Jeremy Beck has roots in rural Alabama and New Orleans. These roots influenced his music and sound greatly which can be heard throughout the EP.
The Eight piece band decided to release their EP amidst COVID-19 and the fight for racial justice and equality in the United States. They understood the implications of releasing this EP during a pivotal moment for civil rights in America with it’s soulful, gospelly, and jazzy roots. “In a musical context, Black music has created what we know as American music. Without the great Black musicians, artists and writers, plain and simple, American music would not exist.” Beck explains, “So much of the music I’ve played and produced throughout my career has been directly inspired by Black musicians and I will be forever grateful. Growing up in Alabama and during my time in New Orleans, Black music and culture molded me into the musician and person I am today.”
Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns. Photo provided by Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns press release.
The EP includes the title track, “Take me by the hand” and then the love song “Oh Baby!.” The EP wraps up with the upbeat, high tempo, song “Somebody Call Frank,” and ends with “Sing Hallelujah,”about a perfectly imperfect love. This Ep marks the first compilation of songs credited to a band composed of sidemen who have cut their teeth playing with big names like Bonnie Raitt, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and Missy Elliot.
Take Me By The Hand is out and available everywhere now. For more information on Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns visit their website or their official Facebook page.
One of WNY’s tightest and most eclectic rock groups is back with a new album release on July 3. Rochester based indie rock band, Animal Sounds, has a great discography already, with early material like “Ghosts” paving the way for their first full album, Ennui. It is important to take into context how the band’s music has matured over the past few years. Layers is a whole new beast, with intricately crafted structure and infinitely danceable tunes. Animal Sounds hasn’t compromised on what’s made them an indie staple in the area while continuing to grow.
The album’s opener, “Layers,” is a great exemplification of how the band can mend and bend the genre’s they write around. The core of the song is a dance-able, Young-the-Giant-type-groove complete with wobbly keys and deft guitar work. While the hook and the vocal performance are worthy of the spotlight, the guitar parts and drum feature early on showcase how technically sound their musicianship is. The song breaks out into a New Orleans style brass section before diversifying into a chill and bouncy bridge. The drop downs in the song really make the chorus hooks shine through. One track in, and the album already makes a strong impression.
“Rollin,” the second track, hits heavy with a bluesy, Steely-Dan-style guitar lick underneath reverb-soaked vocal ooh’s. Little hints of shoegazy, early Modest-Mouse-type guitar parts play beneath the verse lyrics. The bass thrusts the song onward into an energetic chorus. Again, the musicianship is stellar as the band navigates very tonally different verses and choruses without missing a beat.
The third track of the album is really a unique sound for the group, with a mix of their essential indie, along with a more twinkly guitar background- similar to some of the tones you’d expect to find on a math-rock album. Some of the guitar parts come off as math-inspired, but they never stray from being rhythmically accessible. The bass tone on this song hits heavy and offers more thickness while the drums provide a straightforward pulse.
“Blue on Burgundy” yields a nice, solid dream-pop feel that remains energetic but gives the album a great dynamic arc. The guitar compositions and their harmonies are so well written and performed here, hitting that perfect point where the guitars meld together and sound like one single instrument. The band’s foray into more jam-type music here (as well as at various other points in the album) pays off in a big way. The solo sections never hang on too long, and what’s being played never comes off as inarticulate or ‘noodly.’
Lastly, “The Feeling” brings the album out on a heavy note. The baritone guitar licks match the bass to create a really thick sound. A theme throughout this album has to be the thickness of the low end. It lends to bouncier drums and allows the guitar and vocals to sit well. The mixing holds up really well and offers plenty of easter eggs worthy of searching for indulging numerous listens. A true dance album with wonderfully designed tones and mixes, Layers is a perfect album for summer playlists and heavy listening. Animal Sounds will be doing a live-stream show on July 3rd, to benefit a local Rochester venue, Photo City. Check out the event here, and catch Animal Sounds live on release day!
Animal Sounds is comprised of Erick Gordon (vocals), Shawn Brogan (guitar), Alex Brophy (guitar), Zach Jonas (bass), and Angel Figueroa (drums).
While the public celebrates Juneteenth in what is now the halfway point of a roller coaster year, it is important to note the true history behind why we celebrate. The day’s significance isn’t to recognize the end of slavery. Rather, June 19, 1865 is the day that federal orders for the emancipation of enslaved Africans were announced. Only, the declaration had been made official nearly two-and-a-half years prior.
With the holiday gaining traction throughout the country, and now a Federal holiday, in 2020 New York City mayor Bill DeBlasio announcing an executive order that recognizes “Juneteenth” as an official city and school holiday. People of African ancestry celebrate our forefathers, yet we remember their pain, endurance and suffering and do not take it for granted.
Black history is American history. Proud to announce that beginning next year, Juneteenth will be an official city and school holiday.
In the same vein, Hip Hop has served as a diary for Black struggle. With a 400-year head start to make up for, many rappers have recognized the need for unity, as well as establishing our own financial footprint in the United States (the same way other races have been allowed to).
So, here is a playlist of songs that motivates us to become the proprietors of our own destiny.
The 13th annual “Roots Picnic” will be joining , like many other concerts this summer, the virtual experience platform as an attempt to keep everyone as safe as possible while still connecting during COVID-19. The event will take place on June 27 at 8PM EST and will stream on The Roots’ youtube channel. The event will have musical acts along with speakers including Michelle Obama.
The Roots Picnic is partnered with Obama’s nonprofit, “When We All Vote” and will be helping people sign up to vote by texting viewers through a platform that targets unregistered voter. This event won’t replace the usual festival, which is still postponed, but will be additional content. Organizers of the festival urge people to, “Please stay tuned for more updates on the 2020 festival.”
The musical acts include H.E.R, Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, SZA, Kirk Franklin, Snoh Aalegra, D-Nice, Polo G, G Herbo, Musiq Soulchild, and Earth Gang. The Speakers include Michelle Obama, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington, Tom Hanks, Liza Koshy, Chris Paul, Elaine Welteroth, Lin-Manual Miranda, Deon Cole, Coach K, Wallo267, and Ghetto Gastro.
RSVP to the event and for more information in the event visit the Roots Picnic website.
Watch them perform their eponymous song, “Hartley’s Encore,” for a funky break from your day. Hartley’s lineup includes Chris Oliver on guitar, Luke Malamood on keys and vocals, Jeff Nania on sax, Aimee Winzenread on vocals, Erik Pravel on drums and Dan Lawson on bass.
The next installment of Lark Hall Window Sessions is this Friday, featuring Brian LaPoint and the Joints. The stream kicks off at 5pm Friday, tune in here to watch.
