Saratoga Springs’ Sly Fox and the Hustlers are currently in the studio completing a new album to be released in Spring 2021. Ahead of time, Fox has shared a Christmas tune, a cover of Ray Charles’ “That Spirit of Christmas,” designed to spread some love this holiday season.
Released on December 17, along with the snowfall, the song channels the Ray Charles holiday classic with Fox’s blues roots through his vocals and guitar. The single will be available for purchase on all streaming sites and all proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots in the Capital Region during the month of December.
Sly Fox shares some thoughts on the song:
I’m one of those people that loves Christmas music, especially the classics but this one is my favorite! I’m a huge Ray Charles fan and it’s a cover of his song, “That Spirit of Christmas.” What makes it stand out to me (among all the great Christmas songs) is the soulful message of the song with an emphasis on spirituality, love, family and trying to sustain those good vibes throughout the year!
Fans of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will recall the song from the scene where Clark (Chevy Chase) is in the attic. The artwork for the song is Fox and his sister on Christmas morning at 5yrs old with his first guitar. For more music from Sky Fox and the Hustlers, follow them on Facebook.
Connecticut funk-fusion band, Kung Fu, aides Toys for Tots as they gear-up for a heartfelt livestream tomorrow, December 19, 2020. Proceeds will go to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Kung Fu and Toys For Tots make a heart-warming combo. The benefit has become a cherished tradition, annually held and Toad’s Place, a landmark venue in the Connecticut music scene. The venue has collected tens of thousands of dollars worth of toys for kids at their annual sold out shows.
The band improvised this year, going virtual. Tomorrow, The Warehouse, Fairfield Theatre Company’s 640-capacity, industrial and state of the art venue will host the livestream for its tenth consecutive year. The benefit continues to embody a sense of giving and selflessness around the holidays, as the band pulls out all the stops for the hometown celebration to benefit those less fortunate.
If you have ever been to Fairfield Theatre Company, or met Kung Fu, both have a heartwarming persona, making it the perfect matchup for Toys for Tots. Locals flock the venue as is, the band, deeply rooted in their community.
We are sending love to Kung Fu, The Warehouse @ FTC and all of you who have continually showed your support during the holidays, especially this year. The livestream is courtesy of MKDevo, with lights by Matt Calabrese. Kung Fu will be donating 33% of the total proceeds to the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital at 1 Park St, New Haven, CT.
Saturday December 19 at 8 p.m. ET. Tickets will be $14.99. You can purchase tickets from The Warehouse’ website, or view the event on Facebook.
Watch Kung Fu Toys For Tots Past Events:
Kung Fu feat. Jon Herington & Bernard Purdie: “The Fez >Green Earrings”
The String Cheese Incident has announced a ‘New Years Cheese’ stream for their final “Friday Night Cheese” broadcast of the year for New Year’s Eve. Airing on Thursday, December 31 starting at 8pm ET, the Colorado jamgrass band will stream a special 20-year anniversary airing of their Evolution Concert Film which filmed around the 2000-2001 Portland NYE Incidents, featuring performances and behind-the-scenes interviews.
Following Evolution, at approximately 10pm ET, String Cheese Incident will air their three set New Years Eve performance from December 31, 2016 at at 1STBANK in Broomfield, Colorado. Home to six of the last seven New Year’s runs, 1STBANK has been SCI’s hometown venue for the better part of the 2010’s.
The band said in a statement:
We love seeing friends and family gather with us in CO to ring in the New Year, and even though we can’t be there with you in person this year, we are REALLY looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020 and welcoming 2021, when we can hopefully get back to playing live Incidents again!
The broadcast has been timed perfectly so that the Midnight Balloon Drop will line up with 12am MT. Master of Ceremonies Jason Hann will be the host for the evening and promises surprises in store. Get the stream here.
This past Friday, December 11, Connecticut-based rock quintet Goose performed from a rooftop in Rockefeller Center for their annual Goosemas show. The livestream from Rockefeller Center was the band’s seventh annual holiday concert, and was streamed exclusively on The Relix Channel on Twitch, drawing nearly 60,000 worldwide viewers while raising an astounding $45,000 for Save our Stages and Conscious Alliance.
Donning matching red ski suits atop a roof adjacent to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan, Goose took to the stage just after 7 PM ET and kicked off an energetic, two-set performance highlighted by fan-favorite original tracks “Arcadia,” “All I Need,” and “Hot Tea.” Known for their uncanny ability to recreate cover songs in their signature style, while upholding the compositional integrity of the original piece, the band also incorporated covers of Vince Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy,” Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield,” and Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher” into the setlist.
The livestream benefitted two NIVA’s Save our Stages, a national charity providing support to independent live event venues and promoters throughout the United States in these trying times; and Conscious Alliance, a nonprofit that connects a network of creatives to collect large-scale donations in order to combat hunger in historically underserved communities.
Donations made from Goosemas will help keep Conscious Alliance on the road this winter delivering 200,000 meals to kids and families in need. Every $1 donation = 2 meals to someone going without food this holiday season. Donations can be made at Goosemas.com through December 20th at 8pm ET.
In a year when music and its empowering spirit has been stifled for so many, Goose’s performance was magic! And what better place to do this than from Rockefeller Center, where culture and community come together to surprise and delight. A huge thank you to Goose and their amazing team, Peter Shapiro, and the Rockefeller Center team for making such a special evening possible.
Gus Field, Tishman Speyer / Rockefeller Center
Viewers were treated to pro-shot video and clever, dazzling holiday-themed stage design by Goedde Sound and Light, with multiple moving cameras capturing each band member in front of a breathtaking New York City backdrop.
Fans will have the opportunity to watch a free rebroadcast of the performance this Saturday, December 19th at 8pm ET on the band’s Facebook and YouTube pages as well as on FANS.LIVE. Goose plans to continue connecting donations to Save Our Stages and Conscious Alliance through December, 20th at 8pm ET at www.goosemas.com.
We are so happy to have had the opportunity to host Goosemas, especially with all of the uncertainty this year, we’re so grateful so many people tuned in and donated to two organizations doing incredible work.”
Ben Atkind (Drums)
Setlist: Goose at Rockefeller Center, NY, NY – 12/11/20
Set 1: Arcadia, Linus & Lucy, Madhuvan, Turned Clouds, Earthling Or Alien? Love is a Battlefield, Slow Ready, Elmeg the Wise
Set 2: Seekers on the Ridge (Part 1), Seekers on the Ridge (Part 2), All I Need, The Empress of Organos, Hot Tea -> You and Whose Army? -> Hot Tea, (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher
Brooklyn rapper, Rowdy Rebel, has officially been released from prison, to the rejoice of fans and acquaintances alike.
Chad Marshall, known professionally as Rowdy Rebel was released this past Tuesday after spending nearly four-years incarcerated at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County. Upon his release, the “Beam Jawn” emcee was greeted by family, friends and associates. Soon-after, he was being gifted eye-popping jewelry and made his way to a private Jet, as well as a recording studio.
Originally arrested back in 2014 alongside fellow rapper Bobby Shmurda and other GS9 hip-hop collective affiliates on murder, drug, and weapons charges. The two Brooklyn drill rappers then took a plea on conspiracy to possess weapons and were then sentenced to seven years in prison.
Even while locked up, Rebel kept up his grind, keeping his focus on music. The “Computers” rapper made a guest appearance on Pop Smoke’s Billboard charting record “Make it Rain,” recording his verse via a collect call from prison.
Videos surfaced all over social media documenting Rowdy Rebel’s first day of freedom, including a call to still incarcerated Bobby Shmurda. Who, on the other hand, hasn’t fared as well with the Board of Parole despite taking a plea deal so his compatriot would serve less time. Bobby Shumrda has allegedly racking up violations for possession of weapons and drugs while in prison and is serving the rest of his sentence, Bobby is scheduled to be released in December of 2021.
Fans should keep their ears to the ground for new music coming from Rowdy Rebel as he has already been seen cooking it up in the studio, you can see him live on Instagram reveling in his newfound freedom and triumphant return to Brooklyn’s rap game.
Otto Botté dropped his “Humbara” music video on December 14, 2020. The song is a nod to the New York City based artist’s Colombian roots.
Botté is known for being 1/3 of the sample-based electronic group Pool Cosby, who just released their second album, Day Breaks. He has also worked with an array of superstar musicians. He did the mastering on the Robin Schulz remix of “Waves” by Mr. Probz ended up landing him a Grammy nomination back in 2015 for Best Remixed Recording – Non-Classical. He has worked with names Enrique Iglesias, Trey Songz, Fedez, Club Dogo in his and has mastered work that adds up to over 8 million in sales.
The single “Humbara” dropped originally back on November 20, 2020. The song has a unique and genre-bending sound that sees a fusion of worlds and cultures and creates one irresistible dance track out of them. It really deep dives into the culture-rich sounds of Botté’s Colombian roots while creating a laidback electro-synth melody. It uses traditional Colombian instrumentation, from the thumping conga drums to the dance-inducing wooden flutes and maracas.
The track recently surpassed 18,000 streams and has received support from big names like NPR Music’s World Cafe, Kick Kick Snare, and radio play on LA’s LatinAlt HD3. The music video brings even more energy and support to the up and coming track with names like Pablo Morelo directing it.
“Humbara was the first song I created as a solo producer about 4 years ago. I was single then, and the only thing I felt I could confidently write about was my relationship with God, so I wrote a song to him.”Otto Botté shares about his inspiration behind the track, “Last year, I fell in love with someone, and the more I heard this song, the more I felt God’s love in my relationship and how it constantly felt like He was singing this song back to me. It’s been a beautiful experience connecting with God these past few years, and at the time with her through this song. The experience itself always felt as if our relationship (mine with hers and God) was manifested through the melodies and grooves in this song. It symbolizes how there can be a spiritual connection between two people and God.”
The video features only Botté singing and dancing in different scenic natural areas. There are a few shots of animals and beautiful views but manley is simplistic in the best way possible focusing on the music and Botté. Check out the full video here.
For more information on Otto Botté visit his website here.
Since 2001, Yo La Tengo have spent most nights of Hanukkah performing eight nights of sold out benefits during the Festival of Lights. This year, they’re scaling back the eight nights to a single one night, which will livestream on Friday, December 18 at 8pm ET, from The Greene Space at WNYC & WQXR.
Since their inception at Maxwell’s in their former hometown of Hoboken, NJ, before moving to The Bowery Ballroom in downtown Manhattan, the shows featured surprise guests including John Oliver, Ray Davies, David Byrne, Syl Johnson, Sarah Silverman, Lucinda Williams, and Graham Nash.
This edition of the stripped-down Hanukkah concert will stream live from The Greene Space’s Lower Manhattan studio, and in doing so, keeps two decades of Yo La Tengo tradition alive. The three-hour performance features the classic format of an opening act, a comedian, and then a set by Yo La Tengo.
The Grateful Dead’s 2021 Dave’s Picks have been announced, and includes a show from September 1973 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, which features the first ever version of “Let it Grow.”
This show has been a long time coming in the Dead’s archival release series, as September 8, and the night before, were the first run of live shows the Dead played following the previous month recording Wake of the Flood at the Plant Studio in Sausalito, CA. Once the band was finished mixing the next record, they hit the road for the first leg of Fall Tour 1973 with a pair of sold out shows at the home of the New York Islanders.
David Lemieux said of the release:
I first started working for the Grateful Dead in 1999, and was fortunate to work alongside Dick Latvala, who became my friend and mentor, I was turned on to 9/8/73 by Dick. He spoke so eloquently of this terrific show, certain that it would be released on CD some day as part of the Dick’s Picks series. In Dick’s own words, during a rundown of his thoughts on 1973 Grateful Dead, he said “That takes us up to the September run. Well right away 9/8/73 sticks out begging for attention. Even the night before (9/7/73) had fairly thrilling versions of “TLEO,””Jack Straw,””PITB,” “WRS->Let it Grow.”
There is not a weak moment from “Truckin’” through the ending tune “Sugar Magnolia.” Even as good as this night must sound, the following night things really explode. I really can’t put my finger on it because from the songlist, there is nothing apparently compelling. Well, you guys will soon find out what I mean, since I intend to release this one whenever the time is right.”
This show is a fantastic example of the Dead being fully firing on all cylinders. The September 7 show also features exceptional music, and almost two hours of that show are included in the Dave’s Picks Vol. 38, including “Bird Song” and “Playing In The Band.”
Dave’s Picks volumes sell out quickly and are only on sale four times a year. Last year’s shows included 10/29/77, 6/23/74, 4/20/84, and 3/26&/87. Order your 2021 Dave’s Picks here.
Upon the release of the music video for his single, “Calling Me,” Lefrak city native Kyngjo was happy with how his music was progressing, but was not fulfilled. Having begun his foray into the rap game only a year prior, he had seen significant growth in his sound and audience. With songs like “I’m Good Luv,” “Calling Me” and “Hypnotize” having reached tens of thousands of plays, he felt like it was time to up his production value.
“A lot of people want to rap, but what separates most of them is who puts their own money behind it,” he adds. “People always say this, but you really have to invest in yourself.”
With that, he embarked on a quest to shoot his best music video to date. The slick & catchy single “Who That,” which contains features from Long Island native, Pell The Don and Bronx rapper, Goggle Boy.”
“I just felt like that was a song I could push,” he explains. “Everyone did they thing on it and it’s something you could bump in the club or in your whip.” With a more polished music video in mind, he sought out popular Queens videographer, V.Lens. “I have ideas, but I also want a videographer who can come with their own [ideas] and knows how to shoot a story, not just record the video.”
Together, both artist and videographer brainstormed ideas and eventually came up with a fitting storyline to match the record. And so, the quartet made their way to the Long Beach section of Nassau County, as the boardwalk was designated as the perfect locale.
Actress and model, Ceecee Valez, played Kyngjo’s love interest in a plot that sees him and Pell The Don counting wads of cash when Kyngjo peers off, noticing Valez’s character making her way out. The rest of video sees the trio deliver their verses in the two Rolls Royce Wraiths and inside a club-themed locale.
Overall, the music video was quick and to the point (along with plenty of eye-catching props). Each artist got their chance to showcase not only their verses, but how well they work in front of the camera as this was a significant step up for each of them. “I wanted to separate myself from a lot of other people and I feel like I did that,” Kyngjo reveals.
Longtime WFUV radio station program director and curator, Rita Houston, has solemnly passed away. A renowned DJ for multiple generations of listeners, Houston also excelled in her role as a musical curator, specializing in electric feel. WFUV announced Houston’s death early Tuesday morning and had reported her taking time off in order to deal with health issues. In reality, Houston had been battling cancer for the past six years.
photo by Steve Malinski
Having begun her career at the Fordham University radio station in 1994, Houston’s hard-work, commitment and genuine love of music saw her trajectory go from mid-day DJ to running the Friday night programming. Her show, “The Whole Wide World,” would allow her to scour the world for more programming, as such was her appetite for all things music.
In 2019, when Rita Houston celebrated 25 years at WFUV, Mayor Bill de Blasio congratulated her for the “indelible mark” she has made on New York as an epicenter of creative expression,
Bringing joy to listeners throughout the five boroughs, providing a platform for new talent that deserves to be heard, and enriching the cultural vitality of our city.
The north star of WFUV’s sound and its public service, guiding the station’s musical direction for decades.”
“She was a New York original, a trailblazing woman of exceptional talent who shaped a unique style behind the microphone — informed and informal, intimate, warm, genuine. But also, one of tremendous joy,” said Singleton.
While declaring upcoming remembrances and celebrations of Houston’s life in the weeks to come, Singleton summarized Houston’s transcendent work by comparing her to other great musical acts who have recently passed. Stating, “right now, Rita, we see you on that stage with Sharon Jones, Bowie, Prince, and especially your beloved John Prine, emceeing the most heavenly edition of Holiday Cheer for FUV.”
Houston is survived by her wife, Laura Fedele, a sister and two brothers. She was 59 years old.
