NYS Music 202​0

Category: NYC Metro

  • PBS Airs Broadway Shows to Keep Theatre Alive

    As a part of their Broadway at Home series, PBS will be bringing theatre to people at home by broadcasting She Loves Me, Present Laughter, In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams, Much Ado About Nothing, and The King and I on a weekly basis starting July 24 and ending August 21. 

    broadway PBS
    Photo by Joan Marcus.

    Since the Broadway shutdown was extended to 2021, many are still finding ways to keep theatre alive. Following the Disney Plus release of Hamilton, on Fridays this summer, PBS will broadcast some past Broadway favorites. She Loves Me will kick the series off on July 24 at 9PM ET. The musical features Tony award winner Laura Benanti and Tony nominee Zachary Levi. This 2016 revival of the 1963 show was the first ever Broadway show to be livestreamed. The next week, Noel Coward’s Present Laughter will air July 31 at 9PM ET. This comedy follows a self-obsessed actor as he deals with women who want him, crazed playwrights, twists, and his impending mid-life crisis. 

    On August 7 at 9, PBS will broadcast In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams. The film documents the stories of composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of In the Heights as they prepare for their opening night in 2008. It is about the difficulty of going out and achieving dreams when all odds are stacked against you. Although writing a show about a mainly Hispanic neighborhood in NYC may have been risky, it certainly paid off. In the Heights took home 4 Tonys, including Best Musical and Best Score of a Musical.  Its film adaptation will be released summer 2021.

    For the first time, PBS will show a Shakespeare in the Park show–Much Ado About Nothing from 2019. Danielle Brooks and Grantham Coleman star in this Shakespeare comedy directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon and choreographed by Tony nominee Camille A. Brown. Much Ado About Nothing will air on August 14 at 9. 

    Danielle Brooks and Grantham Coleman. Photo by Joan Marcus.

    PBS wraps the series up on August 21 at 9 with Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. The 2015 revival of this 1951 classic won the Tony for Best Musical Revival. This production was recorded during its 2018 run and stars Tony award winners Ruthie Ann Miles and Kelli O’Hara, who won for this performance as Mrs. Anna in The King and I in 2015. 

    The shows will also be available for streaming on all station-branded PBS platforms, and all PBS station members will be able to watch the shows on Passport. Check your local PBS station for more information. 

  • Interview: Singer Songwriter duo Kelly and Kat talk new single and getting started in the Music Industry

    Sisters Kelly and Kat were in high school when they found a Facebook post that encouraged them to participate in the Disney and Kohl’s National Sing Your Frozen Heart Out Contest. To their success, the sisters won the contest and made an appearance during the American Music Awards. Life took them on a different direction, deciding from that day forward they would pursue a musical career as a singer songwriter duo. 

    kelly and kat

    The singer-songwriter duo perform at local bars in Long Island and continue to write songs on a daily basis. Their music comprises elements of rock, pop, and jazz accompanied with their soft vocals and smooth harmonies.

    Kelly and Kat’s new single “We Were” is a piano ballad that shows the discomfort in remembering the good times of a past relationship. Their previous singles like “One Day” describes the confidence in moving forward from a relationship while “Nobody Knows” explains the significance of learning to accept yourself. 

    Music has allowed the sisters to form a strong bond. Kelly and Kat share their thoughts on the impact it has had on their lives:

    I’m happy with our path and the way that everything turned out. We both knew we wanted to do music and we really love what we do. I love waking up every day and seeing this as a part of my life.

    -Kelly

    I’ve always wanted to make music that can be a support system for others. There is nothing more intimate than helping someone through music. 

    -Kat

    Check out NYSMusic’s coverage of Kelly and Kat’s release of their debut single “One Day” from 2019. 

  • Martin Scorcese to direct documentary on David Johansen of New York Dolls

    Oscar winning film director Martin Scorcese has announced plans for a documentary on David Johansen of New York Dolls fame. The film will explore Johansen’s teen years growing up in Greenwich Village, his alter ego Buster Poindexter, feature footage of Johansen’s recent performances at New York’s Café Carlyle.

    To be released on Showtime, the Queens-born/Little Italy-raised Scorcese will co-direct the film with David Tedeschi, who has previously worked with Scorcese on music documentaries No Direction Home and Shine a Light.

    The film plans to take an intimate biographical look at Johansen, looking at his upbringing on Staten Island and later his arrival in New York’s East Village in the late Sixties. While known best as lead singer of the New York Dolls, the documentary will also explore his time in the 80s as alter-ego Buster Poindexter and later the Harry Smiths.

    “I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making Mean Streets. Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform, and over the years I’ve gotten to know the depth of his musical inspirations. After seeing his show last year at the Café Carlyle, I knew I had to film it because it was so extraordinary to see the evolution of his life and his musical talent in such an intimate setting. For me, the show captured the true emotional potential of a live musical experience.”

    Martin Scorcese

  • Flashback: Phish perform “Julius” on the Late Show with David Letterman

    On July 13, 1995, Phish was the musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. “Julius” was performed with support from The Late Show Band as well as Dave “The Truth” Grippo on saxophone. The second of nine performances at The Ed Sullivan Theater, Phish performed on Letterman over a span of 20 years to highlight upcoming shows and recent releases. Their Letterman performance would be their last show until late September that year.

    The band’s first performance included, at Dave’s supposed request, “Chalkdust Torture,” which was performed on the afternoon of the band’s first ever show at Madison Square Garden, December 30, 1994. Jerry Seinfeld was the first guest that night, which led to this iconic photo:

    phish letterman

    Other individual song performances on Letterman include “Character Zero” on March 5, 1997, “Birds of a Feather” on October 27, 1998, “Heavy Things” on May 15, 2000, “All of These Dreams” on December 19, 2002, a multi-song performance on the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee on June 21, 2004, and “The Line” on June 25, 2014.

    On June 21, 2004, the band memorably performed atop the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee to a crowd of hundreds dancing in the street on Broadway. Then in 2014, on the same night they performed “The Line,” they also treated a lucky group of fans to a set from the same stage where The Beatles made their American debut. Check out the setlist here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dlYEGQbZbA

  • Michael Gregory Jackson releases “Change,” a sprawling live jazz suite for Nelson Mandela

    Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Vernon Reid, Marc Ribot and Mary Halvorsen. One look at the list of progressive jazz guitar all-stars who have named Michael Gregory Jackson as an influence demonstrates the continued resonance and relevance of his four-decades of exceptionally creative music-making.

    Jackson was barely out of his teens when he came to prominence in the adventurous New York City Loft Jazz scene of the 1970s, first with The Oliver Lake Quartet then his own edge-pushing solo albums like “Clarity” and “Gifts.” Over the years, he has crafted a continually evolving, uniquely genre-skipping discography, with a cliché-free musical architecture that is all his own. Jackson has explored everything from the furthest out in free jazz to the Stevie Wonder-inspired R&B popcraft of 80’s releases like the Nile Rodgers-produced “Situation X.” Then there’s the bare-bones singer-songwriter with guitar chops acousticity of his small label CDs of the 90s and early 00s like “The Way We Used to Do” and “Red,” two recent albums he played on and produced for acclaimed trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and a recent slate of recordings with his Clarity Quartet, cut with his European band during his frequent forays in Denmark.

    Michael Gregory Jackson

    Jackson’s latest release is something splendid from his archives, a 1994 live recording by a nine-piece unit of an emotional original work, “Change: A Suite for Nelson Mandela.”  It’s fuses knotty ensemble melodies and fiery soloing, with a sung poetry that celebrates the end of Apartheid and Mandela’s triumphant journey from political prisoner to President of South Africa.

    The peace unfolds quietly, with mournful string chording of keyboardist John Livermore serving as the backdrop for a four-minute solo by trumpeter Stephen Haynes. Here, Haynes travels from quiet loneliness to screaming wails to musically illustrate Mandela’s long struggle. His dramatic and narrative playing, with its many slurs and stabs, brings to mind the late great Lester Bowie of Art Ensemble of Chicago fame. 

    The main body of the song is a driving, up-tempo swing, with Jackson vocalizing a call for unity, a celebrating of the changes in South Africa and the need for similar movement here in the U.S, aided by a trio of female singers, Tamsen Fynn, Eva Fierstein and Sara Lazare.  It’s a heady mix of jazz, soul and sizzling rock reminiscent of some of the pieces from one of my favorite Jackson albums, 1979’s “Heart and Center.”

    There’s more hard drive following in a long tenor sax solo by Chuck Langford, in a call and response with Jackson singing the tune’s main refrain “change will grace us all.”  Things change up again in the fourth movement, where Jackson showcases his wonderfully avant/blues approach in a long expressionistic solo, over an almost offbeat reggae/funk pulse from drummer Joe Fitzpatrick and bassist Chris Murch.  As the solo climaxes, the horns join with stabs and long chords that propel Jackson to more fiery chromatic soloing and chording, before a roar of ensemble screams as Jackson sings out “change.”   The piece closes with a reprise of the intro synth chording and the applause of an appreciative audience that experienced this musical journey.  It’s something that is sorely needed by all music lovers in these Quarantine times, a reminder of what we miss most – the live music experience.

    This new release, and many of his remastered albums and other limited-edition singles and album outtakes (check out the bad-assed wah wah playing on “Miles OG”!) are available at his Bandcamp site and on Spotify.

  • NYC Indie Outfit Longwave release video for “It’s Not Impossible,” share Bowery Ballroom concert footage

    Acclaimed NYC indie rock band Longwave have teamed up with filmmaker Bill Moldt to debut a music video for their song, “It’s Not Impossible,” from their latest album If We Ever Live Forever.

    The idea was to create a unique experience by presenting a choose-your-own-adventure style video for the song. “It’s Not Impossible” is the band’s first debut single off an album in 10 years making the release of If We Ever Live Forever a big deal.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEvH1Y7Ybdg&feature=youtu.be

    The music video was constructed through a series of bi-weekly Instagram story posts, each depicting a possible scene painted in watercolor. Each post contained a video of the scene being created, a caption, and a question prompting the band’s Instagram followers to determine the direction of the next scene. The video used the “poll” feature on Instagram Stories to tally the audiences choices. The process left director Moldt with 10 scenes that were ultimately created and assembled into what become Longwave’s official music video for “It’s Not Impossible.”

    Additionally this week, Longwave have shared full concert video of their November 2018 performance at The Bowery Ballroom. The performance was filmed by Erik Braund at Braund Studios.

    Connect with Longwave on Facebook, Instagram, and stream their music on Spotify.

  • Miserable Chillers Release Newest Single “Saga’s Sword” from ‘Audience of Summer’

    Alternative rock band Miserable Chillers debuted their third single, “Saga’s Sword,” off their upcoming album, Audience of Summer, out Friday, August 7.

    “The song really captures the feel of a curious young child exploring and actively pursuing new experiences, as Gallego even adds some ribbiting frogs and glimmering forest sounds to complement the track’s shiny guitar riffs and marimba-sounding percussion.”

    Look At My Records

    Bandleader Miguel Gallego grew up in suburban New Jersey, where he found his passion for music. He now lives in Brooklyn. He recorded and produced his latest tracks with Baby Blue Records, in New York.

    Album art for Miserable Chillers’ Audience of Summer.

    Miguel’s creativity and intuition came from the world wide pandemic caused by COVID-19. “I think of myself as a late bloomer, a lot of things have only recently started to appear obvious to me,” said Gallego.

    As a result, Fifty percent of the proceeds from digital purchases on Bandcamp will be donated to Bed-Stuy Strong. This is a group of over 3,000 people helping in the aid of their community during the COVID-19 crisis.

    I believe that in times of economic and public health crisis, and amidst the violent failures of state policy to address the needs of vulnerable communities, the necessity of local, communal responses to communal needs is especially acute. I would like to support a local mutual aid group. Bed-Stuy Strong centers on solidarity, care, and an imaginative approach addressing the needs of the community and neighborhood that I live in.

    Miguel Gallego – Bandleader

    Along with Gallego, artists from other bands contributed to the making of this album. Megan Braaten from Your Sister and Kabir Kumar of Sun Kin both sang backing vocals. While others like Sarah Goldfarb (Red Widow and Ovaeasy) played the cello. Together, they created the baroque pop sounds of the new record, exactly how is described as.

    Audience of Summer is out Friday, August 7.

    Miserable Chiller’s newest single “Saga’s Sword”.

    Mutual aid provides an alternative model for addressing need; and we badly need to embrace and imagine alternatives to our preexisting methods—be it the police, punitive and carceral responses to harm, or how we as a society provide for the healthcare of our neighbors.

    Miguel Gallego – Bandleader

  • Brooklyn Bowl Celebrates 11th Anniversary

    Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg is celebrating their 11th Anniversary on FANS, this Friday, July 10. The livestream, fueled by Lagunitas, is set to feature 11+ hours of music with artists who’ve become Brooklyn Bowl family over the years: Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, Fantastic Negrito, Lotus, Soulive, Phil Lesh, and The Terrapin Family Band, The Soul Rebels, a tribute to Melvin Sparks ft. The New Mastersounds, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Anders Osborne ft. Scott Metzger, and more.

    Don’t miss special appearances by The Robyn Party, Tash Neal, Karina Rykman, Simon Allen, Andy Falco, Brandon “Taz” Neiderauer, Scott Metzger, Doom Flamingo, and Nicki Bluhm.

    Donations will go directly towards the Jazz Foundation of America to support the music of our future while you watch. Party Brooklyn Bowl-style via Fans.com.

    “We started Broolyn Bowl to bring people together to enjoy the magic of live music. We has a great run, open every night of the week, with people coming from every direction, and e loved hosting every type of musician and fan that you can imagine. Then we had to stop. Even though our stage is dark, we are still turning 11 years old. Having a birthday during this difficult time makes us want to get back to doing what we do more than ever. We will be back.”

    – Peter Shapiro, founder Brooklyn Bowl

    “We have had a lot of fun in our first 11 years! Because we’re closed temporarily, we now exist as a glowing sense memory of warm vibes, soft light, great sights, and sounds. A place that became a refuge from the ordinary crap in modern life. A place where we rediscovered the simple magic of coming together to celebrate life. This anniversary comes at a moment of enormous pain, stress, and loss for so many of us. But it’s also an opportunity — a giant reset button. All of us can practice greater kindness, mindfulness, and generosity of spirit. We all need to love each other and pull together. We will be back!”

    – Charley Ryan, founder Brooklyn Bowl

  • Card Reader releases emotional single about life and death

    Long Island based pop-punk band, Card Reader, released their newest single, “Sore Eyes,” in honor of the loss of a close friend to lead vocalist Tom Petito.

    (From left to right) Guitarist Marc Lambert. guitarist/vocalist Tom Petito and drummer Rob Cigliano.

    “I wrote this song after I lost a close friend. The message is resounding: life is short, any day could be your last so don’t settle for less. Go after your dreams unapologetically,” said Petito.

    Card Reader made their first appearance to the music scene earlier this year with their debut single and music video, “Familiar Voices.”

    Petito, drummer Rob Cigliano and guitarist Marc Lambert worked with other bands for 10 years until Petito wanted to start his own project and formed the trio. Petito said the creation of the band was to put passion at the forefront.

    Card Reader has struggled since live music has been put on halt, but are determined to get their EP released by fall.

    The band’s motto states, “believe in yourself unapologetically. Don’t settle for anything less than what makes you happy in life and in music. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and put your own stamp on what being in a band means.”

  • Turkuaz Launches Variety Show, “HEY YOU, STAY TUNED”

    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.

    hey you stay tuned

    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’s A Ton concert film, with “Nightswimming” and “Coast to Coast” footage from the film spliced in.