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.
A partner in the Proctors Collaborative, UPH has made advance tickets available at universalpreservationhall.org, rates are currently $20 for adults and $10 for students, with day of tickets being $25 for adults and $15 for students. Your purchased ticket will buy you a 90-minute block of time in the exhibit, with blocks starting at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. each day. Hours will be extended to include two additional blocks at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The capacity for each time block will initially be set to 20 guests and the event will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 26.
“It wasn’t clear when COVID-19 came along that we could hold the event but now that museums are reopening in the state we are proceeding with our plans,” said Teddy Foster, director at UPH.
In compliance with CDC and New York State guidelines each visitor, staff person, and volunteer will be required to bring and wear a face mask as well as wear provided gloves while playing the pinball machines. All individuals will also be required to maintain proper social distancing. UPH staff will also take and record each individual’s temperature and procure proper tracing information. Before and after each time block all surfaces including handrails, light switches, elevators, exhibit pieces, restrooms, and common surfaces will be sanitized.
“Rock and roll and pinball have a lot in common. Loud, colorful and rebellious, it was inevitable that the two would combine to celebrate rock’s icons,” said Karen Herman, Vice President of Collections and Curatorial Affairs, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “A number of artists and bands have been immortalized in pinball games. It gives fans another way to experience the energy and power of rock and uniquely connect with their favorite artists.”
Making its debut as part of the exhibit is Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and shock rock pioneer Alice Cooper’s newest pinball machine – Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle. The classic horror adventure game is narrated by Cooper himself and features a number of songs spanning Cooper’s career and a working guillotine set piece.
Fans can also view pioneering pinball machines of their favorite musicians such as Captain Fantastic (1976), based on the album by Elton John and his character in Tommy, and Beat Time (1967), one of the oldest rock and roll tables, which capitalizes on Beatlemania, featuring several mop-topped musicians and a drumhead emblazoned with “The Bootles.”
Other rare and sought-after playable machines in the exhibit pay tribute to the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, Guns N’ Roses, Elvis, Metallica, KISS, and AC/DC. From Peter Criss of KISS’ drum set to Dolly Parton’s dress that inspired the backglass for the DollyParton pinball machine, fans will find other artifacts on display as they learn more about the popular pinball and rock subculture.
One of the newest bands to come out of New York City‘s Indie underground, Burning Bicycles makes their debut with the single “Moonlight.” Originally released April 13, this track serves both as an acknowledgment of NYC’s crisis with COVID-19 and a call for hope amid the chaos.
In this track you can hear the Burning Bicycles leaning into their psychedelic rock roots, crafting a dreamy track that pairs a mellow glimmering guitar with a laid back beat. Burning Bicycles states that “Moonlight’ encourages our fans to be aware of the world around them, but not to give up on their dreams and ambitions: regardless of the conditions we face.”
I couldn’t agree more with their assessment and the chorus perfectly exemplifies their intent, further adding to the inspiring and uplifting tone of the track.
“Don’t break away, Look around at the world that you stay, Living in and, Don’t let them take, All your dreams it’s the reason why you live”
Be sure to check out Burning Bicycles newest single, “War” and find them on their Facebook for updates on their coming releases.
The Freaks Action Network (FAN) has announced the launch of the FAN Musicians Relief Fund, which will administer one-time grants to New York City-based professional working musicians whose livelihoods have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the fund’s initial 25 recipients, $10,000 has been earmarked by FAN for one-time grants of $400 each.
To celebrate the launch of this endeavor and help support fundraising efforts, Karina Rykman will kick things off with a special “Freaks Night In” online performance on Thursday, July 16, 2020. FAN is dedicating it’s efforts for the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic to raising additional funds to assist as many musicians as possible during these difficult times.
“FAN is all about turning the positive energy of live music into positive change in the world,” said FAN president Aaron Stein. “The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down and now it’s the live music world that needs help and that’s why we created this fund.”
FAN was formed just over three years ago as a way for New York City-metro music-lovers to give back to the community that has given them so much joy and happiness. When the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic ground the formerly thriving NYC live music scene to a screeching halt, the FAN Board of Directors immediately came together to try to figure out how they could help area-based musicians. Out of these discussions, the FAN Musicians Relief Fund was born.
Interested musicians who are residents of NYC and derive at least 50% of their income by performing live music in 2019 should visit the FAN website to apply for the one-time grant and learn about the full application process. Applications for the first phase are being accepted starting July 17. If you have questions about the fund, including potential partners and sponsors, reach out to musicrelief@freaksactionnetwork.org.
Freaks Action Network finds their roots in a group of like-minded New York City live music aficionados, NYC Freaks, who share their love of live music with a growing community. At first, the NYC Freaks would rally around annual anniversary concerts featuring their favorite bands. As they swelled to a group that is now 850 members strong, they discovered a desire to give back to the community that had provided it with so much joy. Through FAN, NYC Freaks have raised tens of thousands of dollars through concerts, auctions, and its sister organization, the #LiveMusicChallenge.
While recent racial tensions surrounding police-brutality have garnered the general public’s attention, another divisive issue has picked up steam as of late. Public figures such as, Ice Cube, former NBA player Stephen Jackson and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson have posted social media doctrines acknowledging that the first of the Jewish people were indeed Black, and those we recognize as Hispanic and Native Americans, are actually decedents of the Black Hebrew Israelites. This sparked backlash with some labeling DeSean Jackson and Ice Cube as anti-Semitic and accusing them of spreading misinformation. While present-day celebrities take the brunt of the repercussions, these claims have been uttered by influential figures in the past.
On November 7, 1995, GZA of the Wu Tang Clan released his second studio album, Liquid Swords. With no made-for-radio records, the project still debuted at number 9 on the Billboard charts and has since been certified platinum. A critically-acclaimed album, Liquid Swords is multi-faceted and backed by complex lyrics, it explores themes such as crime, philosophy and chess. And although GZA is recognized as the most lyrically potent of the Clan, the most compelling of the 13 tracks – and the album’s outro — came from protégé Killah Priest. Aptly titled “B.I.B.L.E” (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), the 4th disciple produced record explores the religious fallacies that have been instilled within the Black community, as well as the hypocrisies within organized religion that many children are forced to accept.
In an interview with Righteous Disorder Tv, Killah Priest divulges how his record made the cut, “it was a process, I just kicked a rhyme for GZA one day before it was even a song and GZA always loved that verse,” and soon after, it was turned into a full song. With the album’s producer — and Wu Tang Clan leader — RZA not sure of its placement within the project, it was turned into a bonus track.
The song begins with Killah Priest repeating the acronym four times before transitioning into the hook
“Life is a test, many quest the Universe and through my research I felt joy and hurt, the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Basic instructions before leaving earth.”
With two lines, he sets the stage for the record’s theme. Acknowledging the joy in finding out the truth about his race and the feelings of sadness that come with the truth. The hook ends with “the first shall be last and the last will be first.” A reference to Genesis chapter 25, verse 23, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.’”
Priest begins the first verse discussing his interest in the bible and why it is so important to him,
Explored my history that was untold and watched mysteries unfold and drop a jewel on them like Solomon, but never follow men cause if you do your brain hollower than space oblivia or the abyss.
He is ignoring the teachings of the church and doing his own research on the bible and what it means, as well as, who it is meant for. As he learns more, he uncovers new mysteries that he was never taught, and he begins to teach others what he has learned. “Never follow men,” speaks to the ideology that God should be the only entity leading one to salvation.
He carries on,
I speak on Jacob, it might take some time up, and too much knowledge, it might break up the rhyme. I did it anyway, just to wake up the mind of those who kiss stones or prays on carpet. Those who sit home or sell books by the market need to chill and give their mind revived for years religion has done nothing but divide.
The first line serves as a double entendre, as “Jacob” is a known biblical reference, while Jacob Arabo is known popularly within hip hop circles as “Jacob the Jeweler,” for his unique designs of Jewelry — specifically watches — The last two lines throw stones at those who pray and profit off of selling the bible yet, know little of their true history.
On the second verse he advances with his earlier rhetoric on religion and how it has been used to confuse him and his people, while also speaking on the true origins of the White race.
I even learnt that Caucasians were the tribe of Edom the white image of Christ is really Cesare Borgia. And uhh, the second son of Pope Alexander the sixth of Rome and once the picture was shown that’s how the devil tricked my dome.
I prophesized to save man, but no one gives a damn for my nation, the seed of Abraham blessed with the tongue of Hebrew now we strung on needles and some plunging evils. So, study and be wise in these days of darkness, peace to my nephew Marcus.
With a desolate first bar, Killah Priest gives insight into the thoughts of a man who is trying to warn yet, the more he tells people the true history the more they don’t care or take what he says seriously, leaving him frustrated. On the second line, he says that his people are descendants of the biblical figure —Abraham, ascribing to the chosen seed that God prophesized he would be blessed with. At one point his people were blessed in their history and knowledge of Hebrew. Now, they are strung on needles — referencing the many drugs that have been pipelined to Black inner cities — and committing other evil acts. Finishing off by encouraging them to take their knowledge into their own hands.
While Black entertainers continue to receive backlash for their thoughts on Judaism, the authenticity of their claims must be acknowledged. With this record being a quarter-century old, how many more people have already accepted Killah Priest’s claims as their truth? It’s easy to accept the status quo as the truth, challenging accepted ideologies is the only way we can grow as people, and that begins with exploring the possibilities of different origins to every religion, as none belong to any one race.
On Saturday, July 18, Bardavon Presents will stream the first Hudson Valley Philharmonic Virtual Concert Hall for free. The performance is curated by HVP Maestro Randall Craig Fleischer and will showcase favorite pieces performed by the talented HVP musicians.
As Bardavon is not sure when audiences will be able to gather together once again due to the Coronavirus pandemic, they are streaming virtual performances on YouTube for fans to enjoy from home. The HVP Virtual Concert Hall #1 will stream on July 18 at 8PM and will feature the following pieces along with commentary from Fleischer:
Reinhold Glière, 8 Pieces, Op.39, Scherzo, Performed by Madeline Fayette, Cello, and Abi Fayette, Violin
Reinhold Glière, 8 Pieces, Op.39, Berceuse, Performed by Madeline Fayette, Cello, and Abi Fayette, Violin
Gioachino Rossini, The Barber of Seville Overture, arr. for two flutes, Performed by Marcia Gates, Flute, and Jill Sokol, Flute
J.S. Bach, French Suite No. 2, Allemande, Performed by Elizabeth Handman, Viola
J.S. Bach, French Suite No. 2, Courande, Performed by Elizabeth Handman, Viola
Jay Ungar, Ashokan Farewell, Performed by Frances Duffy, Harp
Bela Bartok, Romanian Folk Dances, Allegro Moderato, Performed by Rachel Handman, Violin
Donna Doyle, “Cave of the Heart”, Performed by Gregory K. Williams, Viola
Gioachino Rossini, William Tell Overture, English Horn solo, Performed by Joel Evans, English Horn
Hatikva (trad.), Performed by Harvey Feldman, Bassoon
Subscribe to Bardavon Presents on YouTube so you don’t miss this or their upcoming shows planned for July through November. Bardavon is still selling tickets online for future events and updates their ticket holders on the status of the scheduled events.
Upstate’s new live EP, Live at ArtsRiot is the quarantine album we all need right now. This group, formerly known as Upstate Rubdown, has soared through the Hudson Valley region since their debut release in 2015, and in an effort to cure our isolation blues, they have released this live EP to bring us back to the comforting clamor of live shows.
This new release is familiar territory, featuring four songs from their 2019 studio album Healing. The new EP promises the same tight vocal harmonies, intricate lyrics, tight rhythmic strumming, and swirling energy from the first release of these songs. What you may not expect from Live at ArtsRiot is its production value – besides the excellent mixing and mastering, this live performance has eight performers, each with an interesting color to weave in and out of this picture. One of the best examples can be heard in “Who Knows”. The album version tends to rely on the folk-timbred acoustic guitar and standup bass, but the live version is daring in its switch to electric. In one song, a group that was once under the folk umbrella becomes a southern blues band. In the final song of the Live EP “Healing”, the band ditches the honky tonk-style piano solo and tosses in a keyboard for the solo section, marrying folk with almost a jam band timbre to support the blazing sax solo and keep the energy trailing right until the end of the performance.
More than its musical intricacies, this live EP is a reminder of the comradery needed to put on a great show. In addition to having top notch songs, this band has a responsive following, which you can hear cheering throughout the entire EP. The vocalists have audible excitement in their voices, and with so many musicians on stage, you’re able to hear the push and pull of instruments to provide a strong and creative backdrop for the tight vocal harmonies that push centerfold. This is a sound you can only get from a live show, and with performances few and far between these days, we can’t help but thank Upstate for reminding us of the live show vibes we miss so much.
p.s., Upstate is headed to Rochester on October 16, and will hopefully visit ArtsRiot again this year, but check their website and Facebook to be sure.
There’s good news for blues and jazz fans who have been urging to get to a live show. Grammy nominated artist, Joe Louis Walker, will be performing a live drive-in concert in Plattsburgh on July 25 at 7:30 p.m.
The show is part of the series, “Curbside at Harborside,” which is an effort to provide pandemic-friendly live concerts, while still being able to have a good time. To maintain social distancing, guests can bring lawn chairs to sit outside their cars or they can listen through FM radio.
Walker is a well-known blues artist and Blues Hall of Fame inductee. He is also the winner of the Blues Music Awards four times.
The blues artist has performed alongside famous icons like, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and Muddy Waters. He has over 20 albums under his belt, his latest one being, “Blues Comin’ On,” that came out this year.
Joe Louis Walker is “a legendary boundary-pushing icon of modern blues,” said NPR.
Parking for Joe Louis Walker in Plattsburgh opens at 6:30 p.m., with it being 20 dollars per car in cash. Takeout meals will be provided from The Naked Turtle for tailgating.
On the heels of a successful Live at the Drive in Lockport this past June, Aqueous and Buffalo Iron Works have announced two evenings of live performances at Silver Lake Twin Drive In in Perry, NY. The shows on August 7 & 8 will feature a socially distanced set up for cars, providing respite for live music fans in Western New York.
Gates will open at 3:30 each day and Aqueous will be live, on stage, in front of screen one at 4:30. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, July 16th at 10am. Ticketing details are as follows:
General Admission Car Passes: 2 Car Pass: $80, 3 Car Pass: $120, 4 Car Pass: $160, 5 Car Pass: $200, 6 Car Pass: $240.
VIP Admission Car Passes – Included Ticket to Show and Limited Edition Poster: 2 Car Pass: $160, 3 Car Pass: $240, 4 Car Pass: $320, 5 Car Pass: $400, 6 Car Pass: $480.
From the successful Live at the Drive held in Lockport this past June
Each “Car Pass” ticket is priced for a vehicle with the stated number occupants. All ticket purchases will be internet pre-sale only until the day of the event. If your vehicle has extra seats available, you are allowed to bring additional people to fill the vehicle and they can pay for their individual ticket at the gate on the day of the show. Extra people cannot exceed the car’s capacity and security will be ensuring this at the door. Please be respectful for the benefit of all parties.
All parking is designated by Drive-In Security. VIP parking will be in the first 2 rows of the Drive-In theatre. General Admission vehicle parking will be on a first-come-first-park basis behind the first 2 rows. To help with the obstruction of guests’ view, vans, trucks, and SUVs will be asked to park on one side of the snack bar or in the last three rows of the theater.
To comply with social distancing guidelines, all vehicles must park at least 6 feet away from neighboring vehicles. Once parked, do not move your vehicle. If you choose to leave in your vehicle, you will not be permitted to re-enter the theatre. Management has final authority over where you may park.
Patrons are asked to remain in or near their vehicles except for trips to the bathroom, snack bar (limited to 10 people a time), Charcoal Corral restaurant, dog walks and smoking in designated areas. All guests must wear face masks whenever they are in a public area within 6 feet of other guests until further notice.
Perry, NY is located about 1 hour ESE of Buffalo and 1 hour SW of Rochester. Silver Lake Twin Drive-In is located at 7037 Chapman Ave in Perry, and produces weekend film features on two outdoor screens with a casual restaurant, mini-golf & more on-site.
Aqueous recently released a stream of Live at the Drive in its entirety on their Facebook page. Watch below for a taste of socially distanced live concerts at its best.
The event will be following the same structure the GrassRoots Festival has followed for many years. The streaming event will host four days with four separate streams for each stage of the festival. The curated footage comes from all the way from 1992 up to 2019 with footage from last year. The footage will show each band performing at either the Infield, Dance Tent, Grandstand, or Cabaret stages.
The stream will host GrassRoots favorites like Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Big Mean Sound Machine, Donna the Buffalo, Old Crow Medicine Show, Preston Frank & His Zydeco Family Band, The Horse Flies, Driftwood, GrassRoots Festival Orchestra, Uma Galera, Lake Street Dive, John Brown’s Body, Jimkata, Ithaca Bottom Boys, Bubba George Stringband and many many many more. The full lineup can be seen here.
The event will host the Band Contest and Instrument Contest still which will make it an interactive event. People interested in performing during the contests can perform their song specifically for the audience at the “Your Roots At Home” event. People interested can record videos of themselves and upload their media here.
The streaming events can be viewed stage by stage on Twitch. The Infield stage can be viewed here. The Dance Tent stage can be viewed here. The grandstand Stage can be viewed here. The Cabaret stage can be viewed here. The viewer doesn’t need a Twitch account to listen but an account will give you access to the chat feature and other services.
For more information visit “Your Roots at Home” website and Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance website.
