Its not every day an 80 year old bassist stops in Albany to play a club show. Its not every 80 year old bassist who happens to be Phil Lesh, who, while in between shows at The Capitol Theatre, made some stops with his son Grahame’s band, Midnight North as they played in Burlington and Albany this past weekend.
photo by Frankie Cavone
Phil has been no stranger to Midnight North shows recently, having sat in for shows in Washington, D.C., Fairfield, CT and Woodstock, as noted by Jambands.com. Phil joined Midnight North at Nectar’s on Friday night for “I Know You Rider” and “Ripple,” with Twiddle members Mihali and Ryan Dempsey joining in.
On Saturday, as Midnight North made their way to Albany, Phil Lesh was along for the ride, and sat in with Midnight North for their original “Wine and Roses,” followed by the Grateful Dead classic, “New Speedway Boogie” with Elliot Peck taking lead on vocals. Watch the two songs below, with Video courtesy of Mirth Films
Phil Lesh returns to the Capitol Theatre this week, October 18 – 20 with Stuart Bogie and Amy Helm join Phil on the first and last night of the run, with Eric D. Johnson, Josh Kaufman, Elliot Peck and Phil’s son Grahame set to play on the 19th. This run will also feature Joe Russo on drums and Benmont Tench on keys.
Show-stopping, astounding, and phenomenal are just a handful of words you can use to describe The Struts, whose ‘Strange Days Are Over’ tour hit Rochester at the Main Street Armory on October 15th and the glam rock band brought the house down.
Luke Spiller of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Lead singer, Luke Spiller, is an electrifying showman. Luke nailed every single note of every single song as the energy kept up. He ran back and forth and eventually had to remove his shirt, which naturally sent the fans into a frenzy. Accompanying Spiller was Adam Slack on the Jed Elliott on the bass, and Gethin Davies on the drums.
Fans of The Struts packed the Main Street Armory. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Each musician brought their own personality. This mixed with a killer performance and the die-hard fans that knew every word created an atmosphere that was intoxicating in the best way possible.
If you ever have the chance to see this band, don’t walk, strut.
Setlist: Primadonna Like Me, Body Talks, Kiss This, I Hate How Much I Love You, Fire, One Night Only, Dirty Sexy Money, Low Key In Love, Mary Go Round, Medley, Am I Talking To The Champagne (Or Am I Talking To You), Wild Child, I Do It So Well.
Encore: Strange Days, It Could’ve Been Me
Luke Spiller of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Adam Slack of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Jed Elliott of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Gethin Davies of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Luke Spiller of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Adam Slack of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Jed Elliott of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Luke Spiller of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Adam Slack of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Luke Spiller of The Struts. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
Lil Tjay, born in the Bronx, has become at just 18 years old one of his generation’s fastest breakout rappers, having performed since 2019, put on a thrilling show on Saturday, October 9 at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse. The Westcott inhabits a cinema style venue with a capacity of 700 people; it was a complete night and day difference before and after the crowd came through. Giving off a festival pit vibe upfront with a bar in the back, this is a perfect venue for the youth. The stage is easy to see from all angles which is very inviting.
One of many stops on the “Destined to Win Tour” Tjay performed a series of his latest hits such as “Headshot”(featuring. Polo G), and one of his top hits with almost 400 Million plays, “Calling my Phone.” A variety of performers preceded Lil Tday’s set, including Jacosse, The Real Raw Breed, Syndacit, Kyy Stacks, Kaash Paige and Rassandra, also known as RazyBaby, who recently dropped a song with Tjay called “In too Deep.”
Host for the night, Concert Crave, played various top rap hits throughout the concert which entertained the crowd in the pit, VIP section and throughout the known ‘sidelines.’
During “Calling My Phone,” Tjay and crew asked the crowd to put up the flashlights on their phones. This immediately lit up the venue and created an amazing atmosphere for the crowd, fans and all performers.
Tjay appealed to the audience with phones lit up in the sky and performed “What You Wanna Do,” followed by “Mood Swings.” Shortly after, Rasandra came on stage not once but twice after Lil Tjay brought her out on stage to perform their new single “In too Deep.”
Throughout the show, various artists were throwing water into the crowd, taking selfies with front row fans, encouraging mosh pits, and even throwing merch to various crowd members.
At a prime point, Tjay ripped off his shirt and threw it into the audience, which brought the crowd to an uproar, captivating his audience and making the best of that night.
With millions of views and millions of fans, Tjay’s career has only shortly begun. Relating to the younger crowd, he speaks to his generation, relating to teen and young adult struggles, and also his own. Lil Tjay has come a long way and will continue on the path ahead of him.
Lil Tjay next performs in New York at Citi Field on October 30, part of Rolling Loud. More info here.
Saturday Night Live returned this week with rapper Young Thug as the musical guest. Young Thug’s highly anticipated new album Punk was released in the early morning hours on Friday. Actor Rami Malek hosted the episode; Malek stars in the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die.
Photo via NBC
The episode’s cold open featured a “Message from the NFL.” Colin Jost performed as Roger Goodell, addressing coach Jon Gruden’s offensive and racist emails. The skit played on the NFL’s history of scandals. As a press conference passes through coaches like game-show contestants (they all resign, most in Twitter scandals), the joke settles in.
Malek’s opening monologue skewered his lack of comedy experience; after all, he usually plays villains. In fact, according to Malek, villains are misunderstood. Was the shark in Jaws not just hungry, after all? Malek’s self-aware humor and strong stage presence shone through. He was high-energy and charming.
Young Thug took the stage for his first televised performance since Punk’s release. Wearing a tinseled, pink leopard-print jacket, he opened with the album’s lead single “Tick Tock.” From his outfit to his energy with the band, he brought his traditional in-your-face swagger to the performance. “Tick Tock” especially benefits from a live band and drummer, elevating the laid-back trap song to a throttling punk banger. Iconic Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker jumped on the kit to support the song.
Other sketches included Bowen Yang as a vogueing, glittery spider, and a sketch where Malek competes with Pete Davidson and guest Daniel Craig in a Prince biopic. The latter plays on the late auteur’s iconic guitar licks, hollers, and thrusts. Weekend Update segment featured standout turns from Kenan Thompson and Mikey Day as an erring hypnotist and his subject.
Young Thug returned for his second track accompanied by protege Gunna and FUN! Frontman Nate Reuss. They debuted their collaboration from Punk, the syrupy love song “Love You More.” Though Travis Barker again stood out on drums, the song felt lackluster. On top of that, the performer’s energies didn’t match; while Ruess worked too hard to hype the crowd, Gunna never moved from his perch on a bright red grand piano. Though Thug’s voice sounded smooth as ever, his sweeping new project has stronger tracks.
Earlier this year, as the weather thawed and there were early signs of the coming easement of pandemic restrictions, a small courtyard in the Center Square neighborhood of Albany became the home to intimate sessions from a variety of Capital District artists.
James White. Photo by Frankie Cavone
Produced by Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films, the Courtyard Sessions provided an opportunity for a variety of musicians from across the 518 to step into a private outdoor space and play acoustic renditions of their tunes.
Brad Hester of Annie in the Water. Photo by Frankie Cavone
Starting in May 2021, Cavone started the Courtyard Sessions as a way to help promote solo musicians in a creative form. Combining his video skills and a new courtyard at his recently moved into house, it was a match made in heaven.
For myself this was a way to stay creative learn and try new things. I don’t like being stagnant and after the big live streaming boom that we experienced in 2020 and early 2021, I wanted to try something different something less sterile.
Frankie Cavone, Mirth Films
The lineup was curated by Cavone, working with musicians he had worked with previously, as well as hoped to work with for the first time. The response was strong, with musicians coming to the courtyard for an afternoon or evening session, with enough interest and response from viewers to continue the series this fall and into 2022.
I did not know if this was something that would last as long as a did, but after 14 episodes, it’s something that I want to continue doing. As a creator it definitely helps me learn and build my skills.
Frankie Cavone, Mirth Films
Cavone’s end goal with Courtyard Sessions, now that it is established, is to have not only local musicians but national touring musicians as well who are coming through the Capital Region step into the courtyard.
An official Mirth Films series, Courtyard Sessions is one of a handful of new series that will be coming out before the end of 2021,
The Fall season will end later this month, with local singer/songwriter Caity Gallagher, who has a voice comparable to Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, as the penultimate guest, premiering Wednesday, October 20 on the Mirth Films YouTube Channel.
Watch all episodes of Courtyard Sessions from Mirth Films below.
Josh Lumsden has released a new music video, “Love Me Back,” on Friday, October 1. The eccentric, vibrant, and sci-fi inspired video could only be filmed in the New York City. Lumsden continues to work on new music with more visual media to be later released in the new year.
Josh Lumsden is a self made musician born & raised in Austin, Texas, now based in New York City and “Love Me Back” is his newest futuristic single. Lumsden’s new music video features his charming and intriguing persona complimented with a pop-beat heavy chorus that will get your feet moving. It doesn’t take long for Lumsden smooth vocals to become stuck in your head all day long.
Complete with four uniquely varying looks in the video directed by Mikey Harmon, we can learn a few fashion tips from the mesmerizing Josh Lumsden. Inclusive with a team underneath the entirety of LGBTQIA umbrella, Josh gives queers an opportunity to be in the forefront of the music industry once again.
The highly anticipated video is finally released where Josh Lumsden and Mikey Harmon had planned to collaborate for many months unfortunately delayed due to the pandemic. Harmon was sure to showcase Lumsden futuristic and sci-fi performance stylistically driving the down to earth narrative of lust and love embedded into the song’s lyrics.
Tucked away in the hills of Coeyman’s Hollow, NY at Magic Forest Farm, artists, vendors, and fans alike came together for the first ever Diggin’ Roots Festival. Sugar Productions, Lyons Den Productions, and co-founder Koryn Shear put in countless hours, days, and months making this cozy little farm with a name to match a haven for the few hundred fans who would descend upon it.
The two-day festival started Friday evening with solo artist Matt Cosgrove covering plenty of 90’s rock hits and some amazing originals. Local Favorites, Raisinhead, were the first to grace the main stage with a few sit-ins from harmonica extraordinaire, Junebug. Ted Grey of Raisinhead stayed on stage for the next set as Quantum Cosmic came on, comprised of him and members of Annie in the Water, The Switch and the Reflexions. Last but surely not least, the Deadbeats rounded out the night with two hour long sets.
Saturday, music began at the crack of noon with the Token Locals. And no, not the heads just waking up from the night before. The wonderful Laura Leigh Band was on next. Laura and companions put on and amazingly whimsical and beautiful performance, setting a light mood for the remainder of the afternoon for Hilltop and the Lousy Slaughters.
As the day grew dark, local legends, the Wheel rolled out a classic set of Grateful Dead tunes before stepping aside for Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets. These two Captiol Region favorites have been playing here for many years, Dr. Jah looking at close to 30 years of incredible Reggae.
Hailing all the way from Harrisburg, PA, you might remember Yam Yam from their recent set at Alive at Five, Albany’s free summer concert series. Shane Spillinger of Sugar Productions noted how well they were received that night, making sure to bring them back for this festival. As the band came on stage the crowd chanted “Yam Yam! Yam Yam!” continuing, whether they liked it or not, after every song.
Long Island’s Baked Shrimp was the last band of the night, playing a quick hour set before giving way to Danish DJ David Maros who played deep into the night.
Their inaugural year was an absolute success and we at NYS Music hope there will be plenty more in the years to come as the new festival continues Diggin’ Roots.
Rochester is home to some long standing music venues, one in particular is Montage Music Hall. This venue has seen many acts from locals to national artists ever since it opened its doors many years ago, it has been host to bands such as Tantric, All That Remains, Clutch, and many other big names. On October 5th, Montage Music Hall hosted Attila on their “Day Drinking Tour,” along with Jynx and with local support from Destroy//Create, and Perspectives. The show had a great turnout and energy throughout the night, especially for the show being on a weekday. Head over to the Montage Music Halls site to find out what shows are next.
Goose made it look almost all too easy to sell out their second night of Terminal 5 on October 9, 2021. The Connecticut-based quartet undeniably took the audience on a full fledged journey that encompassed the multitude of genres that have influenced the band, thus far. Lucky New Yorkers had a chance to experience the powerhouse that transported us somewhere outside New York City this weekend.
Stage lights dim welcoming Rick, Peter, Trevor, Ben, and Jeff on stage, accompanied with a roar from fans begging “GOOSE”, echoing from all three stories inside the terminal. “Tumble” opened the show where Ben Atkind (drums) did us the favor of pulling us into the groovy funk dictating the addictive dancey beat that defines Goose. Rick Mitarotonda (guitar, vocals) spoke indefinitely through the gorgeous Paul Reed Smith Hollowbody II, putting the audience in a trance with his guitar shredding improv through Bob Don.
Peter Anspach makes his first lead vocal debut of the night with a new song from the band, Life On the Shelf. Clearly an unreleased hit, without knowing any words fans were hooked on the chorus, dancing and swaying to the sincere folk tune, highlighted by Rick and Peter’s buttery harmonies. Followed with “Jive Lee” and “Jive II,” Peter’s funky solos and Trevor Weekz thick bass lines brought the crowd furiously jumping and screaming once again. Without any hesitation the audience was pulled into a surprise cover of “Rock the Casbah” from the Clash shaking the floor until the end of set I.
“Wysteria Lane” kicked off the second set with a smile and Peter’s earnest vocals, with some help from the Luigi plush on one of his three dazzling double casio keyboards. Unbelievable Goosian-shredding kept the crowd mesmerized cheering with each cadence as both Rick and Peter swiftly moved up and up the neck leaving the audience asking if they came to a hard rock concert. Rick guided us through Seekers on the Ride I and II with ease reminding fans of their versatility as artists. The loudest cheers of the night broke when Rick’s eccentric solos pushed to the well known hard twangy intro of “Hot Tea.” Ending with “Dragon Fly I & II,” Rick eased our anxieties with a smile “Don’t worry we have one more set.”
“Get The Funk Out of My Face” was not the only cover of set III, but Goose’s folk rock cover of Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” made it sound like Goose could’ve written the song. Just when we thought Trevor Weekz might just be too cool for us, being the backbone of Goose with his 5-string bass and sunglasses, the spotlight shined on him as he read a “Acquainted with the Night” by Robert Frost backed by Ben Atkind (drums) and Rick filling some eerie melodies. The band endurance was unrequited through three full set of nonstop music eventually wrapping with an Encore of “Hot Tea.”
Goose – Terminal 5 – Friday, October 8, 2021
Set 1: So Ready, Look Out Cleveland, Honeybee, Indian River, The Whales, All I Need
Set 2: 2021> Old Man’s Boat >2021, Rosewood Heart > Into the Myst, Echo of a Rose > 2021
Encore: Flodown
Goose – Terminal 5 – Saturday, October 9, 2021
Set 1: Tumble, Bob Don, Life on a Shelf*, White Lights > Jive 1 > Jive Lee > Rock the Casbah
Set 2: Wysteria Lane > It Burns Within, Seekers on the Ridge [Part I & II], Hot Tea > Dragonfly [I&II]
Set 3: Get The Funk Out Ma Face, Creatures > Pumped Up Kicks, Madhuvan** > Turn on Your Love Light > Madhuvan
Video game covers and dark medieval Prog-Rock were on hand for Friday, October 8 as Comic Con came to a close, ShwizZ, You Bred Raptors?, and Bonus Level treated New York City to a night of technically sound musicians, nostalgic video game inspired covers, and a lot of booty shaking at The Loft at City Winery.
Tetracube, aka Chris Gironda, played DJ sets between the bands throughout the night. The night kicked off with ShwizZ; any combination of musicians including Andy Boxer on drums and Ryan Liatsis on guitar is an all-time great lineup to witness. With the new additions of Scott Hogan on bass and Will Burgaleta on keys, ShwizZ continues to deliver that powerhouse flavor with a couple of new spices to give it zest.
Following ShwizZ was a band that was well worth the wait. From the first second You Bred Raptors? started playing, you felt as if you had been teleported into an orchestra conducted by Tim Burton, as if Jack Skeleton was the inspiration behind their twists and turns of their demonic symphony.
To close the Comic Con night, Bonus Level, a new project consisting of Corey J. Feldman and Nate Searing of Brooklyn-based band Cousin Earth, along with Tom Tompkins on guitar and Darren Denman on keys took us through a journey of classic video game covers and improvisational Easter eggs. The crowd was extremely impressed with how well they created different paths of spontaneity, while also staying true to the original soundtracks. Their Type II video game jams made for a fun combination of musical prowess and nostalgia at its finest.
