Category: Features

  • Lettuce Blaze Buffalo Native Rick James’ ‘Mary Jane’ At Town Ballroom

    Lettuce blazed back to Buffalo during their Fall run of their 2021 Bring Back The Love Tour. This past July they crushed Lake George and Western New York’s Art Park. The group played the fully renovated historic Buffalo Town Ballroom on Main Street. The three floor club is an infamous hometown venue to funk artists Rick James and Soulive.

    Lettuce Buffalo

    Lettuce founding member Sam Kininger joined for one just gig this summer at the Lake George Adirondack stage. This fall, he has been on tour with Lettuce for every club date and has helped fill out a three-piece brass section with Benny Bloom and Ryan Zoidis. Like Drummer Adam Deitch told NYS music, “Sam’s the godfather of Lettuce”

    Lettuce Buffalo

    The November 11 performance went from 8:15 till 10:15 with Lettuce crushing all the way through without leaving the stage for the encore. The current Lettuce hybrid batch is also made up of Erick “Jesus” Coombs on bass, Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar and Nigel Hall on keyboards and vocals.

    Lettuce Buffalo

    They treated the Buffalo audience to “Break Out” from their infamous 2004 Live in Tokyo Album. Legendary artist Steve Gadd told NYS music the secret to any live gig. “When you get it musically to a level where everyone on the bandstand is having fun and can hear each other and you can trust the audience is hearing it the way you are, it gets to a spiritual level. In Japan or wherever you are. That’s the goal.”

    The spirit of Buffalo legend Rick James could be felt in the house on Wednesday. To pay homage to the city of Buffalo’s funk artist, Lettuce burnt “Mary Jane” from his debut album Come Get It. Like Buffalo native Alan Evans told NYS Music about James’ music, “Its hard to choose…Bustin out of L Seven on vinyl, you kinda can’t go wrong with. That’s a dope record.”

    Come catch Lettuce bust out more funk on the road in America with dates leading up to a New Years Eve show at Miami’s North Beach Band Shell. The first week of the new year Lettuce Drummer Adam Deitch will join DJ Logic & a world-class line-up of Friends including Karl Denson on saxophone and MonoNeon on bass at New York’s Blue Note. Lettuce kicks off 2022 with a European tour starting 2/22 for two months.


    Lettuce – Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY, November 11, 2021

    Setlist: Purple Highness, Dump, Breakout, Suppit, Mary Jane, Sly>Silence is Golden-> Mr Yancey, Central Nyack, Pep n Step, Move on Up, Don’t Change for Me

  • Dave Matthews Band and Dumpstaphunk Funk up The Garden on 2021 tour closer

    Prior to the tour closing performance of Dave Matthews Band at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 13, frontman Dave Matthews introduced Dumpstaphunk, who would open the evening’s festivities. Sharing with the sold out New York City audience that he was so damn lucky,

    I got to listen to sound check yesterday with Dumpstaphunk and then I got to listen to them last night, then at sound check again today. So you guys only got two, by the end of this set I’ll have four. This is one of my favorite bands in the world. This band also saved my life but that’s a different story anyway have a good time with my friends Dumpstaphunk

    dave matthews band dumpstaphunk
    Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Matthews’ story was referring to his sold out Labor Day weekend shows at The Gorge where Tony Hall of Dumpstaphunk and company helped sit in to perform three nights of Dave’s music on the spot. DMB keyboardist Buddy Strong sat behind the drums and Tony Hall held the low end down on bass & backing vocals. It was as an alternate format to help the shows go on without Carter Beauford and Stefan Lessard’s rhythm section for the first time in thirty years.

    A similar situation of musical chairs unfolded at Madison Square Garden as saxophonist Jeff Coffin was forced to sit out the two-night run. Rashawn Ross opened Leroi Moore’s original brass section to Ben Golder-Novick, Alex Wasily and Ashlin Parker to the 7th Avenue stage. The Dumpstaphunk horns sat in on “Cornbread” and a “Jimi Thing” that led to a cover of Sly Stone’s “I Want To Take You Higher.”

    Ben Golder-Novick, who was only a guest at New York’s Irving Plaza for a Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds acoustic set in January of 2018, was on saxophone for every song. Dave kept the big door open by calling him a day before the weekend shows to send the invite.

    dave matthews band dumpstaphunk
    Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Tim Reynolds sat in during Dumpstaphunk’s MSG debut set for their cover of Buddy Miles “United Nations Stomp” on Friday night. The song has been considered for the 2022 Best American Roots Performance Grammy. Saturday night’s set included a special guest spot by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds for Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On.” Tony and Dave traded howls on Robert Plant’s words…I gotta keep on searching for my baby.

    It marked the first time Tim, Dave, and Tony played the Empire State together since they encored with Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain” at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena for the Dave Matthews and Friends Some Devil Tour in December 2003. It was reminiscent of Dave sitting in with the Funky Meters in Albany in 2000 as well. Tony Hall told NYS music, “What’s so bad ass about Dave is that he sounds like nobody but himself, it’s like no other shit.”

    Dave Matthews Band celebrated their 25th anniversary at Madison Square Garden this November. It was the last stop of their 2021 tour that included shows in Syracuse and Saratoga Springs. They performed 23 songs each night, filled with originals, covers, and tour debuts.

    Friday night’s show that was broadcast live on Sirius XM channel 30 included the debut of “Mad Man’s Eyes” which Dave simply said is about a crazy man. “So Damn Lucky,” off Dave’s 2003 Some Devil record, resonated so right for all those who’ve had close calls in the crowd. The crowd replied singing in unison to Sly Stone’s “Thank You Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again.”

    Tony Hall told NYS Music about his recording experience on Some Devil. “I had a lot of fun with that record. some of my favorite songs were So Damn Lucky and the end jam on Too High is killing”

    dave matthews band dumpstaphunk
    Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Dave goes to the city with the car horns, corners and the gritty during “Proudest Monkey.” Buddy Strong and Tim Reynolds stretched out great jams during “Typical Situation” and “Lie in Our Graves.” Friday night’s encore included a “Two Step” left unfinished by the band as they launched into a chilling version of “Halloween.” It turned back the clocks, buried the past, and sent the crowd trick or treating into the Manhattan night.


    Saturday night’s tour closing show at the world’s most famous arena was a celebration with DMB family, friends, and their legendary crew. Dave made sure to thank all of his on road family that made this crazy year’s tour possible each night. “After this year to be in New York City and Madison Square Garden is overwhelming. Its like damn how did I get here?”

    dave matthews band dumpstaphunk
    Dave Matthews Tour Bus

    They wasted no time encouraging all at the Garden party to eat, drink, and be merry with a “Tripping Billies” opener. Matthews played his deepest cut “Stay or Leave,” off the Some Devil album as well. The rare “Water in to Wine” made its way round and round again for the first time in 2021.


    Tim Reynolds told NYS Music about an experience he had at Madison Square Garden during a Sting & Peter Gabriel performance. “When Peter did The Rhythm of the Heat with both bands I screamed like a woman and I only have one vocal chord.” Tim was able to feed in the rhythm from the stage at MSG with Dave Matthews treating the New York crowd to a killing version of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.”


    The band welcomed the Dumpstaphunk horns to the world’s most famous stage for “Cornbread.” During the improvisational classic “Jimi Thing,” the brass section helped launch Dave to sing on Sly Stone’s classic “ I Want To Take You Higher.” It helped solidify the funk vibe that was in the air both nights.

    dave matthews band dumpstaphunk

    During Saturday night’s encore Matthews performed his moving “Christmas Song” that helped flicker some holiday lighting inside the Garden. Before these crowded streets of DMB’s 43-city tour came “The Last Stop.” This fitting jam during the final encore was left unfinished as it segued into Carter Beauford’s iconic snare drum hit to kick into “Ants Marching” to end the performance.

    dave matthews band dumpstaphunk

    Dumpstaphunk and Dave Matthews Band made this another two-night run of legendary entertainment history at the World’s Most Famous Arena. The custom basketball jerseys helped count it in.

    New Yorker Carrie Band-Leshin told NYS music at MSG, “I’ve been seeing him since he played the Wetlands club in Tribeca until now, its like the same shirt on a different day though. I’ve never seen him play any song the same way twice this whole time.” Dave Matthews told the Garden, “I remember coming here when I was a little kid for the Barnum and Bailey three ring Circus. Just to tell you how old I am.”

    Dumpstaphunk Setlists

    November 12, 2021 – Dancin to the Truth, I Wish You Would, Let’s Get At It, Where Do We Go, Justice, United Nation Stomp*

    *Buddy Miles cover with Tim Reynolds

    November 13, 2021 – Meanwhile…., Do You, Make it After All, Street Parade, Ramble On**

    **Led Zeppelin cover with Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds

    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)

    Dave Matthews Band Setlists

    November 12, 2021 – That Girl is You, Best of whats Around, Crush, Sweet, Funny the Way it is, Don’t Drink the Water, Again & Again, So Damn Lucky, Why I Am, Proudest Monkey, Satellite, Madmans Eyes, What Would You Say?, Lie in Our Graves, So Much to Say, Too Much, Everyday, Grey Street
    Encore: Two Step >Halloween

    November 13, 2021 – Tripping Billies, Dancing Nancies, Warehouse, Stay or Leave, You Might Die Trying, Lying in the Hands of God, You & Me, She. Grace is Gone, Song That (bridget) Jane Likes-> Water in to Wine, Pantala Naga Pampa->Rapunzel, Sledgehammer*, #41, Cornbread**, Jimi Thing**, Where are You Going?, What You Are, Stay
    Encore: Christmas Song, The Last Stop >Ants Marching

    *Peter Gabriel Cover ** Ashlin Parker & Alex Wasily trombone & trumpet

  • Sam Rappaport Drops Second Single, “Journeyman’s Ballet”

    Brooklyn-based songwriter Sam Rappaport has released his second single, “Journeyman’s Ballet,” A founding member of Brooklyn indie R&B/blues rock band Gooseberry, the solo effort was led by his debut single “Till the Morning Comes”.

    The song follows a traveler’s decent into isolation and contemplates that which provides him company. Silky, melancholic vocals in the vein of John Mayer hang delicately above a buoyant groove. Sam worked with Toledo‘s Daniel Alvarez and Jordan Dunn-Pilz to produce the track, showcasing the duo’s talent for warm, layered arrangements. 

    Sam spent most of his life believing that he was headed for the NBA. When that didn’t work out, he’s been searching for purpose ever since, traveling the country, taking jobs as a case manager at a welfare office, a reporter for local newspapers, a bartender at a Sichuan restaurant, among others. However, he’s never strayed too far from a piano and a healthy stack of yellow legal pads. 

    As noted by Eclectic Music Lover, “the song has a pleasing jazzy soft-rock vibe reminiscent of late 70s/early 80s Steely Dan. Rappaport’s keys are well complemented by Daniel and Jordan’s lilting guitar notes and gentle percussion that enhance, rather than overpower, allowing his lovely piano to really shine.”

    Give a listen to Sam Rappaport and his underrated vocals that fit the melody of “Journeyman’s Ballet” superbly.

  • Kate Gratson Uses her Unique Background to Create “The Girl You Knew”

    Like many of us, Kate Gratson used the pandemic to channel her inner-self. Consequently, her latest album, The Girl You Knew, does most of her speaking for her. Gratson’s process of self-reflection is something that her fans are all too familiar with and on this latest project, she found a way to perfectly encapture all the intimate feelings we’re afraid to share out loud. A veteran of writing on self-actualization and acceptance, it’s apparent that the she has developed an even deeper understanding of herself and lets it all out in her music.

    While growing as a person and artist, Gratson has gotten a hold creatively as well, revealing a new sense of control.

    Musically and lyrically, “Watch and Wonder,” is all about tension and release, and my main goal was to highlight this when creating the music video. “Watch and Wonder” is my second music video with Isaac Rosenthal on cinematography, and Grant Sorth on editing, but it is the first time I had a distinct, artistic vision in mind

    Kate Granson

    When listening to Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, producer and cellist, it isn’t always apparent that she has a firm foundation in both jazz and classical techniques. Her knowledge of both genres almost silently seeps into her music layered with R&B, folk/indie and electronic elements. Combining both contemporary and aged sounds, she often find herself almost painting a picture of timelessness. Her various identities, paired with the layering of samples, mixed with velvety vocals, gritty drums and melodic synths are surely to catapult her career.

    Following her formal music education, Gratson would go on to receive a BM in music composition and vocal performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia. It was during this time that her sound and voice as an artist began to take shape. She then returned to New York City to focus on refining her distinctly eclectic feel, attempting to harness the layers that made up her voice. Later returning to her initial mentors, as she began to write and hone her craft, while steadily releasing singles.

    At last, she released her debut album, The Girl You Knew. With a growing fanbase and unique sound, it might not be long before Kate Gratson once again becomes the girl we once knew.

  • Gemini Syndrome Takes over Sharkey’s in Liverpool

    On November 6th, Sharkeys Bar and Grill in Liverpool hosted Gemini Syndrome on their tour with support from Otvtlier and Pushing Veronica, there was supposed to be another band called Them Damn Kings but unfortunately they had to back out. If you’ve never been to Sharkey’s, it’s a unique venue as the stage is separate from the bar and restaurant, which thrives in the summertime but the owner has adapted it to be used year round.

    The opening act, Pushing Veronica started off the night with lots of energy and got the crowd moving. Ovtlier was the next band up and took the show up a notch with their performance, and stage presence; they are a truly unique band with a hybrid sound, also, a couple of the members are native to the state.

    gemini syndrome
    gemini syndromeOvtlier

    After having thrilling performances from the other acts, it was time for Gemini Syndrome to take the stage. Gemini Syndrome was formed back in 2010 in Los Angeles, California and has toured with Fiver Finger Death Punch, In This Moment, Avatar, and many more. Just like the other bands, Gemini Syndrome has a unique sound. After the show, they stuck around greeting fans and signing things.

    Even though the night was cold, you didn’t feel it between the heat from the heaters, and heat that the bands brought. Would definitely would check out Sharkeys Bar and Grill to see their upcoming lineup of shows.

    Pushing Veronica

    Ovtlier

    Gemini Syndrome

  • Watch Taylor Swift Perform 10-minute “All Too Well” on SNL

    For the sixth episode of Season 47 of Saturday Night Live, actor Jonathan Majors was joined by four-time musical guest Taylor Swift, fresh off the release of Red (Taylor’s Version) on Friday.

    taylor swift all too well

    Swift made her first appearance of the night in a digital short from Please Don’t Destroy, a New York-based comedy trio featuring Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, the latter the son of former SNL writer and Adam Sandler collaborator Tim Herlihy. What seemed to be a music video on a day in the lift of Pete Davidson suddenly turned into “Three Sad Virgins,” with Davidson mocking Marshall, Higgins and Herlihy, joined by Swift partway through.

    Swift would only perform one song this evening, the first time in seven years – Prince performed a single tune in 2014 – with the ‘new’ “All Too Well,” an extended update of the same song from Taylor Swift’s Red, released in 2012. The new take on the album was rerecorded to circumvent a dispute with her former label, and received immediate praise in scope and execution.

    “All Too Well” featured Swift performing in front of a screen that shows clips from the short film of the same name, which was also released on Friday. Starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf) as “Her” and “Him,” the couple moves from romance to break up, due to uncaring behavior from “Him.” “Love is so short, forgetting is so long,” a quote from Pablo Neruda, references Swift’s brief three-month relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal.

    Clad all in black with a red guitar, Swift performed, “All Too Well” and live scoring the film clips behind her. A rose petal filled stage, with alternating blue and red lighting, lasting an impressive 10 minutes. Swift put her guitar down towards the end, singing passionately for a build up that drifted into falling snow as the performance came to a close.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2uxc01fUXU&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hIsVnV1d2tS26Q1vDUp4FWh&index=15

    Jonathan Majors was underutlized this evening, but shone particularly well on “Broadway Benefit,” a Broadway musical spoof where he flexed his singing chops alongside Bowen Yang and Cecily Strong.

    Swift and Majors would joyfully bump chests (while wearing masks) during the show closing goodbyes. Next week Shang Chi star Simu Liu with musical guest Saweetie for the Thanksgiving episode of Saturday Night Live.

  • Cate Hamilton Brings Cinematic Pop Sounds to East Berlin

    If you dig the lush cinematic pop of Lana Del Ray but wish it came with more heartbreaking lyricism and some heavy R&B vocal chops to deliver it all, you should check out the music of 22-year-old Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Cate Hamilton. 

    cate hamilton
    Photo by Justin Truglio

    The St. Louis native has two soulful EPs to under her belt, Angel Baby (2017) and Five Shots in the Chamber (2019), as well as a new single – the dreamy, throaty, trip hop-flavored ballad, “Traces.”  Cate also has a new all-girl backing band which she unveiled in a tight, six-song set November 11th at East Berlin on Avenue A, her first live foray since the COVID-19 quarantine commenced.

    Cate’s sound is dense, sensual, soulful, jazzy and even little electronically experimental.  It is inspired by a host of classic R&B icons and their modern descendants like Iranian/Swedish singer-songwriter Snoh Aalegra, a Hamilton favorite.  In her studio offerings, Cate’s rich lead vocals are front and center, often complemented by her stacked, spiraling and sophisticated harmonies. 

    cate hamilton
    Photo by Justin Truglio

    Hamilton’s new three-girl band did a wonderful job recreating the symphonic grooves and vocal harmonies Cate marshals in the studio.  The band included Mia Madden on keys and vocals, Chloe Seltzer on drum pads and vocals and Bettinacakes on bass. Hamilton handled the lead vocals, on-stage cheerleading/banter and rhythm guitar.

    Cate Hamilton and band kicked off the evening with two strong singles from her discography, “Traces” and “Universe.” The latter is a bouncy offering from her debut EP, with a killer chorus and a cool acapella outro.  The highlight of the evening was “12 Bar Blues.” This is a new and as of yet unrecorded bluesy lyrical bitchfest propelled by a walking bass and gorgeous three-part harmony.  Cate and crew ended their set with two smart covers: Snoh Aalegra’s “Fool for You” and Canadian electronic/jazz hip-hoppers’ BADBADNOTGOOD’s “In Your Eyes.”

    Two standout studio tracks not performed that evening but deserving of some serious airplay and acclaim are the James Bond theme like “Sick and Tired” and “Exist.”  The former can stand up nexty to Adele and Billie Eilish’s recent cinematic spy offerings, while the latter is a slow groove with minimalist accompaniment, one that really demonstrates this young singer’s superior vocal chops and range.

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Architrave And More

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Architrave and many more!

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Architrave

    Synthpop duo Architrave have released their new album, Future Ruins. On the heels of their 2020 lockdown effort This Perfect Day, it deals with the aftermath of quarantine. Many used last year’s shutdown as a time of introspection, leading to all sorts of epiphanies and life changes. Each song grapples with some aspect of the pandemic’s psychological effects, from the news cycle to social distancing. Made up of husband-wife duo Paul Coleman and Jennifer Maher Coleman, Architrave is based in Ballston Spa.

    Future Ruins.

    Album opener, “Blissed Out” deals with the phenomenon of doomscrolling—obsessively checking bad news, something of an international pastime throughout the pandemic. The lyrics emphasize how unhealthy this practice is, opting to spend time with a loved one instead.

    Future Ruins’ next track, “Crown Shyness,” uses the evolutionary patterns of trees as a metaphor for social distancing. At the album’s halfway point, “Loved and Lost” tells the story of a couple who feel like strangers. Its dreamy instrumental evokes sci-fi films like Blade Runner and Tron.

    Penultimate track “Slice of Life” details the monotony and boredom of quarantine, searching for something unique as the days bleed together. With its darkwave influences, it would fit right in on Depeche Mode’s Violator.

  • Cazwell Commemorates Transgender Day Of Remembrance with “Taser in my Telfar Bag”

    Transgender Day Of Remembrance, celebrated annually on November 20th, honors transgender individuals who have lost their lives to bigoted violence. Trans people face some of the highest levels of harassment, assault, and violence of any minority group. This year alone, the Human Rights Campaign reports 42 murdered trans people. As political rhetoric criminalizes trans people, legal discrimination traps them, and violence endangers them, too many face roadblocks to their best lives. Even walking down the street trans can be a risk. 

    In honor of the commemorative day, trans icons Trace Lysette and Chanel Jolé speak to all this and more in a new track with Boston rapper Cazwell, “Taser in my Telfar Bag.”  The single places the focus on trans people not as victims, but as empowered individuals society must do better to protect. The trio shared a new video for the track today. 

    Cazwell, who is queer, materialized the song after learning of a brutal attack on Trans women Eden the Doll, Jaslene White Rose, and Joclyn Flawless in 2020. Amidst a social media outcry of trans women sharing stories of harassment, Cazwell remembered one tweet about keeping a taser in a Telfar bag for protection. 

    “It just kind of clicked,” Cazwell shared. “That along with the need to protect Trans women while shouting out an ally like Telfar made the song feel current and relevant.”

    Trans Day Of Remembrance
    Chanel Jolé, Cazwell, and Trace Lysette.

    Cazwell brought on Lysette and Jolé to drop bars over the addictive beat, built off the zap of a taser. Trace and Chanel shared with Cazwell they feel most unsafe during the day, inspiring a daytime video shoot. The glitzy music video paints them having fun before placing tasers, “one for my purse and one for the Mercedes,” at an aggressor’s neck. 

    Dolled up in nails, lashes, and the eponymous Telfar bags, Lysette and Jole aren’t to be messed with. The video brings to life a comical skit where Cazwell sells the ladies their electric shocker of choice. Lysette and Jolé are clear about their intentions with the tasers. 

    “Just give me a taser and I’ll zap his dick quick/ Then use a flashlight to apply my lipstick,” they spit. Cazwell sells them pink tasers pointedly labeled “Police.” Trans women not only face violence on the street, but from law enforcement as well.

    “I’ve been the victim of many hate crimes so this is more than just a song for me,” Lysette shared.  “This is a statement to all those weirdos who not only hurt Trans women but all women.”

    Trans Day Of Remembrance
    Cover art for “Taser in my Telfar Bag.”

    Cazwell hopes the single released ahead of Transgender Day of Remembrance will inspire listeners to donate to Trans Defense Fund LA. The mutual aid group is dedicated to creating remedies (like protective safety kits) to the disproportionate violence Trans women face. Listeners who share proof of donation will receive an exclusive remix of “Taser in my Telfar Bag.” To donate, visit here.

  • Brother Maker Marks New Beginnings with Deltaphonic and Dodongo at Brooklyn Bowl

    As New York Marathoners raced down Bedford Avenue, runners may have heard the buzz stirring at Brooklyn Bowl a few blocks away. Just days after shocking news that eight out of ten Turkuaz members departed the band, five of them took to the familiar stage in Williamsburg as Brother Maker.

    Brother Maker
    Dodongo

    Bowlers packed the edges of an excited crowd as NYC-based band Dodongo took to the stage. The six-piece funk/rock band launched into their five song, hour-long set with two debuts, including a twangy, “Change My Mind,” and a progressive-rock, “Sweet Biter.” Dodongo’s third song was a shoutout to the venue as guitarist Dean Hicks joked that the owners had forced the band (to their dismay) to perform the funk song, “Brooklyn Bowl Theme.” To finish out the set, Dodongo brought the funky crowd favorite, “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” sandwiched between high-energy jams in their song, “Chase Sequence.”

    Dodongo Setlist: Change My Mind*, Sweet Biter*, Brooklyn Bowl Theme*, Chase Sequence -> Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley *% -> Chase Sequence

    * debut
    % cover, Robert Palmer

    Brother Maker
    Craig Brodhead of Brother Maker with special guest Brittany Beckett

    Hailing from New Orleans, Deltaphonic’s return to Brooklyn Bowl two years since their first performance there marks a notable transformation for the group. During the pandemic, Deltaphonic grew from a three piece band to five piece with the addition of Elmo Price on bass and Logan Sellers, which has given the band a more versatile and classic sound, and allowed them to blend more genres and styles. Deltaphonic’s set at Brooklyn Bowl showcased a mix of some of their best new and old material with special focus on some of their newer, unreleased soul songs including, “Angels,” and, “Casablanca.” Deltaphonic hopes to return to NYC in the spring of 2022 to promote their upcoming full album.

    Brother Maker, an amalgamation of now-former Turkuaz members, including Craig Brodhead (guitar), Michelangelo Carubba (drums), Chris Brouwers (trumpet, keys), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax), and Taylor Shell (bass), made their debut. As Brodhead noted, with Shell taking a break in San Francisco, West End Blend’s Paulie Phillipone (keyboards, synth bass) filled in for Taylor.

    Brooklyn debut of Brother Maker this Sunday at @brooklynbowl joining Deltaphonic and Dodongo. Taylor Shell – our brother – is home in SF getting much needed rest. He IS the bass player of the band, but in the meantime, our homie Paulie Philippone from West End Blend is gonna party with us on stage at the bowl. We will also be featuring some other fantastic special guests. Never miss a Sunday show!

    Craig Brodhead, Facebook post

    Brother Maker hit the stage with a bluesy funk sound that had the crowd immediately dancing. They played a set full of jazzy funk and psychedelic interludes, playing an instrumental mix of originals and covers before inviting Brittany Beckett on stage to sing Black Sabbath’s, “Sweet Leaf.”

    To close out the show, Brother Maker invited Sammi Garett (vocals, also formerly of Turkuaz) and Paul Provesty (guitar, Deltaphonic) on stage to rock the house with a cover of “Magic Man,” by Heart.