Category: Features

  • New Release From Andrew Thomases Pulls His Fans To Look Within Themselves

    Andrew Thomases extracts music from his down to earth personality, whether it is his vulnerability or call to action, Thomases has a job for us all to do. “Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone” addresses the topic of climate change from the perspective of the environment filled with eccentric bass rhythms, funky guitar, and booming percussion.

    Andrew Thomases

    Thomases is always looking to challenge the listener’s mind by stirring curiosity in their hearts. Through his retro rock rhythms, complimented by captivating melodies inspired by the the greats of the ‘80s and ‘90s, it’s almost easy to bypass his lyrics. Defining his genre as “conscious rock” Thomases is dedicated to singing about current events, life experiences, or loss taking his fans on an emotional journey with each listen. His personality always shines through making each emotional journey lighthearted, cracking jokes through his serious messages.

    “Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone” is a warning and a call to action, as we must act quickly to preserve what we have for future generations. Otherwise, they may not even know what they are missing.

    Andrew Thomases

    The New York native grew up just north of New York City as a son of a musician himself. Andrew’s father pursued his passion for bass guitar pushing him to pick up his own at the age of 12. As a typical band-type highschooler, he spent his years organizing and playing in cover bands around his hometown. His tendency to lean on unusual chord progressions threatened the status quo and earned him the role as a DJ for his school’s radio station, and he continued to explore music through college. His recent move to San Francisco has given Andrew more experiences to write upon, bringing more material to captivate his fans. 

    The powerful call to action will inspire you to pay your respects to mother earth while keeping you grooving on the dance floor. 

  • Roosevelt Brings The Polydans Tour To Webster Hall

    German born singer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Roosevelt brought his Polydans Tour to Webster Hall last Wednesday, December 1st. Polydans, Roosevelt’s third LP, was released back in February of this year on Greco-Roman / City Slang Records. The album was previewed with the infectious and groovy lead single, “Feels Right.”

    “Feels Right” by Roosevelt. Via YouTube

    Roosevelt attracted fans from all over the US and the world to Webster Hall. The group front and center sported fans who traveled from Idaho and LA for the show, while plenty of German and European natives were also in attendance. New York City has always been this way, especially when international artists play here. Now with travel restrictions from Europe easing, more and more people are coming back to New York for the music scene.

    roosevelt webster hall
    Roosevelt at Webster Hall, 12/1/2021. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Roosevelt played six songs from Polydans as well as a cover of Stardust’s “Music Sounds Better With You” as part of the encore. While that song is the only one released by Stardust (featuring Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk), it is a fundamental inspiration for Roosevelt’s sound. Containing groovy guitar riffs and catchy vocals, the sound pure fun in universal way.

    roosevelt webster hall
    Roosevelt at Webster Hall, 12/1/2021. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Roosevelt and the Polydans Tour continue on in December with several west coast and Canadian dates. Then the band makes their way back to Europe in March, including six shows in Germany. Check out the full tour schedule HERE and see NYS Music’s photo gallery from Roosevelt’s show at Webster Hall below.

  • Debbie Gibson is Back To Spread Holiday Cheer with “Christmas Star”

    With Christmas being only a few weeks away, we’ve been starting to hear more Christmas jingles wherever we go. Brooklyn-native Debbie Gibson has released a video to her infectious, sleigh bell-filled original Christmas song “Christmas Star,” a fresh holiday jingle that will keep us singing through the 25th.

    Debbie Gibson

    “Christmas Star” teaches us to let go of the past while being the change you wish to see in the world this holiday season and beyond. Debbie alongside her guest stars, her three dachshunds named Joey, Trouper, and Levi. Watch “The Christmas Star” below.

    Now, I know what you’re thinking, THE Debbie Gibson? Yes, we are talking about THE Debbie Gibson, one of the biggest teen pop stars on Earth since the late 80s. You remember sobbing in bed, screaming along to each innocent adolescent heartbreak like “Lost in Your Eye” and “Foolish Beat.” Debbie earned a Guinness World Record for being the youngest artist ever to have written, produced, and performed a Billboard number one single at 16 years old, a title she still holds to this day.

    Debbie Gibson’s 1992 Les Misérables Broadway debut, via Facebook

    Conquering the Broadway stage starring as Eponine in Les Misérables, Sandy in Grease, or Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Gibson is a timeless pop-star who reaches for her quintessential songwriting expertise to shed some holiday spirit this coming Christmas. She’s hard to missa, and she’s back for more, without losing any of her stardom.

    I think that celebrities should never underestimate their power. I mean just to draw attention, because then people get involved on a personal level.

    Debbie Gibson

    The Brooklyn born, Long Island-raised popstar has the big city to thank for shaping her into the into a pop-star. We all have to thank her mom too, bringing young Debbie to venues across the five boroughs that influenced her rise to fame at just 15 years old. With time, her songwriting has evolved with each hit released and television or Broadway appearance. Earning the ASCAP award for songwriting alongside Bruce Springsteen in 1989, Gibson continues to shine through each hit she writes.

    After all this time, Gibson released her 10th studio pop album, The Body Remembers, waiting 20 years to find the perfect moment, creating a milestone for her and her own label, Stargirl Records. Paying homage to her earlier music, we hear her authentic sound of modern pop hooks and upbeat club bangers.

    This time she puts a new refreshing spin on her newest album. The Body Remembers represents all things Debbie: empowerment, living your best life, and staying eternally electric. Listen to the full album below.

  • Ricky Montgomery Sells out Gramercy Theatre

    Ricky Montgomery performed to a sold-out crowd at Gramercy Theatre in NYC on Thursday, December 2. The rising indie-pop star put on an incredibly dynamic and entertaining performance for the passionate audience. 

    From the moment that Montgomery ran on stage up until the end of his three-song encore, the crowd at Gramercy Theatre matched his exuberant energy. The young crowd proudly held up homemade signs and loudly sang along to every song through their masks. When Montgomery instructed them to jump during a song, the floor shook under the force of the audience.

    Montgomery hasn’t always had such a positive experience with his music. Taking a year off of music in 2018, the artist nearly called it quits entirely in 2020 after struggling to gain traction with his 2016 debut album. Luckily, TikTok worked its magic for the artist! His 2016 tracks, “Mr Loverman” and “Line Without a Hook” went viral on the platform and catapulted his career overnight. He quickly signed to Warner Records and has been garnering over 10M streams per week across his catalog ever since. 

    It’s clear that Montgomery is thankful for his career and the opportunity to perform for a dedicated fanbase. The artist met every shout of “I love you” with an acknowledgment and a thanks, even smiling for an extended period of time when a fan asked him to pose for a photo while on stage. 

    Montgomery has begun releasing new music under Warner Records, with his latest single “Sorry For Me” going viral, yet again. We look forward to watching Montgomery grow his career and release more incredible music. 

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Mike McMann Band, Watch Reggie Run 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 Mike McMann Band, Watch Reggie Run 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.

    Mike McMann Band

    Mike McMann has been playing in various bands throughout the Capital Region for 30 years. He also performs as a solo artist, and releases his own music as the Mike McMann Band. His song “Future” begs the question, “What if tomorrow never comes? No life beneath a frozen sun,” while the bluegrass instrumental “Walleye Vision” shows off McMann’s banjo skills.

    Watch Reggie Run

    Watch Reggie Run is a father-son duo founded in 2017 by Dave and Luke Graham. They started performing as a way to connect with one another, as Luke has autism and his communication skills are limited. Their newest song “When the Snow Flies” arrives just in time for Christmas, conjuring visions of elves and magic reindeer.

    Girl Blue

    Singer-songwriter Girl Blue has released “Little Virgin,” a single from her upcoming album, Heavy Heart. EQXposure has featured Girl Blue before, previously playing “Strangers” and “Heaven.” Heavy Heart is out December 15, with Girl Blue’s website offering a bundle including the album, a t-shirt, a candle and a letter to the listener.

    Rhoseway

    Previously a singer-songwriter for Fort Rooster, Rob Fleming has arrived with his debut solo project. As Rhoseway, he’s writing, arranging, and producing by himself. “Ode to Arrows” is Rhoseway’s most recent single, and it sounds positively McCartney-esque at times.

  • In Focus: Hot Tuna With The Midnight Ramble Band At The Egg

    The Egg was packed this past Wednesday, December 1st, for two legendary groups: The Midnight Ramble Band and Hot Tuna. Fans of both groups were present and full of energy from the moment The Ramble Band took the stage. Throughout the night, these concert-goers cheered on what proved to be a clinic in musicianship.

    hot tuna midnight ramble
    (Pictured left to right: Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Amy Helm, and Jim Weider)

    There’s a reason most bands have three to five members: because it’s really freakin’ hard to play in large groups. The Ramble Band’s ten members, however, made it look easy. This ensemble had no defined leader, and the crowd’s attention was masterfully directed all over the stage. It seemed as though each and every song featured a different band member taking over lead vocals, while different groups of instruments took the spotlight during breakdowns. 

    Larry and Jim led the way on guitar while Adam and Tony kept the groove going on bass and drums. Their parts were punctuated by the horn section, who left plenty of room for Amy and Teresa to steal the show with their powerful vocal performances. The crowd appreciated The Ramble Band’s high energy set that showcased each member’s raw talent.

    hot tuna midnight ramble
    (Pictured left to right: Brian Mitchell, Larry Campbell, Teresa WIlliams, Steven Bernstein, Erik Lawrence, Jay Collins, Amy Helm, Adam Minkoff, Jim Weider, and Tony Leone)

    The Midnight Ramble Band and its members can be seen performing at Levon Helm Studios – Woodstock, NY, and across the country. Check out their future shows here.

    hot tuna midnight ramble
    (Jack Casady: bass, Justin Guip: drums, Jorma Kaukonen: guitar/vocals)

    After The Midnight Ramble Band, Hot Tuna took the stage, and the blues rock trio picked up right where the big band left off. Jorma and Jack have been playing together since they were teenagers, and both went on to join Jefferson Airplane in 1965. This close connection was evident from the start of the set as the duo locked into their groove.

    The crowd peppered the show with shouts of “WOO!” and “HOT TUNA!” throughout the night as Jorma and Jack showed The Egg just how sharp they are. The duo played through their set with strong intention; Jack’s grooves were full of space, and Jorma’s licks followed suit. Their music seemed to breathe while notes were held, ringing out, allowing their tones to fully develop. By the end of the night there was no question about the fact that Hot Tuna and The Egg are a perfect match.

    hot tuna midnight ramble

    Hot Tuna are closing out the Northeast leg of their tour on Dec. 4 at The Capitol Theatre, then Dec. 5 at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, then finally on Dec. 7 at Carnegie of Homestead Music – Munhall, PA. For all dates, visit their website.

  • Orebolo Feat. Goose Members Set Sail On First Tour: So Ready For Solarium

    Orebolo is an Acoustic trio featuring Rich Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, and Jeffrey Arévalo, also known as affectionatly nicknamed aGOOSEtic kicked off their first tour at the Tarrytown Music Hall on December 2 2021 for a sold out crowd. The ambience and intimacy were unique, but the faces and music familiar.

    orebolo
    You know you are in for a treat when you get “sitting Rick” Photo by Em Walis

    Lost in the hollows of shutdown, the soft holiday lights, soothing houseplants and beautiful music of Orebolo provided a dreamy santuary when many needed it most. To witness in real time what was once only as livestreams recorded in a fantasy land far, far away, evoked a child-like sense of belief in magic and the power of music.

    It Was Magic

    Walking through the entryway into the theater felt like being a character in a movie where candles float above during meals and small flying balls were caught on brooms for fun. Having a ticket felt like getting the letter that we have been selected to participate in something extraordinary. The Tarrytown Music Hall experience could be described as safe in the way one might feel in their favorite cozy reading nook or behind the walls in a great castle. The difference was that the friends sitting nearby in this fantasy also happened to be member of a favorite band. Safety was of of the utmost importance. The venue required vaccination and masks for the entire show.

    orebolo
    Safe space made for meaningful moments. Photo by Em Walis

    Masks Up & Hearts Open

    While it might have felt difficult for some to return to these precations and the lack of human connection that goes with it, the attention to detail in the overall ambience of the stage and performance completely offset any negativity or sadness. Filled with beautifully curated furniture, warm lamps, houseplants, and a frame ofchristmas lights placed on the floor, Orebolo successfully recreated the Solarium where many streams were filmed.

    orebolo
    The Coxy Nook. Photo by: Em Walis

    At the beginning of the show, Peter Anspach (guitar/ vocals) addressed the crowd and invited everyone to dance if they wanted. This statement set the tone for the rest of the night to be one of jovial connection, regardless of the decible level. The atply nicknamed “front row fam” due to the lack of rail danced the night away. Leading the pack was none other than Lord Marc “Scarf Guy” Komito accompanied by his wife Lady Diana “Mrs. Scarf” Komito.

    orebolo
    South Farms staff were masters of the Covid protocols Photo by: Em Walis

    Moderately Ready To Skip Bottom Eyeliner

    orebolo
    Is it a microphone shadow or is it the mark of the front row fam> Photo by: Em Walis

    Skipping bottom eyeliner seemed to be the correct tactic because emotion ran high throughout the show. Unlikely tracks such as “So Ready” electrified with new meaning as the choral volume of the crowd matched those on stage. Goose historians would asstert that the calm nature of “Slow Ready” successfully combined with the anthemic power of “So Ready” to successfully create “Moderately Ready” (not officially confirmed). There was an interesting duality in the excitement felt for a typical Goose show existing simultaneously with the stripped-down intimacy and haunting vulnerability of songs like “Bob Don”. Lifelong friends were bantering back and forth with the band as they have for years, but the power of the crowd at large hinted at how far the growth of these musicians has come.

    orebolo
    Photo made possible by the lovely staff at Tarrytown Music Hall. Photo by Em Walis

    Stunts & Shasta

    It has been said that Gong Gang spiritual leader Jeffrey Arevalo does is own stunts. His stand up bass skills alongside vocals truly demonstrated his role as proverbial dark horse or wildcard in both bands. Jeff’s playing was so hypnotizing that it would be easy to miss one of the highlights of the show sitting patiently on the side of the stage. Rick’s partner provided support from the side stage with their puppy Shasta. “Lead the Way,” about Ricks previous dog was played, allowing for yet another moment to remeber not to wear bottom eyeliner.

    Jeff gets his bravery for stunts from his Orion Jewelry Design bracelets. Available at the Goosemas Hometown Flodown Art Show. Photo by Em Walis

    After The Farm Bought The Farm

    Panning around the Music Hall, it became quite apparent that the staff were singing just as loudly as the rest of the crowd. It turns out that many of them were huge goose fans having previously worked at the now defunct South Farms venue. The excitement for the amount of new song debuts were shared by all.

    Jon “Coach” Lombardi is a grounding constant in all Goose related happenings. Photo by Em Walis

    A Goosemas Story

    Visions of past present and future seemed to melt together. Marc up front doing his thing, the houseplants reminiscent of Peter’s mustached companion from the Goose Perry show, rewinding back to the Great Beyond Podcast, El Goose Times, sharing grass (the floor tickets, obviously) with Doey Joey at Westville Music Bowl. Chatter of the upcoming Goosemas show as well as the Hometown Flodown Art show happening earlier in the day.

    Sam Bardini;s role with Goose dates back to signing up while it was still a “one day hopefully” Photo by Em Walis

    So many thoughts were available to fall into when all of a sudden, attention was redirected back to the stage while “Rosalie McFall” filled the room . It was very obvious from the meticulous mixing arrangements being made that sound engineer Sam Bardini has listened to a bluegrass song or two in his day. The traditional nature of the song begged the question of how Goose bassist Trevor Weekz might sound playing mandolin with Orebolo.

    orebolo
    Dream? Photo by Em Walis

    Warm Lamps & House Plants

    You know that part at the end of a movie where the wild adventure is over, bad guy defeated and the main character is back in the safety of their bedroom? Everything appears to be back to normal but then in the background we notice something from the fantasy world they had just escaped? Possibly a character from the movie shows up to remind the main character that they are still friends and will be there for the main character should they ever need? That was what Orebolo did for so many on their first night of tour.

    Photo by Em Walis

    Weeks later, when scrolling through photos, one might pass by their photos from the night. Without knowing it, mood could be lifted slightly. Better yet, the recipient of the cat photo peeking over their shoulder might ask who was playing at that concert?

    Photo by Em Walis

    The day could then improve a whole lot; for there is only one answer to this question:

    Have you heard of a band called Goose? No? Well, you see… it all really started when Peter learned keyboard…….

    -Anonymous

    Orebolo Setlist: Silver Dagger (Joan Baez), Elizabeth, Indian River, The Whales, Lead The Way, Caution (Bob Marley & The Wailers), Moonrise, US Blues (Grateful Dead), Dim Lights, So Ready, Devil In Disguise (Elvis), It Burns Within, Bob Don, Rosalie McFall (Charlie Monroe), Drive, Arise, Madhuvan
    Encore: Angel Band (Traditional)

    Photos by Zak Radick

  • Late Night Thoughts Release Their Most Honest EP To Date, “Bridges & Tunnels”

    Brooklyn-based folk-pop duo, Late Night Thoughts’ new EP Bridges & Tunnels, including their hit single “Sacrifice,” released earlier last month. The duo like to describe their unique sound as “home-grown pop” evolving from just two classmates in a songwriting course in college, to blessing us with their third EP.

    late night thoughts

    Embodying a singer-songwriter feel, each song is undeniably earnest, opening an intimate dialogue between both artists and their audience. Warm, thick vocal harmonies consistently present themselves across the record, mixed with groovy acoustic guitar strumming and sincere messages. This time we hear a more polished, mature sound from the two artists, now with the utmost potential after amassing over 3 million streams for their first two EPs.

    Every facet of our being has taken a giant leap forward, from the clothes we wear to the videos we make and the music itself. This EP will take you on a journey through what life has been like for us as young adults trying to live out our dreams while struggling with our fears and holding on to love

    Late Night Thoughts

    An all new sound has debuted on Bridges & Tunnels especially listening to “Faith” where Late Nights Thoughts’ transition to a ballad format execute their message in a more fitting form. The sheer rawness of their lyrics with minimal instrumentation somehow tugs on our heart strings just a little harder. Brian Rauch’s ability to encapsulate the struggles of a long distance relationship makes us think that he may have just read our mind.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frjCfaNFvlw

    The piano power ballad “analyzes the struggle of a long distance relationship,” according to the band. “It was influenced by a time in one of our relationships when long distance seemed like it was an impossible hurdle to climb, despite the love being so strong.” Rauch’s silky voice over Harlow’s piano makes you feel like it’s just you and the artists.

    Mifflin Street Music produced the confidence boosting “Get Back Up” encouraging us to preserve through dark times through a catchy hook releasing a powerhouse chorus of “Push me down I’ll get back up, I always do/My motivation is strengthened by every bruise.” You can find the perfect blend of upbeat classic foot-tapping classics to more somber tracks with serious notes, the EP as a whole is meant to encapsulate a journey.

    late night thoughts

    Brian Rauch serenades us enunciating the countless uphill battles that a relationship may take you on like “Love Ain’t Cheap”. Michael Harlow gives us his signature syncopated groove on guitar and we can’t help be be engrossed in dance. A type of song that will make you uncontrollably break out with some embarrassing dance moves hoping nobody will watch you.

    Late Night Thoughts true secret sauce lies in their vulnerable songwriting. Yes, their songs will make you burst out in dance and sing your heart out, but when taking a closer listen one might be amazed in what and how LNT is able to describe the many journeys we take in life. “Inches” is a good representation of their ability to illustrate crucial memories through lyric and song: “It’s giving and taking/ I’ll make it my mission for more than an instant/ For minute by minute/ We take it by inches.

    These 5 tracks present LNT as comfortable with their audience and happy to share their introspective ideas. Listeners may take an enduring walk through the EP to discover something new about themselves, but should not be afraid because you can always confide with Late Night Thoughts.

    Key Tracks: Faith, Get Back Up

  • Hiss Golden Messenger Awakens Albany’s Americana Spirit, Covers Grateful Dead During Surprise Sit In


    Authentic Americana spirit was alive and well in Albany on Wednesday evening at The Egg, as critically acclaimed singer/songwriter M.C Taylor and his band, Hiss Golden Messenger, unhatched an inspired, genre defying, career spanning stellar performance that fans fortunate to be in attendance won’t soon forget.

    Bolstered by a surprise sit-in from Amy Helm (Levon’s daughter) on a barn-burning cover of the Grateful Dead classic “Bertha,” the intimate evening with arguably one of ‘this generation’s most relatable lyricists” was the kind of thing that left you feeling human again.  A special kind of show you walked away from thinking perhaps you just had a rare brush with true musical greatness.

    Hiss Golden Messenger

    If you’ve never heard of Hiss Golden Messenger before, there’s plenty of back catalog to sink your teeth into.  Now with 12 studio albums to their credit, it would be inappropriate to merely label HGM as “Indie Folk,” as they so often are.  There’s just so much more to it than what that implies. Anchored by smart, deeply personal and vulnerable, thought-provoking lyrics mixed with elements of Southern Rock, Blues, and even some psychedelic Jazz- fueled Funk, M.C Taylor was largely influenced by his friend and mentor, the late great Neal Casal. The two had planned on doing an album together before the tragic news of Neal’s passing in 2019.  That same year, Hiss Golden Messenger would earn scores of new fans when Terms of Surrender earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, but ultimately losing out to Keb’ Mo’s Oklahoma; no shame in that.

    Hiss Golden Messenger

    Riding a solid wave of momentum, things suddenly came to a screeching halt in 2020.  When the scary and deeply fraught reality of the pandemic hit, everything changed and everyone handled ‘the unknown’ a little different. Forced into solitude for the foreseeable future, the ever-prolific and creative Taylor managed to make the most of it.  By Looking deep within and somehow turning complex feelings into songs that are highly relatable to “the everyman,” Hiss Golden Messenger ended up writing and recording a wealth of new material, releasing 3 news albums in 2021 alone; Quietly Blowing It, the timely O Come All Ye Faithful and it’s  companion album, The Sounding Joy, of which Taylor describes as “a record about community, celebration, faith and grief. It’s a holiday record. And it isn’t. Sinking myself into this music helped me a lot during some hard times.”

    Hiss Golden Messenger

    With live concerts now back in full effect, Hiss Golden Messenger is finally able to take those songs on the road and play for real people again and for fans looking for a musical elixir to help get over the Humpday blues, The Egg was the perfect place to be Wednesday night.  Taking part in the American Roots & Branches series, the evening kicked off with a lovely opening performance by Philadelphia-based female duo Rosali and Emily Robb, before the members of Hiss Golden Messenger would casually take the Swyer stage around 8:30pm.  All tuned up and ready to go,  the show began with “Rock Holy,” the opening track from  2018’s Virgo Fool. then promptly turned a bit funkier with “Mighty Dollar.” All warmed up now, “My Wing” and “Mahogany Dread” came next before a slight guitar strap snafu resulted in a bit of humorous story time banter. 

    You see years ago, back with M.C. Taylor was just breaking in, he briefly played in a group called American Music Club, who still has a bit of a cult fowling.  During his very first show with them, in an alleged fit of drunken on stage rage, front man Mark Eitzel fired the entire band in the middle of the show. Taylor, who chuckles about it now, remarked, “Seeing your hero have meltdown.  I kinda miss those days” before the band launched into the next song, the upbeat “Jenny of the Roses” from 2017’s Hallelujah Anyhow album. 

    Hiss Golden Messenger

    After the next tune “Biloxi,” Taylor addressed the audience once again, saying “He woke up today and was thinking about Levon Helm,” the  legendary drummer/vocalist for The Band. “So I decided to call up my good friend Amy who I know lives nearby and see if she wanted to come to the show. She says ‘Where at?’ A place called The Egg. She says, no way, I’m playing at the Egg too!”  Indeed she was, as Amy’s Midnight Ramble Band was opening for Hot Tuna across the hall simultaneously at the The Egg’s larger Hart Theatre. By sheer coincidence or not, the undisputed highlight of the evening came next when Amy was called up to the stage to lend her vocal talents to a pair of songs, first was “Sanctuary” and uplifting song about hope and moving on which also contains lyrical references the late John Prine {“Handsome Johnny had to go, child…”). 

    As incredible as that was, it was Amy’s contribution to the next song that really made the room light up, as the band then launched into the classic Grateful Dead staple, “Bertha.”  Keeping the funk-folk vibe alive, HGM would really find their groove on the next number, “Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer” from 2016’s Heart Like a Levee.  Afterwards, Taylor would joke how prior to the pandemic, none of them knew how the play a guitar, but it’s amazing what you can learn during a lockdown if you really put your mind to it.   

    Taking it down a notch, “Passing Clouds” and “I’ve got a Name for the Newborn Child” were up next, followed by “Cat’s Eye Blue,” a stellar version of Bright Direction (You’re a Dark Star Now) before “Southern Grammar” would bring the show to a close.  

    Hiss Golden Messenger amy helm

    It’s unclear if Hiss Golden Messenger intended on returning for an encore (though one was written out ahead of time on the setlist), but after a sustained ovation from Albany’s music loving faithful, Taylor and company finally returned to the stage, commenting how he “thinks the art of the encore has slowly been lost, but that’s a discussion for another tim.” and that he could tell our thirst for one more was “real.” With that, “Way Back in the Way Back” was chosen as the final song evening, closing the book on a fantastic, well rounded, poignant night of music filled with impassioned storytelling, top-tier musicianship, a memorable sit in and even a few lighthearted laughs too.   

    Hiss Golden Messenger – Lewis A. Swyer Theare at the Egg – Albany, NY – 12/1/2021

    Setlist: Rock Holy, Mighty Dollar, My Wing, Mahogany Dread, Jenny of the Roses, Biloxi, Sanctuary*, Bertha,** Like a Mirror Loves a Hammer, Caledonia, My Love, Passing Clouds, I’ve Got a Name for the Newborn Child, Cat’s Eye Blue, Bright Direction (You’re a Dark Star Now), Southern Grammar

    Encore: Way Back in the Way Back

    *Featuring Amy Helm on Vocals
    **Grateful Dead cover, Amy Helm on Vocals

  • Premiere: The dt’s ‘Need You (forever)’ In Newly Released Single

    The Central Jersey rock duo known as the dt’s have officially released their third single called “Need You (Forever).” This multi-instrumental two-piece (Dave Cacciatore, Tom Losito) officially formed last year after years of playing together after first meeting at a local bar’s open mic night.

    They each play an array of instruments that include guitar, bass, ukelele, drums, and piano and seamlessly shift from rock to blues to power pop while incorporating soaring harmonies.

    https://soundcloud.com/daveandtommusic/need-you-forever/s-0jCdsErpsqC?si=fc0f5d22b5c24e978e4b6b3b15687e83

    Dave Cacciatore wrote “Need You (Forever)” while in college by first coming up with the riff, which infuses elements of Oasis and The Beatles, and then adding lyrics afterwards. The song is a concoction of different life experiences, events, and feelings that he was going through at the time. Everything from school, work, and relationships were infused in the lyrics.

    dt's

    The song was recorded at the dt’s home studio while quarantining last year, starting first with just two acoustic guitars before adding layers of electric ones through vintage Fender, Peavey and and Vox amps. A Gibson Les Paul Custom SG and Tom’s dad’s 74’ Fender Strat were also heavily utilized in addition to experimenting with a plethora of vocal harmonies. Frank Letteri of The Paper Jets and Dust Of Days was brought on to record the drums and Joe Pomarico did the mixing and mastering over at Telegraph Hill Records.

    The dt’s said one of the things they’re most proud of about their most recent single “are the peaks and valleys throughout the song, eventually crescendoing to a massive peak at the end.” It’s a song rich with vocals, guitars, drums and catchy melodies. Check out the band’s website for more of their music.