Category: Genres

Inaugural LonCon Music Festival Captures Lightning in a Bottle
The inaugural LonCon Music Festival took place over August 27-29, 2021 at the legendary Arrowhead Ranch and Retreat in Parksville, NY. Organized by Long Island up-and-comers Baked Shrimp, the two day event served as a tribute to the late Lon Gellman, a well-known and beloved supporter of live music.

Fans attending LonCon 2021 saw performances by Twiddle frontman Mihali, Dogs in a Pile, RCA, Creamery Station, and artist-at-large, Hayley Jane. Unfortunately just two acts into day one, torrential rains and an intense lighting storm forced all music to be suspended due to safety concerns. Originally scheduled headliners Aqueous were unable to play their set. While gloomy and on the cusp of rain throughout all of Saturday, LonCon managed to rock on without a hitch.

RCA, comprised of Dopapod’s Rob Compa and Kung Fu members Chris DeAngelis and Adrian Tramontano, played mostly songs off Compa’s 2019 debut solo album, Same Damn Thing. In a set filled with more teases than you could count, including moe.’s “Rebubula” and the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood,” the undisputed highlight came when artist at large Hayley Jane sat in for a ferocious take on Alanis Morissette’s ‘You Oughta Know.”

Due to their opening day set being cut short by lightning, event organizers Baked Shrimp played an extra long mid-day set to make up for lost time. Picking up right where they left off by completing a “Rosa” jam, the ambitious young band also debuted “Hurricane Jane,” which saw both Hayley Jane and Rob Compa sit in.

Jersey Shore jam band Dogs In A Pile immediately raised the energy on the farm to a whole new level. Distinguished by their colorful outfits, two guitar-attack and otherworldly sounds courtesy of multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Kaplan, the band managed to turn the soggy farmland into a veritable dance floor. Making her third appearance of the afternoon, Hayley Jane returned to the stage once again, this time with a washboard draped around her neck, joining Dogs in a Pile on a rollicking version of the beloved The Band classic “Ophelia.” Not done with sit in’s just yet, Rob Compa would later join the band for an extra funky rendition of ‘Boogie on Reggae Woman.”

With nightfall now upon LonCon 2021, Day 2 headliner Mihali Savoulidis took the stage shortly after 8pm. Before starting his set, Mihali spoke candidly about his special connection to the late Lon Gellman and explained just how much of an honor it was for him to be there at this inaugural event. He would go on to play a sentimental set, highlighted by Twiddle staples “Apples,” “Mamunes the Faun,””Every Soul,”and “Hattie’s Jam” > “When It Rains It Pours,” and “River Drift.” Other highlights included an impressive mashup medley of “Glycerine” > “No Woman No Cry” > “Farmhouse” > “Wagon Wheel” and Hayley Jane joining on a cover of No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak.” The set also featured sit-in’s from Kung Fu/RCA drummer Adrian Tramontano and Baked Shrimp members Jared Cowen and Jager Soss.

Mihali Setlist: Be There (1), Collective pulse (1), Glycerine -> No Woman No Cry ->Wagon Wheel -> Farmhouse-> One Day, Ballad of the Broken (2), Living is the Lesson, Don’t Speak (3), Cali Roads (3), Open House (4), Heart Song, Apples, River Drift, Empty Overflow, Mamunes the Faun (5), Every Soul (6)
Encore: Hatties Jam (1) -> When it Rains it Pours

(1) Dedicated to Lon Conscious
(2) Formally known as CaliRado
(3) W/ Hayley Jane
(4) Formally known as Castle in the Sky
(5) w/ Jager Soss (Drums; Baked Shrimp) Jared Cowen (Guitar; Baked Shrimp)
(6) w/ Adrian Tramontano (Drums; RCA / Kung Fu)

Baked Shrimp Setlists

Friday, August 27
Setlist: NO2-4U, Molly Ann, Tulu, Melting Over Nothing, Pork Etiquette, Rosa (1)
(1) Cut short due to lightning storm.

Saturday, August 28
Setlist: One Set: Rosa (1), Weird Times, Who are You and What am I?, Ollie Blu, Hurricane Jane (2), Stomatopoda, Level of Gold, Pig Hearts and Mechanical Parts, Super Human Mutant, Benny, Down the Drain -> Equinox
(1) Ending jam only; completes 8/27/21 version
August 31, 2021
Halsey Drops Powerful New Album ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ Produced by Trent Reznor

Halsey dropped her powerful new album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power which was produced by Nine Inch Nails member Trent Reznor on August 27, 2021. With Reznor and Atticus Ross producing the album it transcends through multiple genres bringing industrial, rock, grunge, and pop all together and takes risks all along the way. The album’s release coincides with an hour-long IMAX film under the same name that features Halsey in the lead role and features music from the album.

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power album cover.

Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, or more commonly known for their stage name Halsey, was born and raised in Edison, New Jersey. They spent much of their young adulthood visiting NYC and ended up living in Manhattan briefly before getting their big break with their song “Ghost” which was released on her soundcloud and ended up gaining lots of popularity. They ended up signing with Astralwerks because of their offer of retaining creative control. She debuted her first EP titled Room 93 on October 28, 2014. Since then they have released four albums titled Badlands on August 28, 2014, Hopeless Fountain in Kingdom on June 2, 2017, Manic on January 17, 2020 and finally her newest album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power on August 27, 2021.

Halsey’s original album, Badlands, fell into the indie-pop realms but her next two albums seemed to be more or less strictly pop. Halsey has never been one to cater to the audience and refuses to be anything but themselves. This album though takes more risks than the previous albums both is subject matter and musically. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power steps away from the pop sound Halsey has become known for to make way for something different and I would argue better. The album is stronger and has more depth to it than her previous albums and really feels like Halsey has come into their true sound.

Although the album as a whole was very good there were a couple songs that stole the show and were definitely the stars of the album. “Easier than Lying” was one of those songs that really pushed the album to being a bop. You can definitely hear the influence of Reznor in this song. It is probably the hardest song Halsey has released. The continuous leading drum line combined with the distorted heavy bass line in combination with Halsey’s harder and grungier voice is a new sound for the artist and it suits them perfectly. Listening to it you never would have thought this was a new sound for them if you didn’t already know this was a step away from their pervious sound. It feels natural and like the sound she was meant to make.

Another song that really made the album was “Girl is a Gun.” It uses a continuous leading drum line and a bouncy bass line combined with synth to make a song where, without even trying to, the listener finds them self bobbing along to it. It has a 90s drum and bass feel that’s addicting. It’s not as hard as “Easier than Lying” but definitely pushes Halsey out of the strictly dickly pop realms they have been more known for before this album. It’s catchy chorus and driving beat make it the kind of song where if it came up on your recommended playlist you would be checking to see who it was by and saving the song before it’s even over.

The last song that has to be mentioned is “Darling.” This song isn’t like any other on the album. It features a simple fingerpicking guitar and Halsey doing harmonies with it for the majority of the song. It’s not hard but it’s a risk. It’s not flashy but it’s honest. It makes you feel the bittersweetness of life and the hope and love for new life. The song is definitely a nod to Halsey’s child who was born shortly before the album’s release and to which they were pregnant with during the making of the album. The simplicity of it musically gives the chance for the lyrics to really be the star of the song and make the listener really focus on what Halsey is feeling.

Although you should really listen to the entire album in order, if you are looking to checkout a song or two to see if it’s your cup of tea, any of these would be a great place to start. Anytime an artist changes up their sound it is a risk for them especially when they are moving away from a classically popular sound to something else. Not every attempt is successful. Halsey has taken this leap of faith and has landed with flying colors.

The full album is available on all streaming platforms. The accompanying film is available via Global IMAX. Showings, available dates, and locations can be found here.

August 31, 2021
The First Annual BriteVibes Festival Kicks off in Cooperstown over Labor Day Weekend

This Labor Day Weekend, the first annual BriteVibes Festival will take place on Saturday at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown. This unique event celebrates NY craft beer, “Gastrow” of NY food trucks, musicians playing all day, artisan vendors, experiential exhibits, and more.

In addition to 30+ breweries representing every corner of NYS (the majority of which are award winners from the NYS Craft Beer Competition), there will be live performances from local musicians taking place throughout the day. Like craft beer, music brings people together. Daytime shows include performances by Dirty Blanket, The Old Main, Los Blancos and Big Time Kitty.

The evening concert for BriteVibes, included in general admission or available as a separate concert-only ticket, opens with Oxymorons, followed by Delta Spirit, an indie rock band from California playing other major festivals throughout the U.S., in their first east coast show of the year. More information about the lineup is available here.

Tickets for Britevibes Festival helps to support the 400+ craft breweries across New York State. Attendees can purchase a General Admission ticket for access to the beer sampling and all-day concerts, VIP ticket which includes access to a VIP pavilion with private bar, access to private bathrooms and access to a private food truck, or the evening-only concert ticket. Attendees can also purchase an on-site camping reservation on the festival grounds, a former hop farm, which includes yoga on the green the following morning. Get your ticket while you still can, and enjoy a wonderful day filled with beer and music!

August 31, 2021
Dead and Company wrap up New York State run in Saratoga
For their fourth and final show in the Empire State, Dead and Company made their annual stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, hallowed ground for seeing the Grateful Dead in the 1980s. And much like the Dead shows at SPAC in the 80s, the venue was as packed as ever, hosting a sold out crowd of 25,103 – a few short of the record set by the Dead in 1985.

On Friday, August 27, Deadheads of all ages – grandparents bringing their grandkids, parents going with friends, college kids meeting up with uncles and aunts, or just locals looking for a night of classic American music – filled in every corner of SPAC, and in this era of social distancing, the crowd at times felt like there were more than 25 thousand in attendance. Early entry was a smart move this night, as COVID-19 vaccine checks as well as ticket/security checks slowed entry down for many. If you’re attending a sold out show at SPAC this summer, the best move you can make is go in early and avoid the rush.

photo by Conor McMahon

Once inside, the Saratoga Springs crowd was as boisterous and congenialÂ as you’d expect at a Dead and Company show, let alone a Phil and Friends, Ratdog, Billy and the Kids, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, or any other Grateful Dead side-project/tribute band. That’s what makes these shows so appealing to so many – you get that same wonderful vibe from those around you, all of whom are there for the music and allow themselves respite from the daily grind.

Visit NYS Music’s interactive Grateful Dead in New York series, So MaNY Roads

That collective release was felt when Dead and Company dropped into “Shakedown Street” to open a show, a resounding statement that tonight was going to be a barnburner. With Bob Weir wearing ‘Bobby Shorts,’ and Oteil Burbridge donning Section 119 shorts, even the band knew it would be a hot one. The “Bertha” that followed maintained the momentum out of “Shakedown,” which wound down so Weir could play a couple of acoustic numbers, the beautiful “Peggy-O” and “Me and My Uncle,” both of which were tour debuts.

photo by Conor McMahon, Oteil’s shorts by Section 119

Would be captain John Mayer took over vocals for “They Love Each Other,” and on “West L.A. Fadeaway” successfully pushed for a second jam with the help of Jeff Chimenti on keys. The set closing “Bird Song” was played at such a slow tempo it took Weir six minutes to get to the lyrics, while he and Mayer struggled for direction throughout the rest, clocking in at 22 minutes for the longest song of the night.

Set 2 opened up with “Let the Good Times Roll,” evoking memories of the show opener on “Downhill From Here,” and driving the bus towards “Scarlet Begonias,” which was paced at times as it meandered over 13-minutes. Surprisingly, “Help on the Way” arrived when “Fire on the Mountain” was expected, cranking up the energy once again, and diving into a “Slipknot” that was exploratory courtesy of John and Oteil, and is well worth a listen below. When “Fire” finally arrived, it lit the crowd up in a haze for 10 minutes, before an exodus of fans made their move towards the back of the lawn or parking lots with the onset of “Drums.” Oteil joined Rhythm Devils Bill and Mickey for the a tribal interlude, followed by Mickey getting to work on The Beam for “Space.”

Upon the band’s full return to the stage, “Cumberland Blues” brought the crowd back to their feet, then giving them a chance to rest during “Days Between,” the final tour debut of the night. “Not Fade Away” would close the set, bringing Buddy Holly’s lyrics to echo across SPA State Park and beyond. To balance out “NFA,” an encore of “Black Muddy River,” while soulful, zapped the energy that had been flowing all night.

While an up and down show tempo-wise, Dead and Company were energetic and polished throughout. It would be difficult to find a fan of the Grateful Dead who didn’t enjoy this performance at SPAC, or elsewhere on this tour, one that comes at a needed time for the fans after many months without live music.
Dead and Company – Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY – August 27, 2021

Set 1: Shakedown Street > Bertha, Peggy-O, Me and My Uncle, They Love Each Other > West L.A. Fadeaway, Bird Song

Set 2: Let the Good Times Roll, Scarlet Begonias > Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Fire on the Mountain > Drums/Space > Cumberland Blues > Days Between > Not Fade Away

Encore: Black Muddy River

photos by Conor McMahon
August 30, 2021
Jenny Kern Releases “Where Did the Time Go,” sets date for EP release

Canadian-born and NYC-based singer-songwriter Jenny Kern has released the heartfelt and lyrically rich song, “Where Did the Time Go.” The new single follows a string of acclaimed singles that will precede the release of her long-awaited self-titled EP I Never Thought You Were Listening, due out on October 1.

Jenny’s career began when she was still in University, performing around Montreal. Eventually, she gained more confidence in her sound, leading her to move to NYC in 2013. NBC welcomed Jenny as a Page seeing her true potential, where she would late work for acclaimed filmmakers Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, allowing her to make the leap into film and television. Her love for music became so apparent that in 2018 she decided to take a leap of faith and pursue music full time.

In her rise to fame Jenny found herself performing at notable venues around New York City like Rockwood Music Hall, Pianos, and Mercury Lounge. Her debut EP was not only down to earth but intimate; a self-reflection on her personal experience with self-doubt, regret and the search for comfort in painful seasons. Jenny lures her audience through a confession-like delivery portraying her vulnerability through each lyric.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for Jenny’s writing style. Her anticipated self-titled EP I Never Thought You Were Listening will be released this October 1st, with her new single “Where Did the Time Go” giving her audience a tease of what we can expect from her.

“Where Did The Time Go” is an intensely personal and self-reflective song about dealing with anxiety. I started writing this song in quarantine while having an existential crisis, and not knowing what my purpose was, or why I was existing. While it’s dark in nature it was very cathartic to write. There’s something powerful in laying out your fears and anxieties and admitting that you don’t have all the answers.
Jenny Kern on Rock and Roll Globe

Jenny’s first single of 2021, “Coming Back For Me” released this January has spun on XPN and NPR’s World Café and earned a spot on Spotify editorial playlists like New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, and Indie All Stars.

Watch Jenny’s new music video below, produced by Tashaki Mikyaki, with a focus on the reality of isolation that pushes us to question ourselves.

August 30, 2021
Yaeji Stops the Rain at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! summer festival continued on Friday, August 27th with a hometown show headlined by Brooklyn native and deep house producer & rapper Yaeji. Support for the night was curated by Yaeji herself, and featured sets by writer, rapper, and producer Nappy Nina followed by singer-songwriter KeiyaA. Celebrate Brooklyn! came back strong in 2021 with a stacked lineup of free concerts. Friday night was another celebration of the return to live music by many in attendance as well as Yaeji.

Yaeji at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Photo by Buscar Photo

Thunderstorms threatened the show, even delaying the opening of doors by about 30 minutes while a quick shower passed by. After that, we lucked out the rest of the night without any rain but the delay unfortunately shortened the opening sets a bit. Nappy Nina was on first, delivering a high energy rap performance to an already large crowd at the bandshell. KeiyaA followed; backed by a full band she performed a set of soulful R&B. Walking around the crowd you can hear KeiyaA’s powerful voice echoing through the park.
KeiyaA at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Photo by Buscar Photo
When Yaeji took the stage, she was visibly humbled by the enormous reception she received from the crowd. She was born in Flushing, Queens to a Korean family and spent much of her young life living in Korea. She moved back to the United States to attend Carnegie Mellon University where she learned to DJ as a hobby at after-hours parties. This culminating in Yaeji combining her love for music and collaboration with electronica to forge her distinct deep house (hip-house?) sound. Now a Brooklyn resident, her debut came in 2017 with a self-titled EP, but notoriety came flowing in 2020 after the release of the mixtape What We Drew. This mixtape includes the track “Waking Up Down” which features Yaeji’s subtle rap style over light and airy house beats.

Yaeji at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Photo by Buscar Photo

Yaeji packed in the bandshell, even without having any ‘full length’ albums to her name. In the true nature of being an artist in today’s internet age, Yaeji has been steadily releasing music since her debut in 2020. This has been in the form of singles and collaborations, two EPs titled Yaeij and EP2, remixes, and most recently a single featuring DiAN called “PAC-TIVE.” You can see the music video for this single below, featuring an immersion into a modern day PAC-MAN universe. Other songs included in the set at Celebrate Brooklyn! were “Raingurl” from EP2 as well as “Guap” from the self-titled EP.

Yaeji has been prolific over the last few years, and this will most likely continue. After breaking the ice with a hometown show on Friday night, there is no doubt that more creative energy and live shows will be in the near future. A last minute, early Sunday morning DJ set has just been added at Nowadays in Ridgewood – more info for that show is HERE. There is no official tour on the books as of now, but you can see Yaeji on the festival stages in September with appearances at Bonnaroo, Pitchfork, and Life is Beautiful.

Yaeji at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Photo by Buscar Photo

The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival continues on Saturday with San Fermin and Son Little, followed by Glass Animals on Tuesday. Find the full schedule HERE.
August 29, 2021
Dead and Company Roll into Darien Lake, pay tribute to Charlie Watts

Dead and Company continued their Empire State run on Wednesday, August 25 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, with the amusement park behind the venue giving the performance an county fair vibe. John Mayer sported a pair of headphones after noticing a slight ringing in his ears post show in Bethel Woods and wanted to protect his hearing. The headphones also allowed him to hear the band better and in turn, play in the band better.

photo by Josh Davis

Mayer immediately lit up the show with opener “Viola Lee Blues.” In a Tales from the Golden Road conversation with NYS Music, Mayer said he loved bringing his approach to the Grateful Dead’s mixolydian blues catalog. “A song like ‘Viola Lee Blues’ I can really pull the Hendrix thing to it. It’s not that different.” Thus, “Viola Lee Blues” jammed and was weaved into both sets. Mayer stayed out front vocally on “Cold Rain and Snow” that hit inland from Lake Ontario to cool off the summer crowd. Bob Weir got on the mic for “Feel Like A Stranger” to remind the crowd that it’s “gonna be a long long crazy silky night” with Oteil Burbridge really fueling the funk level. He told NYS Music earlier this year “Well I mean there is so much funk in the Grateful Dead’s music. The Jerry Bands’ music. It’s just like there for the picking. So I just lean into it” Oteil and John really bring a new energy to this celebrated catalog and traded lead vocals on a swaying “Ship of Fools.”

The New York western plain vibe continued with “Friend of the Devil” that had Jeff Chimenti leading with saloon style piano – Chimenti has been playing with Bobby in “Ratdog” for a reason for over 20 years. Bob Weir started howling vocally on “Loose Lucy,” with a tone that night very in the moment and full of raw emotion. Mayer got another stab at the mixolydian blues to close the set with “New Speedway Boogie”. Mayer said of the musical concept in Dead and Co., “It’s very ascending and descending that’s what’s allows people to ride it”

photo by Josh Davis

The second set started with a nod to the western terrain of Darien, with “Truckin’” (up to Buffalo), followed by the first song Dead and Company ever played as a group, naturally, “Playing in the Band.” A beyond welcoming composition for Mayer, Burbridge, and Chimenti who joined the 3 core members on this musical journey six years ago. Burbridge said in an interview with NYS Music in Miami about the band’s first gig: “That was a harrowing night. That was a trip. That beginning time. But when Bill Walton says you’re good, you stop worrying.”

Visit NYS Music’s interactive Grateful Dead in New York series, So MaNY Roads

The ensemble then unfolded a “China Cat Sunflower” into a “I Know You Rider” that shone the light back on Weir’s vocals, taking on the spirit animal of an old wolf howling under the night tent at Darien. This sole survivor momentum lead into the band’s tribute to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts who passed earlier this week with a cover of “The Last Time”. Again Bob Weir lead the pack in the moment, “This could be the last time, I don’t know.” Billy and Mickey’s “Drums” segment opened up some chakras with their vibrations, and the band returned for “Space.” After orbiting it was time to bring the children home with “Uncle John’s Band” The final song of the evening brought great imagery to a late August night with “Wharf Rats” and the band came full circle by closing the show with a reprise of “Playing in the Band.”

The encore was truly chilling as they covered Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heavens Door.” Although Bobby and John both sported cut off tees like Guns & Roses, this was truly their take on this song, a very heavy way to end a show. A night of music like this brings all your feelings to the surface. Jerry Garcia once said of music’s effects “I don’t know why. It’s the same reason why you like some kind of music and not others. There’s something about it YOU like. Ultimately I don’t find it’s in my best interests to try and analyze it. Since it’s fundamentally emotional.”

Dead and Company – Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien Center, NY – 8/25/21

Set 1: Viola Lee Blues > Cold Rain and Snow, Feel Like a Stranger, Ship of Fools, Friend of the Devil, Loose Lucy > New Speedway Boogie

Set 2: Truckin’ > Playing In The Band > Viola Lee Blues > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > The Last Time* > Drums/Space > Uncle John’s Band > Wharf Rat > Playing In The Band (Reprise)

Encore: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

Photos by Josh Davis

August 29, 2021
GZA brings back the years at Blue Note Jazz Club

It was a calm, quiet Wednesday night in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. With the streets hardly packed, some headed home to end their evenings early, others made their way to the Subway for their night shifts, while scattered groups searched for a potential brouhaha to jumpstart their night. New York City has a suis generis aura because not only is it one of the world’s marquee Metropolitis, but it is also the cultural hub of the world. And on any given night something amazing could be happening around the corner.

Such was the atmosphere inside the intimate setting of Blue Note Jazz Club. Founded in 1981, Blue Note’s motto is centered around preserving the history of jazz, according to their website. “The club is a place where progression and innovation – the foundations of jazz – are encouraged and practiced on a nightly basis…while regularly showcasing up-and-coming jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B and funk artists” and has seen the likes of Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Liza Minelli, and Quincy Jones grace their stage.

But on this night, Blue Note did not play host to any developing talent, but rather two established hip hop legends. For two consecutive nights on August 24 & 25, GZA of the Wu Tang Clan headlined the culturally historic club accompanied by Talib Kweli and of course live music as the Phunky Nomads shared the stage with the two hip hop greats.

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Thus, on a cozy summer night the two Brooklynite’s performed a medley of records that reminded those in attendance of a simpler time in the world. Fans lightly serenaded the club, singing along to some of GZA and Wu Tang Clan’s more recognizable records and even some album cuts.

GZA is a master of his craft, so it came as no surprise that he had memorized not only his rhymes, but those of his groupmates as well, performing several verses from the deceased Ol’ Dirty Bastard and other Clan members. In one sequence in particular, the Liquid Swords emcee began performing the Clan’s hit record, “Triumph.” You know, the one where Inspectah Deck “lyrically performs armed robbery” before transitioning into “Shame on a N***a” and performing ODB’s verse.

The live music only added to the atmosphere as the Phunky Nomads took command of each record, seamlessly sequencing between jazz, classical, funk, hip hop and rock instrumentation. They made each record their own, evident when GZA began performing “C.R.E.A.M.” backed with classical sounding music (They even did a rendition of The O’Jays’ “For The Love of Money”). Their choice of musical direction often kept the audience on edge, wondering what new possible twist they would put to classic Clan records.

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At 55 years old, GZA continues to tour with 34 scheduled dates upcoming. For information on when and where to see the Genius live, click here.

Information on the Blue Note Jazz Club’s weekly performances, can be found here.

August 29, 2021
Up and Coming Artist Nick Vivid Releases New Single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)”

Up and coming artist, Nick Vivid, released his new single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” on August 18, 2021 off his upcoming album No More Secrets.

Nick Vivid hails from Buffalo, NY and creates music that is a blend of indie electronic funk that has blends of soul and blues throughout it. Between his father being a radio DJ and his mother loving glam rock Nick Vivid was always surrounded by music which shaped and formed his musical style and taste. He currently resides in New York City and works with Bill Aucoin who is the original manager of KISS and Billy Idol.

The single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” was released in anticipation of his upcoming album No More Secrets which will drop on November 12, 2021. He has two albums out Nicksploitation which was released in 2017 and Blissed Out which was released in 2019 but his new album is going to be a bit different than these previous albums. This album will revolve around themes of the loss of both of his parents in recent years and the life lessons he’s learned from what he calls “intensive meditative pandemic soul searching.”

Nick Vivid spoke on the newest single to his repertoire saying that the single is about what he’s learned from observing people making decisions based on self-serving fear and greed. He elaborated on this saying, “The ‘bribe’ in the song is the alluring ‘shortcut’ to the fake ‘easier’ solution. But for me, that doesn’t work. I’ve tried.”

The new single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” definitely plays into multi-instrumentalist Nick Vivid’s indie electronic funk sound. It almost sounds like a blast right out of the past. It features a simplistic yet captivating beat that goes around and around in your head and you will find yourself bobbing side to side without even meaning to it while listening.

For more information on Nick Vivid and his upcoming album No More Secrets and new single “Hush Money (Straight to the Bribe)” check out his website.

August 29, 2021
Lake Street Dive Soar At Sold-Out Shelburne Show

Lake Street Dive performed for a sold-out crowd Sunday night at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT. The show marked their third date on a U.S. tour promoting their acclaimed new record Obviously.

Formed in 2004, Lake Street Dive first gained viral recognition after a series of sidewalk singing videos and a jazzy, lilting cover of “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5, highlighting lead singer Rachael Pierce’s powerhouse voice.

The group has always incorporated aspects of jazz, pop, soul and R&B into their offbeat covers and originals, and on Obviously the blend has never sounded more seamless. With production from Grammy-winning hip-hop producer Mike Elizondo, each song delicately showcases each band members mind-blowing musical capability while keeping a brisk, light pace. Though the production quality is notable, the “magic in a bottle” the quartet captures live has energized their fan base for years. Sunday was far from the first time the band has drawn a crowd to Shelburne or Burlington.

Though Hurricane Henri’s clouds were especially menacing on the eve of the show, they didn’t stop attendees, lawn chairs in hand, from flocking to the outdoor venue. Canadian musician Allison Russell, who will open for LSD on a few tour dates, kicked the night off with songs from her latest album, Outside Child. Supported by Larissa Maestro on the cello and Mandy Fer, of the band Sway Wild on electric guitar, Russell’s mesmerizing voice anchored the opening set. A light rainfall at sunset got the crowd excited. Many shouldered on rain jackets and rushed to the stage to celebrate the imminent rainbow as Russell belted her soul out on “Nightflyer.”

As mentioned, Vermont is no stranger to a good LSD show. The excitement for their set was palpable as fans of all ages rushed the barrier, eagerly awaiting the group to step on stage. The bounce of Pierce’s red hair as she strutted onstage sent waves of cheers through the crowd, soon replaced by dancing as the band jumped onto the steppy, yacht-rock tempo of opener “Know That I Know.” Pierce’s unique and show stopping voice does front flips over the bands steady, physical grooves.

Leading into an older song, “Mistakes,” Pierce took the mic to speak about the band’s return to touring.

“We’re a little rusty, and we’re gonna have to make some mistakes,” she said. “But we have to play through the mistakes. You play through the mistakes because you don’t want to teach yourself to fear the mistakes.”

The statement felt deeply relatable and also ironic, as the group went on to play a harmonious, heart-pumping 19-song set. Lake Street Dive have been playing together for nearly two decades, and their musical bond and attunedeness to each other were apparent with every beat.

Though founding member Mike “McDuck” Olsen departed the band after 17 years this May, the music feels anything but lacking. Touring keyboardist Akie Bermiss, who officially joined the band in 2017, is the perfect foil to Pierce’s vocals, apparent on the soaring and playful duet “Same Old News.” As both a keyboardist and vocalist, Bermiss is as versatile as he is singular.

Performing “Alone Again,” a Bermiss release with Greg Mayo, his vivid scenes and casually bleak humor are an exciting contrast to an initially mourning piano riff. The line “I’m learning how to microbrew” struck a chord in craft-beer heavy VT. “He knows his audience,” a woman laughed to her friend as they swayed to the beat.

Bassist Bridget Kearney, a commanding force within the band from the start, inarguably showed her prowess, absolutely shredding an upright bass as nimbly as an electric guitar. On standout performance of “Neighbor Song,” a track from Lake Street Dive’s 2010 self-titled project, Kearney’s gentle performance was expressive and haunting, psychically in tune with Pierce’s lilting cabaret-style performance.

After the emotional “Nobody’s Stopping You Now,” the band came together at the center of the stage and performed three quieter numbers, “Stop Crying,” “Feels Like The Last Time,” and “Neighbor Song,” every one of them to lush harmonies. In moments like these, it’s clear how the band can combine and defy genres so smoothly; they have the skill to do so.

After closing their main set with the arena-worthy crowd favorite “Good Kisser,” the band happily came on for a 2-song encore. They performed Obviously’s stunning closer “Sarah,” the complex harmonies of which could comfortably fit over a full symphony. As the band closed with a cover of The Beatles’ classic “Don’t Let Me Down,” a full moon peeked out from behind the clouds.

Lake Street Dive’s Sunday show captured what makes them so great: their playfulness and skill, their eclectic interest in genre-bending rhythms and the pure joy they capture in so many of their songs. One could even say the band captured what’s so great about live music in general – a band and their audience, grooving together in heartbreak, happiness or healing over the same beat.

August 28, 2021

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