The late Leonard Cohen was honored with a 14-track compilation tribute album titled, Cult Classics Vol. 1: I Don’t Even Think of You That Often. The album pays tribute to the fifth anniversary of his passing and featuring more than 20 different musicians.
Album cover provided by press release.
Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and artist who passed away back in 2016. New York always held a special place in Leonard Cohen’s heart from when he first visited it back in 1966 where he met folk singer Judy Collins. Other big names befriended in New York included, Andy Warhol, the Velvet Underground, and German singer Nico, “whose despondent delivery he may have emulated on his exquisite 1967 album Songs of Leonard Cohen,” according toRolling Stone. Cohen wrote many songs inspired by New York including “First We Take Manhattan” and “Chelsea Hotel #2.”
Cult Classics Vol. 1: I Don’t Even Think of You That Often, was released on November 7 was conceptualized and headed by Staten Island-based producer Adam Tilzer, was brought together by more than a dozen additional powerhouse musicians, including: Ellajay, Jacob Jolliff, Elijah Mann, Jordan Popky, Lana Cenčić, Yify Zhang, Giselle, Ann Marie Nacchio, The Defectives, Kiirstin Marilyn, Emanuel Ayvas, Shay Moulder, Paola Bennet, Lexie Lowell, Ward Williams, Sam Nordlinger, Maxfield Gast, Brian Delaney, Tiger Darrow, Jesse “Dr.” Blum, Benjamin Wright, and Elliott Von Wendt.
Check out the Leonard Cohen tribute album Cult Classics Vol. 1: I Don’t Even Think of You That Often on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital streaming platforms.
On November 7 at East Berlin, seven musicians performed tracks from the tribute album. Check out a gallery below from Joseph Buscarello.
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.
“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.
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 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.
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.
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.
(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.
(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.
(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 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.
Almost four years after his first foray into unfamiliar concert territory with his highly-acclaimed Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, “Weird Al” Yankovic will return to the road for an extensive cross-country tour, kicking off with two dates in New York.
Weird Al Yankovic in New York, May 17, 2016. Accustomed to a career mix of recognition and indifference, the musical comedian says he’s eager to give IFC’s “Comedy Bang! Bang!”, his first steady television gig in nearly 20 years, a whirl. (Todd Heisler/The New York Times)
Starting April 23 at Bardavon in Poughkeepsie, and heading through Albany the next night at The Egg, “Weird Al” will perform 131 shows over the next six months, with the final show in New York City at Carnegie Hall on October 29.
The tour marks Weird Al’s long-anticipated return to the concert stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where he performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra at world-renowned venues such as New York’s Forest Hills Stadium, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Washington D.C.’s Wolf Trap.
Once again drawing from his back catalogue of 14 studio albums, Weird Al promises to deliver a different setlist every night, with no two shows the same. As before, rather than focusing on the hits from his career, the show will feature Yankovic’s non-parody material – the somewhat more obscure pastiches and original songs that have largely escaped the pop culture radar but are adored by his long-time fans.
Like the last Vanity Tour, “Weird Al” will be playing smaller, more intimate venues, leaving behind the high-octane theatrics that he’s known for and going bare-bones – no costumes, no props, no video screens… just Al and his band of almost four decades hanging out on stage, playing music.
Reflecting on his decision to bring back the stripped-down concerts, Al said:
I’ve loved doing every single incarnation of my live show, but honestly the Vanity tour is the most fun I’ve ever had on stage… so I’ve been dying to get back out there and torture everybody with it once again!
“Weird Al” on the return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour
Opening the show each night will be returning fan favorite and Al’s long-time friend (and UHF cast member), the legendary comedian Emo Philips.
“Weird Al” Yankovic first found fame via the Dr. Demento radio show in the late 1970s, before launching a career that would lead to 14 albums, creative and hilarious music videos, and built a following of fans across the globe.
Tickets are on sale Friday, December 10 at 10am local time for all shows. Check Weird Al’s website for more details. Tickets for the “Weird Al” VIP Meet & Greet Experience are available only thru www.ticketmaster.com
Weird Al Yankovic 2022 North American Tour
04/26 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Bardavon Opera House 04/27 – Albany, NY@ The Egg Center for the Performing Arts 04/29 – New Bedford, MA @ Zeiterion Performing Arts Center 04/30 – Orono, ME @ Collins Center for the Performing Arts 05/01 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom 05/03 – Portland, ME @ Merrill Auditorium 05/04 – New London, CT @ Garde Arts Center 05/06 – Medford, MA @ Chevalier Theatre 05/07 – Medford, MA @ Chevalier Theatre 05/08 – Burlington, VT @ The Flynn 05/10 – Ridgefield, CT @ The Ridgefield Playhouse 05/11 – Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center 05/14 – Wilkes-Barre, PA @ The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts 05/15 – Erie, PA @ Warner Theatre 05/17 – Canton, OH @ Canton Palace Theatre 05/18 – Saginaw, MI @ The Temple Theatre 05/20 – Detroit, MI @ Fisher Theatre 05/21 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center 05/22 – Springfield, IL @ Sangamon Auditorium 05/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Performing Arts Center 05/25 – Evansville, IN @ Victory Theatre 05/27 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns 05/28 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns 05/29 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium 05/31 – Little Rock, AR @ Robinson Performance Hall 06/01 – Tulsa, OK @ Tulsa Theater 06/03 – Denver, CO @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House 06/04 – Denver, CO @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House 06/05 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Capitol Theatre 06/06 – Boise, ID @ Morrison Center for the Performing Arts 06/08 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre 06/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre 06/11 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre 06/12 – Reno, NV @ Silver Legacy Resort & Casino – Reno Ballroom 06/15 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Theatre 06/16 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Theatre 06/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA 06/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA 06/20 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Granada Theatre 06/21 – Bakersfield, CA @ Fox Theatre 06/24 – Spokane, WA @ Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox 06/25 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater 06/26 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall 06/28 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre 06/29 – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre 06/30 – Eugene, OR @ Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Silva Concert Hall 07/02 – Vancouver, BC @ The Centre 07/04 – Edmonton, AB @ Winspear Centre 07/05 – Calgary, AB @ Jack Singer Concert Hall 07/06 – Calgary, AB @ Jack Singer Concert Hall 07/08 – Regina, SK @ Conexus Arts Centre 07/09 – Saskatoon, SK @ TCU Place 07/10 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts 07/11 – Duluth, MN @ Symphony Hall 07/14 – Madison, WI @ Overture Center for the Arts – Overture Hall 07/15 – Chicago, IL @ Symphony Center – Orchestra Hall 07/16 – Chicago, IL @ Symphony Center – Orchestra Hall 07/19 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Paramount Theatre 07/20 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theatre 07/22 – Lincoln, NE @ Lied Center 07/23 – Mankato, MN @ Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 07/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ State Theatre 07/26 – Elkhart, IN @ The Lerner Theatre 07/29 – Lewiston, NY @ Artpark Mainstage Theater 07/30 – Ottawa, ON @ National Arts Centre – Southam Hall 08/01 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall 08/02 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall 08/03 – Williamsport, PA @ Community Arts Center – Martin Theatre 08/05 – Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre 08/06 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre 08/07 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre 08/09 – Newport News, VA @ Ferguson Center for the Arts 08/10 – Richmond, VA @ Dominion Energy Center – Carpenter Theatre 08/12 – Wilmington, NC @ Wilson Center 08/13 – Charlotte, NC @ Blumenthal Performing Arts Center – Belk 08/14 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Gaillard Center 08/17 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre 08/18 – Greenville, SC @ Peace Center 08/19 – Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Center – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall 08/20 – Birmingham, AL @ Alabama Theatre 08/22 – Ashland, KY @ Paramount Arts Center 08/23 – Dayton, OH @ Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center 08/25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe 08/26 – Benton Harbor, MI @ The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College 08/28 – Chesterfield, MO @ Chesterfield Amphitheater 08/30 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre 08/31 – Topeka, KS @ Topeka Performing Arts Center 09/01 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion 09/02 – Kansas City, MO @ Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 09/04 – Midwest City, OK @ Hudiburg Chevrolet Center at Rose State College 09/06 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Pikes Peak Center 09/07 – Grand Junction, CO @ Avalon Theatre 09/09 – Greeley, CO @ Union Colony Civic Center 09/10 – Santa Fe, NM @ The Santa Fe Opera – The Crosby Theatre 09/11 – Chandler, AZ @ Chandler Center for the Arts 09/13 – Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts Center 09/15 – Paso Robles, CA @ Vina Robles Amphitheatre 09/16 – Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Theater 09/18 – Thousand Oaks, CA @ Bank of America Performing Arts Center 09/21 – Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery 09/24 – Davis, CA @ Robert & Margaret Mondavi Center for Performing Arts 09/25 – San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre 09/26 – San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre 09/27 – Tucson, AZ @ Fox Tucson Theatre 09/29 – Lubbock, TX @ Helen Devitt Jones Theater 09/30 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre 10/01 – Houston, TX @ Cullen Performance Hall 10/02 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater 10/04 – San Antonio, TX @ Majestic Theatre 10/06 – Memphis, TN @ Graceland Soundstage 10/07 – Shreveport, LA @ The Strand Theatre 10/08 – Lafayette, LA @ Heymann Performing Arts Center 10/09 – Pensacola, FL @ Saenger Theatre 10/11 – Melbourne, FL @ King Center for the Performing Arts 10/12 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse 10/13 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse 10/15 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall 10/16 – Orlando, FL @ Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Walt Disney Theatre 10/17 – Orange Park, FL @ Thrasher-Horne Center 10/19 – Washington, DC @ The Kennedy Center – Concert Hall 10/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Symphony Hall 10/22 – Atlanta, GA @ Symphony Hall 10/23 – Raleigh, NC @ Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts 10/25 – Roanoke, CA @ Berglund Performing Arts Center 10/26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall – Rose and Gilt Theatre 10/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Cultural Campus 10/29 – New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall – Stern Auditorium
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Rockland County based Indie-punk label Manic Kat Records has announced the return of their annual holiday show, “A Very Merry Punxmas IV” at Olive’s Bar in Nyack.
Hosted for a second year by TikTok influencer, KiwiCvlt A Very Merry Punxmas iV takes place on December 18th with sets from New Age Affair, When Thieves are About, Cult Classic and Just Happy To Be Here, with more live music and festivities taking place over the course of the evening.
Formed in New York in 2009, independent label Manic Kat Records continues to flourish as a hot bed of punk, rock and metal talent from North America & internationally. Manic Kat has a roster including highly-touted emerging acts such as The Anchor, American Standards, Right On, Kid and Nautical Mile.
We run our label like a family; that being said, we only work with bands that we absolutely love as people and love as musicians.
Peter James, Manic Kat president
2021 has been a busy year for the label, with new albums from Borderline Natives, Lights on The Coast, Nautical Mile and Right On, Kid all wowing pop-punk and alternative rock fans. Check out these and more artists on the Manic Kat Records label.
Advance tickets are available for $7 here, with tickets available on the door for $10.
