NYS Music 202​1

Tag: jazz

  • Robert Glasper and Terrace Martin Dazzle the Crowd at Blue Note Jazz Club

    Renowned jazz musicians Robert Glasper and Terrace Martin began their annual October residency at Blue Note Jazz Club at the beginning of this month. If the other shows have been anything like the one I attended on the night of Wednesday, October 20th- crowds have been in for an absolute treat.

    Robert Glasper at Blue Note Jazz Club, 10/20/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger

    Glasper and Martin have been two of the most prolific popular jazz musicians working today, having done a range of production work for a range of artists, like Kendrick Lamar, YG, Mac Miller, Anderson Paak, and many more. That doesn’t even include their solo albums or their super-group Dinner Party, which includes other legends Kamasi Washington and 9th Wonder. Their work has reached critical acclaim within the jazz community, leading them to have a wide-reaching influence.

    Robert Glasper Terrace Martin
    Terrace Martin at Blue Note Jazz Club, 10/20/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger

    The chemistry was apparent between the two. Glasper and Martin cracked jokes for much of the night, talking about their upbringing and how they both have been friends since they were teenagers. One particular funny story was how Martin inadvertently got himself replaced on the piano parts of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly by Glasper. The vibe of the show was very easygoing. I felt like I was eavesdropping on a bunch of friends just jamming out.

    Robert Glasper Terrace Martin
    Robert Glasper at Blue Note Jazz Club, 10/20/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger

    Glasper and Martin performed a tribute to Herbie Hancock and some material off of their Dinner Party project, but then were shortly joined by a special appearance from Denzel Curry, a prolific rapper from Miami. Denzel joined everyone else in cracking some jokes and performed some songs off of his Unlocked collab project with Kenny Beats. Curry’s music is usually fairly high energy, so it was really interesting to see him perform in a more relaxed environment. He even commented how unusual it was for him to be performing while sitting down.

    Robert Glasper Terrace Martin
    Denzel Curry at Blue Note Jazz Club, 10/20/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger

    Right when the crowd settled down, Denzel Curry introduced another special guest: Brooklyn’s very own Joey Bada$$. The crowd immediately went into a frenzy, while Joey performed a few songs and joined in on all the jokes the whole group was having. One particular highlight was when both Joey and Denzel free-styled off of a lone baseline for fifteen minutes, back and forth.

    Robert Glasper Terrace Martin
    Joey Bada$$ and Denzel Curry at Blue Note Jazz Club, 10/20/21. Photo by Kunal Khunger

    The show was great and if anyone has a chance to go check out a show, please do so. Robert Glasper’s residency continues all October, with more dates listed here. Be sure to take a look at the full photo gallery down below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxYvt-IBcNE
    Photos by Kunal Khunger


  • Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage Presents: 28th anniversary celebration of Charlie Parker

    New York’s largest free outdoor performing arts festival is making a comeback to live performances after last year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. Since its inception 35 years ago, more than six million people from New York City and around the world have enjoyed SummerStage. In 2020, “Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage Anywhere” was launched in response to the global pandemic, presenting 80 free digital performances, spanning all genres, available to all around the world. 

    Now, back in full swing, Capital One City Parks Foundation Summerstage will be hosting the annual celebration for esteemed jazz saxophonist, Charlie Parker. Recognized as one of the vanguards of jazz music’s evolution into the modern era, Parker is acknowledged for his advancement of Bebop, a subsidiary of Jazz known for its fast tempos. A highly regarded soloist, the celebration of Parker’s life and accomplishments will be comprised of his contemporizes as well as young jazz musicians who continue to push the art form forward. This year’s festivals will be held from August 27-29 at Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park in addition to other partnered jazz events around the city that will run from the August 23-27. 

    All free performances will be open to the public and will be first come, first served and in accordance with venue capacity limits. In response to the increasing spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, all guests of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival SummerStage events at Marcus Garvey Park will be required to show either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours in order to enter. Children under the age of 12 will be allowed to accompany their parent or guardian who provides proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test. 

    All information regarding vaccination/testing/mask guidelines as well as an itinerary of events for all Summerstage 2021 Season events can be found on the City Parks Foundation website. 

  • Brooklyn Americana Music Festival Announces September Lineup

    The Seventh Annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festival takes place September 16th -19th, 2021. Fifty live music events at seven iconic locations including the DUMBO Archway Plaza under the Manhattan Bridge and Pier 6 Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park on September 17th, 18th, and 19th. Nightly concerts will be held at Jalopy Theatre and Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook; and Superfine and 68 Jay St Bar in Dumbo.

    The annual festival is a beloved celebration of folk, roots, country blues, bluegrass, and jazz and attendees of all ages can enjoy banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and three part harmony renditions of original and traditional songs performed by a majority of women-identified artists. Ticketed concerts include the festival kickoff on September 16th at Jalopy Theatre, and September 17th in the Dumbo Archway Plaza, and are followed by thirty free live music events for all ages.

    Brooklyn Americana

    The 7th Annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festival is made possible by public funds from the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, both administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). The Festival is made possible in part by generous sponsors and the office of Councilman Stephen Levin.

    The 2021 Brooklyn Americana Festival lineup

    Thursday 9/16

    8pm Emerald Rae

    8:30pm M Shanghai

    9:30pm Crys Matthews

    10pm Caleb Caudle

    Friday 9/17

    5pm Emerald Rae

    5.30pm Bobtown

    6.30pm Ellie Buckland

    7pm Crys Matthews and Heather Mae

    8pm Mike Younger

    9pm The Wild Goats

    Saturday 9/18

    3pm Queens of Everything

    4pm Mazz Swift

    5pm Crys Matthews and Heather Mae

    6pm Ellie Buckland

    6:30pm The Maybelles

    3pm Ryan Engelbert

    4pm Melanie Curran

    5pm Danni Nichols

    5:30pm Edan Archer

    6pm Bobby Blue

    7pm Samoa Wilson

    8pm Walter Parks

    9pm Maggie Carson

    Sunday 9/19

    3pm Emerald Rae

    3:30pm Squiretown

    4pm Mazz Swift

    5pm Treya Lam

    5:30pm Joanna Sternberg

    6pm Ayen Tren and Joe Bass

    6:30pm Nora Brown

    11:30 am Rosetta Serrano

    Noon – 3pm M Shanghai String Band

    6pm Danni Nicholls

    7pm Emerald Rae

    8pm Queen Esther

    Sunny’s Bar 8pm – 10pm FREE

    Wed 9/16 Smokey’s Round-Up / Festival Kick Off

    Thur 9/17 Samoa Wilson

    Fri 9/18 Erica Mancini

    Sat 9/19 Kensuke Shoji and Arnt Arntzen

  • Joe Russo and The Bogie Band Collide To Bring Fans New Single, “The Witnesses”

    Following an exhilarating sold-out show at Nublu in New York City earlier this month and performance at Newport Jazz Festival on Sunday, August 1, The Bogie Band, led by saxophonist Stuart Bogie has combined musical talents with the legendary Joe Russo, releasing their new single, “The Witnesses.”

    "The Witnesses"
    “The Witnesses” | Presented by Royal Potato Family

    Leaders and founders of the 10-piece ensemble are Bogie and drummer Joe Russo. Members of The Bogie Band hail from a litany of groups, including Antibalas, The Dap Kings, Red Barat, Arcade Fire, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, David Byrne’s American Utopia, St. Vincent, The Budos Band, and Superhuman Happiness. “The Witnesses” signifies a triumphant musical synergy. In a thrilling collaboration between old friends, Bogie’s horn arrangements meet Russo’s propulsive drumming to create an explosive combination of woodwind and brass instruments – reimagining wind music in bold and dynamic new ways.

    Stuart Bogie and Joe Russo
    Stuart Bogie and Joe Russo

    “‘The Witnesses’ speaks to the urgency of the times in a musical language that laid the groundwork for the Bogie Band featuring Joe Russo. The brass knocks you right and left, the saxophones scream, and the drums keeping you running for your life.”

    Stuart Bogie on “The Witnesses”

    This band is just getting starting and will surely bring more live music – like their jam-packed Nublu debut – as we head into the fall. Be sure to catch The Bogie Band featuring Stuart Bogie and Joe Russo as they hit the stage to perform live at the Newport Jazz Festival, it will be a performance fans will not want to miss. To stay updated on the band’s upcoming events, projects, and exciting new releases check out their Instagram HERE.

    Listen to “The Witnesses” via Spotify and YouTube Below:

  • Tony Glausi Promises Fans Everything At Once With New Single “The Ominous Blue” Off Upcoming Album

    Singer, songwriter, trumpeter, and producer Tony Glausi released his new single “The Ominous Blue,” featuring singer and saxophonist Braxton Cook. The track comes right off of Glausi’s upcoming album, Everything At Once out September 3 via Outside In Music.

    tony glausi
    Tony Glausi | Courtesy of Sofia Alvarez

    Raised in Portland, Oregon but currently based in New York City, Tony Glausi is widely known for his accomplishments as a trumpet player. Now, on Everything At Once, Glausi breaks free from simply being an instrumentalist and firmly establishes his prowess as a bandleader, producer, songwriter, and singer. The new full-length album features straight-to-the-gut pop jams and R&B-influenced tunes taking inspiration from a bevy of sources all while still remaining uniquely true to Glausi’s vision as an artist. The album was announced last month alongside his singles “Lot of Enough” and “Jada Jada.”

    “Writing Everything At Once I felt like the project wasn’t about me. It wasn’t about Tony, the trumpet player. I just wanted to make fucking songs… I sing on three of them, but I just wanted to produce the music and ultimately let my collaborators shine.”

    Tony Glausi
    tony glausi

    Everything At Once is a cinematic full-length production brimming with confidence, introducing Tony Glausi the polymath. It is an album of places, faces, and interactions. Simply put, Tony Glausi has created a mixtape to his life, thanks, in part, to his willingness to try anything. Along with Braxton Cook, guests on Everything At Once include Latin Grammy-nominated Nana Mendoza, Brooklyn-based singer Elysse, rapper Charlemagne the Goddess, and UK vocalist Max Milner.

    “Coming out of high school and studying music in college, I was pretty fixated on jazz trumpet playing, and my earlier releases were heavily oriented around improvisation and swing, but as I continue to write and explore new sounds, I feel like I get closer and closer to my true voice, one record at a time. The album is literally a two-year snapshot of my life. Each story is like a scene from a film, or I guess 10 different films”

    Glausi continuing on creating ‘Everything At Once’

    Everything At Once will be released on September 3 through Outside In Music. Until then, fans should listen to Glausi’s latest releases, including the masterfully written and recorded Lot of Enough and Jada Jada. These songs are just snippets of the eclectic and exhilarating sound Tony Glausi has uncovered for himself with his latest album, and show why he deserves the spotlight on today’s musical stage

    Stay up to date on Tony’s announcements and projects through his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify and YouTube featured below:

  • JazzBuffalo Announces Revitalizing Expansion Of The Seneca One Building With Debut Performance From Janet Evra

    JazzBuffalo has announced an expansion of its partnership with Seneca One in its endeavors to further community outreach. Beginning Saturday, October 2 with a concert by international jazz artist, Janet Evra, the Seneca One Auditorium will serve as the new home performance venue for JazzBuffalo programming. Located in the revitalized Seneca One building, the venue offers spectacular views, audio, and comfortable seating for all.

    The new Seneca One auditorium expansion | Courtesy of Jack Zuff

    Accessible through the Seneca One Lobby, concert-goers for JazzBuffalo events will be able to experience the Seneca One Lobby Bar. The bar will enable pre-concert, intermission, and post-concert opportunities to gather with friends and family over drinks and food. The auditorium previously served as a business lecture auditorium dating back to the original Marine Midland Bank occupancy. However, efforts will be made to modify the stage for concerts. The Seneca One Auditorium seats approximately 230 and was carefully designed and constructed to serve as a high-quality acoustic facility, featuring acoustic walls and ceilings.

    Seneca One Lobby

    In an announcement from JazzBuffalo, the organization revealed it is seeking patrons interested in donating a baby grand piano to be used by performers during concerts. A fundraiser for obtaining a piano is also being considered. Seneca One and JazzBuffalo will hope for the community of jazz and music lovers to experience the auditorium and the new Seneca One Lobby Bar.  Prior to the concert, the highly regarded French ConéXion will entertain in the Lobby Bar from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm.

    Janet Evra

    Janet Evra is part of the emerging class of upright bassists and vocalists entertaining the world of jazz in clubs and festivals internationally. She performs on the premier international stage across the USA and Europe. She is known for her intoxicating interpretations of French jazz and Brazilian-influenced repertoire of traditional samba, bossa nova, and Latin jazz – all with an indie twist. Evra has also collaborated with Grammy winners and nominees as well as international jazz superstars: Taylor Eigsti, Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Diego Figueiredo, and Chad Lefkowitz-Brown. Evra performs superbly in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Her eclectic take on jazz beach-pop has also made her music a favorite on playlists across the globe.

    Evra will be performing upright bass and vocals and will be appearing as a quartet featuring a stellar trio of musicians: Ryan Marquez (keyboards), Will Buchanan (guitar), and Tim Moore (drums). For more information and to purchase tickets to see the talented Janet Evra, as well as to experience the new home venue for JazzBuffalo yourself, visit Eventbrite.

    Check out a video of Janet Evra singing her fan-favorite original song, “Paris”

  • Pat Metheny to release new album “SIDE-EYE”, will make 3 stops in NY on huge worldwide tour

    Releasing September 10th, SIDE-EYE is an exciting new release by Pat Metheny accompanied alongside new young stars.

    Naturally, a world tour has been announced to accompany the release, with dates below and over 100 concerts world-wide to choose from, among those dates in New York, Patchogue, Rochester, and Troy.

    Pat Metheny

    Pat Metheny‘s new release in his 40 year, 20-time grammy winning career; SIDE-EYE, is accompanied by a handpicked and rotating cast of players featuring some of the most original and compelling new musicians on the New York scene.

    Pat Metheny

    The new album, SIDE-EYE NYC will be released September 10 through BMG Modern Recordings. Recorded just before the world-stopping pandemic, SIDE-EYE (V1.1V) combines reworkings of Metheny’s timeless compositions including, “Timeline,” along with stunning new originals. Now bringing the same spirit to a new crop of players who grew up with his music, Metheny’s SIDE-EYE flows in his usual genre-defying way from post-organ-trio grooves to expansive mini-suite forms to simply Pat Metheny at his most rocking.

    Listen to “Timeline” by Pat Metheny

    As on the recording, the live version of SIDE-EYE will feature the pianist James Francies. The drum chair in SIDE-EYE has been filled by many exiting names including Eric Harland, Anwar Marshall and most notably, Marcus Gilmore, who is spotlighted on the recording. The young New Orleans drummer, Joe Dyson, will be featured in the upcoming live performances around the world.

    Pianist James Francies.

    Metheny is known for his musical experimentation, as he is the only musician ever to win grammy awards in twelve different musical categories. Through his collaborations, Metheny is able to intertwine genres and offer groundbreaking never before heard of music. His collaborators on past projects have included Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, David Bowie.

    Pat Metheny

    PAT METHENY SIDE-EYE TOUR DATES

    September 16, 2021 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA

    September 17, 2021 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA

    September 18, 2021 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA

    September 19, 2021 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA

    September 21, 2021 – Revolution Hall – Portland, OR

    September 22, 2021 – Cascade Theater – Redding, CA

    September 24, 2021 – Monterey Jazz Fest – Monterey, CA

    September 25, 2021 – SFJazz Center Miner Auditorium – San Francisco, CA

    September 26, 2021 – SFJazz Center Miner Auditorium – San Francisco, CA

    September 27, 2021 – Crest Theater – Sacramento, CA

    September 29, 2021 – Lobero Theatre – Santa Barbara, CA

    September 30, 2021 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA

    October 1, 2021 – Irvine Barclay Theatre – Irvine, CA

    October 3, 2021 – Mesa Arts Center – Mesa, AZ

    October 5, 2021 – Fox Tucson Theatre – Tucson, AZ

    October 6, 2021 – National Hispanic Cultural Center – Albuquerque, NM

    October 7, 2021 – Boulder Theatre – Boulder, CO

    October 8, 2021 – Strings Music Pavilion – Steamboat Springs, CO

    October 9, 2021 – Paramount Theatre – Denver, CO

    October 11, 2021 – Lied Center Performing Arts – Lincoln, NB

    October 12, 2021 – Pantages Theatre – Minneapolis, MN

    October 14, 2021 – Pabst Theatre – Milwaukee, WI

    October 15, 2021 – Thalia Hall (2 shows) – Chicago, IL

    October 16, 2021 – Memorial Hall – Cincinnati, OH

    October 17, 2021 -Orchestra Hall – Detroit, MI

    November 4, 2021 – Flying Monkey – Plymouth, NH 

    November 5, 2021 – State Theatre – Portland, ME

    November 6, 2021 – Foxwoods- The Fox Theater – Mashantucket, CT

    November 7, 2021 – Wilbur Theatre – Boston, MA

    November 9, 2021 – Ridgefield Playhouse – Ridgefield, CT

    November 11, 2021 – Keswick Theater – Glenside, PA

    November 12, 2021 – State Theatre New Jersey – New Brunswick, NJ

    November 13, 2021 – The Music Center at Strathmore – N Bethesda, MD

    November 14, 2021 – Patchogue Theater of Performing Arts – Patchogue, NY

    November 16, 2021 – Williams Center for the Arts – Easton, PA

    November 18, 2021 – Kodak Theater – Rochester, NY

    November 19, 2021 – Troy Music Hall – Troy, NY

    November 20, 2021 – Academy of Music – Northampton, MA

    February 3, 2022 – State Theatre – State College, PA

    February 4, 2022 – Ferguson Center for the Arts – Newport News, VA

    February 5, 2022 – Jefferson Center – Roanoke, VA

    February 7, 2022 – Schermerhorn Symphony Center – Nashville, TN

    February 8, 2022 – Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – Asheville, NC

    February 9, 2022 – Carolina Theater – Durham, NC

    February 11, 2022 – Blumenthal Knight Arts Theater – Charlotte, NC

    February 12, 2022 – Variety Theater (2 Shows) – Atlanta, GA 

    February 13, 2022 – UAB’s Alys Stephens Center – Birmingham, AL

    February 14, 2022 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC

    February 16, 2022 – Lyric Center – Stuart, FL

    February 17, 2022 – Dr. Phillips Center – Orlando, FL

    February 18, 2022 – Arsht Center Knight Concert Hall – Miami, FL

    February 19, 2022 – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL

    February 20, 2022 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL

    February 23, 2022 – One World Theater – Austin, TX

    February 24, 2022 – One World Theater – Austin, TX

    February 25, 2022 – Cullen Theater – Houston, TX

    February 26, 2022 – Majestic Theatre- Dallas, TX

    April 26, 2022 – Sono Centrum- Brno, Cz

    April 27, 2022 – Wiener Konzerthaus- Vienna, Au

    April 28, 2022 – MUPA – Budapest, Hgy

    April 29, 2022 – Forum Karlin – Prague, Cz

    May 1, 2022 – Alte Oper Erfurt – Erfurt, Gr

    May 2, 2022 – Alte Oper – Frankfurt, Gr

    May 3, 2022 – Tollhaus Karlsruhe – Karlsruhe, Gr

    May 4, 2022 – Tonhalle Dusseldorf – Dusseldorf, Gr

    May 6, 2022 – Grand Teatro Geox – Padova, It

    May 7, 2022 – Teatro Alighieri -Ravenna, It

    May 8, 2022 – Teatro Umberto Giordano – Foggia, It

    May 9, 2022 – Auditorium Parco della Musica – Rome, It

    May 11, 2022 – Auditorium Del Lingotto – Torino, It

    May 12, 2022 – Teatro degli Arcimboldi – Milano, It

    May 13, 2022 – Volkhaus – Zurich, Sw

    May 14, 2022 – Philharmonie im Gasteig – Munich, Gr

    May 15, 2022 – Philharmonic Luxembourg – Luxembourg

    May 17, 2022 – Admiralspalast – Berlin, Gr

    May 19, 2022 – Oetkerhalle Halle – Bielefeld, Gr

    May 20, 2022 – Geblasehalle – Neunkirchen, Gr

    May 21, 2022 – L’Olympia – Paris, Fr

    May 22, 2022 – Ancienne Belgique – Brussels, Bl

    May 24, 2022 – Beethoven Saal – Stuttgart, Gr

    May 25, 2022 – Konzerthaus Dortmund – Dortmund, Gr

    May 27, 2022 – Haus Auensee – Leipzig, Gr

    May 28, 2022 – Laeiszhalle – Hamburg, Gr

    May 29, 2022 – De Roma – Antwerp, Bl

    May 30, 2022 – Tivoli Vredenberg – Utrecht, Hld

    June 2, 2022 – Opera Nova – Bydgoszcz, Pl

    June 3, 2022 – Opera Lesna – Sopot, Pl

    June 4, 2022 – Palladium – Warsaw, Pl

    June 6, 2022 – National Forum of Music – Wroclaw, Pl

    June 7, 2022 – Centrum Spotkania Kultur – Lublin, Pl

    June 8, 2022 – Church of St. Kolbe – Bielsko-Biala, Pl

    June 9, 2022 – Kunsthaus Weiz – Weiz, Aus

    June 12, 2022 – Hammersmith – London, UK

    June 14, 2022 – Rocher de Palmer – Cenon, Fr

    June 15, 2022 – Sala Mozart – Zaragoza, Sp

    June 17, 2022 – Aud. Mar de Vigo – Vigo, Sp

    June 18, 2022 – Botanical Garden – Madrid, Sp

    June 19, 2022 – Teatro de la Maestranza – Seville, Sp

    June 21, 2022 – Palau de la Musica – Barcelona, Sp

    June 22, 2022 – Palau de les Arts – Valencia, Sp

    Listen to “It Starts When We Disappear” from SIDE-EYE NYC

  • Rene Lopez Releases New Genre-Melding Single “Flamingo”

    Singer-songwriter, guitarist and drummer Rene Lopez has just released his new single, “Flamingo”. A master of cross-genre work, Lopez’ single features Caribbean roots, rhythmic Jamaican ska drum loops, Cuban son montuno with cha-cha-chá influence. “Flamingo” stands as a direct reflection of Lopez’ multicultural upbringing in New York City, where he resides today.

    Son of the famed Puerto Rican salsa musician and trumpet player René López, Rene embraces the traditional roots of his father while incorporating his own unique musical influences, including soul, jazz, funk, and rock. 

    Rene Lopez

    An audience can audibly hear this melding of genres- with the fusion of Latin rhythms and instruments like timbales, congas, cowbell, flute, trumpet, Cuban tres and melodies similar to the pop musical soundscape today. 

    It just feels so right to incorporate my roots into my songs.

    Rene Lopez

    Dubbed “a one-man song factory” by Félix Contreras of NPR’s Alt.Latino, Lopez takes a personal approach to songwriting. 

    There is also a story that I tell in each song that is basically my own way of dealing with stuff going on in my life [and it] helps me face myself when I sing it out loud.

    Rene Lopez

    Lopez’ ability to write a autobiographical discography that melds Latin music, funk, rock, doo-wop, and soul is what keeps him hitting the mark with these catchy songs. Throughout the course of his work, Lopez’ music has only continued to become more Latinized, invoking a thematic otherness as an immigrant or being from a certain urban ethnic neighborhood. Keeping his songs close to home has reflected an authentic, nostalgic sound  that shows listeners Lopez is “being completely honest with who I am, and a big part of that is my Latin roots,” as well as telling stories of personal relationships and experiences in an unflinching way.

    Rene Lopez

    Written as an ode to a “special woman” Lopez fell in love with after he got divorced, “Flamingo” bears Lopez’ vulnerability. He successfully transformed a situation he dubbed “extremely difficult and heartbreaking” into a beautiful tribute to the experience. Simultaneously graceful and outlandish, the flamingo serves as the perfect metaphor to quantify his unattainable love.

    The title of the single then alludes to the doomed romance due to the lovers’ star-crossed circumstances. Beautiful and tragic, the song is a Latin lullaby of love and healing. The poetic lyrics serve as the perfect gateway into Lopez’ self and coupled with the personal roots of his past, “Flamingo” serves as a testament to Lopez’ past. And evidently, the song is yet another incredible hit to add to his collection of singles, keeping his growing audience waiting for the future.

    The single is streaming on Soundcloud and does not disappoint! 

  • Flushing Town Hall Announces a Virtual Tribute to the American Melting Pot

    Flushing Town Hall Announces a virtual tribute to the American Melting Pot on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 7PM EST. The event will be focusing on and celebrating diverse music and musicians in celebration of the national holiday.

    Flushing Town Hall is known as being a  Smithsonian affiliate and presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City in general. The venue has been around since 1979 and is known for supporting local, immigrant, national, and international artists. Flushing Town Hall aims to serve and represent diverse communities in the world and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.

    This Flushing Town Hall  celebration of the American Melting Pot is being supported by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the monthly Jazz Jams have been led since 2016 by Astoria resident Carol Sudhalter. House band members include illustrious musicians Joe Vincent Tranchina, Scott Neumann, and Eric Lemon.

    Carol Sudhalter, Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Band leader spoke on this upcoming celebration saying, “From Latin Jazz to Miles Davis’ Sketches of Spain, music from practically every culture eventually finds its way into the jazz idiom, enriching its array of colors and sounds. In July we look forward to seeing how each participant contributes their own creative corner of the picture!”

    In the past 15 months, streams by Flushing Town Hall have hosted over 200 musicians. The upcoming American Melting Pot celebration will host even more musicians adding to the numbers. Musicians who performed in 2020 are now welcome to return to perform in the upcoming performance. Each month, up to five returning musicians and up to 15 new musicians can participate. Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

    Musicians interested in participating on July 14 should email education@flushingtownhall.org with the suggested three- to four-minute tune they intend to play in line with this month’s theme. The performance can be live or a pre-recorded audio or video (but not a professional, edited recording such as a CD or YouTube video).


    Viewers can tune in to Flushing Town Hall’s Facebook page or Zoom on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00 PM (EST) to join the live event for free, without registration.

    For more information on the Flushing Town Hall’s tribute the American Melting Pot visit their website here.

  • Robert Walter Drops First Two Tracks from ‘Better Feathers’ Digital 45 Series

    Robert Walter shares “Or Else” and “Franklin,” the first two songs from his Better Feathers series, in which the acclaimed keyboardist rolls out six new “digital 45s” via Royal Potato Family. Each release will feature two singles for a total of 12 tracks to be issued from now through October. 

    Rather than making the more obvious quiet, introspective music, the focus instead turned to my nostalgia for sweaty bars and crowded dance floors. Somewhere during the process, tracks began floating back and forth to friends like Stanton Moore (Galactic), Craig Brodhead (Turkuaz), Chris Stillwell (The Greyboy Allstars), Jake Najor, John Kimock and Mike Gordon (Phish) to add their own parts remotely.

    Robert Walter

    Written and recorded entirely from home during quarantine in 2020 and 2021, Robert immersed himself in the writing and recording process as a way to remain creative and fend off boredom while faced with a year of no live shows. According to Walter, the title Better Feathers comes from the idea of birds molting — shedding their old, worn-out feathers for new, better ones.

    “Or Else,” is the first of the two tracks released in the series. The song features Robert Walter‘s frequent collaborator, New Orleans drummer Stanton Moore and Turkuaz guitarist Craig Brodhead. “It was influenced by early ’80s dance records by artists like Grace Jones and Chic,” says Walter. The clean melody is inspired by dub melodica explorations and the breakthrough work of Augustus Pablo to create “pure topical funk and summer vibes.” The tune was the first track Walter wrote and curated for the sessions.

    Robert Walter – Photo by Julia Mordaunt

    It was time to shift gears and think of the situation as a positive and not a negative; an unexpected abundance of time to emerge with something of value… The music is influenced by the methods. In the absence of working with a group, the focus turned to overdubbing layers of sound. Inspirations were found by digging into late 70s NYC dance music, dub reggae, archaic blues, Krautrock, jazz, and funk.

    Robert Walter on his creative process during COVID-19 quarantining

    The “b-side” is “Franklin” named after Walter‘s elementary school alongside memories of his younger self. Once again, Stanton Moore joins on drums, adding an especially spare and funky beat.

    Photo by Rene Huemer via robertwalter.com

    There was a certain time during the mid-’70s where it seemed like everything in pop culture was funky. Saturday morning cartoons, television commercials, and most of the music on the radio had absorbed (and sometimes bastardized) the sounds of James Brown, Sly Stone, and the Jackson 5

    Robert Walker

    Robert Walter’s Better Feathers Digital 45 Release Schedule

    The Better Feathers series continues in late July with the release of “Saucerman” featuring Phish bassist Mike Gordon and “Devices of Similar Size” with Stanton Moore once again on drums. Find the schedule below:

    "Saucermen" (w/ Mike Gordon)
"Devices Of Similar Size" (w/ Stanton Moore)
Release Date: July 21, 2021

"Bloodstar" (w/ Craig Brodhead)
"Better Feathers" (w/ Stanton Moore)
Release Date: August 18, 2021

"Security" (w/ John Kimock)
"It's Not What's"
Release Date: September 1, 2021

"Wet From The Press" (w/ Jake Najor)
"Feeder, Doctor, Talker" (w/ Jake Najor & Chris Stillwell)
Release Date: September 22, 2021

"Hellhound" (w/ Chris Stillwell)
"Loomis"
Release Date: October 27, 2021

    Until then, isten to and share “Franklin” and “Or Else” below on his Spotify as well as other streaming services accessible HERE