Author: Haylee Farrell

Sarah King A/B Album “Always an Almost” and “You Were Wrong About Me”

Ripton, VT, artist Sarah King has recently just delivered a soulful new A/B sided release with “Always an Almost” and “You Were Wrong About Me.” There’s no arguing that King’s talents are being celebrated by some of the biggest names in music. Her music has a similar resemblance to artists like The Lumineers, Lana Del Rey, Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson, Shawn Mendes and more.

Sarah King A/B

Just off the heels of her most recent EP The Hour, Sarah King shows her newest releases exuding a clear contrast to her previous works. Most which were originally inspired by loss of loved ones, grief and the heavier feelings that she had carried with her for years. In her newest releases, each song can be both musically and lyrically versatility. King does this through dynamic vocal delivery and refreshing heart-on-sleeve storytelling.

Sarah King A/B

The track “Always an Almost” describes the sudden chances we thought we just missed, much like the relationships that didn’t last, and all of the dreams we struggle to let go of in order to make space for what is really meant for us. King sings heartfelt lyrics with tears streaming down her face, solidifying the fact that she had an undeniable hit in her hands.

“Almost thought I couldn’t let go, But the pain’s how you grow / It gets better I know, Always an almost” ~ Always An Almost

Followed by a fierce rock companion “You Were Wrong About Me,” this release offers a bit of modern rock n roll. This release looks back on the situations that didn’t work out from a place of strength, growth and confidence. Originally the song was written in about 10 minutes; the two-minute-long rocker was inspired by a music venue that rejected King to perform before even listening to her music. Thus, King has written one of her most simple, yet impactful tracks that musicians will be able to relate to.

“Don’t need your permission now, Didn’t want it anyhow / Live my life the way I please, You’ll never be the boss of me” ~ You Were Wrong About Me

October 18, 2022
Trauma Cat’s “The Truth Doesn’t Live Here” Album Release

Local to Syracuse, the band Trauma Cat has recently just dropped their newest album The Truth Doesn’t Live Here, which we released on Friday, October 7^th. Award-winning indie alternative band making a name for themselves by stating that they are “America’s sorriest power trio.” Along with this, they will be playing at The Range in Ithaca on October 22^nd.

This LP marks the Syracuse-based band’s second full-length collaboration weighing in at a whopping 19 tracks. The unauthorized double album features six singles previously released in 2022: “Better Questions,” “Tsai Shen,” “Bunnyhole,” “Popcorn Machine,” “Get It All Out (Online),” and “The Reporter.”

Songs like “The Truth Doesn’t Live Here” arrive also on the heels of a five-part online “dox-u-series” called “The Truth About Trauma Cat,” a cheeky satire of internet culture, deepfake technology, and simulation theory that teases a definitive identity reveal of the band’s members (known as Ralph Kojig, Roman Pando, and Rutger DiBoyere).

“When we say ‘the truth doesn’t live here,’ we mean that we are all inhabiting a post-truth world,” says guitarist Kojig, who shares primary songwriting and frontman duties with bassist Pando. “While it’s possible that the majority of our society once recognized an objective truth, it’s pretty clear now — in the face of so many false or dubious claims — that we never had a monopoly on reality anyway, I’m sorry to say.”

“And there’s something hilarious and freeing about that,” adds Pando. “That strange liberation is what provoked Ralph and I to write the songs that would end up on this record. The result is something deeply inquisitive, and yet, with apologies to our audience, we still have no answers — except, obnoxiously, that there are no answers. Sorry!”

The songs on the album that I recommend are “The Truth Doesn’t Live Here,” which doubles down on Trauma Cat’s signature blend of music taste. The song combines a progressive rock with shades of post-punk, shoegaze, and power-pop. Similarly, “Better Questions” and “Pray the Gay Away” are another two amazing blend of alternative genres that speak to the chaos of the record’s core theme.

“The Truth Doesn’t Live Here” is available now on all streaming platforms. To listen to their newest hits, click the link here.

October 18, 2022
Brooklyn Funk Essentials Release Video For “AA Side Single”

NYC’s cult funk ensemble Brooklyn Funk Essentials have just shared a playful video for their irresistible new jazz-funk jam “AA Side Single.” The music video was just released October 16^th, in follow up to the critically acclaimed recent single “Scream!” released on Dorado Records.

The tongue in cheek video is full of vibes and features legendary lead singer Alison Limerick, BFE founder and bassist Lati Kronlund and the entire BFE lineup.

Brooklyn Funk Essentials is a music collective who mix jazz, funk, and hip hop, featuring musicians and poets from different cultures. Across a career that stretches 28 years and six albums, Brooklyn Funk Essentials have established themselves as an audacious project fusing soul, hip hop, spoken word, jazz, Latin and of course, funk. BFE have built up a loyal international cult following on every continent since its inception in 1993 by iconic producer Arthur Baker and bassist Lati Kronlund.

The band was born out of New York’s buzzing hip-hop, jazz and slam poetry scenes in the early 90s, rotating some of the finest musicians, DJs, poets, rappers and singers. BFE’s debut album Cool & Steady & Easy is a classic underground hit with the version of Pharoah Sanders’ “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” while tracks like “Take The L Train” and “Big Apple Boogaloo” became DJ favorites.

“The cult funk ensemble Brooklyn Funk Essentials share the playful video for their infectious new jazz-funk jam “AA Side Single” today”
– Ghettoblaster

The songs “AA Side Single” and ‘Scream!’ are both taken from the BFE’s hotly anticipated seventh studio album Intuition, which will come out in early 2023 on Dorado Records. Thus, the original label who first signed Brooklyn Funk Essentials in 1994.

BFE are on a European Tour through summer to autumn, with European festival dates across Sweden, Norway, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Turkey and more.

To watch the video for “AA Side Single,” click here. To listen to Brooklyn Funk Essentials, click here.

October 18, 2022
Beacon Theatre to Host Gregg Allman 75th Birthday Tribute in December

On December 8^th, the life of legendary Gregg Allman will be celebrated with a special tribute all-star event. “The Midnight Rider: Gregg Allman’s 75^th Birthday Jam” will feature a diverse range of artists paying homage to the legendary Allman.

With some unprecedented performances from an extraordinary lineup of superstar artists, the tribute features a variety of devoted fans and admirers. With the help of musical director Kenny Greenberg, there will be more exciting performances at one of the late Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s favorite venues, New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre.

Photo by Marc Millman

Some of the most exciting acts are 4x Academy of Country Music Award-winners Old Dominion, GRAMMY® Award-winning country duo Brothers Osborne, GRAMMY® Award-nominated NEEDTOBREATHE, Seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter (and Lady A co-founder) Charles Kelley. Along with this, Americana Music Award-winner Shakey Graves, acclaimed soul singer-songwriter-bass guitarist Shaun Munday, British singer-songwriter Lucie Silvas, and fast-rising country artist Jackson Dean. Additional superstar special guests will be announced soon.

Though Gregg Allman’s passing in 2017 has left a vast musical space that can never truly be filled. “The Midnight Rider: Gregg Allman’s 75th Birthday Jam” poses as a remarkable valedictory and memorial to a true giant of American music.

Allman was undoubtedly among rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest and most significant artists. He will forever be remembered for his hit songs “Midnight Rider,” “It’s Not My Cross to Bear,” “Dreams,” and “Whipping Post.” He also made a remarkable list of honors over his five-decade musical journey, including the Allman Brothers Band’s 1995 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards.

Tickets for “The Midnight Rider: Gregg Allman’s 75th Birthday Jam” event are available by clicking the link here or by phone at 800-745-3000. The pre-sale begins Wednesday October 12^th at noon EST and the general on-sale begins this Friday October 14^th at noon EST.

October 12, 2022
Lew Tabackin Presents “The Swinging Sounds of Coleman Hawkins” at Flushing Town Hall

On October 14th only at Flushing Town Hall Queens, Lew Tabackin and his ensemble present “The Swinging Sounds of Coleman Hawkins.” Saxophonist Lew Tabackin is one of New York City’s most notable jazz musicians, whose importance was acknowledged this summer when he was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Jazz Foundation of America.

Lew Tabackin is one of New York City’s most notable jazz musicians who will be honoring the great Coleman Hawkins live at the historic Flushing Town Hall theater. The performance will be featuring an array of music that Hawkins himself played during his tenure with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, recordings with Benny Goodman, Django Reinhardt, and many others.

Tabackin displays “great harmonic and rhythmic assurance,” and “an exceptional array of talent”
– The Washington Post

Tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins was the first major saxophonist in jazz history. His inventive style of improvising influenced many leading jazz figures such as Ben Webster, Chu Berry, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. Hawkins was also one of the first saxophonists to bring attention to the saxophone as a solo instrument in 1939 when he played it on the song “Body and Soul.”

Tabackin’s interest in music began in his birthplace, Philadelphia, where he first studied flute and then tenor saxophone in high school. He majored in flute at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and studied privately with composer Vincent Persichetti. Later in his life, moving to New York.

While in New York, Tabackin shared the stage with numerous other jazz luminaries such as Cab Calloway, Maynard Ferguson, Joe Henderson, Chuck Israels, Clark Terry, and Duke Pearson. He also spent some time in Europe as a soloist with various ensembles, including the Danish Radio Orchestra and the Hamburg Jazz Workshop.

More Information: Fall Jazz Programming at Flushing Town Hall

Friday, October 14, 2022, at 8:00 PM

“The Swinging Sounds of Coleman Hawkins” featuring Lew Tabackin and his Ensemble

In-Person Tickets: $40 /$32 Members /$20 Students w/ID

Table Packages: $130 /$110 Members (Table for 2 with refreshments/drinks)

Click the link here for tickets and more information on the venue here.

October 9, 2022
Baby Got Back Talk Release Debut EP ‘Existential Shred’

NYC‘s Baby Got Back Talk, one of AfroPunk’s “Top 8 Punkest Bands on the Planet,” have just announced their new debut EP Existential Shred. The EP will be dropping later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records. They have been named one of Alternative Press’s ’17 black alternative bands leading the next generation.

Photo: Kate Hoos

Formed back in 2017, Baby Got Back Talk initially consisted of vocalist/bassist G’Ra Asim, synth op/vocalist Rhiana Hernandez, and lead guitarist/vocalist Jake Lazaroff. After years of sharing bills with local compatriots like Choked Up, Universe Ignore Her, and Gibbons (acts that were all anchored by the propulsive stick work of drummer Wes Ruiz) Baby Got Back Talk welcomed Ruiz into the fold. Now, they are an inseparable pair named one of The Utah Daily Chronicle’s top 5 Black Alternative Bands You Need to Know in 2021.

“We’re what punk looks like in the 2020s: driven by a DIY ethic, conversant with social issues–especially as they pertain to gender and race, enabled by inter-web, bankrolled by day jobs, powered by a rad likeminded community, resonant with the most venerable iterations of rock ‘n’ roll but firmly committed to injecting some new flavor into the mold.”

“On their upcoming EP Existential Shred New York pop punk band Baby Got Back Talk delve into the very nature of human existence. They tackle death, life changes, and the state of the world with excellent literary lyrics, plenty of synths, and a healthy dose of hope.”
– Punk News

Baby Got Back Talk is a D-I-why?-because-we-gotta punk party from New York City. The band teamed with producer John Naclerio (Just Surrender, The Audition) at Nada Recording Studios for their latest EP, ‘Existential Shred’ due out later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records.

“A catchy pop punk hook-fest that throws the middle finger to anyone claiming that being marginalized is “in” these days. “Model Minority” could become an anthem of importance for queer folks and POC in the punk scene today.”
– Tuned Up

The band has released a pair of EPs in 2017’s Take This The Wrong Way and 2018’s Up In Open Arms. Their full-length debut, 2020’s Genre Reveal Party, was mixed by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Senses Fail, Yellowcard).

September 29, 2022
Utica Music Series Receives $90K Grant For 3 More Years

Recently announced by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, Utica Music Series (Monday Nite in Utica) has been awarded a multi-year Levitt AMP Grant Award of $90K. Thus, in matching funds to present a free outdoor music series in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Since 2016, the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series has activated Kopernik Park in Oneida Square. By transforming it into a welcoming, inclusive destination and a venue where diversity is abounded from the stage to audience.

The Levitt AMP Grant Awards is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities with a population of up to 250,000 people. The Levitt Foundation has expanded the program from an annual matching grant of $25K, into a three-year matching grant of $30K per year for a total grant award of $90K.

“Emerging from the pandemic, we have all witnessed the importance of community and connection on our well-being, and free, live music in public spaces is a powerful way to bring people together of all ages and backgrounds. Expanding the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards into a multi-year, $90K grant and inviting additional towns and cities into the program was inspired in part by the positive impact Utica Monday Nite is having on the local community,” says Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation.

“We look forward to the continued impact of the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series, which has transformed Kopernik Park into a community destination beyond the free concerts, creating a joyful and welcoming space for the entire community, from new to lifelong residents alike.”
Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation

From Main Street communities to rural towns in the heart of Appalachia to historic state capitals, the 18 returning Levitt AMP grant recipients hail from across the country including rural towns with populations of less than 10,000 like Whitesburg, Ky.; Galva, Ill.; Earlham, Iowa; Shenandoah Junction, W.Va.; Soldotna, Alaska; St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and Middlesboro, Ky.*; to mid-sized cities like Berea, Ky.; Carson City, Nev.; Gallup, N.M.; Ocala, Fla.; Sheboygan, Wis.*; Stevens Point, Wis.; Utica, N.Y.; and Woonsocket, R.I.; to larger cities spanning the country including Fort Smith, Ark.; Springfield, Ill.; and Trenton, N.J.*

Berea, Kentucky (population: 15,773)

Carson City, Nevada (population: 55,244)

Earlham, Iowa (population: 1,382)

Fort Smith, Arkansas (population: 87,788)

Gallup, New Mexico (population: 21,637)

Galva, Illinois (population: 2,539)

Middlesboro, Kentucky (population: 9,242)*

Ocala, Florida (population: 60,021)

Sheboygan, Wisconsin (population: 48,153)*

Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia (population: 1,382)

Soldotna, Alaska (population: 4,705)

Springfield, Illinois (population: 167,601)

St. Johnsbury, Vermont (population: 5,815)

Stevens Point, Wisconsin (population: 26,144)

Trenton, New Jersey (population: 83,387)*

Utica, New York (population: 59,984)

Whitesburg, Kentucky (population: 2,215

Woonsocket, Rhode Island (population: 41,616)

September 20, 2022
Flamenco Rhythms Performance to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at UAlbany PAC

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts on Thursday, September 15^th, the UAlbany Performing Arts Center presents Flamenco Rhythms. The show will be held on Wednesday, September 28^th, at 7:30pm on the UAlbany campus located at 1400 Washington Avenue. The program features virtuoso guitarist Maria Zemantauski, percussionist Brian Melick, and dancer La Nina.

Guitarist and composer Maria Zemantauski is one of the world’s few heralded female flamenco-style guitarists and one of even fewer female flamenco composers. She is a nylon-string guitarist and composer whose style is influenced by a variety of musical genres, most notably, Spanish classical and flamenco.

She has performed Flamenco Rhythms in Spain, Italy and across the continental United States to great acclaim. By embracing the classical and traditional flamenco repertoire for her foundation, she takes her audience on a musical journey inspired by her flair for experimentation and pure love of the instrument. Zemantauski’s relationship with the UAlbany Performing Arts Center goes back to 2012 when she was involved in the first residency by NYC-based Flamenco Vivo at the venue.

Musician, educator, author and designer Brian Melick has been professionally involved in music since the early age of 13. He is a featured recording artist on over 400 commercially released recordings on independent as well as major labels in addition to his seven solo projects. Melick is a highly active drummer performing locally as well as around the United States and Canada.

Lastly, La Nina is a native of Colombia who studied flamenco in Spain at the Academia de Flamenco de Mariquilla and in New York City with master teachers Jose Molina, Jorge Navarro and Mariano Parra.

Admission to the Flamenco Rhythms performance is free. No reservations or tickets are required. For further information, contact the UAlbany Performing Arts Center’s main office at (518) 442-3995 or click the link here.

September 14, 2022
Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze Performs at City Winery Hudson Valley on September 15

This September, Glenn Tilbrook of the critically lauded and much beloved 80s band Squeeze will embark on his first solo tour of the U.S. in years. While in New York, he’ll perform on September 15th at City Winery Hudson Valley, the beautifully restored factory on the Wallkill river in Montgomery.

Glenn Martin Tilbrook is the lead singer and guitarist of the English band Squeeze, a band formed in the mid-1970s who broke through in the new wave era at the decade’s end. Tilbrook has earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists, and songwriters. Not to mention, an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer.

Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. Those three tracks led to such Tilbrook written pop classics as “Tempted,” “Take Me I’m Yours,” “Pulling Mussels From A Shell,” “Up The Junction,” and “Black Coffee In Bed,” not to mention landmark albums like Argybargy, East Side Story and Some Fantastic Place.

When the band went on pause in 1998 Glenn embarked on a solo career that spawned the albums, The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook (2001) and Transatlantic Ping-Pong (2004). Thus, showcasing an ever-maturing songwriting talent (his first major works) without the input of lyricist Difford.

Tilbrook then formed his new band, The Fluffers, who recorded Pandemonium Ensues (2009). Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes, and a shedload of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level.

The show will be located at City Winery Hudson Valley on the outskirts of the small village of Montgomery. The venue has a lovely atmosphere in an historic and beautifully restored factory on the river. Wooden beams, antiques, wine casks and everything is spotlessly clean. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Wallkill River, with good drinks and vibes, enjoy a great performance by Glenn Tilbrook.

September 13, 2022
Jon Batiste Pentatonix and Diane Warren Release Music Video for “Sweet (Single Edit)”

Iconic artists Jon Batiste, Pentatonix, and Diane Warren have just released the music video for the vibrant song “Sweet (Single Edit)” directed by Matt Earl (Doja Cat, Carlos Santana, G-Eazy, Cordae). The vibrant video features a cameo from Warren and shows each member of Pentatonix as animated characters throughout the clip as a crooning Batiste intermixes with them in an urban cityscape.

Oscar and multi-Grammy® Award-winning recording artist Jon Batiste developed a fluency in jazz and popular music of all stripes, collaborating with legends from Wynton Marsalis to Prince. In 2022, Batiste’s composing and songwriting will be featured in his large-scale, genre-melding symphonic work “American Symphony,” set to premiere at Carnegie Hall. Jon was even named bandleader and musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

“Life is full of ups and downs. Music is a gift that helps put it all in perspective. This song will find those who need it most,”
Jon Batiste

Grammy winning and 13-time Oscar nominated songwriter Diane Warren’s newly released single joins a beyond-impressive songwriting resume that includes countless staples of modern music history including “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion), “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” (LeAnn Rimes), and “How Do I Live” (by both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood). The release of “Sweet (Single Edit)” comes on the heels of the announcement that Warren has been selected to receive an Honorary Oscar as voted by the Academy’s Board of Governors. She is the first songwriter to receive an Honorary Oscar which will be presented at Academy’s 13th Governors Awards in November 2022.

‘Sweet’ is like a jolt of positivity right when we need it the most. And there is no one who exudes more positivity and joy than the amazing Jon Batiste. To have both Jon and the greatest a cappella group in the world, Pentatonix on my song is a dream come true. Just in time to make everyone’s Summer a little SWEETer.
~Diane Warren

Three-time Grammy® Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist Pentatonix has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and performed for hundreds of thousands of fans at their sold out shows across the globe. Their YouTube channel boasts close to 20 million subscribers, yielding more than 5.5 billion video views.

“We were so honored to collaborate with such musical titans as Jon Batiste and Diane Warren. They’ve brought the world so much love and joy in their music. We hope the people feel like dancin’ and prancin’ when they listen to “Sweet”!”
Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix.

To stream this hit single, click the link here or listen below.

September 10, 2022