Author: Tammie Birdwell

Quantum Cosmic w/ Eberwine in the Water

On Saturday, November 26th, two worlds collided and if you were lucky enough to be at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, you would know that doesn’t imply disaster. With Buffalo band Eberwine and 518-based Quantum Cosmic, it was an explosion of extraordinary talent, guitar riffs like you’ve never heard before, and a superjam by some of the best in the Northeast.

Annie in the Water drummer Josh West

Eberwine in the Water

Opening things up Saturday night was Eberwine in the Water, or Annie in the Wine – the name is a matter of debate. With members from both Annie in the Water and Eberwine, the name mattered far less than what was happening up on that stage. Todd Eberwine and his bassist Pablo Zabrycki joined members from Annie in the Water including Brad Hester, Matt Richards, Josh West, and Michael Lashomb.

Eberwine in the Water

The combination was an absolutely genius idea and the opening set was an epic superjam, unlike anything I have ever seen. The members of each band seemed to pull something extraordinary out of the others; it was like they were chasing one another around the stage, but with music.

Eberwine

Eberwine is new to the jam scene, especially here in Eastern NY. However, if you haven’t checked them out yet, you are really missing out on something incredibly special. These guys are a rock band that jams. And with Todd Eberwine on lead guitar, I promise you haven’t heard anything like this before. I highly recommend that you check them out as soon as possible. Check out their upcoming tour dates here.

Quantum Cosmic

Local band Quantum Cosmic closed out the evening, which included members of Annie in the Water. I haven’t gotten to see this band since well before the pandemic, and I was pleasantly surprised that they have gotten even better since I last saw them perform — and they were amazing even when they were brand new. They brought guitarist Mark Edwards from Eberwine out for a sit in and he can absolutely shred.

November 28, 2022
Shenanigans with Bella’s Bartok at the Hollow in Albany

On Thursday night, November 11th, Guthrie Bell Productions threw another fantastic party at The Hollow in downtown Albany and things got more than just a little bit strange. The lineup of Bella’s Bartok and The Dust Bowl Faeries was yet another great move as the entire night was a delicious ride from “creepy carnival music” to “foot-stomping freak folk.” And despite the fact that it was a Thursday night show, no one left early and no one really even sat down.

The Dust Bowl Faeries

The evening opened up with a local band called The Dust Bowl Faeries. It was my first time seeing this band, but it certainly won’t be my last — and everyone I spoke with had the exact same reaction. Self-described as “dark carnival music” this band was unlike anything I have ever seen or heard before. I knew it was going to be good when the lead singer hopped on stage with a taxidermy ram’s head on her back, and they exceeded my expectations.

If you are curious about The Dust Bowl Faeries, and you should be, you should check out their website immediately. They have a new album titled Carnival Dust coming out in January and on December 6th you can check out their brand new video by Thin Edge Films.

Bella’s Bartok

I have to admit that Bella’s Bartok has been a favorite of mine for many years now — they are one of the most energetic, unique, and entertaining bands in the scene. Their set on Thursday night was well over two hours long and despite that, it seemed like they could have kept right on going. I can’t get enough of this band’s on-stage chemistry and their lead singer’s antics, including hopping off the stage and walking around while singing in the crowd.

Other bands have to work really hard to get the crowd to participate. Bella’s fans — AKA “The Strange Ones” are the exact opposite because the energy is palpable and the band is electric. If you missed them last night, they have several dates coming up in the northeast so get your tickets fast.

Shenanigans

All in all, it was a perfect night with a perfect lineup of strange shenanigans and creepy delights. Check out our full gallery below.

November 15, 2022
Consider the Source Ends Spring Tour with Surprise

On Friday, April 29th, Consider the Source brought their eclectic instruments and extreme talents to Lark Hall in Albany during the last leg of their “Acoustic-Electric Hybrid” tour to celebrate the release of their album Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule. Lark Hall was the perfect space to enjoy a slightly toned-down version of this hard-rocking band. To kick off what was one of the most musically interesting night’s of my life was delightful duo Cosmal.

Cosmal

Ryan Coyle and Alison Lazarus are two delightfully well-rounded and multi-talented individuals and they created an amazing group called Cosmal. While Ryan creates incredible electronica jams with his midi-controller, chaos pad, and guitar, Alison live-paints and sings. This band is made of two truly unique individuals with an incredible idea — you should check them out as soon as you get the chance.

Consider the Source

Consider the Source is easily one of the most unique bands I have ever had the pleasure to listen to. They call their sound “Sci-fi Middle Eastern Prog Fusion” and if you think that sounds interesting you should hear what they actually sound like. If you’re looking for something different from the usual stuff, this is your band.

Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule

John Ferrara (bass), Jeff Mann (percussion), and Gabriel Marin (guitar, etc) have truly created a unique, eclectic, and delightful sound. Friday night’s show was a rare treat — fans of the band had never seen them play in such an environment before. They played their new album in its entirety and threw a couple of older songs in there too. They used instruments many of us had never seen or heard before as well including a Banjo Bass, Dombra, Uzbek/Tajik Dutar, Doumbek, a Ukulele Bass, and many more. The set was certainly a departure from what we were used to, but it was killer nonetheless.

The Interview: A Surprise Announcement

I sat down with Ferrara, Mann, and Marin before their set. They told me that they had finished recording Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule right before the pandemic hit. They used the lockdown to finish mastering the album. However, and here is the big surprise: they also spent that time recording a second album — keep your eyes on their social media to find out when you can check it out. And from what I am told, it will be their hardest-hitting album yet.

Tour inspiration

Consider the Source has such a ground-breaking sound, they could just call it a day and continue to tour for as long as they can handle it. However, they continually want to change it up for their fans. And that was the whole idea behind their most recent album as well as the tour they just completed to celebrate the release. The venues they visited for this tour were the type where you sit down, which is a huge departure from the dancehalls they usually frequent. In short, they wanted to change things up for their fans, and wow — they delivered.

Future Plans

If you weren’t able to catch them on their “Acoustic-Electric Hybrid” tour, don’t fret. Consider the Source has several tour dates coming in the following months in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Check out the gallery below.

May 2, 2022
The Sharks Reunite at The Hollow with Johnny Rabb & The Jailhouse Rockers

On Friday, April 9th, all the old school rockers of Albany came back together at The Hollow in Albany for a once-in-a-lifetime reunion of two of the local’s favorite bands from back in the day – The Sharks and Johnny Rabb with his Jailhouse Rockers. This was the third installment of shows celebrating the 30th anniversary of local promoter and rock legend Greg Bell of Guthrie Bell Productions. This epic show at the Hollow proved that even after several decades in the business, Greg Bell still knows what the people want, and consistently gives it to them.

Johnny Rabb & The Jailhouse Rockers

First up was Johnny Rabb & The Jailhouse Rockers. Unlike most of the other bands we have seen recently, these guys didn’t take a little pandemic break — for some of them, it had been decades since they rocked out together. Their set was packed full of well-known and loved oldies ranging from the 50s to the 70s, and it was impossible to tell they hadn’t been on tour.

The Sharks

The Sharks reunited for the first time in 19 years as part of the celebration, bringing with them a following that sold out The Hollow and a captive audience. With an early R&B sound ranging across the 50s to early 80s, the band member (short one) had a party in Albany, thrilling with “Everybody Wants to Know” and two well tuned covers – “Baba O’Riley” by The Who and “Downtown” by Petula Clark.

Setlist: Too Late to go back, I’ll Follow you, Change Your Tune, Take What You Get, Please Say Yes, Pay Day Blues, Bien Vendido, She Never Feels the Same, Too Good for Words, Baby Don’t Know It, How Can I Give You, With Your Love, Moving to America, Baba O’Riley, Little Yeeti, Rehabilitation Blues, Everybody Wants to Know, Good Old Days, Arm in Arm, Down Town, I Won’t Be Happy

April 12, 2022
In Focus: Eastbound Jesus, Glass Pony, and Wreckloose Celebrate Guthrie Bell Productions

On Friday, March 24th, fans gathered at the Cohoes Music Hall to celebrate one of our all-time favorite promoters, Greg Bell from Guthrie Bell Productions with music from Eastbound Jesus, Glass Pony, and Wreckloose. Greg has been bringing live music to the lucky residents of the 518 for the past 30 years and counting. Friday night’s event was the first in a series of four shows put together to celebrate Greg’s legacy.

Eastbound Jesus, Glass Pony, Wreckloose

Not one to break tradition, for Friday night’s show, we all got some extra-special treats thanks to Greg Bell including seeing one band that doesn’t really play together anymore. Wreckloose dusted off their equipment and it was impossible to tell they haven’t been playing together constantly over the years.

High Energy & Hyped Up

Glass Pony and EastBound Jesus wrapped up the evening. Glass Pony is hands down one of the most energetic jam bands I have ever seen perform live. What an absolute blast. And I had heard about Eastbound Jesus for years before I finally got to see them on Friday night — it was well worth the wait. This inexhaustible band played for an impressive two hours.

More to Come from Guthrie Bell Productions

If you missed this incredible show, don’t despair — there are more to come. Guthrie Bell productions has shows scheduled for the next three weekends starting with The Sharks w/ Johnny Rabb & The Jailhouse Rockers on April 9th.

March 28, 2022
Saint Paddy’s Day Spectacular: Prince Bowie & Midnight Sun at Putnam Place

On Thursday, March 17th, Saratoga Springs came together for a spectacular night of music at Putnam Pl a ce. Everybody was Irish this evening, and all were in for an extra-special treat. Led Zeppelin cover band, the Midnight Sun Project kicked things off, and Prince Bowie headlined, leaving everyone breathless, a little sleepy, and very satisfied.

The Midnight Sun Project

Tonight was the first for many hearing Midnight Sun Project perform. Previously, most had never heard Led Zeppelin sung by a female lead. Once you have, you may not want it any other way. Lead singer Shannon Lynch‘s voice absolutely blew me out of the water from start to finish.

With Vinnie Amico (of moe.) on the drums, Shannon Lynch on lead vocals and tenor sax, Christian deFrancqueville on bass, and Doc Danielson on guitar, the Midnight Sun Project rocked everyone’s socks off and then some.

Setlist: Communication Breakdown, Ramble On, Good Times Bad Times, The Rover, The Ocean, Out on the Tiles, Misty Mountain Hop, Bring it on Home, Immigrant Song, Custard Pie, Black Dog

Prince Bowie & The Horn Section

After an energetic opening set, everyone was more than ready for the main event. Prince Bowie took the stage and did what they do best — glorious glam rock mashups. However, for a St. Paddy’s Day present, we all had an extra special treat: The Horn Section, formerly of Turkuaz.

Whoever it was that decided to put Prince and David Bowie music together was a genius. Having never gotten to see either in concert, this was a close as some of us will ever get to the real thing. But the fact is, this lineup was so good, it doesn’t matter.

The band this evening featured Eric Gould (Pink Talking Fish, bass) Cal Kehoe (Pink Talking Fish, guitar) Michelangelo Carubba (Death Kings; formerly of Turkuaz, drums) Alric Carter (TAUK, keys) Matt Wayne (Bobby Deitch Band, saxophone) and The Horn Section (formerly of Turkuaz) featuring Josh Schwartz, Greg Sanderson and Chris Brouwers. With spot on energetic Bowie covers of “Fame,” “Starman,” and “Let’s Dance,” the group sequed smoothly into “Cream,” “I Wanna Be Your Love” and “I Feel For You.” The set closing finale of Bowie’s “Heroes,”

The crowd was perfectly satisfied with Prince Bowie’s set. However, they leveled things up and brought Shannon Lynch and her incredible pipes back out on stage for an encore of “Purple Rain.” Lynch performed on several songs during the night, singing and playing the sax, to the delight of everyone present.

Setlist: Rebel Rebel, Raspberry Beret, Fame, 1999, Under Pressure*, DMSR*, Starman, Kiss, Let’s Dance > Cream, Changes, I Wanna Be Your Lover, Moonage Daydream, Nothing Compares to You*, Young Americans*, I feel For You, Heroes Encore: Purple Rain *Shannon Lynch on vocals/sax

The Lineup

Prince Bowie doesn’t have a standard lineup. Instead, this group is a rotating cast of some of the top musicians in the northeast and beyond. If you want to catch this lineup, however, don’t fret. Catch them live on April 29th in Norwalk, CT at Wall Street Theater and April 30th in Beverly, MA at The Cabot.

Listen to The St. Patrick’s Day set via Archive.org

March 21, 2022
Ladies Night at the Egg: Incredible Voices & Tricky Guitar with Aofie O’Donovan and Yasmin Williams

On Saturday, March 5th, Irish-American singer Aoife O’Donovan brought her glorious voice to The Egg. With special guest Yasmin Williams opening the show, it was all about incredible women in downtown Albany. They both blew me completely out of the water with their amazing voices and surprisingly unique talents.

Artist to Watch: Yasmin Williams

Having never heard of either of these artists, I didn’t have a clue what to expect. So when I walked in and saw Yasmin Williams with a guitar laying string-side up on her lap to say I was shocked would be an understatement. This lady plays guitar in a way I have never seen and didn’t even think possible. She played with both hands and even added other instruments throughout the set. She also used the guitar for percussion as well as a violin bow at one point. If she comes to a town near you, this one-woman show is not to be missed.

Aoife O’Donovan — The Voice of an Angel

Next up was Grammy Award-winning artist Aoife O’Donovan. This lady absolutely has the voice of an angel. She was playing with a four-piece band and although the crowd had to stay in their seats, it was obvious the entire audience was in a trance. The musical accompaniment was simple but it was a perfect backdrop for Aoife’s glorious pipes. She is on tour pretty much all the time and this is one show you shouldn’t miss again. Check out her tour dates here.

March 9, 2022
In Focus: Annie in the Water Album Release show at The Hollow

On Friday, March 4th, fans gathered at The Hollow in Albany to watch as Annie in the Water celebrated their long-awaited album release with special guests The Pine Hill Trio. From start to finish, it was an incredible night for music lovers. Packed with extraordinary talent, these two bands brought new songs; a ton of surprises; and even some special treats for all of us lucky enough to be there.

Band to Watch: The Pine Hills Trio

To get the party started The Pine Hills Trio took the stage. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you’re going to. This trio of young college students is a brand new band and they are here to play. Ronan Dougherty (guitar/vocals) has a voice far larger and more developed than most musicians twice his age. With Dylan Neiderauer on bass and Chris Arcoleo on drums, it’s impossible to tell they have only been playing together a few months. And if you recognize that last name, Dylan’s brother is well-known guitar wunderkind Brandon ‘Taz’ Neiderauer.

Annie in the Water play an epic Two-Hour Set

Then it was time for the main event — and calling it an event is an understatement. Personally, I have seen this band play dozens of times and never heard them sound better than they did this night. For the first half of their set, they played their new album Sun at Dawn from start to finish.

Annie in the Water – Brad Hester (vocals/lead guitar), Matt Richards (keys/vocals), Brock Kuka (percussion/vocals), Michael Lashomb (guitar/vocals), Chris Meier (bass/vocals), and Ryan Trumball (drums) – stepped up on their jam game in a way that is truly mind-blowing considering the music hiatus of the two years.

For the second half of their set, the boys from Annie in the Water played whatever they felt like. Without a set break these dudes continued to bring the hammer down. They played everything from older Annie tunes to a hard-rocking cover from Rage Against the Machine. They topped off their set with a jam on their popular “Hey I’m on the Way” that transcended time and space.

March 8, 2022
In Focus: Twiddle and Midnight North at The Palace Theatre

Live music is just now making its comeback, and on Saturday, February 26 at the Palace Theatre in Albany, everyone was absolutely ready to get back to normal. Since their visit last fall in Lake George, Twiddle hasn’t really been back to the area, and not only was it a momentous occasion for everyone who was dying to see their favorite band again, the boys from Vermont absolutely brought the heat and brought the house down alongside Midnight North.

Midnight North

Midnight North kicked things off with an incredible opening set. Their unique mix of rock, Americana, and roots music was the perfect kickoff for the evening. One thing is absolutely certain — it’s impossible to tell that the members of this band have spent most of the past two years in completely different states. It’s like they haven’t missed a beat.

Twiddle

Everyone was extra excited about the main event and their excitement was not misplaced. Not only was last night a stupendous family reunion for everyone in the crowd, but the band also has never sounded better. It seems the bands we are going to see have missed playing together as much as we have missed seeing them.

Mihali Savoulidis (lead singer/guitar), Ryan Dempsey (keys, vocals), Zdeneck Gubb (bass, vocals) and Adrian Tramontano (drums) did not let up from the first note to the last. We got some classics, some of their new songs, Gubb dumps, drum solos, and epic sit-ins with some extra special friends.

Twiddle setlist:

Set 1: Enter>Orlando’s, Syncopated Healing, White LIght, Apples, Angel From Montgomery [1]%, Stroganoff

Set 2: Latin Tang, Mildew Man > Shakedown Street [2]$, The Box, Lost in the Cold

Encore: The Devil

[1] John Prine [2] Grateful Dead % – w/Joe Cirotti & Elliott Peck $ – Grahame Lesh

Twiddle and Midnight North gallery

February 28, 2022
In Focus: Lespecial with Timbre Coup at Putnam Place

On Friday, February 18th, Lespecial played their first headlining gig of the year at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, and the whole thing kicked off with an extra special and rare treat — a set with special guests Timbre Coup.

Timbre Coup

It’s truly a mystery why we don’t get to see more of the boys from Timbre Coup. Those four dudes absolutely blew the roof off the place from the first note they played. Hailing from Albany, NY, Timbre Coup has an album out right now called Sudden Urge and I definitely recommend that you pick up a copy as soon as possible.

Setlist: Don’t Fly a Key, Urge, October, Loaftones, Z-Sharp, Arnold, Cowboys From Hell (Panterra)

Lespecial

On the way outside after last night’s performance, someone called Lespecial “a hippy band with mosh pits.” This group’s self-described “heavy future groove” sound is absolutely genre-less and almost defies explanation. There are only three guys up on the stage but it sounds like far more than that. And the music they create is engaging, fun, and utterly unique.

If you missed last night’s show, don’t fret. These boys are currently touring until early summer on their Homieverse Tour. You will certainly get a chance to check out this incredible band soon. And we highly recommend that you do so as soon as humanly possible.

Setlist: Snell’s Fleet, The Vessel > Homie, Gallows Hill, Repeater, Homieverse, DGH I, New Fish, Onlookers, Rays, FWD, Repriser, Fear the Djinn, My Name is Mud (Primus) > Jerry (Primus), > My Name is Mud, E. Tonberry, Lungs

February 22, 2022