Author: Zak Radick

In Focus: The Ballroom Thieves at the Park Theater in Glens Falls

It was a splendid evening for mid-week melodies, hump-day harmonies and independent live music in Glens Falls Wednesday, December 7th as fans of all ages filled the Park Theater for a captivating performance by The Ballroom Thieves and Griffin Sherry of The Ghost of Paul Revere. A beautiful and underutilized venue that dates all way back to 1911, the intimate room was the perfect setting for these modern-day master songwriters to pour their hearts out.

The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.

Playing his first run of shows since the demise of The Ghost of Paul Revere, Portland, Maine’s Griffin William Sherry surprised both fans and even the venue when he arrived in town with a full backing band of musicians that also included former GOPR drummer Chuck Gage. Sherry joked from the stage how this was more people and more gear than he ever took on the road with his former band while also reassuring the crowd that it is ok to get a little rowdy. “I’m particularly looking at you ladies” he said, while pointing out a table full of much older women. “It’s so good to see you again!” chimed an excited fan from the other side of the room.

Perhaps still grieving the loss of GOPR who played their final show in September, fans were delighted to hear new renditions of some old favorites with “One of These Days” being a clear highlight. Known primarily as an acoustic guitar player, the surprises from Sherry didn’t end there. Using his new solo platform to try new things, longtime fans gasped when he suddenly strapped on a beautiful hollow body guitar and launched into a cover of the classic Pink Floyd song “Fearless.” The ‘electric’ Sherry would also try out several new songs, including “Stephentown” and the hard rocking set closer “Ain’t It Amazing.”

Griffin William Sherry performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.

Following a quick pause in the action the lights went dim as the Ballroom Thieves then took their places on stage. Back on the road for the first time in years, the acclaimed neo-americana folk act from Boston were in complete command from the very moment they played their first note. Building up the tension with the hypnotic intro of “Canary,” the Thieves wasted no time in living up to their reputation as one of the most dynamic, energetic and melodic live bands on the independent circuit. Consisting of husband-and-wife duo Martin Earley on guitar and vocals and Calin Peters on electric cello, bass and vocals, the current incarnation is rounded out by John Henry Nolan on guitar and keyboards and drummer Kevin O’Connell (from Rome, NY) who somehow was able to play the show despite suffering a torn meniscus.

The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.

Fresh off the release of their latest studio album, 2022’s Clouds, the band has gone through some tough times these last few years and many of their new songs address that head on. A chronicle of desire and despair, trust and betrayal and the importance of mental health, The Thieves would play the albums opening track “Worldender” next, followed by “In the Morning. “ Trading stunning and lush vocal harmonies, the cozy atmosphere almost made you feel like you were getting your own private show.

Switching back and forth between electric cello and bass guitar, Peter’s voice was both beautiful and haunting. Songs like “Almost Love” and “Do Something” put her squarely in the spotlight and it was easy to see she was reveling in it. Smiling, dancing and leaping about the stage, you couldn’t help but be charmed by her performance. Contradicting upbeat melodies with some darker lyrical content provided a powerful juxtaposition that wasn’t lost on the audience. A great example of this was the Earley sung rendition of “Shadow” which would then go into the brilliantly bluesy number “Anybody Else” from the bands 2017 album Deadeye.

Despite serious lyrics, Calin Peters was all smiles on 12/7/2022.

“Most of the time, we’re usually all about love and understanding, but not on this next one, “Peters’ said. “Picture in your mind someone you hate and when we play this song, we want you to think about them. That is, of course, unless they are in this room right now. If they are, sorry, you can’t play this game with us.” And with that thought in mind, Peter’s then crooned out perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful song of the night called “Woman.”

I was your woman
And you left me standing
Alone in a world that had not heard me use my voice yet
You’re just tired of my noise, I guess
Hey, we all make our choices and break our own horses
Are you hearing me say all this?
This is the last one
For you
– “Woman”

Following that up with two more older, tender songs “Pendulum and “Bees,” Martin Early would soak in the moment and candidly address the audience by saying “It’s been a tough couple of years, but we never stopped writing songs and you being here to hear them means more than you’ll ever know. This next one is about coming to terms with a crippling depression.” Providing perhaps the emotional highpoint of the evening, “I Lose” hit you like a ten ton hammer.

The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.

Showcasing their flexibility, both musically and physically, the chemistry between the Ballroom Thieves was undeniable. Interacting like a tight-knit family, even during the “sad” songs each member of the band was clearly engaged, invested, enjoying themselves. At the peak of all Peters and Earley would lock eyes, meet each in the middle of the stage and get so lost in the music that they’d both end with their backs on the floor. Perhaps the loudest cheer of the evening came during their most rocking song, “Fistfight,” rocking duel-guitar attack of the bands hit single “Fistfight.” After wishing guitarist John Henry Nolan’s Aunt Emma a happy birthday, The Ballroom Thieves would close the set with a powerful rendition of “Wolf.”

The Ballroom Thieves laid it all on the line in Glens Falls on 12/7/2022.

These days you almost expect an encore at every show, but in perhaps the best fake out ever, you could hear the collective letdown when the house music came up. Just then as fans starting getting ready to leave, the music and lights suddenly went back down. Returning to the stage with huge smiles and to a huge ovation, The Ballroom Thieves then treated fans to one more surprise by closing the show with a cover of the Donna Lewis song “I Love You Always and Forever.”

A captivating performance from start to finish. From hushed whispers to cathartic screams to synchronized dance moves, the intimate and thought-provoking show felt truly special. Anyone who wasn’t sure about this band going into it walked out of the Park Theater a full fledged believer. Up next, the Ballroom Thieves will take a little time off for the holidays before Early and Peters return to the road for a brief duo tour this winter.

The Ballroom Thieves | December 7, 2022 | Park Theater | Glens Falls, NY
Setlist: Canary, Worldender, In The Morning, Almost Love, Do Something, Shadow, Anybody Else, Woman, Pendulum, Bees, I Loose, Fistfight, Wolf
Encore: I Love You Always Forever (Donna Lewis cover)

Griffin William Sherry | December 7, 2022 | Park Theater | Glens Falls, NY
One of These Days, Stephentown, Me and My Shadow, Fearless (Pink Floyd cover), Ain’t it Amazing

December 16, 2022
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Dogs in a Pile Keep It Heady in Albany

A flocking good time was had in downtown Albany as two of the jam scenes hottest acts – Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Dogs in a Pile – teamed up for an unforgettable evening of ‘bird-dogging’ at Empire Live on Friday, December 9^th. Packing out the venue and lighting up the crowd with a healthy dose of high energy funk, top-shelf improvisation, psychedelic dance grooves and plenty of good old-fashioned shredding, the evening also served as birthday celebration for Dogs’ keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)

Flanked in tie dye and smothered in patchouli, fans flocked to the venue early enough to catch the opening act Dogs in a Pile. One of the most talked about up-and-coming bands around, 2022 has been a huge year for the young New Jersey quintet. Consisting of Jimmy Law and Brian Murray on guitars, Sam Lucid on bass, Joe Babick on drums and the Jeremy Kaplan on keys, the exciting group wasted no time showing everyone what all the buzz is about.

Dogs in a Pile performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)

Launching into the song “Look Johnny” and seamlessly transitioning into “Frosty” and “Fenway” before coming up for air, it was clear the Dogs were determined to make the most of their allotted time. Weaving together a tapestry of colorful sound with an undeniable charisma, Albany fans were then treated to the live debut of “Let U Go.” Rounding out the short, but impressive set was “G Song” followed by “Bent Strange,” but it wouldn’t be the last time we’d see members of the dog pound on stage this night.

The dogs were back in town on 12/9/22

After a brief break in the action, it was finally time for the long-awaited return of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong who had not played in Albany since March of 2019. Now celebrating 15 years as a band and touring in support of their sixth independent full-length album Perspective, some longtime fans could be heard reminiscing about seeing their first P4 show at the significantly smaller Red Square (now the Public Parish House) just down the block back in 2012. One of the most fan-friendly and hardest working bands going, their continued growth and popularity should come as a surprise to no one.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)

Taking the stage and genuinely thanking everyone for coming out before even playing a single note, front man ‘Scrambled’ Greg Ormont was all smiles while giving his customary pre-show p-p-p-pep talk. Reassuring everyone that they were in for some serious fun, the party on North Pearl Street kicked off with “Porcupine” from the band’s 2017 album Pizazz. All warmed up and feeling good, things fell into place nicely when “Fall In Place” landed on a surprise Beatles cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” that boasted an absolutely gorgeous guitar solo from ax-man Jeremy Schon and a lengthy “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” (Led Zeppelin) tease for good measure.

Jeremy Schon of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)

Now calling on a little help from their friends, it was at this point the band invited “the other Jeremy” out, welcoming Dogs in a Pile keyboardist and the birthday boy himself, Jeremy Kaplan back to the stage to sit on “Sunny Day.” Adding a whole new dynamic to an already funky sound, Kaplan’s contributions were huge here and he seemed like a natural fit, finally answering a question that’s been dogging P4 fans for years: “What would they sound like if they added some keys?” Quite the way to ring in your 24^th birthday indeed. Keeping the dance party going strong, the one-two punch of “Move Like That” into “Live It Up” had the crowd worked up into a sweaty frenzy as the band brought the lengthy opening set to a close with “Elephante.”

Jeremy Kaplan sits in with PPPP on his 24th birthday (12/9/22)

Back with more positive vibes, Pigeons started the second frame with “Live Life” before going all in on an “Upfunk” sandwich that featured a jaw dropping drum solo from Alex “Gator” Petropoulos smack dab in the middle. Always clever with their setlists, a bit of an aquatic theme seemed to emerge as “Beneath the Surface” gave way to fan favorite “Poseidon” resulting in one of the biggest peaks of the evening courtesy of Schon’s incendiary shredding.

Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong keeps it heady in Albany (12/9/22)

Master of disguise and purveyor of cool, bassist Ben Carrey was keeping it heady all night long, but perhaps his bass bombs were never more physically felt than on the next combination of songs, “Twitch” and “Water.” A scorching “High As Five” would bring the second set to a close and leave fans begging for more. Giving it 100 percent max effort and always happy to please “the flock”, Pigeons would take flight one final time, returning for an encore of” Schwanthem” and sending the hot crowd into the cold night with huge feelings of satisfaction. A fantastic evening of live music, song and dance, shared joy and vibe that quite simply downtown Albany hasn’t seen since before the pandemic.

Melting Lights: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live (12/9/22)

Up next for the band, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will head to Harrisburg, PA next weekend for a pair of shows at XL Live before closing out the year with a two-night New Year’s Eve celebration in Pittsburgh with the Magic Beans.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong | 12-9-2022 | Empire Live | Albany, NY

Set 1: Porcupine, Fall In Place > While My Guitar Gently Weeps* > Sunny Day^, Move Like That > Live It Up, Elephante

Set 2: Live Life > Upfunk > Drums > Upfunk, Beneath The Surface, Poseidon, Twitch > Water, High As Five

Encore: Schwanthem

* w/ “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “25 or 6 to 4” teases
^ w/ Jeremy Kaplan (Dogs In A Pile) on keys

Dogs in a Pile | 12-9-2022 | Empire Live | Albany, NY

Setlist: Look Johnny, Frosty, Fenway, Let U Go*, G Song, Bent Strange *Live Debut

December 14, 2022
Such a Night: Second Annual ‘Last Waltz on Lark Street’ a Rambling Success

Family, friends, local musicians and fans of The Band’s ‘Last Waltz’ got into the Thanksgiving spirit a day early at Lark Hall in Albany on Wednesday, November 23^rd.

Based on an idea conceived by drummer Joe Sorbero and building off the success of 2021’s inaugural ‘Last Waltz on Lark Street,’ an impressive ensemble of some of the Capital Region’s best players, eighteen in total, came together to celebrate the famed “farewell” performance that originally took place at Winterland Ballroom in 1976. Martin Scorsese’s iconic documentary film of the same name is considered by many to be the best concert film of all time.

The Last Waltz on Lark Street | 11-23-2022 | Albany, NY | Lark Hall

Set 1: Don’t Do It, Up on Cripple Creek, The Shape I’m In, Ophelia, This Wheel’s On Fire, Further Up the Road, Who Do You Love, Such a Night, Genetic Method, Chest Fever, It Makes No Difference, King Harvest, Life is a Carnival

Set 2: The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down, Acadian Driftwood, Rag Mama Rag, Baby Let Me Follow You Down, Forever Young, Evangeline, Helpless, Four Strong Winds, Caravan, W.S. Walcott Medicine Show, Stage Fright, The Weight

Encore: I Shall Be Released (with all musicians on stage)

December 1, 2022
Kick the Cat & NEQ Put on Prog-Heavy Clinic in Albany

Astounding an intimate audience during their Lark Hall debut, the experimental progressive jazz-rock quartet Kick the Cat wasn’t pussyfooting around during their recent stop in Albany on October 7th. From heavy metal and beautiful blues-based rock, to complicated jazz compositions mixed with playful funk and all sorts of funky time signature changes, the enduring Chicago-based band unleashed an all-out assault of the senses by combining just about every style of music known to man and making it their own. Uncompromising and anything but commercial, those who dared to take a chance on this night were rewarded with a very special performance.

Kick the Cat performing at Lark Hall in Albany, NY 10/7/22

In a move that only further cements an already legendary status, veteran Capital Region concert promoter Greg Bell of Guthrie/Bell Productions announced just days before the show that it would be free-for-all. No cover charge, no hidden agenda. Why you ask? In a statement released on social media, Bell claimed “Because I feel people should see these two bands, I am making this a free show. No tickets needed, no admission fee, just great music.” Also making their Lark Hall debut on the evening was the Hudson Valley-based group NEQ. Made up of guitarist Todd Nelson, Kyle Esposito (bass) and Manuel Quintana (drums), the group was also joined by Ross Rice on keyboards. Playing mostly songs from their 2022 debut album ‘Nevertheless”, the band showcased a diverse set of influences ranging from classic and prog rock, to gospel, funk and even a splash of spaghetti western. Clearly having a good time on stage, the bands heartfelt approach immediately endeared themselves to the listener and set the bar incredibly high for what was soon to follow.

NEQ performing at Lark Hall in Albany, NY 10/7/22

Dressed like regular dudes, the members of Kick the Cat casually took to the Lark Hall stage around 9:30pm. Greeting the audience with gratitude and letting them know in advance things were about to get weird at times, but also groovy and beautiful at times too. Though the band might be new to some, they’ve actually been playing together for nearly twenty-five years. Consisting of front man Chris Siebold on guitar, Kris Myers (of Umphrey’s McGee) on drums, Chris Clemente on bass and Vijay Tellis-Nayak on keyboards, The Cats opened with the pummeling start/stop frenzy of “Ow! My Eye,” clearly letting you know you had to be punished before you were pleasured.

Kris Myers performing with Kick the Cat at Lark Hall in Albany, NY 10/7/22

Anchoring the controlled chaos, it was the powerful, confident and steady hands Kris Myers that demanded most of the attention early on. A strange sight to see the Umphrey’s McGee drummer without his percussion playing partner Andy Farag nearby, but casual fans may not realize Myers is one of Kick the Cat’s founding members. Myers, who started playing at age 8 and earned a master’s degree in jazz drumming from DePaul University, played on KTC’s first two studio albums before joining UM in 2003. It was here in this type of setting that his undeniable talent and dexterity could truly be appreciated. All evening long you could hear and see people whispering to each other about just how good he really is.

Kick the Cat performing at Lark Hall in Albany, NY 10/7/22

After working their way through a series of complex, percussion-heavy compositions like “Alt De Facto,” “Harebrained,” and “Hope Against Hope,” front man Chris Siebold took to the mic while changing out guitars, saying “We just bludgeoned your bodies, but now we’re about to bathe you in relaxation.” What initially came off as a “cool down” song for Myers effortlessly became a showcase of guitar playing virtuosity for Siebold. Landing somewhere between the luscious and dreamy tones of greats like David Gilmour and Jeff Beck combined with the chop-busting inspiration from bands like The Weather Report, King Crimson and Return To Forever, it was at this point in the evening that Chris stole the spotlight from Kris and let everyone know he was an absolute force behind the frets. After a beautifully bluesy rendition of “Two Down” from their 2002 album Weirdo another show highlight came in the form of “Camel Toe Vs. Snaggle Tooth,” which at its climax, forced even those sitting to rise up in appreciation.

Chris Siebold of Kick the Cat performing at Lark Hall in Albany, NY 10/7/22

After working their way through much of 2021’s Gurgle, Kick the Cat’s first studio release in over a decade, another clear sign of approval came when promoter Greg Bell approached the front of the stage and presumably asked the band to play little longer. Happy to oblige, Siebold joked “Another set? Sure, hell we’ll play till sunrise if someone wants to offer us another $30,000, which of course would be donated to charity. Any takers?” he asked. “No? Ok, we’ll play a little longer anyway, but if we start noticing the place is clearing out, just give us a sign.”

While Kick the Cat didn’t quite play till sunrise, they did perhaps play longer than any other band at the recently renovated Lark Hall. Fans who stuck around until the end were treated to ambitious songs like “Ramsey (All In)”, “Waz Up” and “That Stuff That’s Tough” before eventually bringing things to a close with the song “Squirt.” An evening filled with heady-yet-approachable grooves and other worldly soundscapes, angular melodies, fuzz-filled tones and all-out rock n roll, the level of musicianship KTC brought to Albany was unapparelled. While progressive jazz-rock fusion may not often be thought of as “cool” these days, Kick the Cat is and seeing them live is a thrilling experience you’re not likely to forget.

Kick the Cat performing at Lark Hall in Albany, NY 10/7/22

Kick the Cat | Lark Hall | Albany, NY | October 7, 2022

Setlist: Ow! My Eye, Alt De Facto, Harebrained, Hope Against Hope, Adolpho’s Dilemma, Visogoth’s Overture>Breakfast with the Visogoth’s, Two Down, Camel Toe Vs. Snaggle Tooth, Ramsay( All In), Waz Up, That Stuff That’s Tough, Squirt

October 14, 2022
The Beach Boys and The Temptations Bring the Sounds of Summer to Saratoga Springs

Nostalgia, Hawaiian shirts, good vibrations and the sounds of Motown were abound in Saratoga Springs on Thursday August 18th, as legendary summer surf rock pioneers The Beach Boys and iconic Motor City hitmakers The Temptations belted out classic after classic at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Celebrating Sixty Years of The Sounds of Summer, the evening played out like a trip down memory lane, taking the mostly older audience back to a time when, on the surface, things just seemed simpler. Like a snapshot through American history, fans welcomed the chance to hear the songs that provided the soundtrack to so much of their lives.

The Beach Boys took fans at SPAC on a Surfin’ Safari on 8/18/22

From Hitsville USA to the Spa City, the evening kicked off with the Motown soul of The Temptations. Dressed in matching green suites, the dapper looking group was led by original member Otis Williams along with Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Tony Grant and Jawan M. Jackson and also included a full orchestra as part of the backing band. With vocals ringing true and like a well-oiled machine, the tightly choregraphed set included fan favorites “Get Ready,” “I’ll be in Trouble, “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” With the crowd fully engaged and singing along to almost every song, not only were fans having a good time, but it seemed like the members of The Temptations were too, exchanging smiles and high five handshakes that felt genuine and unchoreographed. After a medley of songs paying homage to other Motown greats of the era, The Temptations closed their set with a song everybody knows, their signature hit “My Girl.”

Otis Williams and The Temptations performing at SPAC 8/18/22 – Photo by Zak Radick

After a brief break to clear the stage, the fun-filled evening continued with an elaborate pre-produced video introduction that flashed images and soundbites of The Beach Boys storied career. With the group’s 60th anniversary of their first album, Surfin’ Safari, approaching in October – their impact on American culture through the decades cannot be overstated. Watching the montage of popular television shows and movies the band has been featured in – from Good Morning Vietnam, Cocktail, Look Who’s Talking, and the closing credits of Boogie Nights, to shows like Full House and Friends and their complicated association with the Fab Four, it’s clear not only does this band continue to have a wide-ranging generational appeal, but that their songs have indeed stood the test time.

Have Mercy: A career spanning video montage of The Beach Boys plays moments before showtime on 8/18/22

With a minimal stage setup that simply included some artificial palm trees and a jumbotron LED screen, original Beach Boy Mike Love and longtime member Bruce Johnston walked to the front of the stage and showed their love for the Saratoga crowd by blowing them kisses before launching into the first of many surf rock medleys, kicking the party off with a “Do It Again”>”Surfin’ Safari”>”Catch a Wave” trifecta. Bolstering their iconic sound with help from talented supporting musicians Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Brian “Ike” Eichenberger, Christian Love, Randy Leago, Keith Hubacher and Scott Totten, this incarnation of The Beach Boys both looked and sounded great.

Working their way through all the fan favorites – the surfing songs like “Rockaway Beach,” “Surfin’ USA,” and ” Surfer Girl,” to the cruising anthems like “Little Deuce Coup,””409” and “Little Honda” it was clear The Beach Boys not only welcomed the nostalgia, but thrived in it. With their signature sun-drenched vocal harmonies for days, hearing songs like “Don’t Worry Baby,” “I Get Around, “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” and “Sloop John B” felt truly special and provided some of the biggest ovations of the evening, but perhaps the loudest came on the heels of an emotional rendition of “God Only Knows,” a song many consider to be one of the greatest ever written.

After telling a short story about the time he ran into The Beatles in India, Mike Love would sing an original song called “Pisces Brothers”, before the band would string together another series of love songs (“Darlin,” Then I Kissed Her,” Help Me Rhonda”) that saw some of the elderly couples embrace in sentimental overload. Picking the tempo back up, possibly out of fear of being too mushy, “Dance, Dance Dance, ”Do You Wanna Dance?” and a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Rock and Roll Music” came next, followed by everyone’s favorite a luau anthem ”Kokomo,” which had everyone on the SPAC lawn singing and smiling, making the final song of the set, “Good Vibrations,” very fitting. The Beach Boys would return to the stage for a two song encore, “Barbara Ann” and “Fun, Fun,Fun,” sending the audience home satisfied and happy.

After more then six decades of performing, both The Beach Boys and The Temptations have proven they still have what it takes to entertain at a high level and that there is still an audience hungry to see them. With an astounding catalog of songs that have become engrained in American culture and themes that remain universal – teenage love and angst, rebelling against authority, driving fast and having fun in the sun, hearing them played live can feel almost surreal at times. It didn’t seem to matter the original members of each group were few and few between, it was all about being there in the moment, singing the songs you grew up on, and rediscovering a piece of your own youth. A great night of ‘Greatest Hits,” have mercy on me for saying it, but even Jess and the Rippers would have found this show satisfying.

If you missed the stop in Saratoga Springs, don’t worry baby, New Yorkers still have a few more chances to catch the Sixty Years of The Sounds of Summer Tour. The Beach Boys and The Temptations play Bethel Woods on August 25th, the Chautauqua Amphitheater on August 26^th, and swing by Wildwood, NJ on August 27^th.

The Beach Boys | August 18, 2022 | Saratoga Springs, NY | SPAC

Setlist: Do It Again, Surfin’ Safari, Catch a Wave, Hawaii, Little Honda, Rockaway Beach, Surfin’ USA, Surfer Girl, Don’t Worry Baby, Little Deuce Coupe, 409, Shut Down, I Get Around, Be True to Your School, Getcha Back, You’re So Good to Me, Darlin’, God Only Knows, Pisces Brothers, California Girls, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Then I Kissed Here, Help Me, Rhonda, Do You Wanna Dance, Kokomo, Good Vibrations

Encore: Barbara Ann, Fun, Fun, Fun

The Temptations | August 18, 2022 | Saratoga Springs, NY | SPAC

Setlist: Get Ready, Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue), The Girl’s Alright With Me, Beauty is Only Skin Deep, I’ll Be In Trouble, The Way You Do The Things You Do, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg, Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today), I Wish It Would Rain, Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone, I Can’t Get Next to You, Is It Gonna Be Yes or No, Get Up (I Feel like Being a Sex Machine / I Want to Take You Higher / Let’s Get It On, Treat Her Like a Lady / Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, My Girl

August 28, 2022
Midnight Scramble: Eggy Welcome Members of Goose and Rusted Root in Woodstock Debut

Charismatic Connecticut improv rockers Eggy made a memorable debut in Woodstock on Friday, August 5th. Billed as the first ever ‘Midnight Scramble’ at the legendary Levon Helm Studios, the intimate and acoustically ideal venue provided the perfect space to serve up a verified barn burner. Featuring both an acoustic set and an electric set and surrounded by relatives and longtime friends, the entire evening had a true family affair feel and surprises no one saw coming.

Eggy kicked off their inaugural ‘Midnight Scramble’ with an acoustic set at Levon Helm Studios (8/5/22)

Eggy, comprised of guitarist and vocalist Jake Brownstein, keyboardist Dani Battat, bassist Michael Goodman and drummer Alex Bailey, take their name in loving memory of their late friend, Edward “Eggy” Torrence. Always in their thoughts, the emotional evening in Woodstock took place the same weekend as the five year anniversary of his passing. The significance not lost on the band, prior to the show members of Eggy let it be known via social media just how much playing the historic venue means to them. ‘The Midnight Scramble’ of course, is their way of paying homage to the legendary ‘Midnight Ramble” events that have taken place on the same property since even before Levon Helm‘s passing in 2012. Widely considered sacred musical ground, Brownstein revealed his first road trip after getting his driver’s license was to “The Barn” and the opportunity to grace the same stage was undoubtedly a milestone for the band.

Eggy’s Jake Brownstein and Alex Bailey sing their hearts out at The Barn (8/5/22)

Opting to play the show using Levon’s beautiful red drum kit, the acoustic portion of the evening began with “All The Way Down (Shadow Pt. 2)” and the momentum would continue to build through “Zugzwang” before entering the centerpiece of the set; “Finding and Losing.” From there fans were treated to the first cover of the night, the Jackson Browne penned “These Days,” which flowed directly into the song “Fragments.”

Keeping with the sentimental vibe, “Island Afterlife” was played next before keyboardist Dani Battat candidly addressed the audience. Showing his genuine appreciation for everyone who came out to the first ever ‘Scramble, Battat acknowledged the significance of this venue, the weekend as a whole and the somber anniversary of Edward “Eggy” Torrance’s passing. A heartfelt rendition of “Watercolor Days” was then played in his honor and brought the potent opening set to a proper close.

Scramble on: A surprise sit-in from Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki and Ben Atkind of Goose was the highlight of the night (8/5/22)

After a brief intermission, Battat would do his part to wrangle in the stragglers still socializing outside with an extended keyboard solo dubbed “The Genetic Method” which segued beautifully into the intro of our second cover of the night, The Band’s “Chest Fever” which would also be teased throughout the rest of the set. Just down the road from Bearsville, a newer Americana-tinged tune called “Backyard Bear” came next and was followed by a spirited version of the song “Shadow.”

From there came the biggest surprise of the night when Eggy invited a few friends to join them; Michael Glabicki (guitar/vocals) of Rusted Root and Ben Atkind (drums) of Goose. Launching into a cover of Rusted Root’s 1994 smash hit “Send Me On My Way,” the excitement in the room was palpable. The look on each member of Eggy’s face radiating with pure joy, contagious and exhilarating to everyone on stage and in the crowd, if this musical moment didn’t give you chills you may need to consult a doctor.

Striking while the audience was hot, Eggy then rolled out their hardest rocking song of the night, a rare bowling themed tune called “12 Pounds of Pain.” With its infectious and easily identifiable riffage, the band not only took it for a funked-out walk, but also managed to weave in reprise teases of “Chest Fever” and “Send Me On My Way” to bring the exhilarating electric set full circle and leave the audience howling for encore. Happy to scramble on a little longer Eggy invited members of the opening act, the sensational Brad Goodall Trio, along with Goose drummer Ben Atkind, back out for an absolutely joyous cover-of-a-cover of “Don’t Do It.” Originally performed by Marvin Gaye and later made famous by Levon and The Band, the song served as both a fitting tribute and a perfect way to bring the inaugural “Midnight Scramble” to a close.

Check out pro-shot video of Eggy performing “Send Me On My Way” with Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki and Goose’s Ben Atkind

Feeling inspired and riding the wave momentum, the band plans to enter a recording studio later this week. Along with major festivals like Resonance and Hulaween on their horizon, Eggy have also announced their first ever full headlining tour this Fall.   With dates that include stops in Brooklyn, Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo, New Yorkers will soon have plenty of chances to see why this Connecticut quartet is rapidly becoming one of improv music’s most impressive and talked about acts.

For a full list of upcoming Eggy tour dates, see below. For ticketing details, head to the band’s website.

Eggy – “The Midnight Scramble” – Levon Helm Studios — Woodstock – August 5th, 2022

Set 1: All The Way Down (Shadow Pt. 2), Zugzwang, Finding and Losing, These Days[1]   > Fragments, Island Afterlife, Watercolor Days[2]

Set 2: The Genetic Method[3] -> Chest Fever[4]   > Backyard Bear, Shadow[5] , Send Me On My Way[6] , 12 Pounds of Pain[7] -> Send Me On My Way[8] -> 12 Pounds of Pain

Encore: Don’t Do It[9]

    [1]   Jackson Browne cover
    [2]   Dedicated to Edward “Eggy” Torrence
    [3]   FTP, The Band, Dani only. The rest of the band joined after for Chest Fever.
    [4]   FTP, The Band cover
    [5]   With Chest Fever (The Band) teases
    [6]   FTP, Rusted Root cover, with Michael Glabicki on guitar and lead vocals, and Ben Atkind on percussion
    [7]   With Finding and Losing teases
    [8]   Rusted Root cover, With Chest Fever (The Band) teases
    [9]   With Brad Goodall on piano, Rodney Elkins on drums and lead vocals, Craig Burletic on vocals, and Ben Atkind on cowbell. Alex on tambourine and vocals

For more photos from Eggy’s inaugural Midnight Scramble, check out the gallery below courtesy of NYS Music Photographer Zak Radick.

August 10, 2022
Dropout Boogie Tour: The Black Keys, Band of Horses and Ceramic Animal Bring the Heat to SPAC

In what will perhaps go down as the warmest day of 2022, Wednesday, July 20 also proved to be a scorching night of live music in Saratoga Springs, NY for the nearly 15,000 fans who packed SPAC to see the Dropout Boogie Tour. A stellar lineup was headlined by the critically acclaimed blue-collar Blues/Rock duo, The Black Keys. Bolstered by indie rock icons, Band of Horses, along with charismatic up-and-comers Ceramic Animal, the trio of talented bands left it all on stage, giving fans every ounce of sweat they had. Confirming what most of us already know: rock ‘n roll is alive and well in the Capital Region.

Boogie On: The Black Keys made their Capital Region debut at SPAC on Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Kicking off the “boogie” in fine fashion, was Doylestown, Pennsylvania’s Ceramic Animal. A band consisting of three brothers and two of their childhood friends, this genre blending, high energy psychedelic-rock quintet has been around for a while now, having put out three self-funded studio albums, before garnering the attention of Black Keys front man and producer Dan Auerbach. Impressed by their songwriting, big yet down-to-earth personalities, and their DIY work ethic, Auerbach quickly signed Ceramic Animal to his label, Easy Eye Sound. The renowned producer then brought the band to Nashville to record their most recent album, Sweet Unknown (released this past March). Sticking close to their roots while honing their chops, their look and their stage show, Ceramic Animal’s relentless ambition is finally showing dividends. Tapped by Auerbach for a slot on this huge national tour produced by Live Nation, Ceramic Animal quite literally went from playing Albany’s intimate Empire Underground club last month, to making their Red Rocks debut last week, to taking the main stage at SPAC by storm on Wednesday night.

Rapid Rise: Ceramic Animal played a significantly smaller Capital Region venue less than a month ago. (Photo by Zak Radick; 6/30/22 Empire Underground; Albany NY)

Dressed to thrill and ready to make the most of their allotted time, the band came out firing on all cylinders with “Ann Marie” which flowed directly into the hard charging foot stomper “I Can’t Wait.” Taking a brief moment to address fans who showed up early, songwriter Chris Regan lifted the brim of his cowboy hat and acknowledged the significance of collaborating with Auerbach before going into the set’s only “slow” tune, “Forever Song,” which Auerbach originally helped them arrange and record. With stage time at a premium, Ceramic Animal saved perhaps their most impressive and catchiest song of the night for last, uncorking a near 10 minute rendition of “All My Loving,” a hybrid song of sorts that truly showcases what this band can do; seamlessly shifting tempos from rock riffs to a disco-type funk, then slowed to a darkly psychedelic build before reaching it’s climactic end. Successfully cashing in on a huge opportunity to gain new listeners, if people didn’t know who Ceramic Animal was before this show, they certainly did after. At the end of the night, the guys could be seen near the merch both hanging out and taking selfies with scores of new fans.

Ceramic Animal | July 20, 2022 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY | Dropout Boogie Tour

Setlist: Ann Marie, I Can’t Wait, Forever Song, All My Loving

Next on the bill was a different kind of animal in the form of enduring alt rock titans Band of Horses. Led by songwriter Ben Bridwell and featuring a noticeably more “road tested” look than their predecessors, the tattoo covered, flannel wearing rockers from Seattle immediately got the crowd singing along with “Is There A Ghost” from their 2007 album Cease To Begin. With a layered sound full of subtleties and textures thanks to the bands three distinct guitar parts, it wasn’t until Matt Gentling dropped in with his first big bass bomb that the set really took off. Thrashing about the stage with reckless abandon, Gentling’s long haired headbanging was some of the best of the entire night and that’s saying something. Keeping the crowd involved with another sing-along, “The Great Salt Lake” off their debut album was next, followed by my personal highlight of the set, an irresistibly catchy version of ‘The General Specific’ which gave burley and bearded multi-instrumentalist Ryan Monroe a prime opportunity to shine behind the keys. Keeping it old school, another pair of fan favorites, “No One’s Gonna Love You” and “Islands on the Coast” came next. Perhaps taking a que from the audience as you could smell it all night, from there things got a little hazy as The Horses turned SPAC into an all-out “Weed Party” before going into a new tune,“Crutch,” the only song played off their recently released 2022 album Things Are Great. “In a Drawer” and “Laredo” would lead Band of Horses down the home stretch before their final song of the night and easily their most popular, “The Funeral,” which currently has over 300 million streams on Spotify.

Band of Horses | July 20, 2022 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY | Dropout Boogie Tour

Setlist: Is There a Ghost, The Great Salt Lake, The General Specific, No One’s Gonna Love You, Islands on the Coast, Weed Party, Crutch, In a Drawer, Laredo, The Funeral

After an absolutely hilarious ‘Anti-Boogie’ intro video starring comedian David Cross urged Dads Interested in Choosing Our Kids Songs(D.I.C.K.S) to avoid this tour at all costs, it was finally time for the main event. Making their first ever Capital Region appearance and taking the stage around 9:15pm to a rabid applause, The Black Keys came out swinging for the fences with one of their hardest hitting songs, “I got Mine.” Often regarded as one of rock’s most prolific two piece, Dan Auerbach on guitar and vocals and his longtime friend and collaborator Patrick Carney on drums, some first timers in the audience seemed surprised to see a backing band on stage with them. Enlisting two brothers, Zach and Andy Gabbard, along with multi-instrumentalist Chris St. Hilaire to help fill in their live sound, The Black Keys strung together hit after hit. Sing-along songs like “Howlin’ For You,” “Tighten Up,” and “Your Touch” won the crowd over early before the band would really settle in with their signature bread-and butter, groove and blues-based sound. Like following a road map of their musical inspirations, The Keys would go on to pay homage to a number of Blues legends like John Lee Hooker, Junior Kimbrough and RL Burnside and cover songs like “Stay All Night,” “Coal Black Mattie”, “Going’ Down South” and “Crawlin’ Kingsnake” to name a few.

Influential Hitmaker: Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys performing at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on 7/20/22

Armed with a bevy of beautiful guitars and his signature fuzz-heavy pedal effects pallet, Auerbach would get a little extra help from ultra-talented guest guitar player Kenny Brown, who joined in on the fun to play a little slide. All frills and showmanship aside, The Black Keys were mostly all business on this night, only asking the crowd to “sing along if they know they words” once before launching into one of their biggest hits “Gold on the Ceiling.” As one of modern rocks most mimicked voices, Auerbach’s distinct singing was on point all evening, but one song that particularly stood out was a slowed down rendition of “Everlasting Light” in which he absolutely nailed the challenging falsetto parts. Recent ‘Keys songs like “Your Team is Looking Good” and “Wild Child” were met with favorable reactions, but the true highlight for long time TBK fans had to have been the set closing combo of “Ten Cent Pistol” and “She’s Long Gone” from the bands most popular album, 2010’s Brothers. Exiting the stage to a deafening applause, the crowd of about 15,000 simply would not stop cheering until the band came back out for an encore. Happy to oblige, instead of one they got two. First up was the sentimental ‘hold your lighter in the air’ type anthem “Little Black Submarines” which had nearly the entire lawn singing along in unison, a special moment that had all the feels. With the venue curfew now rapidly approaching, The Black Keys brought the show to a close with one final barn burner, the riff heavy stomper now commonly heard at sporting events everywhere, “Lonely Boy.”

With a successful Capital Region debut now in the books, the only real complaint fans may have is the lack of “old school” material played. With a back catalog that currently includes 11 studio albums, The Keys only performed one song that predated their 2008 breakthrough, Attack & Release. That being said, it’s doubtful anyone left the Dropout Boogie Tour feeling cheated. If anything, it’s a testament to the bands uncanny and continued ability to write catchy songs that appeal to a wide range of people of all ages; almost as if they have “too many” good songs to fit into one show. “Always keep them wanting more” they say, well on this hot and humid July night in Saratoga Springs, The Black Keys did exactly that. With this untapped market now fresh on their radar, hopefully it won’t take nearly as long for this dynamic, influential and charismatic duo to find their way back.

The Black Keys | July 20, 2022 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY | Dropout Boogie Tour

Setlist: I Got Mine, Howlin’ For You, Fever, Tighen Up, Your Touch, It Ain’t Over, Gold On The Ceiling, Stay All Night, Coal Black Mattie, Goin’ Down South, Busted, Crawlin’ Kingsnake, Have Love Will Travel, Lo/Hi, Everlasting Light, Next Girl, Your Team Is Looking Good, Wild Child, Ten Cent Pistol, She’s Long Gone

Encore: Little Black Submarines, Lonely Boy

July 23, 2022
Happy Hour Heroes: Moe Play Better Than The Dead in Albany Free-For-All

Making the most of an unfortunate and potentially volatile situation, a free moe. concert at the Empire State Plaza in Albany was music to the ears of disappointed Deadheads and plenty of moe.rons on Wednesday, July 6. With many fans already on the road when late afternoon news broke that Dead and Company had suddenly cancelled their show at SPAC, live music lovers didn’t have to look very far to find their fix.

With beloved Buffalo improv icons moe. already scheduled to kick off Albany’s ‘Summer at the Plaza’ concert series on the same night, what was once thought to be tough choice for the competing fanbase suddenly seemed like a blessing a disguise. For the moe.rons, there was never a debate on where to be, but to the dedicated Deadheads still hoping to dance, turning the bus around and detouring it to the Empire State Plaza became an obvious no-brainer.

“I can remember the warm summer nights, drinking cold Gennys, yeah we’d get so tight.” – Lyrics from “Blue Jeans Pizza”

Set in the shadows of the state capitol building and in a sea of tie dye t-shirts, it was more than just the hippies who showed up on this picture-perfect summer evening. Instead, a pleasantly diverse crowd of all ages, genders, colors, hair styles and musical aptitudes packed into the plaza shortly after happy hour. There were kids running around with cotton candy and snow cones, old friends catching up while waiting in the massive beer line, people playing frisbee and walking their dogs, local artists hustling for a buck. All of it helping to create a family friendly, carnival-like vibe bustling with energy and as word got around that moe. was in town, the crowd only seemed to grow larger as the evening went on.

Dead and Company fans flocked from SPAC to the Empire State Plaza after the bands surprise cancellation.

The entire performance felt drenched in nostalgia. While it was a beautiful and surreal scene come showtime, the road to getting there has been long and full of curveballs. You see, while moe is largely considered a “Buffalo band,” die-hard Albany fans still like to consider the guys “homegrown.” Playing some of their earliest shows at legendary local dives like the former Valentine’s off New Scotland Ave, some members of the band even lived in Albany before truckin’ up to Buffalo. Their impact on local culture over the years so significant, that back in 2018 Albany’s mayor, Kathy Sheehan, officially declared February 24^th as “moe. Day” in the city. While little has been made of that fact since then, judging by the amount of people who packed into the plaza for this rare (and free) moe. show, it’s clear that the local love has never wavered. Seeing core members Rob Derhak (bass), Al Schnier (guitar), Vinny Amicio (drums), and Jim Loughlin (percussion) sharing smiles together while taking it all in, you couldn’t help but feel proud of the “happy hour heroes” on stage.

From the thought-provoking summer anthem “Blue Jeans Pizza” opener, to a jammed out 16 minute version of “The Road,” to old-school moe. staples like “Head,” 2001’s “So Long” and an always appreciated “Mexico” set closer, much of the talk during intermission wasn’t about the guys playing on stage, but rather who wasn’t on stage. The conversation was all about Chuck and how much he is missed. For many in attendance, it was their first time seeing the band without moe.’s founding guitarist, virtuoso Chuck Garvey, who has been on the sidelines recovering from a serious stroke since in November of last year. In a truly sentimental moment towards the end of the show, Al read a “get well soon” note from a fan named Nicole, then lead the entire crowd in a “Chuck, Chuck, Chuck” chant.

moe. performing with Suke Cerulo and Nate Wilson at the Empire State Plaza 7/6/22

Stepping up to the plate in Garvey’s absence, the band has enlisted not one, but two world-class players; Suke Cerulo of Schleigho on guitar and keyboard/multi instrumentalist Nate Wilson from Percy Hill. While guitarist Al Schnier handled most of the heavy lifting and soloing during the first set, the improvisation during the second set went long and deep and really allowed Cerulo and Wilson to show what they’re made of. While Cerulo’s headless guitar will take some getting used to, he’s seems to be a natural fit, while Wilson on the other hand, adds a completely new dynamic and versatility to the moe. sound, complete with funk infused keyboards and a flute that plays incredibly well off Jim Loughlin’s xylophone sounds.

Coming out of the gates for the second set with a near 20 minute version of Lazarus, the band would effortlessly segue into a particularly funky 18 minute rendition of “George.” After a brief pause, the band would launch into a massive “McBain” sandwich that saw them jam into a “Starship Troopers”>”Tubing the River Styx” and eventually find their way back into “The Pit.” The true highlight and easily the long jam of the name night came next with the set closing 26 minute moe classic “Brent Black” which brough everyone at the Empire State Plaza to their feet in a standing ovation. With the hard curfew now rapidly approaching, the band would return to the stage for fan favorite “Bear Song” as an encore.

If you liked the setlist of this show, you can thank a kind man by the name of John King. If you didn’t like it, well, blame cancer. Based on King’s generous donation to the American Caner Society, the band gave him the unique opportunity to write the setlist. Considering many of the people who were there went into the night expecting to hear Dead and Company, I think it’s safe to say Mr. King knocked it out of the park in a big way. Before exiting the stage, bass player Rob Derhak addressed the crowd one final time saying, “We had an awesome time, we hope you guys did as well. Thank you so much for coming out. Seriously though, we really do love Albany. We have are own day here in February, it’s moe. day, so you can’t beat that, thank you. Me and some of the guys are gonna be down at The Hollow tonight with Blue Star Radiation, so shameless plug. Goodnight.”

Moe. | July 6, 2022 | Albany, NY | Empire State Plaza (Free Show)

Set 1: Blue Jeans Pizza, The Road, Head, So Long, Mexico

Set 2: Lazarus > George , McBain> Starship Troop Jam > Tubing the Rive Styx* > The Pit> Brent Black

Encore: Al.nouements, Chuck Chant, Bear Song
* with Nate Wilson on flute

Pulling double duty, the fun wasn’t over yet this evening. Directly following moe.’s performance, fans in the know headed further downtown to The Hollow where Guthrie/Bell Productions was hosting an evening with Blue Star Radiation, the side-project which also features moe. drummer Vinnie Amico and bassist Rob Derhak, plus keyboard/multi instrumentalist Nate Wilson and virtuoso guitarist Tim Palmieri of Kung Fu, The Breakfast and most recently Lotus fame.

As you might expect with the pedigree of the players involved, this show was quite the party. A veritable “all-star” band of improvisational, jam band musicians that all share an affinity for classic rock, the show saw everything from highly danceable funk grooves, to tasteful blues-based crooning, to bombastic, over-the-top soloing. It was perhaps no surprise that guitarist Tim Palmieri stole the show however, as he was the only member of Blue Star Radiation that was completely fresh having not played at the Plaza earlier in the night.

Always the consummate showman, Palmieri’s incendiary shredding was on full display from the beginning, almost daring his bandmates to try and keep up. Derhak, who could be seen grinning ear to ear most of the show, was up to the challenge, and even would go head-to-head with Palmieri in an instrumental duel that would send the Hollow howling.

While there appeared to be no formal setlist, obvious highlights included covers of moe. classics like “Opium” and “Mar De Ma” as well as “Biblical Proportions” and an exquisite rendition of the Jethro Tull classic “Locomotive Breath.” Sensing there was something special going on here, about half way through the night, promoter Greg Bell casually worked his way through the crowd to the front of the stage to ask the guys how they felt about playing a second set. Derhak would leave it up the audience, holding his arms out and asking “What do you folks think?” After the resounding cheer, Blue Star Radiation would go on to play all the way till about 1am. While this project is still relatively new, BSR shows are quickly becoming “can’t miss” affairs.

New Yorkers will get their next chance to see the band soon, as Blue Star Radiation makes their NYC debut at the Cutting Room on Friday, July 22. As for moe.’s next New York engagement, the band is set return to beautiful Lake George the first weekend of September for two headlining nights at the Adirondack Independence Music Festival.

Blue Star Radiation | July 6, 2022 | Albany, NY | The Hollow

Setlist (partial): MarDeMA, Opium, Biblical Proportions, Locomotive Breath

July 9, 2022
A Colorful Homecoming for The Clay People: Iconic NY Rockers Debut New Songs & New Comic Book

Capital Region punk/metal industrial rock legends The Clay People busted out of the underground over the weekend, playing their first hometown gig in years on Friday, June 17^th at Albany’s Empire Live. The enduring icons not only gave fans a preview of their forthcoming studio album, Cult Hypnotica, but also used the occasion to debut their very own comic book.

The Clay People performing at Empire Underground on 6-17-22.

From modest beginnings in the underground Industrial Darkwave scene, to the breakout release of their self-titled major label debut, it has been a long, strange journey for these Albany rockers. Born from the unique creative bond of Daniel Dinsmore, Brian McGarvey and Daniel Neet, The Clay People first started making music together in 1989. In the decades that followed, the band would add guitarist Jared Weed and bass player Eric Braymer and go on to share the stage with internationally known touring acts such as Stained, Static X, Clutch, Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Filter and Stabbing Westward to name a few. In 2020, the band seemingly rose from the dead and released Demon Hero and Other Extraordinary Phantasmagoric Anomalies & Fables, a bold and massive sounding album that sent a clear message: this band is far from finished.

Daniel Neet performing with The Clay People at Empire Underground on 6-17-22.

In fact, 2022 is shaping up to be one of The Clay People’s most prolific years in quite some time. Having spent the pandemic unleashing their trapped energy and recording a deep library of new tracks, the band just put the finishing touches on their latest studio album, the highly anticipated Cult Hypnotica, which is set to drop on July 1^stwith supporting dates expected to be announced shortly thereafter. To help get the hype train going a bit, The Clay People decided to treat some of their oldest and most dedicated fans to a taste of the new material during a hometown throwdown performance at the new, yet familiar Empire Underground in downtown Albany, a venue highly reminiscent of the former Northern Lights in Clifton Park where TCP played some of their most legendary shows.

The Clay People debut their very own comic book “Colossus”in Albany, NY 6/17/22.

Opening the performance with a bit of a mash-up cover of Lo Fidelity Allstars “Battle Flag,” it wasn’t long before the bedlam picked up proper with “Colossus,” the song that inspired the band’s new comic book of the same name. The comic, which was collaboratively produced by Top Cow Productions, Inc and Epitome Studios, was one sale for the first time at the bands merch table. After a squealing version of “NoW,” The Clay People then busted out a song everyone in attendance seemed to know, “Plug” off their 1998 breakthrough self-titled album.

You can’t give in
Living in this guilt of sin
Losing your grip
What can you make of it?
Are you a part of it?
You can’t give in
Lyrics from “Plug”

Spending much of the show perched on top of the front row barricade, frontman Daniel Neet’s stage presence was powerful and commanding. Dressed all in black, wearing sunglasses and resembling the late Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) a bit, Neet’s unique voice effortlessly shifted from gravely baritone, to spoken word, to all out fits of shouting rage. Still sounding great after all these years, Neet poured everything he had into this performance and with enough vigor of a man half his age.

The Clay People performing at Empire Underground on 6-17-22.

After “Plug,” The Clay People would then debut a series of songs off their upcoming album, including “Turn Me On,”” Cult Hypnotic,” “Drugs,” She Loves,” and ” Destroy All Humans,” before returning to the TCP staples like “X-Ploding Head” and “Pariah” which had the whole crowd banging their heads in unison and shouting “I don’t want to die here.” After working their way through “Strange Day,” the band would then play the most commercially successful song in their catalog, 1998’s irresistible riff heavy classic anthem, “Awake” and finally bring the performance to a close with one of their oldest songs, “Stone.”

A little older and wiser, but just as intense. While their sound has evolved over the years, The Clay People have always stayed true to their heavy punk roots and despite the odds, have managed to stay relevant for more than thirty years. Outlasting most of the bands they came up with and with a new album right around the corner, it almost feels as if The Clay People have found the fountain of youth. With the type of physically demanding music they play and their equally demanding stage show, you have to wonder how long these guys can perform at this type of level. When contemplating that very question, vocalist Dan Neet simply grinned and said, “Like a cockroach. You can’t get rid of me. We’ll keep going until we’re dead.” Cult Hypnotica comes out on July 1^st.

The Clay People | June 17, 2022 | Albany, NY | Empire Underground

Setlist: Battle Flag (intro), Colossus, NoW, Plug, Turn Me On, Cult Hypnotic, Drugs, She Loves, Destroy All Humans, X-ploding Head, Strange Day, Pariah, Awake, Stone

Check out the full gallery of photos from the show and fan recorded video of “X-ploding Head,” “Awake” and “Stone,” below from NYS Music Photographer Zak Radick

June 23, 2022
Alive at 5: Spafford and Annie in the Water Jam Out at Jennings Landing

Making their first visit to Albany since October 2017, Spafford returned to the Capital Region with a vengeance on Thursday, June 16. Headlining week two of Albany’s beloved Alive at 5 concert series, organizers could not have booked a more appropriate act for “Jam Night” than the Arizona improv quartet; a band that’s bolstered their reputation in recent years by occasionally surprising audiences with unannounced single-song shows.

Despite a tornado warning in areas of Western New York, mother nature played nice and so did the band. Indeed the jams at Jennings Landing on this night went long and strong and judging by the look on many of the first timers in the crowd, it was as if the music was hitting them over the head like a sonic sledgehammer, and they loved it.

Opening band and local legends Annie in the Water started the evening as only they know how. The whole band was delighted to be playing for Alive at Five and you could tell from the first note. Although it wasn’t the jam-heavy sets fans may be accustomed to, the Annie boys threw down a well-rounded set that had a large portion of people on their feet. They chose original songs as well as an excellent cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” that have brought their fans to fall in love with the band.

Setlist: Time to Play, In the Sand, Lights up, River, Dreams (Fleetwood Mac), Seeds, Dancing the Night Away

In an age where “jamming” is often viewed as a dirty word, Spafford makes no bones about what type of band they are. Comprised of Brian Moss (guitar/vocals), Jordan Fairless (Bass), Andrew “Red” Johnson on keyboards and Nick Tkachyk on drums, their social media bio simply says “We Jam.” But while the theme for this week was “Jam night,” this was anything but your typical Spafford show. For one thing it was totally free, thus attracting a lot of curious and first-time listeners. Second, due to the 8pm city curfew, there was only time for the band to play one set and no encore. Another key component missing was the bands elaborate light show, which due to the time of day was an impossibility.

Well aware of these limitations, Spafford played it smart and went with an almost “festival-like” setlist. With first time ears upon them, they decided to offer up a collection of some of their more well known and more accessible compositions. Kicking things off with one of the songs that put them on the map, the opening riff of “Electric Taco Stand” made it clear that despite the constraints, these Arizona cats came to Albany to boogie down. After a beautiful and contemplative version of the Andrew “Red” Johnson sung “Slip and Squander,” bassist Jordan Fairless had his chance to shine on what was perhaps the highlight of the night, “Leave the Light On.” Shifting gears from its reggae style structure, this version would drift into a delicate and blissfully sublime space before Jordan would reel it in and lead fans through the call and response portion of the song, so catchy even first timers could be seen mouthing the words in unison.

Worth noting is that the guys appeared to be having an absolute blast on stage. Smiles all around, Jordan in particular seemed more jovial than his usual self, even making all kinds of “bass faces” and playing off Brian’s tasty licks by sticking out his tongue during an absolutely epic version of “Back Door Funk.” Showcasing their versatility and flaunting their ability to blend various genres seamlessly into one, the evening had everything from filthy funk and up-tempo jamtronica, to rump-shaking reggae, introspective instrumentals and all out rock n’ roll shred fests courtesy of Mr. Brian Moss and his custom Thomas Milana guitar: The Raven. In fact, if there was an actual way to keep track of such things, I’d be willing to bet Moss played more notes during this set than any other performer in Alive at 5 history.

After working their way through “Mind’s Unchained,” the show would come to a glorious end by way of the anthemic “Salamander Song” in which the audience was encouraged to “dance the whole way home.” Judging by the look on some of the freshly melted faces of Albany’s first timers, that’s exactly what they may have done. While it may not have been your typical two-set Spafford show, there was still plenty to like about this performance. Savoring every minute of it, Albany fans can only hope it doesn’t take 5 more years for this very talented band to return.

6/16/22 | Alive at Five | Albany, NY

Setlist: Electric Taco Stand, Slip and Squander, Leave the Light On, Backdoor Funk, Mind’s Unchained > Salamander Song

Up next in the Alive at 5 concert series is Classic Rock night with Lita Ford headlining and up-and-coming New York band Candy Ambulance opening things up. The event is scheduled to take place on June, 23 at Jennings Landing on Thursday, June 23, 2022 and as always, is completely free.

June 19, 2022