NYS Music 202​2

Category: Media

  • 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 26th, and swing by Wildwood, NJ on August 27th.

    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

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Lucas Garrett, Architrave, And More

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 P.M. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Lucas Garrett, Architrave, and Scothcka.

    EQXposure

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience and showcases new music on EQXposure. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Lucas Garrett – “Together”

    Lucas Garrett is a musician from Upstate New York, who has played professionally for over nine years. He has a unique style that blends progressive rock, folk, new wave, and indie, which audiences enjoy. His newest single “Together” is out now.

    Architrave – “Lorem Ipsom”

    Architrave is a synth-pop duo from Ballston Spa, made up of Jennifer Maher Coleman and Paul Coleman. Their unique blend of synth and alternative sounds makes listeners really enjoy them, and their new single as well as an accompanying video is out now.

    Scotchka – “Painted World”

    Scotchka is a rock band from Albany that blends emo, pop punk, and alternative influences for an energetic, introspective style. Formed in 2016 under a different name, the band released their first EP, Locket, as Scotchka in 2018. Their song “Painted World” off of their new album Corinthians will be played on EQXposure.

  • In Focus: Twenty One Pilots at Madison Square Garden

    Twenty One Pilots stopped at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday August 23, the fourth stop of the group’s “The Icy Tour.” Along with performing songs from their 2021 album Scaled and Icy, the duo performed many of their old hits including “Ride” and “Stressed Out.” The show proved why they are considered as one of the most successful bands in the last decade.

    Twenty One Pilots – Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil

    Setlist: Good Day, No Chances, Guns for Hands, Morph, Holding on to You, The Outside, Message Man, Lane Boy, Chlorine, Mulberry Street, Addict With a Pen / Forest / Ode to Sleep / Hometown / Bandito / Choker, The Judge, Migrane, The Hype / Nico and the Niners / Tear in My Heart, Halo Theme (Martin O’Donnell Cover), Jumpsuit, Heavydirtysoul, My Blood / Saturday, Level of Concern, Ride, Shy Away, Car Radio, Stressed Out

    Encore: Heathens, Trees

    Twenty One Pilots
    Twenty One Pilots
    Twenty One Pilots
    Twenty One Pilots

  • Wiz Khalifa and Logic Vinyl Verse Tour Lands at Saratoga Performing Arts Center

    Logic and Wiz Khalifa co-headlined at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, August 23. The Vinyl Verse Tour features 24kGoldn, Fedd the God, DJ Drama, and C Dot Castro. Within the nearly full amphitheater, the group of artists performed ongoing acts without missing a single beat.

    DJ Bonics warmed up the audience to upbeat popular hip hop songs before C Dot Castro hit the stage. Settling in on stage, Castro rapped effortlessly to a fast beat entertaining the large crowd. For some in the audience, it was their first time hearing his music, and this didn’t stop them from dancing and chanting the lyrics right back.

    DJ Drama kept the beats rolling for Pittsburg native, Fedd the God. Fedd instantly gave his full energy while performing original songs. Near the end of Fedd’s set, he jumped into the crowd and continued rapping without hesitation.

    24kGoldn performed his hit songs “Valentino,” and “Mood,” while many in the crowd sang along, and danced without any encouragement needed.

    The lights dimmed and Multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-nominated Logic, nurtured the crowds excitement as he jumped on stage and performed songs including “Everyday,” “1-800-273-8255,” and more. Logic’s sound projects the same as it does on recordings and he comfortably delivered his lyrics at a rapid pace while walking from side-to-side on the stage.

    Following Logic, the lights dimmed one more time for Grammy and Golden Globe nominee, Wiz Khalifa. Khalifa stood on a tall platform and opened with classic hip-hop record “Black and Yellow.” The standing audience waved their arms up and down to the beat of each song; there were a select few that jumped.

  • Wild Hearts Tour Concludes with Two Nights at Central Park SummerStage

    Indie legends Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen, and Julien Baker joined together for The Wild Hearts Tour, a mostly outdoor-focused concert series. Angel and Sharon released the cathartic and joyful song, “Like I Used To” together last year, to critical acclaim. Julien Baker’s latest album, Little Oblivions also received widespread praise when it was released last year. Given the triple-headliner lineup on The Wild Hearts Tour, it quickly became one of the most highly anticipated acts in the indie music scene. After hitting roughly 20 stops in the United States, the tour concluded with two incredible nights at Central Park SummerStage during the weekend of August 21, with support from Quinn Christopherson.

    Sharon Van Etten performing at Central Park SummerStage, photography by David Reichmann

    The final night at Central Park’s SummerStage began with light cloud cover and mild heat. Fans lounged on picnic blankets and enjoyed the afternoon sun with a beer or a snack. Quinn Christopherson opened the show with driving guitar progressions and passionate vocals. His set also included a handful of tear-jerking and quieter moments. The crowd was well warmed up by the time Quinn’s set finished, and the onstage crew turned over for Julien’s set in what seemed like just a few minutes.

    Quinn Christopherson performing at Central Park SummerStage, photography by David Reichmann

    Julien Baker took the stage as the sun began to dip and the air cooled. The crowd swelled as she began playing her hard rock set. Julien leapt up and down the stage, flipped her hair, and held her guitar above her head at moments. She also sprinkled in a number of quiet and sorrowful moments throughout her set, displaying the great range her musical catalog is known for. Julien thanked the audience and joked with them occasionally between songs. She mentioned how special this tour had been. As her set neared an hour in length as the sun entered into golden hour, she thanked the crowd one last time before walking off to great applause.

    Julien Baker performing at Central Park SummerStage, photography by David Reichmann

    Angel Olsen’s set began at the very last moments of daylight. The stage lights took over as the atmosphere in the venue turned stark and dramatic. She walked onstage under a glowing orange spotlight and thanked the crowd. She played a number of tracks from her latest full-length record, Big Time as well as a number of deep cuts and fan favorites. She ended her set with the rousing lead single, “All The Good Times.” Angel thanked the audience one last time, told them how special this tour had been, and walked off as the crowd’s excitement peaked in anticipation of the final set of the evening and the tour.

    Angel Olsen performing at Central Park SummerStage, photography by David Reichmann

    Sharon Van Etten took the stage as the final headliner in The Wild Hearts Tour. Her latest album, We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong, was released earlier this year and was a smash hit. Her performance featured intimidating and powerful vocalizations and dancing. She frequently singled out audience members to lock eyes with and single directly towards. Sharon’s dynamic movements and passionate vocals created an all-encompassing stage presence which took over the crowd.

    Sharon Van Etten performing at Central Park SummerStage for The Wild Hearts Tour, photography by David Reichmann

    Sharon paused occasionally between songs to share sentimental moments with the audience. She said towards the end of her set, “I came up in New York City,” and mentioned how great it was to be able to end this tour “where it all started.” She talked briefly about the 40 or so people working on the tour, the hardships of touring in a post-pandemic world, and urged the New York City crowd to embrace kindness and acceptance. She also shared a few anecdotes of her first times meeting Julien, Angel, and later Quinn. “These people have become my family…Thank you so much for coming out.”

    Sharon Van Etten performing, photography by David Reichmann

    Sharon closed out her main set with her hit track “Seventeen.” She walked off stage briefly, only to return a few moments to answer the cheers demanding an encore. She began her encore with a solo rendition of “Darkish.” For the final track of her set, Sharon invited Angel Olsen onstage to perform their sensational single, “Like I Used To.” She talked about writing this track of Angel, saying how she had been a fan of hers and wanted to work on something together. Then she invited Julien, her bandmates, and Angel’s bandmates to join Sharon onstage for the final song of The Wild Hearts Tour. Sharon thanked the crowd one last time and the band played as the artists slowly walked off.

    Sharon Van Etten Singing, photography by David Reichmann

    Now concluded, The Wild Hearts Tour was surely a one-of-a-kind event. You can follow Sharon Van Etten’s ongoing world tour here, and listen to her music here. Angel Olsen’s tour has a few remaining stops in the US before she heads overseas, and her catalog can be found here. Julien Baker has one upcoming show scheduled for November in Atlanta, and her catalog can be found here. Quinn Christopherson’s music can be streamed here.

  • In Focus: Phil Lesh & The Midnight Ramble Band at Bethel Woods

    Phil Lesh and The Midnight Ramble Band joined forces for a recent gig on Saturday, August 20 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. With the Midnight Ramble Band featuring names like Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, and Amy Helm (daughter of Levon), the powerhouse ensemble delighted all with a mix of The Band and Grateful Dead material. NYS Music’s Howard Horder was in attendance and captured some of the magic with the photos below. And check out archive.org for an audience recording of the show if the setlist below appeals at all.

    Phil Lesh & The Midnight Ramble Band Bethel Woods Center For The Arts – Bethel, NY 8/20/22

    Set 1: Tennessee Jed, Rubin & Cherise, Scarlet Begonias > Not Fade Away, Brokedown Palace, Franklin’s Tower, Ophelia, Sugaree

    Set 2: Shakedown Street, Playing in the Band, Eyes of the World, Chest Fever, Unbroken Chain, Atlantic City, River Deep, Mountain High

    E: Donor Rap / Band Intro, The Weight

  • Happy Birthday to the Lead Singer of the Strokes, Julian Casablancas 

    Best known as lead vocalist and main songwriter for the infamous band The Strokes, Julian Casablancas turns 44 years old today, August 23. Julian has played a significant role in influencing the revival of 1960’s alternative garage music in the early 2000’s.  

    Born in New York City on this day in1978, Julian Casablancas cites The Doors as one of his earliest musical influences, though he specifies that he was influenced by their musical style rather than the public image of their vocalist and lead singer Jim Morrison. He has also cited Lou Reed of The Velvet Underground as a major influence on his lyrics and singing style. 

    As a solo artist, Casablancas set out with an intention to say what was on his mind, both musically and lyrically. Speaking of his experience as a solo artist versus releasing music with The Strokes, the singer has put it simply, “It’s like touring with me or with five of me,” meaning that each member has their own opinionated state of mind. 

     While such statements raised much concern for the relations between the band members, Casablancas claims that in pursuit of a solo career, he is protecting the integrity of the [Strokes] vibe. In having a musical project separate from The Strokes, he can “chase down any idea [he] wants”, which he would refrain from doing with the band. 

    Being the lead vocalist and songwriting in The Strokes sparked a major revival of 1960s alternative rock music, starting in New York City. With their unique alternative sound, the Strokes have inspired many known alternative artists today. 

    Overall, Casablancas has served as a major inspiration for musicians like Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys and the painter Elizabeth Peyton. Courtney Love‘s song “But Julian, I’m a Little Bit Older Than You” from her debut solo album America’s Sweetheart (2004) was written about Casablancas.

  • Andy Frasco & The U.N. debut new songs, announce NYE plans in Buffalo

    Andy Frasco & The U.N. played two new songs, overcame an early fiasco and threw a raging party over a two and a half hour long set with many old favorites on Friday, August 19. It marked his his first time playing at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY.

    The band also announced plans for its New Year’s Eve show at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Dec. 31.

    Photo by Carla R. Coots

    The band was rocking from start to finish; it seemed like everyone else was surely amped up on plenty of energy drinks or something. Except they hit a snag right into the second song “Blame it on Me” when the power went out on some speakers and Frasco’s microphone was cut. The band quickly improvised, as Ernie Chang on saxophone played as loud as he could while he and guitarist Shawn Eckles traded licks back and forth and drummer Daniel Avila kept the tempo going. Frasco pulled out the signature bottle of Jameson whiskey out and it seemed like an appropriate time to have a drink. Whatever technical difficulty happened, it was enough for the whole band to take a break and get off stage. 

    When they came back, they finished “Blame it On Me” and Frasco and the band seemed like they were ready to get past that mishap and crush the rest of the night.

    Frasco shared some new music with the crowd as he went into “I Miss Getting High Just to Get By,” then he played another new one right after with “High On Our Own Supply.”

    He then played another two rocking songs with “Love, Come Down” and “Slam Piece” and the band did not slow down one bit. Frasco said, “Let’s get the party started,” and cracked open a beer to dump all over himself. He then took a moment to chat with the crowd and get everyone pumped up as they teased the deep riffs of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and went into a short version of Van Halen’s “Running with The Devil” which fit the band with their wild energy and crazy hair.

    “Pay to See Your Smile” then slowed things up a bit along with the song “Better Day” that gave the band a chance to catch their breath and wipe the sweat off their faces. Chang played keys for the song and the slow start built up into an epic climax with guitarist Shawn Eckles giving it 110 percent. 

    Photo by Carla R. Coots

    They played “Baby, Take the Day Off” and then Frasco said he always wanted to play drums on a farm, so the entire band changed which instruments they were playing. Everyone was still rocking, and it seemed like everyone knew what they were doing on each instrument. Guitarist Eckles continued to crush it on every instrument he played form the keys to drums. Frasco ended up on the bass and it looked good on him.

    Back on their normal instruments, and before the next song, Frasco had some jokes for the crowd and then they went into a cover of Sublime’s “Caress Me Down.” They played “Make It Work” and then he said they wanted to play some older songs since this was the first time they played in the area, The band proceeded to go through “Good Man,” “Kind of Crazy” and “It’s Been a Struggle.” Afterwards, they went into a classic rock cover of Foghat’s “Slow Ride” and Frasco said they were going to improvise and play more random songs and then went into “Sunny Day Soldier.”

    Next, they had a singing contest, and every member had their chance. Frasco said that Chang never sings in these, but even he participated this time around. The night was also filled with references to the Buffalo Bills, getting the crowd pumped at every mention of Josh Allen and aspirations for a Super Bowl. Frasco will surely be a favorite in New York when the band returns for their NYE show in December.

    Photo by Carla R. Coots

    They then went into “Smoking Dope N Rock & Roll” and if things weren’t already turned up, the band heated it up even more with a “Blame It On The Pussy” that got everyone back in full rage mode. Frasco then played the fan favorite “What More Can I Say” as the crowd sang all the lyrics along with him. He then got into the crowd to kick off the Shabbat with a Hora as the band played “Hava Nagila” as the crowd went left and right according to Frasco’s instructions.

    The band closed the set with “Dream” and came back out for an encore starting with “Change Of Pace.” Frasco had a heart-to-heart with the crowd and sent us off with his positive song “Keep On Keepin’ On.” But before things were over, he sent everyone back into full rage mode with a cover of Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name Of.” The crowd knew what they were in for as a circle opened up and it turned into a hardcore show for the last few minutes.

    Organ Fairchild opened the show and Andy Frasco’s main bassist Supa Man was not at the show, with Chris Lorentz filling in.

    Andy Frasco & The UN Lincoln Hill Farms – Canandaigua, NY Aug. 19, 2022

    Setlist: Find A Way, Blame It On Me, I Miss Getting High – (First Time Played), High On Our Own Supply (First Time Played), Love, Come Down, Slam Piece, Running With The Devil (Van Halen cover), Pay To See You Smile, Better Day, Baby, Take The Day Off, Caress Me Down (Sublime cover), Make It Work, Good Man, Kind Of Crazy, Make It Work, It’s Been a Struggle, Slow Ride (Foghat cover), Sunny Day Soldier, *Singing contest*, Smoking Dope N Rock & Roll, Blame it on the Pussy, What More Can I Say?, Hava Nagila, Dancing Around My Grave, Dream

    Encore: Change of Pace, Keep On Keepin’ On, Killing In The Name Of – (Rage Against the Machine cover)

  • Inaugural Backroads Blues Festival Showcases Generational Talent at Bethel Woods

    On the eve of the 53rd anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, blues/rock artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd brought with him living blues legend Buddy Guy and up-and-coming blues man Christone “Kingfish” Ingram to the Bethel Woods stage for three sets of incredible music. The showcase of three generations of blues musicians is the inaugural edition of the touring Backroads Blues Festival. In addition to a remarkable evening of music, Shephard spoke with us about the tour and the entire interview can be seen at the end of this article.

    The Backroads Blues Festival’s inaugural run is visiting six venues between the Northeast and Virginia and included two stops in New York. Christone Ingram, a Mississippi native who goes by the nickname Kingfish, has had an impressive career so far for only being only 23 years old. While he has a bit of a name for himself, the show was a fantastic introduction for new fans. Though a younger musician, he blazed through his guitar work with emotion as if the blues were his primary language.

    Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who conceived the idea of this festival and curated the show, took the stage with his own band between Kingfish and headliner Buddy Guy. Shepherd is a musician who knows the business and how to draw his audience in to his music and guitar with his stage presence. Shepherd’s set included not only his own work, but concluded with a hat tip to the legendary B.B. King with “You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now.” Headlining the show was Buddy Guy, who celebrated his 86th birthday over the summer. There is a lot to be said for seeing and hearing Buddy perform which is why his shows are not just a performance, but an experience. He works the crowd with his wit, humor, and a sharp sense of being in the moment with his band to deliver pure, unfiltered blues.

    Before the evening concluded, both Shepherd and Kingfish joined Buddy Guy on stage to trade solos and do some call and response traditional to the style. As Buddy Guy usually does at the end of his shows, he set his guitar down and let his band (along with Shepherd and Kingfish) jam and play him out while he paraded around the stage to toss some guitar picks into the crowd.

    The Backroads Blues Festival was a unique experience of listening to three generations of musicians fit into a touring concert format. The crowd was left energized by the music with conversations about each of the three performers drifting through the air when the lights came back on. While the festival tour is wrapping up this weekend, we’re looking forward to the future versions of the Backroads Blues Festival coming back around to New York.

    Interview with Kenny Wayne Shepherd

    Steve Malinski: You mentioned during the show that the, this touring festival’s kind of been a dream of yours for a few years. So what inspired that dream to bring a few gen generations of blues musicians together like that?

    Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Well, I felt like there’s something, you know, there’s an opportunity for something like this. There’s kind of a void and I was looking to fill it. When I was a kid, there was an annual touring blues festival that B.B. King did. And, you know, I went to it several times over the years as a spectator, as a fan and saw some of the greatest talent in blues from Etta James, B.B. King, Joe Cocker, Stevie Ray and Jimmy Vaughan, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy. I mean, the list goes on and on, right. And then not too long after I joined it as an artist and did the tour myself with my band several times over the years. So, I mean, I just have a lot of really fond memories of that festival and those kinds of experiences. And I think I wanted to give the fans the opportunity to have their own experience like that, you know? I also think the genre still needs something like that. The multi-generational approach where you had three different generations of kind of the hottest names in blues. But I mean, the goal is just to have the best bands that are out there right now. I mean, it doesn’t necessarily always have to be representative of three generations, but I thought that was a really perfect way of kicking off the tour.

    SM: Yeah, it’s kind of a neat way of doing that.

    KWS: Yeah, I think it was good. I mean, Kingfish, he’s one of the big up and comers, he just won a Grammy. I mean, he’s kind of really blazing a trail and making a name for himself. And then, I’m the generation before and then Buddy’s, obviously the generation before that and everybody’s kind of at the top of their game. And so, it was a really strong lineup.

    SM: So how’s the experience been so far with it having a few shows in the books already?

    KWS: I think it’s great. I mean, to be honest with you the first night in Providence was completely packed. And it was a really great opening night. Bethel had a great crowd as well, but, you know, we were getting constant feedback. My people who were out in the merch area and the crew that was scattered throughout the venue and even myself at the end of the night… all the people that were working at the venue as they were leaving were just extremely complimentary about the show, said it was one of the best shows that they had there all season.

    So you know, that’s great. I mean, obviously, this is my project and it’s very important to me, but I mean, I’m telling you every single person that walked outta that venue that walked past me told me how great the show was. So that’s really satisfying. It’s very encouraging, especially because we’re trying to establish the brand here, because we want to move forward with this on an annual basis. They said they would love to have us come back again.

    SM: Yeah. One of the things I was going to say is I see huge potential for this growing into something more than just the limited run of shows you’re doing this summer.

    KWS: Yeah, this tour is more to get the word out, establish the brand and kind of like a proof of concept for lack of a better term. But back in the day the B.B. King fest would have around four headlining acts and then they would also have local acts that would perform, you know early on in the day. I mean the whole thing would start, and the local act was playing at like 4, 4:30 in the afternoon, you know? So it was a bit of a longer event and I’m hoping that we can grow into that. And the goal is to be inclusive. We’re gonna have, the hottest women of the blues, the hottest artists. Also, it’s like everything doesn’t always have to be electric either. There might be, you know, some more acoustic driven blues artists that will be included in the bill going forward and things like that. But regardless, it’s gonna be the top performers in the genre for sure.

    SM: Awesome. So I’ve seen Buddy Guy a handful of times, and he always talks about learning, not from the book, but just from what he hears and picks up from others. What have you kind of picked up on as inspirations from working with Buddy Guy and Kingfish as you’ve gotten ready for this tour?

    KWS:  Well, I mean, I’ve learned a lot from Buddy Buy. And so has any other guitar player in the past, you know, 50 years probably. I mean, Jimi Hendrix was a huge fan of Buddy Guy’s. So Buddy influenced, you know, the guy who’s regarded as the greatest guitar player of all time. So people, whether they even realize it or not have been influenced and affected by Buddy Guy and who he is and what he does. So, I mean, the main thing is he’s just incredible at age 86, you know, that he can perform at the level that he’s still performing at. And he’s a true show. And I just, I try and absorb that to the best of my abilities and, and take, things from people like that and incorporate them into what I do. And, that’s the tradition for all of us.

    SM: As you know, the Woodstock anniversary is this week. So being on that historic site, were any special feelings that you had performing at Bethel Woods?

    KWS: Yeah. You know, I’ve gotten to play this venue more than a few times over the course of my career. And, I’ve been to the site and done that whole thing. It’s certainly cool. I mentioned it earlier on, I think on one of my social media posts, especially because we are doing a music festival and launching a music festival… It’s like that place is sacred ground for music festivals. It was one of the biggest of all time, one of the most historic music festivals of all time took place there. So I thought it was an amazing opportunity to try and do the inaugural run of my festival and play one of our dates at that location.

    SM: I noticed you have a tour coming up leading into next year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of your album Trouble Is…. So looking back to 1997 and before, when you signed your first record deal at a six as a 16 year old kid in the early 90s, how do you reflect back on that?

    KWS: The first album [Ledbetter Heights] came out in ‘95, right after I graduated high school. I had recorded that one when I was 17. And then the one that we’re celebrating is the second album Trouble Is…, and that came out when I was like 19 years old in 1997. I mean, you know, I was young by any means. To compare to anything that’s a very young age to start a career and have that kind of success. And now I’m 45 years old and certainly, you know, a lot of time has passed. I mean, I think one of the most satisfying things we have accomplished a lot – we’ve sold millions of records. I’ve got several golden platinum albums hanging on the wall, awards on the shelf, all of those great things that any artist could ever hope for. But to me, the biggest accomplishment is the fan base that we have acquired over the years. You know, because people that are fans of this music, the music is timeless. It’s not stuck in an era. So, it’s not like pop music that has a certain sound from a certain era which then people move on from that. This is timeless music. And generally people who become fans of this kind of music kind of dig it for life, you know? And so as a result, that’s why 30 years later I’m out here and we’re still accomplishing things and we’re still making new achievements and we’re still, you know, selling tickets to concerts and selling out venues and moving into bigger venues, into new markets and things like that. That’s the biggest accomplishment because without the fan base that we have, then, none of it would be possible. And so they’ve stuck with me and they’ve kind of hung in there with me for 30 years now and they continue to make it possible for me to pursue, my dreams.

    SM: Going off of that, have you run into a lot of younger musicians who are looking up to your middle generation of blues musicians as inspiration?

    KWS: So, everybody knows that I started so young. I mean, over the entire 30 years of my career, I’ve run into a lot of younger musicians that come because they heard about my story and, you know, they’re aspiring young guitar players and, and things like that. And so, there’s no shortage of young people that are interested in music and there’s never any void of young people that are interested in blues and for some, it’s a stepping stone and they move on to other genres. And for some people like Kingfish, they try and make a life’s career out of it. But, my job is to be a good example and to be encouraging to them and just kind of do what I can do while I’m here and make my contribution, you know, as solid as possible.

  • Dogs In A Pile Romps At Garcia’s Once More

    The state of the jam scene is currently solid. Not since Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Twiddle playing Garcia’s in 2014 has the infusion of infectious improvisational music been so exciting. With Goose, and now Dogs in a Pile, the ascending acts in today’s foray are strong. Dogs in a Pile performed a sold out show at Garcia’s on Thursday, August 11 and it was a storied affair. Becoming grizzled veterans quickly, the show served as the band’s ninth performance at the famed space.

    Formed in 2018, (guitarist Brian Murray joined the lineup in 2019) Dogs In A Pile consists of Sam Lucid (bass), Jeremy Kaplan (keys), Joe Babick (drums), Brian Murray (guitar) and Jimmy Law (guitar). Based out of Asbury Park, NJ, the band is blowing up – having already performed at a gamut of respected festivals including Peach Music Festival, Summercamp, Domefest, ADK fest and Beardfest. DIAP is influenced by a wide range of esteemed acts including The Grateful Dead, Steely Dan, Phish, Frank Zappa, Dopapod, Twiddle and Jade Cicada. They have dropped a full-length studio album called Not Your Average Beagle, which is available on all streaming platforms. They also have live recordings that have been released through platforms such as Bandcamp, Nugs.net and YouTube.

    Starting their career by playing Grateful Dead music together, they evolved into composing original material – everyone writes and composes the material, but Brian and Sam are the primary songwriters. They currently have a catalog of 51 original songs. The band hopes to release their next studio record in the upcoming months and it is currently untitled. The group’s name derives from the Grateful Dead classic “He’s Gone.” Bassist Sam Lucid, one of the many Berklee School of music grads in the band, exclaimed, “There are lots of exciting future plans, including the release of a new studio album, tour dates across the country as well as some exciting supporting tours that have yet to be announced!”


    It was hard to remember Garcia’s being so crowded. The energy was palpable before the start with partygoers crowding the stage – it reminded one of DIAP’s most popular songs, “Can’t Wait for Tonight” (45,000+ streams on Spotify) with the lyrics, “Let’s go to the show, I hear the Dogs are back for more!” It’s hard to choose just a few highlights from all the offerings. Dogs In A Pile still shares a penchant for playing the Grateful Dead and this was demonstrated with a first set highlight of a delightful take on the obscure Grateful Dead ditty, “Dupree’s Diamond Blues.” Sang by Kaplan, it was a fast, fun and infectious romp. Any list of the band’s assets begins with the vocals – a smooth and rich sound that reminds one of a close friend coming over for dinner. The jams were tight and took one on a stellar journey to the unknown.

    The familiar chords of “Bubble” marked the beginning of the highlight of the second set – a song from the band’s studio album. A jam laden tune, it builds to crescendo and shows intricate guitar interplay between the members before seamlessly segueing into “EDM.” Three songs debuted on this night: “Frosty,” “Appleseed,” and a bombastic cover of the Rolling Stones “Shine a Light.” The harmonies were lush and layered and offered an exquisite depth of sound The set was festive with rambunctious high-energy and one could hear the influence of Phish in some of the improvisational jams. When the show concluded, the venue was still packed. It was as if no one wanted to leave. With an impeccably crafted two sets of exploratory music, Dogs in a Pile left satiated revelers and left them with “nothin left to do but smile, smile, smile.”


    Dogs In A Pile Garcia’s – Port Chester, NY 8/11/22
    Set 1: Crazy, Westward, Blues for Brian > Snow Day, Thomas Duncan Part 2, Dupree’s Diamond
    Blues, G Song
    Set 2: Stranger, Frosty, Bubble > EDM Song, Bent Strang), Spun > Appleseed, Shine A Light,
    Charlie