Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 Precious Metals, Gordon St., and Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band, and many more.
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. 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.
Precious Metals – “Jacqueline”
Precious Metals is a solo endeavor led by Troy singer-songwriter J Lee White, features a rolling cast of contributors. The band’s high energy alt-rock sound pulls from the early 2000s emo explosion and 2010s indie rock revival.
Schenectady based rock combo Gordon St. is made up of veteran Local 518 musicians Dan Noonan (lead vocals, bass), Ritch Harrigan (vocals, guitar), and Jason Nowak (drums, vocals) and have been recording and performing in New York’s Capital Region for over a decade. On this week’s EQXposure, Gordon St. will preview “Hey Dan,” their next single, due out July 1.
Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkilll Band – “Family Owned”
Born in Florida to a Danish immigrant and a blue blooded American girl, Kristain’s family moved to New England where his father worked as a fisherman. He lived with his grandparents and began singing in the church choir where his voice was recognized by his Reverend, a former professional tenor. Kristian realized the impact his voice had upon people once he opened his eyes after singing the Lord’s Prayer and seeing the silent tears fall from faces he had never met.
Outside of church Kristian sang shanties,Celtic and Scandanavian songs at local bars and told stories of fisherman coming home from sea. Over time he progressed as a songwriter and ultimately developed a following, He joined several rock bands through the years where he won awards for his voice. While a member of a metal band, Kristian was nominated for the Boston Music Awards for best male vocalist. He however, did not feel like this genre was a good fit for him. He wanted adventure, so he traveled to Nicaragua to perform on television in Managua. While there, he was photographed sitting around a table relaxing in the capital with an AK-47 in his arms; as if this was war torn country was just another place to find stories for his songs.
This experience awoke something in Kristian, he found a freedom that only his ancestors had known. He began taking his music back to his father’s homeland, where it was received like a son coming home to his family. Although his intentions were to bring music to the world; after starting a family in the US, it was at the dinner table where he truly found home. A divorce inevitably threw Kristian back into performing. He was jailed after fighting for equal rights for fathers in Massachusetts. Having lost everything, he began to rebuild his life. Upon release from prison he began work on The Gravel Church. He wrote about his experiences in prison, starting over and how he found hope.
Marco Benevento and family held applause for the positive at the cozy single day music festival Follow the Arrow, held at Arrowood Farms Micro Brewery and Distillery in Accord, NY. The full embrace of creative expression combined with an organized yet relaxed atmosphere made for an ideal pre-solstice celebration.
Marco Benevento and Friends – photo by Em Walis
Deciphering The Map
The landscape for live music is changing. Many that have remained sheltered are beginning to emerge. Bigger festivals lure us in with extensive setlists at locations worthy of wanderlust. Despite the inviting notion of clear air and open spaces, logistics like shuttles and multiple stages converge with the perception of crowd density might all just be too much for some at this time. The push and pull of compulsory desire for experience, the reality of life circumstance and anchors which prevent last minute flights. The consolation prize of a livestream. Like many loves in life, our relationship with music we have had and what the evolution might look like can get complicated.
So many rails, so little time – photo by Em Walis
Which Way?
Wouldn’t it be nice to have an oracle appear to gently guide in the direction towards a more positive relationship with live music? A figure that shares family values and the importance of grounding might be the answer. There has got to be some all-knowing upbeat individual that knows where to enjoy music that does not require a post-binge sense of shame for kicking responsibilities to the curb in order to experience that one night of euphoric, attention consumption of music; the paralysis of decision.
Marco Benevento – photo by Em Walis
This Way!
Cue Marco Benevento: artist, musician, family man and Hudson Valley resident arriving like cavalry to the rescue on Saturday, June 18. His inaugural “Follow The Arrow” [FTA] festival could not have been more aptly named. Meaning in the name dives far beyond the venue being located at Accord’s Arrowood Farms. Those that followed the arrow were guided to an oasis filled with reminders of all that is valued.
Hudson Valley Kid – photo by Em Walis
Arrowood Farms provided a pseudo-lagoon in the form of a beautiful field filled with delicious beverages brewed and distilled on site. Attendees wearing merchandise featuring geese and goats blended perfectly with the actual chicken coup to the left of the stage quite well. Despite the production of intoxicants, the survival instinct never kicked in that anyone was behaving out of line or taking things too far. One stage, one corral. Security presented with an upbeat, passionate attitude without sacrificing professionalism or sense of safety provided. This presence combined with the ability to see the entire production within one field of view allowed for families to attend with young kids worry-free.
Hudson Valley Serenity
The weather happened to fall on what is jokingly referred to as one of the four days in the year where the Hudson Valley is the best place on earth to enjoy a day outside.
Karina’s hair moving in rhythm with the trees – photo by Em Walis
Karina Rykman brought the energy to the point where it seemed the breeze-swept trees behind the stage rocked out as hard as the crowd.
Cheers for the sun – photo by Em Walis
Dark clouds and afternoon sun mesmerizingly dipped in and out of the crowd at rhythms mimicking the swaying upbeat ambiance pulsing from the stage with Antibalas.
Sunset bubbles – photo by Em Walis
Nature’s light show built up to a colorful golden sunset during Marco’s set. Illuminated bubbles glowed as they floated gently during their precious and short lifespan. These micro crystal balls provided a reminder of how delicate these precious moments are, and those we experience them with can be.
Coat game strong – photo by Em Walis
Royal Potato Family
The well-established culture surrounding FTA and the Royal Potato Family (RPF) record label lived in the details. Expressive up-cycled fashions worn; accessorized by jewelry that held a story. Excellent coats appeared as the temperatures dropped.
Family values by Em Walis
The Benevento family band hosted three generations. While The Slip played, the drummers son could be seen with drumsticks standing behind his dad, rocking out. Most importantly, as the day progressed, chosen family members made appearances on stage, as well as converged in the crowd.
Hudson Valley Kids Pt. 2 – photo by Em Walis
Quintessential “Hudson Valley kids” held a space in such a way that can only exist when New York City influences a worldview , outlook and attitude earlier than most. The atmosphere was family friendly without sacrifice of artistry or musicality. FTA was a place to celebrate values and emphasize the importance of self expression for generations to come.
Happy to support by Em Walis
Joyful Tokens
Merchandise sold included records, CDs, cassette tapes. Shirts screen printed and produced at home by Marco’s wife were the big hit. The only top obviously showing Marco’s name is one that started boldly, “Who The Fuck Is Marco Benevento?” This spoke to the low key tip of the hat that will occur out in the world between those that know. In true pseudo-sibling satirical spirit, harpist Mikaela Davis proudly displayed her “Who the Pluck is Mikaela Davis?” shirt right next to Marco’s after her beautiful set entranced us all.
One for my head – photo by Em Walis
The love and support not only felt, but shown by attendees spoke volumes for the relationship RPF has with those involved. The merchandise was reasonably priced and attendees were cleaning house by acquiring three and four shirts at a time, returning for more later and after the show being sure to leave with a stack of records. It was clear that everyone not only wanted to support, but celebrate.
A little helop from friends – photo by Em Walis
Arrow Explorations
Target identified. Aim set. Redirecting an arrow after it has been released would be a tall order. Non-negotiable direction. The relief that comes when deliberation ends and movement begins. Occasionally presenting as a cairn or colored dot on trees and stones, arrows act as trail markers and remind us that we are on the correct path. Arrows scribbled on top of class notes or in books provide emphasis on the important and worthy to be logged as memory. When arrows appear, a sense of calm washes over because scrutiny and sifting of all information can be skipped, time saved and getting to the point of it all arrives quickly.
Moments in time by Em Walis
Bubbles Filled With A Moment In Time
Arguably, and in true RPF spirit, the bubble machine was the ultimate target of the arrow Marco had us follow. To take a moment and appreciate the child-like joy that emerged in attendees of all ages from such a simple sphere held the power to make all of the distress experienced over the last segment in time disappear with a single pop.
Bring the light by Em Walis
Marco Benevento Setlist: At The Show, Dropkick, At The End Or The Beginning, Send It On A Rocket, Intro: The Story Of Fred Short ->Seven Twenty Two ->Walking With Tyrone, The Shape I’m In (The Band), Such A Night, The Real Morning Party, Right Down The Line, The Catskills Stole My Heart, Limbs Of A Pine
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic embarked on their One Nation Under A Groove tour on Wednesday, June 15 in Central Park’s Summerstage. Bands including Dopapod, The Motet, & Pimps of Joytime performed ahead of the legendary funk band, a part of Blue Note Jazz festival.
Dopapod played an incredible yet much shorter set than the excited fans were used to, but regardless it was a super tight set and the band all seemed hyped for their stacked summer tour.
Shira Elias stole the show when she joined in with The Motet and The Horn Section, all of them former members of Turkuaz, with Elias’ vocals and stage presence nothing short of amazing. As the show went on, the funk meter increased until it was finally time for P Funk who brought an intensely funky, fun, and freaky time.
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 17th 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 1st with 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 1st.
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
Today we look back at perhaps the most memorable and influential music festival of the 21st century, the first Bonnaroo. Held June 21-23, 2002 in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo has helped pave the way for the success of the modern day music festival. The original 2002 edition skewed jam band-heavy when compared to the contemporary version, but the communal vibes and appreciation for live music that the festival has fostered over the years have only gotten stronger. Discover how the first Bonnaroo Music and Art festival came to fruition, the memorable musical offerings that weekend, and how the festival laid the groundwork for successful music festivals in the years and decades that followed.
photo by Pete Mason
Origins
Bonnaroo, in name alone, is steeped in musical culture. The word derives from the French words “bonne,” meaning “good,” and “rue” which means “street.” This was done out of respect for the music tradition of New Orleans, a spirit the founders of Bonnaroo were looking to carry over into their next venture. And even more fittingly, “bonnaroo” also serves as Creole slang for a “really good time,” the very essence of any successful music festival.
Not only that, Angola Prison was located on Bonnaroo Avenue. To be on that street, and not in prison, was naturally, a good thing. The cajun expression “desitively bonnaroo” came to mean “better than the best,” originating among the inmates of the South Louisiana prison, for if you were on that street and not in the prison, it was “desitively bonnaroo.”
Not only that, Angola Prison was located on Bonnaroo Avenue. To be on that street, and not in prison, was naturally, a good thing. The cajun expression “desitively bonnaroo” came to mean “better than the best,” originating among the inmates of the South Louisiana prison, for if you were on that street and not in the prison, it was “desitively bonnaroo.”
The closing of Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park in 1999 unknowingly got the ball rolling for the creation of Bonnaroo. The park had been the yearly home of the Hot Summer Nights music festival until construction forced concerts to no longer be held there. Festival founders AC Entertainment were forced to pivot and look elsewhere and from there the seeds of Bonnaroo were hatched.
The closing of the World’s Fair Park for concerts precipitated getting creative and trying to find, ‘OK, if we can’t do this anymore, how can we still participate in the summer outdoor concert business,’ and it was from that that Bonnaroo was ultimately launched.
Ashley Capps, co-founder AC Entertainment
Bonnaroo seemed like a natural name for the massive new venture on a giant farm in Manchester, TN. Not only for the aforementioned translations, but the term itself wasn’t completely foreign either after being introduced to pop culture through Dr. John’s 1974 release Desitively Bonnaroo.
Superfly, who produced shows during New Orleans Jazz Fest in the late 90s, had experience in staging 28 shows over 8 nights at various New Orleans venues, typically late-night and catering to jam band fans. Superfly founders Kerry Black, Rick Farman, Richard Goodstone and Jonathan Mayers had attended Glastonbury and Coachella Festivals in years prior, and used these experiences to frame their vision for Bonnaroo Music and Art Festival.
The Superfly team brought in Coran Capshaw, who managed Phish and Dave Matthews Band, among others, to assist with financing, and worked with regional promoter Ashley Capps (AC Entertainment), based out of Knoxville. Working together, Superfly, Capshaw and AC Entertainment combined resources and dove in feet first, creating America’s most successful multi-day camping music festival since the original Woodstock.
Farman spoke to Relix in April 2002 noting that the first task was to establish bonafides to the fans:
The first thing that I think is important to let everybody know is that we have an extremely experienced and professional crew behind this event. I know many people know Superfly from the events we’ve done at Jazz Fest and other things. And I know people know AC for the events he’s done. But what I really wish to emphasize is that we have hired the best people in the camping festival business to help us put on this event. We have a lot of experience between AC and us in putting on concerts and concert promotion but we certainly understand that our experience is limited in putting on an event of this size.
Our basic plan has been to make the learning curve zero. Most of the people that we’ve hired were also key players in putting on the big Phish events- everything from our project manager, site coordinator, vending consultant, production manager, parking company, business manager, the head of security and the different security companies that were hiring. We’re going to have Clean Vibes out there, which I think people know through many events, including the big Phish events. So in terms of the quality of the people putting on the event and the quality of the facilities, its really going to be top notch.
The location the team would choose was found in Central Tennessee, in the small Coffee County town of Manchester. Located an hour drive southeast of Nashville, the town of less than 9,000 at the time had previously served as host to at least one previous music festival, Itchykoo.
Named for the Small Faces song “Itchykoo Park,” the festival was held only once, from August 12-15, 1999, featuring 40 bands over four days and nights. The event sold 20,000 tickets, but the event did not repeat, something apparent before the weekend concluded, with event staff reportedly departing mid-shift when it became clear their work would not be paid.
The classic rock-centric festival featured Dave Mason, Survivor, Rick Springfield, Blue Oyster Cult, Sammy Hagar, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Iron Butterfly, Leon Russell, Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz (performing separately), Starship and the Wilson sisters from Heart. The lineup, while ambitious, did not have a true headliner, but instead a list of classic rock bands with no clear connection between the artists.
Itchycoo not returning to Manchester for additional installments, coupled with World’s Fair Park closing for construction, made the perfect conditions for Bonnaroo to arrive in 2002. Of course, the two festivals would have a similar sounding name, and an ambitious first year endeavor like Bonnaroo needed to establish their brand as distinct from the predecessor, at least to all who were aware of Itchykoo. With a name that signified a ‘good time,’ was the name of a street in New Orleans as well as a Dr. John album, confusion with the 1999 festival was not a factor.
The location in Manchester, a 700-acre farm with access roads left over from Itchykoo gave it perfect location next to I-24, something that was a necessity for any major music festival to ensure easy access for arriving fans. The farm was purchased in 2007, and a permanent power source was added shortly after, so as not to use the TVA hookup that accounted for 70% of all power, with the rest coming from generators.
On March 13, 2002, with little advertising, tickets for Bonnaroo went on sale, at an initial cost of $100, eventually sold for as much as $170. Tickets were sold exclusively through the Bonnaroo website, with 10,000 tickets sold the first day. Within the first week, 70,000 tickets were sold, and the festival announced a sell out on March 24. Within 11 days, and mostly by word-of-mouth, Bonnaroo had sold out their first year with a lineup and vision that fans agreed with.
There was of course another failed festival in 1999 that also had an impact on Bonnaroo, and music festivals in general. Woodstock 99, which quite publicly showed Baby Boomer greed meeting Gen X angst, in full view on MTV. While Itchykoo failed due to lack of headlining acts and lack of funding, Woodstock tarnished a brand permanently, with founder Michael Lang unable to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with a festival 20 years later.
Paul McCartney put on an epic show at Metlife Stadium on Thursday, June 16, just two days before his 80th birthday. The Beatles legend was joined by two New Jersey legends to help celebrate. First Bruce Springsteen joined Paul to sing his hit “Glory Days” as well as “I Wanna Be Your Man.” He also came out during the encore to trade guitar solos with Paul’s longtime touring guitar players Rusty Anderson and Brian Ray on “The End.” Jon Bon Jovi also made an appearance to wish Paul a happy 80th and lead the crowd in “Happy Birthday to You.”
Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney at Metlife Stadium
Another highlight, besides Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi unexpectedly showing up, was when Paul McCartney played a duet of “I’ve Got A Feeling” with footage of John Lennon isolated from the recent Get Back documentary. This show was the last stop on his Got Back Tour and it was a marathon. Paul played for 3 hours without leaving the stage and performed 40 songs. Other songs on the setlist included more Beatles hits like “Getting Better” and “Love Me Do” as well as “Blackbird” and “Get Back.”
Paul McCartney at Metlife Stadium
Paul sounded great and seemed to sound even better as the night went on. When asked on PaulMcCartney.com if he enjoyed being back out on the road after such a long break because of the pandemic, he said Yes! It’s always a bit of hard work trying to get back up to speed again, but the audiences make it so enjoyable that it doesn’t feel like work. So yeah, we’re all having a good time.
Before the show, some lucky fans got a glimpse of Paul as he arrived via police escort into Metlife Stadium. He passed by slowly with the window down waving to his fans, some waiting for hours just to see him for a few seconds, but it was totally worth it! It was amazing to see people of all ages, including kids from this generation, holding up signs to greet him and even getting emotional after he passed. V.I.P. ticket holders also got to attend a 13 song sound check that included many songs not on the actual setlist.
V.I.P. Soundcheck Setlist: Instrumental Jam, Matchbox, Honey Hush, Coming Up, I Wanna Be Your Man, Women and Wives, Let Em In, Every Night, Mrs. Vanderbilt, Ram On, Midnight Special, New, Lady Madonna
Setlist: Can’t Buy Me Love, Junior’s Farm, Letting Go, Got To Get You Into My Life, Come On to Me, Let Me Roll It, Getting Better, Let Em In, My Valentine, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five, Maybe I’m Amazed, I’ve Just Seen a Face, In Spite of All the Danger, Love Me Do, Dance Tonight, Blackbird, Here Today, New, Lady Madonna, Fuh You, Jet, Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite!, Something, Ob-La-Di,Ob-La-Da, You Never Give Me Your Money, She Came in Through the Bathroom Window, Get Back, Band on the Run, Glory Days (With Bruce), I Wanna Be Your Man (With Bruce), Let It Be, Live and Let Die, Hey Jude,
Encore: I’ve Got A Feeling, Happy Birthday to You With Bon Jovi), Birthday, Helter Skelter, Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, The End
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.
Classical musician turned hip hop producer, Michael Vincent Waller, returns with another entry into his budding catalogue. This latest effort, titled “Oscar,” sees the NYU grad team with frequent collaborator and Good Music artist, Valee. Since dropping his debut project, CLASSIC$, in November, 2021, MVW has not let up. “Oscar” is his one of several singles from the classical producer in anticipation for his second album. His rollout includes the Matt Ox assisted “Check In,” a collaboration with Desiigner, as well as a feature from Detroit rapper, Babyface Ray.
On “Oscar,” MVW’s minimal expressionist style meshes with Valee’s laidback delivery, as he flows his way onto the track. While MVW’s production is laced with his aristocratic sound, Valee juxtaposes it with his own brand of luxury as he raps about the glamours of living the “Oscar” lifestyle.
Yea, but that Mercedez Benz much better for my posture Bad B**** with me, Actress no Oscar.
Valee’s unique set of flows and beat selection have helped him establish a niche fanbase in the luxury rap scene, yet his collaborations with MVW have seen the Chicago native find his perfect pocket. MVW’s relaxed production and Valee’s easygoing style of rap go hand-in-hand. On “Oscar” he rhymes about his cars, trips to luxurious fashion houses and his bank account, all with a devil- may-care attitude. His style isn’t forceful yet makes it mark.
Yeah, definitely noticed that. It happened fast. It started happening, then it happened fast. More and more people. But I guess I’m happy that people noticed it. I didn’t have to call it out.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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, Scotchka, Phantom Suns, Witch Culture and many more.
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. 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.
Phantom Suns – “Probably Wrong”
From Burlington, Phantom Suns perform riffy and melodic Alternative Rock, and released their last album, Cordyceps in July 2021. On EQXposure you’ll hear “Probably Wrong,” a new tune from the group consisting of Seth Gundersen, Chris Mathieu, Chris Knauer, and Tristan Baribeau.
SCOTCHKA – “Corinthians”
From Albany, Scotchka is a rock band blending emo, pop punk, and alternative influences for an energetic, introspective style. The band includes Dominick Murdock (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), Brian Fahey (Drums, Juul Master), Maiya Campbell (Lead Guitar, Backing Aux), and Jacob Hite (Bass, Producer)
Witch Culture – “You”
Witch Culture is a rock band based out of Nashville. Their music can best be described as intimate and emotional, yet energetic. “You” was released on released June 10, 2022 and the band includes Dan McGarr (Vocals/ Guitars), Aaron Messina (guitar), Joe Moran (bass), and Ryan Bedlack (drums)
The Adirondack Independent Music Festival will once again take place in Lake George at the unofficial end of summer on Labor Day weekend. The festival will return to the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons and take place Friday, September 2 through Sunday, September 4.
Pink Talking Fish
This year’s headliners are moe. who are playing four sets over two nights and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong who will play two sets as well, returning to the festival for the first time since 2019.
In addition to lots of great music, the festival will also feature a variety of food and craft vendors as well a great view of the fireworks at Lake George on Saturday evening. $175 General Admission Weekend (3-day) tickets are on sale now at the Adirondack Music Festival website. There is also a special VIP option available, which includes admission to all three days, a meal each night, free snacks, half-priced adult beverages, $2 water / soft drinks, a private viewing area (with private bar) and access to private bathrooms.
Also featured on this year’s bill are Dopapod, Pink Talking Fish, Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, Ryan Montbleau Band, lespecial, Dogs in a Pile, Neighbor, Hayley Jane & The Primates and Freekbass & The Bump Assembly (featuring former members of Turkuaz).
Music in the Festival Commons will begin at 1pm on Friday and 12:00pm on Saturday and Sunday and run continuously across two side-by-side stages until 11pm each night. The event is open to attendees of all ages and children 12 and under are free.
