It has been three long years since Local Natives have toured and the wait was worth it. The Inside An Hourglass Tour started late-July with Jordana and made it’s second to last stop at New York’s Pier 17 on a beautiful summer night.
Local Natives’ Kelcey Ayer on keyboard playing a sold out show at New York’s Pier 17.
Jordana opened the show with “Pressure Point”, the first song off their latest album, Face The Wall, which was released in May. The singer-songwriter had a comedic way of addressing the crowd throughout the set with her trusty Gumby on the mic stand. Before closing with “Why”, Jordana exclaimed “I love you dude!” to her new friend in the crowd, Kenny, who she briefly chatted with earlier in the set. Lastly she went on to say “This one…you know what’s funny is that we started the set with the first song on the album I just released in May…and now we’re ending it with the last song on the album, so it’s kind of artistic in that way…you know what I mean? Kind of meta, artsy, any way it’s about not giving a damn.”
Sing-songwriter Jordana and Gumby playing a sold out show at New York’s Pier 17.
Local Natives took the stage shortly after sunset, kicking off with “Statues in The Garden (Arras)” which has a dreamy, psychedelic music video to accompany it. After a few songs, vocalist and guitarist Taylor Rice remarked that it has been three years since they have toured and “we missed you very, very, very much!” Taylor continued to share that their tour bus caught fire two weeks prior and they weren’t sure they were going to make it to New York, proudly stating “…but we are here! We didn’t cancel anything!”
Overall the group’s mix of songs off their full discography along with newer tracks “Desert Snow” and “Hourglass”. During the encore, Kelcey commented “…this is such an amazing night, and I just think about the first time we ever played New York City was at Pianos…this little place somewhere over there⦔ as he gestured off into the distance. “It feels fucking great! And this song is dedicated to New York.”
Local Natives at Pier 17, Friday, August 26
Setlist: Statues in the Garden (Arras), Megaton Mile, I Saw You Close Your Eyes, Coins, Ceilings, Desert Snow, Past Lives, Wide Eyes, Sun Hands, Wooly Mammoth, Heavy Feet, Fountain of Youth, Colombia, Lemon (with Jordana), Dark Days, Who Knows, Who Cares
Encore: Hourglass, Airplanes, When Am I Gonna Lose You
Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Jordana at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives Taylor Rice at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives Kelcey Ayer at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives Ryan Hahn at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives Nik Ewing at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives Matt Frazier at New York’s Pier17Local Natives’ Taylor Rice at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives Nik Ewing at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives’ Ryan Hahn at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives’ Kelcey Ayer at New York’s Pier 17Local Natives’ Taylor Rice at New York’s Pier 17
Art Bernstein has been playing, recording, teaching and writing about drumming for over 30 years. As a contributing writer to “Drumhead Magazine”, a teacher with The Empire State Youth Orchestra, and performer on over 40 albums, Art is a master at his craft, whose teachings, publications and performances have undoubtedly enriched the lives of so many drummers.
To top it off, Art is a terrific guy; very down to earth and humble. I am proud to call him my friend, and a terrific drummer. His work with jazz guitar virtuoso Chuck D’Aloia is exceptional in every way. Art has written several lesson books, including “Kangarudiments”, which is one of the best lesson books that I’ve ever read. Art is a true gem in the world of percussion. So please welcome, my friend, Art Bernstein!
RRX: Hey man. Let’s start out with the basics; How old were you when you started playing?
AB: I started playing in sixth grade as I remember. I started on snare, and quickly moved to snare drum and drum set. In seventh grade I played in the concert band and jazz ensemble. In eighth grade I started playing in both the middle school and high school jazz band. My eighth grade year was very busy, doing both jazz bands, concert band, as well as some drum set work on upop” tunes at the time. The jazz ensemble material was almost always focused on swing, jazz/funk and fusion; really all over the map, and this really helped me grow as a drummer. I am so thankful for the time I had with all that material. In the summer of 1984, I was full time at the Eastern US Music Camp at Cortland State University, playing in multiple ensembles all day every day, and studying privately with Tom Brown. In high school I studied with Kathleen Lowry, who is Tom Brown’s daughter! I am so happy to have had the opportunity to study with those gifted players, as well as my private instructor at the time, David Bitner. I am so thankful for having these wonderful teachers while growing up.
RRX: It sounds greatl Who inspired you early on in your drumming life?
AB: Too many to list! I was a very young drummer, but would cite Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Chad Smith, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, David Garibaldi, Chick Webb, Gene Krupa, Philly Joe Jones, Louis Benson, Buddy Rich, Tony Williams…the list goes on.
RRX: A long list! Tell me about your “dream kit”.
AB: As an Ayotte guy I have to say pretty much what I am playing right now. Custom Ayotte four or five piece. I would love to add a 20″ x 14″ kick that could be tuned like a 22″ or 24″ kick if needed. A separate vintage wish list would include a vintage Ludwig Black Beauty, Supraphonic, and anything Gretsch Round Badge!
RRX: Nice! You’ve been teaching, writing, and playing your tail off for years; is there anything that you prefer to do?
AB: I truly love it all.
RRX: It shows! I like to ask jazz players about rock and roll drummers like Charlie (Watts) and Ginger (Baker) who preferred to be known as jazz players. So, having played several different styles of drumming, in your opinion, what is it about jazz that seems to attract even the most “rock and roll” type drummers?
AB: I could go on for hours but let me boil it down and try to be succinct. First, I think that this is our history, as drummers. I think that we are drawn naturally to find out where we came from. If it were not for jazz, would there be rock? Second, to know as much as you can about where you came from historically with your craft, will assist you in so many ways, to help you figure out where you’re going. Third, outside of straight rock playing all 8th and 16th notes completely straight and playing triplets in strict orchestral fashion, everything swings to a varying degree. From totally swung to a James Brown funk feel, or a New Orleans jazz feel, and all things in between, they’re all related, and there is no right or wrong in my eyes, As Duke Ellington once said, “If it sounds good, it is good!” Fourth, in my mind, music is language, music is communication, most importantly as drummers, as we are listening, reacting to what we’re hearing, and subsequently being a supportive player with what we choose to play/say. No matter what we are doing stylistically we are always listening and communicating as we play. In all music, but particularly in jazz, we are supporting the other players, often through “comping” (which means to compliment) the other players. It makes a lot of sense to me that drummers are so drawn to this kind of improvised musical communication. I don’t mean to imply that jazz is the only musical style where this occurs, but it does seem to provide more opportunities for this type of playing. Finally, jazz drumming welcomes playing that incorporates four way independence and can span many genres within one tune when applied in a jazz fusion setting. That, combined with all my previous points creates a super fun, musically expanding and rewarding experience,
RRX: So true. Ok; worst gig ever?
AB: OMG too many to mention! I won’t name names though. Even the worst gig has its rewards. It’s all about the music.
RRX: Do you polish your cymbals?
AB: I absolutely understand why some drummers do, but I don’t. Something about the sound of an aged cymbal that is fairly well cared for seems to work for me.
RRX: Tell me your feelings on roto-toms.
AB: Wow! Roto-toms! I have not played them since the mid 80’s. I did own a set though. Benefits in my eyes include, easy to tune, simply swivel the head, three toms to one stand, and cost effective to add three toms to a kit! Drawbacks? Well, it’s a distinct sound, but probably has a place. Maybe there will be a roto-tom revival! That might be quite cool and fun!
RRX: t am waiting for the roto-tom Revival. That’s a good name for a band. Is there one drummer in history that you would like to sit down with and interview?
AB: Again, too many to narrow down to one.
RRX: Ok Professor, as a teacher, performer, author etc., what is your favorite warm-up before playing?
AB: A cup of java and mixing things up with something different every day. Always rudiments, followed by a specific style, rotating every day. One day, Afro Cuban, the next day Brazilian, the next day swing/jazz, next day New Orleans, and then slow blues, funk, the next day…
RRX: Art Bernstein is not only a tremendous player, author, and teacher, but also a wonderful guy. Check out his work at “Drumhead Magazine”, or any of his recordings, especially the ABCD albums, or at his website, artbernstein.com. You will not be disappointed!
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 El Modernist and Stellar Young.
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.
El Modernist – “Red State” “Lines”
El Modernist is an indie band from Albany, delivering new takes on what is considered indie rock. They mix genres and have a psychedelic sound with pulsating hooks and melodies. Their brand new album, Eras is out now, and their songs “Red State” and “Lines” will be played on EQXposure.
Stellar Young – “Hitting Reset”
Stellar Young is an indie-rock band from Albany, comprised of John Glenn (vox/keys), Erik Flora (guitar/vox), Kyle Hatch (guitar), Dave Parker (producer), and Tim Brosnan (drums). Their song “Hitting Reset” off of their 2015 record Vessels will be played on EQXposure Sunday Night.
Make sure to tune into EQXposure on Sunday from 7-9 P.M. on WEQX to hear these songs, and more.
At The Great New York State Fair this past Saturday, all time rockers ‘Foreigner’ came ready to rock. Syracuse was one of many stops on their 2022 Tour. The group formed in the Mid- 70’s in New York, New York 1976 and soon became a well known rock and roll band.
Foreigner skyrocketed in the 1970’s after releasing some of their top hits which still stand to this day. Such as, ‘Feels like the First Time’, ‘Cold as Ice’ and ‘Long, Long Way from Home’ back in 1977. Their first album was also released in 1977 by the name “foreigner”. Although, Foreigner hasn’t released since 1984 their performance and energy still puts on a stunning show. The crowd brought in not only the older generation but the younger generation as well which keeps their music alive.
One of the most memorable songs from the concert was “Juke Box Hero”. The song originated from a story of one of their fans who stood in the rain for hours just to see the show. That feeling stands today with foreigner’s fans urging to get the best view in hopes to see the all time rockers up close. Kelly Hanson (lead vocals) mentioned in the show that the band had just hit their 45th year anniversary since their first release in 1977. A proud moment not only for the band but the fans supporting the history they’ve created with rock and roll.
Overall, Foreigner has done an outstanding job keeping their music alive. Since celebrating the 45th anniversary, foreigner fans look forward to the years ahead for the band. Moving forward, the band continues their tour at their next stop in Bluffs, Iowa on September 2nd, 2022.
Hellbound Train is an astounding double-album retrospective from the always revelatory American guitarist Steve Tibbetts, a stalwart innovator who has been associated with ECM Records for 13 albums over 40 years.
Tibbetts has one of the widest palates in the world of guitar. His music features alternately tuned 12-string acoustics that trigger lush samples from a wide library he has created – Tibetan long horns, gongs and even his wife’s tuned wine glasses. And no one can create a more fearsome sound with an electric guitar. Tibbetts combines a vintage Stratocaster with a Marshall JCM 800 to create feedback that he compares to “sheet metal being torn to pieces.” Tibbetts can tap and slur with the best of them, with his electric sounding like an uncaged animal and his acoustic melodies bearing a sitar-like tonality. He complements this with electric kalimba, dobro, percussion and piano to complete his always melodic compositions.
Since the beginning of his career, Steve Tibbetts has been supported by the incredible tribal cum gamelan rhythms of percussionist Marc Anderson, surely one of the most underrated musicians working today. Minnesota-based Tibbetts has traveled widely. He has lived and collaborated with musicians in Tibet, Nepal and Bali, something that infuses his music with colors and beats that are truly unique.
Hellbound Train is divided in two chapters. The first disc is largely a showcase for his dazzling electric side; the second his acoustic and more peaceful ethereal leanings. The anthology juxtaposes pieces originally featured on the albums Northern Song, Safe Journey, Exploded View, Big Map Idea, The Fall Of Us All, A Man About A Horse, Natural Causes and Life Of. The guitarist’s goal was not to create a “Best Of”with bits from every album, but a collection of pieces that flowed best together.
The album opener, “Full Moon Dogs,” enters with polyrhythmic hand drums and shakers supporting Tibbett’s vocal choir chants and sitar-like melodies from his treated acoustic. At the four-minute mark, things get more hellacious with the entrance of Tibbett’s fuzz fried Strat and groaning whammy bar antics. “Black Temple” opens with an orchestral acoustic and tinkering temple bells and Anderson’s sandy, scrapy percussion. More animal melodies from Tibbett’s electric as the pulse and tempo accelerates.
I am delighted that side one features the tune that turned my head and turned me on to Tibbetts, “Vision” from his 1984 album, Safe Journey. It has everything I and you are sure to love about Tibbetts. There’s an intro with tablas and shakers supporting a simple melody played by Tibbetts on his kalimba. After a slight breakdown for percussion at 1:45, Tibbetts roars in with drawn out notes of his fuzzed-out Strat before moving into the melody, with slurs, taps and harmonics. Interestingly he get this thick maelstrom of guitar splendor without an effects boxes, just with every dial on his amp turned up to 10.
It’s music ancient and modern, music of both the soil and deep space.
Disc 2 showcases Tibbetts’ unique approach to acoustic. Rock fans will have their minds expanded by his cover of Jimmy Page’s “Black Mountain Slide.” Tibbetts’ take is infused with other worldly ambience from his sample-generating 12-string and driven by Anderson’s excellent tabla drumming. In places, it brings to mind the work of John McLaughlin’s Indian acoustic band, Shakti. The Indonesian-flavored “Wish” provides a distinct gamelan vibe while “The Big Wind” is all airy guitars and ambience at first, leading to a rhythmic pulse and kalimba melody before an outro of heavenly sustained guitars climax. These pieces show that, in the hands of Tibbetts, an acoustic guitar can be orchestra with all the color of a philharmonic and the warmth of a large concert hall.
Since the 1970s, ECM Records has been a platform for not only some of the most virtuosic and original musicians on the planet, but a producer many of the best sounding and engineered albums ever made. Along with Tibbetts, ECM has been home to monster guitarists’ guitarists like Norwegian Terje Rypdal, John Abercrombie, Ralph Towner, David Torn and Eivind Aarest. And it’s let them not only stretch their wings conceptually, but produces some of the most attractive album packaging to showcase these superlative sounds .
With its liquid melodies and textures, its hypnotic beats and pulsations subtly influenced by musics of many cultures, Hellbound Train is an ideal introduction to the work of one of the world’s most consistently original guitarists.
On August 24, the New York State Fair opened its gates up for the annual fair that runs through Labor Day. Many come from all over the state and even out of state to Syracuse for the food, the exhibits and rides, but plenty come to Central New York for State Fair music acts at Chevy Park and Chevy Court, including opening day act, Chevelle.
At the State Fair, there is plenty to do, see, and even eat, especially those deep fried Oreos but one event that attracts so many, is the free concerts that take place at Chevy Park. A while back, the fair had grandstands but eventually removed them in place of an open field with a few bleachers in front of the stage. On the opening day of the State Fair, the band to close out the night was a very well known rock band, Chevelle. They played for over an hour and played a wide variety of hits from many of their albums.
After the band’s performance, an opening day special, fireworks for the end of the night, which could be seen throughout the fairgrounds. There are still many other performances lined up, along with other events. The State Fair’s last day is on Labor Day, September 5th.
Long Island singer/rapper Tim Eletto has released his fifth 2022 single “For a Second,” an ode to positivity and personal honesty while dealing with anxiety and depression.
It’s a bright and poppy song that reflects the Hofstra University student’s life experience through the construction of two conversations with fictional people across the song’s pair of verses. “I took all of the patterns that I see in people that struggle with this stuff (mental illness) and combined them to make two characters that I think everyone is very familiar with,” says Eletto of “For a Second.”
Artwork in promotion of the single.
Citing AJR has a major influence, Eletto’s musings about his emotional ups and downs are cast over a light piano melody that keeps the song feeling hopeful even when he drops his moodier lines in the track. The highlight of “For a Second” though is the chorus with its very catchy melody. “I been in the left lane with my eyes closed, ’cause life is too fast but I see it too slow,” he sings.
Eletto’s other four singles released this year also can be found on Spotify.
In this song, Tim Eletto has no qualms about letting the listener see his full self. His lyrics are straightforward, his melody is optimistic, and the track’s themes are genuine and personal. “For a Second” is a successful exercise in using music as a therapeutic outlet.
On Aug. 26, rock band Sweats released their latest single, “Lose My Mind,” off of their forthcoming album, I End Where You Begin, due for release in the coming weeks.
Different in theme from their previous single release earlier this summer, Sweats grapples with a sense of anger at the state of America today. Of the track, the band shares, “the song is born to a nation where patriotism has become pantomime and division dominates compromise.”
The political stance of the single is clear to listeners of “Lose My Mind.” With intense rock instrumentation, the emotional turmoil of the track envelops you. Electric guitar riffs, upbeat percussion, and vocals from Travis Durfee along with lyrics pull you in.
Durfee passionately sings, “He’s got an open carry and closed mind / He’s at the rally / He’s feeling fine.” The lyricism paints a vivid message true to the theme of the song. The single also varies in sound and creative choices on vocals and synth to keep audiences guessing at what may be next.
From the Finger Lakes region, Sweats consists of Travis Durfee (vocals, guitar), JM Sincock (drums), Rob Kurcoba (bass), Tony DeLuca (keys), and Nick D’Aloisio (guitar). The band channeled the ethos of Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age for “Lose My Mind” which was produced in collaboration with Mike Capporizzo of Pyramid Sound in Ithaca.
“Lose My Mind,” as the newest release from the Sweats, is a must-listen. The track is available now on all streaming services. The upcoming album, I End Where You Begin, is also available for pre-order here.
Saturday, August 27th brought the legendary southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd to Seneca Niagara Casino In Niagara Falls. To note, the only original member of the band is Gary Rossington who plays guitar, but he was recovering from heart surgery so he was unable to play.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969. The band rose to fame in the 70s with five studio albums and one live album but their career was abruptly halted in 1977 when their chartered airplane crashed, killing three band members and seriously injuring the rest. They reformed in 1987 with their former singer’s brother Johnny Van Zant as singer. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and have sold more than 28 million records in the USA.
photo credit- Mike Miller
The show started off with AC/DC’s thunderstruck with a video montage of the band on the large stage screens. Once the whole band walked on the stage the fans went screaming loudly and all stood from their seats with applause. Lynyrd Skynyrd opened their set with “Workin for MCA”. They usually open most shows with this song so fans kind of expect it now.
photo credit- Mike Miller
Some other notable songs in their set (all the fan favorites) were “What’s Your Name,” “That Smell,” “Mississippi Kid”, “Sweet Home Alabama” and of course, “Free Bird” as their encore. This is the only band that you can yell out “Free Bird” and be guaranteed that they will play it and not look at you crazy as it is their most famous song.
photo credit- Mike Miller
Setlist: Workin’ for MCA, What’s Your Name, You Got That Right, The Needle and the Spoon, Whiskey Rock-a-Roller, That Smell, Cry for the Bad Man, Saturday Night Special, Tuesday’s Gone, Mississippi Kid, Red White & Blue, Simple Man, Gimme Three Steps, Call Me the Breeze, Sweet Home Alabama, Free Bird
American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, Chris Stapleton entertained some 20,000 fans at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Friday, August 26. Supporting tour acts included Morgan Wade and Elle King.
Setlist: Nobody to Blame, Parachute, Second One to Know, Starting Over, Millionaire (Kevin Welch cover), Hard Livin’, Worry B Gone (Guy Clarke cover), What Are You Listening To?, Traveller, Whiskey and You, Arkansas, You Should Probably Leave, Midnight Train to Memphis (The Steel Drivers cover), Might as Well Get Stoned, Cold, Free Bird/The Devil Named Music, I Was Wrong, Joy of My Life, Fire Away, Broken Halos, Tennessee Whiskey (David Allan Coe cover).
