NYS Music 202​2

Category: Features

  • Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys Prepare for “Hillbilly Rock n’ Roll” Album Release

    Albany’s Jim Gaudet is a folksinger, but mostly he’s a straight forward story teller, whether singing about a baseball hero, a favorite soup or a childhood love. With the Railroad Boys, Gaudet will release Hillbilly Rock n’ Roll on Saturday, January 15 with a performance at the Madison Theater in Albany.

    The first single from the album, “New Girl Now,” tells a story that brings hope, for regardless of how dark and hopeless things may seem, things can change just as quickly for the better.

    The journey for Gaudet began around 1988 when he went to open mics at Caffe Lena and Albany’s Eight Step Coffeehouse. Soon, covers made way for originals, among them, “The Basement of Willett Street” paying tribute to the latter’s stage crew. In time, Gaudet has become a regional favorite with a refreshing sound that resonates with listeners the first time they hear them.

    jim gaudet

    Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys combine together for a superb harmony in their vocals and pure musicianship throughout, leading to an up-tempo experience. The band features Jim Gaudet (guitar), Bobby Ristau (bass), Sten Isachsen (mandolin), Sara Milonovich (fiddle) and Tucker Callander (fiddle). 

    jim gaudet

    Their unique brand of “Hillbilly Rock and Roll” has a way that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time into a Texas roadhouse.

    I feel that I have not succeeded if I walk off the stage and we haven’t connected. I love playing the songs and I love that it is my music that we are playing.

    Jim Gaudet

    The band has performed at the bluegrass festivals across the country, including Wintergrass (Seattle), High Mountain Bluegrass Festival (Colorado) and Music City Roots (Nashville) as well as 6 appearances at Grey Fox.  

    jim gaudet

    Stay up to date with Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys via their Website and Facebook.

    Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys Winter 2022 Dates

    1/09/2022 Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House Club (FREE)
    1/15/2022 Albany, NY – Madison Theater (Album release show)
    2/07/2022 Albany, NY – McGeary’s Irish Pub (FREE)
    2/20/2022 Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House Club (FREE)
    3/05/2022 Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffe Lena
    3/07/2022 Albany, NY – McGeary’s Irish Pub (FREE)

  • Todd Nelson and NEQ Release “Threshold,” Perform at The Hollow in February

    Capital District native Todd Nelson has been creating music for a long time, and his band called the Nelson Esposito Quintana (NEQ for short) released their new single, “Threshold.” Accompanying the single and release of their new album Nevertheless, the NEQ will be playing at the Hollow Bar in Albany on February 18.

    NEQ’s vision is to redefine the art of rock instrumental, with a post-modern approach. Utilizing the traditional makings of a band, with guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, percussion, NEQ rock out.

    The most important thing is that the music connects with the listener emotionally, using the full range of emotions.

    Todd Nelson

    Nelson studied music theory at UAlbany in the 70s and while in college he played with a plethora of bands. He has shared the stage with the Police, Squeeze, the B-52s, XTC, and REM, and more.

    His band, Fear of Strangers, was key to the Punk/New Wave scene in the Capital District in the 80s and held a reunion show with over 300 people in attendance.

    todd nelson neq
    Todd Nelson

    Nelson has played in many more bands, and when asked if playing in a lot of bands affected him, he said not really.

    It usually isn’t too difficult to juggle working in several bands…You just have to learn the material and review it before the gig. Having good musical ears and technique helps.

    Nelson plays many different types of music, from jazz to rock to electronica. He doesn’t keep himself into one box but prefers to play one specific thing- his compositions.

    The music I prefer to concentrate on is my own compositions, or music I’ve collaborated with someone on, or original music of someone else’s that I can contribute to. But as you may know it can be harder to find bookings playing original music, and I like to keep busy playing.

    Nelson and his NEQ make rock instrumental music. Their new single “Threshold” is a nod to the 70s classic rock scene, with all things groovy and nice.

    The band consists of guitarist Kyle Esposito and drummer Manual Quintana, who both work in other bands while devoting time to NEQ.

    todd nelson neq
    NEQ

    Todd Nelson and NEQ will be playing at the Hollow Bar on February 18 to play their new album, a place that Nelson says he has played many times in the past. Tickets can be found here.

  • Steve Aoki Throws Cake at Nebula in Times Square

    Two time GRAMMY-nominated producer/DJ Steve Aoki made his way back to New York City’s club Nebula. One of the most recognized faces in EDM and deemed “one of the most in demand entertainers in the world” by Billboard, Aoki is one of today’s most successful American cross-genre artists. Collecting 2.8 billion streams on Spotify and a veteran of the live entertainment scene, Aoki is justifiably a one man party when it comes to his shows.

    steve aoki

    The clock struck 1am in Times Square as anxious concert goers could barely hold back their excitement for the DJ. If anything, Aoki knows how to work hard, creating his own label at the age of 19, Dim Mak Records, and of course, an expert on delivering incredible live shows and tonight was no exception. Emerging from behind the DJ booth, Aoki sported his long luscious signature locks beginning the night with a remix from Netflix’s most watched show Squid Game. 

    steve aoki

    EDM shows are commonly recognized for lighting producrtion, including strobes and visuals, encapsulating the audience in a visceral environment to complement the electronic music. Steve Aoki is unique in his on stage presence, frequently seen running across the stage, singing along with the crowd, and often doesn’t find himself caged behind his booth. 

    steve aoki

    At my shows, I am always thinking of how to define myself different[ly] and be fun. At the end of the day, you come to a show, you want to have a good time

    Steve Aoki

    With no hesitation, Steve rose atop of his booth, to match the energy of the packed dance floor. Screaming each lyric of “Azukita” and avid fanatics joined him in unison before ripping off his shirt and launching it into the crowd. His relentless fist bumping conducted the spellbound audience; Steve’s energy was contagious throughout the night creating an electrical current surging through the crowd. Arms up, palms open, Aoki unleashed his newest release “Typical” with Alok and Lars Martin. After less than a week, the single has already garnered over 1.5 million streams on Spotify. 

    Amidst ABBA’s “Gimme Gimme” and Zedd’s “Beautiful Now,” Aoki halted his remixes to take time to connect with the crowd. Aoki has reached global stardom with his steady stream of releases along with collaborations with prominent names like BTS and the Backstreet Boys. His successful label, Dim Mak Records, has helped launch the career of The Chainsmokers, Bloc Party, and The Kills. Forbes recognized Aoki as one of the top 5 world’s highest paid DJ’s and the world’s hardest working DJ. At 44, Aoki continues to be of undeniable stature in the music industry. His recent performances range from across the U.S to his prior show in Saudi Arabia. Aoki disclosed his ongoing footage of each performance for his new music video with Armin van Buuren for “Music Means Love Forever” and invited New York to take part.

    steve aoki

    The ultimate drop in “Music Means Love Forever” hit the audience like a defibrillator sparking sweat-covered bodies on the floor for perpetual intensity, and Aoki’s iconic “Cake Face” that followed was all too familiar for this crowd. Fans begged and pleaded to receive sheet cakes to the face from their favorite DJ. Steve put perfect arc and power into each launching of about five styrofoam-bottomed sheet cakes that could rival some of the best NFL quarterbacks. Gracious fans were blessed and covered by frosted baked goods from the fellow southpaw. 

    steve aoki

    Steve Aoki’s notoriety in the EDM community could be felt throughout New York City. Boasting a lauded discography, Aoki had a plethora of songs to select and closed the night with his collaboration with Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit Of Happiness”. Steve Aoki’s ability to feed off the spirit of his audience and engage with the crowd throughout his sets makes for an unforgettable concert from this two-time GRAMMY nominee. With almost 250 tour dates per year, Aoki’s unabated lively performance creates a community with the DJ and his loyal fanbase for a fun night of memories.

  • New Year’s Day Flashback: Jazz at Town Hall, January 1, 1947

    To start 2022, let’s jump back 75 years years to a jazzy New Year’s Day concert at New York City’s Town Hall. The show was both a celebration of Mezz Mezzrow’s then recently published book Really The Blues, and also served as a benefit for the American Committee for Yugoslav Relief.

    Thanks to Jazz Lives, we are able to revisit this show, packed with jazz musicians including Muggsy Spanier, Sandy Williams, Sidney Bechet, Mezz Mezzrow, Sammy Price or Art Hodes, Wellman Braud, and Baby Dodds. Later in the evening Bob Wilber’s Wildcats (who were also on Mezzrow’s King Jazz Label) were added, which included Johnny Glasel, Ed Hubble, Bob Wilber, Dick Wellstood, Charlie Traeger, Eddie Phyfe. Jazz Lives notes Coot Grant and Kid Sox Wilson also performed on a playful version of their song “You Can’t Do That To Me”

    The concert was recorded on 12-inch acetates on two machines and 10 performances were issued on LP (Jazz Archives JA-39), although this recording was not. It seems Mezzrow was one of jazz music’s most interesting characters, and was responsible for putting together many great jazz sessions in his time.

    This particular concert from New Year’s Day 1947 celebrated the release of Mezzrow’s autobiography, Really The Blues, and he brought in a who’s-who of traditional jazz musicians, most notably Sidney Bechet on soprano sax and Muggsy Spanier on cornet. Sammy Price joined on piano, Sandy Williams on trombone, Wellan Braud on bass and Baby Dodds on drums rounded out the band.

    town hall new years day

    Recordings like this offer insight into the post-war era in New York City, a return to normalcy if you will. Featured below is “When You’re Smiling” by Johnny Windhurst, along with Bechet and Wellstood. Jazz Lives compared Windhurst to Hot Lips Page in his prime, energetically lit from within, and radiantly taking another chorus just when you think he might have had or done enough. To the jazz aficionado, you’ll hear “an exultant hymn of praise to Louis Armstrong.”

    A full recording of the performance is available here. The track listing includes: Darktown Strutters Ball, The Blues, Muskrat Ramble, Sammy’s Boogie Woogie Blues, You Can’t Do That To Me, There’ll Be Some Changes Made, Friar’s Point Shuffle, Really The Blues, Really The Blues (Extension), and High Society

    Read and listen to more from Jazz Lives on a 1952 performance at Town Hall, featuring Bill Davison, Bobby Hackett and many more.