Ali McGuirk delivered a pared-down but powerful performance at The Linda Performing Arts Studio in Albany on Oct 1. The theater was pleasantly packed and ready for a throaty earful from McGuirk.
Ali McGuirk performed solo with only a couple of guitars as “friends.” Her partner in performance couldn’t make it. Even so, McGuirk is a compelling and entertaining presence on stage with just guitars accompanying her! Her soulful voice and a jazzy and sparse guitar playing style connect well with her audience.
McGuirk’s set was filled with songs off her recently released a full-length album entitled Til It’s Gone. The album was recorded in Los Angeles with a gaggle of studio musicians, including Little Feat guitarist Fred Tackett. Highlights included “Ex-Boyfriends”and the title track “Til It’s Gone.” The audience was rapt and appreciative of the solo performance McGuirk delivered.
Upstate NY’ers can catch Ali McGuirk in neighboring VT at South Burlington’s Higher Ground on October 14. Her new album Til It’s Gone is available on all streaming platforms.
Setlist: All Back, Leave Me, Milk, Evelyn, Empty Vase, Work, Let It Be You, When I see You / Til It’s Gone, Exorcist, Anti Love Song, Ex-Boyfriends
NYC‘s Baby Got Back Talk, one of AfroPunk’s “Top 8 Punkest Bands on the Planet,” have just announced their new debut EP Existential Shred. The EP will be dropping later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records. They have been named one of Alternative Press’s ’17 black alternative bands leading the next generation.
Photo: Kate Hoos
Formed back in 2017, Baby Got Back Talk initially consisted of vocalist/bassist G’Ra Asim, synth op/vocalist Rhiana Hernandez, and lead guitarist/vocalist Jake Lazaroff. After years of sharing bills with local compatriots like Choked Up, Universe Ignore Her, and Gibbons (acts that were all anchored by the propulsive stick work of drummer Wes Ruiz) Baby Got Back Talk welcomed Ruiz into the fold. Now, they are an inseparable pair named one of The Utah Daily Chronicle’s top 5 Black Alternative Bands You Need to Know in 2021.
“We’re what punk looks like in the 2020s: driven by a DIY ethic, conversant with social issues–especially as they pertain to gender and race, enabled by inter-web, bankrolled by day jobs, powered by a rad likeminded community, resonant with the most venerable iterations of rock ‘n’ roll but firmly committed to injecting some new flavor into the mold.”
“On their upcoming EP Existential Shred New York pop punk band Baby Got Back Talk delve into the very nature of human existence. They tackle death, life changes, and the state of the world with excellent literary lyrics, plenty of synths, and a healthy dose of hope.”
– Punk News
Baby Got Back Talk is a D-I-why?-because-we-gotta punk party from New York City. The band teamed with producer John Naclerio (Just Surrender, The Audition) at Nada Recording Studios for their latest EP, ‘Existential Shred’ due out later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records.
“A catchy pop punk hook-fest that throws the middle finger to anyone claiming that being marginalized is “in” these days. “Model Minority” could become an anthem of importance for queer folks and POC in the punk scene today.”
– Tuned Up
The band has released a pair of EPs in 2017’s Take This The Wrong Way and 2018’s Up In Open Arms. Their full-length debut, 2020’s Genre Reveal Party, was mixed by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Senses Fail, Yellowcard).
NY-based pop band Enrose has dropped their new single “Disease,” the group’s first release since their debut EP Wait, Create in April.
Led by saxophonist-songwriter Gabi Rose, the band’s genre-blurring aim brings together a track with impressive instrumental and tonal variation.
Promotional art for “Disease.”
“Disease” features glossy production from the band’s Anthony Lopardo, with the song opening up with warm saxophone notes and watery guitar chords. The first verse touches on personal isolation, with lines such as “it all came knocking at my door, and now I’m medicating all alone.”
Lyrics such as these come with current event context, with the single’s cover art being a video game depiction of Rose’s struggle through the Coronavirus pandemic, a period of unique difficulty for musicians.
This connection is more explicit on the chorus, on which she sings “no don’t you touch me, I’ve got a disease.” This section displays “Disease” at its most explosive, with blown out drums and interesting EWI touches (electronic wind instrument) leading a catchy and infectious hook.
The track’s vocal performance is just as strong as the instrumental one, as Rose sings smoothly and hits high notes when they come. Verse two shows off the R&B influences on “Disease,” with her adopting a sing/rap vocal delivery that reminisces of genre contemporaries such as SZA.
Switches between musical approaches like these are found from front to back, with the outro featuring a “guitar-inspired” saxophone solo according to Rose.
While relatively new, “Disease” isn’t a rookie effort from Enrose, and it shows. This track that displays a cohesive effort from a group of talented musicians, and it’s one that’s easily enjoyable too.
Only four musicians have held residency for over a month at NYC’s legendary Blue Note Jazz Club: Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Chris Botti and, for the past four years, Robert Glasper. Robert Glasper will play 52 shows at the Blue Note across 26 nights, from October 4 to November 6, in what he calls “Robtober.”
The first wave of special guests for Glasper’s residency include Yasiin Bey, Lalah Hathway, Terrace Martin, Isaiah Shakey, Alex Isley and Pino Palladino. But viewers can expect the unexpected with Glasper, who brought out a number of unannounced celebrities and musicians during his Blue Note run last year — including Dave Chappelle, H.E.R and Chris Rock.
The breadth and influence of Glasper’s work as a jazz pianist cannot be understated. Glasper has worked with artists from Mos Def to Carly Simon; he played on Kendrick Lamar’s iconic album, To Pimp A Butterfly, his jazz reading of Radiohead’s Reckoner was Grammy-nominated, and he curated and wrote parts of the Miles Ahead soundtrack. After spending the summer in residency at Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa Valley, Glasper said he is excited to return to NYC.
The “Robtober” program includes Herbie Hancock and Meghan Stabile tributes as well as features from Revive Big Band, a group redefining the jazz big band sound with notes of hip-hop, funk and gospel. Tickets for Robert Glasper’s residency shows can be purchased here.
ROBTOBER SPECIAL GUESTS + BAND
10/4-6: Robert Glasper Tribute to Herbie Hancock
Band: Vicente Archer, Justin Faulkner, Walter Smith
10/7-8: Robert Glasper
10/11-12: Robert Glasper and Terrace Martin present Dinner Party with special guest Alex Isley
Band: Terrace Martin, Burniss Travis, Justin Tyson, with DJ Jahi Sundance
10/13-15: Robert Glasper and Terrace Martin present Dinner Party
Band: Terrace Martin, Burniss Travis, Justin Tyson, with DJ Jahi Sundance
10/20-23: Robert Glasper Ft Chris Dave, Pino Palladino, Isaiah Sharkey, and DJ Jahi Sundance
Band: Chris Dave, Pino Palladino, Isaiah Sharkey, with DJ Jahi Sundance
10/25-28: Robert Glasper x Lalah Hathaway
Band: Justin Tyson, Burniss Travis, Isaiah Sharkey, with DJ Jahi Sundance
10/29-30: Robert Glasper Acoustic
10/31: Halloween To Be Announced
11/2: Robert Glasper with Igmar Thomas and the Revive Big Band “Tribute to Meghan Stabile”
11/3 + 6 @ SONY HALL:Robert Glasper with Special Guest yasiin bey and Bilal
Band: Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge, with DJ Jahi Sundance
11/4-5: Robert Glasper with Special Guest yasiin bey
Band: Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge, with DJ Jahi Sundance
The fourth installment of the Sea.Hear.Now Festival brought more than 30,000 fans of all ages to the picturesque waterfront in Asbury Park, New Jersey this past weekend, September 17 and 18. Produced by Tim Sweetwood of C3 Presents (Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza), along with iconic rock photographer Danny Clinch, his good pal Tim Donnnelly (a music journalist turned promoter) and HM Wollman (an industry veteran), the festival is a celebration of live music, art and surf culture.
Excited fans during Wet Leg’s set at the Park Stage | Photo by Michael Dinger
A Transparent Clinch pop-up gallery in Bradley Park featured pieces of art contributed by several of the artists performing over the weekend, as well as photographs snapped by local native and rock legend Bruce Springsteen. The weekend also included a professional team surf contest known as the “North Beach Rumble,” and despite the relatively calm ocean waters, still went on as planned. A portion of the proceeds is also donated to grassroots, non-profit environmental organizations and community charities such as the Surfrider Foundation, Operation Beachhead, Clean Ocean Action, Garden State Equality and Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, to name only a few.
Beach crowd watching Boy George & Culture Club’s set at the Surf Stage | Photo by Michael Dinger
When the gates to the festival grounds in the seaside town known for its sandy shore and beachfront boardwalk lined with shops, arcades and cafes opened promptly each day at noon, patrons were treated to a lineup that included more than 25 artists performing across three stages, aptly named Park, Sand and Surf. The Surf (main) Stage hosted headliner Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame on Saturday and Green Day, the rock trio of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool, on Sunday. Festivalgoers with VIP and Platinum wristbands had premium access to designated corrals on the side of each stage, including an exclusive viewing area with elevated sightlines of the Surf Stage.
Lollipop jellyfish blowing in the ocean breeze | Photo by Michael Dinger
The spectrum of music genres performed over the weekend was wide-ranging, more than ample to satisfy the taste palette of all patrons in attendance. There was punk (the aforementioned Green Day and IDLES), bluegrass (Billy Strings), pop (Boy George & Culture Club, Peach Pit and Aly & AJ), folk (The Head and the Heart), reggae (Skip Marley), blues (Gary Clark Jr.), rap (Michael Franti & Spearhead), Indie (Annie DiRusso, The Backseat Lovers, Wet Leg and Courtney Barnett), and of course, rock (My Morning Jacket and Cage the Elephant). And if the more than ten hours of music on the beach or in the park was not enough, there were ticketed “Late Night” shows at two of Asbury Park’s most venerable bar venues, The Stone Pony and Wonder Bar, which of course all sold out.
Tim Donnnelly & Danny Clinch | Photo by Michael DingerBerkeley Oceanfront Hotel | Photo by Michael Dinger
Flyday, a music festival community that celebrates life and creativity, spirit, heart and soul, returns to the Catskills on September 29 for three days of music, art and movement from 22 regional and national bands on two stages.
Taking place at the 100 + acre Blackthorne Resort (with more than 80 rooms and plenty of camping and RV sites), the music over September 29-October 1 at Flyday Music Festival will include funk, fusion, electrojazz, prog, rock, jamband, bluegrass, reggae, and comedy artists. And that’s in addition to a pool and tiki bar, creek, hiking, a bar and restaurant, a playground and play fields, and even a Haunted House.
This year, Flyday Music Festival steps out of the jam-band box and has curated a lineup for a true music festival featuring truly original, creative, and virtuosic artists in the progressive, jazz-rock fusion, and funk genres.
Artists performing over the weekend at Flyday Music Festival include Ghost-Note, Yam-Yam, Black Rock Funk All Stars (members of Kung-Fu, Deep Banana Blackout and Schleigho, Gnarbot, Screaming Headless Torsos, ShwizZ, Ampevene, Honker, Baked Shrimp, Glass Pony, The Magnetic Pull, Level: Memory, Dr Jah and the Love Prophets, Eugene Tyler Band, Children of the Judge, Laura Leigh & Denise Parent, Sungazer, Now vs Now, and K-Weef.
These artists and special guests will perform on two stages, side-by-side for continuous music throughout the day and night. Among vendors you’ll find Veggie Oasis, Z’licious Caribbean Kitchen, Back Barn Brewery, a masseuse, Earth Tribe artisan vendors, workshops on glass blowing, tie dye and yoga, plus art installations, black light art galleries and live painting.
Arrive on Thursday night for a early arrival funk dance party with improv jams and special guests.
Tickets are $115 for a weekend pass, $60 for Friday only and $70 for Saturday only. Camping costs $25 per person for the weekend (with free showers, flush toilets and a charging station), with RV passes and rooms available via Blackthorne Resort.
If you’re a music lover and dig creative, uber-talented original bands, do not miss Flyday. Tickets available here.
Postmodern Jukebox embarks on their “Life In The Past Lane” Concert Tour this fall, celebrating the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era, for the perfect patina of “vintage” and “modern.” The group brings the PMJ Universe to life with a cast full of exciting vocalists, instrumentalists, and tap dancers, leading to a top-shelf entertainment experience for which PMJ is known.
When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, his goal was simple: to remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday. Miley Cyrus became The Platters. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith.
Nearly a decade later, Postmodern Jukebox has grown to become a pop culture mainstay in its own right, having played over a thousand shows on six continents worldwide — including acclaimed venues like Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Red Rocks Amphitheater. In the process, PMJ has introduced audience to many of the world’s greatest singers, dancers, and instrumentalist — many of whom have gone on to become stars in their own right.
No matter your age, catch Postmodern Jukebox for a ride and an unforgettable trip through 100 years of timeless music.
Postmodern Jukebox “Life In The Past Lane” Concert tourdates
10-Mar-23 | Fri | Owensboro, KY | River Park Center | 15-Mar-23 | Wed | Troy, NY | Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | 16-Mar-23 | Thu | Keene, NH | Colonial Performing Arts Center | 17-Mar-23 | Fri | Great Barrington, MA | The Mahaiwe Theatre | 18-Mar-23 | Sat | Portland, ME | State Theater | 19-Mar-23 | Sun | Plymouth, NH | The Flying Monkey | 24-Mar-23 | Fri | New Haven, CT | College Street Music Hall | 25-Mar-23 | Sat | Bayside, NY | Queensborough Performing Arts Center | 28-Mar-23 | Tue | Akron, OH | EJ Thomas Hall | 30-Mar-23 | Thu | Poughkeepsie, NY | Bardavon | 31-Mar-23 | Fri | Verona, NY | Turning Stone | 4-Apr-23 | Tue | Charlotte, NC | Knight Theatre | 5-Apr-23 | Wed | Greensboro, NC | Piedmont Hall | 6-Apr-23 | Thu | Virginia Beach, VA | Sandler Center | 7-Apr-23 | Fri | Myrtle Beach, SC | House of Blues | 8-Apr-23 | Sat | Atlanta, GA | Woodruff Arts Center | 10-Apr-23 | Mon | Greenville, SC | Peace Center | 13-Apr-23 | Thu | West Palm Beach, FL | Kravis Center | 14-Apr-23 | Fri | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Parker Playhouse | 15-Apr-23 | Sat | Clearwater, FL | Ruth Eckerd Hall | 18-Apr-23 | Tue | Melbourne, FL | King Center | 19-Apr-23 | Wed | Jacksonville, FL | Florida Theater | 23-Apr-23 | Sun | Sarasota, FL | Van Wezel | 24-Apr-23 | Mon | Orlando, FL | Disney Hall
Harlem Stage announced its coming season will be devoted to the intersection of the Black Art and the Black Power movement in America today. Five programs and seven events of film, poetry, music theater and dance will make up this seasons’ theme, Black Arts Movement: Examined.
A cultural movement that took place largely in Harlem, The Black Arts Movement of the 60s and 70s shaped Black identity through critical discourse in many mediums. Harlem Stage’s CEO, Patricia Cruz, and Curator-in Residence, Carl Hancock Rux, hope this season’s events will challenge and clarify topics of The Black Arts Movement. As Harlem Stage approaches its 40th anniversary, its programming board hopes this year’s schedule will encourage visitors to step back and ask, “what is the relationship between art and politics and what is the role of the politically conscious artist?”
On Friday, September 16, the programming begins with the “Uptown Nights” series, led by Joel Ross’s Being A Young Black Man. Joel Ross is an award-winning vibraphonist and composer whose project explores his own experiences, contextualized into two themes: faith and family. Ross will perform with saxophonists Patrick Bartley and Tivon Pennicott, pianist Jeremy Corren, bassist Junius Paul, and drummer Marcus Gilmore on September 16 and 17 to set off the programming. The concert will be at Harlem Stage Gatehouse and tickets to all events are available on Harlem Stage’s site.
Grammy nominated Pedrito Martinez will take the stage (virtually) on September 24 for the next “Uptown Nights” performance. The world-renowned Cuban percussionist’s Rumba Con Fundamento will be available to stream on Vimeo for $5 until October 3.
Closing the “Uptown Nights” series on October 7 and 8 is Leyla McCalla with her show celebrating the release of her album, Breaking the Thermometer. McCalla’s newest body of work combines elements of memoir and historical scholarship to express freely her experiences as a Haitian-American living through years of social and political unrest.
The program continues with remote and in-person conversations, interviews and performances in song, dance and poetry. To see the full season schedule visit Harlem Stage’s site.
This September, Glenn Tilbrook of the critically lauded and much beloved 80s band Squeeze will embark on his first solo tour of the U.S. in years. While in New York, he’ll perform on September 15th at City Winery Hudson Valley, the beautifully restored factory on the Wallkill river in Montgomery.
Glenn Martin Tilbrook is the lead singer and guitarist of the English band Squeeze, a band formed in the mid-1970s who broke through in the new wave era at the decade’s end. Tilbrook has earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists, and songwriters. Not to mention, an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer.
Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. Those three tracks led to such Tilbrook written pop classics as “Tempted,” “Take Me I’m Yours,” “Pulling Mussels From A Shell,” “Up The Junction,” and “Black Coffee In Bed,” not to mention landmark albums like Argybargy, East Side Story and Some Fantastic Place.
When the band went on pause in 1998 Glenn embarked on a solo career that spawned the albums, The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook (2001) and Transatlantic Ping-Pong (2004). Thus, showcasing an ever-maturing songwriting talent (his first major works) without the input of lyricist Difford.
Tilbrook then formed his new band, The Fluffers, who recorded Pandemonium Ensues (2009). Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes, and a shedload of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level.
The show will be located at City Winery Hudson Valley on the outskirts of the small village of Montgomery. The venue has a lovely atmosphere in an historic and beautifully restored factory on the river. Wooden beams, antiques, wine casks and everything is spotlessly clean. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Wallkill River, with good drinks and vibes, enjoy a great performance by Glenn Tilbrook.
Capital region funk band Oobleck has announced three concert dates across the next two months, two of which are taking place in the Capital District.
The members of Oobleck (credit: Kiki Vassilakis)
The group has over a month of time between their coming show in Shelburne, VT on this Saturday the 10th and the following performance date, with them next performing at the Unihog in Hoosick Falls on Friday, October 21. The 21-and-up event will begin at 8pm.
Oobleck’s other scheduled show is on Sunday, October 30th is at Schuylerville’s Saratoga Apple. Running from noon to 3pm, the free concert is open to attendance from all ages.
Formed in 2008, three of the group’s records can be found on Bandcamp where they are available for purchase.
More information in regards to Oobleck’s Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville concert dates can be found on each show’s respective Facebook event page.
Oobleck plays “Whiskey Song,” the sixth track from their most recent album released in 2015, Don’t Mistake the Barn for the Basement.
