NYS Music 202​2

Category: News Desk

  • Prodigy’s Solo Catalog Returns to Streaming, Posthumous Album Announced

    Fans of Prodigy will once again be able to enjoy his solo catalog on streaming services, as reported by Billboard. In what was described as “legal disputes between the estate, which is run by the late artist’s family, and former associates of the artist,” his solo work remained off streaming services for the past three years. Only 2007’s Alchemist collab, Return of the Mac, 2008’s Product of the 80s, with Big Twins and Un Pacino, along with the Mobb Deep discography were made available.

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    Prodigy’s returning solo catalog includes his classic debut-album H.N.I.C and its two sequels, 2012’s The Bumpy Johnson Album, his 2013 collaboration with The Alchemist, Albert Einstein and 2017’s Hegelian Dialectic (The Book of Revelation). His 2014 release with Boogz Boogetz, Young Rollin Stoned, can also now be streamed.

    This is the result of a new management deal Prodigy’s estate signed with The NorthStar Group’s L. Londell McMillan and a distribution deal with Warner Music Group’s ADA. Prodigy’s estate also announced a new album, The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book of Heroine and a new single, “You Will,” out June, 10.

    Prodigy is a once-in-a-generation rapper,

    -ADA president Cat Kreidich

    It’s hard to put into words the impact he had on the world — his sound completely changed the game and influenced so many that came after him. His legacy will live on forever through his music and we’re grateful his estate has entrusted ADA to bring his iconic catalog back where it belongs — with his fans.

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    With his partner, Havoc, Prodigy served as one-half of Mobb Deep. After releasing their debut, Juvenile Hell in 1993. A year later, they released their classic second LP, The Infamous, to critical-acclaim.

    As a rapper, Prodigy was known for his opening bars that would set the tone. Encapsulating an entire record with his first couple of lines. When hip hop went full glitz and glamour during the “shiny suit era,” of the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Prodigy would double down and release more raw grimy street music. Plateauing him and his partner Havoc’s commercial-appeal, but remaining true to themselves.

  • New York State Senate Passes Bill to Limit Use of Song Lyrics as Evidence

    The New York State Senate passed a bill that will limit prosecutors from using song lyrics as evidence in criminal cases, as first reported by Pitchfork. The bill was introduced this past November by Senator Brad Hoylman, Senator Jamaal Bailey and assembly member Catalina, and it is recognized as Senate Bill S7527 . It is designed to “limit the admissibility of evidence of a defendant’s creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding,” according to the New York State Senate’s official website.

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    This bill has long been a point of contention from many within hip hop culture. Before coming to fruition, it was touted by the likes of Jay – Z, Meek Mill and Killer Mike.

    In a letter signed by the aforementioned artists, Jay – Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, had this to say about the new legislation:

    “Rather than acknowledge rap music as a form of artistic expression, police and prosecutors argue that the lyrics should be interpreted literally—in the words of one prosecutor, as ‘autobiographical journals. The genre is rooted in a long tradition of storytelling that privileges figurative language, is steeped in hyperbole, and employs all of the same poetic devices we find in more traditional works of poetry.”

    This new legislation comes as Atlanta-bred rappers Young Thug, Gunna and other YSL affiliates were arrested and are facing charges under Georgia’s RICO act. It was reported that their lyrics were used by authorities as part of their criminal investigation.

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    Rapper’s lyrics have long been a point of contention in the courtroom. The likes of Boosie Badazz, YNW Melly, Mac Phipps, Tay-K have all had their words play a part in their criminal proceedings. In a rather famous instance, Snoop Dogg’s “Murder Was The Case” was played in the courtroom while he faced trial for murder in 1993. Now, rapper’s in the state of New York will have an extra creative freedom knowing their song lyrics won’t be used against them aimlessly.

  • 2022 Jersey City Jazz Festival Lineup Announced

    The Jersey City Jazz Festival has returned for its ninth annual celebration on the weekend of June 4th and 5th in the Powerhouse Arts District.

    Just across the Hudson River, the free-to-the-public event will include performances from fourteen bands on two stages, food trucks, a full bar, and a VIP experience at the parking lot on 107 Morgan Street. The festival will also coincide with Bike JC’s annual Ward Tour on the 5th, with there also being an “after-party jam session” at Moore’s Place.

    Jersey City Jazz Festival
    Jazz group Nation Beat will lead off the festival with their performance at noon on the 4th. (photo by Carolina Mama)

    Brazilian-inspired group Nation Beat will lead off performances at noon on the 4th, followed by singer & WBGO radio host Lezlie Harrison at 1, pianist David Kikoski at 2, Winand Harper and his band the Jeli Posse at 3, flamenco guitarist Andreas Arnold at 4, Afro-Cuban jazz group Santi De Brian’s Arkestra Bembe at 5, and acclaimed vocalist Svetlana at 6.

    The next day, award-winning duo Sounds of A&R will lead off at noon, followed by guitar-driven ensemble Walter Parks and the Unlawful Assembly at 1, modern gypsy jazz artist Gonzalo Bergara at 2, New Orleans-based trad group Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses at 3, and guitarist Julian Lage at 4.

    Both days will close out with dancing to salsa performances by percussionists Little Johnny Rivero on the 4th at 7, and Johnny Rodriguez and the Dream Team the following day at 5. Shows will alternate on an hourly basis between the Bank of America and Exchange Place stages.

    Jersey City Jazz Festival
    Little Johnny Rivero’s career watermarks include the eighteen albums he recorded with the La Senora Ponceña Band and having performed with names in Latin Music such as nine-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri.

    The festival, which was first held in 2013, is produced by Jersey City-based non-profit Riverside Jazz, and is presented by Exchange Place Alliance. “We have some of the best players in the world here – and it’s not just one style of music or jazz, it’s everything!” says Riverview Jazz director Brian Beninghove. “Not everyone has access to great music and art, but we do here – and we want to celebrate it with a big, free party for the people.”

    Information on purchasing VIP tickets, directions, parking, volunteering, and links to the artists can be found on Riverview Jazz’s website.

  • Multicultural May Events at Bronx Music Heritage Center

    The Bronx Music Heritage Center (BMHC), located at 1303 Louis Nine Blvd. in New York City’s northern-most borough, will close out their May programming with a series of events featuring dancing, Latin music and a multicultural celebration. Events will also be held at Bronx Music Hall Plaza, located at 438 E. 163rd St.

    Although the Bronx was once a hub for music creation and performance, the disinvestment in the 1970s and 1980s destroyed many performance venues, devastating the music scene. As a result, access to arts and cultural programming has become scarce in the Bronx.

    The BMHC, created by WHEDco, is committed to preserving and promoting Bronx music, cultivating Bronx artists, spurring neighborhood revival, and providing free cultural programs for the community. T The BMHC hosts music performances, art exhibits, artists-in-residence, workshops throughout the Bronx. 

    On Saturday, May 21, the Bronx Rising! program will feature Irish, U.S. and Cuban traditional traditions highlighting percussive dancing with the groups OYU ORO and CITY STOMPERS. The show starts at 8:00 pm at the BMHC, and the cost is $7 at the door.

    On Friday, May 27, BMHC will present ABAZOS ARMY as they gear up to promote their upcoming CD release. ABAZOS ARMY combines music in a fusion of funk, reggae, Latin music, jazz and hip hop. This is a free show starting at 8:00 pm.

    BMHC ends the month with a concert in partnership with the Multicultural Music Group featuring FELIPE FOURNIER & SUPERMAMBO on Saturday, May 28th. This is as free show, held at BMH Plaza. If it rains, the concert will be held at the BMHC.

    See more upcoming events here.

    From the BMHC archives, watch the last program held before the pandemic began.  In February 2020, celebrating International Mother Tongue Day, the video features the Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts performing a Bengali folk dance.  BAFA is a Bronx-based group and led by Margia Shiriti.

  • Phil Lesh & The Midnight Ramble Band Announce Summer Date At Bethel Woods

    This summer, founding Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh will make his return to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. And he’s bringing a few friends along with him. Phil Lesh & The Midnight Ramble Band will play one night on Saturday, August 20. It is slated to be part of the venue’s “Woodstock Anniversary Celebration” which will commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the iconic music and arts festival.

    Phil Lesh

    In addition to performing with the Dead at Woodstock, Lesh also made an appearance here in July of 2006. The second set included a sit-in from Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio on songs that were performed at the original festival in 1969 like “Dark Star,” St. Stephen,” and “Turn On Your Love Light.”

    Lesh’s last appearance at Bethel Woods came in 2019 at Mountain Jam. Phil and Friends trotted out a cover of The Band’s “Chest Fever,” played the first ever “Midnight Highway” and closed out their set with an “Uncle John’s Band.”

    This year’s band is dubbed The Midnight Ramble Band, in a nod to Levon Helm’s nearby legendary barn and its late night concerts, and will feature Amy Helm, Jim Wider, Brian Mitchell, Adam Minkoff, Steven Bernstein, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Connor Kennedy, Shawn Pelton, Tony Leone, Erik Lawerence, Jay Collins and, of course, Grahame Lesh.

    Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 am through Ticketmaster.

  • Albany Symphony Announces 2022 American Music Festival, Trailblaze NY

    Albany Symphony has announced their 2022 American Music Festival: TrailBlaze NY, a “celebration of New York State’s glorious new Empire State Trail.” The festival will feature various events from the beginning of June to the first week of July running from Kingston all the way up to Saratoga County.

    “We wanted to amplify the amazing story of the incredible 750-mile walking and cycling rail trail that now connects all residents of New York State to one another,” said David Alan Miller, Music Director of Albany Symphony and Grammy-winning conductor.

    Albany Symphony Music Director David Alan Miller conducting
    David Alan Miller, Music Director of Albany Symphony and Grammy-winning conductor.

    The Empire State Trail, completed in 2020, is composed of the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail which connects New York City to Albany, the Erie Canalway Trail which connects Albany to Buffalo, and the Champlain Valley Trail which connects Albany to the Canadian border.

    TrailBlaze NY isn’t the first Albany Symphony production of its kind; during 2017’s Water Music NY, the Symphony travelled along the Erie Canal, performing free concerts at seven different canal communities along the way. During 2019’s Sing Out! New York, they performed free outdoor concerts at several different locations from Columbia to Saratoga County.

    The festival will open with a “Troy & Cohoes New Music Week” from June 2 to June 5. One feature event of the four-day span includes a performance from the company’s new-art chamber orchestra, Dogs of Desire on the 3rd at the Cohoes Music Hall. The show will feature world premiers by Natalie Draper, Jack Frerer, Bobby Ge, Loren Loiacono, and Andre Myers.

    There is also Albany Symphony’s keynote performance of “Trailblaze!” at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on the 4th. During the concert, the Symphony will play John Williams’ “Prelude and Scherzo (American Premiere)” featuring pianist Gloria Cheng, John Corigliano’s “Triathalon for Saxophone and Orchestra” featuring saxophonist Timothy McAllister, and Steven Stuckey’s “Radical Light.”

    Other events include a piano recital from Gloria Chang at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on the 2nd, a “Late Night Lounge experience” with Jordan Taylor Hill at Table 41 Brewing Co. in Cohoes on the 3rd, a chamber performance titled “Endangered” at St. Paul’s in Troy on the 4th, and “Inuksuit,” a group percussion performance at Troy Riverfront Park on the 5th, among others. Admission costs for the week’s events range anywhere from free to $62, with tickets available for purchase on Albany Symphony’s website.

    As for the other part of TrailBlaze NY, “Albany Symphony On The Trail!” will feature musical and trail-related event programs at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville on the 11th, Hutton Brickyards in Kingston on the 19th, Basilica Hudson in Hudson on the 24th and around the city on the 25th, as well as Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady on July 1st, Jennings Landing in Albany on the 2nd, and Riverlink Park in Amsterdam on the 3rd.

    TrailBlaze NY is a unique opportunity for people from all over the Northeastern US and Canada to discover some of the most extraordinary towns in New York State and the glorious nature that surrounds them. I hope all our friends and supporters will also join us to celebrate New York State in all its wonder and natural beauty, as well as our resilient communities and the things that connect us and bring us together, all the trails we explore, real and imagined.

    David Alan Miller

    The program involves free Albany Symphony concerts at each stop, featuring music from Natalie Draper, Aaron Copland, Viet Cuong, John Williams, and John Philip Sousa. Additionally, every day of the program will feature activities such as bike rides and hikes on local trails, refreshment from local vendors, and historical & museum tours among many others. Full information about “Albany Symphony On The Trail!” can also be found on their website.

  • Caffe Lena Announces First Annual “Sing In The Streets” Festival

    Caffe Lena will host the first annual Sing In The Streets music festival on May 22 to celebrate the venue’s 62 anniversary.

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    Music will take place at six sites in the historic downtown Saratoga Springs neighborhood, with each site having display photos and memorabilia associated with each decade of the venue’s operation.

    Carolyn Shapiro, a Caffe Lena staff member and one of the performers for the afternoon, spoke in a statement about the festival. Shapiro also won an Eddie Award for Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year.

    Sing in the Streets celebrates our venue’s history but it’s also a celebration of the community that helped our historic venue survive the turmoil of the last couple years. We’re encouraging people to visit every stage and get their Folk Passport stamped for a chance to win an Emcee Membership, which entitles you to two free shows a month for an entire year,

    Also, Kira Favro, Caffe Lena’s Board President, spoke of the anniversary celebration.

    We have a lot to celebrate this year. We marked our 60th during the peak of the pandemic. Now it’s time to gather in person and enjoy music and survival. Caffe Lena has a long history, but its future is going to be even longer.

    The festival features various musical styles, like pop, country, folk, bluegrass, and children’s music. The festival is free, but people can donate to support Caffe Lena’s community services, like free shows for kids, music in nursing homes and homeless shelters, free music lessons, and more.

    “Sing in the Streets” performances will happen from 12 P.M.- 2 P.M. on Saratoga street near Caffe Lena. Different performers include Girl Blue, The Bluebillies, Hot Club of Saratoga, Jes Hudak, Carlyn Shapiro, Reese Fulmer, and more.

  • Revisit: American Classical Orchestra Presents “The Chaconne Project” At Harlem Parish

    Revisit: American Classical Orchestra (ACO) returns to the Harlem Parish performing The Chaconne Project directed by ACO founder Thomas Crawford on Wednesday, June 22 at 7 pm.

    Revisit: American Classical Orchestra Presents "The Chaconne Project" At Harlem Parish
    Photo credits: American Classical Orchestra with Guadalupe Peraza performing The Chaconne Project, Nov. 2020 at Harlem Parish, courtesy of ACO.

    The production features a Chamber ensemble of Orchestra members and Mexican mezzo-soprano Guadalupe Peraza in a lively program of Baroque repertoire featuring the chaconne, a musical genre that began as bawdy 16th-century dances in Spanish culture. The chamber concert was initially scheduled for February 3, but was postponed due to the Omicron variant.

    Revisit: American Classical Orchestra Presents "The Chaconne Project" At Harlem Parish

    American Classical Orchestra was founded in 1984 as the Orchestra of the Old Fairfield Academy. Later on, renamed the American Classical Orchestra in 1999. After some time, Founder Thomas Crawford established its new and permanent home in New York City in 2005. Because they only preform music from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century, their mission is to present the music as the composers might have heard it in their time. By using certain instruments and techniques, the American Classical Orchestra is “supremely skilled musicians” (Theater Scene) have won critical praise for its recordings, educational programs, and concerts.

    Thomas Crawford, is highly skilled in historically accurate performance styles in Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic music. Throughout his life he has founded two Connecticut orchestras: the Fairfield Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Old Fairfield Academy. A passionate activist determined to bring the beauty of period music to a wider audience, Mr. Crawford’s educational activities with the Orchestra received a Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth award from the National Endowment for the Arts, recognizing the ACO’s dynamic music outreach to New York City schoolchildren. A Pennsylvania native, he holds degrees in organ performance and composition from the Eastman School of Music and Columbia University.

    Photo credits: American Classical Orchestra with Guadalupe Peraza performing The Chaconne Project, Nov. 2020 at Harlem Parish, courtesy of ACO.

    The show, Revisit: The Chaconne Project, was filmed at Harlem Parish. The use of harmonies create 10 vibrant examples of chaconne, a genre of music categorized by its repeating bass line. The director, Thomas Crawford, leads the audience through an aroma of musical instruments compromised through strings, voice and percussion. Revisit will showcase Guadalupe Peraza, who appeared as featured soloist with the New York Virtuoso Singers and at the majestic Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris in Mexico City. 

    Tickets, priced at $35 and $55, are available at aconyc.org or by calling American Classical Orchestra at (212) 362-2727. Ticket holders will need to follow the venue’s guidelines and show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in order to enter the building. The show will begin on Wednesday, June 22 at 7 pm, Harlem Parish, 258 W 118th St.

  • Boy Jr. delivers unapologetic apology “Hey Sorry” off upcoming debut album

    Rochester’s Boy Jr. is gearing up to unleash their debut album Pay Attention to Meee next month. In anticipation of the release, they’re giving us a taste of the synthy-pop ear candy to come.

    Boy Jr

    Inspired by Chairlift and Caroline Polachek, the bedroom pop ditty “Hey Sorry” ensconces girl power in the face of heartbreak.

    “‘Hey Sorry’ is a sonic showcase of how fucked up I get when I have a crush.”

    – Boy Jr.

    Boy Jr. is the songwriting/production project of Erica Allen-Lubman (she/they). To celebrate the release of “Hey Sorry” they will be opening for Aryia at The Knitting Factory, Brooklyn tonight (May 18). Follow on Instagram.

  • Inaugural Elmwood Summerfest to be held in the heart of Buffalo

    Despite recent troubling times, the city of Buffalo has continued to band together and are now working towards showcasing the best of their city. The Beer Keep, Jack Rabbit, and Breezy Burrito Bar have announced the inaugural Elmwood Summerfest, to be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The festival is meant to celebrate summertime in Buffalo including beer, food, community, togetherness and, of course, music.

    Elmwood Summerfest will showcase over 15 bands and performers on a large outdoor stage located between 1000 & 1010 Elmwood Avenue. Besides musical performances, Buffalo Eats will host its first annual Hot Dog Eating Competition, followed by a Live Art installation, and a Genesee Brewing beer tent featuring your favorite beers, ciders and seltzers. The music lineup will spotlight acts from Buffalo as well as the Rochester area. It will feature bands like Sideways, Witty Tarbox, Farrow, Grosh, American Nosebleed, Folkfaces, Well Worn Boot, Johnny Hart and the Mess, Kevin Sampson and the Night Shift, plus more.

    For a next-level festival experience, The Beer Keep, Jack Rabbit and Breezy Burrito Bar will be opening their doors exclusively to VIP pass-holders. At all three locations, VIP pass holders will be able to enjoy air conditioning, private bathrooms, fully stocked bars, patio access and lounging areas.

    Why Elmwood Summerfest is Happening

    Recently, the Bidwell Park area of Buffalo’s Elmwood Village has been rejuvenated and seen a rebirth as an entertainment and hospitality destination.

    One of the many wonderful things about the Elmwood Village is its overwhelming sense of surprise. Surprise at what you see coming down the street or around a corner, something you missed on a previous visit. It’s that sense of endless possibility that we invite people to come experience at the first Elmwood Summerfest.

    – Cory Muscato, owner of the Beer Keep

    Elmwood Summerfest is a product of the new neighborhood bars, restaurants and venues (The Beer Keep, Jack Rabbit, Breezy Burrito Bar, among others) coming together to put on a neighborhood focused street festival. Because of the location and limited footprint of the festival this first year entry is limited to 21+

    Music has been a cornerstone of Jack Rabbit since our initial idea phase. Expanding that outside of our walls has been top priority since day one, we’re super excited to be working with our best buds, and neighbors, to bring this amazing event directly to the street.

    – Josh Mullin, Owner/Operator of Jack Rabbit.

    How to Purchase Tickets

    Festival gates will open at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 with music and performances continuing all-day. General admission festival passes will be $25 in advance with a limited number of VIP passes available for $50. Tickets are available immediately at elmwoodsummerfest.com