NYS Music 202​2

Category: Long Island

  • Hearing Aide: Baked Shrimp ‘Pork Etiquette’

    Long Island funk band, Baked Shrimp, makes an intriguing return with their third studio album, Pork Etiquette. The January 7 release coincides with the band’s fifth anniversary and it’s obvious just how much experience they’ve gained. 

    baked shrimp pork etiquette
    Album Cover

    They recorded the album during the same sessions as their second studio album, Conscious, and it serves as an elevated part two. The Brothers Nylon assisted in the process from their studio in Patchogue, NY and Anthony Cimino at Mojo Music Studios mixed and mastered the final product.

    The group utilizes a variety of sounds as they take listeners through the tales of each song, with jazz, alternative rock and early 2000’s pop rock being heard throughout. However, funk remains a mainstay.

    Baked Shrimp performing at LonCon 2021

    “Cannabis Bob” showcases just how well two different sonic themes can be meshed together. Fittingly named, the rhythm on this track makes you bob your head before it brings you up high. The song then crescendos in a mash of guitar, drums and bong rips before it brings you back down to the ground.

    “The Gopher”’s introduction is one that you won’t forget as the horns come in to prove just why they’re included. The slick instrumental keeps your ears locked as smokey vocals feed you the tale of one bad gopher, ending with a snappy flourish. The drums never let up as they bind everything together.  Don’t mess with the gopher.

    “Tulu” does not waste its’ track length on fluff as Jared Cowen shows his composition prowess. The tropical beat brings you away from NY’s frigid winter and into an island paradise. The guitar and drums keep things cohesive as the band does their integral sound switching. The track provides a fitting end to the album.

    As promotions for Pork Etiquette commence, it’s safe to say that Baked Shrimp has earned their spot in the East Coast music scene. Although the pandemic rages on, fans will have the chance to see their 2022 Winter Tour. They will perform in Ithaca on January 28.

    Key Tracks: Cannabis Bob, The Gopher, Tulu

  • Jason Flashner Wants You To Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

    Long Island singer-songwriter Jason Flashner is gearing up to release his third studio album, Rocks and Roots, on March 11, 2022. The new LP ends an almost eight-year gap between his last effort, 2014’s Indie Tale, and falls on the tenth anniversary of his first album, Acoustics and Stones.

    Jason Flashner

    Rocks and Roots comprises two parts: one with a full band (although Flashner plays every instrument), and the other with acoustic versions of the same songs. Flashner debuted the first song, “Alive, Awake!” at the tail end of November, and has more waiting in the wings. The album’s second single, “Like Nobody’s Watching,” premieres today.

    “Like Nobody’s Watching” is an upbeat, breezy guitar tune perfect for warming our hearts in the dead of winter. The lyrics are about taking a bad day and turning it around, using dance and music as a remedy. Accompanying the song is a homemade music video, with clips of children dancing happily. Before the release of Rocks and Roots in March, Flashner plans to release one more single, “This Wave,” in February. 

    Jason Flashner, who also goes by Jay, is an independent artist through and through. He’s learned the business side of music by himself, watching tutorials to learn how to promote and pitch his work. He recalls an incident earlier in his career when his hard drive stopped working and he lost an album’s worth of music, and didn’t have it backed up. Going forward, Flashner used the experience as a learning opportunity:

    If we learn from our mistakes, we minimize that from happening, so whenever something like this does occur, I try to remain as patient as possible and know that there will be something to learn from it. It is all a marathon rather than a sprint, and we can all get there with patience.

    Jason Flashner

    While he never lost an album again, Flashner re-recorded Rocks and Roots multiple times until he felt confident in his work. Given his patience and perfectionism this time around, it might be his best yet. Listen to it on March 11, 2022, on all major streaming platforms.

  • Long Island Music Hall of Fame announces 2021 Music Education of Note Award Honoree

    The Long Island Music Hall of Fame announced the 2021 Music Educator of Note Award recipient, Kim Löwenborg-Coyne. The LIMHOF gives the award to those who do outstanding work in Long Island music education.

    Long Island music award
    The Long Island Music Hall Music Educator of Note Award recipient- Kim Löwenborg-Coyne.

    Dr. Löwenborg-Coyne was born in Lynbrook, NY. She earned a B.A. in Music Performance and also a B.A. in Philosophy from Molloy College. She also has a M.A. in Musicology and a Ph.D. in Higher Level Music Education from NYU.

    In 1996, she started teaching in Rockville Centre Schools and became the Director of Art and Music Programs for North Babylon. She has also performed at Carnegie Hall as an accompanist for the NBHS Choir.

    Long Island music award

    In 2008, Dr. Löwenborg-Coyne raised grant funds to bring Pierre Dulaine’s Ballroom Dance program to Long Island. She has been trying to bring culturally diverse residency programs to North Babylon as well. She has made sure the all kids get quality instruments, amazing technology, and world music education.

    Dr. Kim never takes no for an answer when it comes to the children of North Babylon!

    Superintendent of Schools Kim Skillen

    Dr. Löwenborg-Coyne deeply honored to receive the award, alongside her husband and two children.