I’ve been listening to the Heat Haze EP from NY-based ambient country trio SUSS for about a week. If you’re a fan of ambient music, this EP does not disappoint. It’s five songs of soothing pads articulated with a variety of instruments, mostly string instruments, often played in repetitive loops bringing about a sense of calm and focus. For me, the title track conjures less of an image of haze than that of an old shack overlooking a swamp surrounded by lush green and hanging vines.
SUSS is a NYC-based trio of Pat Irwin, Bob Holmes, and Jonathan Gregg integrate their NYC roots into their music, playing off the similarities and differences between the Southwestern landscape (which influenced Night Suite) and that of New York, and in doing so, stretching the definitions of both “ambient” and “country.”
Reviewing ambient music is a challenge in that it is quite different from most other music. Most musicians want you to focus on the music itself, and hear all the interesting things the artists behind them are doing to draw you in. Ambient music is meant to put you in such a state that you are completely relaxed, not focused on the music at all. Heat Haze pulls that off. I really had to force myself to pay attention to what SUSS was doing. And even then, I would find myself lost in thought and not paying proper attention.
SUSS is credited with creating the ambient country sound, and the one critique, if it is even that, is that I have had a hard time finding the country elements of their music. Sure, there’s some acoustic guitar and even some lap steel, but neither are employed in a particularly “country” fashion. Two songs, “Grace” and “Train” hint a bit at some country roots, the latter perhaps teasing it a bit more than the former, but ultimately, I would bin this squarely in ambient without the country category.
My favorite track is the final one, “Pine,” which I can hear being the backing track behind a Nick Cave spoken word song or possibly in the middle of a Nick Cave & Warren Ellis film soundtrack. The plucked strings of what sounds like a baritone guitar add a nice dynamic element contrasted against the droning and whirling tones that make up the bulk of the song. It’s a haunting track; one that will be part of my nighttime routine, and perhaps present on my hot yoga mix, for years to come.
Real hip-hop was on display at the latest Alive at 5 in Albany on Thursday, July 7. Talib Kweli, one-half of hip-hop duo Black Star, was greeted to a warm reception on Thursday. Kweli’s large audience consisted of many who probably grew up listening to 90s styled hip-hop/rap. Backed by the band, The Whiskey Boys, many were brought to the feet with the versatile range of music on stage.
Not only was hip-hop on the menu this evening, there was also a fair amount of R&B and jazz performed. Kweli made time to demonstrate the complexity of each instrument on stage with solo performances. He also interacted with the crowd by not only playing some of his hits, but in paying tribute to Biz Markie, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and DMX. The show brought a lot of nostalgia and history to a multi-generational audience.
Talib Kweli was preceded by DJ Siroc and DJ TGIF. DJ Siroc played a nice set of songs, ranging with many hits from the 90s and early 2000’s. DJ TGIF was introduced by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, as he is one of Albany’s own. He kept to the unofficial theme with a set consisting of hits from Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, and DMX. A dance battle broke out during the end of DJ TGIF’s set that lead well into the excitement for Talib Kweli.
If you were not able to catch Talib Kweli, his next performance will be at the Blue Note in Manhattan on July 12th.
Alive at Five returns on July 14 with Cassadee Pope featuring Sydney Worthley opening the show.
The Supreme Team documentary, chronicling the rise and fall of the infamous organized crime syndicate, premiered on Showtime on July, 10. The three-part docu-series — which was made available on the Showtime streaming service on July, 8 — explores the inner-workings of the criminal enterprise and its mob influenced structure.
In addition, director Peter J. Scaletarr (who holds producer credits on the Wu Tang Clan documentary, Of Mics and Men) probes into Queens history and their community ethos. Painting a vivid image into just how the men who made the Supreme Team famous came to be. Nas narrates (and Mass Appeal produces) and interviews Queens native LL Cool J throughout part 1 of the docu-series. While various members of the Supreme Team — including leader Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff and underboss Gerald “Prince” Miller, who are both serving life sentences — shared insider details.
The Supreme Team served as the influence for many of hip hop’s premier and most recognizable rhymers. LL Cool J, who is considered one of hip hop’s first superstars, mimicked the Supreme Team’s style and would frequent their parties and events in order to rub elbows with the popular hustlers. 50 Cent, who also hails from Southside neighborhood of Jamaica Queens, was fairly close to the Supreme Team’s leader, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. He was also a close mentee to one of the organization’s lieutenants, Black Just.
The Supreme Team’s mob like structure was a rarity among street gangs, as their aura gained them recognition throughout all of New York City. In reality, they were much more than a gang but rather a large syndicate with a meticulously planned out infrastructure.
Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted for the murder-for-hire of Eric “E MoneyBags” Smith and drug trafficking. Gerald “Prince” Miller was indicted on federal drug charges in 1992 and is currently incarcerated.
Part 2 of the “Supreme Team” documentary-series will air on Sunday, July 17 at 10 p.m. eastern.
CNY Jazz and the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival return to Syracuse beginning in Clinton Square on July 29 and 30.
Sponsored by Berkshire Bank, the event marks the return of Syracuse Artsweek, which attracts over 66,000 people to downtown Syracuse every summer. The jazz festival will include a fantastic lineup of artists and multiple fine wines, foods, and other activities for crowds to enjoy. The event will begin at 5:00 pm on Friday and host a full program of entertainment from noon well into Saturday night.
This is the 19th jazz festival we’ve presented downtown in 21 years, and we’re glad to be back to start our third decade of service to downtown Syracuse, given the huge impact the pandemic has had on the arts.
Organizer and Founder of CNY Jazz, Larry Luttinger
With three stages across Clinton Square, and multiple genres represented including jazz, the event will offer something for all festivalgoers to experience. Both days are jam-packed with talent: swing music with the Ricky Alexander Quintet, a Steely Dan tribute from drummer Jerry Marotta, powerhouse artist Camille Thurman, international star Raul Midón, and many more.
Singer, saxophonist, and flutist, Camille Thurman
The festival is a great way for the entire community to come together, with other performances such as the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra whose members stem from all over the city, and local school districts and colleges. The Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival is a wonderful showcase of some of the amazing things downtown Syracuse has to offer.
The Jazz & Wine Festival is one of the many great events happening downtown during Artsweek that brings together a diverse group of incredibly talented national and local artists. This festival in July and the Jazz in the City concert series have become staples of the arts scene in our community.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh
Jerry Marotta and his ”Reelin’ in the Years” Steely Dan tribute. Photo credit: Mark Steinberg
For the complete list of performances and schedules, see below. For more information and the complete list of wines available at the event, click here.
Over July 8 and 9, Dave Matthews Band (DMB) played two hot shows at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Sold out crowds packed the parking lot and Saratoga Spa State Park each day before heading into the show.
The city of Saratoga Springs welcomed back DMB fans with open arms, as the economic infusion from the fan base is undeniable. Jambase noted the Friday performance was the 41st show for DMB to headline at SPAC, and thus opened the show with “#41.” Additionally, the band also began their encore on Saturday with “Pay For What You Get,” which had not been performed in nearly seven years, last performed on August 1, 2015.
Dave Matthews Band – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Saratoga Springs, NY – July 8, 2022
Setlist: #41, Seven, #27, Grey Street, Funny The Way It Is, Don’t Drink the Water, Typical Situation, The Only Thing, Dancing Nancies, Fool In The Rain, So Right, Madman’s Eyes, Improv Intro*, You and Me, Say Goodbye, Everyday, So Damn Lucky, Drive In Drive Out, Two Step
Encore: Some Devil*, The Maker, Shake Me Like a Monkey * Dave Solo
Dave Matthews Band – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Springs, NY – July 9, 2022
Setlist: Bartender, Cant Stop, Proudest Monkey, Satellite, Louisiana Bayou, Sweet, Recently, Warehouse, Walk Around The Moon, Break Free, Seek Up, Sledgehammer, Come On Come On, Minarets, Lie In Our Graves, Crush, Rooftop, Ants Marching
Encore: Pay For What You Get, Too Much (Fake), Halloween
For the first night of their two-night run, Conor McMahon was on hand to photograph the band in action.
On July 16 and 17, The Foundation for New American Art will present the Festival of Possibilities to the Lower East Side at The Clemente Solo Velez Cultural & Education Center.
Over the course of the two-day event, audiences can experience performances from artists all over the world, including from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The festival is family-friendly and free for all to attend. On Saturday, July 16, the event will run from 7 pm to 10 pm and Saturday programming will run from 11 am to 5 pm.
The first day of the festival includes Tamir Hargana, a Mongolian Throat Singer, Columbian vocalist Maria Raquel, and Salieu Suso, an “edu-tainer” from Africa. After each of the performances, Phoebe Legere, the President of the Foundation for New American Art, will interview the artists in Spanish and English as well as act as Master of Ceremonies during the entirety of the event.
On Sunday, the festival continues with a full day of programming. There will be fun and educational activities and workshops for all. Some of the programs include Mongolian singing, Cumbia Villera, art workshops, drumming, Zen tango, puppets, dancing, and more. The finale of the event will see a performance from a pan-Latin Dance Orchestra.
Foundation for New American Art in NYC is using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.
-NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers
The Foundation for New American Art is a nonprofit organization in NYC that is passionate about providing spaces for the artists of tomorrow. The multi-cultural arts, music, and educational Festival of Possibilities is a great way to do just that. For a full list of programming and more information, visit the organization’s website.
On July 21, in Newport, RI, the United States Postal Service will honor folk musician Pete Seeger with a unique stamp as part of their Music Icon Series.
The Pete Seeger Stamp from U.S. Postal Service
Pete Seeger, known for his American folk music and social activism, was born in Manhattan in 1919. Over the course of his long career, one of his most famous songs includes “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” which became a hit for its anti-war stance. Other songs of Seeger’s rose to popularity in the ‘60s, such as “If I Had a Hammer” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
Seeger’s work as a musician and activist inspired many – including artists Bob Dylan and Tom Morello. His adaptation of the spiritual, “We Shall Overcome,” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The folk singer truly believed the power of song could transform and spur people into action for good and he continues to be a huge influence in music to this day.
The Pete Seeger stamp will be the newest and 10th stamp in the U.S. Postal Service’s Music Icon series which began in 2013. Other musicians who have been honored include, in order, Lydia Mendoza, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Sarah Vaughan, John Lennon, and Marvin Gaye.
The stamp is based on a photograph of Seeger taken in the early 1960s by his son, Dan Seeger. With his iconic banjo in hand, Seeger performs in the picture as he did for much of his life. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed this latest stamp issue and the black-and-white original photo was color-tinted by Kristen Monthei.
A recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, Seeger will long be remembered for his music and his contribution to American political activism.
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.
The inaugural Unfiltered Jazz Festival presented by Fotografiska New York announced its lineup featuring some of the international music scene’s leading voices at one of the most unique venues in NYC.
Fotografiska New York
Fotografiska is a museum experience founded in Stockholm in 2010. It is a place to discover world-class photography, broad-ranging programming, amazing dining options, and more. It produces dynamic and unparalleled rotating exhibitions, spanning various photographic genres, with the mission to inspire a more conscious world through photography.
The Unfiltered Jazz Festival will happen on July 7, 14, 20, 21, and 22 and will be hosted in the museum’s stunning Loft space, celebrating New York City’s diverse musical heritage.
July 7 Unfiltered Jazz Festival Night I
Kicking off the festival is the record release for keyboardist/composer Erik Deutsch‘s eighth album La Nuit Blanche. The album translates as the white night and expresses what we all consider an all-nighter. The night will begin with Stuart Bogie’s newest improvising group, who was in the likes of Arcade Fire, Antibalas, JRAD, and more.
July 14 Night II
Night II includes a reunion show for Jennifer Hartswick’s beloved band of the 2000s, presented in collaboration with Dezron Douglas.
I am thrilled to spend the evening with three of my dearest friends, Dezron Douglas, Conor Elmes, and Joe Davidian. We have all been making music with each other since childhood, but it’s been years since we were on the same bandstand together…it is sure to be an epic reunion.
Jennifer Hartswick
July 20 Night III
Composer/trumpet player Jeff Beal returns to his roots in an evening of intimate chamber jazz, featuring world-renowned bassist John Patitucci and guitarist Steve Cardenas. Beal’s music has been featured in House Of Cards, having composed the score and played trumpet in the main title theme.
July 21 Night IV
Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger and critically acclaimed Blue Note Records recording artist, vibraphonist Joel Ross. Younger is a classically trained musician and is known for expressive interpretations of traditional harp repertoire. Ross refines an expression true to himself and his generation, and in 2019 released Edison Award-winning Record KingMaker.
July 22 Night V
The final night features Brooklyn Raga Massive in a tribute to John McLaughlin with The Emerald Beyond. They continue to bring the world’s hottest fusion of Indian Classical and Jazz to Fotografiska.
For more information about the Unfiltered Jazz Festival and to buy tickets, go here.
Making the most of an unfortunate and potentially volatile situation, a free moe. concert at the Empire State Plaza in Albany was music to the ears of disappointed Deadheads and plenty of moe.rons on Wednesday, July 6. With many fans already on the road when late afternoon news broke that Dead and Company had suddenly cancelled their show at SPAC, live music lovers didn’t have to look very far to find their fix.
With beloved Buffalo improv icons moe. already scheduled to kick off Albany’s ‘Summer at the Plaza’ concert series on the same night, what was once thought to be tough choice for the competing fanbase suddenly seemed like a blessing a disguise. For the moe.rons, there was never a debate on where to be, but to the dedicated Deadheads still hoping to dance, turning the bus around and detouring it to the Empire State Plaza became an obvious no-brainer.
“I can remember the warm summer nights, drinking cold Gennys, yeah we’d get so tight.” – Lyrics from “Blue Jeans Pizza”
Set in the shadows of the state capitol building and in a sea of tie dye t-shirts, it was more than just the hippies who showed up on this picture-perfect summer evening. Instead, a pleasantly diverse crowd of all ages, genders, colors, hair styles and musical aptitudes packed into the plaza shortly after happy hour. There were kids running around with cotton candy and snow cones, old friends catching up while waiting in the massive beer line, people playing frisbee and walking their dogs, local artists hustling for a buck. All of it helping to create a family friendly, carnival-like vibe bustling with energy and as word got around that moe. was in town, the crowd only seemed to grow larger as the evening went on.
Dead and Company fans flocked from SPAC to the Empire State Plaza after the bands surprise cancellation.
The entire performance felt drenched in nostalgia. While it was a beautiful and surreal scene come showtime, the road to getting there has been long and full of curveballs. You see, while moe is largely considered a “Buffalo band,” die-hard Albany fans still like to consider the guys “homegrown.” Playing some of their earliest shows at legendary local dives like the former Valentine’s off New Scotland Ave, some members of the band even lived in Albany before truckin’ up to Buffalo. Their impact on local culture over the years so significant, that back in 2018 Albany’s mayor, Kathy Sheehan, officially declared February 24th as “moe. Day” in the city. While little has been made of that fact since then, judging by the amount of people who packed into the plaza for this rare (and free) moe. show, it’s clear that the local love has never wavered. Seeing core members Rob Derhak (bass), Al Schnier (guitar), Vinny Amicio (drums), and Jim Loughlin (percussion) sharing smiles together while taking it all in, you couldn’t help but feel proud of the “happy hour heroes” on stage.
From the thought-provoking summer anthem “Blue Jeans Pizza” opener, to a jammed out 16 minute version of “The Road,” to old-school moe. staples like “Head,” 2001’s “So Long” and an always appreciated “Mexico” set closer, much of the talk during intermission wasn’t about the guys playing on stage, but rather who wasn’t on stage. The conversation was all about Chuck and how much he is missed. For many in attendance, it was their first time seeing the band without moe.’s founding guitarist, virtuoso Chuck Garvey, who has been on the sidelines recovering from a serious stroke since in November of last year. In a truly sentimental moment towards the end of the show, Al read a “get well soon” note from a fan named Nicole, then lead the entire crowd in a “Chuck, Chuck, Chuck” chant.
moe. performing with Suke Cerulo and Nate Wilson at the Empire State Plaza 7/6/22
Stepping up to the plate in Garvey’s absence, the band has enlisted not one, but two world-class players; Suke Cerulo of Schleigho on guitar and keyboard/multi instrumentalist Nate Wilson from Percy Hill. While guitarist Al Schnier handled most of the heavy lifting and soloing during the first set, the improvisation during the second set went long and deep and really allowed Cerulo and Wilson to show what they’re made of. While Cerulo’s headless guitar will take some getting used to, he’s seems to be a natural fit, while Wilson on the other hand, adds a completely new dynamic and versatility to the moe. sound, complete with funk infused keyboards and a flute that plays incredibly well off Jim Loughlin’s xylophone sounds.
Coming out of the gates for the second set with a near 20 minute version of Lazarus, the band would effortlessly segue into a particularly funky 18 minute rendition of “George.” After a brief pause, the band would launch into a massive “McBain” sandwich that saw them jam into a “Starship Troopers”>”Tubing the River Styx” and eventually find their way back into “The Pit.” The true highlight and easily the long jam of the name night came next with the set closing 26 minute moe classic “Brent Black” which brough everyone at the Empire State Plaza to their feet in a standing ovation. With the hard curfew now rapidly approaching, the band would return to the stage for fan favorite “Bear Song” as an encore.
If you liked the setlist of this show, you can thank a kind man by the name of John King. If you didn’t like it, well, blame cancer. Based on King’s generous donation to the American Caner Society, the band gave him the unique opportunity to write the setlist. Considering many of the people who were there went into the night expecting to hear Dead and Company, I think it’s safe to say Mr. King knocked it out of the park in a big way. Before exiting the stage, bass player Rob Derhak addressed the crowd one final time saying, “We had an awesome time, we hope you guys did as well. Thank you so much for coming out. Seriously though, we really do love Albany. We have are own day here in February, it’s moe. day, so you can’t beat that, thank you. Me and some of the guys are gonna be down at The Hollow tonight with Blue Star Radiation, so shameless plug. Goodnight.”
Moe. | July 6, 2022 | Albany, NY | Empire State Plaza (Free Show)
Set 1: Blue Jeans Pizza, The Road, Head, So Long, Mexico
Set 2: Lazarus > George , McBain> Starship Troop Jam > Tubing the Rive Styx* > The Pit> Brent Black
Encore: Al.nouements, Chuck Chant, Bear Song * with Nate Wilson on flute
Pulling double duty, the fun wasn’t over yet this evening. Directly following moe.’s performance, fans in the know headed further downtown to The Hollow where Guthrie/Bell Productions was hosting an evening with Blue Star Radiation, the side-project which also features moe. drummer Vinnie Amico and bassist Rob Derhak, plus keyboard/multi instrumentalist Nate Wilson and virtuoso guitarist Tim Palmieri of Kung Fu, The Breakfast and most recently Lotus fame.
As you might expect with the pedigree of the players involved, this show was quite the party. A veritable “all-star” band of improvisational, jam band musicians that all share an affinity for classic rock, the show saw everything from highly danceable funk grooves, to tasteful blues-based crooning, to bombastic, over-the-top soloing. It was perhaps no surprise that guitarist Tim Palmieri stole the show however, as he was the only member of Blue Star Radiation that was completely fresh having not played at the Plaza earlier in the night.
Always the consummate showman, Palmieri’s incendiary shredding was on full display from the beginning, almost daring his bandmates to try and keep up. Derhak, who could be seen grinning ear to ear most of the show, was up to the challenge, and even would go head-to-head with Palmieri in an instrumental duel that would send the Hollow howling.
While there appeared to be no formal setlist, obvious highlights included covers of moe. classics like “Opium” and “Mar De Ma” as well as “Biblical Proportions” and an exquisite rendition of the Jethro Tull classic “Locomotive Breath.” Sensing there was something special going on here, about half way through the night, promoter Greg Bell casually worked his way through the crowd to the front of the stage to ask the guys how they felt about playing a second set. Derhak would leave it up the audience, holding his arms out and asking “What do you folks think?” After the resounding cheer, Blue Star Radiation would go on to play all the way till about 1am. While this project is still relatively new, BSR shows are quickly becoming “can’t miss” affairs.
New Yorkers will get their next chance to see the band soon, as Blue Star Radiation makes their NYC debut at the Cutting Room on Friday, July 22. As for moe.’s next New York engagement, the band is set return to beautiful Lake George the first weekend of September for two headlining nights at the Adirondack Independence Music Festival.
Blue Star Radiation | July 6, 2022 | Albany, NY | The Hollow
Runaway New York presents “Nights,” a micro festival for the youth, by the youth, taking place on Saturday, July 16th. With its current outreach mission, Runaway New York aims to share its platform with other budding creatives. You won’t want to miss what this event has in store.
Runaway New York is a fashion and lifestyle brand founded in New York City in 2018 by Jagger Walk, the brand’s CEO, and Creative Director. From creating apparel, fragrances, and jewelry, the brand prioritizes quality and values giving back to its beloved city. The band has even collaborated with Pharell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club. Overall, to Runaway New York, the sky is the limit.
After their first Nights event in London, the brand wanted to bring the concept back to New York where it originally came from. The show is headlined by Laundry Day and a special guest, who will be announced leading up to the event.
Industry City is the perfect place to debut Nights in New York City for many reasons. From its location to the amenities, and general atmosphere, we felt this would be the most fitting setting for the event
Jack Berk, one of the event’s organizers
Partnering with artist Tyler Miller and his manager Jack Berk; the three have come together to bring Brooklyn a “micro” festival made by the youth for the youth. Tyler Miller, Carlo Redl, and Chad Nelson will open the show which will be accompanied by exclusive Runaway New York merchandise.
The show will take place at Industry City Courtyard 1/2 and tickets will be sold to the public for all ages. Food and drink will be available for purchase as well. The doors open at 6:00 PM and the show is expected to go on until 11:00 PM.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link here.
