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
From October 6 to 8, Kings Theatre in Brooklyn will host the national R.E.S.P.E.C.T. tour, which celebrates the iconic Aretha Franklin and brings the ultimate concert experience.
After a national search for the perfect cast, the performers were recently finalized. Brooklyn native Trejah Bostic will lead the band, and vocalists Meghan Dawson, Nattalyee Randall, and Ashton Weeks will also act as hosts. Directed by Broadway’s Christina Sajous (Spongebob Squarepants, Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark), the show follows the life of Aretha Franklin using her biggest hits to tell her impressive story.
I am super excited to be a part of this amazing cast and I’m looking forward to going on this journey and experiencing all the beautiful audiences that we will come to meet.
-Trejah Bostic, Lead Singer
Audiences at the Kings Theatre can expect to hear fan favorites such as “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” and many more to celebrate the Queen of Soul. The soundtrack, with musical direction from Darnell White, explores the human condition intertwined with the timeless music from Franklin.
The Kings Theatre in Brooklyn recently reopened in 2015 and provides the perfect venue for large-scale entertainment such as the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. tour, with over 3,000 seats available. The architecture was inspired by the French Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House – making it a beautiful addition and atmosphere for any entertainment.
All shows from October 6 through 8 will begin promptly at 8:00 pm and tickets range from $35 – $75. For tickets and more information about the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. tour, visit the Kings Theatre website, here.
Blues singer-songwriter Davide Pannozzo released his new single, “Be Blessed” on July 8, produced by Rolling Stones’ drummer and Grammy award-winning producer, Steve Jordan.
The emotional five-minute ballad celebrates the love between a father and son with soulful instrumentation to carry the listener through. Contributors on the single feature Will Lee (bass), Clifford Carter (keys), and Davide Rossi on strings for a terrific combination of sound.
Of the song, Pannozzo shares, “the song wants to be a message to anyone: an invitation to live without fear, embracing the constant changes in our lives with courage and boldness.” Even without relying on lyrics, audiences can get lost in the calming sound and understand the powerful message behind the piece.
Davide Pannozzo is a NY-based artist with three albums and an EP available on Spotify. Some of Pannozzo’s musical influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck, among others. The musician has studied classical guitar since the age of six, and critics have previously said he is one of the contemporary blues’ most interesting artists.
The message of love is clear on a track that is beautifully arranged and carefully crafted and is a great addition to the artist’s discography. The talented guitarist is also active on social media, posting content for audiences to listen to and enjoy.
After three years together, Rock ‘n Soul band FARROW, from Buffalo, is gearing up to release their first album, Agitate, on July 9. With joyous music and infectious melodies, this diverse group of musicians excels on this newest project.
Agitate will be the first of three EPs in a series. To accompany the sound component of the album, FARROW will have video releases for each song every month. These videos will be available to the Farrow Fan Club on Patreon.
FARROW is made up of seven talented musicians and artists. Led by André Pilette (producer/bass) and Michael Farrow (lyricist/singer), the band released two previous singles on Spotify, “Rise Up” and “Insoluble” in 2020. Other members feature Tim Webb (drums), Michael Ruopoli (percussion), Cory Clancy (guitar), Rufus “Breezy” Cole Jr. (keys), and Danielle Johnson (backing vocals).
The new album is filled with joyous, empowering lyrics and snappy beats. The second track, “Steal My Joy,” opens up with laughter and the lyrics “you ain’t gonna mess with me today!” – a phrase that seems to encapsulate a theme of the album.
Just one listen and it is easy to move to the rhythm. FARROW’s Agitate explores different beats and instrumentation on the album, and all 6 tracks are energetic and thought-provoking.
The group has a history of performing around Western NY, with other performances including Buffalo Iron Works, Sportsmen’s Tavern, Bowery Electric, Rockwood Music Hall, and more. In the future, they will extend their reach, including a performance at the North By Northeast Festival in Toronto.
To celebrate the release of their first album, FARROW will hold a party and concert at Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo on July 9.
Key tracks: Steal My Joy, In This Place, Love Me For Me
FARROW is also performing at the following upcoming events:
June 18 – NXNE Music Festival – Toronto
June 26 – Elmwood Summerfest – Buffalo
July 7 – Thursday & Main – Buffalo
July 9 – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Buffalo
July 22 – Sunset at the Stables at Knox Farm State Park – East Aurora
Aug. 19 – The Erie County Fair – Hamburg
Sep. 17 – Borderland Music + Arts Festival – East Aurora
They say love is all-around. Sometimes the feeling is as palpable as an embrace. Yet, finding the accurate words to frame love into its proper context remains one of the world’s greater mysteries. Love can be all-encompassing, it can be selfless, it can blossom out of desire and it can even be fickle. Only one thing is certain, once love is in the air, it builds its own cocoon within the consciousness waiting to be explored. And on Winter Nights, we get a first-hand look into how Mo’ Love handles his ever-changing disposition.
Lately I’ve been f****d up, all these feelings got me worked up.
In five swift songs we see the enchanted crooner jostle between lust, desire, commitment and emotional weariness. Beginning with the anthemic “Pgp,” where he wastes no time addressing the point of contention. The record opens with voicemails from various women looking to get in touch demanding that he call them back. Instead, he makes himself readily available to all, where his promiscuous flair is captured.
She think I’m a player cause she like what I’m saying. I’m not into selling dreams, you should buy what you like. And if you don’t, you can return me after the night.
Mo’ Love – Pgp
While the project intros with an emotional free-for-all, the more tightly wounded “The Same” is the inverse of its predecessor. With his distinct singing voice and sultry delivery, the r&b singer confronts the feelings of complacency that comes from a long-standing relationship. From fighting about the same things, noticing changes in a partner’s feelings and behavior, while dealing the subsequent yearn for the person responsible for your pain.
Comparatively, “Slow Dance” is next on the queue and sees the South Bronx native do a complete 180. While “The Same” left him picking up the pieces of his dissolved relationship, on “Slow Dance” he goes from prey to vulture, picking at the remains of a woman’s freshly severed union as he looks to seduce her. As the third of five records on the project, the song placement seems to be indicatory of the middle ground between committed and spending time, as he lulls,
flowing through the vibes, I can it in your eyes, Oh I love.
– Mo’ love, Slow Dance
Mo’ Love shows his talents for performative arts with his thespian-like display of character arc, going from player, to sucker and back to the life of easy virtue in just three songs.
Won’t you slow dance for a n****a yea, if you want these bands from a n***a yea.
We keep fighting about the same thing, I need some space so I could maintain Since you left, I haven’t been the same.
– Mo’ Love, The Same
Winter Nights follows this ebb-and-flow throughout all five records, where each mirrors its predecessor and vice versa. It’s a Ying and Yang of commitment versus freedom and promiscuity, with an intermission to ponder giving up both on “F****d Up Anthem.”
Who doesn’t want to be in a nice healthy relationship? But then, also I like my peace. I’m on a journey, I’m trying to get somewhere and there’s distractions. A lot of people are distractions more than help. Me knowing that, I definitely battle with being in relationships, wanting to take one serious. It takes a big, big person to make that leap and I battle with that all the time.
– Mo’ Love
It can be played frontward or backwards and the same message still echoes, combine that with the concise length of the EP and it is a reflection of the fleeting emotions that we share with one another.
I’m losing myself. The only thing I want in this life is bad for my health.
– Mo’ Love, Dirty Diana
Such is the uncertainty that surrounds many modern-day relationships, with not only the number of options, but the availability of it all. Lust can turn to infatuation, which metamorphoses into commitment, yet can just as quickly transform into weariness.
I deserve more than this, hurt on my mind so it’s hard to reminisce.
I’m hoping they [fans] go through the rides of emotions that I felt when I made it and the attention that I put into it. I know I wanted people to dance to it, I know I wanted people to feel good to it, but also, I wanted people to understand that there’s always a message in everything that I’m saying. There’s a message in every song that I put out and that means the most to me.
Six shows in three nights ladies and gentlemen!” Danielle exclaimed, addressing the crowd in-between songs. “Amazing crowds, amazing people. This has just been really a great moment and it actually has been very surreal, but I’m going to get into these songs. Hope you enjoy them!
Danielle Ponder at the McKittrick Hotel’s Manderley Bar
The Rochester-based singer confidently radiated her powerful voice throughout The McKittrick Hotel’s moody Manderley Bar. This performance was the last of Ponder’s three-night run in New York City before joining St. Paul and the Broken Bones on tour later this month. Before exiting, Ponder concluded the set with an inspiring personal anecdote.
I quit my successful job as an attorney to be a broke musician because I absolutely love you, and I absolutely love this stage. I completely live for it. I truly believe in following your purpose, I think that when God gives you a gift, a way you can show gratitude is committing to that thing. Amen, amen, amen! You all feel me? So a lot has happened in the past year that has really changed my life, even to be here with this audience in New York City listening has been so affirming for me and lets me know I made the right decision. I really feel like I’m a living testimony of that and that’s the only reason I’m telling you I’m 40! Because I want you to know my knees hurt, I’m old, but I’m here! So this next song is called “So Long.”
“So Long” is Ponder’s latest single, released on March 11, an anthem about letting go of fear and being the best person you can possibly be.
You can learn more about singer-songwriter Danielle Ponder on her website and listen to her Tiny Desk Contest submission, a recording of her song Poor Man’s Pain,here.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones with Danielle Ponder Tour Dates
April 23 – Dallas, Texas – The Granada Theater April 24 – Austin, Texas – Stubb’s April 26 – Tulsa, Okla. – Cain’s Ballroom April 28 – Denver, Colo. – Mission Ballroom April 29 – Aspen, Colo. – Belly Up April 30 – Salt Lake City, Utah – Commonwealth Room May 3 – Seattle, Wash. – The Neptune May 5 – Portland, Ore. – Crystal Ballroom May 6 – San Francisco, Calif./Oakland, Calif. – Fox Theater May 7 – San Diego, Calif. – Humphreys Concerts By The Bay May 10 – Los Angeles, Calif. – The Theatre at Ace Hotel May 11 – Pioneertown, Calif. – Pappy & Harriet’s May 12 – Phoenix, Ariz. – The Van Buren
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem proudly introduces their new exhibition to the public, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” opening on Friday, Feb. 11th, coinciding with Black History Month. Additionally, the exhibition features the new Disney movie, SOUL.
The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure
American pianist, band leader, and jazz musician, Jon Batiste, provides the original jazz compositions and arrangements for “Soul,” and shares his excitement for “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure.”
National Jazz Museum emphasizes a vision “to make jazz accessible to everyone on the planet,” one echoed by Carmen Smith:
Like the film that inspired this exhibit, ‘The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ is a tribute to the human experience. It was here in Harlem that jazz not only became an international sensation, but a vehicle for social change. The genre’s enduring influence is a palpable example of the barriers that can be broken when ambition and artistry meet passion and purpose. We’re proud to partner with the National Jazz Museum to preserve and celebrate that special kind of magic.
Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies.
In the Harlem Museum, the exhibit will include a unique collection of artifacts including items highlighting the career of pianist and jazz icon, Dr. Billy Taylor. Additionally, appearances of characters Joe Gardner and Dorothea Williams, and virtual experiences on the Play Disney Parks app.
The National Jazz Museum
The overall mission of National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s is to “preserve, promote and present Jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz locally, nationally and internationally.” To further promote the educational purposes of jazz music and history, the museum offers four Core Programs: Education; Exhibits & Collections; and Partnerships & Collaborations.
The National Jazz Museum
Free reserve-time ticketing is required, no walk-ins allowed. However, you can reserve tickets up to one month in advance. As well, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is open Thursday to Saturday from 12PM to 5PM, and proof of vaccination is required for all visitors 5 years of age and older. To reserve tickets, times are available at Eventbrite.
Black history month can be a frustrating time of the year. The opportunity to celebrate the numerous Black vanguards is a great honor. Yet, having to encapsulate so much greatness in only 28 short days is a task in itself. How do you prioritize one Black success story over another? The truth is you can’t, but that doesn’t mean you don’t try.
While limiting the importance of Black people to just entertainment can be negligent to the immense contributions made to math, science, architecture and communication that laid the foundation for the modern world… this is a music website.
And while the likes of Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey’s roles as revolutionaries are to be studied and admired, it is the arts that continues to push pop culture forward. There is no greater form of pop culture now than hip hop, having overtaken rock & roll as the world’s most popular genre. Yet, hip hop would not exist without those that paved the way during the Harlem Renaissance.
Black history is everywhere, and New York State occupies some of the most important landmarks, where countless fabled musicians have inhabited. From The Cotton Club — where entertainers during the Harlem renaissance helped bring Black music to the mainstream — to the Marcy Projects that once housed Jay – Z.
Cab Calloway.
Our Black History Maps give readers a chance to view the boroughs, neighborhoods and exact addresses where many a Black history that has shaped the world originated from within New York State, and the accompanying stories deriving from such landmarks. A fun interactive feature, the BHM will also serve music aficionados who may want to see just how close they are to where their favorite artist once frequented.
