Author: Haylee Farrell

Flushing Town Hall Celebrates “Octogenarian Women of Jazz”

Flushing Town Hall is celebrating Women’s History Month with a special “Octogenarian Women of Jazz” performance. Four octogenarian women will take center stage at Flushing Town Hall on Friday, March 24^th, in honor of Women’s History Month. Well past the age of retirement but still very much in their artistic prime, these women prove that great jazz, like great wine, gets better with age.

Flutist/tenor saxophonist Carol Sudhalter, beloved as Flushing Town Hall’s house band leader, will celebrate her 80th birthday leading a very special quintet of Octogenarians for the occasion. She will be joined in the band by world-renowned pianist Bertha Hope (86), drummer Paula Hampton (87) of the legendary jazz Hampton family, and widely popular vocalist Keisha St. Joan (84).

In addition, the concert will feature the rare participation of revered bassist Bill Crow, joining the women on stage at an impressive 95 years of age. Performing well past the typical age of retirement and still very much in their artistic prime.

“Looking at movies, books, and general depictions, we are accustomed to thinking of 80 as an ending, as an age when the mind and body begin to decline,” says Carol Sudhalter.” But now that I am 80, I realize that it is just the beginning of a new life and such a rewarding culmination of past years’ work at the same time. I am so excited to share the stage with my fellow Octogenarians to bring a wonderful evening of jazz to the audiences in Queens.”

“I have been honored to have Carol lead the house band of our popular Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams for several years now and am excited to see her take the stage with this extraordinary ensemble for her big birthday,” says Flushing Town Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “Carol’s work is extremely important to Flushing Town Hall and the Queens jazz community — and we are so excited to celebrate her birthday with this special concert.”

Flushing Town Hall’s Women of Jazz concert begins at 8:00 PM EST on Friday, March 24th. Tickets are $15/$10 for members, seniors, and students with ID. Tickets can be purchased here.

March 16, 2023
Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend Share New EP “Inhale & Release”

Rochester’s 7-piece Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend released their newest EP “Inhale & Release” on February 17^th. With their pop driven melodies and ear catching hooks, the band is excited for this release along with some anticipated upcoming shows.

Having just recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary, Personal Blend has just dropped its 4th release titled “Inhale & Release.” With new blood added to the band, Personal Blend is breaking boundaries and bringing the party to the masses.

Personal Blend is a Rochester-based 7-piece reggae-rock band. PB’s first full-length album, Skin Deep, was released in 2016, following that, the EP Ride, and in 2019 released Heavy Currents. Each song is a unique blend of melodies that each member contributes to. Songs like “Hello Hello” and “Watch Your Step” highlight the characteristics the band has to offer through this album.

The Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America welcoming spring in Upstate NY. Likewise, the Estival Festival is a family-friendly music and arts festival held twice a year at Sugar Mountain. Thus, being a magical place full of great people, great music, and great times. Personal Blend will be headlining and performing at both festivals this year, you wont want to miss it.

The band has been making waves throughout Upstate NY playing both festivals and venues alike and continuing to push forward. They bring a feel-good, party-vibe that’s including of all people and age groups and the band always leaves you wanting more.

Upcoming Shows:

Rochester, NY – Lilac festival May 12-21

Caneadea, NY – Estival Festival June 24

https://soundcloud.com/jhlska/sets/inhale-release/s-85MmS8OF77S?si=4e0f9b711e754cc78883c451919bd97a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

To listen to Personal Blend’s newest EP “Inhale & Release” by clicking the link here.

For more about Personal Blend, click the link here.

March 15, 2023
James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Critically acclaimed saxophonist James Casey has released the first single “New Bloom” of his forthcoming solo debut, The Kaua’i Project. With excited anticipation, accompanying the release is a music video dropping March 21^stduring Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

“New Bloom” and its video share a meaningful message of manifesting positivity to overcome obstacles. It’s a remarkable example of how music can be medicine, encapsulating how he refused to let a stark colon cancer diagnosis prevents him from making his mark on the world. Wrapped in inspiration from a year of self-discovery on a remote Hawaiian island, the song brings to light a mantra of soulful jazz, smooth beats and earnest emotion.

The music video for “New Bloom” tells a visual story of hope alongside fellow New York City creatives who are all living through, and beyond, cancer as a community. Each person featured in the video is persevering against cancer in their own intimate and personal ways.

James Casey is an outspoken advocate for colon cancer awareness, especially among his more vulnerable Black community. Casey first melded music and advocacy in 2022 when he released a holiday EP, A Little Something For Everyone, which garnered praise among NPR staff picks for the Best Songs of 2022.

Today, while undergoing regular chemotherapy treatments, Casey is preparing for the April-May 2023 roll out of his debut LP, The Kaua’i Project. This album was developed over the past two years following a somewhat serendipitous sequence of events. Releasing his own music was never a priority for Casey, but that perception changed abruptly when he was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer at just 38 years of age.

This shocking news in August 2021 served as an awakening in so many ways. Casey decided to make the most of his time, for both for himself and his loved ones. He let go of all limits to his musical career and, for the first time, began writing and recording music under his own name.

To listen to “New Bloom” by James Casey, click the link here. For more information about James Casey, visit the link here.

March 15, 2023
Warn The Duke Drop New Album “All That’s Solid” Out March 17th

Brooklyn-based melodic punks Warn The Duke are back with a new album titled All That’s Solid, out on Friday, March 17^th. The band will celebrate that night with a show at Brooklyn’s Our Wicked Lady.

The new LP All That’s Solid is a window into the ebbs and flows of recovery. Songwriter and lead singer Dan McCool (former River City Rebels) leads us through cycles of despair, renewal, and self-forgiveness that emerge after trauma and loss.

This is Warn The Duke’s first album in eight years, being written on the heels of lockdowns, divorce, and addiction. By layering harmonies and the combo of male/female vocals, the band emphasizes the record’s bittersweet atmosphere.

There are some far-ranging influences bringing the listeners through All That’s Solid. For instance, the warmth of Mike Ness’s vocals, the wry defiance of Against Me!, the dense, dark guitar tone of Nothing. Also, the earworms and hooks of The Replacements, early 2000s math rock-inspired lead guitar lines, and the hard-hitting punk grit of Hot Water Music.

“These guys play that brand of punk rock and post-hardcore that bands like Hot Water Music perfected.”
-Nerdist

Joining McCool on the album are drummer Derek Davis (former Big D and The Kids Table/The Toasters), bassist/vocalist Chris Marciniak, lead guitarist Chris Ferreria, and guitarist/vocalist Dori Cameron.

The album features the songs “Sometimes,” “The Middle” and the single “Anniversaries” (the latter of which is now streaming). Watch the music video for “Anniversaries” below and pre-save the album on Spotify. “All That’s Solid” arrives on 12” LP vinyl and digital on Friday, March 17th. The band will celebrate that night with a show at Brooklyn’s Our Wicked Lady.

All songs on All That’s Solid were written, performed, and produced by Dan McCool and Warn The Duke. Furthermore, some were recorded and mixed by Jeff Berner at Studio G (Brooklyn). Additional record recording and co-production was done by Chris Duggan at Blue Banshee Studio (Brewster, MA), and mastered by Jon Markson.

For more on Warn The Duke, click the link here.

To pre-save All That’s Solid, click the link here.

March 14, 2023
Nai’a Releases Vulnerable and Passionate “Newman Beauty” Single

Manhattan’s Nai’a has just released a very vulnerable and passionate single titled “Newman Beauty,” on February 16^th. This heartfelt single is part of Nai’a’s craft; with head turning, shocking visuals, and raw, emotional compositions, Nai’a isn’t just making music, but art.

Being a pensive and exploring artist in the space of adventures circling through his life, Nai’a’s creative mind comes to life as he creates music. By intertwining the melodies and wordplays appealingly, he knits his song flawlessly.

There’s a dichotomy of thoughts and escapades he powders his songs with. Nai’a meanders by his beliefs finding the meaning of life through the songs that he writes. “Newman Beauty”, Nai’a’s latest record, is an intimate closure of thoughts with simply him and a guitar. The yearning guitar riffs & his voice overflowing with a thousand stories culminate into an emotionally strong tune.

“I was in love, now you’re just a memory”
– Nai’a

The song acts as a journal of his emotional journey when dreaming to be in love. His encumbered voice carries the weight of ardor. The single is a straightforward, easy, unadorned yet brilliantly crafted song that Nai’a has released.

While talking about the song Nai’a stated, “Writing Newman Beauty has been the biggest risk I’ve taken as a songwriter. I had to tell my story in the most honest way, with no sugar coating,” and he’s given it justice by keeping both his lyricism and the music minimal and honest.

The song feels like he’s floating on a sea of vulnerability, as he sings the words. He paints the picture of him longing for something that isn’t his.

The ambiguity of his mind preoccupies the thoughts that flow, as he communicates through the music. It’s like Nai’a is fixated on a person he can’t let go of, from a place of love and affection. You can hear the tenderness and pain along his dreamy melodies. “Newman Beauty” is a way of healing himself.

For more by Nai’a, click the link here.

To listen to “Newman Beauty,” click the link here.

March 13, 2023
Taylor Crawford Releases New Avant-Pop Single “Heartbreak Hotel”

Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Taylor Crawford has just released his newest avant-pop single “Heartbreak Hotel” on March 10^th. He will also be playing live again on March 28th at Arlene’s Grocery, alongside owynnmusic.

With his musical influences as infamous artists like Barry White, Dua Lipa, Remi Wolf, Madison Cunningham, Ichiko Aoba, and many more, Taylor is certainly making his way into popularity within NYC culture. Using a combination of upbeat melody and his unique vocals, Taylor came up with his newest single “Heartbreak Hotel,” a reflection of his trip to Germany where he may have caused a relationship to split unknowingly.

When asking Taylor what inspire him to write this piece, he responded with, “”Heartbreak Hotel” is actually named after a bar in Bremen, Germany literally called Heartbreak Hotel. I do not play the good guy in this story. I met a delightful lady while I was visiting my friend in Germany. One night we all went out together to this bar, one thing led to another, then she and I spent the evening together. This would have been a happy ending, however, she had a partner at the time. I hurt not only this partner of hers whom I never met, and worst of all, I ruined their relationship. The song is my reflection on the pain that I caused to these people.”

Speaking about his profound influence on his own musical journey, Taylor stated, “I initially played trombone and bassoon when I was in 4th Grade. So I was about 10 years old. Then when I got to high school, I honestly did not know who I needed to talk to so I could continue playing in the band. So I stopped with the big band instruments. I started teaching myself guitar when I was around 13 years old. I remember sitting in my brother’s bedroom where we had the family computer. I would look up Coheed and Cambria songs on “Ultimate-guitar.com” and learn the tabs to songs like “Welcome Home,” and “The Suffering.” These were the first songs I was learning and their prog-rock. It’s hilarious to think about considering the music I make now. My brother was getting guitar lessons at the time and I think my mom just did not want to pay for a whole other lesson, which makes sense because they were expensive, but I taught myself everything I know because of that.”

Then I basically wanted to become the next John Mayer. I learned ALL of his songs. And they were the only things I could play for about 4 years. I pigeon-holed myself until I got to college where my roommate taught me the pentatonic scale and it completely changed my perspective on music as a whole. Since then, my understanding and love for music has been nothing but exponential.
– Taylor Crawford

Taylor Crawford is an incredible musician, artist, and person, he deserves the hype that he gets from his music. His use of vocals is dreamy, making his overall sound so unique and invigorating. Lastly, when asked about the best performance of his career, Taylor says, “I hope the best has yet to come. But, for now I would say the Sofar Sounds show I did in Madrid, Spain this past December. It was just an acoustic show but the reaction I got from the audience was surreal. I’ve never made people cry before and to have that happen means I really touched them emotionally – which is what I aim to do as an artist. I connected with people, and they connected with me. To me, that means I gave a good performance. I hope to continue to do the same as the shows keep coming.”

Listen to “Heartbreak Hotel” by Taylor Crawford by clicking the link here.

To listen to more by Taylor Crawford, click the link here.

March 10, 2023
E.R.I.E. Share Sophomore Indie-Rock EP “Suburban Mayhem”

Capital Region indie-rock quartet E.R.I.E. have just released their second EP Suburban Mayhem on March 8^th. The band previously released the single “World is On Fire” to tease the album in early February featuring local scene friend Sydney Worthley.

Suburban Mayhem arrives to the scene with grander scope and vision. The album turns its focus externally, commenting vividly on the outside forces burrowing into our brains on a daily basis. It’s a resplendent examination of the world around us, rife with equal parts cynicism, wit and hope.

The album features pitch-perfect collaborations with Brooklyn-based dream-pop trio ALMA, and fellow Albany songwriter Sydney Worthley. The record showcases a band not only finding their footing, but settling into a signature sound affectionately self-described as Tom Petty cosplaying as blink-182.

The first song on the album “Oh Well” gives listeners a peak into what Suburban Mayhem is truly about. Others songs like “Bad Mans World,” “Suburban Mayhem (Holy Fuck),” and “The Motions” truly show the dedication and ambitions that the band has. “Bad Mans World” is a favorite of mine, with its lyrics being meaningful yet a jam at the same time.

The four members of E.R.I.E. – guitarist Matt Delgado, drummer Chad Flewwelling, and bassist Levi Jennes spent most of 2022 self-recording their sophomore full-length, yielding 12 nostalgia-tinged songs. Suburban Mayhem further lends credence to the frequent comparisons to The Gaslight Anthem, Frank Turner and The Get Up Kids that the band has garnered, with its “crunching guitars, catchy choruses and a down-to-earth, working-class vibe that recalls modern heartland punk rock…” (Daily Gazette).

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Mar 18 – Albany, NY @ Lark Hall

To listen to Suburban Mayhem, click the link here.

For more on E.R.I.E., click the link here.

To read the previous NYS Music article on E.R.I.E., click the link here.

March 8, 2023
Olivia Reid Releases Indie-Pop Single “Runner’s High”

NYC-based indie-pop artist Olivia Reid has just released her newest single “Runner’s High,” on March 3rd. This new eclectic single serves as a self-reflection of Olivia’s dedication to her path to success, above all of the challenges.

Olivia grabs the attention of her listeners with potent lyrics and a pumping beat. “Runners High” carries you through a musical journey perfect for a windows-down drive or an outdoor festival. She states, “’Runner’s High’ describes the way I’ve conditioned myself to be a workhorse. A product of growing up in America, I guess.”

https://soundcloud.com/oliviareidmusic/01-runners-high/s-YYqgd8587s7

Based in NYC, Reid’s production style blends indie acoustics with exploratory electronic pop soundscapes, landing listeners in a visceral sonic world. Reid’s interests are diversified, exploring areas such as screenwriting, neuroscience, digesting current events, advocating for nature.

Currently, Olivia is involved with Brian Eno’s charity EarthPercent, she also formerly hosted Spotify For Artists and Notable’s Song Start podcast. Thus, where she interviewed artists like Sam Smith, Victoria Monet, Hayley Williams of Paramore.

As a self-proclaimed “chronic collaborator,” Olivia Reid has connected with audiences around the world via collaborations such as “Time is Mine” with Kidswaste, “What You Came Here For” with Jae Luna, and “Above the Clouds” with SŸDE. Her music has been featured in Flaunt Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, The New Yorker, and American Songwriter and has been added to several official Spotify playlists like Happy Pop, Metropolis, Chill Tracks, Sunday Session, Dance Hits, and Golden Hour, garnering her over 40 million streams.

Olivia Reid’s debut EP Earth Water hit streaming platforms in 2021, with new songs on the way in 2023. Fueled by deeply personal lyrics and boundary-pushing production, the new project conceptually details an artist’s slow descent into madness.

To listen to “Runner’s High,” click the Spotify link here.

For more about Olivia Reid, click the link to her website here.

March 3, 2023
Jake Pinto to Release New Unfiltered Album “Sad Songs For Happy People” On March 31st

Brooklyn’s Jake Pinto announces the release of his upcoming album Sad Songs for Happy People, on March 31^st. The album was set for release right when the pandemic hit, and then further delayed when Jake’s talents were sought out by Miami psych-funksters Magic City Hippies and Brooklyn’s afrobeat Antibalas, leading to months of global touring.

Pinto’s eclectic musical story has shaped a charmingly honest solo debut rich in instinctive melodicism and cultured arrangements. Being a jazz musician since his early teens, Jake attended NYU for jazz piano and was soon booking gigs and festivals worldwide, including the Blue Note in New York City and Milan.

While still in college, Jake Pinto found himself already playing alongside genre luminaries like François Mouton, Ralph Lalama, and the late Lew Soloff. He went on to play prestigious engagements, including the Montreal and Rochester International jazz festivals.

Getting back to writing on piano, Jake found fresh excitement and energy. He began working with a diverse variety of artists at Silverman’s Future Sounds studio in Brooklyn, and on off days, he would bring in his own band and record what would become Sad Songs for Happy People, much of it tracked live on vintage, analog equipment.

“The Beatles are still my favorite band, but I was also obsessed with D’Angelo for so long,” Pinto says. “And I love the crooners like Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra; the directness of how they sing and tell stories. It’s a hard thing to do, to tell show-tune stories in a way that doesn’t feel corny.”

The result of this album is 11 ultra-accomplished tracks of eclectic, Americana, and blues-flecked indie rock delivered straight from the source. These are songs emotional and quality rather than adherence to genre or style.

“There’s something beautiful about taking a sad song and putting it to a bright beat and bright instrumental,” Jake continued. “Just an interesting combination of melancholy, nostalgia, love, and happiness.”

To pre-save Sad Songs for Happy People, click the link here.

For more music by Jack Pinto, click the link here.

March 2, 2023
Cyote Returns With Contemplative Single “none the wise”

Hudson Valley-based multimedia artist Cyote has just released her single “none the wise,” a gentle and driving ode to isolation. Accompanying the track is a self-produced music video, offering viewers a peek inside McElroy’s creative process and moments of vulnerability.

After 12 years of working behind the scenes for artists such as Tori Amos, Thurston Moore, Meshell Ndegecello, Kaki King, and more, Cyote returns to the scene. By using her own musical roots, she proudly shares her newest single titled “none the wish.” The track is a wintery ode to isolation and has a similar vibe to Cat Power or Weyes Blood.

…seductive but not without risk– treading the line between hope and truth.
BUST

“This song is a poem that speaks to the ability each one of us has to disconnect at any moment..‘none the wise’ to the world around you,” says Cyote.

Accompanying the song is a self-produced music video by Cyote herself, which acts almost as a diary. Doing so by inviting viewers to witness McElroy’s creative process with moments of vulnerable and solitude.

Catch Cyote’s live performance this Saturday (February 25th) at Sarah Gray Miller’s new upstate honky tonk Ravish Liquors. The show will begin at 7pm featuring an intimate performance by Cyote, alongside a screening of the music video, with a side of Miller’s famous Frito Chili Pie.

“A creative genius and a mesmerizing performer, Cyote has the soul of an artist and the voice of an angel—albeit a highly seductive angel with a dirty-South drawl and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She also happens to be incredibly kind, warm, generous, and down-to-earth. If my new bar could be a person, I’d want it to be Carter Lou McElroy. So, I couldn’t believe my good fortune when she agreed to become the house musician at Ravish Liquors.” – Sarah Gray Miller of Ravish Liquors

To listen to “none the wise,” click the link here. For more music by Cyote, click the link here.

February 27, 2023