On a delightful Monday evening in Albany, the Drive-By Truckers played The Egg Performing Arts Center. The show was their fourth-straight stop in the state of New York on their spring tour. The band hit Levon Helm Studios and played Bowery Ballroom twice last week. And it wasn’t the first time the band played The Egg, having played the venue in 2014 and 2017.
While nearly all of the shows on this leg of the tour featured Lydia Loveless as the opener, she was not on the bill for this one. That made it an evening with the Truckers, who took the stage shortly after 7:30 PM and wasted no time getting into their set. Over the course of two hours, the band played eighteen originals and impressively drew upon songs from ten of their albums—plus a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “State Trooper.” The entire set was great, and the band sounded best on the songs it jammed out, especially the final few minutes of “Pauline Hawkins.”
If you missed this leg of the tour and want to catch the Drive-By Truckers in New York, fear not. They’re set to play at Water Street Music Hall in Rochester and the Paramount in Huntington in September.
Setlist: Carl Perkins’ Cadillac, The New OK, Surrender Under Protest, The Opening Act, Women Without Whiskey, The Driver, A Ghost To Most, Pauline Hawkins, Sounds Better In The Song, Wilder Days, Every Single Storied Flameout, Puttin’ People On The Moon, Gravity’s Gone, Heathens, Marry Me, Buttholeville, State Trooper (Bruce Springsteen cover), Made Up English Oceans, Angels And Fuselage
Conway The Machine just released his new full album Won’t He Do It? The album was released via Drumwork Music Group and EMPIRE.
Features on this project include Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Juicy J, Fabolous, 7xvthegenius, Dave East, Sauce Walka and Jae Skeese. Production includes acclaimed hip-hop producers Daringer, Justice League, Juicy J, and Khyrysis. The production on Won’t He Do It is top-level, with standout tracks like “Super Bowl” and “The Chosen” featuring guest appearances from Sauce Walka and Jae Skeese respectively.
Throughout the album, Conway The Machine showcases his impeccable wordplay and storytelling ability. On “Brucifix” featuring Westside Gunn, Conway spits gritty bars over a hard-hitting beat, while Gunn delivers a standout verse that perfectly complements Conway’s style.
One of the standout tracks on the album is Brooklyn Chop House featuring Fabolous and fellow Griselda member Benny The Butcher. The two rappers trade bars over a haunting instrumental, with Conway showcasing his storytelling abilities as he weaves a tale of drug dealing and violence. Overall, Wont He Do It is a powerful, introspective project that showcases Conway the Machine’s talent as a rapper and storyteller.
To celebrate the album’s release, Conway held a record release party at Ludlow House in New York City. Guests in attendance included Westside Gunn, Armani Caesar, Nems, Statik Selektah, and 38 Spesh, among others. The event was a celebration of Conway’s success and a testament to the impact he’s had on the rap game.
There is also an upcoming tour to support the new album. There will be a show at Brooklyn Steel on June 24th. All of the other tour dates can be found here.
Formed nearly 20 years ago on the outskirts of Boston, Ward Hayden & The Outliers have released 9 albums, including South Shore, which was released on May 5. Promoting the album’s release, the band has embarked on tour, with stops this first weekend in May in Syracuse, Rochester, Cleveland, and Columbus.
The May 6 matinée in Rochester at Abilene was their third trip to the area in the past year as they hit up Abilene in the fall as well as playing to a joyous crowd at CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival last June. The Jazz Festival is the first place I had noticed these talented crooners and their sounds have stuck with me. Mellow, insightful, calming sounds that allow you to just sit back, relax and let your worries drift away.
The first release off of South Shore is “Breaking up With My Hometown.” A nice mellow number that many people can relate to as they move on from the only surroundings they know. In a recent interview, Hayden says “It was very hard to move on, but you have to leave home if you want to grow. It’s hard to tap into those emotions if you haven’t been anywhere else.”
With his “pillowy voice of 50s pin-up star” (according to Boston Globe) Ward Hayden & The Outliers 9th studio album is nothing short of spectacular. Starting with “I Can Write a Song About It” to get you deep into thought, South Shore continues with “Hush,” “South Shore,” “Crazy Love,” “Gasoline,” “Things These Days,” “Blink of an Eye,” “I Can’t Wake Up,” “(Breaking Up with) My Hometown,” and “The Great Unknown.”
Like previous albums every song tells a story, especially the title track “South Shore.” This is an ode to where Hayden grew up. Having moved numerous times, his family finally settled down in Scituate, about 30 miles from Boston. The song talks of his personal struggle of leaving Scituate to discover life and who he was and then having to return as the pandemic took a hold of the country. “The Great Unknown” is about life and all that nobody really knows, deep thoughts that Jack Handy would be proud of. Crazy Love is about just that, crazy love. Was it a first crush? First long term relationship? It doesn’t matter, we have all been there to certain degree.
And I left home for a while to see where I belonged. I searched high and low for a place to call home, but it all felt wrong. And people say, “You can never go home”, But I like to think that ain’t so ‘cause if it is I’ve got nowhere to go
The band includes Josh Kiggans on drums, Cody Nilsen on guitar & Pedal Steel, Greg Hall on upright & electric bass Ward Hayden Vocals & Guitar
A quick walk through Syracuse’s Armory Square on the evening of Thursday, May 4 would have provided an astute listener the sounds to give hope that another winter was behind us. Conversation drifted from sidewalk tables, birds sang from nearby trees, and the music of Mikaela Davis poured from Syracuse’s Funk ’n Waffles, as the band kicked off their “Here Comes Sunshine” spring residency. This was the first of three scheduled performances at Funk ‘n Waffles for the band.
Davis, a native of Rochester, is a classically trained harpist who has toured extensively over the last decade. She has built the reputation of being one of the brightest rising stars in the music industry. In 2018 she released her debut solo album, Delivery. Soon after the release, she joined forces with her backing band Southern Star. The band, who consist of brothers Shane (bass guitar) and Cian McCarthy (guitar), Alex Cote (drums) and Kurt Johnson (pedal steel, guitar), have compiled an impressive touring resume. They have previously shared the stage with artists such as Bob Weir, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive, and will tour with The Mountain Goats and later this year. The five members have contributed to the band’s unique and refreshing sound.
Of late, the band has become known for their seasonal residency concerts; three concerts over consecutive weeks in the same city. The concert consists of two sets of music; one set of original music, and a second set of Grateful Dead covers. After selling out many residency shows across New York State this past winter, the band have again returned for a spring slate.
Shortly after 8pm the band took to the stage and launched into the groovy “Don’t Stop Now”. The song’s drum and bass rhythm would soon be joined by the familiar sounds of Davis’s harp plucking and the night would be under way. The first set would consist of tracks from 2018’s Delivery as well as offerings from the band’s upcoming release And Southern Star. The songs placed Davis’s talents on full display, with her vocals and signature harp style blending beautifully with the band’s accompaniment. A highlight of the first set would be the band’s performance of“Far From You”, the the hauntingly beautiful first offering off of And Southern Star.
After a short intermission, the band would return to the stage for a set consisting entirely of Grateful Dead covers. The stage, which was draped in bohemian decor, offered a fitting backdrop for the remainder of the evening. During this portion of the evening, the band’s musical talent’s were really able to shine. Grateful Dead classics turned in to musical jam sessions, while the near capacity audience filled the area closest to the stage and danced along. During one jam session, Davis abandoned her seat at the harp, and each band member took a different percussive instrument. They led the audience on an extended drum solo jam, much to the audiences’ delight.
After a brief encore, the band returned to the stage and closed out the evening with their rendition of Grateful Dead’s “Bird Song”. The combination of Davis’s vocals and harp playing allowed for the classic track to soar to new heights. The evening’s combination of original music along with Grateful Dead classics make for an evening of must see music. Be sure to catch the band on one of their upcoming residency shows.
Brooklyn’s 4-piece indie band Tennis Courts have just released their latest single “Am I Not Talking Enough” on May 3rd. The song is about the realization of how it feels to be not young anymore, but also not old either.
Consisting of the singer/songwriter duo of Pat Walsh and Andrew Clarke, lead guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman, the band started writing songs together in college in Charleston, SC before moving to Brooklyn in 2022. Tennis Courts’ sound overall offers a delicate mix of indie, folk, and power pop.
Of the new single, Walsh says, “This song is probably the most personal song we’ve ever put out. It’s about a lot of things, but I think it’s mostly just about how I have felt over the last year. I’ve spent a lot of time coming to terms with myself, how I fit in the world, and how I fit into other people’s lives. I spend a lot of time examining my relationship with myself, family, friends, and partners. And at the end of the day, maybe I am just thinking too much.”
“Pensive and gorgeous, opening with acoustic strums accompanying subdued vocals, swelling with atmospheric treatments until the full band kicks in for a stunning final movement.”
– Tuned Up
The band has played countless shows with Dogwood Tales, Sun Room, Hotel Fiction, Sonic Blume, Mo Lowda + The Humble, Wakelee, Daddy’s Beemer, Teenage Halloween, Easy Honey and many more. Tennis Courts forthcoming LP, which will come out later this year, was produced by Erik Kase Romero (The Front Bottoms, Lorde, Dogwood Tales).
Tennis Courts will also be accompanying Charlie & Margot on June 22nd at the Bond Street Basement in Asbury Park, NJ. For more information on this upcoming event, click the link here.
To listen to “Am I Not Talking Enough,” click the link here.
For more music by Tennis Courts and more information on upcoming shows, click the link here.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Annie Scherer, 10:01, and The Sugar Hold.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Annie Scherer-“Everywhere I Go ( Everybody’s the Same)”
Annie Scherer is a Voorheesville native, merging her love of rock ‘n roll classics with her passion for alternative music to produce her own unique sound. Her emotional lyrics and haunting melodies have been heard live from New York to Tennessee, releasing her first full-length album Garden Bed in March 2021.
10:01-“Flying Home”
Formed in Averill Park, NY, 10:01 is an alternative rock group that combines a modern indie sound with influences of blues and rock. Their new single “Flying Home” is out now.
The Sugar Hold are indie surf rock band based in Schenectady. Fairly new to the scene, they are known for their hard-partying ways and their funny off-the-wall songs and lyrics.
It was a heavy night of sonic improv and heavy themes at Lark Hall on April 26th, when enduring jam band veterans Perpetual Groove made their long-awaited return to Albany. Tackling topics of loss and regret, redemption and hope, the band was at the top of their game and demonstrated a level of musical maturity and precision that can only come from decades of playing together. Commemorating 20 years since the group’s breakout album, Sweet Oblivious Antidote, the evening also marked the debut of the venue’s brand new disco ball.
Perpetual Groove made their Lark Hall debut on 4/26/2023
Kicking things around 8pm, The Social Assassins got things off to a loud and progressive start. Featuring fusion guitarist virtuoso Gabriel Marin of Consider the Source, the band has only played handful of live shows together since their debuting in October of last year. Marin, along with his trademark Vigier double neck guitar and a bevy of effects pedals, took us on a sonic journey through instrumentals like “Begrudging Acquiescence” and “The Red Hour,” while his high energy band of Assassins pummeled away on songs like “Hora Attik” and “Blood Boi.” Playing before a moderate crowd of concert goers on this Wednesday night, the band turned in a max effort performance for those who were there to appreciate it. A fusion of eastern influences mixed with everything from metal and disco, The Social Assassins surprised everyone with their unique sound, especially on their set closing version of A-ha’s classic sing along “Take On Me.”
Watch fan shot footage of Social Assassins performing “Take On Me” at Lark Hall on 4/26/23
After a brief intermission, it was officially time for Perpetual Groove to launch the Lark Hall crowd into orbit. Originally formed in 1997, the Athens, GA based quartet opened their single set performance with “Save For One” from 2007’s Live Love Die album. Sounding fantastic from the opening note to the last, guitarist/vocalist Brock Butler would lead P-Groove straight into a heady version of “Stealy Man” that saw the crowd let out collective cheers and head bangs when it’s extended jam dipped into the ‘heavy’ section before shifting gears into the first cover of the night with The Cars classic song “Drive,” and then finally returning to “Stealy Man” to complete an impressive 30+ minutes of uninterrupted music to start the show. After a few welcoming words, the groove would pick up again with another oldie in 2005’s “Andromeda.”
Watch fan shot footage of Perpetual Groove “Stealy Man” and “Drive” at Lark Hall on 4/26/23
Despite it being the 20th anniversary of the bands Sweet Oblivious Antidote album, Perpetual-Groove would only play one song from it, “TSM2.” Laying down the tastiest of bass lines, Adam Perry stole the show next on a well-received version of “Crockett and Tubbs” that got the whole place dancing. A bit of a deep cut in “Cairo” was next, allowing keyboardist Matthew McDonald a chance to stretch out both musically and physically. The burley chairman’s other-worldly synth textures were magnified all evening long thanks in part to the venue’s brand-new disco ball that was also making it’s Lark Hall debut during this performance.
It’s been 20 years since Perpetual Groove released their breakout album Sweet Oblivious Antidote
Perhaps the highlight of the show came next when P-Groove would uncork a monstrous version of the hard rocking “Speed Queen” bolstered by Butler’s trademark precision and the heavy hands of the newest member of the band, drummer Darren Stanley, who joined in 2022 after spending time with Jimmy Hearing and Col. Bruce Hampton. The thunderous and cathartic peak would seamlessly transition into a beautiful and introspective version of “Out Here,” a longtime live favorite that was only recently given the studio treatment. Following that up with one of Butler’s most personal songs was “It Starts Where It Ends.” Wailing away on his signature Stratocaster with eyes closed and his back arched, the song featured some of the most expressive playing of the night. Seamlessly transitioning into the set closing “Space Paranoids,” the band performed like a well-oiled machine and spoke a musical language unto themselves, effortlessly communicating changes just by exchanging glances at each other.
Watch fan shot footage of Perpetual Groove performing “It Starts Where It Ends” during their Lark Hall on debut 4/26/23
Rather than go through the typical rigmarole of exiting the stage prior to the encore, P-Groove would simply tell fans this will be their last song of the night and thanked them for coming out to their Lark Hall debut. Opting to go with a crowd-pleasing cover of Talking Heads “This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody),” coincidently the same song had also been covered by Ryan Montbleau at the venue just one week prior. Whether by choice or by happy accident, an agreeable theme appears to be emerging at Albany’s newest concert spot. After yet another night of stellar musicianship, improvisation and overall good vibes, if Lark Hall isn’t the place, then I don’t know what is.
Perpetual Groove | April 26, 2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Save For One > Stealy Man > Drive* > Stealy Man, Andromeda, TSM2, Crockett & Tubbs, Cairo, Speed Queen > Out Here, It Starts Where It Ends > Space Paranoids
Encore: This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)**
*The Cars cover
**Talking Heads cover
Social Assassins | April 26, 2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Begrudging Acquiescence, The Red Hour, Hora Attik, Blood Boi, A Well-Placed Pen, Take on Me*
NYC-based dance-funk quintet Stolen Gin have released their newest single “Drunk Ambition” paired alongside a lyric video. The single gives the feeling of an intense love for a person, never wanting them to leave your side.
Stolen Gin, a dance-funk quintet formed in 2019 from New York City, is known for their high-energy live act and avid improvisation–they never play songs the same way twice. The band first came together playing college parties on NYC rooftops, and their goal then was the same as it is now: to make every gig feel like a party, and to keep people dancing.
The band writes, “This song was written a couple months after meeting someone really special. I’m looking back at how it started and counting my blessings that it happened the way it did. The first verse is a flashback to that original moment where a relationship was the last thing on my mind- or so I thought. The chorus then brings us back to the present, where ‘Drunk Ambition’ is my own little way describing the untamable love I feel for this person, never wanting to leave their side.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Y3XhGifto
“As a band, we’ve recorded some projects in the past at full service studios but realized that we’re most comfortable locked in a room together with no outside influences. For ‘Drunk Ambition,’ we decided to book a session at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. We produced the verses of the song to be tight and funky, while playing with longer, distorted chords and pumping drums in the chorus to create tension and release. Our guitarist, Will Adler, engineered the session and mixed the track, and the song was mastered by Will Quinnell at Sterling Sound.”
Having gotten their start playing college rooftop shows around the city, the band is continuing to utilize all New York has to offer, with this latest track being recorded at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. But Stolen Gin’s sound can be heard all over the world, given their immense TikTok following after songs like “Tension Release” and “Take Your Problems to the Disco” went viral across the platform.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ajj4D7YCdw
Stolen Gin goes on tour consistently, selling out their last eight consecutive NYC headliners in the span of the last 18 months at venues such as Baby’s All Right, Mercury Lounge, and more. The band recently played in both D.C. and Boston for the first time, with sellouts in both of those cities. They’ve also just finished a tour with the legendary jam band TAUK, and now Stolen Gin is heading back into the studio to make more new music.
To listen/watch “Drunk Ambition,” click the link here.
For more music by Stolen Gin, click the link here.
At Cohoes Music Hall this past weekend, the sound of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead was alive and well, as Zach Nugentâs Dead Set performed two strong sets of classic Dead tunes on Saturday, April 29, to an audience hooked from the first to the last note.
The two sets were not your standard Grateful Dead cover band sets, with some choice selections that made it clear this set was written by a disciple from the school of Garcia. Working in lesser played songs like “Dupree’s Diamond Blues,” the crowd at Cohoes Music Hall had a fair lot scene in the lobby, a show perk that you love to see.
On this night, Nugent was joined by Joe Agnello (rhythm guitar, vocals – Swimmer), Josh Weinstein (bass – Kat Wright), Cotter Ellis (drums – Swimmer), Matt Dolliver (keys – Swimmer), and Corey Wilhelm (percussion – Bombino/Kat Wright).
Opening up with “Bertha” and “Good Lovin’,” Nugent’s Dead Set had the crowd moving, the floor full with eager Deadheads looking to dance. A cover of Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” was an early highlight, with Nugent’s guitar pouring fuel onto the driving chorus alongside keyboardist Matt Dolliver. The set closing “St. Stephen” had a velvety smooth transition into “Cassidy.”
Second set began with a “Dark Star” jam that stretched out with great patience into space for exploration, finding itself at “Terrapin Station” – the full suite and then some. Towards the ending, the group found itself dabbling in a reprise of “Playin’ in the Band” but instead opted for “Uncle John’s Band,” and back into the final section of “Terrapin.” An encore of “Deal” made this one more Saturday night to remember.
Zach Nugent’s Dead Set – Cohoes Music Hall – April 29, 2023
Set 1: Bertha > Good Lovin’, Candyman, Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, Dupree’s Diamond Blues, El Paso, St. Stephen > Cassidy Set 2: Dark Star > Terrapin Suite (full)* > Uncle John’s Band > Terrapin (ending), One More Saturday Night Encore: Deal * Playin’ in the Band (reprise) tease
1988 was a groundbreaking year for Steven Page. 1988 was the year Steven Page was introduced to the locals in Toronto, Ontario, as he was taking the stage with Ed Robertson for the first time as Barenaked Ladies. Witty lyrics and quirky stage presence quickly become the norm for this duo who routinely missed or skipped show rehearsals and relied more on improv as they took to the stage.
After a successful run with the band including Juno awards, Grammy nods, and huge pop songs, Page left in 2009 and pursued a solo career. A solo career which still includes the witty lyrics and quirky antics, both of which helped make him a household name in Toronto, and across SUNY school campuses in New York. Having seen Barenaked Ladies 10 times, all with Page as the front man, I was hoping for some of that charisma at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.
With nearly 1000 fans filling the seats at this 97-year-old theatre, Steven Page opened up the show with ‘It’s All Been Done,” from the album Stunt. Fans of all ages were immediately into it. Hands waving in the air, random lyrics being belted, and a couple 20-somethings dancing in the aisles. We all knew then how this show was going to go. While he is no longer with the band, Page routinely plays favorites like this as diehard fans still enjoy them.
Coming up next was one of my favorites, from 1994’s Maybe You Should Drive, Page belted out lyrics to “Jane.” More of the sellout crowd began singing along and dancing in the aisles. Sadly, the security wasn’t having it, as they were quick to make these young ladies take their seat. It wouldn’t last though.
When Page was done talking about Jane, he began to reminisce of yesteryear, touring with Barenaked Ladies across campuses of SUNY schools. Recalling shows at Fredonia, which some fans cheered at, as well as driving around saying “we played there, we played that college…” I recall seeing Barenaked Ladies at SUNY Brockport in 1993, or maybe 1994. Either way, it was few years ago and the year doesn’t matter. What matters is watching Steven and the band have a blast on stage and fans throwing boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese during one of their songs. These are the memories that Page was getting at, along with meeting new people and seeing how they perform. Bands such as The Odds, featuring Craig Northey, who now tours with Page as one third of Steven Page Trio.
Done recalling the past, page continues his set with an extended version of “Alternative Girlfriend,” “Golden Age,” and “What a Good Boy.”
In the midst of all this, of course he has to plug his newest album, Excelsior – Steven Page, to which he references New York’s state motto, and continues on about the new NY rest stops. Being a newer NY resident, Page seems to not agree with the size of some of the newer rest stops as well as the choice of an un-named chicken place that isn’t open on Sundays. All of which got some loud applause and cheers from the crowd.
During the height of the pandemic, Page began doing home show, as many artists to keep in contact with their fanbase. Although the worst is behind us as far as the pandemic goes, Page continues his live from home shows and recently aired his 100th episode Steven Page Announces 100th Live From Home Show ::antiMusic.com. With this he recorded the song “Zoom,” which is an ode to a way of life for everyone for a great while. The song talks about seeing your family and your living room, making new friends, and of course hoping the internet holds up.
As Page finishes his set with Northey and Kevin Fox on cello, he is still amazed that he sold out the theatre and thanks everyone for their continued support. Very grateful for 30+ years in the business, both with Barenaked Ladies and on his own. The support he has received over the years is clear as the packed house is on their feet for the entire 4 song encore.
Follow and support Steven as he continues touring and pushing his albums. Steven Page | Musician
Setlist: It’s All Been Done, New Shore, Jane, Alternative Girlfriend/SW Cool, Golden Age, What a Good Boy, Gravity, Linda Ronstadt in The 70’s, Something About Me, No Song Left to Save Me, Looking For The Light, Zoom, Bull in a China Shop, Old Apartment, Brian Wilson Encore: Asleep at the Wheel, Enid, Call And Answer, Shoe Box
