On Friday evenings in late June, the Empire State Plaza hosts numerous high school graduations. Tucked away between South Colonie and RCS graduates and their families on June 23 was the entrance to The Egg, where So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience performed to an enthusiastic crowd who knew all the words to the deep cuts and all the hits from Diamond’s decades-spanning catalog.
Following a run of sold out shows throughout Long Island and New Jersey over the past three years, So Good! is an all-Long Island band that began a run of 40 shows over the next 10 months with their performance at the Swyer Theatre at The Egg. Fronted by Broadway, TV and film star Robert Neary, the show was truly impressive and hit all the right notes from start to finish. His tribute to Neil Diamond in appearance, on stage mannerisms and voice made the evening truly unforgettable, with The Mystics backing him up and never missing a beat.
With a crowd – median age: retired – nestled into their seats before the 8pm show time, the band slowly took the stage, with Neary outside the doors singing the opening lines to “America” before appearing on stage with the band for the crescendo of the song. Hits that most everyone in the audience knew the words to – “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Blue Jeans” and “Song Sung Blue” – would follow, with the band jumping from tune to tune until after “Longfellow Serenade” where Neary spoke about E.T. and how it had a profound influence on Diamond, which led him to write the next song, “Heartlight.”
More banter about Diamond’s scant film career discussed a movie he did not land a part in, but affected him profoundly, Bob Fosse’s Lenny. This led to an identity crisis for Diamond, and amid this and moving he and his family to Los Angeles, he penned “I Am… I Said.” Another film song, “Hello” from Diamond’s most memorable film, The Jazz Singer, would follow, before the horns rejoined the rest of the Mystics for “Solitary Man,” “Holly Holy” and the deep cut “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” that got the crowd up and moving. If that didn’t do it, “Cherry, Cherry” capped off the show, with a noncore of “Sweet Caroline” and “Soolaimon” to close it out.
So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience is on tour this summer and fall, with an incredible stage show and songs you’ll be singing along to all night and on the way home. Check out their website for more details.
So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience 2023 Tour Dates
June 28 145 Park Avenue NYC
July 5 Newbridge Road Park, Bellmore, NY
July 9 Sieminski Theatre, Basking Ridge, NJ
July 14 Seaside Pavillion, Old Orchard Beach, ME
July 15 Ellsworth Allen Park, Farmingdale, NY
August 17 Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre – Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY
August 19 The Murphy Theatre, Wilmington, OH
September 9 Infinity Music Hall, Hartford, CT
October 8 The Argyle Theatre, Babylon, NY
October 13 The Argyle Theatre, Babylon, NY
So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience – The Swyer Theater at The Egg – Albany, June 23, 2023
Set 1: America, Cracklin’ Rosie, Blue jeans, Song sung blue, Longfellow Serenade, Heartlight, I am… I Said, Hello, Love on the Rocks, September Moon, I’m a Believer
Set 2: You are the Sun, Shilo, Kentucky Moon, Girl, You’ll be a Woman Soon, Solitary Man, Holly Holy, Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show, Cherry, Cherry, Sweet Caroline, Soolaimon
A rainy Friday evening on June 23 did not keep fans from dancing the night away to Steve Miller Band at Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Ma.
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers opened up the evening with an hour-long set playing a great selection of their hits such as “My Resolve,” “That is the Way it is,” and “Mandolin Rain.” Bruce chatted very little in between songs but did mention that he was happy to return to Tanglewood for the first time in 29 years.
During the brief intermission while the stage was being prepped, people mingled with friends and neighbors as well as walk up to the stage edge to snap photos of the iconic white pegasus design from the album Book of Dreams on the drum kit.
Steve Miller Band took the stage and with a clever introduction they started off their set with “Swing Town” followed by many hits such as “Fly like an Eagle,”” The Stake,” “Jet Airliner,” “Born in the USA,” and “The Joker” during their 90-minute set. Steve also shared a fun personal story about his first Les Paul guitar which he had on stage with him.
Steve Miller Band is currently on their summer tour, below is a list of their planned stops:
June 28 – Boston, Ma June 29 – Selbyville, DE July 1 – Wantagh, NY July 2 – Bethel, NY July 7 – Cincinnati, OH July 8 – Niagara Falls, ON July 27 – Austin, TX July 29 – Houston, TX July 30 – Dallas TX August 3 – Waukegan, IL August 5 – Lincoln, NE August 8 – Shipsewana, IN August 9 – Youngstown, OH August 11 – Jackson, MI August 12 – Clarkstown, MI
Steve Miller Band is also touring in September & December. Be sure to check out their website for all their up-to-date tour information.
On Friday, June 23, Les Claypool performed with his Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, a talented band featuring Sean Lennon on guitar, Harry Waters on keys, Paolo Baldi on drums, Skerik on saxophone, and Mike Dillon on percussion. They are playing a massive tour including the Peach Music Festival this coming weekend.
Neal Francis opened up the show with a funky set full of catchy riffs and exceptional vocal work. This proved to be much lighter to the heavier, bass rich riffs of Les Claypool. It fit well as an opening act but the music was truly different.
Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade opened up their set with “Thela Hun Ginjeet”, a King Crimson cover, followed by a couple Les Claypool songs including one about mushrooms, a very trippy “Amanitas”.
This led to the band performing Pink Floyd’s iconic album Animals, a psychedelic and heavy album; quintessential of the dark 1977 Pink Floyd sound. This proved to be an incredible performance, close to the studio version with really great solos and vocals by both Sean Lennon & Les Claypool.
Afterwards, the band played “Precipitation” & “Cosmic Highway” to close out their set, quickly returning for a lengthy encore featuring “One Better” & “Whamola”.
Different shenanigans included Les Claypool playing a stand up bass with a bow, wearing a pig mask, and ultimately a disco ball helmet. This along with Claypool’s relaxed stage presence and banter, and of course virtuoso level musicianship resulted in an intensely fun and laid back Fearless Flying Frog Brigadeshow.
Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade – The Capitol Theatre – June 23, 2023
Setlist: Thela Hun Ginjeet, Rumble of the Diesel, Amanitas, Blood and Rockets: Movement I, Saga of Jack Parsons – Movement II Too the Moon, Pink Floyd’s Animals, Pigs on the Wing, Part 1, Dogs, Pigs (Three Different Ones), Sheep, Pigs on the Wing, Part 2, Precipitation, David Makalaster, David Makalaster II, Cosmic Highway
The Bones of J.R. Jones has recently announced the upcoming release of his first full-length album in more than five years.Slow Lightning, will be dropped on October 13th, and to hold fans over, the announcement comes paired with the release of the album’s debut single “Heaven Help Me.” The New York-based artist, Jonathon Linaberry, won’t stop there, however, as he has also announced a US and European tour to begin in August.
Linaberry first launched the one-man band in 2012 with his track “Wilderness.” Since then, he has worked to expand his blues, folk, and country sound through his talent as a songwriter, storyteller, visual artist, performer, and musician which can easily be seen through his new music and hoped for with the anticipated album. Slow Lightning will feature a total of 12 tracks produced by Linaberry’s frequent collaborator Kiyoshi Matsuyama and will deal with the sensations of doubt and desire in the face of nature and fate. The title, Slow Lightning, as well as the track themes were inspired by the difficulty of its creation. Linaberry claims he was at the hands and power of the music and his surroundings rather than the other way around.
“I felt very lost at the time I was writing these songs,” Linaberry confesses. “It was a moment of deep crisis and anxiety, but I knew the only way out was through, which meant I just had to bring myself to the table every day and put in the work.”
His latest single, “Heaven Help Me,” was created with the intention of constant movement both in rhythm and sound while the lyrics became a mode of expressing the relentlessness and overwhelming quality of the ups and downs of life. Throughout the song, both sound and lyrics work with one another to create an eerie and anxiety building record as Linaberry calls out through a distorted echo, “All my love pouring out of my eyes is drowning me tonight.” He hopes to reach his audience by conveying a shared desire for release which the song delivers at the very end after a constant build of instrumentals and layered voices gives in to wide open space. The Bones of J.R. Jones will take this debut single out on tour in the fall which will include an exclusive album release show in his home state of New York at Mercury Lounge on October 13th.
“Heaven Help Me” is now available on all music streaming services with tickets for Linaberry’s tour going on sale on Friday, June 23rd. As for the highly anticipated album, Slow Lightning will be released via Tone Tree Music!
The Bones of J.R. Jones 2023 Tour
September 2 – Fairmont, WV – Palatine Park
September 7 – Buffalo, NY – Ninth Ward
September 8 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
September 9 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
September 10 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
September 12 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi
September 13 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
September 14 – Columbus, OH– Basement
September 15 – Syracuse, NY – Funk N’ Waffles
September 16 – Windham, NY – Cave Mountain Catskills Festival
October 12 – Washington, DC – DC9
October 13 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
October 14 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
October 16 – Richmond, VA – Camel
October 17 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe and Music Hall
October 18 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
Texas-style folk music made a stop at Caffe Lena on Thursday, June 22, with the swing revival sounds of The Quebe Sisters. The Dallas group played to a sold out crowd this evening, emanating progressive western swing with jazz and blues influences peppered throughout, as well as a healthy dose of comedy and the history behind the music.
These sisters first appeared on my radar thanks to Col. Bruce Hampton, a legend among jam band fans, who had a keen eye for identifying and fostering talent throughout his career. Only mentioned in passing in a 2016 interview, the sisters shared with NYS Music that their connection to Col. Bruce was thanks to his fellow Aquarium Rescue Unit member (and current Widespread Panic guitarist), Jimmy Herring. It was he who saw them perform at a local fair in Georgia, met them following the show (all parties were humbled), and Herring later put the band on Col. Bruce’s radar. From Hampton’s lips to my ears, Caffe Lena was the perfect venue this evening.
As the performance began promptly at 7pm, standing on stage left to right were sisters Hulda, Grace and Sophia, who have each been playing fiddle for more than two decades. Joining them were Simon Stipp on guitar and Daniel Parr on bass, and at times, Grace would play snare drum ever so lightly, stirring with a brush in one hand, and a light tap of the stick with the other. An evening of old-timey folk music, with some songs more than a century old, began with “Avalon” by Al Jolson. If T. Bone Burnett were tasked to produce a soundtrack in the style of O Brother, Where Are Thou?, the sounds of the Quebe Sisters would be a centerpiece of the album.
With folk songs of trails, cowboys and traveling, tunes of pioneers were played, a history lesson in the form of stories handed down as song. A dive into 19th century poetry yielded “My Love, My Life, My Friend, influenced by the Emily Dickinson poem “That it will never come again.” A duet of “Lullaby of Birdland” was followed by The Mills Brothers’ arrangement of a 1942 song, “Cow Cow Boogie” and the medley “Speed the Plow” which closed a set that had the style of music you’d expect to hear in a Quentin Tarantino film.
The all fiddle family returned for a second set with “Lonesome Road” and the wonderful “Shame on You,” which hit all the right spots, reminiscent of Patsy Montana’s “I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”
Set to the tune “Home on the Range,” the prescient and eerily humorous “Drone on the Range” sang of the perils of technology and the neighbors who misuse it. The Bob Wales instrumental “Roly Poly” would follow, along with Ray Charles’ “Georgia on my Mind” and the instrumental “Load in at 7 (leave at 8) likewise was a tongue in cheek take on life on the road.
“Lullaby of Leaves” saw the three sisters fiddling together, before diving into the extensive catalog of fellow Texan Willie Nelson on “Summer of Roses, follows by a unique as ever “Merch Jingle” to encourage fans to meet and greet them after the show and pick up merchandise before heading out. “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie” would close the set, and the original familial song “Texas” served as the lone encore.
The Quebe Sisters have one of the most unique harmonies and a sound that bridges generations of country and western music, influenced by time and the fiddle prowess of a trio of 20 years strong, just getting started.
The Quebe Sisters – Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs – June 22, 2023
Set 1: Avalon, Please Don’t Talk > Going Away Party, Teardrops, Pierce the Blue > Twin Guitar, Timber Trail > Trouble in Mind, My Love, My Life, My Friend, Lullaby of Birdland, Cow Cow Boogie, Twilight > Speed the Plow
Set 2: Lonesome Road > Shame on You, Distraction, Drone on the Range, Roly Poly, Georgia on my Mind, Load in at 7 (Leave at 8), Day People, Lullaby of the Leaves, Swingin’ the Bow, intros > Summer of Roses, Merch Jingle > It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie
Friday, June 23rd marks the release date of Glass Pony’s latest album, Washed Away. The strength of the release lies with compelling instrumentals, creating a perfect blend between nostalgic classic rock and a more modern sound.
The Albany-based group features Chanda Dewey on drums and vocals, Eddie Hotaling on guitar and vocals, Jeff Picarazzi on bass and vocals, and Greg Pittz on lead guitar and vocals.
The album offers a perfect pop-rock sound for a hot summer day, the sound reminiscent of some signature classic rock influences. This is first established with the album’s catchy opening song, “Bottom of the Ocean.” The bright guitar creates a nostalgic, summery feel, qualities that would make the song perfect to listen to on the beach. The song blends the vocals of the entire group for an upbeat tune about change, or the lack thereof. The lyrics remind us that “at the bottom of the ocean, it’s just another day,” despite how much may change on the shore.
Another Washed Away highlight is “Spotlights,” one of the album’s most impressive pieces. While the song’s opening is slow, it quickly becomes captivating through its transition into a funky, quick groove. The quick beat and groovy feel make the song an enjoyable listen, perfect to dance to. The powerful instrumental mix carries the music, almost as if the vocals accompany them. Similarly to “Bottom of the Ocean,” the song embodies aspects of classic rock, largely though the electric guitar. Halfway through the song, an epic guitar solo takes over, almost as if it is telling story. Listening to the song was a memorable experience, akin to its lyrics about having a new experience.
One of Washed Away‘s most unique pieces was undoubtedly “Doppler.” The song opens with a bass solo, establishing a chill tone, but takes on different moods and tones throughout the song. A powerful instrumental intro takes on an alternative rock feel, whereas later sections of the song incorporate dreamy synth combined with sounds of nature, such as bird calls. Through a slow crescendo into a guitar solo, the instrumental-heavy song is dreamy, interesting, and powerful.
Glass Pony further showcased their compositional skill through quick instrumental pieces like “Sonder,” a song without lyrics, but not lacking in any way – the instruments tell their own story. A quick, shredding electric guitar builds into a catchy tune, ultimately building to a chaotic, fascinating blend of instrumentals.
The album’s final track, “Upside Down,” offers another chill, summery rock anthem to add to any beach playlist. The music manages to emphasize lyrical phrases, matching the beat and rhythm of the group’s words. The bright, pop rock sound is comparable to the album’s opening track, bringing a sense of coherency to the album. Through a similar intro and outro, it feels like the listener is taken through a musical journey, returning to where they began.
Following its official release, find Washed Away from Glass Pony on Spotify. Watch the lyric video to “Bottom of the Ocean” below.
Tennis Courts, a Brooklyn-based alternative rock band, has released their new single “Jamie’s Party,” an electrifying anthem which is the second single off of their upcoming debut record. Calling back to the “power pop” bands of the ’70s, “Jamie’s Party” creates a new anthem for summer. The release of the single coincides with the band’s summer tour.
Originally founded by the singer-songwriter duo Patrick Walsh and Andrew Clarke in 2019, Tennis Courts first made itself known in the basements and bars of Charleston, SC. In 2021, they relocated to Brooklyn where they were joined by guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman.
Keeping the noise and energy from their dive-bar days, their upcoming debut album “explore[s] the dread and confusion of navigating life in your 20s.” Beyond the main band members, the song features Matteo DeBenedetti and Luke Ivanovich for background vocals, Erik Kase Romero for bass, and Max Connery for organ. The track was produced by Erik Kase Romero in Oakhurst, NJ.
After the dark and heavy first single “Am I Not Talking Enough” we wanted to follow up with something sonically a little lighter, but still thematically similar lyrically. We wanted to write a song that people could sing along to. We wanted something that felt like your favorite coming of age movie. It’s really just me thinking about my younger self and what I might say to them.
Patrick Walsh, singer-songwriter for Tennis Courts
If making “a song that people could sing along to” was the goal, Tennis Courts certainly succeeded. “Jamie’s Party” is a song for driving down the interstate with the windows down and for the crowded bar, with a combination of bombastic instrumentals, loud lyrics and a strong chorus.
Walsh has claimed influence by ’70s bands such as Big Star and The Cars, and that effect is clear to see, though it still has some audio charms of the 2020s. Even the name “Jamie’s Party” evokes songs like “Jesse’s Girl” and “Stacy’s Mom,” cementing it as a song between generations, though whether this was intentional is unclear.
The song’s opening slowly builds until the guitars burst in to give it an exciting start. There are various moments like this throughout the piece where the instruments get a moment to bust down the doors after vocals. It gives each line an explosive conclusion that suits the song very well.
A personal favorite moment occurs around 2:55 with a guitar solo that feels straight out of ’70s classic rock. It precedes the conclusion of the song, and is an excellent send off on the instrumental side of things.
For a song released so close the beginning of summer, “Jamie’s Party” deserves to be the sound of summer. It is an almost nostalgic song that takes from the past without copying it, and still has room to add its own to the rock genre.
Upcoming Summer Tour Dates
Nashville, TN – The East Room – July 20
Athens, GA – The Georgia Theatre – July 21
Charleston, SC – The Royal American – July 22
Savannah, GA – Starland Yard – July 23
Greenville, SC – Swanson’s Warehouse – July 25
Charlotte, NC – Snug Harbor – July 26
Philadelphia, PA – Silk City – July 29
To stream Tennis Courts’ “Jamie’s Party” check out this link to see available streaming services. For more on the band, take a look at their Linktree.
Part neighborhood bar and part underground music venue, Tubby’s has established itself as a must-stop destination for music lovers across New York. Located in Kingston, the bar has become a premier venue in the Hudson Valley.
Tubby’s has earned a reputation for highlighting both underground and well-known artists just about every night. Positioned roughly 100 miles North of NYC, the venue has developed into the perfect haven for acts leaving or entering the city. Past performers include Black Midi, Steve Gunn, Jeff Parker, MIKE, Protomartyr, Katy Kirby, and more.
Black Midi performing in Webster Hall
Tubby’s commitment to high-quality music means that there is always a wide assortment of genres, sounds, and styles represented on a weekly basis. This commitment goes further than just picking great acts. Owned and operated mostly by musicians, Tubby’s is also dedicated to treating artists with the utmost respect.
This summer, the bar/venue will host well over 30 concerts. Some of the bands and artists performing are Joyce Manor, R.L. Boyce, Soul Glo, and Rose City Band.
Even when the warm weather starts to fizzle out the music doesn’t stop at Tubby’s. The venue, originally founded in 2018, plans to celebrate its five-year anniversary in late September with a festival. “Tubby’s 5 Year Anniversary Weekend” will go down across three days, September 29 through October 1.
The celebration includes a full roster of musicians from a wide variety of genres. Some of the artists who will perform as part of the festival include Armand Hammer, Bonnie Prince Billy, and billy woods. Click here for tickets and more details.
Tubby’s Kingston Summer Lineup
JUNE 24- GARCIA PEOPLES
JUNE 27- Follow Your Arrow: A Queer Singer/Songwriter Night:COLTON THORN + FRANCESCA HOFFMAN + AME
JULY 1- SEA MOSS + RONG + M. GEDDES GENGRAS + OPEN HEAD
JULY 2- JOYCE MANOR + TINY BLUE GHOST (SOLD OUT)
JULY 5- BONZIE + CARLOS TRULY + GREEM JELLYFISH
JULY 6- BASHER + THE WARBLERS
JULY 8- ART GRAY NOIZZQUINTET + SKULL PRACTITIONERS +LOVE LETTER
JULY 11- RL BOYCE (North Mississippi Hill Country Living Blues Legend)
JULY 12- MUTE DUO + GIFT HORSE
JULY 13- PYREX + RIDER/HORSE + BEECH CREEPS
JULY 14- SOUL GLO + MSPAINT
JULY 17/18- MERIDIAN BROTHERS (first night sold out)
JULY 19- HAYDEN PEDIGO
JULY 21- JOHANNA SAMUELS + STUART BOGIE
JULY 23- ROSE CITY BAND
JULY 25- CHEER-ACCIDENT
JULY 26- SWDYT? Joe Baiza/Damon Smith/Matt Crane; Alec Redfearn’s SWRM
JULY 27- MAGIC TUBER STRINGBAND + POST MOVES
JULY 29- BLUE RANGER + CAROL + BRENNAN WEDL
AUG 1- STOREY LITTLETON
AUG 2- SWDYT?: GREX + Allen Lowe & Lewis Porter Duo
AUG 8- ANNIE HART
AUG 9- TOMATO FLOWER
AUG 17- CINDY LEE + FREAK HEAT WAVES
AUG 24- MIKAELA DAVIS
AUG 25- JOHNNY DYNAMITE + BUMMER CAMP + SCAFFOLDING
AUG 26- WILLIAM TYLER & THE IMPOSSIBLE TRUTH + GARCIA PEOPLES
It was a great night to be a fan of live music if you were anywhere near downtown Albany on Thursday, June 15th. With the annual Alive at 5 free concert series now in full swing, fans from across the Capital Region flocked to Jennings Landing for “Jam Night” with Mihali Savoulidis. While it was undeniably a great time and great exposure for the ultra-talented and charismatic Twiddle front man, it was the show-after-the-show that ultimately provided the biggest improvisational peaks of the evening. Playing to a packed Parish Public House directly across the street after Mihali’s set, Annie in the Water kept the party going long and strong well into the next morning.
Alive at 5: Mihali, featuring Scott Hannay and the West End Blend Horns got the party started
Going off the cuff without a written setlist, the band unleashed the perfect combination of original songs, unexpected covers, and guest sit-ins galore from some high-profile friends, including members of Twiddle, Scott Hannay, and the West End Blend, all making for a perfect night cap to an already memorable night in Albany.
Often regarded as one of the leading forces in the Capital Region’s live music resonance, Annie in the Water has been making steady waves across the northeast for years. Comprised of Brad Hester (Lead Vocals/Rhythm), Michael Lashomb (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Joshua West (Drums/Vocals), Chris Meier (Bass/Vocals), Matt Richards (Keys/Vocals) and Brock Kuca (Percussion/Vocals), the band has already played everything ranging from the Adirondack Independence and Memorial Meltdown Festivals, Rock the Dock, the Catskill Mountain Jubilee, and even made their Alive at 5 debut last summer, opening for fellow jammers Spafford. Making plenty of friends along the way and taking pride in making every performance different, you never know who might show up at an Annie in the Water show.
Brad Hester performs with Annie in the Water at the Parish Public House
On this Thursday night, things at the Parish got heated up quickly as fans cramped into the dimly lit club early to get a glimpse of the action. Right out of the gates we were treated to a guest sit in from Ryan Dempsey, a classically trained keyboard player and one of Mihali’s bandmates in Twidde. Opening the frame with a jammed-out version of “Pleasure in Sin,” Annie in the Water would then play their latest R&B inspired single “Honeybee” to the adoring crowd who just seemed to love these guys.
Ryan Dempsey of Twiddle sat in with Annie in the Water for several songs
Pulling double duty, our next musical collaboration would feature West End Blend saxophone player Mike Oehmen, a cancer survivor who was also was part of Mihali’s Alive at 5 band earlier in the evening. Lending his talents to the relaxing groove of “Out of Phase,” Oehmen’s soaring sax solo would soon lift the energy in the room to the next level. From there Joe Davis made a surprise appearance, jamming out to his former bandmate’s song, the Matt Richards penned, “In The Sand.”
The dancing would continue with a delightful version of “Bloom,” the infectious lead track from Annie in the Water’s latest studio album, 2022’s Sun At Dawn. One affectionate couple in the front row were particularly grateful to hear it, describing it as “their song.” Indeed, it’s catchiness makes it the type of song that could easily be a massive hit if given proper airplay. With the audience now fully feeling sexy, the next surprise came in a cover of Christina Aguilara’s late 90’s pop TRL hit, “Genie in a Bottle,” which got the entire audience going wild and singing along. Giving this version a bit of the “rock” treatment, by the time “Genie” reached it’s over-the-top guitar solo courtesy of Michael Lashomb, even the hardest fans in the room could be seen letting their guard down and bobbing along. What, you think I didn’t see you? The guilty pleasures would continue for another cover song from the same era, this time with Brad Hester turning his cap around and doing his best Mashall Mathers impression on “The Real Slim Shady,” which would bring the incredibly fun opening set to a close. Showing both their musical diversity and their sense of humor, how the guys planned to top it for the second set was anyone’s guess.
Annie in the Water guitarist Michael Lashomb was firing on all cylinders
After a brief break to catch our breath and air out the room, it was time for everybody to get a drink. That’s because not only was Ryan Dempsey of Twiddle making his second appearance of the night, he would also lead the charge through a pair of classic Twiddle songs. First up was “Mamunes the Fawn,” which brought the party vibe to a whole new level and perhaps with it, some optimism that Twiddle front man Mihali would possibly make an appearance too. While ultimately he did not, for the next Twiddle cover, we did get two of Mihali’s Alive at 5 bandmates, West End Blend’s Michael Bafundo pumpin’ on the trumpet and Mike Oehmen on sax once again for a joyous rendition of “Syncopated Healing.” Despite lacking Mihali’s distinct vocals, it was pretty amazing to hear how well Annie in the Water recreated Twiddle’s massive sound, obviously long-time admirers of the band.
Michael Bafundo and Mike Oehmen pulled double duty playing sets with both Mihali & Annie in the Water
The horns would stick around for a few more songs, while a third (yes third) keyboard player, Scott Hannay, would join in on the fun for “Feel That Pulse.” The family-style jam would continue for one more song, “Seeds,” which was arguably the high point of the evening. After both pulling double duty performing at Alive at 5 and now sitting in for several songs with Annie in the Water, it’s fair to say the tuckered out West End Blend boys earned their keep on this night and the right to take the rest of it off. Scott Hannay, however, was just getting warmed up and would stick around to crush his part of “Seaside Highway.”
With a Little Help From Their Friends: It was sit in’s galore at Annie in the Water’s Parish Performance
Ryan Dempsey would then return for one final dose of triple piano action on the always appreciated Talking Heads cover, “Take Me To The River.” The remainder of the set though, would be vintage Annie in the Water performing some of their best original material. Starting with “Change My Mind,” next on tap was “Balloons,” the song their very own IPA beer is named after.
Scott Hannay never fails to crush a sit in with his Annie in the Water pals
Following a quick encore break and a 50/50 drawing for a good cause, Brad Hester would then take the stage by himself for a heartfelt, vocal’s only rendition of “Free (No Need for Forgiveness). About halfway through the number, the remainder of the band would emerge from backstage one at a time and slowly join in on the song as it seamlessly transitioned into “Sativa,” a special song about embracing life’s challenges, growing and learning from the unexpected struggles. Annie in the Water would finally bring things back full circle by closing out with “Free Again (reprise)” to bring the stellar performance to a close. Great music, great people, great collaborations and great times. Just a ‘grade A’ evening all around.
Up next, the band will release their next single “Sailing” on Friday, June 30th. In celebration, Annie in the Water will then be ON the water, finding their sea legs as part of a sold-out Boatcruise weekend on July 1st, 2023. Later this summer, the group plans to link up with long time friend, Hayley Jane, to recreate the classic Fleetwood Mac album, Rumors. That’s if their tour van can get them there. A blown transmission has recently sent them scrambling for a little help. A Gofundme page is expected to be announced shortly. You know what to do.
Annie in the Water | June 15, 2023 | Parish Public House | Albany, NY
Set 1: “Pleasure in Sin” > Jam *Ryan Dempsey Keys, Honeybee, Out of Phase *Mike Oehmen Sax, In the Sand > Jam *Joe Davis Guitar, Bloom, Genie in a Bottle (Christina Aguilera), The Real Slim Shady (Eminem)
Set 2: Mamunes the Fawn (Twiddle) *Ryan Dempsey keys, Syncopated Healing (Twiddle) *Ryan Dempsey keys, Mike Oehmen Saxophone, Michael Bafundo Trumpet, Feel That Pulse, *Scott Hannay keys, Mike Oehmen Saxophone, Michael Bafundo Trumpet, Seeds *Ryan Dempsey keys, Scott Hannay keys, Mike Oehmen Saxophone, Michael Bafundo Trumpet, Seaside Highway *Scott Hannay keys, Take Me to the River (Talking Heads) *Scott Hannay keys, Ryan Dempsey keys, Change My Mind, Balloons, Free Again > Sativa > Free Again (reprise)
Photo courtesy of Frank Cavone/Mirth FilmsPhoto courtesy of Frank Cavone/Mirth Films
Santana made his eighth visit, and first since 2017, back at CMAC in Canandaigua on Thursday, June 22, part of his 1001 Rainbows tour and to open up the season for the venue. The shed was packed and so was the stage, as Carlos always has a hefty crew along to bring his unique fusion of Latin and rock music to fruition.
This time at CMAC, Santana had Ray Green on vocals and trombone, Andy Vargas on vocals, Benny Rietveld on bass, David Matthews on keys, Tommy Anthony on guitar, Paoli Mejias on congas, the great Karl Perrazo on percussion, and Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman Santana on one of the biggest drum kits you’ll see.
With puffs of smoke filling the air, and tribal music and videos playing on a huge screen, they all took the stage, picking up the beat and launching into “Soul Sacrifice.” A sizeable rhythm section break, an organ solo, some trombone, and of course Santana’s signature searing guitar all made the rounds from the get-go.
There was no holding back and no wasted time. With no pause they launched into “Jingo” and from there “Evil Ways.” A trio of tunes off Santana’s 1969 debut, songs he must have played as much as anyone has played the same songs ever. Yet they were played with fire and urgency, Santana giving his ensemble direction with glances, nods and motions. The early hit train kept rolling along with “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Woman” and “Oye Como Va” as classic Santana footage played over the screens. A long line of musical history still delighting and energizing.
“Our goal is to flood you with enthusiasm,” Santana announced at the first of only a few very short breaks. Later he urged the crowd to “Elevate the consciousness of the planet to stop the corruption.”
The band continued to work through Santana’s vast catalog, seemingly chronologically. A big hit of the mid 70’s followed, with “Everybody’s Everything” including a ripping bass solo, “Europa,” “Batuka,” and “No One To Depend On” with a particularly fiery solo from Santana.
The second half of the show belonged almost solely to their late 90’s hit album, Supernatural, with “(Da Le) Yaleo,” “Put Your Lights On,” “Corazon Espinado” and “Maria Maria” all making big splashes with the audience.
With a massive catalog to draw from, they still found plenty of room to pay tribute to other musical heroes. A subtle tease of his friend Mahavishnu John McLaughlin here, and few riffs from The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” there. A seemingly random mash-up of James Brown’s “Funky Good Time,” The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” and The Chambers Brothers’ “Love Peace and Happiness,” may have just been an excuse for Santana to squeeze in some final unadulterated guitar shredding into the encore.
Though the encore showstopper was handed to his wife, as she was granted a massive drum solo that brought the house down. Carlos has been around long enough to know how to put on one a hell of a rock show, and how to go home with happy wife.
Andy Vargas back up singerRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaPaoli Mejias, drumsRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana with drummer Karl Perazzo in the backgroundRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana plays to a excited crowd with drummer Karl PerazzoCindy Blackman Santana drummer Carlos Santana plays along with guitarist Tommy AnthonyCindy Blackman Santana drummerBenny Rietveld, bass
