Today, April 28, the pop-punk band Nonstop to Cairo released a new song, “Not Today,” which will be followed by their LP, Kai, on May 5, via collaboration with Rama Entertainment and Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music. Before the debut of the new song and new album, the band re-released their single “Awkward Situations,” on March 31. Additionally, Nonstop to Cairo will appear at Hempfest at Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and Grill on April 29, for their album release party.
Kai album art. Credit: Dana Gordon, Indie Music Media.
Nonstop to Cairo consists of August “ASH” Harris (vocals,) Nick Diamond (guitar/vocals,) Alex Turner (drums/vocals,) and Ed Nevin (Bass guitar), from Baldwin. The band released their debut album, Dabble Heavy, and performed at several Long Island Music venues in support of the album in 2018, including Amityville Music Hall. Their upcoming LP, Kai, is in honor of the band’s former trumpet player/keyboardist, Kevin Anand Itwaru, who passed away in 2020, shortly before the album was recorded, and his initials make up the album title. While the album was inspired by their grief, it is also a celebration of life, according to Nonstop to Cairo.
“Our sophomore album Kai is a celebration of life, dedicated to our friend, brother, and former member Kevin Anand Itwaru who passed away in 2020. The project is a great portrayal of the vision we created with him, as our sound is ever-evolving. Kai is about the ups and downs of life, music, loss, and the connection needed to persevere,” shares guitarist Diamond.
“Awkward Situations,” has a pop-punk sound, with melodic punk rhythms, fast-paced riffs, and rapid-fire rap. It’s the perfect song for anyone that needs to let out any feelings of anxiousness or nerves they’ve been holding in. Sometimes, you just need to scream at the top of your lungs, and it’s clear from “Awkward Situations,” that the band understands that feeling.
Nonstop to Cairo will release their new song, “Not Today,” on April 28, and their LP, Kai, is due for release on May 5. Stream music by Nonstop to Cairo and pre-saveKai.
New York-based alternative indie band Evil Sweet has just debuted their newest EP Queen Victoria, on April 28th. According to the band, the album evokes a different she of love at various stages in a relationship.
Evil Sweet is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Long Island founded by members Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro. Thus, having achieved over 100K streams on the singles for the EP and playing legendary venues like The Bowery Electric. Their energy is familiar to indie artists like The Neighborhood, Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys.
Zach is the guitarist and rapper for the group with Scotty on lead vocals, both having heavy roles in the songwriting. Evil Sweet blends multiple genres like rock, pop, blues, folk, and hip-hop. The two have been creating music together since their early high school years.
When listening to the album, keep in mind that each song is supposed to represent a different stage of love in a relationship. Queen Victoria is a unique album for Evil Sweet to release, it has sweet and delicate songs like “Long Live The Queen,” where the lyrics are quite meaningful. Almost very similar to Panic! At The Dico’s 2008 release Pretty Odd.
The intro song “Something” also hits differently, having sounded straight out of an 80’s soundboard, flowy and bubbly. Songs like “Queen Victoria” and “Out of Nowhere” are energetic and high-strung, the vocalist reminiscent of The Kooks. “How To Love You” was a favorite on the album, having meaningful lyrics and an upbeat tempo.
The band has also had an amazing start to 2023 with the two singles “Something” and “Out of Nowhere” achieving over 100,000 streams on Spotify being interviewed by underground indie-blog “Girl at the Rock Shows.” Evil Sweet prepare for the release of their debut EP Queen Victoria on April 28th.
When I think of Blues music, the basic, common names come to mind. The likes of BB King, Muddy Waters, Blind Boy Fuller, and Buddy Guy. These are the classic staples of Blues genre. Another staple with the Blues is a nice pour of bourbon/rye/whiskey, straight up or on the rocks, it pairs well with the classic or modern sounds of Blues. This was the thought process of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Neil Giraldo as he founded Three Chord brand of bourbons in 2017. Fast forward to 2023, Giraldo’s company was a presenting sponsor of the 2nd annual Buffalo Blues and Roots Festival.
Taking place on April 22, Buffalo Riverworks Buffalo’s Best Sports Bar & Entertainment hosted 10 acts of amazing Blues talent, each playing approximately 40-minute sets, with the two headliners getting bonus stage time. Oh, and they were doing bourbon samples, too, pretty much a win-win.
Opening the festival was Buffalo’s own Henry’s Summer Kitchen (Henry’s Summer Kitchen | Buffalo NY | Facebook). This unique quartet plays a wide range of tunes, ranging from classic Merle Haggard to current original songs, twangy, old-school country sounds with modern twists. You never know what you are going to get, but you will never be disappointed.
Taking over the stage after Henry’s cleared out his kitchen, Tonemah was ready to jam. Darryl Tonemah (Tonemah)is not your typical musician, let’s make that clear. Not only does Tonemah record and perform music, but he also carries a Ph.D. and has appeared in 3 well-known movies. To boot, he performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, holding quite the resume.
Performing in Buffalo, though, this full-blooded Native American (Kiowa/Comanche/Tuscarora) was wowing the Riverworks crowd with family on stage with him as a seven piece band. Playing mostly original music, Tonemah shook the stage for about 40 minutes and used every second to make their presence known.
Next up was The Growlers (Growlers Blues Band | Buffalo NY | Facebook) Featuring Jon Lewandowski on vocals and harp, Dan Shurtleff on drums, Rob Enderle on guitar, Ed Croft on bass with guest guitarist Rusty Fisher. Western NY based, these guys came to play, and play they did. With smooth riffs on the bass, Jon doing his best John Popper impression on the harp, and Dan crushing the drums, The Growlers came across as seasoned vets on more of a blues rock set. At this point, a nice bourbon was really hitting me.
Coming to the stage around 315 was The X-Statix with Sharon Bailey (The X-STATIX | Facebook). Bailey hits the stage as a very well-known and regarded funk/blues/jazz voice in the Buffalo area. Punk band vibes, her voice is a little Joan Osborne, a little Etta James, and a little Dusty Springfield. Rounding out X-Statix is Joel Slazyk on bass (who happened to have color-coordinated shirts and guitar), Bob Granfield on vocals and percussion, and Rick Militello on vocals/bass.
Bourbon? Nope, not yet. Three Chords was setting up a table right near the VIP entrance, however, and I was on watch now.
Ok, this is where I admit some fault. Coming into this festival, I searched on the world wide web for all these acts. I knew some of them and had heard of a couple of othersâall with great feedback. Patti Parks was a new name for me so I looked her up as I did everyone else. I made a decision beforehand that this was going be my rest time as I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the set as much as the others, get some pizza and beverage and just sit back and enjoy the show. Patti, I am sorry I doubted you at all as I couldn’t have been more wrong on this. Patti and her ensemble were incredible as they rocked the stage with a brass section, bass, percussion, and her own vocals. For me, this set was mind-blowing, to say the least. Go give Patti Parks a listen and see for yourself why she is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.
Ray Barry, the name behind Barry Entertainment, is the event organizer/promotor. Not only does he set up this superb event in downtown Buffalo, NY, he is also a scheduled performer and he brought the troupe out to perform the music of The Band. Like every other act on this stage doing covers, these guys put their own style to some Americana classics without hindering the effects of the song. Ending with a staple, The Weight, and Ray Barry and Friends had a large group of VIP patrons dancing stage front for the entire 40-minute set.
Tommy Z takes the stage at 545, with bourbon pouring at 545. Tommy Z has a rich history with blues, starting out when he backed up Pinetop Perkins and worked with many of the biggest names including Buddy Guy, Jimmy Vaughn, and Robert Cray. On top of his illustrious recording career, which has included weekly shows on Buffalo-based blues radio stations, Tommy has managed to do shows for US troops around the globe, sometimes in tumultuous areas, since 2003.
It’s bourbon time. While I am not a bourbon snob, I enjoy a few things in life including a nice sipping drink. Three Chord was offering up 2 varieties to sample: Kentucky Straight Bourbon, aged in pinot noir barrels as well as Amplified Rye. I had to sample both and damn were they tasty. While I enjoyed the Rye at 95 proof, the Kentucky straight was a little smoother and definitely had me looking for a bottle to take home. Again, I am not a bourbon snob or reviewer, I simply enjoy a nice pour with some solid music in the background.
Moving back to the music, Miller and the Other Sinners took the stage for their set. Buffalo-based and well-known around Western NY and the Finger Lakes, Miller (who also is involved with Three Chord Bourbon) and his Sinners came out firing on all cylinders with the funk and soul sound they have been producing since 2015. Over the years Miller has played with great names such as Shamekia Copeland, Susan Tedeschi, and Joe Bonamassa. 730 is the time I have been looking forward to because Selwyn Birchwood jumps on stages Just as I did for all the other acts, I looked into this young man. It didn’t much for me to get hooked. A little Jimi Hendrix, a dash of Prince, and Some Buddy Guy, that is Selwyn Birchwood, who burst onto the scene in 2014.
A song I took to immediately was “Living in a Burning House.” Deep lyrics and smooth vocals make this a perfect song to listen to while sipping Three Chord bourbon. When he played this song in Buffalo, the crowd was ready for it and you could see many of them singing along. Another artist new to me, for now, it was clear that Birchwood made his presence known around Buffalo as he rocked the crowd for a little over an hour.
Rounding out the festival was Colin James. From Saskatchewan, Canada, James brought 30 years of music, 8 Juno awards, and nearly 30 Maple Blues awards to Buffalo Riverworks. Who knew this could happen to a guy whose first performance was opening up for Stevie Ray Vaughn with only a few hours notice? While the venue and crowd may not be what James is used to, he had the entire crowd into the music. For some, it was just sitting there bopping their head to the beat or tapping their toes, while others were in full dance party mode. With over 20 albums of music to select from, James played for nearly 90 minutes and seemed to love every second of it. Colin James is on tour, with shows coming up in Ontario.
For nine hours, Buffalo Riverworks was rocking some blues, roots, and Americana sounds. Arts and crafts, the aforementioned bourbon, as well as rustic surroundings outside all were perfect compliments of each other and Barry Entertainment put together a great day of family fun in Downtown Buffalo.
Henry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenHenry’s Summer KitchenTonemahThe Growlers Blues BandThe X-StatixPatti Parks BandRay Barry and FriendsTommy ZMiller and the Other SinnersSelwyn BirchwoodColin James
French electronic band M83 took over Terminal 5 on Wednesday, April 26, for an unforgettable show that left the venue buzzing with energy. The show was the second of the band’s New York City dates, having performed the previous day. The venue was packed with fans of all ages, ready to experience the once-in-a-lifetime show.
M83, led by frontman Anthony Gonzalez, is mostly known for their synth-pop hits, but they delivered a rock band experience, complete with gripping guitar solos by Gonzalez and a saxophone solo by Ian Young, the band’s talented saxophonist. Throughout the set, Terminal 5 was engulfed in beautiful blue, red, and yellow laser lights.
The show’s production was top-notch, with the crowd interaction being just as impressive. The crowd sang along to the band’s hits, including “My Tears Are Becoming a Sea,” “Wait,” “Solitude” (which is currently big on TikTok), “Amnesia,” and the title track of their new album, “Fantasy.”
M83’s performance was intense, with drum solos and clashing percussion and synths. The band brought a unique energy to the show, giving the performance of their lives. Terminal 5 was left in awe of the band’s electric sound.
Overall, M83’s performance at Terminal 5 was a spectacular experience that will stay with attendees for a long time. The show was sponsored by Wells Fargo, and the venue was engulfed in a captivating laser light show that matched the band’s electrifying sound. Catch M83 on their ongoing tour, which includes stops in several US cities.
Setlist: Intro, Reunion, Do It, Try It, We Own the Sky, Steve McQueen, Wait, Soleil Couchant, Go! Go!, Solitude, Teen Angst, Run into Flowers, My Tears Are Becoming a Sea, Couleurs, Amnesia, Fantasy Encore: Outro, Midnight City
New York-based Pop-punk band Against the Current began a world tour that kicked off its U.S. leg on April 22 and will have a performance at the Gramercy Theatre this coming May.
Against the Current also dropped their new single, “good guy.” Vocalist Chrissy Costanza describes the track as “all about going from anger to apathy, recognizing that this person that hurt you is too sad to hate,” urging listeners to “don’t ignore the red flags, trust your gut.”
The members of Against the Current, from left to right: Will Ferri (drums, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals,) Chrissy Costanza (lead vocals,) and Dan Gow (lead guitar, backing vocals.)
Against the Current originated in Poughkeepsie and consists of Will Ferri, Chrissy Costanza, and Dan Gow. The band’s career spans over a decade, forming in 2011 before releasing their debut studio album, In Our Bones, in 2016. This was followed by 2018’s Past Lives, and aside from their two studio album, Against the Current have released several EPs.
“good guy” is a relatable track made even better by its visualizer. It tells the story of a romantic suitor (whether it be a guy, girl, etc.) who won’t drop their “good guy” act even when they’ve already made their true colors clear, and you’re finally seeing them for who they are. “good guy” and more music by Against the Current is now streaming.
Tickets for Against the Current’s world tour are now on sale.
As the legend of Lark Hall continues to grow, the Ryan Montbleau performance from April 20 will be one of the ones they talk about for years to come. An instant classic that showcased everything from rock and blues to funk and folk, eloquent and meaningful storytelling, full band collaborations, over the top guitar solos and even a bit of Marty McFly-type showmanship. Along with a well-received set by the sultry and dynamic female folk singer Kat Wright that included a cover of Bob Marley’s classic song “Burnin’ and Lootin’, being in the Albany room on this night felt like being home for the holidaze.
Fans “packed” into Lark Hall to celebrate 4/20 with Ryan Montbleau
Until recently though, home for Ryan Montbleau has been on the road. After spending more than two decades on tour living out of a suitcase, the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter has finally settled down and purchased property in Burlington, Vermont. Only a short drive to the Albany area, Montbleau has become a regular fixture in the Capital Region music scene. Often playing in Saratoga Springs at venues like Caffe Lena and Putnum Place, over the years Montbleau has shared the stage with everyone from the Tedeski Trucks Band and Mavis Staples, to the Wood Brother and Goose. This night, however, would be his Lark Hall debut.
Here comes the Pain: Ryan Montbleau had the crowd feeling fine while performing “Just Enough Pain”on 4/20
Montbleau, who was dressed in a Todd Snider T-shirt and would perform the majority of the show with a spliff safely tucked behind his ear, addressed the doobious date by saying, “I feel like 4:20 doesn’t mean as much as it used to. These days you can just go down the street and get some gummies and a couple pre-rolls. How rebellious is that?” Opening up with “Just Enough Pain” and passionately singing as if it were the encore, Ryan and the band were dialed in from the start. Repeating the chorus of “I guess I’m fine” until the whole room was saying it too, it was the kind of cathartic start to a show that rarely comes around. The kind that let you know that no matter what other 4/20 shenanigans were happening simultaneously elsewhere, you were exactly where you needed to be and you had picked wisely.
When I Misbehave: Ryan Montbleau rolled into Lark Hall for the first time on 4/20/2023
Playing most of his recently released studio album, 2023’s Wood, Fire, Water, and Air, Ryan Montbleau’s band currently consists of Ex-Turkuaz/current Cool Cool Cool members Craig Brodhead on guitar and Michelangelo Carubba on drums, Paul Philippone from West End Blend on keys, and Michael Friedman from The Slip on bass. Montbleau has gone on record calling them his best band yet, and after working their way through songs like “Ankles,” and fan favorite “75 and Sunny” it’s easy to why. The band would have fans chanting along again on “Yeah Man,” before ripping into the aptly appropriate 4/20 rocker “Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High.” Brodhead’s incredible tone control sounded gorgeous in this room and on this song in particular. You can check out fan shot video it below:
Sweet: Watch fan shot footage of “Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High” from Lark Hall on 4/20
Cooling things off a bit, a stripped down and somber rendition of “Never Gonna Be” gave the audience some time to reflect, while “Long for You Again” explored similar sentiments, but with a notably more up-tempo swing. Ryan would abort the intro of “Til the End of Our Days,” laughing to himself that it sounded too much like the theme song from the 1993 film Free Willy. Then in a moment of priceless crowd participation, fans of the Michael Jackson song briefly started singing the chorus of “Will You Be There.” Things got more serious when Montbleau dusted off a pair of deep-thinkers from 2017’s I was Just Leaving, “Time and Time Again” and the album’s title track.
With a little Help From Friends: The Kat Wright Band performing with Ryan Montbleau on 4/20/23
Then for a special treat, members of the Kat Wright Band would join in on the festivities, lending backing vocals on “When I Misbehave” and on one of the more popular songs of the night, “Bright Side.” Earlier in the evening, Wright had let her feelings about the venue be known, commenting how special this room felt to her. Saying, “Long live Lark Hall. Such a beautiful venue. It feels like slipping into a dream. Back to a time when people cared about storytelling and being together and listening to the music and it’s just so beautiful. I hope it stays open forever.” The heartfelt sentiment was collectively felt by all. The energy level would raise even higher when the band bounced back with a full-on funk attack during “Dead Set,” where chairmen Paul Philippone shinned particularly bright. “Songbird” took on strong Rastafarian vibes, only to be outdone by the most bombastic cover choice of the night in Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me.”
This Must Be the Place: The Lark Hall kids loved it when Montbleau channeled his inner Marty McFly on 4/20/23
Putting down his guitar and working both sides of the stage while rapping the lyrics to the turn-of-the-century mega hit, the charismatic Montbleau drove the ladies in the crowd absolutely wild here. Well, “Seeing is believing so you better change your specs.” That’s what fans were thinking during the follow-up cover choice of Talking Heads “This Must Be the Place” when both Montbleau and Brodhead were having so much fun together, they briefly ended up playing guitars while laying on their backs ala Marty McFly in Back to the Future. Considering Lark Hall’s storied Chuck Berry history, it somehow seemed to make sense.
Floored: Guitarist Craig Brodhead laid down a smoking solo during “Naïve Melody” at Lark Hall on 4/20/23
After finding their feet again, the band would go into the song “Affected,” which Montbleau helped write with Maddy O’neal and appears on the 2022 album Ricochet. The boogie down continued with a rippin’ version of “Honeymoon Eyes” and then more full audience participation on “I Can’t Wait,” which brought the main portion of the show to a close and left the packed house hollering for more.
Watch fan shot footage of Ryan Montbleau’s final song at Lark Hall on 4/20
After soaking in the cheers for a few moments, the band would emerge from the curtains with one more heartfelt ballad from Wood, Fire, Water, and Air called “Outside Looking In.” Finally, they would send the audience home on a high note with a smoking rendition of “Pacing Like Prince.”
Just an incredible, fun, and well-rounded performance from start to finish. Complete with a carefully crafted, career spanning setlist, an absolutely badass backing band, guest sit-ins, and his innate ability to develop a wonderfully organic rapport with his audience, it would seem that Ryan Montbleau made the most of his Lark Hall 4:20 debut and may have found a new home away from home in the process. Carving his name into the venue’s growing legend, it genuinely feels like something special happens every time you step foot into Albany’s newest concert spot. If you’re looking for great music, great vibes and a great time, this must be the place indeed-e.
Fans “packed” into Lark Hall on 4/20
Ryan Montbleau | 4/20/2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Just Enough Pain, Ankles, Yeah Man, Sweet, Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High, After Dark, 76 & Sunny, Never Gonna Be, Long For You Again, ‘Til The End of Our Days, Time and Again, I Was Just Leaving, When I Misbehave, Brightside, Dead Set, Songbird, It Wasn’t Me*, This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) **, Affected, Honeymoon Eyes, I Can’t Wait
Encore: Outside Looking In, Pacing Like Prince
*Shaggy cover
**Talking Heads cover
Kat Wright | 4/20/2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Can’t Explain, Problems, Lovers & Tides/All About You, Try, Take Me With You, Rhonda, Burnin’ and Lootin’, I’ve Been Down
Following his live performance debut at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Jai Paul traveled East to Queens‘ Knockdown Center on Tuesday, April 25.
It has been over 10 years since Jai released his first single, “BTSTU” on the acclaimed British label, XL Recordings. In that time, his debut project was leaked prematurely (then made officially available), founded a label with his brother, aptly called The Paul Institute, and returned with two new singles.
Due to this mystifyingly sporadic release pattern, it is no surprise his first headlining performance would be to much fanfare (and a consistently lengthy merch line).
Backed by his brother A. K. Paul on guitar, fellow Paul Institute member, Fabiana Palladino on keyboard and backing vocals, Rocco Palladino on bass, and Isaac Kizito on drums, the group performed an hour-long featuring many songs from the aforementioned leaked project (Bait Ones) and a new song titled, “So Long”, which he premiered a week prior in Indio.
Jai had the audience from the start, jumping into “He” after an interlude of “Higher Res”, many in the crowd finally feeling a sense of relief after anticipation of a live performance lurked for over a decade.
Numerous times throughout the night he showed genuine appreciation for the fans sticking with him for this long, repeating “I know I’ve been gone a long time” in the chorus of “BTSTU”.
The show concluded with the sonically expansive track “Str8 Outta Mumbai”, reaching back out to the crowd with the line “but you know I’ll do anything for you” to conclude the song and cathartic performance.
As soon as the Vani Jairam sample hit, the crowd immediately erupted into exhilaration, dancing and bouncing throughout the packed sold-out venue.
Jai Paul returns to his hometown of London, England to perform two shows at HERE @ Outernet on May 9th and 10th.
Jai Paul | Knockdown Center | Queens, NY | April 25, 2023
Setlist: Higher Res, He, Crush, 100,000, So Long, All Night, Zion Wolf Theme, Good Time, Genevieve, Do You Love Her Now, Jasmine, BTSTU, Str8 Outta Mumbai
Ace Frehley turns 72 on April 27th, proving you are never too old to keep rocking and rolling. While the famed guitarist is most known for his prominent role in the hard rock group KISS, he has also enjoyed a fruitful solo career.
Perhaps one of his biggest solo hits is “New York Groove” – an anthemic encapsulation of Frehley’s youthful spirit and the city that drove him to new heights. But it might surprise you to hear that he didn’t actually write the tune. And that it was popular in Europe long before it ever reached America.
Ace Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951. He grew up in the Bronx and first picked up a guitar at the age of 14. It was here in New York City that Frehley saw the Who and Cream perform live, further solidifying aspirations of rock stardom into his young, impressionable brain.
Frehley cut his teeth on the local NYC scene throughout the late 60s and early 70’s. It was during this time that he answered an ad calling for a guitarist in a hard rock group. It read, “Lead guitarist wanted with flash and ability.”
That fateful listing brought him into the fold of bassist/singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist/singer Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss – KISS was officially born.
The band was signed to Casablanca Records in November 1973 and for most of the decade they toured around the world, skyrocketing to the top of their charts. Catchy choruses, searing guitar riffs and a flair for the theatrics helped the band stand out in more ways than one. A string of platinum albums and sold-out tours lasted throughout the late 70’s.
KISS 1983 – Paul Stanley/Getty images
Despite the hectic schedule, all four members of KISS recorded and released respective solo albums on the exact same day in 1978. Frehley’s project was self-titled and featured what would become one of his most popular solo tracks: “New York Groove.”
While the song feels representative of Frehley’s own experiences in New York, the track is actually a cover, originally written by Russ Ballard and recorded by a glam-inspired rock band called Hello. The original track achieved a fair amount of success in Europe, charting at #9 in the U.K. and #7 in Germany. It was reportedly recorded in less than 5 hours in a studio just north of London.
Ballard said in an interview that he had the idea for the song while on a plane ride to NYC.
I felt that’d be a good title for a song,” he said. “The whole idea was of someone going back to New York and singing about the experience.”
The song encapsulates the feeling of a nostalgic return to a place once called home. It starts with the lyrics:
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right Buildings towering to the sky, it’s outta sight
After years of relentless touring, one would think Frehley could relate to the feeling of coming home for the first time in a while. But apparently, Frehley was not enthusiastic about recording the song; he had never even heard the track before covering it. But alas, the label wanted a more commercial song on the album and so, Frehley went ahead with it.
In an interview with Louder Sound in 2016, Frehley put it like this:
“A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve wrote the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it, ha-ha-hargh!”
While most of Frehley’s solo album was recorded in a studio in Connecticut, “New York Groove” was a late addition and was recorded in Plaza Sound Studios, right above Radio City Music Hall.
Ace Frehley’s hit single “New York Groove,” released September 18th, 1978
Frehley, Simmons, Stanley and Criss all released their solo albums on September, 18th 1978. But Frehley was the only one who managed a hit single, with none other than “New York Groove. “It stayed on the U.S. charts for 21 weeks, peaking at #13.
Frehley told Louder Sound in that same interview that there was no competition among bandmates to have the best record. But he also revealed that he hadn’t really listened to his fellow bandmates’ projects.
“I did put Gene’s on once,” he recalled in the interview. “When I heard his version of When You Wish Upon A Star I had to pull it off the turntable, ha-ha-hargh!”
Origins Vol. 2, released in 2020, featuring classic rock covers such as “Good Times Bad Times” and Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Frehley has continued to release solo projects in the past few decades. His most recent solo album, Origins Vol. 2, was released on September 18, 2020. It is a follow-up to Origins Vol. 1, released in 2016. Both consist of covers of some of Ace Frehley’s favorite songs. Still, “New York Groove” remains a signature song.
In an interview, Russ Ballard attributes the song’s success to its simplicity. “I guess it surprised me because it’s so incredibly simple. They say a good song will always sell, and there’s a lot of truth in that.”
“New York Groove” Lyrics
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right, buildings towering to the sky It’s outta sight in the dead of night
(Ooh) Here I am, again in this city (Ooh) With a fistful of dollars And baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove In the back of my Cadillac Wicked lady, sittin’ by my side, sayin’ “Where are we?” Stopped at 3rd and 43, exit to the night It’s gonna be ecstasy, this place was meant for me
(Ooh) I feel so good tonight (Ooh) Who cares about tomorrow So baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
Long Island’s Family Dinner have just served the release their newest single “Revenge Dress,” a empowering/spicy break-up track. The band has also announced a few shows with The Dirty Nil this July and will head out on a short run with Only Sibling this week.
“Revenge Dress” is a total breakup anthem and with lines like “This pretty face is gonna raise some hell tonight,” it’s hard not to get stuck in your head. The song rides from floaty to fierce, with chiming riffs and upbeat drums complementing Natalie O’Keeffe’s cool and collected vocals. Along with this release, the music video for the song encapsulates the mood of the lyrics.
Speaking on the song, Natalie expands by stating, “‘Revenge Dress’, put very simply is a breakup ‘fuck you’ song about realizing your worth and no longer letting yourself get taken for granted. The best revenge is success and nothing gets you over some loser more than looking good and raising hell with your friends.”
Formed in 2017, Family Dinner are friends first and a band second. Living just a few miles apart, the group formed naturally when drummer Nick Amalfitano was jamming out with guitarist Michael O’Keeffe as Natalie hummed melodies while making dinner, and thus the band name came to be.
The members of Family Dinner are almost as carefree as the beach town they reside in. The band has created a unique alternative rock sound that makes you want to dance, paired with lyrics that take a dark twist.
Rounded out by bassist Sam Weiss, Family Dinner began crafting songs, released a few singles, and started playing shows at DIY spots within the tight-knit Long Island music scene. In 2021 the band released the EP, You’re So Cool, four melodic tracks that pull from 90’s alternative rock and punk ethos.
Following the EP, the band knew they had something special on their hands and soon found themselves opening for acts like The Lemonheads, Grouplove, Bayside and Iron Chic. Entering the studio with Brett Romnes and Vinnie Caruana (The Movielife, I Am The Avalanche) last year, Family Dinner is currently putting the finishing touches on their debut full-length.
Tour Dates:
w/ Only Sibling
4/20 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Kingsland
4/21 – Westfield, MA @ Hutghi’s
4/22 – Providence, RI @ Alchemy
w/ The Dirty Nil
7/12 – Boston, MA @ Sonia
7/13 – Syracuse, NY @ Song and Dance
7/14 – Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room
Listen to “Revenge Dress” by clicking the link here.
On Friday April 21st, The Stanley Theater in Utica hosted a memorable musical showdown of two of the most popular rock bands in rock history, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Performing the Beatles songs were Abbey Road and The Rolling Stones tribute Satisfaction. Both bands used three costume changes each presenting eras of rock and roll history.
The debate of who stands the greatest began with alternating mini sets of two tribute bands engaging in an on stage mashup duel.
The Beatles are widely characterized as classical traditional pop and rock n roll, the English rock band formed in the 1960’s. Ever since, have been regarded as one of the most influential bands of all time, achieving international and commercial success.
Abbey Road has become one of the most satisfying Beatles tribute acts to this day. Covering all eras including the authentic black suits from the early 60s, Sgt. Peppers regalia and the honorary Abbey Road attire. Recreating and honoring the harmony, charm and wit of the English rock band where they perform the full Beatles experience.
On the other hand, The Rolling Stones were driven by blues, rock, pop and truly defined hard rock n roll culture. Becoming a huge part of youth culture in the 1960’s with their rebellious punk that largely influenced society and revolutionized the music industry.
Satisfaction has become an international tribute show to honor a world known rock band entering their 20th year in production. The cast brings an authentic performance of classical hits from over 50 years of Rolling Stones history.
Both bands hold the name and legacy that defines true rock and roll. The debate and battle between the two persists for over 50 years. Going face to face truly highlighted the band’s history and rivalry.
Abbey Road and Satisfaction put on an outstanding show that left the crowd with a standing ovation. Show comers sang along to every song, while the cast members interacted with the crowd shouting, “Put your hands up!”. It was truly an unforgettable experience to bring the 60’s back to business, to celebrate and honor the legacy of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
