Brooklyn‘s Oropendola has announced the release of her newest LP Waiting For The Sky To Speak out on March 17th. Along with this exciting news, she has just released the single track on the album “Knocking Down Flowers,” accompanied with a beautifully hazy and shimmering video to go with it.
When listening to “Knocking Down Flowers,” Schubert finds life in the least likely of places: a construction site. Here, she recognizes and illuminates the power of living at the intersection of contrasts.
Waiting For The Sky To Speak is Joanna Schubert’s debut album as Oropendola, a word that means “golden pendulum.” The album’s emotional core comes through on roiling ballad “Trust the Sun” and clear-eyed album closer “When You Carried Me,” which both look to the sun, another kind of golden pendulum, as a guiding force.
Set to release March 17th, these tracks shimmer with bursts of energy and emotion, swinging from playfulness to earnestness with deft, technicolor brushstrokes. The album is a celebration of choosing life even in the face of its ephemerality, and of finding motion even in the midst of stillness.
While much of the rest of Waiting for the Sky to Speak careens across black-ice patches of inner conflict, both these songs offer a tentative hand outward, towards love, friendship, and family. The fixed sun in a changeable sky as she coaxes herself back out into the world.
Joanna says of the track and its inspiration, “In January 2020, I started recording myself improvising every morning – “morning pages” inspired by The Artist’s Way, a creative self-help book. I recorded morning pages #1 soon after a pivotal, complicated, on-and-off relationship “reached its end. Round and round we went, addicted to one another, unable to break free of a sticky cycle that prevented us from fully blooming together. That song seed turned into Knocking Down Flowers within a few days.”
To listen to more of Oropendola, click the link here.
For more information about Oropendola and upcoming tour dates, click the link here.
New York City-based Instrumentalist and Singer/Songwriter JSHELL has announced his newest studio album, In My Head. This audio/visual rock album will be accompanied by JSHELL releasing a video for each track on the album beginning today and leading up to the complete album release which will be available on February 14.
In My Head features special guest appearances from some of the best musicians in the business, including the incomparable Steve Hackett (Genesis) , Katie Jacoby (The Who) , Jake Cinninger (Umphreys McGee) and Scott Metzger (WOLF!).
JSHELL produced, wrote and arranged all 15 tracks on In My Head while playing all the drums, bass guitar and keyboards and providing lead and background vocals, rhythm and lead guitar and percussion. In My Head also features mastering by Grammy Award-winning Randy Merrill of Sterling Sound.
“I am excited to share my music with fans of rock music and am humbled by the genius that Steve, Katie, Jake, Scott and the other contributing musicians, vocalists and engineers brought to the project” says JSHELL.
Beginning today, JSHELL will be releasing 15 videos, all of which were written, produced and directed himself, every other day over the next 30 days for each of the 15 tracks. The release schedule for each of the 15 videos, which will be available for viewing on JSHELL’s Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages and is available on his website. The video for the lead track “Crawl” is available now.
For all information relating to JSHELL and the release of his album In My Head, please visit JSHELL’S website, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages.
The band Upstate, Hudson Valley natives, announced the release of their third album You Only Get a Few along with a tour, hitting places like NYC, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester.
Upstate, photo by Bridget Badore.
Members Mary Webster, Melanie Glenn, Harry D’Agostino and Dylan McKinstry navigate the peaks and valleys of transitioning periods in their life. Upstate released their debut record , A Remedy, in 2015, then in 2019 they released their record Healing. Both of these records showcase the group’s abilities to create dynamic compositions centered on vocals, bass, guitar, horns and percussion.
Their newest album You Only Get a Few will be released on March 31, and the album’s first single “Befriend” is out now. Much of the record is inspired by the band’s real life experiences, from marriages, babies, funerals, and personal awakenings, and also moments of spontaneous fiction. They all take a collective breath on the record, and “simply just wanted to make a record because it felt important to capture the moment we found ourselves in,” shares founding member Mary Webster.
To support the record, Upstate will be embarking on a tour, hitting places like NYC, Woodstock, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse in April. Tickets are on sale now.
Brand new, NYC-based music label 41st Parallel Records has just made their first release of 2023 with “Songs” by 3 Cards Trick. This instrumental guitar trio is the meeting of three of the most in-demand improvisors on New York’s avant-garde scene: Marco Cappelli (classical guitar), Brandon Seabrook (guitar), and Stomu Takeishi (acoustic bass guitar).
The trio’s music tastes take influence from various sources including covers, soundtracks, early music, and original compositions. Then, after some sampling with a blend of their own tastes, they land in a new unknown sound territory where everything is possible.
The all three members of 3 Cards Trick had first met back in 2015 at The Stone, John Zorn’s storied experimental music venue in New York. Since then, the trio has continued to develop its own, unique musical vision.
Marco Cappelli, also known as 41st Parallel Records, is an Italian-born, Brooklyn-based guitarist and composer. He has carved out an extraordinary artistic path between the worlds of avant classical and improvised music, fluent in both rigorous written music as well the languages of free improvisation. Marco is also member of Marc Ribot’s Caged Funk, Adam Rudolph’s Go: Organic Orchestra, and The Zone with Daniele Del Monaco.
In March 2020, the trio was ready to take off on their first ever European tour but backfired due to the worldwide COVID pandemic and lockdown. Thankfully after some time, the tour finally happened during the Fall of 2021.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
2/7 MARCO CAPPELLI – DownTown Music Gallery 6:30 pm / 13 Monroe St, New York 2/8 ELLIOTT SHARP / MARCO CAPPELLI / JT LEWIS – Shift 8pm / 411 Kent Ave, Brooklyn 2/14 ITALIAN SURF ACADEMY Fake Worlds album release show – The Sultan Room 234 Starr St, Brooklyn 2/18 w/ADAM RUDOLPH’S GO: ORGANIC ORCHESTRA & BROOKLYN RAGA MASSIVE Festival in Sons d’Hiver, Paris, France
Listen to 3 Cards Trick’s “Songs” by clicking the link here.
Deb Cavanaugh, an award-winning folk artist from Saratoga Springs, has recently formed Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine, with their first release a cover of “Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant.
Very much like Deb Cavanaugh‘s former band, General Eclectic, Dandelion Wine’s line-up may vary depending on the venue and availability of musicians. Dandelion Wine is Jared Carrozza on bass and Ben Hart on drums, who also provides vocals and occasional lead guitar.
The unique blend of blues, rock & roll, and folk is what gives Dandelion Wine a genre best defined as “psychedelic folk.”
Cavanaugh is a singer songwriter, artist educator, multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mountain dulcimer, mandolin & more) in Petersburg, NY playing feel-good Americana.
The group have also released a video, “New Age Guy,” recorded at The Jive Hive.
Brooklyn-based MC Skyzoo has dropped his newest studio creation, told from the point of view of “Franklin Saint”, the series protaganist of FX’s Snowfall. The video for lead single “Straight Drop” has also been released.
Skyzoo Releases New Concept Album
Art Imitating Art
Across this new 10 song character study, Skyzoo puts himself in the mind of the character, and raps about the motivations, surroundings, and the reality of the drug epidemic.
“When making this album, I wanted to do something that creatively pushed a button. Something that served a purpose, while trying to understand both sides of the fence that it represents. The idea of a fictional character, Franklin Saint, and what his innermost thoughts could be when dealing with the worlds he’s caught in between. What makes it so intriguing is that his character and his world are mirrors of a time and era that really happened. The birth of one of the world’s most addictive drugs and how its ripple effect took on a life that may seemingly never die. The crack era was one of the worst chapters in black America’s story. Using the Snowfall series as a vehicle to delve into both sides was truly fascinating as an emcee”.
Skyzoo
This companion experience comes at a perfect time, as the sixth and final season of FX’s Snowfall begins airing on February 22, 2023.
The Mind Of A Saint, Now available
A Successful Partnership
For this LP, Skyzoo once again teamed with D.C based The Other Guys. The production duo of Mighty Joe and Isaiah “Insanate” Mensah follow have been collaborating with Skyzoo for years. Their music chemistry is palpable on this project, which has relatable themes, even to those not familiar with Snowfall. The songs feature thoughtful interludes, and Pete Rock/DJ Premier-style outro beats at the end.
While not new to the ‘conceptual album” as evident on his previous projects, this is definitely Skyzoo’s most ambitious, and often grueling project.
“It was one of the most intense projects I’ve ever written. The idea of becoming a fictional character, which represents actual real-life events, making sure to hit every detail, from both the show and our real world, was a writing exercise like no other” Skyzoo claims. “I’m honored to have been able to do so, and I’m honored that The Other Guys trusted me to step outside a box, and truly push the envelope with this. Enjoy, and remember, like they told us in the ’80s: Just Say No.”
Skyzoo’s The Mind Of A Saint is now available at all DSP’s via First Generation Rich/HiPNOTT Records.
Over its 20-year history, globalFEST has become one of NYC’s most anticipated annual concert events, a multi-act spectacular that has introduced intrepid music-lovers and professional tastemakers alike to over 200 dynamic artists from 70 different countries.
On Sunday, January 15, its 2023 edition spanned three stages at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall showcasing 10 electrifying acts, from the Cambodian-American psychedelic rock of Dengue Fever to Mexico’s punk and marimba-inflected Son Rompe Pera to America’s new first family of gospel and 2022 NEA Heritage Fellows, The Legendary Ingramettes.
L to R – Meera Dugal, 2023 guest curator; Ian Thake, gF administrator; Isabel Soffer, co-founder and director; Bill Bragin, co-founder and co-director; Shanta Thake, co-director and Lincoln Center Artistic Director.
globalFEST takes place during JanArtsNYC, an annual collective of hot festivals showcasing all forms of performing arts during New York’s coldest month – from theater and dance to opera and jazz, the latter via the also much-anticipated WinterJazzFest. Importantly, these all coincide with APAP, The Association of Performing Arts Professionals. This convention brings hundreds of bookers from performing arts centers and independent venues all across the country to sample new artists whom they can contract for performances. In large part via coinciding with APAP, globalFEST has helped jumpstart the domestic touring careers of notables like Antibalas, Angelique Kidjo, Amythyst Kiah, Martha Redbone, Rhiannon Giddens to name a few. This year’s lineup was curated by festival co-directors Bill Bragin, Isabel Soffer and Shanta Thake, who helped bring the event to Lincoln Center via her role as its Chief Artistic Officer. Meera Dugal served as a guest curator.
globalFEST is not only one of the most original and ear-opening music festivals, but one of the most well-run and compact. Within the space of five hours, attendees can revel in truly original sounds from a multitude of artists covering many distinct genres from every corner of the globe.
The first act I caught at this year’s event was The Legendary Ingramettes. Inspired by the Black male gospel quartets of the 1940s and 50s, this multi-generational female singing trio, founded by the late Maggie Ingram and now led by her dynamic daughter Almetta, brought roof-raising harmonies and explosive lead vocals to light an early fire at globalFEST. Aletta and crew imparted a Sunday church vibe with pulverizing takes on up-tempo numbers like “Take A Look In the Book” and “Time Is Winding Up.” They then soaked every ounce of pathos out of their gospelized ballad including “I’ve Endured,” the classic by Appalachian folkie Ola Belle Reid, and Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands.”
Another standout performance was that of Llergo (Maria Jose), a young flamenco singer from Andalucia, Spain with a deep knowledge of both the classic form and a penchant for experimentation and avant-garde touches. Her set began with a stirring ballad accompanied by the stellar guitar work of Marc Lopez, who served up fiery runs and foot stomping percussives to adorn her alternatively whispering and searing vocals. In later songs in the set, they were accompanied by a keyboardist who introduced ethereal synth textures and trip hop beats from his laptop – modern flavors that bring to mind the groundbreaking work of another great Latina who fuses tradition with electronica, Juana Molina.
The duo of Brit Justin Adams and Italian Mauro Durante was another highlight. Adams, who has been the producer of Mali’s guitar greats Tinariwen’s albums and also guitarist for Robert Plant’s world music forays, laid down a distorted post-punk take on Arabic and African trance blues. This was complemented by Durante’s searing violin solos, tambourine and vocals. Their collaboration contained shades of delta blues, Southern Italian “taranta” dance songs and even a bit of No Wave/free jazz that brought to mind guitarist James “Blood” Ulmer’s wonderful Odyssey trio of the mid-1980s. The performance by Malian/French quartet Tamikrest also plied the Saharan desert blues sound. Unlike their better-known counterparts, Mdou Moctar, Tamikrest is more intent on building collective danceable grooves rather than serving as a rhythmic backdrop for Hendrix-inspired soloing.
The award for best crowd work at globalFEST 2023 definitely goes to Khadija El Warzazia’s Bnat el Houariyat & Esraa Warda. A collective of six female artists from Morocco, Algeria and the U.S., they served up a high-energy set of celebratory trance music, one featuring call-and-response singing, roaring percussion and complex polyrhythms. The mesmerizing Algerian-American dancer Esraa Warda completed the sensory assault with non-stop gyrations and a “hair-swaying dance” that was copied by more than a few in the audience. An almost as engaging performance was that of Moonlight Benjamin. Born in Haiti and living in France, she is both vodou priestess and a powerful singer-songwriter in the rock mode. Moonlight was supported by a killer band featuring dueling guitarists who employed a smart use of stomp boxes and an uncaged noise pop sensibility.
One of the biggest draws of the event was Dengue Fever, the L.A.-based band that has been providing a singular psychedelic take on the Cambodian pop of the 1960s since 2002. The band, which had played the 2007 edition of globalFEST, spun-out a crowd-pleasing set comprised of tunes from their six-album discography. As always, the attention was focused on their lead singer Chhom Nimol, who gracefully populated the role of the cool, elegant chanteuse in a bedazzled mini-dress. While the focus is firmly on the singer and the songs, Dengue Fever provided plenty of instrumental fire from the spaced out guitaring of Zac Holtzman, the gut-bucket tenor sax of David Ralicke and in an extended solo by bassist Senon Williams.
Dengue Fever was followed on the big stage by Meridian Brothers & El Grupo Renacimiento, one of the most wildly creative bands to come out of Colombia in many years. Per their bio, the band works to “excavate the forgotten sounds of the fantastical (imaginary)1970s salsa dura band, El Grupo Renacimiento. The group identifies as “B-class” salsa whose music explores human struggles in the urban city landscape, with themes such as police brutality, social marginalization and addiction.” Like Dengue Fever, there’s an accent on psychedelic effects and exploration, with deluges of reverb and dub stylings in the mix. Fans of Brazil’s Tropicalia pioneers, Os Mutantes, will definitely love Meridian Brothers. They had the crowd in their hands from the first number, a psychedelic spin on Dusty Springfield’s classic, “Son of A Preacher Man,” sung in Spanish of course.
Other artists on the roster included the classically-inspired New York Arabic Orchestra and the garage-marimba-cumbia rock of Mexico City’s Son Rompe Pera, two sets I unfortunately missed. Credit should also go to event production manager Danny Kapilian who made sure the sets went off seamlessly with top-notch sound and lighting.
Those who missed the event can catch NPR Music’s Tiny Desk meets globalFEST, a series that will return for its third year, January 24 – 26 on the NPR Music YouTube channel. The series will present exclusive video performances from nine artists filmed in their respective homelands and a different lineup from the festival at Lincoln Center. NPR’s Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST will once again be hosted by five-time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo, who performed at the first globalFEST festival in 2004.
To hear more, check out globalFEST 2023’s Spotify playlist
The JazzBuffalo community has weighed in on their favorite Jazz acts for 2022. The 8th Annual JazzBuffalo poll saw nearly 1900 ballots submitted in 36 categories, including voters favorite jazz artists, groups, performances, and supporters.
Winners Of The 2022 JazzBuffalo Poll
Celebrating the Buffalo Jazz Community
“The JazzBuffalo Poll allows the community to be engaged with jazz in a unique way. Strengthening the bond between audiences and jazz performers,” said the founder of JazzBuffalo Tony Zambito. “The poll is reflective of how the jazz community continues to evolve as an integral part of the city’s growing arts and cultural scene.“
This years awards include the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual that has made a substantial contribution to jazz in Greater Buffalo and contributions to the Greater Buffalo community. This years winner is George Caldwell. “Since moving to Buffalo more than a decade ago, George has made a measurable impact on the jazz community as a performer, bandleader, mentor, educator, community supporter, and advocate for jazz” says Zambito.
Other notable accolades include Jazz Crusader of the Year, won by Jack Zuff for his photography skills, which captured the most memorable performances in 2022. Dave Schiavone is the winner in both the tenor and alto saxophone categories for the first time since the poll began. Ed Croft returns as the winner not only in the bass categories but also as this year’s Rising Star of the Year. Alex McArthur repreats once again as a favorite and winner of Jazz Female Vocalist of the Year. As did Zach Carr for Jazz Male Vocalist of the Year. Donny Frauenhofer and his trio, DF3, made an impact in the genres of fusion and funk, winning in both categories. Dozo My Lady featuring Carolyn Lansom became a first-time winner in the Jazz-Pop category.
Donny is determined, so talented, and so inspiring. Every time I have seen Donny and any project he is in, it has been truly amazing. He is so so good, and strives to make the Buffalo music scene a better place!
JazzBuffalo Voter
Full List Of Winners and Runner Ups
Jazz Tenor Saxophone – Dave Schiavone
Runner-up: Nelson Rivera
Jazz Alto Saxophone – Dave Schiavone
Runner up: Bobby Militello
Jazz Baritone Saxophone – Laura Anderson
Runner-up: Ken Kuriscak
Jazz Trumpet – Tim Clarke
Runner up: Griffith “Kaz” Kazmierczak
Jazz Trombone – Brendan Lanighan
Runner up: John Hasselback, Jr.
Jazz Guitar – Jared Tinkham
Runner up: Rick Strauss
Jared Tinkham is an amazing educator and musician and has inspired multiple students like me, I got into my dream arts college and will be moving to New York City, If it weren’t for Jared Tinkham’s passion for music I would have never discovered the same emotion in my artistry, he is highly respected and definitely my favorite teacher through my years of middle and high school.
JazzBuffalo Voter
Jazz Piano – George Caldwell
Runner up: Jim Beishline
Jazz Organ – Doug “Trigger” Gaston
Runner up: Jim Beishline
Jazz Upright Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Stephen Parisi
Jazz Electric Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Jack Kulp
Jazz Vibes – Alec Dube
Runner up: Jamie Sunshine
Jazz Drums – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: John Anderson
Jazz Percussion – Wendell Rivera
Runner up: Joey Gonzalez
Jazz Female Vocalist – Alex McArthur
Runner up: Cheryl Ferris
Jazz Male Vocalist – Zach Carr
Runner up: Dalton Sharp
Zach is a quintessential artist who takes vocal performance, preparation, and health very seriously and treats every performance like the most important one, whether he’s addressing a few people or a packed audience. He is wildly talented and yet humble and kind, supporting other artists and performers.
JazzBuffalo Voter
Jazz Classic Group – Bobby Militello Quartet
Runner up: My Cousin Toné
Jazz World – Hot Club of Buffalo
Runner up: The Paper Rose Band
Jazz Trad/NOLA/Swing – Buffalo Dolls
Runner up: Back Room Jazz Band
Jazz Fusion – Donny Frauenhofer Trio (DF3)
Runner up: Damone Jackson Outcome
Latin Jazz – Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
Runner up: The Joey Gonzalez Collective
Jazz Big Band – Anderson Big Band
Runner up: East Street Big Band
Jazz Large Ensemble – Brendan Lanighan Octet
Runner up: My Cousin Toné
Jazz Soul/Funk – Donny Frauenhofer Trio (DF3)
Runner up: Universal Phunk
Jazz Pop – Dozo My Lady
Runner up: Miller and The Other Sinners
Jazz Venue – Pausa Art House
Runner up: Sportsmen Tavern
Jazz Major Performing Arts Center – Kleinhans Music Hall
Runner up: UB Center for the Performing Arts
Most Memorable Jazz Performance – A Charlie Brown Christmas: Ed Croft Trio – Seneca One Auditorium
Runner up: Summer Wind: Zach Carr Tribute To Frank Sinatra – Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Most Memorable International Jazz Performance – Herbie Hancock at Kleinhans Music Hall
Runner up: Emmet Cohen, Mark Whitfield, Troy Roberts, Kyle Poole – Tribute to Joey DeFrancesco at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Jazz CD/EP Release – The Mark Filsinger Chamber Big Band – “Groovin’ High”
Runner up: Jay/Sharp-tet – “For You My Love”
Middle School/High School Educator – Brendan Lanighan
Runner up: Jared Tinkham
College/University Educator – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: Bobby Militello
Jazz Rising Star – Ed Croft
Runner up: Brendan Lanighan
Jazz Ex-Pat – Chris Ziemba
Runner up: Don Menza
Jazz Crusader – Jack Zuff – Photographer / JazzBuffalo Contributor
Runner up: Linda Appleby – Historic Colored Musicians Club
John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year – George Caldwell
Brooklyn soulful pop artist Raegan Sealy’s newest single “Make ‘em Jealous” just dropped on January 12th, an upbeat, indie soul piece set out to reframe the cliché of being stuck in a toxic relationship, with a satirical spin.
“Make ‘em Jealous,” featuring The Gang of Angels, an all-female choir from Nottingham, UK led by Honey Williams. Taking her inspiration from a diverse range of artists like the Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Rey, Marina, and more, Sealy fuses her soul-pop vocals with an infectiously recurring beat.
Sealy’s new single shines optimism on the self-delusion that so often keeps us from moving on. “Make ‘em Jealous” reclaims the hope of strength and courage in the healing part of a breakup. With lyrics such as, “Everyone wants a sip of my love, but they just get a taste,” Sealy shows off her undeniable confidence and spunk.
“What is it that we tell ourselves in order to ‘stay?’ How does our ego react to accommodate disrespect? And how hilarious is that, when you think about it? This emotional push and pull in these dynamics is truly often like a Laurel and Hardy sketch,”
Raegan Sealy, on her new single.
Outside of music, Sealy is an advocate and teaching artist, and received a Fulbright Scholarship in 2015, one of the most prestigious academic scholarships in the world, along with her MFA from The New School. Continuing to sing and perform her own poetry, she has opened for Shane Koyczan, Kae Tempest, and Ice T. She even gave the first official TED Talk entirely in rhyming verse in 2019 which you can watch down below.
Now officially based in Brooklyn, Sealy has beautifully fused her musical and writing talents to tell her story as a soul-pop singer-songwriter. “Make ‘em Jealous” is the first in a series of singles Sealy will be releasing throughout 2023. But this new soulful single is sure to leave her listeners feeling more confident than ever.
To listen to Reagan Sealy’s new single “Make ’em Jealous,” click the link here.
To find more information on upcoming releases from Reagan Sealy, click the link here to access her website.
Taking place in the stunning mountains of Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House has announced their 32nd annual Jazz On The Mountain weekend, taking place January 20-23rd, 2023.
Meticulously planned by curator Pete Malinverni, this all inclusive weekend, located just 90 minutes from New York City, is the ultimate celebration of Jazz for fans of any age.
This years schedule of events includes performances by a diverse range of Jazz artists and instrumentalists. Event favorites, including Grammy Award winner GarySmulyan, New York City Opera’s Scott Robinson will be returning to the mountain. New faces include SUNY Purchase College’s Ella Fitzgerald scholars, Sage Myers and Anaïs Reno, as well as Wayne Tucker of The Bad Mothas.
Guests of Jazz On The Mountain can expect a weekend of diverse sounds and spirited performances, as well as Mohonk Mountain Resort’s many included amenities. Packages include three meals a day, as well as access to ice-skating, skiing, and spa services. Mohonk Mountain House is conviently located just 90 minutes from New York City
Allow the music to carry you away, as this is sure to be an unforgettable weekend you will mark on your calendar for years to come.
For a full list and schedule of events, and to book your experience at Mohonk Mountain House, visit their website.
