For the third year in a row, Buffalo Jazz Festival will be hosted on the Richardson-Olmsted Campus in Buffalo on Sunday, September 1st from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
JazzBuffalo, a non-profit organization, presents this year’s Buffalo Jazz Festiva, seeking to increase and spread Jazz awareness and appreciation. They also host a variety of events throughout the year such as “Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square,” as well as the “Jazz at Richardson” series, which holds performances both on the lawn and inside the Richardson Hotel.
The Richardson Hotel is also the home of the festival this year. The stage on the south lawn will hold performances throughout the day. The historic hotel was built as a mental asylum by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame,) and housed patients from 1880 until 1974. The campus was deemed a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Attendees this year will experience Salsa, Latin Jazz, as well as timeless jazz classics. The festival will include free salsa and swing dance lessons.
Buffalo saxophonist Ellen Pieroni will release her sophomore album, Soul Vacation, on August 30. An experienced musician, Pieroni has played with numerous bands, including Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra.
Ellen Pieroni started playing the saxophone at 8 years old, and has perfected a blend of jazz and soul. Her inspiration comes from a variety of places, including Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi era, Frank Zappa, Todd Rundgren, The Meters, as well as classic saxophonists such as Grover Washington Jr. and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders.
Soul Vacation featured nine tracks, including two “soul standard” covers made famous by Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5. The album offers an exciting lineup of special guests, including Tyler James (organ, Fender Rhodes), Sophistafunk’s Adam Gold (clavinet), Alex McArthur (vocals), Tim Clarke (trumpet), and Brendan Lanighan (trombone).
The album was recorded at GCR Audio in Buffalo, and was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Brad Lauchert. Celebrate the release at the release party on August 30 at Sportmens Tavern, at 326 Amherst Street in Buffalo. Vinyl and CDs will be available for purchase at the party, and admission is $20 at the door.
Soul Vacation will be available on all streaming platforms on August 30, and more information about Ellen Pieroni here. A live performance of “What Time Were You Born” is available below.
The Lake George Arts Project celebrates their 40 year anniversary of Jazz at the Lake, a three-day festival featuring renowned and rising jazz musicians. The festival takes course over three days, presenting a wide variety of artists and musical styles. This year’s festival is from September 13 through 15.
Jazz at the Lake features an extensive lineup, including GRAMMY-winning artists and virtuosos. This year’s stellar lineup includes rising star Jahari Stampley, trumpet virtuoso Michael Mayo, GRAMMY-winning artists Ulysses Owens, Linda May Han Oh, Nicole Zuraitis, Danilo Perez, and many more.
Over the years, Jazz at the Lake has become one of Lake George’s most anticipated events, bringing in thousands of fans to the region to celebrate jazz. The multiple-days long festival has proudly showcased some of the greatest regional, national, and international jazz musicians in hundreds of concerts over the last four decades. Now in its 40th year, the festival brings three days of incredible artists, special events, and tribute shows.
The full line-up for this year’s Jazz at the Lake can be found at: www.lakegeorgearts.org
Jazz at the Lake has provided fans with a playlist to all pieces featured during the festival. The playlist is available here.
Friday Night, September 13:
Friday kicks off on Friday night with the 2023 First Place winner of the Herbie Hancock International Competition Jahari Stampley, who is performing with his family trio comprised of 7-time GRAMMY Award nominee Erania Stampley and Miguel Russell.
Friday night also features performances as part of the Jazz Around Town program. They will perform at multiple locations around town. Lineup for these performances include The Arch Stanton Trio, Nook & Cranny, Dylan Perillo and Brad Brose, the Scott Hopkins Jazz Trio, and the Chuck Lamb Trio.
Saturday, September 14
Saturday begins at the Hello Sunshine Bagel Bistro for the Coffee and Jazz program, starting at 10 am and ending at noon. Attendees can grab a free coffee while listening to the music of the Chad McLoughlin Trio.
Michael Mayo, a breakout composer and trumpet virtuoso, takes the Shepard Park stage at 1pm. Renowned saxophonist Ben Wendel brings his lyrical compositions to life at 3 pm. At 5pm, three time Grammy™ Award-Winning Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., performs with Generation Y, a group of distinct and reputable talent from the top music conservatories in the United States. Finishing the show is GRAMMY winner Nicole Zuraitis, jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, at 8 pm.
Sunday, September 15
Fans can enjoy Jazz at the Lake’s very own Jazz Cruise on Sunday morning. The cruise ride includes a tour of scenic Lake George accompanied with breakfast and live music.
Taking the Shepard Park stage at 1 pm is The Daniel Kelly Group, who pay tribute to festival founder Paul Pines in a performance that uses Pines’ poetry (read by David Gonzales) as inspiration. At 3pm, GRAMMY award-winning Linda May Han Oh, a highly renowned bassist and composer, takes the stage with her dynamic quintet. Jazz at the Lake ends with the GRAMMY Award Winners and UNESCO Artist for Peace, Danilo Pérez who will be playing with John Patitucci & Adam Cruz beginning at 5 pm.
Legendary blues rock guitarist and New York native, Joe Bonamassa brought his “Blues Deluxe Summer Tour” to the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. Most recently, Bonamassa released his newest effort Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestraearlier this summer. Friday, Aug. 26 was the first of two back-to-back nights that Bonamassa rocked the “Original Rock Palace.”
With fans finding their seats in the nearly 100-year-old venue, Bonamassa and his band graced the stage and jumped right into “Hope You Realize” off of Bonamassa’s Blues Deluxe Vol. 2record. Since there was no opener this evening, it left the band with more time to play for their fans. From the moment the 11-piece band plugged their instruments in, their sheer power overtook the fans. For a blues band, they were certainly loud, but in the best way possible. The classic blues rock rang like joyful noise during the two-hour performance.
The official music video for Joe Bonamassa’s “I Want To Shout About It”
Bonamassa was firing on all cylinders. From the vocals to the guitar playing to his stage presence, he had it all. From the little he spoke during the night, he made up for it during his guitar masterclass. Watching Bonamassa play took the breath out of some fans’ bodies as they watched in awe. Some people in the crowd were recording on their phones while others air-guitared. Some simply watched stunned by the guitar hero in front of them.
Bonamassa’s backing band consisted of a horn section featuring saxophones and trumpets, three backing singers in addition to the drums, bass, rhythm guitar and keyboards. Within the band, the musicianship was top-notch. They all played their part and had a welcoming sound to them. At one point in the show, Bonamassa called his band family and that he respects them the most. To see a leader like Bonamassa praise the band behind him was amazing to see.
Within the band, the musicians as individuals were spectacular. The horn section added a uniqueness to the band while the backup singers added more beefiness to the vocals. At one point in the show, singer Jade MacRae had a solo during “Self Inflicted Wounds.” Listening to her vocals sent chills up and down the spines of the audience who cheered and applauded at the end.
For those who don’t know all the individual members of Bonamassa’s band, on percussion, to his left sat Reese Wynans. Wynans is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. When he was introduced, the audience all rose to their feet to pay respects to the legendary keyboardist. But, throughout the night, Wynans was spinning back and forth on the keyboard giving the performance of a lifetime.
The show flowed effortlessly as each song slowly transitioned into the next. With each new song, came an even flashier guitar from Bonamassa who changed guitars for what seemed like every song. During a few songs, he would sport a beautiful Les Paul while other times it would be a classic telecaster or a gorgeous red Gibson. It did not matter which guitar was on stage because, by the end of the song, Bonamassa delivered an emotionally beautiful solo.
While the band was setting up for the next song, Bonamassa took the time to say a proper hello to the audience and clarify that he is a New York native which brought a cheer from the audience. Bonamassa then proceeded to thank everyone for showing up to a homecoming show. It seemed that once he acknowledged he was in front of his home state’s audience, then the show got even better. There was a sense of the audience also acknowledging that the legendary guitarist was playing in a legendary venue and it made for a spectacular rest of the evening.
The entire night of Joe Bonamassa and his band at the Capitol Theatre was one of the best ways to close out the summer concert season.
Of the seven shows that remain on Bonamassa’s schedule, four are in New York. On Saturday, Aug. 24 he’ll be right back at the Capitol Theatre which is followed by a date in Rochester on Aug. 25 and Albany on Aug. 27. If you are a fan of blues rock and roll then you have to go see Bonamassa. It was a magical night of nothing but essential blues music.
Joe Bonamassa Setlist: Hope You Realize, You Upset Me, 24 Hour Blues, Done Got Over It, Self Inflicted Wounds, I Want To Shout About It, Last Matador of Bayonne, Breaking Up Someone’s Home, Heart That Never Waits, Is It Safe To Go Home, See See Baby, Humming Bird, Hard But It’s Fair, Mountain Time
On Friday, August 16 Emanuel Casablanca took to the Park Theater stage and offered the crowd a night of classic blues. Park Theater, located in Hudson, consistently offers a place for musicians to share their work in an intimate setting.
Emanuel Casablanca is a Brooklyn based guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Casablanca so far has two albums including Blood on My Hands and Strung Out on Thrills. He shared songs from both albums and even some unreleased songs dedicated to his wife. Casablanca wore a hat which stated, “I breathe the blues”; he is also nicknamed “Badboyoftheblues.”
After seeing him perform live you are able to see that these statements ring true Casablanca uses his vocal and guitar skills to create traditional blues music with his own twist you can also feel his passion for what he creates as he performs.
Park Theater is the perfect place when you’re in search for a night of music. Upcoming shows at Park Theater include Dual Record Release Party Anterra & Peter Stone on Thursday, August 22, Beccs, Glenn Echo, and Slow Packer on Friday August 23 and PORCHFEST Presents: Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire on Saturday, August 24.
Coming to Lake George’s Shepard Park Amphitheater this weekend are the Captial region-based party band The Accents and The United States Navy Band “Cruisers.” Cruisers arrive at Lake George on Thursday, August 22, performing from 7:30-9:30 pm. The Navy band also opens Friday at the Lake on August 23, from 6:00-7:10 pm, followed by the headliners, The Accents, at 7:30.
With over 50 years of experience and 4,000 performances under their belt, The Accents prepare to bring their non-stop energy to Friday at the Lake. As one of the capital region’s most prolific party bands, The Accents encourage all guests to let loose, enjoy their time, and have one last party as the summer season comes to a close. On Friday, August 22, The Accents’ extensive nine-person lineup will have the entire Friday at the Lake crowd dancing and singing all night long.
The United States Navy Band “Cruisers” make their first appearance in Lake George this Thursday, August 22, as part of their nationwide tour that begins on August 19 in Washington, D.C. They are also opening for The Accents this Friday.
Cruiser’s stop at Lake George is just another on a long list of tour dates. As one of the 11 different Navy Bands, Cruisers make up a part of 6,000 performances across the United States and around the world throughout the year. With each performance, Navy bands come together with communities to honor and celebrate the service of veterans. This Thursday and Friday, Cruisers present their world-class musicianship with renditions of classic jazz standards, classic rock, and today’s biggest hits in all genres. A fireworks show will follow their Thursday night performance at 9:30 pm.
All shows at Shepard Park are free to the public. Food and beverage vendors are available on-site. For information on vendors, performances, and more, visit the Lake George town’s website. If you are interested in the rest of Cruisers’ tour, the remaining dates are available here.
It was the perfect summer night with just a little rain mixed in for Tedeschi Trucks Band to perform at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, August 16.
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The 12-piece powerhouse band took no time getting most of the crowd on their feet to set everyone up for a night of moving and grooving with their soulful, bluesy, rock and roll. The night featured a mix of the band’s original music with some cover songs thrown into the setlist. They relied heavily on songs from their most recent album I am the Moon, released in 2022. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are music superstars, and they surround themselves with superb musicians. With such a large band, everyone gets a chance to show off their skills throughout the night.
Tedeschi sings most of the vocals throughout most of the night and she has a powerful, incredible voice that demands attention. Mike Mattison also gets to share his voice on many of the songs and his passion comes through with so much soul on the songs he gets to sing.
The whole night was full of crescendos and deep, meaningful music. The band leads into many of the songs very softly, then just builds everything up to this massive explosion of music from everyone on stage. Many of the bandmembers get their time to shine with solos. The show got off moving and grooving with high energy with “Part Of Me” and continued through “Playing My Emotions” and then “Ain’t That Something,” with keyboardist Gabe Dixon taking the lead on vocals and trading off with Tedeschi.
Mattison got his first chance to show off his bluesy voice as the band covered Bessie Smith’s “Gin House Blues.”
Tedeschi put down the guitar to sing “All The Love” and slowed things down a bit after this one as Trucks and other bandmembers left the stage with Tedeschi and drums, keys and bass. She performed the popular John Prine cover “Angel From Montgomery” that segued into Grateful Dead’s “Sugaree” and topped the sandwich off by going back into “Angel From Montgomery.”
Coming back from this slower, somber moment, the full band came back out and kicked it back into high gear for the big hit “Anyhow,” which had the crowd back on their feet and just has such an epic feel to it. Tedeschi then sang “Sweet & Low,” another song off 2013’s Made Up Mind and Elizabeth Lea had a big trombone solo.
Susan Tedeschi of Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
The band then played a couple covers with “Keep On Growing” by Derek and the Dominos, and Mattison took lead on Taj Mahal’s “Everybody’s Got to Change Sometime.” Then “Circles ‘Round The Sun” let Kebbi Williams loose on the saxophone. Tedeschi and other members then went off stage to let Trucks jam out on the long “Pasaquan” jam that also featured “Mountain Jam” sandwiched in the middle, a nod to Trucks’ past with The Allman Brothers Band. Trucks melted faces with his incredible guitar playing and the drummers Tyler Greenwell and Isaac Eady got to highlight their instruments with some sort of a duel.
The band then played “Just Won’t Burn,” a song from Tedeschi’s personal discography that came out more than 25 years ago. She really lets her bluesy voice do its thing on this one. The set eventually closed with “Show me a Woman,” a cover by Joe Tex, as the band left the stage in high spirits to get ready for an encore.
Only half of the band came out with Tedeschi and she invited opening act Margo Price to sing the George Jones song “Color of the Blues.” Then to really send everyone on their way, the full band came out along with all of Margo Price’s band as the 17 musicians on stage performed Leon Russell’s “Stranger in A Strange Land.”
Margo Price opens for Tedeschi Trucks Band at Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua, New York, on Friday, Aug. 16.
Margo Price’s opening set was a real treat for those who settled in early. The country singer-songwriter played a set fit for a headliner at CMAC. She really rocked the house with her good singing and her band really brought some power rock to the mix. Her sweet voice will sweep you off your feet, but that band will have you dancing really hard and almost headbanging.
Setlist: Part of Me, Playing With My Emotions, Ain’t That Something, All the Love, Gin House Blues (Bessie Smith cover), Angel from Montgomery *> Sugaree+>Angel from Montgomery* (*John Prine) (+Grateful Dead), Anyhow, Sweet & Low, Keep On Growing, Everybody’s Got To Change Sometime (Taj Mahal), Circles ‘Round the Sun, Pasaquan >Mountain Jam*> Pasaquan (*The Allman Brothers), Just Won’t Burn – (Susan Tedeschi), Show Me – (Joe Tex)
Encore: Color of the Blues w/Margo Price (George Jones), Stranger in a Strange Lane w/full Margo Price Band (Leon Russell)
On October 4th, Joni Mitchell will release a new compilation titled Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980). This compilation traces Mitchell’s musical evolution between the releases of Hejira and Mingus.
Included in the four-disc record are three sets of live and studio recordings from New York performances by Joni Mitchell.
Born in Alberta, Canada, Joni Mitchell quickly emerged as one of the brightest lights in the folk genre. By 1969, her sophomore album Clouds cemented Mitchell as a folk icon, buoyed by songs like “Chelsea Morning” and “Both Sides Now.” Throughout the 1970s, Mitchell evolved her sound, further incorporating elements of jazz into her songs.
While albums like Court and Spark dabbled with genre fusion, 1976’s Hejira fully realized this concept. Partnering with legendary jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, Mitchell crafted songs that sounded leagues away from her prior folk work. Fittingly, this album is where Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4 begins. Following this release was a period of unrivaled innovation by Mitchell. On 1977’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter and 1979’s Mingus – a collaboration with jazz great Charles Mingus – Mitchell fully embraced elements jazz fusion.
This album is the 12th release by the Joni Mitchell archives. The Grammy-winning series includes previously unreleased live recordings and studio outtakes. The multi-disc set features recordings hand-picked by Mitchell herself. The compilation’s tracks were salvaged and remastered from original stereo reels, cassette tapes, CD-Rs, and even a radio broadcast. Among the recordings are live recordings from Mitchell’s time with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975, and Anti-Nuclear Rally. Across the album’s tracks are collaborations with jazz greats like Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorious to Wayne Shorter and Pat Metheny.
Joni Mitchell and Jaco Pastorius at the 1979 Berkeley Jazz Festival
The compilation album additionally features three sets recorded in New York. First is a performance from the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY from February 20, 1976. The album only features one song from this performance. While it came as part of the tour for Hejira, the album features a recording of “For Free” from 1970’s Ladies of the Canyon.
Secondly are alternate versions of tracks from the 1978 Mingus sessions. The sessions were recorded at Greenwich Village’s legendary Electric Lady Studios. Originally commissioned by Jimi Hendrix, the studio was a recording hub throughout the 1970s. On top of Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie all recorded at the studio. The album features alternate versions of “Sweet Sucker Dance”, “A Chair in the Sky,” and “Sweet Sucker Dance” from these sessions.
Joni Mitchell at Forest Hills Stadium 8/25/79
The final New York recording comes as part of Mitchell’s August 25, 1979 performance at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. The recording features tracks from Hejira and Mingus, which highlight Mitchell’s innovation during the period. Also featured in this recording are selected tracks from prior albums like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Free Man in Paris.”
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) releases on October 4th as a 6 CD set. Also releasing is an abridged 4LP vinyl release, featuring Mitchell’s personal favorite tracks. The compilation includes never-before-seen photos and liner notes by director Cameron Crowe. The liner notes include an exclusive interview with Mitchell with anecdotes from this period of her career.
Following the album’s release, Mitchell will headline the “Joni Jam” on October 19-20th. These performances at the Hollywood Bowl will feature a number of special musical guests.
Rhino Records will release Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) on October 4th, 2024. For more information on how to preorder the album, visit the link here.
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) New York tracks
Live at Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY, February 20, 1976
19. For Free
Mingus Sessions
Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY
Recorded & Mixed by Henry Lewy & Jerry Solomon
3. Sweet Sucker Dance (Vocals & Drums Version – Take 5)
4. A Chair in the Sky (Early Alternate Version – Take 6)
5. Sweet Sucker Dance (Early Alternate Version)
Live at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium
Queens, NY, August 25, 1979
Recorded by Joel Bernstein from PA mix by Ed Wynne
From Set. 14-21, the Rockland County Jazz & Blues Society will host the Nyack Jazz Week with shows in Downtown Nyack and Piermont. The week will include the Nyack Jazz Festival presented by Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, as well as shows at The Turning Point in Piermont and Black Parakeetz in Nyack.
The Nyack Jazz Week never fails to create a good time and an exciting environment. The week will include plenty of art, food, and music offering something for everyone. There will be plenty of artisan vendors selling a variety of products, food trucks, and a wine and beer garden. The creative and beautiful town of Nyack is undeniably the perfect location for the week of jazz.
On Sept. 15 from 1-6 PM, The Nyack Jazz Festival will have about eight musicians participating throughout the day, including Swedish trombone player and multi-instrumentalist, Gunhild Carling. Saxophonist, Ravi Coltrane, who co-owns the label RKM Music, and is the son of the legendary John Coltrane, will also perform. Renowned jazz drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts along with David Budway, and Neal Caine will join Coltrane. Lastly, Middle Eastern jazz fusion band, Baklava Exress will perform various styles of genre-bending jazz.
Other shows include Gunhild Carling on Sept. 14, The Steve Slagle Quartet on Sept. 20, and Joe Lavano Quartet on Sept. 21 at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar. John Richmond’s Jam Session with guest Duane Eubanks on Sept. 16 and Scott Reeves Big Band on Sept. 19 will happen at The Turning Point. On Sept. 18, Shirley Crabbe will play at Black Parakeetz.
Chris Yacopino
To purchase tickets for the shows, inquire directly at the respective venues. For more information about the Nyack Jazz Festival, visit www.maureensjazzcellar.com.
Nyack Jazz Week 2024
Maureen’s Jazz Cellar- Nyack
Saturday, September 14 at 7 PM & 9 PM- Gunhild Carling with Idun Carling, David Budway, Neal Caine, and Daniel Glass
Sunday, September 15 at 1-6 PM- Nyack Jazz Festival
Esteemed Jazz band leader and artist Branford Marsalis will be back at the Troy Bank Music Hall this Jan. 16, 2025.
Born in New Orleans, Marsalis‘ first musical instrument was the clarinet. He ventured on to the saxophone while he started working in Local bands. In 1986 he formed The Branford Marsalis Quartet which continues to be his primary performance source. The Quartet is now a standard for other musical groups.
Not only is Marsalis a bandleader and musician but he has also worked on film and television scores and Broadway musicals. He’s received Tony nominations for Children of a Lesser God, Fences, and A Raisin in the Sun. He composed music for the History Channel’s documentary, Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, for which he received an Emmy.
In 2002, he created the Marsalis Music label which features his work along with other talented artists like Miguel Zenón and his late teacher Alvin Batiste. Marsalis helps educate other musicians in their journey as well. He has been teaching at North Carolina Central University for the past 18 years. He’s also taught at the Michigan State University and San Francisco State University and makes appearances all over the world for his workshops.
Over the next few months, Marsalis will be touring in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Before he returns to the Bank Music hall, he has four performances at the Triple Door in Seattle, Washington. Tickets for his Troy performance are now on sale at Troymusichall.org.
