NYS Music 2024

Category: Funk/Soul/R&B

  • Posthumous Solo Debut by James Casey to Release on August 28 One Year After His Passing

    Beloved R&B and soul saxophonist musician James Casey will posthumously release his debut album, The Kauai Project, on Wednesday, August 28. The album’s release will come one year after he passed away from colon cancer at age 40.

    The Kauai Project james casey

    Although James Casey only recently emerged on New York City’s R&B and soul scene, he has been making waves in the music industry for years. From touring with classic funk band Lettuce to joining Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio’s solo band to sharing the stage with legends like The Roots, Chaka Khan, J. Cole, Wu-Tang and Dave Matthews Band, Casey has accomplished more than most musicians could ever hope. This makes it all the more surprising that Casey had never released music under his own name until the 2020s.

    Casey’s attitude towards his musical legacy abruptly shifted gears, though, when he was diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer at just 38 years of age in August 2021, which served as an awakening in so many ways. Deciding to make the most of his time, both for himself and for others, Casey let go of all limits to his musical career and, for the first time, prioritized his own musical legacy.

    James Casey

    The seeds of his debut, The Kauai Project, were planted while he lived on the Hawaiian island of Kauai for nearly two years. While working on a COVID-era side project, Casey produced tracks with acapella samples to promote his and fellow musicians’ virtual live stream events. The resulting catalog of beats became the foundation and inspiration for his solo debut. Alongside Casey’s announcement of his plans for The Kauai Project, he released his first single, “New Bloom,” in March 2023.

    In turn, Casey produced a mini-documentary to highlight his journey of stepping out as a solo artist in parallel to the stark reality of his terminal diagnosis. He aimed to transform his difficult reality into a call to action for others to avoid his fate—to be their own health advocate, get colonoscopies, and know your family history of cancer. “The thing about colon cancer is it is preventable if you catch it early enough,” Casey told the Today Show in March 2023, sharing how the lyrics for “New Bloom” were his mantra for positivity in the face of any circumstance. “If I’ve got today then that’s enough, I can do something with this time.”

    Entrusting the EP’s final act to his close musical family, the last single from The Kauai Project, “This Place (pars Animus)”, will release on August 28. The song is a tribute to his band Animus Rexx, an explosive fusion project established with musicians Randy Runyon, Reuben Cainer, BIGYUKI, and Justin Tyson. Runyon and Cainer provided the song’s finishing touches, while his wife, Ayla Casey, laid the groundwork to carry his mission and debut EP forward.

    “I am beyond grateful to help honor James’ life with the culmination of a project that meant so much to him,” said Ayla Casey. “James did not want his absence to weigh on us – please join me in celebrating the love and joy his music continues to cultivate.”

    Following his passing, Casey’s family and friends hosted a sold-out memorial party at the Brooklyn Bowl in November 2023, which featured performances by Trey Anastasio, Louis Cato, Nikki Glaspie, Jennifer Hartswick, Brady Watt, and dozens of other musicians that shared the stage with James throughout his career. The benefit concert raised more than $32,000 to support cancer charities hand-picked by Casey for their work in the community.

    The Kauai Project limited-edition vinyl pre-order is available now via Relix Marketplace, with vinyl shipments starting in September. For more information about James Casey’s life, advocacy and music, and to pre-order The Kauai Project, visit here.

  • Primus, Coheed and Cambria & Puddles Pity Party shut down Terminal B in Standout Show

    Buffalo Outer Harbor, Terminal B hosted legendary Primus, Coheed and Cambria with special guest Puddles Pity Party on August 9, 2024.

    Puddles Pity Party at Terminal B

    Puddles Pity Party, the melancholy clown songster from America’s Got Talent, lured the crowd in with their deep golden voice and creative renditions of classics ranging from “My Heart Will Go On” to “Stairway to Heaven” with borrowed words from other famous songs like the Gilligan Island’s theme Song. Puddles’ interactions with the crowd were as much a part of the show as the music itself and the crowd enjoyed piecing together lyrics as Puddles sang several familiar tunes. As a result his memorable performance rocked the Terminal B crowd and set the stage for Coheed and Cambria.

    Coheed and Cambria began the show with their hit song “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” which brought a different kind of intensity to the evening than Puddles Pity Party could offer. The band’s ability to create an emotional connection with their audience was next level, and fans passionately joined in on tracks like “A Favor House Atlantic” and “The Crowing” their voices rising in unison with the music creating a cathartic concert going experience. They closed with “Welcome Home” which seemed appropriate as they mentioned during the set that Buffalo has felt like home for the band throughout their years of touring and being hosted at people’s Buffalo homes throughout the years.

    Les Claypool interacted with the audience to perform their hit and rare song at the encore, and they played “Jellikit” as the fans requested. Primus said goodbye with “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver”, leaving the audience in awe, although Primus didn’t promise to come back to Buffalo as portion of the audience repeatedly chanted “Primus Sucks.”

    Puddles Pity Party

    Coheed and Cambria

    Primus

  • In Focus: Alive at 5 with Galactic and Hilltop

    On a hot August 1st evening at Albany’s Jennings Landing, funk outfit Galactic closed out this year’s Alive at 5 summer concert series with a performance that was out of this world.

    Galactic , Alive at 5

    Galactic, originating from New Orleans, has been a powerhouse in the funk and jazz scenes since 1994, known for their electrifying live performances and eclectic sound. Their unique blend of funk, jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music, combined with Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph’s powerful vocals, creates an irresistible groove.

    Albany-based band Hilltop opened the show, getting the crowd in the mood to groove with their lively performance. Their infectious energy set the tone for the night, building excitement and getting people vibing to the music.

    Galactic took the stage next. Between singer Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph’s undeniable stage presence and the band’s exceptional musicianship, the show was a masterclass in funk.  Highlights of the night included Jelly’s powerful rendition of “Right On,” Glen D. Andrews’ soulful “You Don’t Know,” and the crowd-pleasing “Crazyhorse Mongoose.” 

    Glen D. Andrews performing "You Don't Know" with Galactic
    Glen D. Andrews performing “You Don’t Know”

    The crowd, enthusiastic about enjoying the summer to its fullest, volleyed beach balls back and forth, while jet skis and boats passed by on the Hudson River, providing an exceptionally fun, summery backdrop. Galactic continues their tour, now heading west this summer.

    Setlist: Here Comes The Funky Man, Right On, Making it Better, You Don’t Know Feat. Glen D. Andrews, Go Down, Something’s Wrong, People, Lady Liberty, Qualified, Heart For Steel, Crazyhorse Mongoose, Never Called You Crazy, Yes We Can, Dolla Diva, Compared To What

    Be sure to check out Albany’s Jazz Fest Sept. 14th at Jenning’s Landing, featuring Roosevelt Collier, Nate Smith and many more.

  • So Good! Music Series at So Good Ice Cream in Homer

    This summer, The Homer Center for the Arts on 72 S, Main Street, in Homer is teaming up with So Good! Ice Cream to present a diverse line-up of music for the late summer.

    With incredible ice cream, homemade cotton candy, unique sundaes, killer sunsets, and home of the So Good Music Series, each summer the ice cream site hosts the series. Plus, So Good! features “Adult Only” specialty ice cream for those 21+, with shows beginning at 7:00 pm.

    On August 8th Colleen Kattau and Kyle Michio will be taking the stage, showcasing their talents and enhancing each other’s performance. Colleen Kattau is an award-winning blingual singer-songwriter, known for her blend of folk and latin music, her soulful voice brings the lyrics to life. As a beloved figure in the folk world, Kattau connects with the audience through her composition full of nature, social movements, and Latin American nueva canción.

    Micho is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Syracuse with a large span of genres from folk, jazz, to classical music. His blend of sounds are both innovative and contains traditional music.

    On August 22nd, Second Spring and Mr G’s Homie Discount will be performing. Second Spring is a local Ithaca indie rock band that brings contemporary music to life. The band currently consists of members Isabella Gold, Erin Wagner, Isaiah Berger, Carys Banford and Aron Kaplan-Hall. With energetic an heartfelt performances, Second Spring has a loyal following.

    Mr G’s Homie Discount blends funk, soul, and hip-hop. With a groovy and magnetic stage presence, the band has an infectious energy, making the crowd dance.

    The full lineup at So Good! Ice Cream

    August 4 – Steve Daniels Band

    August 11 – Cherry Holler

    August 18 – Colleen Kattau & Dos XX

    August 25 – Jon Rogalia

    September 1 – Harmonic Dirt

    September 8 – Tim Burns

    September 15 – Rick Starmer

    September 22 – The Cousins

    September 29 – Jessica Novak

  • A Spectacular Evening with Cory Wong and Caroga Arts Collective 

    On a picture perfect evening in the Southern Adirondacks, genre-blending guitarist Cory Wong held a unique and memorable performance with the Caroga Arts Collective in Caroga Lake, NY.

    cory wong caroga

    The venue itself is ungoing quite a transformation over the next few years, shifting into a small amphitheatre, with the shores of Caroga Lake right behind the stage. Located on the grounds of the former Sherman’s Amusement Park, Caroga Lake Music Festival brings a diverse and incredible array of live music events each summer, including an upcoming performance by David Alan Miller of the Albany Symphony Orchestra featuring Gerswhin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in its centennial year.

    This evening’s performance from the Poughkeepsie-born Cory Wong and company, including band members Yohannes Tona (bass), Kevin Gastongua (keys), Armando Lopez (percussion) and Eddie Arbash (saxophone), was illuminated by a small orchestra of 28, better known as the Caroga Arts Ensemble. The group of musicians is primarily strings and woodwinds, with a horn and marimba included for good measure.

    cory wong caroga

    During the evening, Wong’s original work was on display, interlacing jazz and rock elements throughout his compositions. A highlight later in the show was a well-polished rendition of the Beatles “Blackbird,” with a guest singer on vocals.

    A tremendous highlight though was a performance of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones ‘Stomping Grounds,’ a song that reportedly helped Wong make the shift from college towards his music career.

    All of this at a venue that in a few years will transform into a Southern Adirondacks destination for live music.

    Caroga, NY is a great location for live music now, and will be an even greater one in the next few years. If you’re anywhere between Albany and Utica or the Southern Adirondacks, you need to put this on your destination list for live music.

    As a bonus after the evening was over and the stage was cleaned up, Wong, his band and members of the Caroga Arts Ensemble took a spin on the more than century-old carousel at Sherman’s, jamming out as they went around and around.

    photos by Chris Bobillo

  • Buffalo Musicians and Charities Team Up For Music Matters Series

    Harbor Walk, Liberty Hound, and Jeff Miers Music are teaming up to present the Thursday Night Summer Concert Series “Music Matters.” The series takes place on the New Harbor Walk Facility at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo. Concerts take place on Thursdays at 7 pm, so don’t miss the last few weeks of eclectic performers.

    music matters

    Now in its final weeks, the Music Matters concert series features a wide variety of regional artists and organizations for attendees to enjoy. Local businesses set up their booths all over the boardwalk, offering special creations just for the event. Private special events on the boardwalk are held after each concert for fans who wish the night would never end.

    “I’m excited to be teaming with my friend Jason Davidson and the Liberty Hound to present this summer concert series at the new Harbor Walk venue,’” says Music Matters Series co-producer Jeff Miers. “There’s a long history of live music on Thursday nights in the Canalside region, and it feels great to be able to assemble this lineup of incredible Buffalo talent to continue that tradition at one of our city’s most breathtakingly beautiful sites.”

    Music Matters brings an incredibly diverse and talented batch of musicians to Harbor Walk every year. This year, a lineup of rock, country, and funk artists take the stage. In its home stretch, bands like Critt (joined by special guest Blaised and Confused), Funktional Flow, and The Strictly Hip, along with a special announcement for the show on August 8, are ready to turn up the funk for Buffalo crowds.

    Don’t miss the last few performances of Music Matters, every Thursday starting at 7 pm. More information is available here.

  • Brooklyn Funk Essentials Re-Release Two Classic Tracks

    Brooklyn Funk Essentials celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Cool And Steady And Easy, by re-imagining two singles, “Blow Your Brains Out”, and “Brooklyn Recycles.”

    A cult acid-jazz ensemble, Brooklyn Funk Essentials have established a global following. The re-released singles offer a new take on their classic singles.

    Their 1994 debut album, Cool And Steady And Easy, was an underground hit.”Take the L Train” and “Big Apple Boogaloo” became DJ favorites. Upon its release, Cool And Steady And Easy received Billboard’s  Best Alternative R&B Album of the Year. Prolific producer Arthur Baker (of Afrika Bambaataa and New Order) worked with Lati Kronlund in producing the record.

    Baker and Kronlund met in the 1990s after Baker became captivated by a single Kronlund wrote and produced, “Where Love Lives” by Alison Limerick. As fate would have it, Alison Limerick became the lead vocalist for Brooklyn Funk Essentials in 2016.

    The new rendition of “Blow Your Brains Out” features Limerick’s new vocals, as well as production and instrumentals from Lati Kronlund. Candid dialogue captured in the studio opens the original version of the track: “This f**ker’s nine minutes long?!” “Yeah, just long enough to blow your brains out!”. The daunting time flies by with engaging instrumentation and sonically compelling production.

    “Brooklyn Recycles” was initially a Maceo feature, but is now wholly rewritten by BFE’s original trombone player Joshua Roseman. Bassy Bob Brockmann played the trumpet, with Paul Shapiro on saxophone, and Everton Sylvester contributed inimitable spoken word.

    Next followed 2nd album In The Buzzbag in 1998, Make Them Like It in 2000, Watcha Playin’ in 2008, Funk Ain’t Ova in 2015, Stay Good in 2019, and most recently Intuition in 2023. The re-released singles, which came out July 27th, are available on all streaming platforms now. A live performance from a few years ago is also available below.

  • Hozier Plays Sold-Out Show at Bethel Woods for Unreal Unearth Tour

    Saturday, July 27 saw Andrew Hozier-Byrne, better known as Hozier, play a sold out show at the historic Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Hozier is currently touring across North America with opener Allison Russell to celebrate the release of his Unreal Unearth album.

    Hozier, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Hozier, born in Ireland but popular worldwide for his songs, “Take Me to Church” and “Too Sweet,” has made many stops in NY while on tour. He recently played four nights at Forest Hills Stadium in June. Hozier is well known for his powerful voice and honest songwriting, touching on themes of heartbreak, abuse, love, and humanity through his deeply personal and self-aware lyrics. 

    Hozier bethel woods
    Hozier, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Fans flocked to the concert in the early afternoon, tailgating with friends and family in white skirts, floral tank tops, and Hozier merchandise. While the majority of people sat on the lawn, those who were lucky enough to snag good seats in the 20 minute period before completely selling out the show sat under the pavilion, with a clear view of Hozier and the stage. During the concert, friends, family, and couples danced freely, truly taking in the night. Hardly any phones were present—people were truly living in the moment.

    Hozier bethel woods
    Hozier, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    During his song, “Like Real People Do,” Hozier experienced a guitar malfunction and quickly moved on to the next song on his setlist. He stated, “This is how you know I’m playing live,” followed by a few laughs from him and the crowd. He recognized a familiar face and shared a sweet interaction with the fan, stating, “Is that you? Yeah, yeah! Good to see you again… I love you too.” 

    Hozier bethel woods
    Hozier, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Finally, he wrapped up the night with a surprisingly long, yet beautiful encore. He left the stage after “Take Me to Church” and snuck off to a separate makeshift area closer to the people in the nosebleeds, and performed a beautiful rendition of his song, “Cherry Wine.” Fans waved their phone flashlights in the air, looking up in awe, crying, and swaying peacefully to the eclectic music as Hozier entranced the crowd with his gentle vocals and intricate guitar playing. 

    Hozier bethel woods
    Crowd, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Finally, to finish off the encore, he stopped to talk to the audience about the current social and political issues affecting the world. Hozier has always been vocal about his support of the LGBTQ+ community and in the importance of voting, protesting, and recognizing the violence that is happening in other countries. He stated, “I’d only like to see Palestine free from occupation, free from violence,” before leading into song, “Nina Cried Power.” Although Hozier does not have any more New York dates scheduled for the rest of his tour, he is sure to return in the future. 

    Hozier – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Saturday, July 27, 2024

    Setlist: De Selby (Part 1), De Selby (Part 2), Jackie and Wilson, From Eden, Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene, Dinner & Diatribes, Francesca, It Will Come Back; I, Carrion (Icarian); Abstract (Psychopomp), Like Real People Do, Wildflower and Barley (with Allison Russell), Would that I, Too Sweet, Almost (Sweet Music), Eat Your Young, Movement, Take Me to Church

    Encore: Cherry Wine, Unknown / Nth, Nina Cried Power, Work Song (with Allison Russell)

  • Big Shrimp to Debut at LonCon at Wonderland Forest

    On September 20, Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY, will be home to LonCon, a two-day music festival featuring numerous rocking jam bands. This year, LonCon will also see the debut of newly formed Big Shrimp, ready to stun crowds with new faces.

    big shrimp

    Formerly known as Baked Shrimp, the group has decided to take on a new name, and of course, a new style. Hailing from Long Island and originally forming in 2017, Baked Shrimp took on the world as a trio, made up of Jared Cowen (Guitar/Vocals), Scott Reill (Bass/Vocals), and Jager Soss (Drums/Vocals). Their funk style brought them to festivals and shows all over the United States and Canada, and even provided supporting acts for artists like the Disco Biscuits, Pink Talking Fish, Aqueous, Dopapod, and more.

    In 2021, Baked Shrimp formed LonCon, a two-day music festival featuring hundreds of artists over the course of three years. Up until recently, they performed as Baked Shrimp, but are now ready to change it up and announce their new and improved act.

    Now known as Big Shrimp, the band has taken on not just a new name, but a new sound and even a new member. Joining the Big Shrimp crew is Matt Takesh, their brand new keyboard player.

    “I am so amped up to have Matt Takesh with us behind a batch of keyboards, including a real B3!” says guitarist and vocalist Jared Cowen. “He and Max Perrotti have been a pure joy to bring into our world of music, and we can’t wait to see what this lineup looks and sounds like on the stage.”

    This year, LonCon has moved to a new location, Wonderland Forest in Lafayette. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and dozens of hiking trails, attendees can choose to camp as close or as far from the festival as they’d like, and take in amazing hiking trails, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and more.

    The full lineup of LonCon is to be released soon, with performances from Mihali, Big Shrimp x2, Aliens Among Us (ft. Ben Atkind (ElephantProof/formerly Goose), Ryan Dempsey (Twiddle), Sam Lucid (Dogs in a Pile), Jared Sage Cowen (Big Shrimp), Gantzer, Sophistafunk, Annie in the Water, and more already announced.

    “Having his and our friends and family be with us for what we continue to want to be an annual event, is so special, and inspires us to continue to want to grow our community,” says Cowen. The highly anticipated debut album for Big Shrimp is set to release in the Spring of 2025, following an incredible festival.

    For more information on LonCon, visit the festival’s website.

  • NYC Artist SOLA Releases single WHAT YOU WANT

    Up and coming NYC R&B artist SOLA has released her funk disco single “What You Want,” which is about people pleasing.

    SOLA, also known as Jessica Bisola Omokheyeke, was born and raised in Houston Texas and moved to NYC to expand her music career. Her hometown inspired her writing style. She began her musical journey in a church choir. “Houston holds a special place in my heart and has shaped who I am today,” Omokheyeke told NYS Music. The 22 year old songwriter released her first EP Everything in Between in November of 2022.

    Omokheyeke opened for Doechii and Earl Sweatshirt at NYC’s Terminal 5 in February of 2023 gaining lots of attention in the NYC Music scene.

    With her background in the church and growing up with R&B superstars like Beyoncé, SZA and Lauryn Hill, her musical influences have range. “From a young age, I created music not to fit into any genre but to represent my own experiences and the sounds I loved,” she said. 

    “What You Want” describes the insanity that striving for perfection leads to. At first, SOLA wanted to write a ballad about her frustration with imperfections, but then it became an upbeat funk song. “Writing this song was incredibly freeing. I feel like I learned more about myself with each line I wrote, uncovering the feelings I was burying under layers of guilt.”

    SOLA is looking forward to sharing more music in the fall as well as a music video with the “What You Want” release day.
    You can listen to her music on any streaming service and keep up with her work through her Instagram @itssolaofficial.