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In Focus: The Headhunters at The Hamilton Live

The Headhunters kicked off their fall tour in Washington, DC at The Hamilton Live on Wednesday, September 11, with a few classics from seminal Herbie Hancock albums, as well as new originals off their latest album, The Stunt Man.

They last played The Hamilton for a monthly residency from January through September 2019, and are now back on tour for a few more dates in the US, followed by a two-week European tour.

Spear-headed by the fiery chops of drummer, Mike Clark, founding percussionist Bill Summers added his remarkable rhythmic skills, with Big Chief Donald Harrison on alto sax, Kyle Roussel on keyboards from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Chris Severin on 6-string bass from the Neville Brothers. The Headhunters band was created in 1973 to thrust Hancock’s explosion into jazz fusion. They continue to carve new paths in musical exploration. Bill Summers reminded fans, “We’re not musicians, we are physicians; we heal people.” Donald Harrison showcased his sax brilliance on “Butterfly”, and throughout the night.

A charming moment occurred when Bill Summers demonstrated how he uses a beer bottle as a sort of flute on “Watermelon Man,” which originally recorded back on Hancock’s debut 1962 album, Takin’ Off. The song was re-arranged on Head Hunters in 1973, with the beer bottle iconically reimagined as a percussion instrument.Â

Summers announced at the start of “Chameleon” that it was their 50th anniversary (since The Headhunters re-recorded it in 1973), then quipped, “we only had one rehearsal, but it’s going to be alright.” After Chameleon, Summers introduced their two guest musicians, Morgan State University students Shawn McNeil and Brian Moten on sax and trumpet, respectively.

One of the most accomplished drummers of all times, New York resident Mike Clark has played on at least 50 to 60 albums, and thousands of live shows across the world for over 6 decades. He’s played or toured with Albert King, Wayne Shorter, John Scofield, Gil Evans, and dozens of other musical legends and pioneers. Few drummers are as influential or experienced, or as musical. Bill Summers is also a living legend, having played with Hancock, and other musical pioneers, such as Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sting, on roughly a hundred albums, and TV soundtracks.

The Headhunters roll up the coast to play an outdoor show at Times Square on Sep 12, and will be playing the Nola X North Fork Festival in Cutchogue, NY on Sep. 13. After a few more tour dates in Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, they will return back east for Hampton Roads, Virginia, on Sep. 28, followed by a European tour, kicking off in Norway on Oct 8 and ending in Warsaw, Poland on Oct. 19th.

Headhunters – 2024 Fall Tour Dates

Sep 13 – Nola X North Fork Festival – Cutchogue, NY
Sep 17 & 18 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA
Sep 19 – The Get Down Music Festival – Portland, OR
Sep 21 – The Jazz Station – Eugene, OR
Sep 28 – The Phoebus Jazz Festival – Hampton Roads, VA
Oct 8 – Cosmopolite Scene – Oslo, Norway
Oct 9 – On the Rocks – Helsinki, Finland
Oct 10 – Loppen – Kobenhavn K, Denmark
Oct 12 – Stockholm Jazz Festival – Stockholm, Sweden
Oct 14 – Gretchen – Berlin, Germany
Oct 15 – Blue Note – Milano, Italy
Oct 16, 17 – Muxiekclub N9 – Eeklo, Belgium
Oct 18 – New Morning – Paris, France
Oct 19 – Jassmine – Warszawa, Poland

September 14, 2024
The FMs Release Joy Division Cover

Following the announcement of their next album, 51122, NYC-based punk rock band The FMs have released the album’s first single, a cover of Joy Division’s “A Means to an End”.

Formed by founding members Matte Namer and Frankie Rex in 2016, The FMs’ foundations and legacy thus far are unapologetically punk and unapologetically queer. Brought together by the shared experiences of coming out as transgender and shared adoration for synthesizers, the two realized their debut LP Machinacene Epoch, released in 2017. The band’s performances quickly took on the same counter-culture personality their sound contained- forming a tight knit community around their SVBVERT shows on a ferry boat in the industrial canals of Bushwick, where they would continue to perform and produce in the years following.

After the success of their commitment to a more traditional approach to music making with their first release and 2,000 hours in the studio, The FMs had created their next double-LP, PINK + BLACK. With its own personality, PINK + BLACK marked a softer and more personal point in the duo’s sound. Tragically, prior to the release of such a deeply personal labor of love, Rex passed away from a fentanyl overdose. This aching loss put a pause on the project, but two years later Namer decided to release the work posthumously- ultimately, not even death could stop Frankie Rex’s voice from being heard.

After the release of PINK + BLACK and recognition from names including the GLAAD foundation, Namer reformed the FMs in Ithaca, introducing trans musicians Bubba Crumrine on guitar, Basim Hussain on synth and keys, and Nick Scollard on drums. PINK + BLACK and the new line up made their debut at the first- ever Frankie Fest, a tribute to Frankie Rex and fundraiser for Chosen Family Law Center.

The FM’s upcoming release, 51122, is another tribute to Rex- the title corresponding with May 11, 2022, the day they passed. A nod to one of the founding duo’s favorite bands, as well as Rex’s favorite song of theirs, A Means to an End is the lead single of the album.

Composed of demos recorded years prior, the album’s producer David Werner simplified and elevated the track, doing both the original song and Rex’s voice justice. Containing likely some of the final recordings of their vocals that will be released, A Means To an End and the FM’s upcoming album is not a quiet goodbye to Rex- it is a bold reminder to the world that they will not be forgotten, immortalized both by their own voice and their band’s never-ending love.

It’s also a bit somber being the last music that I think will ever be released with Frankie’s incredible, powerful, unique voice. I think there’s something about that that makes me remember they are really gone, like an orchid blooming from a coffin nail. 51122 is the date Frankie passed away, but is also a type of symbol in a way, or perhaps a word. I’m not sure what that meaning is yet, perhaps the orchid needs to grow.”
– Matte Namer

Following the release of 51122 this November, The FMs will celebrate with a record release show in New York City. More details will be revealed shortly. To keep up to date, visit their website here.

To pre-order or pre-save 51122, please visit here.

September 14, 2024
TV On The Radio Announce Special ‘Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes’ 20th Anniversary Edition

Brooklyn-based band TV On The Radio has announced a 20th anniversary edition of their critically acclaimed debut album, Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes, featuring five bonus tracks to be released on November 15, in addition to a return to live performance to celebrate.

Composed of Tunde Adebimpe, Dave Sitek, Kyp Malone, and Jaleel Bunton, TV on the Radio has developed a reputation that precedes them over their past twenty-plus years as a rock band. Recognized for their eclectic sound and experimental attitude, the band has toured worldwide, collaborated with countless household names, and released a total of five studio albums among a plethora of singles. An act of rebellion by simply existing as a Black indie rock band and a force of sonic exploration, TV on the Radio is truly not to be missed.

Now, just over twenty years since their debut album, TV on the Radio is returning to the public eye for a celebratory re-release of Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes, featuring five bonus tracks, two of which are unreleased. The first, “Final Fantasy,” is out now and is an early demo of their song “Bomb Yourself.”

Recognized by Rolling Stone as “an immaculate album about disappointment in all its forms” and featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, TV on the Radio’s first album release had made its mark on the world from the start. Saturated with concepts of life, love, and loss through the lens of post-9/11 America and heavy with the tension felt by the youngest generations at the time, Desperate Youth puts visceral emotions into words and words into never-before-heard sound.

In addition to the exciting rerelease, TV on the Radio has announced their first shows since 2019, with multiple nights in New York City at the historic Webster Hall. The band will be in the city on November 25, 26, 29, and 30, with dates in Los Angeles and London to follow. While still a part of the band, member Dave Sitek will be unable to join the tour. Tickets will be on sale Thursday, September 12 at 10:00 AM local time- for more information, visit here.

The full list of dates as well as the 20th Anniversary Edition track list are below.

TOUR DATES

November 25 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

November 26 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

November 29 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

November 30 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

December 4 – Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre

December 5 – Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre

December 7 – Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre

December 10 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall

December 11 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall

December 12 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall

September 14, 2024
Jeezy brings ‘The Playlist’ Concert Series to New York City

Atlanta rapper Jeezy has been no stranger to New York City over his decades-long career and his latest tour stop for ‘The Playlist’ in NYC was no different.

The Snowman brought his Playlist Concert Series to a sold-out Irving Plaza on Thursday, September 12, leaving the Big Apple with another memorable evening with one of hip hop’s most engaging performers.

Jeezy brought the house down at Irving Plaza last night with his electrifying Playlist Concert. Fans were treated to a night of unforgettable music and a high-energy performance. Backed up by DJ Ace, the atmosphere was buzzing as Jeezy took the stage, captivating the audience from the moment he appeared. The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and new hits.

With his cohort DJ Ace, he cut through his hit-filled set like a pro. Rolling out classics like “RIP” and “White Girl,” as well as cuts off his 2023 project, Jeezy kept all eyes on him during his set. With an unmistakable voice and swagger, there is really nothing quite like a Jeezy show, and New York City showed the Snowman no shortage of love. In fact, it was one of the most engaged and energetic crowds and we know that NYC is a tough crowd.

In person, Jeezy is an endlessly positive individual. Performing alone, in front of a stark light projection that obscured his features and made him look more like a shadow than a man, he made every effort to highlight the idea that he, the famous rapper, is just like us: the day-job slob who paid for a ticket. He took time to directly engage with and show love to his fans.

In just over an hour, the man ripped through a career’s worth of hits with passion and charisma. He stalked the stage, switching his flow from a barking punk frontman’s delivery especially on “Seen it All” and Recession-era smash “Put On.” Also has NYC engaging in screaming the ad-libs back at him like on Thug Motivation standouts “Standing Ovation” and “Soul Survivor”. If you can, you can still catch Jeezy on tour, tickets here.

September 14, 2024
Brooklyn Bowl Announces Rosh Hashanah Music Bash

Brooklyn Bowl has announced the return of the annual Rosh Hashanah music bash, set to return October 2 and 3. This year marks the event’s 13th year.

Beginning at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, October 2 and 10 A.M. on Thursday, October 3, both musically driven services will feature Rabbi Daniel Brenner with musical director Jeremiah Lockwood. Also included are Antibalas’ Jordan McLean and Timothy Allen, drummer John Bollinger, saxophonist Stuart Bogie and Yula Berri on vocals and bass.

Internationally renowned teacher Jane Tuv will also lead a guided meditation at each event. There will also be Torah reading and procession led by Rabbi Brenner, as well as prayer, and shofar blowing. After the services on October 2nd, Brooklyn Bowl hosts a spiritually driven jam session featuring members of the service’s house band as well as additional guests. After services on October 3rd at 12:30 P.M., there is a lunch provided by Blue Ribbon with purchase of a ticket.

All proceeds will support the non-profit organization Shalom Y’all Jams, which works to organize holiday services at non-traditional locations. Brooklyn Bowl was ranked the number one busiest club in NYC in 2017. This celebration of Rosh Hashanah may very well love up to that title this October. You’ll want to get your tickets before they sell out.

To purchase tickets for the Rosh Hashanah music bash at Brooklyn Bowl and to learn more about the celebration, click here.

September 14, 2024
Blake Shelton’s “Friends & Heroes” 2025 Tour Coming to Albany March 8

Country superstar Blake Shelton is bringing his 2025 “Friends & Heroes” Tour to the MVP Arena in Albany March 8, with appearances by Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, and Trace Adkins in addition to special guest Emily Ann Roberts.

American singer-songwriter, television personality, and country music star, Blake Shelton is a household name for fans of today’s country scene. Whether it’s from his 12 albums, his countless singles- 28 of which charted number one, his appearances as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, or his marriage to Gwen Stefani, most are familiar with Blake Shelton’s name.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Shelton has been pursuing music from the very beginning. Immediately after graduating high school, he moved to Nashville and worked his way up to a production contract with Sony Music. After a short period of work for the company and eventually signing as a singer-songwriter with Giant Records, Blake Shelton released his debut single “Austin”, landing him his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. Three months later, he released his debut studio album under Warner Bros. Records, and the rest is history.

Eleven albums, countless awards, and a long list of other accomplishments later, Blake Shelton is returning to the touring lifestyle just off the heels of his Las Vegas residency for his Friends & Heroes 2025 tour, which showcases just that- the musical works of his heroes and friends in the industry.

Reviving the concept after the initial Friends & Heroes tour in 2019, the 2025 lineup will feature Grand Ole Opry member and Army veteran Craig Morgan, singer-songwriter and active voice for Artist & Creators with Advocacy in Washington D.C. Deana Carter, singer-songwriter, actor, and two-decade Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins, and previous member of Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice, rising country star Emily Ann Roberts.

“The ‘Friends & Heroes’ Tour is one of my favorite tours because as a fan, I can’t think of a cooler concert to see. I get spoiled every night seeing these icons come out and do four or five of the biggest hits of their storied careers. And then get introduced to new talent like Emily Ann. I can’t wait.”
– Blake Shelton

Once more, Shelton is partnering with the social platform Propellor to support the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through this partnership, concertgoers can enter to win exclusive experiences and prizes through the Friends & Heroes tour, all while supporting one of the leading research centers for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Friends & Heroes will be coming to New York on March 8 at the MVP Arena on Saturday, March 8. Ticket sales will begin Friday, September 13 at 10:00 AM local time. For more details and ticket purchasing, please visit here.

The full list of tour dates is below.

TOUR DATES

February 27 – Lexington, KY / Rupp Arena

February 28 – Knoxville, TN / Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center

March 1 – Greensboro, NC / Greensboro Coliseum

March 6 – Newark, NJ / Prudential Center

March 7 – Boston, MA / TD Garden

March 8 – Albany, NY / MVP Arena

March 13 – Greenville, SC / Bon Secours Wellness Arena

March 14 – North Charleston, SC / North Charleston Coliseum

March 15 – Atlanta, GA / State Farm Arena

March 20 – Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena

March 21 – Uncasville, CT / Mohegan Sun Arena

March 22 -State College, PA / Bryce Jordan Center

September 13, 2024
Shower Curtain Drop “benadryl man” Ahead of Album Release

The Brooklyn-based band Shower Curtain has released “benadryl man,” their second single from their upcoming album Words From a Wishing Well, out on October 18.

Shower Curtain, the four-piece band led by vocalist Victoria Winter has become a new fixture in the Brooklyn Shoegaze scene. As a band, they have been steadily releasing music since 2020, with the release of their self-titled EP. Now, four years later, their first album is set to release in October on Angel Tapes/Fire Talk Records. Their sound has evolved quite a bit over this period culminating in an album that contains more introspective lyrics than previous works.

“benadryl man” in particular contains the hauntingly visual lyrics, “He’s hanging out when I’m not around,” Which rather than explaining a ‘nightmare,’ recounts a grotesque mystery; a discomfort to be sure, but one that reflects a disappointing reality instead of a genuine horror. A common theme in these songs is the yearning for a lost innocence left behind in childhood. This is visualized in the music video (see below) for their newest song, which features stuffed animals and tea parties… but make it creepy.

Victoria Winter, says, “‘benadryl man’ tells the story of my issues with sleeping and anxiety. I see a figure sitting on my couch and it prevents me from entering a stage of peace, moreover not feeling safe in my home. The instrumentals are a little sinister and creepy, and I always envisioned having strings on this.”

The songs of Shower Curtain take the principles of the shoegaze sound of the nineties, (particularly reminiscent of those with female vocalists such as Lush or my bloody valentine) but by utilizing the vocals as the lead of the tracks, rather than riffs, it tightens to gap toward pop which brings a distinctly modern feeling.

On Sep 28, they’ll perform at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn with Winter.

Learn more about Shower Curtain here.

September 13, 2024
Award-Winning Documentary “Swing 46: The Last Swingin’ Supper Club” Screening October 6 in NYC

Swing 46 in NYC has announced the special screening of award-winning documentary on the venue, titled “Swing 46: The Last Swingin’ Supper Club.” The airing takes place on October 6 at the jazz club itself.

The famous jazz and supper club Swing 46 prepares to host an honorable screening along with a Q&A session with the filmmaker. The night gives a snapshot of this historic music venue, which has been a home of music, performance, dancing, and memories for decades. The documentary tells the tale of a music venue born out of the retro swing renaissance of the late 90’s, hosting live music, diners, and dancers for nearly three decades.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has taken its toll on this great music venue which features live music six nights a week, acclaimed food, and a stunning atmosphere that has drawn many globally. A portion of the funds raised will benefit Swing 46’s daily operations and expenses helping to sustain this iconic music and supper club.

In addition to providing a home to the New York City Swing Dance Community and world
renowned artists, Swing 46 became a beloved tourist destination, welcoming jazz fans and dancers from around the world. If funding does not become available to help this beloved club pay ongoing bills like rent, utilities, payroll to staff, and other necessities, it will not be able to continue to operate. Swing 46 may be forced to close its doors permanently and NYC will lose another precious live music venue.

For more information on the impact and magnitude of the jazz club and to purchase tickets to the October 6 event, click here.

September 13, 2024
Hearing Aide: Maybe Sunday’s “Tabula Rasa”
Maybe Sunday officially released their sophomore EP entitled Tabula Rasa on August 23. This follows their debut EP, …Above The Trees released in 2020. This is the band’s first release since the departure of their original vocalist and songwriter.

Hailing from Rome, NY, Maybe Sunday currently consists of Bryan Honeywell on guitar and lead vocals, Nick Mellace on bass, Julie Grogan on keys and Jim Grogan on drums.

Photo Courtesy of Maybe Sunday

When speaking on the release, Grogan states “We like putting out EP’s because we feel we can get the attention of the listener and keep it for fifteen minutes or so.” This holds true as Tabula Rasa’s four tracks clock in at fourteen minutes. The EP was both recorded and mixed by Jeff Aderman at Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica.

Tabula Rasa tackles themes of life, uncertainty, change and relationships to a backdrop of alternative rock fused with aspects of punk and psychedelia. They cite bands like The Who, The Cure, Genesis, The Replacements and Tragically Hip as some of their main influences. This alternative influence combined with their imaginative lyricism mesh to create the distinct sound that is Maybe Sunday.

Photo Courtesy of Maybe Sunday

They have a home-town EP Release Party on November 9th at Copper City Brewing Company in Rome, NY. The show starts at 7pm. You can find out more at maybesundayband.com

Tabula Rasa is currently available on all streaming services here.

Tracklist:
1. Apocalyptic Lullaby
2. Something Got In The Way
3. Riverside
4. Carry On
September 13, 2024
“La La Land” in Concert Featured at Carnegie Hall in February

Composer of the Oscar award winning score for acclaimed 2016 film La La Land Justin Hurwitz will be conducting the Wordless Music Orchestra for a once in a lifetime live-to-film concert experience at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, February 1.

For one night only, the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall will be hosting award-winning composer Justin Herwitz as he conducts his work for critically acclaimed film La La Land with the Wordless Music Orchestra. A collaboration with Hurwitz Concerts, a company started in 2022 to produce live concerts of Justin Herwitz’s film scores worldwide, the evening is perfect for lovers of La La Land, musical score, and everything in between.

Most known for his work on the La La Land soundtrack that landed him two Academy Awards, A Golden Globe, and a BAFTA, Justin Herwitz is a longtime collaborator with director Damien Chazelle, scoring each one of his films- Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, Whiplash, La La Land, First Man, and Babylon, with First Man and Babylon each earning him an additional Golden Globe for Best Original Score respectively.

The Wordless Music Orchestra is the house band of New York’s Wordless Music series, founded by Ronen Givony. Presenting contemporary and classical concerts around the world, the Orchestra is composed of some of New York’s brightest young musicians who are incredibly familiar with performances of live scoring, with a repertoire including Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love, and Ryan Coogler’s Creed.

Hurwitz and Wordless Music Orchestra will come together in a swoon-worthy live performance of the La La Land soundtrack in synchronization to the film, which will be shown on a big screen. Beginning at 8:00 PM on Saturday, February 1, this exciting musical movie experience is not to be missed.

Tickets prices are tiered, beginning at $59 plus applicable fees. Sales will begin on Friday, September 13 at 11:00 AM EST. For more information and ticket purchasing, please visit here.

September 13, 2024