2024

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September 12, 2024

Words and Photos by Timothy Reidy.

The opening intro for Yes was a classical piece but one not known to me. Yes themselves opened with their newest song of the evening, “Machine Messiah,” and it might have been the longest. The group was Steve Howe on the left side with Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Jay Schellen, and Billy Sherwood from left to right. “Machine Messiah” had a quiet vocal at the start. Geoff got some Kaleidoscope organ going, Jon was on the bongos and Billy was starting to warm up to the song. Steve was hot-dogging it on the solo and was the main focus for the night. On this number, I did miss Chris Squire in the middle vocal sections. During the concert, there was lots of Roger Dean art in the background on a large screen. Jon was also playing guitar during “Machine Messiah.”

Steve gave a callout to Saratoga, and the next number was “I’ve Seen All Good People. Steve Howe with a mandolin, followed by Jon and Billy with good harmony. We got some V signs for peace. The sound was muddy for this tune and was also muddy for the next act. The song had a light ending.

“Yours Is No Disgrace” had some good organ by Geoff, and Jay woohing it up on the drums. It also featured some stereo wah in the concert hall by Steve Howe; afterward he followed it up with fine picking and soloing towards the end of the song.

Steve Howe took over the stage for an acoustic break with “The Clap.” It took a while for the crowd to clap to that number.

“Going for the One” was an all-slide guitar number for Steve. Sadly, you could not hear the vocals from the others well on this number. The bass was getting better with Billy and Steve was sliding along with his slide guitar.

There was another shout-out to Saratoga before “Siberian Khatru.” Billy was poorly lit at the start of the song but did get brighter later on this number. There was a good river chorus followed by mellow chanting and good guitar licks from Steve, even more so in the latter parts. This song was given a standing ovation.

Yes started the encore with “Roundabout,” with Jon walking around. Some standees, but not a lot of dancing from the crowd. Da Da Da. “Starship Trooper” was the final song, with light singing from Jon. Steve seemed to get drowned out at times early but came back with some good solo picking throughout the early and middle sections. This song was best sung along to. The crowd started clapping to the last section, “Wurm.” On stage during “Wurm,” Steve and Jon were on either side of the stage with Billy in the center. It turned out to be the best “Wurm” I ever heard, and made this a special show and Yes a special band.

Deep Purple came out and stayed mostly a five-piece through my time watching the band. The stage had a bigger screen, which was made by a low-rise keyboard, and the drums on the stage floor. There were good cameras placed to see the drums and the organ. “Highway Star” got the crowd to remain standing. The sound did start off muddy with lots of reverb in the hall. The guitarist dominated the show with him playing modern guitars. The lead singer came on and off stage.

The next song “A Bit on the Side” had good lighting on stage. The vocals came out muted but were sung strongly. The crowd began to sit. The next song was a dark number with a punchy guitar solo.

The next song had a bass solo afterward, with a crying organ that meandered. The singer brought out a gong. Then it went to a jam session with some smashing drums.

“Into the Fire” brought out some more classic rock. Then. after calling it a beautiful evening, the lead guitarist Simon McBride took over the stage for a guitar solo which started out speedy, then slower, then went a little metal. The band came back on with a soft solo and the organ section. The singer was shaking while belting out the number and finished with a psychedelic organ solo.

The next song “Uncommon Man” was dedicated to Jon Lord, followed by “Lazy Sod.” The next number was an old song about a guy who could not put up a tent on a wet Sunday morning. It started out with an organ solo and had good storytelling about drinking red wine. It went into some swing blues and the singer laid down some harmonica. The crowd went on their feet.

My last song reviewed was a wayback song, “When a Blind Man Cries,” a ballad. I think they tried to play some of their newer songs, and sadly I had to get ready to exit. Both bands made for an interesting night of rock.

Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 9/13 – 9/15

By

Staff

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September 12, 2024

0

Show Detective.

Friday, September 13^th

Peter Frampton, The Palace, Albany, 8pm

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Peter Frampton, is celebrating 60 years of touring by heading back out on the road for “The Positively Thankful Tour” to cities in North America in 2024.

Grammy-winning guitarist Peter Frampton is one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. At 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British band the Herd. At 18, Frampton co-founded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. His collaborations in recording sessions and live performances range from such legendary artists as George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, David Bowie, Dion, Hank Marvin, Ringo Starr, B.B. King, Mike McCready & Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam), Buddy Guy, Steve Miller and many others.

Gary Gulman – Misfit Stand Up Tour, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Over 25 years in comedy, Gary Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer.

A product of Boston, Gulman has been a scholarship college football player, an accountant, and a high school teacher. He has made countless television appearances as both a comedian and an actor. Gulman has made five masterful TV specials including his most recent stand-up special, “Born on 3^rd Base,” which premiered December 21^st on MAX.

Broadway Rave, Empire Underground, Albany, 9pm

Orleans & Aztec Two-Step, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-10:30pm

Join us for a fantastic Double Bill!

About Orleans…

Platinum hit-makers ORLEANS are now celebrating 50 YEARS of live performances! Praised and respected by their peers for their songwriting skills, instrumental prowess and classic trademark harmonies, their iconic radio hits, including “Still The One,” “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time,” still resonate with audiences of all ages thanks to continued airplay on Classic Rock radio, television, film and streaming services.

The Lustre Kings, Twisted Fiddler, Troy, 6pm

Billy Eli and The GutShot Angels, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Country Rock Trio

The Pine Boys at The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE SHOW), Albany, 6pm-10pm

Beats driven jam-funk outfit The Pine Boys return to The Eleven at Lark Hall for a free show on September 13.

The Pine Boys are a drum machine driven funk trio based in Albany, NY. Sharing a love for fun, original and most of all groovy music, Sam, Brett and Andrew have been jamming together since high school music class. Officially founded in 2016, the boys have always made it a priority to keep things fresh and interesting on stage and in the studio. Over the past 7 years, The Pine Boys have released 5 albums and 3 EP’s, and their live shows typically feature keytars, rapping and improvised solos. The Pine Boys have earned a reputation as one of the most intriguing and unique musical acts in the Capital Region. Check out their website thepineboys.com to stay in the loop!

George Boone Blues Band, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

From his suit and shiny black shoes, to his powerful vocals filled with raw emotion, this veteran musician will immerse you in a deep river of the blues.

George Boone began playing live on stage at the age of 12 in the greater New York area. He won the respect and accolades of the great players in the blues scene. He has graced the stage in the United States, Japan, and Europe, performing at international blues festivals, New York City clubs, concert halls and local dives. George Boone has shared the stage with legendary blues greats such as Albert King, Screaming Jay Hawkins and Johnny Copeland, to name a few.

Maswick & Brown with opener Mike O’Donnell, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Beautifully arranged harmony singing over lush acoustic accompaniment highlighted by intricate, fingerpicked guitar work.

Maswick & Brown’s expressive lead and solo vocals serve as perfect vehicles for their hook-laden, modern folk/pop and contemporary acoustic original songs. Brown is a classical guitarist who has been featured with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, at Tanglewood, with the Boston Pops, and on stages around the globe. Maswick was in the early MTV hit band Blotto, and has long played bass for The Stony Creek Band, a progressive country-bluegrass outfit. Combine these two seasoned musicians and you get an exquisite evening of music.

Gift / Fantasy Of A Broken Heart / Lemon Of Choice, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

9/13 5:00 PM Kevin & Josh- Frog Alley Brewing

9/13 5:00 PM Mike McMann Quartet- S&S farm Brewery

9/13 5:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

9/13 6:00 PM Big Frank & The Bargain Bingers- Indian Ladder Farms

9/13 6:00 PM BJ Fitzgerald- Spa City Tap & Barrel

9/13 6:00 PM Bronte Roman & Steve Viglucci Duo- Sofia’s of Clifton Park

9/13 6:00 PM Chris Carey- The Scarlet Knife

9/13 6:00 PM Dan Dekalb- 677 Prime

9/13 6:00 PM David Wong- Saratoga Winery

9/13 6:00 PM George Krakat- Thirsty Owl

9/13 6:00 PM Hayley Stafford- Olde Bryan Inn

9/13 6:00 PM Pine Boys- Eleven At Lark Hall

9/13 6:00 PM Seth Warden- Inn at Saratoga

9/13 6:00 PM Tame The Rooster- Carsons Woodside Tavern

9/13 6:00 PM Tim & Norm- Powers Pub

9/13 6:30 PM Chris Dollard- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

9/13 6:30 PM Chuck Kelsey- Other One Brewery

9/13 6:30 PM Nancy Timpanaro & David Gleason- Panza’s Saratoga

9/13 6:30 PM Steve Candlen- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites

9/13 6:30 PM Yankee Holler- Artisanal Brew Works

9/13 7:00 PM Acoustic Trauma- Nanola

9/13 7:00 PM Almost Home – Hometown Pub & Grub

9/13 7:00 PM Band of Horses- Frog Alley Brewing

9/13 7:00 PM Christine Spero- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino

9/13 7:00 PM Gianna Robustiano Duo- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

9/13 7:00 PM Jeff Walton- Principessa Elena

9/13 7:00 PM Lustre Kings- Twisted Fiddler

9/13 7:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- Druthers Clifton Park

9/13 7:00 PM On Tap Duo- Kraverie

9/13 7:00 PM Powersiren- American Legion Wynantskill

9/13 7:00 PM The Accents- Beach Bar at Dock Browns Tavern

9/13 7:00 PM Waller Road- Quarters

9/13 8:00 PM Billy Eli & The Gutshot Angels- Rustic Barn Pub

9/13 8:00 PM DJ Eric Whin- Misfit

9/13 8:00 PM Hairband Riot- Wicked Eatery

9/13 8:00 PM Joel Brown & Dave Maswick with Opener Mike O’Donnell- Caffe Lena

9/13 8:00 PM Katalyst- Nine Maple

9/13 8:00 PM Pat Decker- Druthers Saratoga

9/13 9:00 PM Ninedeeezenite- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

9/13 9:00 PM The Coverups- Ice House

9/13 9:00 PM The Ultimates- Wild Horse

9/13 9:30 PM Catalyst- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Saturday, September 14^th

Cliff Brucker & Full Circle featuring Leo Russo, The Linda, 7pm-9pm

Cliff Brucker’ssix piece jazz ensemble featuring world-class musicians. including the legendary Leo Russo.

This project brings together once again world class musicians Cliff has worked with over the past 35 years. The music is interpretations of some of the classic jazz standards that musicians have been playing for decades plus one original composition written by the trumpet player entitled appropriately enough, “Full Circle”! Everyone will enjoy this very accessible and swinging show.

That Motown Band, The Egg, Albany, 7:30pm

OCB Capital City Natural Bodybuilding Competition, Proctor’s Theatre, Schenectady

A drug tested bodybuilding sporting event. Multiple classes and divisions. Contestants will compete in a full lineup, a single posing routine, and a winning lineup.

Guy Davis CD Release, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

“Truth be told, there just aren’t many who can deliver Americana in as interesting and entertaining a manner – or give acoustic traditional blues such a contemporary sound – as Davis, and it sure is a lot of fun hearing him explore the different sides of the genre” BLUZ POWR BLOG

Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal, Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

One of the country’s pre-eminent singer-songwriters, Rosanne Cash has released 15 albums of extraordinary songs that have earned four Grammy-Awards and 12 additional nominations. Cash is also an author whose four books include the best-selling memoir Composed, which the Chicago Tribune called “one of the best accounts of an American life you’ll likely ever read.” Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Oxford American, The Nation and many more print and online publications. Her most recent book, Bird on a Blade (2018), was published by University oF Texas Press, combining images by acclaimed artist Dan Rizzie with Cash’s lyrics.

Caskets, Empire Live, Albany, 8pm

Second Helping: The American Lynyrd Skynyrd Show, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7:30pm-10pm

The original and longest-running Lynyrd Skynrd tribute show in the world! Second Helping have been endorsed by members of Lynyrd Skynyrd numerous times over the years. In fact, the band came together in 1988 due to their friendship with several Lynyrd Skynyrd members.

SunSquabi + Doom Flamingo, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs, 8:30pm-12:30am

There’s a place, deep in the cosmos, where jam bands and electronic dance music intersect with rhythm-driven funk. You’ll feel like you’re floating here but not lost completely to the atmospheric elements. Instead, you’re tethered to an avant-garde spaceship with Colorado-based SunSquabi on the frequency. This cosmic wonderland is a melting pot of a variety of musical genres and it represents the future of music.

The Kennedys with opener Emily Barnes, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Vocalists/guitarists Pete and Maura Kennedy, a husband and wife duo, first met when Pete was playing guitar in Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra. When Maura replaced Iris DeMent as a harmony singer on a Griffith tour, they found themselves in the same band, and opened shows for Griffith as a duo. The Kennedys hosted the late lamented Dharma Café program on Sirius satellite radio, and on Broadway, they are regular cast members of Theatre Within’s annual tribute to John Lennon – working in that capacity with Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Jackson Browne, Cyndi Lauper and a host of others.

The Sound Minds, Lost and Found, Albany, 9:30pm

Primitive Man / HUSH / Blackwater Holylight / Carnwennan, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

9/14 1:00 PM Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts- Windy Hill Cidery

9/14 12:30 PM Jazz Festival- Jennings Landing

9/14 3:00 PM Little Jack & The Bypass- O’Slattery’s

9/14 4:00 PM Mary Gauthier & Robbie Fulks- Caffe Lena

9/14 4:00 PM The Bluestones- Helderberg Mountain Brewing Co

9/14 4:30 PM Playback- The Palazzo Restaurant

9/14 5:00 PM Celtic Fare- Artisanal Brew Works

9/14 5:00 PM Joe Severino- Frog Alley Brewing

9/14 5:00 PM Toss The Feathers- S&S farm Brewery

9/14 5:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

9/14 6:00 PM Buck Anderson- Galley Bar & Grill

9/14 6:00 PM Dave Solazzo Trio- Stellas Pasta Bar

9/14 6:00 PM Duo with Carla Metz & Larry Acunto- Inn at Saratoga

9/14 6:00 PM Eric Kufs- Thirsty Owl

9/14 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

9/14 6:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Martel’s Grill at Town Of Colonie Golf Course

9/14 6:00 PM Jeanine Ouderkirk Duo- Sofia’s of Clifton Park

9/14 6:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Olde Bryan Inn

9/14 6:00 PM Matt Cosgrove- The Scarlet Knife

9/14 6:00 PM Mike Levan- Saratoga City Tavern

9/14 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Powers Pub

9/14 6:00 PM Sean Lyons- Emma Jaynes

9/14 6:00 PM Tooty And The Motherpluckers- Bunker Clifton Park

9/14 6:00 PM Up The River Duo- Spa City Tap & Barrel

9/14 6:00 PMTrevor Wheelock- Panza’s Saratoga

9/14 6:30 PM Gary Vail- Diamond Club at Embassy Suites

9/14 6:30 PM Wreckless Duo- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

9/14 6pm Circle Of Willis – O’Tooles Bar

9/14 7:00 PM Christine Spero- Dukes Chophouse At Rivers Casino

9/14 7:00 PM Derrick Forget- Druthers Clifton Park

9/14 7:00 PM Gravity- Dock Browns Tavern

9/14 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Rustic Barn Pub

9/14 7:00 PM Lifeline Duo- Kraverie

9/14 7:00 PM Mary Gauthier & Robbie Fulks- Caffe Lena

9/14 7:00 PM Triskele- Parting Glass

9/14 7:30 PM Completely Different Band- Principessa Elena

9/14 7:30 PM Sugar Pill- Wicked Eatery

9/14 7pm John Eisenhart – Hometown Pub & Grub

9/14 8:00 PM Cliff Brucker & Full Circle with Leo Russo- The Linda

9/14 8:00 PM DJ Vison- Misfit

9/14 8:00 PM Electric Rodeo- Vapor

9/14 8:00 PM John Savage Quartet- Nine Maple

9/14 8:00 PM Kale- Ophelias Restaurant

9/14 8:00 PM Richard Clements Band-Druthers Saratoga

9/14 8:00 PM The Kennedy’s With Opener Emily Barnes- Caffe Lena

9/14 8:30 PM Flamingo & Sun Squabi- Putnam Place

9/14 8:30 PM Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal- Universal Preservation Hall

9/14 9:00 PM Guilty Pleasure- Van Slycks at Rivers Casino

9/14 9:00 PM Rhythm Pilots- Ice House

9/14 9:00 PM The Dude Abides- Saratoga City Tavern

9/14 9:00 PM TS Ensemble- Wild Horse

9/14 9:30 PM TBD- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Sunday, September 15^th

Killer Queen, SPAC, Saratoga Springs, 7:30pm

with special guest Voyage

Sevendust Seasons 21st Anniversary Tour, Empire Live, Albany, 6:30pm

Hippie Death Cult, Empire Underground, Albany, 7:30pm

Spyro Gyra w/ Special Guests Brian Patneaude Quintet, Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes, 7pm-9:30pm

In 2024, Jay Beckenstein and band observe the 50th anniversary of what started as a diversion, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door). It’s a time that Beckenstein remembers fondly. He describes the beginning as “that period of time when I was in my 20s, when it was all raw and there were no expectations. It was all about having a good time and playing hard. It was a golden time.”

Happy Hour at The Eleven with Rob Fleming of Rhoseway (Deer Tick Pre-Show), The Eleven, Albany, 6pm-7:30pm

For the Upstate NY-based singer & songwriter Rob Fleming, RHOSEWAY is the given name of a creative solo project, a truth-telling reflection, and an artistic reaction to the choice to play music at all from years as a writer and performer in other projects. It’s an act of free expression through melody, progression, sounds, and words that are based on feel. The music comes from a renewed perspective to create something from nothing, and play it live as either a stripped down dynamic solo performance, or as a tight-knit, organic full band hit suitable for a library to an outdoor festival, featuring rhythm section Matt Niedbalski (drum kit), and Steve Kirsty (bass), both seasoned active musicians on their own.

Deer Tick with guests Nicolette and the Nobodies, Lark Hall, Albany, 8pm

Emotional Contracts, the latest full-length album from Deer Tick, catalogs all the existential casualties that accompany the passing of time, instilling each song with the irresistibly reckless spirit that’s defined the band for nearly two decades. Before heading into the studio with producer Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Spoon, Sleater-Kinney), the Providence-bred four-piece spent months working on demos in a perpetually flooded warehouse space in their hometown, enduring the busted heating system and massive holes in the roof as they carved out the album’s 10 raggedly eloquent tracks. Emotional Contracts fully echoes the unruly energy of its creation, ultimately making for a heavy-hearted yet wildly life-affirming portrait of growing older without losing heart.

An Evening with Mary Gauthier & Robbie Fulks, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 4pm-6pm

Grammy-nominated and acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier has used her art once again to traverse the uncharted waters of the past few years. “I’m the kind of songwriter who writes what I see in the world right now,” she affirms. Thankfully, amid dark storms of pandemic loss, she found and followed the beacon of new love, evident in 2022’s powerful Dark Enough to See the Stars – a collection of ten sparkling jewels of Gauthier songcraft reflecting beauty in sorrow, healing in loss, and a perspective only an artist of uncommon generosity can give.

From “Bar People.”

9/15 1:00 PM Prakash Slim- Other One Brewery

9/15 10:30 AM Erin Powers- The Scarlet Knife

9/15 12:30 PMGrateful Fred Scheier , Danny Garcia, Steve Zucchini- Gavin Park Meet and Greet Democratic Action Day

9/15 2:00 PM Pride Festival- High Rock Park

9/15 2:00 PM Scott Simpson & Kyle Hommel- Wolf Hollow Brewing

9/15 3:00 PM Jeff Brisbin- Druthers Clifton Park

9/15 3:00 PM Pat Decker- Lago’s by Druthers

9/15 3:00 PM Steve Candlen- Druthers Saratoga

9/15 3:00 PM Triple Trouble wsg Sharon Bolton- Artisanal Brew Works

9/15 3:30 PM Peter Pashoukos- Hank Hudson Brewing

9/15 4:00 PM Ten Most Wanted- Carsons Woodside Tavern

9/15 5:00 PM Mike Lamkin- Sofia’s of Clifton Park

9/15 5:30 PM Sinatra & Friends- Panza’s Saratoga

9/15 7:00 PM Latin Night hosted By DJ Boy Boy- Putnam Place

9/15 8:00 PM Deer Tick Wsg Nicolette & The Nobodies- Lark Hall

Interview: Lance Hoppen of Orleans By: Dick Beach

By

Staff

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September 11, 2024

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Interview: Lance Hoppen (Orleans)
By: Dick Beach

Photography: Ash Newell

ORLEANS and AZTEC TWO-STEP at The Cohoes Music Hall Friday Sept 13th 7:30pm

Purchase Tickets HERE!

RRX: I am happy to welcome Lance Hoppen of the band Orleans to spend a little time speaking to us here at RadioRadioX about the band and about how things are.

LH: Indeed, and I am here to answer questions, I may even know the answers.
(Both Laugh)

RRX: To say the band has been through some changes is to put it mildly. I’d say Orleans has been a rags to riches to rags to a good thing story. How would you describe the entire journey, without going into too much detail necessarily about bits and pieces?

LH: Your estimation is not that far off. It’s been a few reasons… climbs and disappointments, causing break-ups. And then, trying it again and liking it and going for a while until it’s no fun anymore. Then putting it away, so on and so forth and that cycle has been about a ten-year cycle. We broke up in ’77, got back in ’90, broke -up in ’97 and then got back in 2000… ya know? Like that! It’s a phoenix chameleon, in terms of that the coming and going, it’s also been a chameleon in terms of roster. As we started the original four, including me… when you think about recording… all of the versions have been led by at least two and usually three of us since the original break up. The band is not the 70’s band nor the 80’s nor the 90s. All of them had the same thread running through. The guitars, the vocals, the arrangements, those kinds of things. In this version that I have now, this quintet I’m very proud of. It’s really strong. That’s where we are today.

RRX: Do you think there might be some new Orleans music coming out with this lineup?

LH: You know? It’s been threatened, I’ll put it that way.

RRX: (Laughs) What’s the old phrase “don’t threaten me with a good time?”

LH: Yeah, a little framing of that. Just prior to Covid, John (Hall) had left the band at that point and then he came back just in time for Covid. So, there weren’t any gigs to do. We started doing some recording remotely. Each of us learning how to do that from our own home, both audio and video. We did some YouTube productions that year, four of them actually. Then we thought, maybe we should use this stuff and make our 50th year anniversary album? Well, that was a good idea but it was usurped by what came to be a better idea which was to make a holiday/Christmas type album. Because that had a more defined deadline. We produced a CD called “New Star Shining,” which I’m really quite proud of. Twelve songs centered around the holiday theme. And we have in the can a bunch of stuff that we’ve never finished for that mythical 50th Anniversary CD. To answer your question, yeah there’s a possibility but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

RRX: I will admit along with a number of guilty pleasures, I have a guilty pleasure for Sirius XM’s Yacht Rock. I hate to admit it but I do. Do you find that moniker and the fact that at this stage you are kind of presented as that by many people… is it a blessing or a curse?

LH: You know, we fall in that category at least tangentially not directly in the center. It’s been good in terms of doing package tours with other acts. It’s not a bad thing. Yacht Rock to me, right down the center would be something like Hall and Oates or the Doobies with Michael McDonald era. That kind of stuff. Player, those kind of bands.

RRX: Your Mom and Dad were musicians, which I find is kind of a thread with folks that I’ve interviewed over time. As I read “they went back out gigging at 70!”, did you think you were still going to be gigging at 70?

LH: I’ve never heard the question quite put that way. Yeah, I imagined for myself that this would be what I would be doing until I couldn’t do it anymore. There was a middle ground… you said rags to riches to rags, yeah… the 80’s were really not friendly to Orleans or to me. I’ve had other jobs and other ways of making ends meet for my family. But once we hit the mid 90’s or so, things perked up quite a bit with what I’ve been doing without having to do anything else. My aspiration always from being a kid was not fame and fortune but just to be a working professional musician and hopefully to do it with my older brother Larry; who was inspiring and scary at the same time.

RRX: How scary?

LH: Because he was just so prodigious, he could play whatever he picked up. He played ukulele and then it was guitar, then piano, then organ, then bass and this and that. And trumpet he was trained on. Nobody knew he had that voice until he came home from his first semester at college. Until then I was the fair-haired lad with the nice falsetto.

RRX: How many dates do you still have this year? And hopefully you’ll get back in this neck of the woods. How often do you come east?

LH: So, we don’t really tour, we do one-offs and two or maybe even three in a row. This has been a lean year, frankly, it’s been a little lighter than it has been. A pretty normal year for us recently, it’s been about three dozen gigs. They’re scattered throughout the year and you know? That’s fine. If we did fifty, I would be maxed out. I can’t be doing more than that. You have to stay ahead of the curve and that’s the job of management and the agency, it’s not my job to book the gigs. My job is to play the gigs, right?

RRX: Yeah, exactly.

LH: Besides that I, and everybody in this band have a lot of other things to do. My younger brother Lane is in the Orlando area; he’s the workingest guy I know, he’s got all kinds of gigs in Florida, from duos to big-band to whatever. And my other thing along with Lane is not Orleans, it’s a band of basically world-class ringers that I inherited the leadership from Larry. It was Larry’s project and when he passed our main client came to me and asked if I could be the band leader. What that band does is back up anybody you can think of. Over the past decade plus we’ve done 120 name acts, everybody from Joe Elliott of Def Leppard to The Four Tops. To Richard Marx to RUN DMC to… I mean you name it

RRX: Sounds like you’re the spearhead of what I’d call the modern-day Wrecking Crew.

LH: (Laughs) I don’t know about that. The band I’m talking about, everybody is a better player than me. But I have the organizational skills to let them do what they do so well. It’s ongoing but it’s not Orleans, the two things work side by side very well and will continue to do so for the next few years as far as I can tell.

RRX: It takes us all, I suppose, to finally hit a groove that works. You know? A groove that’s comfortable, that makes you happy doing it and makes folks like us happy to be able to see you and enjoy the music live. Which is always the best way. It’s a good thing, I guess.

LH: Yeah, it is. I found my niche in this live performance realm. I’ve written quality songs, I’m sure solo and co-writes but it’s never made me any money for one thing. Even though it’s been a creative success, it’s time consuming and frustrating and it’s not my first love… writing. Where I found that I could really do well is as a band leader and lead these teams… others that you talk about that are similar and different but that’s where I always find myself. This particular quintet I have to say are really good. People are going to enjoy what they came to see. I’m sure. You probably are aware that we got a sudden call that brought us up to do the Albany July 4th show.

RRX: Yes, I did.

LH: Bruce Hornsby had to bail and ya know? Two days’ notice we put the logistics together to be able to come up and do that

RRX: Thanks very much for your time. Much appreciated.

LH: You’re very welcome, thanks for having me.

Caffe Lena PRESS RELEASE – Upcoming Events September 2024

By

Staff

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September 11, 2024

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47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY | CaffeLena.org

CAFFE LENA PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 2024

Pick Of the Month

SEPTEMBER 15th / 4 PM & 7 PM
MARY GAUTHIER & ROBBIE FULKS
A Night of Rare Songcraft Pairing NPR and Rolling Stone’s “Years Best” Album Creator with “One of the Best Songwriters of her Generation.” (AP)

MARY GAUTHIER SONG SAMPLE
MARY GAUTHIER WEBSITE

ROBBIE FULKS SONG SAMPLE
ROBBIE FULKS WEBSITEThe Associated Press called Gauthier “one of the best songwriters of her generation.”

Grammy-nominated and acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier has used her art once again to traverse the uncharted waters of the past few years. “I’m the kind of songwriter who writes what I see in the world right now,” she affirms. Thankfully, amid dark storms of pandemic loss, she found and followed the beacon of new love, evident in 2022’s powerful Dark Enough to See the Stars – a collection of ten sparkling jewels of Gauthier songcraft reflecting beauty in sorrow, healing in loss, and a perspective only an artist of uncommon generosity can give.

In addition to penning instantly memorable songs such as “Mercy Now,” Gauthier has never shied away from difficult self-exploration, including sobriety, confessions of a troubled life, and the repercussions of her adoption from a New Orleans orphanage and subsequent search for her birth mother. Brandi Carlile has said, “Mary’s songwriting speaks to the tender aspects of our humanness. We need her voice in times like these more than we ever have.” Gauthier reflects: “Writing helps me sort out confusion, untangle powerful emotions, and ward off desperation. It helps me navigate the powerful emotional weather systems of life.”

Robbie Fulks is a singer, recording artist, instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter. His most recent release, Upland Stories, earned year’s-best recognition from NPR and Rolling Stone, as well as two Grammy® nominations, for folk album and American roots song (“Alabama At Night”). He’s been a member of bluegrass band The Special Consensus and his early solo work helped define the “alternative country” movement of the 1990s. Lately he’s returned to the acoustic instrumentation of his earlier bluegrass days, extending the boundaries of that tradition with old-time rambles and sparsely orchestrated reflections on love, the slings of time, and the troubles of common people.

Newcomers of the Month

SEPTEMBER 12th / 7 PM
DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE
GRAMMY-nominated & “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge are known for ethereal harmonies & instrumental acumen.

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ARTIST WEBSITE

They’re at the very top of the bluegrass world, yet they maintain an easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences everywhere. Brooke is a four-time consecutive winner and reigning International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year. Last year they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. And if all that doesn’t convince you, know that they have graced the Grand Ole Opry stage more than 55 times. They’re recently released “He’s Getting Me Ready,” a gospel rouser featuring Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys, has spent an incredible, record-setting 5 months atop the Bluegrass/Gospel Chart. Their latest release, “Talk of the Town,” has hit #1 on the Bluegrass Chart twice! By mixing original songs with classics like “Tennessee Flat Top Box” and “Tear-Stained Letter,” Darin and Brooke honor the roots of bluegrass while adding their own unique twist.

Community Stage

SEPTEMBER 22nd / 7 PM
UNPLUG CHILDHOOD HUNGER! FUNDRAISER
Saratoga Musicians Raise Funds for SNACPack

Annie & The Hedonists – sample song  / artist website
Rick Bolton & Friends – sample song  /   artist website
Garland Nelson – sample song  / artist website
Jeff Brisbin – sample song  / artist website
Beat Generation – sample song

Five local bands play with no amplification whatsoever in Lena’s intimate listening room. This extraordinary show, organized by local artist Lawrence White, will create an experience we’ve never had at Caffe Lena. The artists will perform in the center of the room, and the tables and seats will surround them on all sides, with seating even available on stage!

The line-up of talent is top shelf: Annie & The Hedonists, Rick Bolton & Friends, Garland Nelson, Jeff Brisbin, and White’s own band, The Beat Generation.

This event is a night of unity and artistry during Saratoga Peace Week, with neighbors taking care of neighbors right here at home. All proceeds will benefit SNACPack, the Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children program, which fills backpacks with nutritious food for local kids who need food support at home on weekends.

Must See!

SEPTEMBER 29th / 7 PM
NORDLYS GLOBAL VOICES: YAKOUBA SISSOKO & SIYA
Master Kora Player From Mali, Yacouba Sissoko, Blends Traditional African Sounds with Global Influences for a Spellbinding Musical Journey.

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ARTIST WEBSITE

Master Malian kora player Yacouba Sissoko devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony.

Yacouba exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora – a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is associated with West Africa. Throughout West African history, the kora was played as a solo instrument by djelys, or storytellers, whose roles in society were to perform for kings, nobility, and village chiefs. The songs sung by djelys were stories that had been passed down from generation to generation, and captured the oral history of the people and culture of West Africa describing social life, cultural identify and family backgrounds.

The sound of his band, SIYA, meaning “source” in Bambara represents the breakthrough of the past few generations of Western African musicians who have opened up this musical experience to new audiences, incorporating additional instruments and spanning musical genres. The other instruments of SIYA include the N’goni, a traditional guitar that was used by griots during the Manding Empire prior to the kora; the “talking drum,” a small drum held on the shoulder of the player and hit with a curved stick or the hand to mimic phrases of the human voice, requiring great dexterity by the player; the calabash, that is easily recognized by its deep resounding bass sound frequent to West African music; and an acoustic guitar and/or trumpet both of which adds to the more modern approach.

Made possible by The Nordlys Foundation.

Likely To Sell Out

SEPTEMBER 19th / 7 PM
LOVELLA
ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT : 16-Year-Old-Singer-Songwriter Lovella Celebrates Releasing Her Debut EP.

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Saratoga singer-songwriter Lovella celebrates the release of Outgrown, her debut all-original album. As the daughter of music teacher, band leader and singer-songwriter Seth Warden, Lovella is no stranger to the stage. Now 16, she’s been stealing the show since she was 13 years old. The expansive, emotional pop songs on her EP feature lyrics by her and music by her father, whose band will be backing her for this special night.

Week Thirty-Seven: Jesse Sample’s Freak of the Week “Low-Grade Terror”

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Staff

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September 11, 2024

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Jesse Sample’s Freak of the Week airs EVERY WEDNESDAY at 8pm Eastern ONLY on RadioRadioX.com !

This is Jesse Sample. Do you believe that people can be conditioned by stimulus in their environment? We experience the world around us with our senses and I believe that our inner worlds are somewhat shaped by what we are exposed to.

The ambulance or the police car speeding by, blasting sirens, on their way to an emergency, leaves an impression. Multitudes of different media display a world on fire and full of pain. The people in our lives believe things that we might not think are good. People are sometimes very cruel to one another. And we need to reconcile these things on the fly. Life is moving fast and there is not always time to digest the wild things we come upon.

Sometimes I allow myself to feel what I’ve been carrying around. I feel the tightness in my shoulders and become aware of my not-so-nice inner monologue. In these times, it occurs to me that death is everywhere but there is no gain in living like there is a grizzly bear standing in front of me.

Thanks to all of you listening to RadioRadioX. This is the Freak of the Week, “Low-Grade Terror”

Half a House for Half a Mil – The Weird Side of the Internet

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Staff

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September 11, 2024

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Half a House for Half a Mil – The Weird Side of the Internet – by Liam Sweeny.

The housing market is crazy, right? I saw a sign on a dumpster for a home mortgage company and a sticker on the lid said, “great curb appeal.” I jest, but if I was in California, it might not be a joke. Housing in some California markets is worth its weight in gold, and one property in particular was sort of measured that way.

In Monrovia, California, you can buy half a house for half a million dollars. A house got wrecked by a tree, and there are walls and a roof missing, electrical not working but plumbing is, and you can buy this wonderful property for $499,999.

So this feels like a measuring stick. Half a home for half a mil. So one home for one mill, and two-and-a-half homes for two-and-a-half mil and so on.

Yes, I’m not a idiot, I know it’s meant to be rebuilt and fixed up. But the California housing market boggles my mind. No wait; the whole housing market boggles my mind. I actually read a story about San Francisco trying out pods for six hundred a month. You basically sleep in something that looks like a hamster tunnel for six seventy five. Someone is making bank off this and it ain’t you and me.

I like to keep these little ditties light and fluffy, and the idea that you can get a half house for a half mil is pretty funny on first glance, but you know, maybe the ocean is overrated. Maybe Silicon Valley could relocate to Nebraska, or Iowa, or Colorado or all three using the power of the internet they’re slowly destroying. Would people pay a half million for a half house in Omaha?

At what point do people in Cali say they’ve had enough and just take off? I mean, you ain’t getting vistas from a hamster tunnel, and if you have to live and sleep in a hamster tunnel, what opportunity is worth that? Make a ton of money to retire on, die two years into that retirement from a bad hamster tunnel back?

I don’t know, yall…

GIFT – Interview – Thanks for Asking!

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Staff

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September 11, 2024

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GIFT – Interview – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.

We caught up with GIFT in the byways. This is the gist of our conversation.

RRX: Music genres are difficult for some artists. Some strictly adhere; others not so much. What is your perspective on the genre you play, or the genres you hover around?

GIFT: We’ve always had a tough time with genres. We’ve never set out to adhere to a certain genre. We’re often called shoegaze because we have a lot of intertwining sounds and utilize wall of sound-type production. We have a lot of different influences and if it sounds good it sounds good. If it sounds cool, it sounds cool! With Illuminator we really tried to stick with what sounded exciting to us, regardless of whether it fit any sort of expected genre.

RRX: What historical era would you like to visit if the sole purpose was to put together a Battle of the Bands? How would you set it up?

GIFT: 1995 – Oasis vs Blur vs Suede vs Pulp.

RRX: Part of learning to be a musician is to fall in love with a song, an album, and hammer away at your instrument until you can play that whole thing. What was that song for you? Was there a hardest part?

GIFT: I heard Lithium by Nirvana when I was 10 years old and decided I wanted to play guitar that day. I got a guitar and painstakingly learned all of Nevermind. My hands were so small at the time that I couldn’t play power chords properly so I had to use my pointer finger and pinky finger to reach across 3 frets. I still play power chords like that today because I learned so young.

RRX: Tell me about your most recent song, album, or video (you pick.) Tell me a story about what went into making it. Not a process, but a cool story that took place within the process.

GIFT: Wish Me Away – the first song on our new record, Illuminator, I wrote in 20 minutes. I spent the whole day trying things out and trying to force some songs that weren’t ready to be written. I had to leave to run out the door and spontaneously wrote Wish Me Away right as I was running out the door. Verse, Chorus, lyrics and all, the song barely changed from the moment I wrote it to completion.

RRX: What instrument would you add to the band if you could? Is there anything you are trying to do musically that would be helped with one or more additional players?

GIFT: We need a Joel Gion from the Brian Jonestown Massacre type character in the band. Strictly heart, soul and tambourine.

RRX: “The best laid plans of mice and men…” I don’t really know the quote, but I know this one; sh*t happens. When we least expect it, calamity befalls us. Sometimes just comic inconvenience. Please tell us a story about some comic inconvenience that happened to you whilst performing?

GIFT: 2021 GIFT Momentary Presence Album release show at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn NY. Smash sold out before doors, high energy going into the night, high anticipation of hope to be one of our best shows ever. 5 minutes before we have to get on stage Jessica gets atrocious food poisoning. We wait another 15 and she realizes she can’t play the show. The first and only ever show we have played as a 4 piece. We were able to make it somewhat work but Jessica’s presence was sorely missed.

Adirondack Independence Music Festival, Day 3 (Part 2) @ Charles R. Wood Park, 9/1/2024

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Staff

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September 10, 2024

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Sunday’s lineup featured moe., Yonder Mountain String Band, Spafford, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Hayley Jane Band, Wild Adriatic, Yam Yam, and Kendall Street Company.

Photography by Timothy Reidy.

“XWA Superstars of Wrestling” @ Pittsfield Masonic Lodge, 9/7/2024

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Staff

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September 10, 2024

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XWA: Xtreme Wrestling Alliance

Shockwave The Robot vs. Pepe Le Poulet

Wrecking Ball Legursky vs. Outlaw Smyth

Kayla Carroll vs. Hardbody Harlow

Mikey Cheese & The American Avenger vs. The Unleashed (Andy Bivians and Joe Scott)

The Slamburglar (c) vs. Justin Rando

Photography by Joshua Scarselli.

Adirondack Independence Music Festival, Day 3 (Part 1) @ Charles R. Wood Park, 9/1/2024

By

Staff

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September 10, 2024

0

Sunday’s lineup featured moe., Yonder Mountain String Band, Spafford, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Hayley Jane Band, Wild Adriatic, Yam Yam, and Kendall Street Company.

Photography by Timothy Reidy.