Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

 

Another year has come and gone. Goodbye, 2015! Hello, 2016!

Looking back, I realize I really haven't spent much time in my little corner of the internet this year. It seems I spent more time just enjoying the simple pleasure of tossing records onto my turntable than blogging about the music.  I'm not sure what the new year will bring to my little blog. Beyond wacky musings and a fascination for whatever wonderful bit of music grabs my attention who knows what the new year will be like here at QNYC. Whatever it brings, I look forward to it!

As for music in 2015... I enjoyed James Bay's Chaos and the Calm. Dodge and Burn from The Dead Weather was a nice bit of work, my favorite of their albums...the track "Impossible Winner", so superb. Re-issues, I picked up the massive, gigantic, super duper, jumbo, deluxe box set of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti...beautiful packaging on that one. On the flip side, the reissue of The Black Crowes first four albums saw the light of day on vinyl (finally)...they have ridiculous packaging. I could do just as well with card stock and a color copier at home. No effort whatsoever was put into them. At least they sound decent. My inner 12 year old is sad, Motley Crue have called it quits with their last show ever tonight. Who knew they would last, what, 34 years?! I really hope they stick to their ending. A lot of musicians left us this year. Two musical losses made me particularly sad, the legendary B.B. King left us in May. He was someone I grew up listening to with my grandparents, my mom, whose music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. And, just days ago, we lost Ian Kilmister, known to the world as Lemmy, leader of Motörhead, they played rock 'n' roll.

Be safe. Be happy. And, may the new year bring you everything you need and allows you to indulge in what want. See you in 2016!

LaNita

Those Darlins Announce Indefinite Hiatus + Final Tour Dates

I was scrolling around social media yesterday and in my news feed, a post from Those Darlins popped up. In a single post, they announced indefinite hiatus and final tour dates. Well, oh wow dang! As a parting gift to their fans, they posted a song to their Soundcloud, a cover of "Female Trouble". Check it out below.

Those Darlins will be in Brooklyn, January 23 at Baby's All Right. I don't see specific details listed yet but keep an eye out. See below for additional dates.

Adieu, Those Darlins. Thanks for the music!

We're here to deliver some unfortunate news... Those Darlins will be taking an indefinite hiatus effective after our final tour in January. We've had a really great run together, but the time has come for us to move in different directions. We really appreciate all the love and support from our friends, fans, and family over the years. 

THOSE DARLINS FINAL TOUR DATES

• 01-15 Chattanooga TN - JJ's Bohemia
• 01-16 Atlanta GA - The EARL
• 01-19 Louisville, KY - Zanzabar
• 01-21 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern Cafe and Music Hall
• 01-22 Washington DC - Rock And Roll Hotel
• 01-23 Brooklyn NY - Baby's All Right
• 01-24 Philadelphia PA - Boot & Saddle
• 01-26 Cincinnati OH - Northside Tavern
• 01-27 Chicago IL - The Empty Bottle
• 01-28 St. Louis MO - OFF BROADWAY MUSIC VENUE 
• 01-29 Nashville, TN - The Basement East

Video of the Day: Mizan K - "Looking For"

Mizan K released her debut EP, Dark Blue about a week or so ago.  Today we have for you a video for the song "Looking For". I'm digging this track. Check it out below.

New York-based singer, producer, instrumentalist and multimedia artist, Mizan K today releases her Dark Blue EP on Terrible Records.  Born in Chicago and raised between Ethiopia and New York, Mizan's world surroundings play a crucial role in her sultry and mysterious art of storytelling, searching for beauty in the world and teaching others to see it for themselves. 

Following the release of new videos for "7 Billion" and "Looking For", Mizan K this week shared the final song from her six-song debut, "Awe", which will be followed by the video next week. Each of the six songs on the EP have a Mizan-directed and produced video.

PUJOL - "Only Like" + Upcoming EP

PUJOL released the track "Only Like" this week.  It's the latest single from his upcoming KISSES EP via Bartertown Co-op. The EP will be released on Record Store Day Black Friday, November 27. Check out the track below.

Daniel Pujol is an artist currently living in Nashville, TN. Daniel's eponymous musical project, PUJOL, is not a garage rock act, despite what you might have read in any profiles, interviews and other published descriptions regarding his prior output.  Said back catalog includes numerous singles, EPs and LPs on labels including Third Man Records, Infinity Cat Recordings, and Saddle Creek Records. 

Daniel aka Puj recorded PUJOL's upcoming KISSES EP in his basement alongside his bassist, Zach Prosser, and engineering comrade, Ian McDonald. Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, Toro Y Moi, Of Montreal) mixed it with him in Athens, GA at Chase Park Transduction Studios. The idea for an EP was hatched by Puj following a stretch of lengthy and arduous touring during the KLUDGE campaign when he realized that the poetry and rock & roll demos he was working on independently fit together like toes and shag carpet. He had always longed for that sort of dovetail. He also knew that an EP would further satiate the frothing horde during the lull between KLUDGE and his yet untitled, unwritten, and unrecorded upcoming LP. 

Video of the Day: Melanie Fiona - "I Tried"

Today we have for you, "I Tried" from Melanie Fiona.  The video is a heart-rending statement on violence. Check out the clip below. Drop a buck twenty-nine and buy it HERE.

Video of the Day: Cordelia & The Buffalo - "Free"

Today we have for you, "Free" from Cordelia & The Buffalo. The track has a tribal feel to it and the video is filled with striking colors against a black background with simple, effective, dramatic movements.  The song is from their self-titled debut EP that can be found HERE. Check out the video below. 

Cordelia & The Buffalo is the brainchild of Mexican-American musician, Cordelia, who brought the band together in 2011 with the goal of creating a fresh and unique new sound. Based in Boston, Cordelia & The Buffalo consists of Cordelia Vizcaino on vocals/synths, Yusuke Sato (guitar), Rodrigo Gramitto (guitar), Diego Diaz (drums), Dan McCallum (bass) and Dag Hanken (percussion/synths). Their 6-track debut EP was released in January 2015 and each single represents the stories of the band members’ journey to personal freedom. 

New Song and Video from Deap Vally

Rock duo Deap Vally have released a new track called "Royal Jelly".  This effort sounds more polished than their previous work, but it still has that raw, seductive blues rock sound that got us hooked on them in the first place.  The track was produced by Nick Zinner.  Check out the Jess Holzworth directed video featuring Georgia May Jagger below.  Drop a buck and buy it HERE.

Video of the Day: Six Black Cordelias - "Ostrich Blues (Love Refugee)"

Today we have for you a clip from Six Black Cordelias. The video is for their track "Ostrich Blues (Love Refugee)". Check it out below.

Their previous track "You Burn Under My Skin" has caught my ear too.  I'm digging these guys and look forward to hearing more from them. 

Upcoming: Makar at Lovecraft Bar, 11/14

Need plans for this coming Saturday night? Makar will be taking the stage at Lovecraft Bar, Room 2 on Saturday, November 14. See below for more details.

Makar

Saturday, November 14

Lovecraft Bar

50 Avenue B

New York, NY

Doors: 8:00pm / Show: 8:30pm

Tickets: $5 adv / $10 door

21+

Makar is Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell. With her ethereal beauty and angelic voice, Andrea DeAngelis, who is also an accomplished poet and writer, has a magnetic presence that makes her a joy to see and hear.  With his deep, haunting vocals, Mark Purnell calls to mind a young John Cale. Their latest effort shows the true depth of their range as they draw on their influences from Bjork to Bowie to Blondie.

The Broadcast To Release New Album + Preorder Info

Asheville, NC based band The Broadcast are gearing up to release their latest album, From The Horizon. The Jim Scott produced album is scheduled to be released in the Spring, 2016. The band launched a Kickstarter project to preorder the album. There are still a couple of weeks left on the campaign and some nice perks available. Get all of the details HERE. If you dig what they're doing, show your support. 

For your viewing pleasure, have a look and listen to the clip below of The Broadcast's vocalist Caitlin Krisko and guitarist Aaron Austin performing a cover of Grace Potter's "Empty Heart".

New Album and Video from Cut Out Club

A few months ago, we featured a video from Tel Aviv band Cut Out Club. We're happy to say, they've released another video which can be seen below. The clip was directed by Asaf Billet. And, the track is from their self-titled album that was released last month.  

Cut Out Club is a fun album. There are moments that it's reminiscent of 70's glam rock while at other moments it reminds you of early 80's nu-wave punk. There are even some moments I hear some Chic influence. It does all of this while sounding fresh and at times had me wanting to hit the dance floor. QNYC's pick for standout tracks: "Tears Like A Storm", "Teen Operator", "Colorized" and my personal favorite the infectiously funky, "Out of My World". Check the album out using the handy widget below.

Newport Jazz Festival: Day 3

Sunday, August 2, 2015 -- Newport, RI

All good things must come to an end. After a two days of hot jazz, I found myself at Fort Adams for the final day of the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival. It was a nice day spent enjoying music and festival "madness" with fellow photographers. This is what it looked like.

After back to back weekends of music festivals, I determined my brain might be broken. But, have camera, will shoot. My first stop of the day was the Quad Stage where I caught a bit of Jon Faddis: Triumph of Trumpets before heading over to the Fort Stage to Michel Camilo/Hiromi Piano Duets.

I then made my way over to the Harbor Stage catch some of the Bill Frisell Trio before taking a bit of a break.

Next up was Dr. John and The Nite Trippers and a bite to eat before heading over to the Quad for Jason Lindner Now vs. Now.

It was then back to the Fort Stage to see Arturo Sandoval where it was determined by some ladies standing at the barrier behind the photo pit, that he had some nice moves and a declaration of perceived sexiness from one. Those are the kind of things I normally hear at folk fest, not jazz fest!

My favorite set of the day was the Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band over on the Quad stage because well, Mike Stern is pretty bad ass.

Jamie Cullum closed out the festival on the Fort Stage who had the URI Big Band join him for his set.

See you next year Newport Jazz! Check out more photos in the slideshow below or see the photo album HERE.

Newport Jazz Festival: Day 2

Saturday, August 1, 2015 -- Newport, RI

Day two of the Newport Jazz Festival kicked off with a performance by the Navy Band Northeast playing some tunes for the crowd at the gates as they awaited entry.  Those Navy fellas were some funky dudes! I was expecting some jazz or something. Nope, they got their groove on. Go Navy!

My first stop of the day was at the Quad Stage where I caught a little bit of Conrad Herwig's Latin Side of Horace Silver. I than headed to the Fort Stage to take in a bit of Jack DeJohnette's Made in Chicago.

I took my first break of the day and then headed back to the Quad to see Cecile McLorin Salvant with the Aaron Diehl Trio.  I than popped over to the Fort Stage for a bit of the Maria Schneider Orchestra.

Up next was a trip to the Harbor Stage to take in a bit of Wycliffe Gordon & Friends before heading over to hear a bit of Jose James.  

Wow, that's a lot of music and the day wasn't over. I made it around to catch Jon Batiste and Stay Human. Having seen them the previous week at folk fest, I was happy to see they changed things up a bit having some different folks on stage. With the exception of Batiste, drummer Joe Saylor and saxophonist Eddie Barbash everyone else appeared to be different from the previous week.

My next stop was over to the Quad to catch some of Hiromi: The Trio Project before heading to the main stage to Cassandra Wilson who was celebrating Billie Holiday. After that, I took a bit of a break and than headed to the Quad. Joey Alexander who had performed earlier on the Storyville Stage in the museum (yeah, I didn't make it to any of those sets, at all, the entire weekend) and was playing a short encore set.

I ended my day at the Quad Stage where Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton killed it. I sadly missed her version of "Wild Horses" as I had to leave a bit early but everyone raved about it!

Check out more photos in the slideshow below or see the photo album HERE.

Newport Jazz Festival: Day 1

Friday, July 31, 2015 -- Newport, RI

Summer's here and that means music...outdoors. My camera and I headed out for another weekend at the scenic Fort Adams State Park.  This time it was to take in the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management.  It was a bit humid out, it rained the night before so it wasn't as dusty as the previous week was where I came home coated in a layer of dust. My only hope for the weekend was that I could manage a few decent photos with my bum wrist while enjoying a weekend full of great music.  This is what it looked like.

I started my day at the Quad Stage to catch the Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a trumpet fan but, I dig some of his stuff so I hung out there for a bit. 

My next stop was at the Harbor Stage to see what Matana Roberts' Coin Coin was all about. Um, well, while the rest of the audience was into it, I however couldn't get into it at all. Seriously, that was some weird ass shh…stuff and upon deciding I probably needed substances to "get it", I made my exit.

I walked around a bit and then made my way to the Fort Stage to catch some of the Johnathan Blake Quartet before taking a break.

I went back over to the Harbor Stage and caught a bit of Bria Skonberg & The Jazz Compatriots before heading back to the Fort Stage to catch the Gerald Clayton Quintet and then headed towards the food.

Food in hand, I realize I've not been paying attention to the time and heard Lucky Peterson starting up. Oh crap! So, I stashed my food in a safe location, grabbed my camera and ran over to the Quad Stage to grab a few photos. Making my way back to my food, I sat near the Quad and listened to the rest of Lucky's killer set. 

Next up at the Quad was Kneebody followed by the Christian McBride Trio.

The day closed out with Snarky Puppy on the Fort Stage who had the crowd on their feet.  And, it was nice to see some kids right up front enjoying the set like they were at a rock concert, props to them. I know I certainly wouldn't have been hanging front row at a jazz festival at that age.

Check out more photos in the slideshow below or see the photo album HERE.

Newport Folk Festival 2015: Day 3

Sunday, July 26, 2015 -- Newport, RI

The weekend went by fast and I found myself at Fort Adams State Park for the final day of the Newport Folk Festival. I had been shooting with a bum wrist all weekend and was really starting to feel it but the show must go on! From the beginning of the morning, everyones mind was on who would perform during the '65 Revisited set. There were some wild speculations (Dylan himself, Clapton) and jokes (Kanye West) about who it would be. But there was a lot of music to see and hear before we would find out.

I started my day at the Harbor Stage to catch some of Christopher Paul Stelling whom someone on Instagram said I should make a point of seeing. Good recommendation. I didn't stay for his whole set as I wanted to get in as much music as I could. He apparently got engaged during his set which I missed but, congratulations!

I then dashed off to catch some of Ballroom Thieves on the Quad before heading over to the Fort Stage for a bit of the Berklee Gospel Choir. I somehow  neglected to make it over to the Harbor Stage to catch the Jones Family Singers who I wanted to check out. I'm not sure what I was doing but I must have been wondering around with my head in the clouds because there's a big gap of unaccounted for time where I apparently didn't see anything!

Next, I ended up at the Quad Stage where I caught some of Brian Fallon's set. Catherine Popper joined him; I dig her work. I enjoyed what I was able to catch of his set. His mood was infectious…he seemed genuinely happy to be there and that mood carried over to those of us watching him.

My next stop was at the Fort Stage to catch Jon Batiste & Stay Human. I normally see them at Folk's older sister the Newport Jazz Festival, where they would be playing a week later. The folk festival crowd enjoyed the energetic band as much as their jazz counterparts. 

I then headed over to the Quad to catch Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats. Talk about some high energy grooving! They were a lot of fun and I stuck around for a bit watching them before heading back to the Fort Stage to catch a bit of Lord Huron before taking a break.

After my break, I went over to the Fort Stage to catch First Aid Kit. Johanna had lost her voice but sister Klara held it down well for the both of them. I watched them for a bit before heading over to the Quad to catch Laura Marling.

I made my way to the Fort Stage to catch a set I was looking forward to all weekend, Hozier. I'm pretty sure I sang along more than I took photos during "Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene". The crowd was enthusiastic and I think it was the most singing along during a set that I heard from the audience other than the '65 Revisited set that would take place later on that the same stage.  A friend sent me a message, 'get a photo of J Mascis' … um, Hozier is on stage! But, I ran over to Timbuktu, I mean the Harbor Stage, where J Mascis was and ran back to Hozier.

All good things must come to an end. Closing out the Newport Folk Festival for the year, '65 Revisited. In case you didn't know, '65 was being revisited because it was the 50th anniversary of one of music's most iconic moments, Dylan going electric at Newport Folk. No, Dylan didn't show up which my ears probably appreciated, nor did Clapton or the joked about Kanye.  Who did show up? A string of musicians led by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch. There was Willie Watson, Dawes, Al Kooper, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Deer Tick, Blake Mills, Hozier, First Aid Kit, Robyn Hitchcock, even the guitar Dylan played 50 years ago was there for the party. The set ended with a rousing sing-a-long of "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" with everybody. 

Check out more photos in the slideshow below or see the photo album HERE.