Max Creek is the original Northeast jam band that wrote the book about surviving rock ‘n’ roll. Since its formation in 1971, Max Creek has gone from quartet to trio to quintet. It’s played small clubs, headlined at big festivals, and everything in between. From the start, Max Creek has combined Americana with soul, jazz, […]
Music
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Harold Danko, the piano worker
It was after a gig in 1980 when drummer Billy Mintz made an off-handed suggestion to pianist Harold Danko: “What if you played an annual concert, but you did it every February 29?”
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The Dady Brothers, four others get their Rochester Music Hall of Fame call
There was never any doubt that the Rochester Music Hall of Fame Class of 2020 would include traditional folk duo The Dady Brothers.
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The F Word: Giddy-up
I kissed the canvas twice this weekend with two knockout shows: The Tragedy Brothers at Three Heads Brewing and Kryst at Skylark Lounge.
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Commentary: RPO’s 2020-21 season has talented guests, lacks diversity
Here’s what WXXI-FM Classical 91.5’s hosts think about last week’s program announcement and what you should look for next season.
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REGGAE-ROCK | MoChester
Named for the portmanteau of Motown and its hometown, local reggae-rock quartet MoChester has been on the jam since 2001. Consisting of singer-guitarist Brandon Sheffer, keyboardist Jonathan Sheffer, and drummer Alex Melville, MoChester has progressed over the years from an acoustic singer-songwriter approach to a full-fledged rock band over the years, and celebrated a revival […]
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Album review: ‘Live from New York City’
Chris Bethmann ‘Live from New York City’ Self-released chrisbethmann.com Rochester singer-songwriter Chris Bethmann’s EP “Live from New York City” is a realistic snapshot of today’s working musician, hustling to share their music with a new audience, in hopes that the feelings behind the songs will resonate. This self-produced, seven-song collection was recording during Bethmann’s June […]
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INDIE ROCK | Mikaela Davis and Southern Star
Mikaela Davis, Southern Star, Record Archive, indie rock
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Two Rochester musicians take part in February Album Writing Month
We’re in the midst of FAWM: February Album Writing Month, in which participants are tasked with writing 14 songs in the 29-day span. Rochester musicians Kelly Izzo Shapiro and Sarah Eide are up to the challenge.
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Album review: ‘Groove du Jour’
Yes! Trio ‘Groove du Jour’ Jazz & People aarongoldberg.com Piano, bass and drums make up the standard jazz trio with countless albums in the archives. Bringing something new to this genre is no mean feat, but the Yes! Trio succeeds. It starts with stellar players. Pianist Aaron Goldberg has enhanced the music of Wynton Marsalis, […]
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JAZZ | Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
In 1972, seeking to know more about his musical roots, percussionist Kahil El’Zabar traveled to Africa to study at the University of Ghana. The knowledge he gained there led to such opportunities as writing arrangements for Broadway’s “The Lion King.” Over the last five decades, El’Zabar has worked with Pharoah Sanders, Cannonball Adderley, Stevie Wonder, […]
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ROCK | The National Reserve
Building its foundation from playing weekly, four-hour-long gigs in a popular Brooklyn bar, The National Reserve boasts a well-rounded, energetic live performance. Frontman and songwriter Sean Walsh, guitarist Jon LaDeau, bassist Ryan Gavel, and drummer Brian Geltner all share a palpable, kinetic chemistry that shines through the band’s varying arrangements. The National Reserve’s newest album, […]
