Mulberry Soul “Mulberry Soul” Self-released Mulberrysoul.com Arising out of the Rochester Folk Art Guild and the picturesque vista that is Naples is Mulberry Soul, a band that deftly interprets this earthen beauty. Though acoustically planted, Mulberry Soul’s instrumentation is positively electrifying. The band burns bright with a kind of new-grass slant on bluegrass. And man, […]
Rochester music
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ALBUM REVIEW: “American Acid”
American Acid “American Acid” Rat Records reverbnation.com/americanacid Sick-o graphic artist and resident keeper of Rock-N-Roll Social Club’s bottom end Doug Mac has re-emerged from the primordial hard rock ooze with the trio American Acid and its new six-song, self-titled release. By its sheer existence, the band exemplifies the fundamental differences — and the confusion that […]
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Cowpunk isn’t enough to explain Wyatt Coin
Now I’m not saying the members of Wyatt Coin are liars, it’s just that they’re not entirely what they claim to be … they’re much more. What comes across as an outlaw country-meets-hardcore aesthetic does so in spirit and not cliché. You would be hard-pressed to tag them as country or punk. Yes, there’s some […]
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ALBUM REVIEW: “Head Honcho”
Harmonica Lewinski “Head Honcho” Self-released harmonicalewinski.bandcamp.com Harmonica Lewinski has put forth a fabulous new release with “Head Honcho.” This rockin’ slab of greasy goodness mixes the elements of first generation rock ‘n’ roll, surf-a-go-go (think The Trashmen, or better yet Rochester’s landlocked surf legends, The Tempests), and psychedelic freak-out. With “Head Honcho,” Harmonica Lewinski has […]
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Significant Other works with a mighty pedigree
It’s readily apparent from the minute you slide Significant Other’s CD, “House Of Cards,” into the player that this is a significantly tight outfit. The band’s slick layering and cooperation leaves its beloved bluesy influences augmented to the point of being more than just the bar band its members claim it to be. This sweet […]
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ALBUM REVIEW: “Inner Soul”
Vince Ercolamento “Inner Soul” Self-released vinceercolamento.com It’s been 11 years since saxophonist Vince Ercolamento released “Delightful Eyes,” his excellent first album as a leader. With his new release, “Inner Soul,” Ercolamento firmly establishes himself as not only a fantastic saxophone player, but also a top composer of funky fusion. I don’t know if it’s all […]
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ALBUM REVIEW: “Forty-One Seconds”
The Rita Collective “Forty-One Seconds” Allora Records ritacollective.com The Rita Collective creates music that is impossible to classify. Start with the instrumentation: group leader Dean Keller plays bass clarinet; Kristen Shiner McGuire, marimba; Kyle Vock, bass; and Matt Bevan-Perkins, percussion. On their debut album, they’re joined on one cut by Mark Collins on flugelhorn. The […]
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ALBUM REVIEW: “New York Connections”
Mike Melito “New York Connections” Weebop Records mikemelito.com Drummer Mike Melito is on everyone’s short list of the top jazz players on the Rochester scene. But on his sixth album as a leader, he decided on a change of pace and a change of location. “New York Connections” was recorded with a band made up […]
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The Beaumonts boogie to its own beat
You might think they do, but musicians don’t owe you a damn thing. Now I’m not speaking of those shallow showbiz shills with all their kowtowing and condescension, but about artists who brilliantly marry words and melody together. You know how it is: you fall in love with a particular artist’s sound. You love it, […]
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Local garage punk quartet Secret Pizza is keeping it real
Local garage punk quartet Secret Pizza is keeping it real. The group of friends is taking a DIY approach to its music, and it’s keeping complete control over its own destiny. It’s all about having a good time — and leaving all the baggage of unrealistic expectations behind. Secret Pizza was established in summer 2013 […]
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Red Wings organist celebrates 40 years
Organist Fred Costello celebrates 40 years with the Rochester Red Wings It’s the bottom of the ninth. Bases are loaded. The fans are on the edges of their seats, restless, noisy, and anxious on a cocktail of beer and fingernails. You can taste the tension. The batter walks up to the plate, focused and determined. […]
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ALBUM REVIEW: “Out To Lunch”
Jon Lewis “Out To Lunch” Self-released jonlewis.bandcamp.com Following hot on the heels of his most excellent record, “Panic Rock,” Rochester rocker Jon Lewis is back in with more thoughtful, guitar-infused introspection. Now, let me be the first one not to call Lewis a brainiac, but this clever cat’s sound is smart on the parade that […]
