With musicians like Albert Lee (Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton) and Garth Hudson (The Band) on the disc, it’s hard to imagine Joe Medwick’s new CD falling flat. True to form, the long list of all-star players lives up to the album’s collective name, creating a disc that’s soulful, funky and brimming with catchy tunes. Medwick gathered the performers, wrote some of the tracks (proving his talent as a songwriter) and selected the covers, as he successfully creates a playlist that serves as a fantastic sonic journey. “Sweet Soul Music” rips the album open with punching guitar that dips right into…
Author: Jessica Novak
Since its first show on Dec. 15, 2011, the band Milkweed has experienced several incarnations. Beginning as a duo with Jacqualine Colombo and Claire Byrne (of Driftwood), the current trio features Colombo, primary songwriter Joseph Alston and Peter Lister. They’ll bring their Americana music to May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, 3800 E. Genesee St., for a Folkus Project show on March 16th.. Admission is $15. Visit folkus.org or milkweedtheband.com for information. Milkweed’s sound features rich three-part harmonies and mixes storytelling lyrics with blues harmonica and bluegrass guitar. The Binghamton-based group has found success touring the East Coast, although the love…
Sax symbol: Paulie Cerra at the 2016 M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest. Michael Davis photo
Born and raised in Syracuse, Martin Sexton still considers himself a Syracusan at heart even though he has gone on to take the musical world by storm. His two-decade-plus career has brought him recognition as one of the best singer-songwriters around, with a live show known for its spontaneity and raw talent. Sexton was supposed to perform with his new trio last September at Beak & Skiff until bad weather squelched the gig. He’ll instead appear at Eastwood’s Palace Theatre, 2384 James St., on Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. (Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door; visit palaceonjames.com…
Since 1983, Rebirth Brass Band has blazed a trail for New Orleans music. Founded by brothers Philip and Keith Frazier, the group released their first album, Here to Stay!, in 1984; their most recent album, Move Your Body, was issued in 2014. On Thursday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m., the band will perform at the Center for the Arts, 72 S. Main St., Homer. Tickets are $28 general admission, $23 for students, $12.50 for seniors and $10 for children, veterans and military, available at Center4art.org. For information, call (607) 749-4900. In 2012, the band’s Rebirth of New Orleans CD won Best…
Jimmy Webb has been a force in music since 1965. He’s the only artist to have won Grammy Awards in music, lyrics and orchestration. Webb is also the youngest member to have been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he has worked with artists spanning Art Garfunkel to Linda Ronstadt to Barbra Streisand to Kanye West. On Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., the songwriter will recall his partnership with another music legend, as “Jimmy Webb: The Glen Campbell Years” will take place at Eastwood’s Palace Theatre, 2384 James St. Tickets are $35, available at brownpapertickets.com and at (800)…
Following in the footsteps of songwriter-storytellers like Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash, Josh Ritter doesn’t just sing songs of clichés or wandering words. He tells stories through the characters in his tunes, weaving tales both real and imagined to teach lessons and connect listeners. He’ll bring his tuneful show to Ithaca’s Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd., on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m., where he’ll perform songs from his latest album, Gathering, released in September, with the Royal City Band. Tickets are $40; call (877) 987-6487 for information. Ritter took a few minutes while on tour to speak with the Syracuse…
Irv Lyons recognized for writing chops at Native American Music Awards.
Bea’s lyrics cut deep behind pop-oriented sound on new LP.
Legendary luthier Paul Reed Smith pays visit to Ish Guitars.
Funk ‘N Waffles spells homecoming for The Town Pants drummer Jeff Tripoli.
Lillith fLair event at the Palace Theater celebrated local women music makers.
Local jazz favorite will be honored this week during Jazz-N-Caz.
Joe Altier prepares new EP to advocate suicide prevention.
Nancy Kelly to raise funds for album to honor Mark Murphy