CRUMBS Cafe

Ramblin Jug Stompers - Episode 055

What a great way to wrap up Season 4 of CRUMBS Café with the Ramblin' Jug Stompers. The guys were able to perform three songs in the studio and talk about some quite interesting topics including traveling by boxcar to get to the next gig.

The members of the all-star Albany NY quartet have spent years touring and recording as solo artists and in notable combos like Blotto, the Star Spangled Washboard Band, Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen and The Neanderthals.

Now Bowtie, Cousin Clyde, Mr. Eck and Wild Bill have returned to their roots in jug band music, old-time, folk, country and blues -- in the process creating a singular ramblin' style that nods to the great tradition of American string band music while embracing more contemporary sounds like the Jug Stompers' patented "Appalachian calypso." Those whippersnappers in The Mammals and Old Crow Medicine Show ain't got nothing on the seasoned Stompers.

The group's debut album, "Crooked Songs: Live at Caffe Lena," is culled from a sold-out show at the legendary Saratoga Springs NY folk club. It reflects the raucous energy, silly showmanship and solid chops that the band's fans have come to love; and it features classic "Stomper-ized" selections from the songbooks of Lead Belly, Uncle Dave Macon, Grandpa Jones, Roy Acuff, The Memphis Jug Band, Cannon's Jug Stompers and more.

Ramblin Jug Stompers have quickly become a hit, headlining at nightclubs, festivals, colleges and concert venues including The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall; WAMC Performing Arts Studio; Berkshire Harvest Festival; First Night Saratoga; Albany Tulip Festival; Union College; Rensselaer Polytechnic University; and their Tess' Lark Tavern home base.

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Matthew Loiacono - Episode 054

It was great having Matthew in the studio. We could have easily recorded three episodes worth if we recorded the discussions before and after the interview. So many great topics kept coming up and he had some great points about and ideas for the local music scene. We'll have to get him back in for a follow up.

We caught Matthew in the midst of releasing his 2008 album Kentucky. There is a fascinating note about how the album was recorded or more importantly what instruments were used to record it. Listen to the songs on the album and try to guess how many musicians performed using how many instruments. The answer is in this Café episode. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Matthew Loiacono is a musician from upstate New York. Performing original and adapted / rearranged music in the moment on mandolin, banjo, acoustic & electric guitars, drums, percussion and much more, he is mildly obsessed with marrying traditional instruments with modern technology and sounds. Known to utilize live on-the-fly looping, octave pedals, thick distortion and heavy reverb, Matthew delivers a unique, constantly evolving musical performance.

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Nite Train - Episode 053

The Nite Train Band has been entertaining Albany, NY (Capital District) crowds since its' inception in March of 2003. The band has come a long way since its' first show, with the most radical upheaval occurring in 2006 when bassist/band-leader Ken Briggs and keyboard/ sax-player Marcus Benoit set out about the task of turning the band into a Full-Fledged Horn Band! The recent addition of the talented High Voltage Horns and the band's return to Stonewall Studios with this current line-up has truly energized the Nite Train Band into High Gear!!! With the release of it's first all-original Compact Disc, Best Man, the Nite Train Band with the High Voltage Horns is setting its' sights on playing larger venues and, in particular, the Festival Circuit. The band remembers its' humble beginnings, however, and still keeps the NTB Locomotive well oiled by playing the local Capital District watering holes where it has gained its' credibility and notoriety.

We had a great discussion with these guys in the CRUMBS Cafe studio about music during the interview. This was one of those nights where we had a great discussion, some would say even better discussion than what was recorded. Maybe we should keep the recording rolling until the bands leave. There is just too much great stuff that is not recorded and we miss. The topic that keeps coming up is where is there a great place for local bands in this area to play on a regular basis and what can be done to give it a boost. We'll have to have another night on this at a later date.

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2Late - Episode 052

Vicki and Mike lived within miles of each other for years in Guilderland, a suburban community in upstate New York. Then suddenly their paths crossed again and again. First, they became friends. Then they found out that when they sing together, magic happens.

Vicki Gayle was born in Jacksonville, FL, and first played in front of an audience at age seven. For many years, she performed country, folk and soft rock music around the New York Capital Region. Her philosophy about music is simple: it has to be good, and it has to be fun, and that comes across clearly in 2Late's performances.

Mike Short grew up in Madison, WI. His mother started training him on the piano very early with formal lessons starting in fourth grade. He picked up the guitar in seventh grade and never put it down. His family gets together whenever it can to play bluegrass, folk and country gospel tunes. His experience in the family band has paid off in 2Late, as Vicki's lead singing is the perfect foil for his harmonizing. Mike is an accomplished songwriter, specializing in Christian Contemporary and modern acoustic folk music. 2Late features six of his songs on its new album, Comments from the Kitchen, released on February 18, 2006.

Veterans of several upstate New York venues, 2Late plays acoustic music ranging from country to angst-filled folk, with just about every emotion in between. Vicki is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist, and Mike is the lead guitarist and rhythm singer. Together, they far exceed the sum of the parts, with hot licks and cool harmonies to please any audience.

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Fear of Flying - Episode 051

Fear of Flying (FOF), a Saratoga, New York-based progressive rock band, has always lived by its motto -- original music without boundaries. The three founding members of FOF have been playing together for twenty years. Today, they play with as much enthusiasm, innovation and power as they did back in 1985, delivering a high-energy performance each and every night: one that goes far beyond their own studio recordings. Listen to the five-minute clip of "Free Form," and you will realize that the group is extremely special. Currently on the M.A.A.P. tour promoting its new CD "more attempts at perfection," FOF has been paired up with bands such as KingsX, Dokken, Marillion, Starship and ASIA.

Fear of Flying consists of: Tearle (pronounced Terrell - ask him why it's not spelled that way!) Ashby (pronounced Ashby), lead vocals and bass guitar; Carm Grasso, guitar and vocals; Mark Occhiogrosso, keyboards and vocals; and Tom Occhiogrosso (pronounced very similar to Mark's last name), drummer. (Mark and Tom first met at an international Occhiogrosso conference in Genoa, Italy.) Actually, Tom contends that his younger brother, Mark, Fear of Flying's keyboard player extraordinaire, was born on the infield of the famous Saratoga Racetrack during a Vic Damone retrospective. Since Tom has always been older, and, especially taller, Mark has never disputed the claim.

FOF's music is a delicate weaving of complex melodies and instrumentation, accented with Mark's symphonic sounds and Carm's shrill guitar innovations. With Tearle and Tom's undercurrent of solid bass and drums, Fear of Flying provides a cohesive and exciting musical experience. The New Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock describes Fear of Flying as, "A New York four-piece band, 'that pulls plenty of punches,' with excellent songs and some clever hooks!" FOF puts out an amazing "live" show; when you attend one of the band's concerts, you won't see any rope-a-dope; the guys will always be swinging!

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The Kite Room - Episode 050

CRUMBS Cafe Turns the Big 5-0

The original plan was to have Ben Karis-Nix stop by for an episode with just him. He surprised us that night by bringing along Mike Matta from The Sketchy Indians and Amanda Rogers hence forming The Kite Room. This was the first time the band performed under that name and what a great collaboration it was. They were able to play three acoustic versions of some previously released songs with some new life. The talent in this band is striking, poetic, and captures the moment.

Amanda Rogers, fresh from her latest European tour and her most recent internationally anticipated record release, Heartwood, will be playing old and new songs featured on MTV shows such as The Real World and The Hills. Ben Karis-Nix, with songs featured on television shows such as the CW's One Tree Hill, will be playing tracks from his new solo EP, We Are Giants Now (Best Electro-Pop - Metroland, Albany, NY, 2008). This new release immerses the listener in a symphony of subtle synth patches and sampled beats that coexist with Ben's guitar and pliant, sometimes plaintive vocals. Mike Matta is a member of The Sketchy Indians who are a songwriting collective that are as poetic and sincere as they are playfully ridiculous.

This tour reunites former members of the indie-rock giants Jupiter Sunrise, known for their stellar, energetic live shows and year-round tours in their veg-oil-powered RV. After these powerful songwriters perform, don't leave too soon, because the night is not over until these 3 indie all-stars unite onstage to unleash mayhem as a Voltron-like supergroup. These shows promise to turn every new listener into a full-fledged fan and believer in the power of the indie artist.

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The Erotics - Episode 049

On this episode of CRUMBS we have in the studio Mike Trash and Johnny Riott from The Erotics. The topics ranged from the release of their new album 'Rubbish' to a couple of interesting stories while on the road. The guys were a bit mellow especially when compared to their live performances. My recommendation is to catch them out live to get the full spectrum on the band.

There are few things in life that make me hum and haw in eager anticipation, and one of them is hearing a new batch of tunes from the slimy superman of sensational sleaze, Mike Trash. Trash is one of the best songwriters around when it comes to injecting your favorite flash riffs with a fistful of snark, a shake of venom, and a high ball of backstage, underage, fleshy fetish. I mean, the shit that pours out of this guy is pure genius, or harrowing sin, depending on how you swing. So, here we have six songs that live up to the standard set by The Erotic's seminal 2003 release, All That Glitters is Dead. Delivered by Trash and his two new henchmen, Jamie Hangover (bass) and Johnny Riott (drums), the music, for the most part, carries through - all snotty, catchy, and positively bursting with disease - but RNRKM takes a certain departure thematically. The decadence and delinquency is abandoned this time around for a more personal vision. Sure, Trash's exploits have always been about decadence and delinquency, but that's exactly what almost reserved him the shotgun seat beside the Reaper.

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Mark Frederick Band - Episode 048

On this episode with Mark Frederick Band we had a full house with all five members stopping by in the new CRUMBS Café studio. I was quite pleased to get a stellar mix even though everyone was on top of each other in the same room. Surprisingly most of the mics didn't bleed over.

The band has been together for just over seven months and has somehow managed to land a couple of major gigs including opening up for Sirsy and The Crayons. By the way, Mark still has a difficult time pronouncing Sirsy any other way than Sear-see.

The band was able to perform three acoustic versions of their original songs. They have greatly improved since we first caught up with them back in May. It's great to see the band progress and the songs improve with each performance. We are looking forward to the band's next installment as they head into the studio to record their first album.

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Charlie Everywhere - Episode 047

On this week's episode of CRUMBS Café we had in the studio Charlie Everywhere. First off, what an amazing sound and performance. We have been looking forward to getting the band in for a while and it was worth the wait. They came in on the heels of their mini-tour in Seattle and on the verge of their upcoming album.

The interview was great but is all came back to the fresh sounds of their songs. One can pull out familiar sounds the likes of Postal Service, Air, and The Avalanches. Josh has this great ear for catchy beats, rhythm and texturing. Sarah has a breathy blend of vocals that interlace well with the sometimes hard hitting beats.

Keep a close eye on this band as there is a good chance they will be blossom beyond what the Capital Region can offer.

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Scientific Maps - Episode 046

On this week's episode of CRUMBS Café we have in the studio Aaron and Donna from Scientific Maps. What really makes this band shine beside their solid vocals is their eclectic musical blend inspired by retro movies and skunk apes. Some of the concepts and defining topics may be unique but the back is still able to quickly capture your taste for that great new sound. It's easy to relate to the songs and hum them later as a passing thought.

Scientific Maps is a pseudonym for Albany, N.Y. resident and musician, Aaron Smith, as well as the name of the four-piece band. Scientific Maps started in 2003 as a side project for Smith, the then bass player for Albany band The Stars of Rock. As The Stars ceased functioning, Aaron began concentrating on writing and recording hits for an album with songs reflecting influences as varied as the supernatural and crypto-zoological to British invasion to Sherlock Holmes to Elephant 6 and then back to the supernatural.

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28N - Episode 045

On this week's episode of CRUMBS Café we have in the studio Nate and Lowell from 28N. What a great time we had with these guys. They were gracious enough to travel over an hour to get to our studio be it was worth it. Often Billy Bucher and I a lead the helm during the interview process but Nate lead the way with his charisma. We always love it when bands give us a couple of great stories and on this episode it seem like the great stories just kept coming.

Employing electronics in a whole different way-to fill in for the lack of a full-time bassist-Nate Stengrevics and Lowell Stringer sound like twice the band they actually are. Judging by the radio-friendly alt-rock sound of their latest CD, Where Tenses Meet, 28N are about one crossover hit away from the Top 40.

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Stuck On Stupid - Episode 044

Looking for someone new? Curious about that the local music scene could sound like in the next ten years? On this week's episode of CRUMBS Café we have in the studio Stuck On Stupid. These guys can belt out tunes from The Eagle and ACDC and write songs that have a similar rock edge and aggression. They were able to play three acoustic songs and we here at CRUMBS were quite impressed. Oh yeah, did I mention that the average age of the band is 16? When these guys hit their mid-20s they will be a predominate band in the local music scene or maybe even sooner.

Their music reflects the current resurgence of classic rock reflected in a generation that embraces an immortal genre. The band has been gaining national attention after making two appearances on 'Living Room Live' a band contest on the CBS Morning Show including winning their round. Their 'classic' music style and professional stage show appeals to a diverse audience from black t-shirted teens to aging baby boomers. SoS has opened for nationally renowned acts such as Dokken, L.A. Guns, and Dom Playing on stage with Tesla.

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Katie Haverly - Episode 043

On this week's episode of CRUMBS Café we have in the studio Katie Haverly. We don't often get someone in who makes our hearts melt. With her song writing coupled with a great voice is easy to fall into such a spell. The episode was also co-hosted by Billy Bucher of Freakshow Music Productions and Mike Fronk of the Mark Frederick Band.

The recording of the show started just as if it were any other radio show with the interview. Katie gave us some pretty interesting and some times deep discussion topics. She played her first song of the night and it set the musical bar for night. Then out of no where, as if the three of us were blind sided my a Mack truck, she proceeded to perform this amazing song with a jazz soul and vibrant, acoustic voice. We were instantly stunned and knew that this was sure to be a hit. Take a listen and let me know what you think about the episode; especially the second songs. Great job Katie.

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Maggie Mayday - Episode 042

Maggie Mayday is the new band from former Suggestions frontman and acclaimed singer-songwriter John Brodeur. Bassist Jenn McCarron brings a manic energy to the stage, and a fluid and melodic playing style to the songs. Meghan Tully can be about the loudest drummer you've ever heard, when she's being nice. The trio are putting the finishing touches on their first album with producer Troy Pohl, due in early 2009.

The interview came out great and it may have been one of our best ones. The highlights are the three acoustic songs they were able to play. Personally I have been humming these hooky choruses for the past couple of weeks. You will find yourself humming them shortly after listening to the radio show.

Since forming in the spring of 2007, Maggie Mayday has performed alongside such acts as the Bravery, 311, Matisyahu, VHS or Beta, Shiny Toy Guns and TV on the Radio.

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