CRUMBS Café

Listen to CRUMBS Café streaming audio directly to your computer.

This gives musicians the opportunity to chat a bit about who they are, what their songs are all about, or even the local music scene in general. Shows tend to run about 30 minutes with the musician playing three songs live in the CRUMBS Cafe studio.

Road to Oblivion - Episode 041

06/09/08 This week in the studio we have the band Road to Oblivion. The band began in the winter of 2007 when the trio of Alexandra Higgins, Mark Bertini, and Neil Goes sat down to write songs together. Their combined respect and admiration for roots music quickly fortified the project culminating in 13 songs written in two weeks time. Duane Etienne, Don Holland and Terry Plunkett joined the band in the studio as they recorded their first CD Something to Say. 2008 plans on being a big year as they hit the studio with those songs and begin the process of self promotion in the Capital District of New York. Keep an eye out for "The Road".

Venomentality - Episode 040

06/02/08 This week in the studio we have the band Venomentality. The band is keeping busy and playing out when ever they can. The sound is a brighter version of the punk/rock/pop era of the mid-90’s after the raise of rhythm based power songs. But there is something slightly different when compared to the rockers of yester. The band has been able to make a name for themselves well before their 21st birthdays. They are kicking ass, taking names, and all of this between their school schedules. The lead singer, Val, was a bit under the weather but she managed to pull it off. We just added a couple of extra songs from their latest album to fill the interview (and I think you’ll be pleased with the plugged in versions).

In early 2005, Valerie's band "Venomentality" was formed. For almost three years now, Valerie, along with lead guitarist Peter Kansas, bass player Kristin Hoeg, and drummer Ben Zeigler, have consistently played 1-4 shows per month, including high profile events such as the Union Square Virgin Megastore Mashup, opening for MINK at the Union Square NYU Back to School Blow Out, Albany's annual Larkfest, The NY State Ski and Snowboard Expo, the Rock 2 Rebuild benefits at Albany's Palace Theater, and the Historic Caffe' Lena's Emerging Artists Breakout Series in Saratoga Springs. The band recently filmed its first one hour syndicated television special "The New Music Showcase" at Comcast Studio in Springfield MA.

Venomentality is known as a "chameleon band," able to morph into whatever the event or venue calls for. They can play full electric outdoor festivals and then scale it all down to an intimate acoustic coffee house show. They can play as a full band foursome, or Valerie and Peter can perform as a duet for smaller venues. There is no profanity or inappropriate lyrics in the material so Venomentality can appeal to all ages!

Two Gun Man - Episode 039

05/12/08 In the studio today is the gun slinging, slap jaw crew of Two Gun Man. These guys have this western, funk, hip sound that manages to still capture the roots of Americana music. Their songs have a folk backbone with a catchy, hooky, chorus. They not only played three live songs in the studio but also laid down some killer beat box tracks. For those new to this genre, beat box sounds are accomplished by producing different pops and rhythmic tones with your voice. It’s something not to miss and it made for a great special edition theme song for the opening and closer of the episode.

Two Gun Man reformed in September 2006 when Julian Seidenberg (drums, percussion, vocals), Reid Waring (lead singer, chief writer, rhythm guitar) and Josh Watson (lead guitar) moved from Washington State to New York's Hudson Valley. There they rejoined Josh Miesmer (bass, vocals), who quickly resumed his role as the hilarious nucleus of the band, following stints with Johnny Society, Mr. Forky and Joseph Arthur. For Seidenberg and Waring this was a homecoming reunion, having performed with Meismer as a three-piece group years before. But for Watson, a native of the same town which launched Nirvana, Mudhoney and the Melvins, this was a leap into the unknown. In its previous incarnation, Two Gun Man had been solid: loads of fun and brimming with potential. But only as a four piece has that potential finally been realized: roots rock & roll and Americana at its best, indefinably but unmistakably brilliant. Like Two Gun Man itself, the band's audience is spread all over the U.S. map. Their music moves—literally moves—everyone from punk rockers to countryfolk, blue-haired matrons to tattooed bluesmen.

Acoustic Trauma - Episode 038

05/05/08 Acoustic Trauma is a trio whose concept and goal is to defy the common stereotype that has tagged acoustic rock as being "laid back" or "tame". In the 1990's, many popular bands have toned down their acts, characterizing themselves as being "unplugged". Acoustic Trauma, with the use of some effects (electric distortion NOT being one of them), has proven that acoustic instruments are not limited to stool or sit down performances. Their strength lies in their instrumentation as it consists of finger- blistering acoustic guitar solos, strong drumbeats, intense violin playing, and many inventive bass leads.

The term "acoustic trauma", refers to a medical diagnosis that is associated with hearing loss due to the continued exposure to loud sounds. The name was chosen, for it serves as a definitive pun, both identifying the band by definition as well as their goal in attempting to "traumatize" the acoustic world. Metroland, an Albany alternative publication, calls Acoustic Trauma "a challenging and intriguing new band." They have also ranked Spirits and Reward of the Angel's Pride among the top ten local CDs in the Capital Region at the time of their release dates. Metroland has also named Acoustic Trauma "Best Prog (Progressive) Band" two years in a row in their Best of issues (1999 & 2000).

The trio have expanded their performance radius regionally, spanning from New York City and the Capital Region to Woodstock and Kingston, NY as well as hitting parts of Vermont and now exploring New Jersey. The band’s experience includes many charity events as well as radio airplay on 102.7FM (WEQX), 103.5FM (The EDGE), 88.3FM (WVCR), WDST Radio Woodstock, and many others.

Byrds of Prey - Episode 037

04/21/08 In the studio is the band Byrds of Prey. These guys have a great classic/southern rock sound that is completely updated and original. I should also probably mention that I plucked some bass strings for these guys well over a year ago. In fact after leaving the band I discovered I had time to revive CRUMBS. They have a new bass player and you have a new CRUMBS. Everyone wins. Anyways, back to the band.

They were able to record three songs in the studio and the third song is a new track for their hopefully soon to be started album. The new material rocks and we are anxious to hear more.

Byrds of Prey brandishes a dual lead guitar attack that is supported by tight harmonies and subtle acoustic rhythms. Songs are composed acoustically first with basic rhythm and melody, and then arranged in an acoustic/electric, or all electric form. Art LaFleur and Steve Lamb also perform this material as an acoustic duo on occasion. Band members have performed in and around the Capital Region for the past five years in projects including but not to Off Ramp, Boot the Owl, and The Coal Palace Kings, and this each brings something unique to the table. Like a classic attack on a modern sound, the songs we write are divers and sophisticated with a focus on rhythm and harmony. The musicianship is high. The experience is solid. The influences divers and the vibe is classic.

Jesse Stewart - Episode 036

04/14/08 In the studio today is singer song writer Jesse Stewart. She is starting to build a name for herself in this area with her powerful, heartfelt vocals and well written lyrics. You may recognize her name from the local media. She was featured on numerous reports about how she was filmed during the audition of the upcoming NBC show, Nashville Star. Not bad for someone who just recently started prospering a musical career. She was able to perform three original songs in the studio and man they came out great. It was an amazing performance and one could even say had a taste of that magic spark. These songs are just a sample of her upcoming album that is expected to be release this summer. Jesse discovered her passion for music from her father, began performing for family and friends at the age of four, and is now ready to share her music with you. With a country/folk/pop style Jesse draws her inspiration from life with all its joys and trials. A recently completed demo at Bennett Studios, engineered by Grammy Award winner Dae Bennett, features the first of her original music - "Garnsey Road", "The Backseat", and "Why." Also featured on this demo are artists such as drummer Gary Burke who has played with people such as Bob Dylan, Joe Jackson, Shania Twain, Aretha Franklin and guitarist David Malachowski who has toured with Shania Twain, Savoy Brown, Commander Cody.

The Return - Episode 035

04/07/08 In the studio for this episode of CRUMBS Cafe we have the band The Return. These Queensbury natives are often found rocking out in the venue Hot Shots but also frequent such up and coming venues as Jack Rabbit Slims in Albany. The band has that British rock sound whiling staying true to their American roots. The songs are well developed and have catchy melodies interlaced throughout. When asked if their songs have a common theme the answer from Jimmy of the band eluded that they don’t have commonalty among their songs. But as we listened to them a couple of times, what was prevalent to us was a feel good feeling. With songs such as Smile, it’s tough to listen to such a song and not feel somewhat…well good. Even if the songs have a true darker or deeper meaning they can still put a smile on your face.

Delia - Episode 034

03/17/08 On this episode of CRUMBS Café we have in the studio the band Delia. Two of the members in the band are father and son and hail from Saratoga. The lead singer, Gwen, traveled all the way from Old Forge which is just about an hour north from Utica. When the band is not hard at work writing songs they are playing out all over the Capital Region. Any yes, that even means playing in the Northern regions of New York. Some may say it is an untapped resource of venues but the music scene up there is booming. When folks head out to see a show, especially a Delia show, they can always trust the venue to book and quality band. And they never let down the crowd. They selected three songs from their album to play on this episode. The songs are heart felt and echo the feeling you get when listening to the likes of the Grateful Dead…just without the haze in the crowd.

Permagrin - Episode 033

02/18/08 We have seen the name Permagrin plastered in the Metroland in one venue ad to the next. The band name may be familiar from playing out often but their lighter acoustic sidemay not be as familiar. They often are a jam band and rarely tone down to an acoustic sound. The interview went well and the two songs they played live in the studio came out to be quite impressive even though a string broke during the recording. The third song on this episode is a live track from a previous gig. Either these guys play with more soul acoustically or the live recording was a rough mix. It did however feature a great live drum solo towards the end of the song. What really stood out during this episode is Pat, the lead singer, and his voice. Coupled with his tasty guitar licks this musician can sing like the best in the area. He has this sense of authenticity to his voice which you can hear in the two in studio songs.

Michael Eck's Performace Place - Episode 032

02/11/04 This week on CRUMBS Cafe we have something special: Performance Place hosted by Michael Eck. This was broadcasted live on 90.3 WAMC on January 24 from 11:30-Noon.

The first CRUMBS Nite Out was incredible. The day started off with an interview with Michael Eck on Performance Place. It was a laid back atmosphere; just jamming and talking. Sean, Phoebe, and Rich all performed a couple of tunes for the 30 minute show which air live WAMC. The best part about the day time performances was watching the two musicians not playing watch the other musician playing. Each one of them was in awe of the next. It was fantastic to watch Sean get into Rich’s music and Rich being amazed by Phoebe’s voice. It was a rare moment to see the three of them sharing the same stage. I hope we see more of these unique talents performing together.

In fact, I was so impressed with the group of performers that I would expect to host the same bill sometime later this year when Nite Out starts to take off. Personally, I need to see that again.

It should also be noted that Mr. Eck’s dedication to the program and the local music scene is unsurpassed. With the recent change of hands for the host of Performance Place there is a sense of a gap or pause in the flow of the show. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy listening to the daily shows especially when local bands are on, but the life and soul that he breathed into it day after day has changed into something else. Thank you Michael Eck for your loyalty to the performing arts and may you continue to succeed in the area no matter where your journey takes you.

Super 400 - Episode 031

02/04/08 I find that we are more relaxed when doing it live…CRUMBS Café that is. In the studio this week, broadcasted live, is the one, the only, Super 400 as we kick off Season 3 with a bang. This was the second time CRUMBS Café has gone live and once again it was a huge success with a whopping 10 online listeners. All of the listeners were from the Capital Region with the exception of one who was from the Netherlands. How cool is that? The last time we broadcasted live with Sean Rowe we had a listener from Wichita. But back to the Band.

Super 400 has been on the local scene for over 12 years. These Troy natives have long since paid their dues. After four CDs and a near world tour, Super 400 is able to enjoy the success and share their success. During their “visit” back to the Capital region they played at Tess’s Lark Tavern but with a twist. The tickets were sold at a discounted rate if patrons brought a non-perishable food to the show. This has become a reoccurring theme for the band and one that other bands should follow. They enjoy giving back to the community were ever they go and especially in this area.

Again the live interview went quite well. I did have plenty of help from behind the mic via Bill Bucher and Crista Lea. They were able to jump in when I was rustling papers in search of a quality question. It was also great to interact with the listeners and have them run the show a bit. There were emails coming in all throughout the show. The topics of the questions ranged from a possible new record to roller skating.

For more information about the organization where the food was donated to, visit The Unity House of Troy.