Dr. Joan Hillsman, musicologist
Dr. Joan Hillsman, music educator and author, gave a clinic on the art and historical significance of gospel music last night for students at Syracuse University. She was joined by a trio of singers that included LaRae Martin-Coore. The event was held at Setnor Auditorium.
Check out a sample of their performance of “Wade in the Water” below.
DJ Spooky In Concert: Sonification
So this is what edge-craft sounds like…
After seeing the DJ Spooky concert we are convinced he was influenced by Pharaoh Sanders or Sun Ra. His futuristic, genre-bending show took the definition of mixing to the far reaches of anything Hip Hop has seen. In a toned-down exhibition that included a commentary/listening party, DJ Spooky blending the sounds of nature with club beats and the live musicianship of the Central New York Jazz Orchestra (including Brett Zvacek and Joe Davoli).
The Future of the Mix: DJ Spooky on stage with musicians for a live sample/mix.
Gregory Porter, the Pied Piper of New School Jazz
Here is the new video for Blue Note Recording Artist Gregory Porter. The song is the title track from his third album (due out next week) titled “Liquid Spirit.” Porter will return to Syracuse as the featured artist for the November Legends of Jazz Series at Onondaga Community College.
The Maverick (Mark Hoffman) and Goose (Gustav Hoffman).
Goose getting in touch with his inner funk brother.
Bringing the Noise & The Funk: Anna and Goose singing a cover of The Brand New Heavies Brother, Sister.
Papa is like a Rolling Stone: Mark Hoffman (SAMMY-Award Winner)
DJ Afar spinning his version of turntablism during a Chinese New Year Celebration in the mid-2000s.
Colleen and Erin Searson (Ottawa Valley Girls)
This is a post about two valley girls…
Ottawa (Ontario, Canada)Valley sisters Erin and Colleen Searson returned to the Syracuse Irish Festival this year, and were last night’s main stage entertainment. Their show delivered one foot-stomping hit after another. Colleen and Erin were accompanied by band mates Danno O’Shea (drums) and Orianna Barbato (bass).
The band will play again during the festival today, then head off for other dates in the Midwest before returning to Ottawa in October.
Check out the interview with Erin and Colleen below, where they talk about their connection with Kitty Hoynes in Syracuse and their gigs in Spain.
The group are true ambassadors for Celtic and fiddle music.
Syracuse loves Searson
Celtic Cool: Orianna Barbato on bass for Searson
Colleen Searson has played fiddle since age 9
Danno O’Shea: pounding out funky Celtic Folk on the drums
Erin “Do It All” Searson, vocalist, keyboardist, composer, guitarist, dancer
We witnessed a portion of the inaugural Open Mic at LOFO Restaurant last evening, and caught an upbeat, unplugged performance by Johnny and Tim. Below check out a clip of Tim working the strings and Johnny holding down the beat.
The 5th Dimension brought back good memories during yesterday’s New York State Fair performance. The group consists of (from left to right) Patrice Morris, Floyd Smith, Willie Williams, (original member) Florence LaRue and Leonard Tucker. Tucker sings here from their hit “Wedding Bell Blues.”
WAER-FM 88 announcer and music director Eric Cohen proposed to his fiance in during a Jazz in Square concert nearly a decade ago.
What we will miss most about summer is the numerous outdoor music venues. Here is a clip of Will Holton playing Jazz in the City on the Near Westside last week.