Susan Copley's work is exhibited nationally with permanent collections throughout New York State as well as numerous corporate and private collections

Buffalo River Fest
June 17th - 18th, 2011
Father Conway Park

Elmwood Ave. Festival of the Arts
August 27th - 28th, 2011
Elmwood Ave.

National Buffalo Wing Festival
September 3rd- 4th, 2011
Coca-Cola Park

Taste of Ellicottville
Aug 6th - 7th, 2011
Throughout the Villiage
Ellicottville, NY

Concert Review - By Bob Luterek
webmaster@bestofwny.com

Three Dog Night brought their classic show to the Seneca Allegany Casino Event Center on 1/29/2012 and it was a sellout crowd of around 2500 people. The band lineup included Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee Cory Wells and Danny Hutton on lead vocals, as well as original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, guitarist Michael Allsup. Paul Kingery (bass and vocals) and Pat Bautz (drums).

The concert was a mix of hits, non-hits from their old albums and some newer material. They played most of their top 40 songs including One, Never Been to Spain, Shambala, Easy to be Hard, An Old Fashioned Love Song, Out in the Country, Mamma Told Me Not To Come (with a rap section in the middle). They also played their version of the Randy Newman written song "You Can Leave Your Hat On" that they recorded in 1975 and it was later recorded and made famous by Joe Cocker in 1986. A newer song that they played featured Cory Wells belting out the blues on "Heart of Blues". They finished their 1 ½ hour show with crowd pleasing encore of "Joy to the World"

Upcoming shows at the Seneca Allegany Casino Event Center

Rita Coolidge - Saturday, February 11, 2012 o 7 PM
Grand Funk Railroad - Saturday, March 10, 2012 o 7 PM
Travis Tritt - Sunday, March 25, 2012 o 5 PM

For information on upcoming shows visit: http://www.senecaalleganycasino.com/seneca_event_center.cfm

Concert Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

    One of the most significant artists to come out of the British Invasion was Ray Davies and his band the Kinks. Along with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones the Kinks were influential to rock music in this very fertile period of music as rock exploded on the masses. On November 13th, 2011 Davies now touring solo brought his new tour behind his latest release See My Friends to the Center for the Arts before a full house. See My Friends features Davies collaborating on Kinks songs with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, Jackson Browne, Metallica and the late Alex Chilton to name a few.
    Splitting the show into two parts the first an acoustic set with Davies accompanied by guitarist Bill Shanley and the second half with his backing band and the opening act for this leg of the tour The 88 from Los Angeles it was an evening of incredible music. Playing the more poignant numbers acoustically, "Waterloo Sunset", "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" and "See My Friends" were stunning gems of delight to hear while "Sunny Afternoon" had the crowd singing along.
    Davies saved his biggest hits and loudest rockers for the second part of the show with "Till the End of the Day", "All Day and All of The Night", "Too Much Time on my Hands" and "The Hard Way" all resonating with the crowd. Other show stoppers included "David Watts" performed by The 88, "Misfits", "Full Moon" and "Nothing in the World". Davies closed the set with a stunning "Celluloid Heroes" before returning for an encore of the classic "You Really Got Me" with features quite possibly the greatest guitar riff of all time.
    Davies displayed his acerbic English wit throughout the evening telling tales from his storied career, plugging his book, complaining about his bad guitars to his tech but joking about it with the crowd and of course his strained and notoriously fickle relationship with his brother and fellow Kink Dave.
    Kudos to the Center for the Arts for bringing an artist of Ray Davies caliber to the area. Check out www.ubcfa.org for more upcoming shows.

Concert Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

     It was with great anticipation that the local musical brethren waited for the Lucinda Williams show on November 6th, 2011 at the Town Ballroom. The show had been talked about since tickets went on sale as Williams has been an infrequent visitor to Buffalo with less than half a dozen shows that I can recollect since 1992 around the time of her breakout work. It was a celebratory victory for those who lament about the dearth of talent that skips Buffalo when planning their tours. The full house at the Town Ballroom proved that more bands should stop here.
     Out in support of her latest release Blessed, Williams delighted the crowd with a two hour performance that included material from that release, some choice covers, fan favorites and some new songs as well. Williams whiskey drawl vocals are perfectly complemented by the sublime playing of her band Buick 6 (Andy Sutton/bass, Butch Norton/drums and Blake Mills/guitar). Mills in particular was on fire all evening with perfect runs or bending notes as the songs needed adding grit or subtle shadings. What a find this guy is. The band also performed an opening set prior to their set with Williams giving us a preview of what was to come from this great in their own right outfit.
     Kicking it off with "Can't Let Go" and the title track from Cars Wheels on a Gravel Road Williams and her band really hit their stride and seemed comfortable enough to try an unreleased song "Stowaway in Your Heart". A cover of Bob Dylan's "Trying To Get To Heaven" followed by a stirring "Sweet Side" and "Those Three Days" stood out as did a blistering "Unsuffer Me". Other tracks of note were the Blaze Foley tribute "Drunken Angel", "Buttercup and "Copenhagen" both from the new disc and "Lake Charles". Proving they came to play and to entertain the crowd Williams and her band tore through a finale of "Essence", a pulse pounding "Change The Locks", "Joy" and "Honey Bee". She and the band returned for an encore of the title tune from her latest "Blessed" before a soul stirring version of Gregg Allman's classic "Just Ain't My Cross to Bear" and closing with the Buffalo Springfield classic and the still relevant today "For What it's Worth". Sincere thanks to Tom Overby, Eric Frankhouser and of course Lucinda for their help with the Feed the City Benefit for the Food Bank of WNY. For more information on Lucinda Williams check out www.lucindawilliams.com and for more great upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom go to www.townballroom.com

Concert Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

     Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, brought his Led Zeppelin Experience show to the Town Ballroom on November 4th, 2011 to the delight of a very packed house. A very capable drummer in his own right (good DNA here) the whole thing still had the feel of a top notch Zeppelin tribute/cover band. Granted the vocals and musicianship were spot on and the singer was clean shaven and not of the Robert Plant lion mane hair style. Nor did the band employ the garish Jimmy Page outfits of the time but you know it never quite jelled to these ears.
     Interspersed among the all Zeppelin set were home movies, photos and recollections from Jason which I guess lends the whole thing some credibility and raises it above tribute band chees territory. The two and a half hour two set show featured some brilliantrenditions of classic Zep including the show opener "Immigration Song" and "Celebration Day" from the first set and "Since I've Been Loving You" and "In The Light" from the second set. They sent the crowd over the edge with the one two wallop of "When the Levee Breaks" and "Kashmir" to close the show. They also threw in a couple of clunkers with "Your Time is Gonna Come", "The Ocean" and I guess you have to say the encore of "Stairway to Heaven" Yawn. I know, they have to play it like Lynyrd Skynyrd with "Free Bird" but both are due a nice spot at the home for retired songs.
     The mixed aged crowd from boomers to teens ate it all up with most obviously never having seen the real Led Zeppelin but appreciating the pedigree of Bonham. He gave it right back often telling the crowd that it was the best crowd of the tour and that he was having a great time. They ended the night with a throbbing version of "Whole Lotta Love". For more information about Jason Bonham check out www.jasonbonham.net and for upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom go to www.townballroom.com

Concert Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

     To paraphrase ESPN's Chris Berman "Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo music community". With the eminent threat of WBFO's long running local blues shows being taken off the air the people are making their voices heard. . All of this has come about with the recent purchase of WBFO from the University of Buffalo by WNED. This appears to be a decision on the part of WNED's management to terminate the blues programs. Currently there is an ambitious letter writing and petition drive underway in bars, music clubs, work places, a blues concert to raise awareness and more asking WNED CEO Don Boswell to keep the blues programing alive in Buffalo. The long running blues series heard weekends on WBFO-FM 88 features national, regional and most important local blues artists. With in depth commentary from disc jockeys Jim Santella, Anita West and Debbie Sims their local take on the blues scene will be lost. According to West "You will lose the local flavor and news about the local blues scene. Willie Haddath, The Filter Kings, Jony James, none of these or other great local blues artists in the area will be heard on local radio. How wrong and sad is that?"
     It is sad that rock radio has gone the way of the 8 track player with no local bands able to crack into regular rotation. That's due to the corporate suits making the decisions "in the best interest of the shareholders". Well there is the rub. You see we are the owners of public radio which WNED is a member. We support the station with our tax dollars and when you donate money at pledge drives you can dictate which programming your support should go to. Public radio is sponsored by your dollars and you should have a choice and a voice in whether the blues program stays or is replaced by some syndicated NPR show about growing rutabaga's or something. The minimal amount of saving is nowhere near the good will brought to our community by keeping the blues show on the air. Not some late night feature but in its current weekend form. Let your voice be heard. Print a copy of the form and mail your thoughts on this issue to CEO Don Boswell at the address listed on the form. The show could be off the air as early as January 2012 so don't wait to have your voice heard. For more information on how you can help go to www.wnyblues.org
     DON'T LET LOCAL BLUES PROGRAMMING LEAVE THE BUFFALO AIR WAVES! Please email dboswell@wned.org or call 716-845-7000.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Willie Nile (BMHOF Class of 2005) continues his recent career resurgence and creative streak with his latest and one of his strongest releases to date with The Innocent Ones. Nile one of the best singer songwriters of our time bar none wrote ten of the eleven tracks with longtime collaborator Frankie Lee and the other solo on this one. The disc features the rousinganthem "One Guitar" a beacon of optimism with the its chorus of "I'm a soldier marching in an army, got no gun to shoot, but what I got is one guitar". The song is already a hit in the UK thanks to a version by Mike Peters and The Alarm and has been covered by Graham Parker stateside. Nile's socially conscience lyrics resonate with the everyman in us all and are the reason why he has such a passionate following. Check out the title cut "The Innocent Ones", "Rich and Broken", "Song for You", "Sideways Beautiful" and the Beatles-esque "My Little Girl". If you are not a fan yet of Willie Nile and how can you not be a fan of our own Prodigal Son, get on board with The Innocent Ones. Check it out for yourself at www.willienile.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Gurf Morlix (BMHOF Class of 2005) newest release is a tribute to revered Austin music legend and his close friend the late Blaze Foley. The disc titled Blaze Foley's 113th Wet Dream is adorned with a duct tape motif similar to Foley's own use of the multi-purpose tape that earned him the moniker of Duct Tape Messiah and features fifteen of Foley's compositions. Though Foley was a tortured soul and a jerk at times who was murdered under some bizarre circumstances these are some of the most beautiful songs ever written and interpreted superbly by Morlix. "Baby Can I Crawl Back To You", "Big Cheeseburgers and Good French Fries", "Picture Cards", the title cut "Blaze Foley's 113th Wet Dream", "Cold Cold World", the eternally optimistic "If I Could Fly" and "In The Misty Garden/I Shoulda Been Home With You" will stay with you long after you are done listening. This is top notch stuff from Morlix and from an artist who left us too soon and deserves to be remembered forever. For more information go to www.gurfmorlix.com and www.blazefoley.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Tom Hambridge (BMHOF Class of 2001) has been on an impressive run to say the least. In the last couple of years he has written, produced and toured with the likes of George Thorogood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Zant, and Gretchen Wilson and produced and played on a Grammy winning disc with Buddy Guy. He has played locally at Artpark, UB's Center for the Arts and The Sportsman's Tavern and yet he still found the time to turn in his own stellar disc titled Boom! featuring eleven outstanding tracks of new material and his versions of songs written for some of the above mentioned artists. I swear this guy throws away songs others wish they could write and seems to be able to write chart topping tunes in his sleep and in just about any style. On Boom! Hambridge gives us his versions of "I Got Your Country Right Here" originally done by Wilson and "Things I Miss The Most" a heart tugging tale of life on the road that Van Zant turned into a big hit. Other standoutshere include "Upside of Lonely" a sly blues number about the good things when relationships end, "I Keep Things", "Two Thumbs Up" a scorching barn burner in the best Southern Rock tradition and "I Had a Real Good Time". Hambridge wears his Buffalo roots proud on "Bangin' Around" with rollicking piano and shades of our beloved Stan and The Ravens. For more information about Tom Hambridge go to www.tomhambridge.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

The latest from Spyro Gyra (BMHOF Class of 2000) titled A Foreign Affair finds the band returning to their roots on Lenny Silver's (BMHOF Class of 2000) locally based Amherst Records. Still led by founding member Jay Beckenstein on sax along with Tom Schuman on keys, Julio Fernandez on guitars, Scott Ambush on bass and drummer Bonny B the band breaks some new territory here while retaining that signature Spyro Gyra sound. "Caribe", "Samba For Two", "Cancao de Ninar" and "Antigua" are all standout here. While "Falling Walls" features some fine guitar work from Fernandez. Two of the tracks here feature vocals something the longtime instrumental outfit shied away from over the years. Keb' Mo' and Arijit Singh add their vocal touches to "Last Call" and "Khuda" respectively. While I hate to say it is the best that the band has released in a while (that seems a disservice to their other fine releases) it is clearly one of their more consistent and enjoyable records in some time. Check them out at www.spyrogyra.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Buffalo raised musician Richard Chon sure has taken a decidedly different path to his music career. Chon started out as the classical music critic for the Buffalo News before heading out west as a journalist and finding fame and fortune as the go to fiddle guy for Western swing music instead. Landing a gig with Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, Chon toured all over before settling in with his own outfit The Saddle Cats. Joined by Bobby Black, Gordon Clegg, Bing Nathan and Johnny Cuviello the band's pedigree includes stints with Commander Cody, Asleep at the Wheel, Barbara Mandrell and the well spring of swing Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Pretty impressive to say the least. But you can't rest on your laurels and the Saddle Cats deliver an authentic take on their latest Herdin' Cats. "Whoa Babe", Jimmy Rodgers' "Travelin' Blues", the tongue in cheek "You Got the Right Key, But the Wrong Keyhole" and "I've Got A Crazy Woman for Me (She's Funny That Way)" resonate from the dusty trails of classic Western Swing. Standout here is an instrumental of the Hoagy Carmichael classic "Stardust" that shows off Chon supple and fluid fiddle playing. Check them out at www.saddlecats.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Blue Rodeo front man Jim Cuddy has released his third solo disc this one titles Skyscraper Soul. Not much new ground broken here as he follows the Blue Rodeo blueprint of great songwriting and memorable songs but it is always good to hear new material from this truly amazing talent. He gets help from friends including Bazil Donovan from Blue Rodeo and Jim Cuddy band members Colin Cripps, Anne Lindsey, Steve O'Connor and Joel Anderson. Guests include Melissa McClelland and son Devin Cuddy. Keepers here include "Still Want You", the title cut "Skyscraper Soul", "Everyone Watched the Wedding", "Watch Yourself Go Down" and "Banks of the 49". Cuddy turns in one of his signature passionate vocals on "Water's Running High" my favorite track on the disc. Go to www.jimcuddy.com for more information.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Paul Langlois guitarist for The Tragically Hip has released a solo album titled Fix This Head a true solo record in every respect as Langlois handles all the instruments, vocals, production, etc. on the disc. Sounding more like Billy Bragg or The Weakerthans here it is nice to hear another side to his work other than the Hip. This one is definitely worth checking out especially to Hip fans but for other fans of good music as well. Highlights include the title cut "Fix This Head", "Broken Road", "Shattered Down", "Cards" and "Homeless in Aspen". For those looking for something Hip sounding if we must check out "Confidences". For more information and how to purchase Fix This Head go to www.chingmusic.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

This venerable Rhode Island blues outfit comes back strong on their first disc in quite some time Hook, Line & Sinker. Led by longtime guitarist Chris Vachon and backed by one of the best horn sections in the land they are often imitated but are never duplicated. Best blues outfit out there. Check them out at www.roomful.com and at www.alligator.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com


This CD marks the return to recording for Texas blues guitar legend Anson Funderburgh after the death of band mate and another blues legend Sam Myers. The disc is a collection of songs about growing up on a Cotton Mill Block in North Texas a theme familiar to most of the musicians including James Goode who put together this impressive song cycle. Part of the proceeds from sales of the disc goes to the Hart Fund to support struggling blues artists and their families. Highlights include "Cuts Like A Knife", "Now You See Me", "Oh Lord" and "Drown on Dry Land". For more information and how to purchase go to www.ruffkuttblues.com For more about the Hart Fund go to www.blues.org

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com


Detroit grunge metal outfit with attitude to spare on their release You're Not Special. Check out "You Can't Touch Me", the title cut "You're Not Special" and the Zappa-esque "Sucks To Be You" to get an idea of General Bastard. Check them out at www.generalbastard.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com


Texas cow punk with big guitars and pop hook laden songs all guaranteed to get the beer flowing the feet stomping and the party started. Keepers here include "Down the Road Tonight", "I'm Just Saying" "Last of The Working Slobs" and "Lord, I Pray". For more information and how to purchase Two Foot Stomp go to www.vonehrics.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Latest entry in Nashville's seeming endless array of singer songwriters is Sunny Sweeny and her new CD titled Concrete. Sweeny has solid chops, good songs and a crystal clear voice so her future seems bright. Reminded me of early Dolly Parton fronting the Eagles. Check out "Mean As You", "Fall For Me" and "Drink Myself Single". You can find out more about Sunny Sweeny at www.sunnysweeny.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Ex Fabulous Thunderbird's guitarist Kid Ramos shows up to lend on hand on the first CD from Los Angeles blues band The 44's titled Boogie Disease. All nine tracks are a smoking hot mix of guitar and harp blues done just right. You can keep this one on repeat but highlights include "Pull My Strings", the title track "Boogie Disease", "Blowin' Like Hell" and "Johnny Cochino". Useless fact, The 44's drummer J.R. Lozano is a member of the Los Lobos family tree. Go to www.the44sband.com for more information.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Eli Young Band (that's Mike Eli and James Young along with Chris Thompson and Jon Jones) latest release Life At Best is probably their best and most consist release in their nearly eleven year career. More Tom Petty sounding for your typically modern country release but that's a good thing here. Check out the tracks "Crazy Girl", "Skeletons", "The Falling" and "How Quickly You Forget". On the web www.eliyoungband.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Birth from the same Long Beach, CA blues scene that gave us Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Robert Lucas and James Harmon comes The Mighty Mojo Prophets. On this their self-titled release they offer thirteen tracks of solid electric boogie blues to warm your soul. Hot cuts include "Evil Sometimes", "Friday Night Phone Call" and "Smile on My Face". For more information check out www.mightymojoprophets.com or www.ripcatrecords.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Halfway to Heaven the sophomore effort from Brantley Gilbert is some hard rocking heavy metal country that's way more Daughtry than Brad Paisley. Checkout "Hell On Wheels", "You Don't Know Her Like I Do", "Country Must Be Country Wide" and "Bending The Rules and Breaking The Law". Go to www.brantleygilbert.com for more information.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

As the title of Julius Pittman & The Revival states funky Southern soul cooked to perfection and featuring lots of horns and Hammond B3 organ that leans heavy on the classic Stax/Memphis sound. Hot tracks include "I Wouldn't Treat a Dog", "You Got Me Hummin'" and a cover of Jr. Walker and the All-Stars "Shotgun". You can get more information at www.juliuspittmanrevival.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Martina McBride she of diminutive size but possessor of a powerful voice works out those pipes on her latest titled Eleven. More pop/adult contemporary than country this girl can sing. Surprisingly good throughout and not over produced, stand out tracks include the funky "You Can Get Your Lovin' Right Here", "Broken Umbrella", "Teenage Daughters" based on her own daughter's growing pains and the cancer survivors tale "I'm Gonna Love You Through It". She also does a duet with Pat Monahan from Train on "Marry Me". Go to www.martinamcbride.com for more information.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Roots and blues done Louisiana style on Peter Novelli's self-titled release. Following that swampy funky Creole sound Novelli has guests Paul Barrere from Little Feat join him on "Lie No Better", Dr. John helps out on "Since The Hurricane" and "Te-Ni-Ne-Ni-Nu" and Augie Myers shows up on "Baby Scratch My Back" and "Bulverde, Texas". You can check it out at www.peternovelli.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

The back story to this recording is as good as the music. Seventy plus year old blues legend James "Rock' Gray from Jackson, Mississippi and friend of fellow blues legends Sam Myers and Elmore James, seemingly vanishes. Steve Gerard tracks him down after a month of searching and gets Gray to agree to record a new album. Thank goodness for that! Gray's vocals are a blend of passion, gospel, blues and a little carnal knowledge and indeed one for the ages. Helping out here is Doug "Mr. Low" James and Preston Hubbard both alumnus of Roomful of Blues. Check out "Michelle", "Sweet Little Woman" and "One of these Days". To check out the full story go to www.nationaldebonaires.com

Lewis and Klark Guitar Duo Jazz/Rock original and cover music.