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
Buffalo River Fest Park, Downtown Buffalo

Elmwood Ave. Festival of the Arts
An eclectic arts celebration. Elmwood Ave.

National Buffalo Wing Festival
Coca-Cola Park. Come Hungry!

Taste of Ellicottville
Throughout the Villiage
Ellicottville, NY

Concert Review-by Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

After a visit to Cleveland for our second Springsteen show in less than a week we found ourselves on yet another concert road trip this one taking us to London, Ontario for a show by the Jim Cuddy Band on April 27th, 2012. Cuddy a founding member of Blue Rodeo played to a full house at Centennial Hall with the London Orchestra. While it may seem an unlikely pairing the band and orchestra played a thoroughly entertaining show with the orchestra adding nuances to Cuddy solo material and songs associated with Blue Rodeo. "Watch Yourself Go Down", "Everyone Watched the Wedding" and "Bulletproof" kicked things off in fine fashion but the following two songs "The Light That Guides You Home" and "Skyscraper Soul" the title cuts from Cuddy's last two solo discs were spot on perfect. A couple of Blue Rodeo favorites helped to round out the first set "Bad Timing" and "After the Rain" were both met with approval from the crowd. "After the Rain" featured Cuddy at the piano and delivering one of his best vocal performances of the evening. Cuddy had jokingly advised us earlier that this would be "ballad night" because of the orchestra but the band closed the first set with a rocking version of "Trust Yourself" another Blue Rodeo favorite.

The second set alone was worth the nearly three hours each way drive to see the show. "This Town", "Love Never Lies" and "Regular Days" had the band in perfect meld with each other and the orchestral arrangements. "Water's Running High", a jaw dropping "Five Days in May" and "Pull Me Through" followed with Cuddy again solo at the piano on "Pull Me Through". Magic moment of the evening goes to Cuddy's heartfelt rendering of "Sad Nights" which he dedicated to his wife who was in the crowd. Another Blue Rodeo favorite "It Could Happen to You" closed out the second set.

Returning for an encore Cuddy again took to the piano and gave the highlight of the night a stunning version of the Blue Rodeo classic "Try" a song that never fails to rise the goose bumps no matter how many times I hear it played. To close the evening Cuddy took to the front of the stage with guitarist Colin Linden and violinist Anne Lindsey for a version of "Wash Me Down" sans any electrical amplification that reverberated splendidly in the concert hall before calling it an evening. One other comment about Centennial Hall, it had to be the strangest set up I have ever seen in all my years of concert going. A very long U shaped balcony that afforded terrible sight lights to the stage made for an uncomfortable sitting position all evening but the kicker was the Bingo Hall style table arrangement on the floor area that were loaded with samples from the Canadian sponsor of the orchestra. The odd arrangement even had Cuddy remarking at one point about it during the show with a chuckle and saying something to the effect of the Bingo numbers "B-14". For more on Jim Cuddy or Blue Rodeo check out www.jimcuddy.com and www.bluerodeo.com

Concert Review - By Bob Luterek
webmaster@bestofwny.com

Travis Tritt brought his old school down home real country music show to the Seneca Allegany Casino Hotel in Salamanca on 3-25-2012. Compared to some of today's country artist, Travis Tritt is much more substance over image. His music has a little edge to it bordering on southern rock.

The show was a sellout crowd that ranged in age and demographics. Some fans even drove hundreds of miles to catch the show. Travis didn't disappoint, he played all of his classic hits from "Here's a Quarter" to "Trouble" and tried out some new songs as well. The one cover he did play was "Take it Easy" by the Eagles, a song he has recorded in the past and has played enough that it's becoming a song that his fans see as a Travis Tritt song!

The show was just under 90 minutes and if there was any down side to the evening it was that Travis did not do an encore. I spoke with some fans that drove down from Toronto and they were shocked when the house lights came on almost immediately after the last song and he did not return to the stage. It was an awkward ending to really good show.

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

Concert Review-by Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

The Bear's Den located in the Seneca-Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, NY welcomed musical pioneer and legend Jim Messina on March 9th, 2012 to an enthusiastic but somewhat sparse crowd. Too bad because you missed out on a very entertaining ninety minute set in which Messina drew from his stints with Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Loggins & Messina and his extensive solo catalog. Taking a causal stroll onto the stage he took a seat on a stool and offered up the first of three consecutive Loggins & Messina songs, "Watching the River Run" followed by "Danny's Song" and "Thinking of You".

Between songs Messina regaled us with stories of his catching a slight cold from his school age daughter and wondering if would affect his voice this evening, cracked jokes with his band and guitar tech and told the stories behind the songs and his early days with his ground breaking bands. From his Buffalo Springfield and Poco days Messina played "Carefree Country Day", "Kind Woman" and "You Better Think Twice". He rolled out a new song "She's Got to Rock" and showed he still knows how to write a great song. Messina closed the set with an exhilarating version of the Loggins & Messina classic "Angry Eyes" that had the crowd on their feet at the end of the song. He returned for a two song encore including the show ending classic rock staple "Your Mama Don't Dance". For more great upcoming shows at the Seneca-Niagara Casino go to www.senecaniagaracasino.com

Entertainment legend Regis Philbin held sway over a packed Events Center at The Seneca-Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, NY on March 2nd, 2012. While some may debate me on the legend aspect of my opening declaration there is no doubt about Philbin's endurance in an entertainment machine that routinely chews you up and discards you when through with you. Even at eighty years old this guy is loaded with charm, charisma and an engaging energy that would make those half his age exhausted. His career spans from the early days of television with Joey Bishop to Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee, a stint as host of the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? to Live! With Regis and Kelly and generations of viewers. This was evident as the crowd consisted of seniors thru teenagers many excited to be in the room with their idol.

Since his departure from his regular show Philbin has found time to write a book, make a few guest appearances on sitcoms and to take his show on the road. For this performance he was backed by an eighteen piece orchestra consisting of local musicians The Jim Tudini Band. The show is comprised of songs from the great American songbook along with stories, jokes and adlibbed repartee with the audience. He gave shout outs to local wrestling legend Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer who appeared on one of Philbin's earliest shows in San Diego, Charlie The Butcher, "he still wears that stupid hat!" said Philbin and gave many thanks to his vocal coach Buffalo's own Andy Anselmo. He walked the crowd without a security net and sang duets with "The Destroyer's" wife and a gentleman from Rochester and allowed many to take photos and gently mob him. He signed a few autographs but never seemed uncomfortable or threatened with the crowd. He belted out with a surprisingly good set of pipes "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "The Very Thought of You". He also brought up six women from the audience to engage in a little show-host chat and showed his cool charm and professional show biz aplomb when one lady got a bit randy using graphic descriptions and vulgar language to describe a past relationship. But Philbin pulled it together and had the ladies stay on stage as back-up singers as he performed Neil Sedaka's "Calendar Girls". To show no hurt feeling Philbin gave the ribald "lady" a bouquet of flowers and serenaded her with the Miss America theme.
Philbin gave a truly wonderful performance and is a consummate performer from a sadly missed era.

For more upcoming shows at the Seneca-Niagara Casino go to www.senecaniagaracasino.com

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

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

A band or any artist for that matter should ever rest on their laurels. Yes some fans may want you to play those favorite and familiar songs over and over but the true root of any artist is to always evolve and create something new. The band McCarthyizm (Joe McCarthy-vocals/guitar, Paul Ceppaglia-guitar, Dave Mucha-bass, Helen Butler-fiddle, Joe Suplicki, drums and Nate Schnenkloth-keyboards) has always felt like that to me. They have gone from brash young hipsters to a tight polished and focused group of musicians well-seasoned and wiser with age. They have sweated it out on the local club stages and held their own with musical titans at The Square, the Erie Canal Harbor and more. Their tenure on the local music scene earned them an induction into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2009. But rest on their laurels, I think not. So that brings us to their latest release Victors & Vices fourteen songs of Celtic and alternative pop with swagger and a blue collar Buffalo grit to them. Opening with the call to arms anthem "Bartender Again" and following with the more pop leanings of "Four Letter Word" and "Falling Out of the Sky".They come right back with their trump card and Celtic roots on "Victor's Morning", "Pub in the Valley" and the traditional "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya" in quick succession and just when you think it can't get any better they break out a country rock style ballad "And So It Goes" pure bliss on this cut. A stunning re arrangement of The Beatles "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" is also a winner. Always dangerous to interpret Beatles music McCarthyizm pulls it off with aplomb here. Also of mention is "Never to Die" a rocker that shows off guitar virtuoso Ceppaglia mad skills. Like fine Irish whiskey McCarthyizm has only improved with age. Go to www.mccarthyizm.com for more information.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

What can you say about Son of the Sun except they are the real deal. If you caught any of their appearances opening for some of the summer outdoor concerts you had to come away impressed. On their latest six song release Almost Not There the band (Brandon Delmont-drums, Steve Matthews-bass, Jeremy Franklin-guitar, Joseph Stocker-guitar/keys/vocals and Zak Ward-vocals/guitar) again offer up a scintillating collection of songs that are both cosmopolitan and urbane. All six tracks spark a fire of desire in your soul including "Fruit Jar" and "Don't Worry" two tracks that build in intensity behind the deft drummer of Delmont. Other notables are "As Far as Lucy" and "My Best Mistake". This is essential stuff. Check out Son of the Sun at www.sonofthesunmusic.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Here Come The Comets possesses something that most artists on top of the charts don't have great songs with great arrangements, a sophisticated sound and talent. Theirbrilliant five song EP titled That Good 'Ol Fashioned Sin Volume 1 shows a band hitting their creative stride. The band (Todd Lesmeister-vocals/guitar/keys, Steve Ryder-guitar/vocals, Jeff Schaller-drums and Blaine Toney-bass) uses shimmering guitars, mesmerizing vocals and a dynamic rhythm section for a sound that is accessible, modern yet slightly retro and bears repeated listens. The funky "Whaddya Say", "The Runaway Daughter of Calypso" and the tile cut "Good 'Ol Fashioned Sin" are standout tracks. With songs this good let's hope Here Come The Comets have Volume 2 up their sleeve. Check them out at www.myspace.com/herecomethecomets

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

The latest from The Backpeddlers is as juicy and delicious as the title suggests. The ten song disc is a blistering slab of garage/punk at its finest. The band is fronted by former girlpope member Mark Norris (vocals/guitar) who wrote all the songs sans one is anchored by Roger Bryan (vocals/guitar), Andy Vaeth (bass/vocals) and Jeff Pietrzak (drums/keys) and is steeped in a deservedly well-worn swagger. Think early Kinks or Stones mixed with some New York Dolls that would be right at home on Little Steven's Underground Garage radio show. They come galloping out of the gate on "Turn the Tables" with its buzz saw guitars and fade into my favorite the slow bluesy "It's All True". "I'm A Lot Like Him" conjures up The Faces while "Doctor Friend" written by David Hamilton would make Sir Paul proud. Other keepers include "(Do the) Crying Shame", "Get What You Wanted (Lose What You Had)", "How I'm Inclined" and "Old Father's Blues". This one comes highly recommended. Check it out at www.thebackpeddlers.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Sometime you just have to get it off your chest and let your thoughts be known. Such is the case with the latest release from Maria Sebastian titled Truth Gets the Front of the Line a very enlightening and political statement about our times and a radical departure from her previous song collections. Political records can turn off your audience who sometimes don't want to have to think about their music and just bob their heads to the beat. But Sebastian manages to use her voice to caress you and actually draws you into the lyrics. Sebastian wrote all ten songs on the disc. She says in the liner notes that she drew inspiration for the disc from the works of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and others. Outstanding cuts include "Land of the Literal", "Un is the Loneliest Prefix (For Comic Legend Harvey Pekar)", "Define "Us"", "Red (For Malcolm X)" and "To All of the Babies in Prison Tonight". Also of note are the title cut "Truth Gets the Front of the Line" and "There…I Said It". Helping Sebastian on the disc is Zak Ward on guitar and Buffalo Music Hall of Fame members John Brady (Class of 2003) on guitar and Jerome Augustyniak (Class of 1994-with 10,000 Maniacs) on drums.You can get more information about Maria Sebastian by going to www.mariasebastian.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

A genre defyingsynthesis of musical styles melded to form a sound that can only be described as The Albrights is the best way to describe their new CD titled ask, tell. The band (Brandon Barry-guitar/vocals, Matthew Crane-bass, Aaron Odden-drums and Joseph Donohue III -keys/vocals/guitar) blend pop, rock, jazz, roots music and a dash of soul for a refreshing blast of indie pop confections. "Hard Times", "Just Another Night", "Good Woman" and "Miss Rosie" all hit home but the highlight here is the bluesy guitar and piano romp "Drown". Good Stuff. Check them out at www.thealbrightsband.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Guitar duo Lewis & Klark have a new self-titled release out. After a brief hiatus the instrumental duo consisting of Bob Luterek and Rich Kallay have returned to performing and recording. Sporting a variety of influences of both styles and guitarists they still arrive at a unique sound and style of their own. Elements of Latin, pop, jazz and country all come together for a refreshing change of pace for the ears. Part of this is achieved by their recording style done direct into the soundboard and with no overdubs and the interplay between the two. One will define the melody line and usually stay within the line while the other over lays lead guitar lines with restraint and well-chosen phrases and runs. Highlights include "Kitchen Sink", "Over Easy", "Latin Flair", "Top Down", "Christine" and "Fine Wine". Fans from Pat Metheny to Spyro Gyra will like this one. Check it out at www.lewisandklark.com

(Full disclosure here-Bob Luterek member of Lewis & Klark is owner and president of LKPro.com and Best of WNY.com)

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Master bluesman Mark Winsick has a new disc out titled Turnin' Wheel. Winsick an inductee in the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame (Class of2010) surrounds himself with an outstanding cast of musician for by far his best recording to date. Among these artists are fellow Hall of Fame members Jim Whitford (Class of 2006), Jim Ehinger (Class of 2007), Peter Case (Class of 2000), Gurf Morlix (Class of 2005), Rob Lynch (Class of 2011), Nick Veltri (Class of 1994) and Tom Hambridge (Class of 2001). The disc features a mix of self-penned tunes from Winsick and a few covers including Robert Johnson's "Ramblin' On My Mind", Van Morrison's "I've Been Working", a great version of the Victoria Williams and Peter Case written "Rise and Shine"and Don D. Robey's "That's the way that Love Is" that has Winsick in his best crooner mode. The covers are all well and good but it is the original compositions that shine here. From the lead off track "Prisoner of Time", the masterful title cut "Turnin' Wheel", "Don't Come To Me" an acoustic solo number and harder edged "Time to Move On" is where Winsick and band mates seem to really come alive. Check out Mark Winsick at www.markwinsick.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Boyd Lee Dunlop has taken a rather different path on the way to recording his first CD titled Boyd's Blues. For nearly eighty years Dunlop has played piano around town on the club scene including the Colored Musicians Club while most of that time working his regular day job. His only recording session was in the late 50's with Big Jay McNeely. A chance encounter with photographer Brendan Bannon at the Delaware Nursing Home were Boyd was now residing led to conversations and Dunlop playing for Bannon on the out of tune nursing home piano. After playing for Bannon they decided to make a record. Producer Allen Farmelo who used to work at Robby Takac's Chameleon West Recording Studios flew in from his current studio digs in New York City to record Dunlop on a snowy Buffalo winter day in one day long session. The result is the stellar Boyd's Blues. The nine tracks feature Dunlop on piano, Sabu Adeyola on bass and Virgil Day on drums. Dunlop wrote eight of the nine tracks. Dunlop has a distinctive playing style, changing tempos, laying back in the pocket,some unique phrasing and his improvisational (noodling?) style that at times seems more from the heart than technically perfect. I mean that as a compliment. Highlight tracks include "Boyd's Mellow Blues", "Boyd's Swinging Blues", "Boyd's Place", "Boyd's Funky Blues" and "Boyd's End of the Day Blues". The lone cover is a take on "St. James Infirmary Blues". Check out Boyd Lee Dunlop at www.facebook.com/BoydLeeDunlop

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Rochester's Nick Young has a new CD out titled Truth Is featuring thirteen eclectic roots rockers. Young has started to play more regional shows including a few in Buffalo and Western New York. Working the same musical circles as or own Chris Trapper and The Corrections the new disc features local artist extraordinaire Tim Mroz on bass and organ. Lots of good stuff on this one including the lead off track "Possibilities", "Something In Your Eyes", "Long Decline", my personal fave "Make It Alright" and "Returned To Sender". Ex Wilco drummer Ken Coomer mans the kit on "Gone" for good measure. Check it out at www.nickyoungonline.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Acclaimed poet and singer songwriter Lisa Forrest has released a hauntingly beautiful eleven track CD titled Oh Lake Erie about our rust belt city's decline but still beating heart. Most of the lyrics were first penned as poems that Forrest eventually added music to for this her first full length disc. Recorded at the home studio of Jonathon Hughes who adds bass and organ here, Forrest surrounds herself with some of the best and brightest musicians from Western New York including Buffalo Music Hall of Fame members John Brady on guitar, Jim Whitford on Dobro and pedal steel, Rob Lynch on drums. Other musicians lending a hand include Ronnie Kowalewski, Doug Lambert, Marlene Mathews, David Mussen, Melissa Rapisardi, Paul Todaro and Jonas Westbrook. Check out "Black Dog's Lament", "Dear Lover", "Porcelain", "Sorry Song" and the beautiful title track "Oh Lake Erie". Fans of Kathleen Edwards, Blue Rodeo and Lucinda Williams will fall in love with this disc. Without a doubt one of my favorite local releases of 2011. Go to www.cdbaby.com/cd/lisaforrest

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Building a name over the last year or so with some fine performances including a spot at the annual Music is Art festival, a slot at the Bowman Cup Battle of the Bands and a few club gigs pop metal group Final Conspiracy has released a CD tilted Negative Reflections. Most of the attention has centered on lead guitarist Alexander Matos and his innovative riffing. He along with band mates Patrick Moran and Jessica Zeth on vocals, rhythm guitarist Nivek, Lenzie E. Humphrey on bass and Kevin Grant on drums turn in a tight and melodic twelve song disc recorded at GCR Studios in Allentown. Most of the stuff here works well with Matos guitar a focal point but some work is needed with the lyrical content at times. That's not so much a criticism as something that I'm sure will improve with maturityand as the band grows in their confidence. Check out the tracks "Storm", "Box of Broken Glass", "Until Tomorrow" and "Loved for the Unloved". A bright star on the local scene you can find out more about Final Conspiracy by visiting their web site at www.reverbnation.com/finalconspiracy or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/finalconspiracy

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Hailing from Rochester and looking to spread their influence and musical sounds is the band Hinkley (John DePuy-guitar/vocals, Charles Leport-drums, Dennis Mariano-guitar/keys, Jona Toll /bass and Will Veeder-vocals) and their new release Heaven is High. The ambitious fourteen song disc is a nearly seamless cycle of songs that could be described as Pink Floyd meets Pearl Jam with a dose of Fleet Foxes and My Morning Jacket. Lots of good stuff here to discover including "Walnut Fire", "Fleetwood Folds", the title track "Heaven is High", "Everybody's Gunna Sing", "He Fought a War" and "Jack Daniel's Song". Go to www.hinkleysounds.com to find out more.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

For years now Jim Crean has been one of the local scenes premier metal/rock acts and his latest release Velvet Crush shows he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Velvet Crush is another collection in a long line of releases from Crean full of melodic heavy riff rock guitar and howling vocals done right. Recorded in various studios in Toronto, Buffalo and Rochester the disc features Crean on vocals along with Phil Naro(ex-Talas currently with D Drive) and Don Mancuso(ex-Black Sheep and Lou Gramm and currently with D Drive) on guitar, Steve Major also on guitar, Glenn Nash on drums and Stan Miczek on bass. Most of the tracks here were written by Crean and Naro including "It Couldn't Get Any Better", "Taste of Reality", "She Goes Down" and "Daytime Friends(Night Time Lovers)". The thunderous rocker "Redlight" shows Crean at his best belting out his vocals with sheer abandon. A cover of Talas' "Crystal Clear" written by Mitch Perry and Ralph Morman from the Talas album Live Speed on Ice and Billy Sheehan's "My Heart Breaks Down" are also included.You can find out more about Jim Crean and his new release Velvet Crush by visiting www.jimcrean.net

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

David Abbatoy and Cynthia McCaffrey better known as the duo Busted Stuff has released a very enjoyable eight song disc titled Bitter Cold. Winners of numerous local music awards over the years the duo is one of the more consistent and beloved performers on the local scene. Recorded at their home studio the disc features all original music with stark lyrics from Abbatoy indicative of the album title. His guitar work anchors down each song on the disc in its own right but it is McCaffrey's sublime violin playing that absolutely shines throughout. Outstanding tracks here include the haunting ballad and title cut "Bitter Cold" featuring some fine singing from Abbatoy, "Pray To Rain" with an almost Goo Goo Dolls feel to it, the darkly spooky "Mercy Cry" and the McCaffrey penned instrumental "New Horizon" featuring her signature violin and an electric midi/mandolin. Check out www.bustedstuffmusic.com for more information about this eclectic duo.

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

With the rebirth of the Erie Canal Harbor what a better time to celebrate and honor the rich heritage of that era with the introduction of The Canal Street String Band and their new CD Introducing The Canal Street String Band. The band consisting of Dave Ruch on guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals, Phil Banaszak on fiddle, mandolin and vocals and Buffalo Music Hall of Fame member Jim Whitford on upright bass, Dobro and vocals plays a style of Bluegrass, sea shanty and folk music featuring traditional and newly penned songs influenced by the maritime and traveling workers of that era and passed down over the ages. The band weaves their magic on "Hang Me (Been All Around This World)", "Waltz in Four", "Rambler Gambler", "Canal Street Breakdown", "Shadowland" and the always popular traditional number "Shenandoah" along with seven other tracks on the disc. Destined to be the "house band" for our summertime and water front you can find out more about The Canal Street String Band at www.canalstreetstringband.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

I guess you can say that one of the signs of success in the music industry today is to appear on American Idol. Western New York's own Tanya Diona has appeared as a background vocalist on Idol for the last few seasons as part of Ray Chew's house band and is probably a better singer than quite a few of the contestants. In addition to backing up the contestants on the show and on their subsequent recordings she has performed with Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Tom Jones and more on Idol. In her down time she has found the time to release her own CD titled Nothing to Prove…Something to Say. The fifteen songs on the disc are a funky mix of R&B and soul with both up tempo numbersand ballads showing her dynamic vocals. Diona recorded some of the tracks at Audio Magic in Buffalo with Robbie Konikoff and Mike Rorick helping along with guitarist Kenny Hawkins and vocalist Joey Diggs lending a local touch to the disc. One of the other outstanding contributors is Diona's husband and musical collaborator Russell Graham who adds his many talents (production, writing, playing and more) to the proceedings. Lots of good stuff here (something that is lacking from many of today's recording artists and recordings) including "Family Reunion", "Deliver Me", "Get Your Sexy On", "Let It Roll" and "The Land of Funky". Graham steps into the spotlight with a solo turn on "Love Reflection" before joining his wife for a duet on the Eric Benet penned "Spend My Life With You" that is pure magic. Well-chosen covers of the Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. hit "You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)" and the Rufus and Chaka Khan hit "Once You Get Started" are keepers also. Check out Tanya Diona at www.tanyadiona.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

The band 20 Years Later is a project from three friends from high school who decided after a twenty year break to get back together and record some new original music. Consisting of Tim Bertch (vocals/guitar), Marc Fruth (vocals/keys) and PJ Lorenzo (vocals/guitars) they recruited Mike Lorenzo (bass) and Greg Arnone (Drums) for their new disc titled Better Later Than Never. Produced by Buffalo Music Hall of Fame member Dick Bauerle (Class of 1988) and mastered at Abbey Road Studios (yes, that Abbey Road Studios) the recording has a clean pop/rock sheen to the songs. Echoes of the Fab Four along with The Grassroots, Cheap Trick, Moody Blues, Big Star and more can be heard from the band. They even turn in their own take of Big Star's "Septembur Gurls' here. Other tracks of note include "Makes Me Shy", "Letters From Moscow" and "Strange Days". You can check out 20 Years later at www.20-years-later.com

CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Just a short hop down the 90 to Rochester is where Grand Canyon Rescue (Steve Day/Dobro, Jim Howe/banjo, Tom Mahoney/guitar, Jimmy McAvaney/drums, Miles McHugh/guitar and Ron Parmoda/bass) calls home. On their latest release Dirt Road Highway they offer up ten tracks of Roots music filled with harmony, guitars, banjos and Dobro. "Gabriel's Horn" would make the Carter Family proud, "You're No Good" has a rootsy groove, and "18 Wheels" give a nod to Buffalo. "Abilene" and "Christmas Time" are worth checking out as well. Recalls some of the fine work of Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson. Go to www.grandcanyonrescueepisode.com

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