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The
Best time to
be in WNY is:
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Feature
Web Site
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ELLICOTT
MANOR
16 Ellicott Place
Depew, New York 14043
(716) 684-5404
A Family owned and operated restaurant
serving the WNY area with pride since
1967.
|
|
Featured
Buffalo
Bars
& Night Clubs
|
The
Tralf Music Hall
622 Main Street
Buffalo
& WNY's top music venue featuring the best
bands & entertainment around. |
CLUB
PARADISE
3950
McKinley Parkway Inside the Clarion
Hotel Formerly the McKinley Park Inn
Buffalo and WNY's Number One Music and Dance Night
Club |
ELLICOTT
MANOR
16 Ellicott Place
Depew, New York 14043
(716) 684-5404
A Family owned and operated restaurant serving
the WNY area with pride since 1967.
|
THE
IRISH ROSE
418 Main Street
Youngstown, NY
(716) 745-9938
The Irish Rose offers
some of the finest and freshest high quality food. |
THE
SUNSET GRILLE
3 O'Connell Island Wilson, NY
One of
the finest restaurants in WNY offering harbor
side dining. |
GRIFFINS
IRISH PUB
81 Abbott Rd
The Emerld
on Abbott Road. The place to hang out with good
friends in a great atmosphere. |
|
TUDOR
LOUNGE
335 Franklin St.
Proud
Supporter of Buffalo's Independent Bands &
Music
|
THE
SPORTSMAN
RESTAURANT
located on Alleghany Rd. Sunset
Bay NY/U.S.A.
The best
Chicken Wings around can be found at the one and
only Sportsman Restaurant. |
SPORTSMENS
TAVERN
One of the
best places to see live music in WNY. |
MOHAWK
PLACE
check out some of the upcoming
shows at the Mohawk Place. |
THE
LAFAYETTE TAP ROOM
Bringing you the finest local and
national Blues acts. |
BROADWAY
JOE'S
3051 Main St.
(Under New Ownership) |
.
Best of WNY Gear Click
Here
Best of WNY.com
T shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, steins, mouse pads,
shorts, hats and more...
Best
of WNY |
BUFFALO/WNY
MOVIE TIMES AND THEATERS
|
WNY EVENTS, FAIRS AND
FESTIVALS
|
Allentown
Art Festival
June
13 - 14, 2009
11:00am - 6:00pm
Historic
Allentown District |
Attica
Rodeo
50th
Annual Rodeo
August
7 - 9, 2009 |
Buffalo
Irish Festival
August
28 - 30,
2009
The Hamburg Fairgrounds |
Buffalo
Niagara Guitar
Festival
Various
sites throughout Buffalo Niagara
845-7156 |
|
Buffalo
River Fest
Father
Conway Park
Between Ohio & Louisiana Streets
|
Burgerfest
July
18th, 2009
Hamburg, NY |
Canalfest
July
19 - 26, 2009
Erie
Canal Banks, NT |
Children
First Festival
August
15 - 16, 2009
Ellicottville, NU
1-888-856-9298 |
Eden
Corn Festival
August
6 - 9, 2009
Eden
Legion Grounds
992-9141 |
Ellicottville
Jazz Festival
Throughout
the Village
Ellicottville, NY 14731 |
|
Elmwood
Ave. Festival of the Arts
August
29 - 30,
2009
Elmwood
Ave. (between West
Ferry & Lafayette)
|
Erie
County Fair
August
12 - 23, 2009
Hamburg Fair Grounds
5600
McKinley Parkway
649-3900 |
32nd
Annual Falling Leaves Festival
October 2 – 4, 2009 |
Friendship
Festival
Riverside
Park, Buffalo |
Genesee
County Fair
July
21 - 25, 2009
Batavia,
New York |
German
Heritage Festival
September
5 - 6, 2009
Cheektowaga Town Park |
Greek
Heritage Festival
June
5 - 7, 2009
Hellenic
Church of Annunciation |
Gus
Macker Tournament
Jun
27 - 28, 2009
Niagara Square, Buffalo |
Historic
Lewiston Jazz Festival
August
28 - 29, 2009
476
Center St. Lewiston |
Italian
Food & Heritage Festival
Jul
16 - 19, 2009
Hertel
Ave. Buffalo |
Juneteenth
Festival
Jun
6- 14, 2009
Martin
Luther King Jr. Park
Best
& Fillmore, Buffalo |
Kingdom
Bound Christian Music Festival
August
2- 5, 2009
Darien
Lake Theme Park
1-800-461-4485 |
Lewiston
Artfest
August
8 - 9, 2009
Church
Street, Lewiston |
Music
is Art Festival
Erie
County Fair Grounds |
|
National
Buffalo Wing Festival
September
5 - 6, 2009
Coca-Cola Park
275 Washington St. Bflo.
|
Orleans
County 4-H Fair
July
27 - August 1, 2009
Route 31
Knowlesville,
NY |
Pirate
Fest
JULY
25 - 26, 2009
EVANGOLA STATE PARK |
Polish-American
Festival
Cheektowaga
Town Park
Harlem
Rd. Cheektowaga
668-3938 |
Polish
Heritage Festival
May
29 - 30, 2009
Hamburg Fairgrounds |
Rally
in the Valley
August
21 - 23, 2009
Bradner Stadium, Olean, NY |
Roycroft
Summer Festival
June 27 - 28, 2009
Roycroft Campus, Main St., East Aurora |
Scottish
Festival & Highland Games
3755
Tonawanda Creek Rd.
Amherst
689-1440 |
Shakespeare
in Delaware Park
Delaware
Park, Buffalo
515-3960 |
Sterling
Renaissance Festival
July
4 - August 16, 2009
10:00am - 7:00pm
Located 1 hour north of Syracuse in Sterling,
NY |
Summer
Festival of the Arts
Jul
3 - 5, 2009
Village
of Ellicottville and
Holiday Valley Resort |
Taste
of Buffalo
July
11 - 12, 2009
Delaware
Ave and Niagara Square |
|
Taste
of Ellicottville
Aug
8 - 9, 2009
Throughout the Villiage
Ellicottville, NY
|
Thursday
at the Square
Lafayette
Square
Main & Court St. Buffalo |
Toyfest
East
Aurora, NY |
Weekend
on the Niagara
Niawanda
Park
June
6-7, 2009 |
Williamsville
Old Home Days
July
7- 10, 2009 |
Quaker
Arts Festival
September 19 - 20, 2009
Orchard Park Middle School |
Register
Your Domain
|
Entertainment
In WNY
Tralf Music Hall - 622 Main St. - 716-852-2860
ext.1#
Sign
up for our Newsletter
and receive the BMA results.
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Ronnie
Spector
-Bear's Den-Seneca-Niagara Casino-
Niagara Falls, NY 1-23-10
|
|
Concert
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Rock
and Roll legend Ronnie Spector currently out
on tour to support her latest release The Last
of The Rock Stars made a stop at the intimate
Bear's Den at The Seneca-Niagara Casino in Niagara
Falls, NY on January 23, 2010. Spector who is
a member of the Rock Hall of Fame in Cleveland
still has the charisma and chops to command
the stage as she did during her seventy five
minute performance. Oh sure she had to sit down
between numbers a couple of times or wipe her
brow and catch her breath but she is in her
sixties now. That down time also allowed for
her to reminisce about her career and life and
to banter with the sold out crowd. After an
opening vamp from her band to get the show started
the diminutive Spector made her regal entrance
to the strains of "Why Don't They Let Us
Fall in Love" followed by "Is This
What I Get for Loving You?" and "Do
I Love You?". "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"
written by Billy Joel for Spector and recorded
by her with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street
Band came next along with a hit from her early
career "He Did It". A spirited version
of "Frosty the Snowman" and a take
on Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black"
were crowd pleasers as was a cut from her new
CD "There Is an End". Spector saved
her biggest hits for the end of the show with
"Baby I Love You", "Walking in
The Rain", an incredible version of "(The
Best Part of) Breakin' Up" and her worldwide
number one smash "Be My Baby" that
brought a standing ovation from the crowd. Spector
returned for an encore of "I Can Hear Music"
before leaving the stage. After the show Spector
graciously spent over an hour at the merchandise
table signing autographs, posing for photos
and talking with her fans until everyone was
satisfied. For more great upcoming shows at
the Bear's Den and the Seneca-Niagara Casino
go to www.senecaniagaracasino.com
for more on Ronnie Spector check out www.ronniespector.com
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LOCAL
CD REVIEWS
By
Bob Silvestri
|
|
Buffalo
Music Hall of Fame
- Compilation CD Volume Two -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 The
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame has released its second
CD in their continuing series this one featuring
sixteen tracks from the ranks of their inducted
members. The disc includes five unreleased tracks
available only here along with a Radio Promo Only
version (Ed Bentley's "Buffalo Man")
and a long out of print cut (Talas' "See
Saw" recorded live at Kleinhans Music Hall)
as well. The artists who all generously donated
their tracks to the disc include world renowned
performers and those who still play locally every
weekend. The unreleased tracks come from such
diverse artists as Willie Nile and his stunning
rendition of "On The Road to Calvary",
Jim Whitford's "Whiskey in My Water",
The Morvells "DG Blues", Jim Ehinger's
"Birds and the Bees" and the highlight
of the collection a previously unreleased version
of "Rag Top" by Stan and The Ravens.
Check out www.buffalomusic.org
for information and to purchase the disc. |
|
Hit
N Run
- The Best of Hit n Run-Live!-Vol. 1 -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob
Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Love
or loathe them there is no denying the talent,
passion and devotion to their craft that Hit
n Run gives in their live performances. The
band led by charismatic front man Mark Valentino
(guitar/vocals) has won multiple Buffalo Music
Awards both for individual members and as a
band and had the distinction of being inducted
into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of
2009. On this their first CD release they chose
to record live at The Tralf in June of 2009.
Their legions of fans are legendary and they
show up in force and are quite boisterous for
this performance and recording. Choosing twelve
classic rock staples from their regular show
they offer spot on renditions of the Grass Roots'
"Temptation Eyes", "Come Sail
Away" from Styx, Poison's "Talk Dirty
to Me", "Wanted Dead or Alive"
by Bon Jovi and two of their crowd favorites
"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
and the Meatloaf opus "Paradise by the
Dashboard Lights" that features vocalist
Kelly Wahl duetting with Valentino on the latter.
Rounding out the group are Mike Schill (bass),
Dan Kaplin (guitar/vocals), Bruce Decker (keyboards)
and Jay "Taz" Kuzara (drums). The
band is one of the hardest working in the area
and plays out literally every weekend and is
booked a year in advance. Go to their web site
for upcoming shows, band info and how to purchase
their new CD by going to www.hitnrun.net
|
Jeremy
Hoyle Band
- …old friends -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Rock
and Roll is not dead contrary to what some music
folks would have you believe. Not the cliché
rock music of countless wannabe's but earnest
rock played from the heart and not just for the
wallet. The Jeremy Hoyle Band has taken the torch
of rock and is off and running. This six song
EP features power driven rock not some watered
down corporate vision. Led by Jeremy Hoyle on
guitar and vocals along with Frank NiCastro and
Bruce Wojick on guitars, Johnny Panic on drums
and Alan Sliwinski on bass the band is currently
out on a national tour to support their latest
release …Old Friends. All six cuts are exemplary
but "Clouds In Her Coffee", "You
Make It Look Easy" and "Right Where
I Need To Be" all standout. Justin Kubiak
shows up to add guitar and as co writer on two
tracks. Jeremy Hoyle Band is the real deal as
their loyal fan base will tell you. Check it out
for yourself by going to www.jeremyhoyleband.com
for more information. |
|
Stone
Row
- Alignment -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Stone
Row has a deep musical pedigree. The band members,
Glenn Bernardis, Dave Schmeidler, Nick Corallo,
Katie Panfil and Kevin Auwarter, have been recognized
on the local and national levels with numerous
awards and accolades from fellow musicians. The
mix of Celtic and World music on their release
Alignment is a heady stew of originals and traditional
tunes moving from Irish drinking songs to intricate
Moroccan rhythms. The music is intoxicating as
it drifts from Pogues like kickers to Led Zeppelin
mysticism. "Singing Again" and "Drink
It Up Men" follow the traditional while "She
Moved Through the Fair" and the title track
"Alignment" explore the complex beats.
"Raggle Taggle Gypsy" and the instrumental
"Chicken Water" are keepers also. Check
out www.stonerow.com
for more information. |
|
Willie
Haddath
-
Tidal Wave -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 For
his first solo CD Tidal Wave Buffalo Music Hall
of Fame member Willie Haddath headed down to Nashville
to record at fellow Buffalo Music Hall of Famer
Phil Dillon's Nickel City Music Studios. Utilizing
the abundance of musicians and session guys available
Haddath gets help on a couple of tracks here from
Jimmy Hall, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Nalls and Johnny
Neel to name a few. Drummer Mike Caputy, Dennis
Wage on Keyboards and Bassist Randy Coleman anchor
the session along. Haddath well known for his
Southern Blues Rock guitar style seems inspired
by the Nashville air. The disc offers a couple
of Haddath original including his classic "Flying
Down To New Orleans" and the formidable "It's
Beginning To Show" and the title track "Tidal
Wave". Covers of another Buffalo Music Hall
of Fame member John Brady's "Hooked on You"
and The Neville's "Wild Injuns" and
a couple of Phil Dillon penned numbers "My
Good Thing's Gone" and "Some Kinda'
Lonely" are standouts as well. Tidal Wave
is available at Record Theater and all of Haddath's
live shows. |
|
The
Project
- One For The Road -
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 It
was the longtime dream of Paulette Andreeff to
reunite one of WNY's favorite bands The Road.
Time and circumstance didn't allow for that to
materialize so she did the next best thing and
came up with this tribute to The Road titled The
Project-One For The Road. Assembling a venerable
who's who of local talent they pour their collective
hearts into this disc. Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
members Gary Mallaber (Class of 1997) on drums,
Jerry Livingston (Class of 2008) on bass, Frank
Grizanti (Class 0f 2007) on guitar and Ken Kaufman
(Class of 1984) on keyboards are augmented by
Jerry and Phil Hudson on vocals and Nick Distefano
on vocals, guitar and keyboards along with nationally
known and Buffalo bred Jeff Hackworth on horns.
Tony Scozzaro another Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
member (Class of 1995) adds his signature guitar
chops to the track "Hold on to The Wind".
The disc was co produced by Rich Sargent (BMHOF
Class of 2008) along with Andreeff. As I said
quite the cast of musicians. Highlights among
the ten cuts here are "Sometimes the Sun",
"Asbury Alley", "Indigo Street"
the afore mentioned "Hold on to The Wind"
and "Shoulda Been Love". Unfortunately
there is no web site listed on the disc but you
can send snail mail to Andlesar Records- PO Box
393- Athol Springs, NY 14010 |
|
Floozie
- See You Later -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 See
You Later from local band Floozie is a slice
of pure garage rock nirvana in the tradition
of the Smithereens, Cheap Trick and Big Star
with the requisite Beatlesque pop sensibilities.
The band employs all the tricks of the genre
with big guitars, a driving rhythm section and
song hooks galore for a tight undeviating sound.
Consisting of Jim Schwartz (guitar/ lead vocals/piano),
Mike McGranor (lead guitar/vocals/harmonica),
Marty Schebell (bass) and Mr. Sam (drums) the
band rocks hard on all eleven cuts here including
"Nobody But You (Slippery Slope)",
the instrumental "1234", "Julia",
the title cut "See You Later" and
"I Say I Love You". While the Webster's
definition of floozie may mean a woman of loose
morals the band Floozie sets a high standard
with their release See You Later. You can check
them out at www.myspace.com/floozie
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|
Alison
Pipitone
- Me and Miss Grimes -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Alison
Pipitone is the high priestess of the local
rock scene. She has set the standard with her
live performances, her ample recording oeuvre
and as the winner of numerous Buffalo Music
Awards and other recognitions. If we gave out
local Grammy's she would have a mantle full.
She is an in demand talent who has made numerous
guest appearances on other artist CD's as well.
She has consistently released outstanding recordings
including her latest effort Me and Miss Grimes.
Her ace band consisting of Natalie Howes, Graham
Howes, Ben Clarke, Sheila Conners, drummer extraordinaire
Patrick Shaughnessy and Buffalo Music Hall of
Fame member (Class of 2006) Jim Whitford add
mightily to the recording. Highlights among
the ten cuts include "Hello Is Not The
Word", the feisty rocker "Crocodile
Tears", "Roller Derby Queen",
the gently strummed sound of "The Walls
Don't Talk" and "Some" another
classic Pipitone rocker. Keep rocking Alison
you are indeed a local treasure! Check out www.alisonpipitone.com
for more information including upcoming shows
and how to purchase her latest release Me and
Miss Grimes.
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Appleby*Reinhardt*Mahfoud
- Echoes in Time -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Well
unfortunately this one looks like a one off
deal as the band has already called it quits.
That's too bad for this is one excellent band.
Led by guitarist Joe Mahfoud and anchored by
the kick ass rhythm section of bassist Rodney
Appleby (Buffalo Music Hall of Fame-Class of
1995) and drummer Ted Reinhardt (Buffalo Music
Hall of Fame-Class of 1985) who keeps the festivities
jumping throughout the disc with concise guitar
parts and in the pocket grooves. The eleven
cuts are steeped in the blues of Buddy Guy and
Stevie Ray Vaughan with some smooth Al Green
soul thrown in for good measure. Check out "Blues
is My Friend", "Look What You've Done
to Me", "Thangs" and the title
cut "Echoes in Time". Be sure to check
out the CD's best cut "Whoop Your Ass"
sung by Appleby about a philandering friend
which was recorded live at Double D's in Tonawanda,
NY before a boisterous crowd. You can still
get information about the disc by going to www.josephmichaelmahfoud.com
|
|
Melissa
Kate
- Kissed by Kate -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 On
her latest disc Kissed by Kate, sultry soul/blues
singer Melissa Kate swings for the fences with
a collection of eleven tracks including two
bonus cuts. Kate is an internationally known
artist having toured the world with Van Taylor
on his many jaunts entertaining military bases
around the globe. She surrounds herself with
some of the best musicians in town on this disc
including Buffalo Music Hall of Fame members
Van Taylor, Jerry Livingston, Lance Diamond
and Colored Musicians Club president George
Scott. Channeling her inner Diane Krall style
she lets loose on the tracks "Let Sunshine
In (Just A Little Bit)", the bonus cut
"Consecuencia del Amor" a sexy Latin
tinged number and "Midnight Snack (interlude)
The Vamp" a brassy, ballsy blues number
that is outstanding. To learn more about Melissa
Kate and her latest release go to www.melissakate.net
|
LOCAL
NATIONAL CD REVIEWS
Here
are some National Releases with a Local Connection.
By
Bob Silvestri
|
|
Willie
Nile
- House Of A Thousand Guitars -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Like
fine wine Willie Nile just gets better over
time. His latest release House of A Thousand
Guitars features some of his strongest material
to date. The one two punch of the title cut
"House of A Thousand Guitars" his
rollicking ode to his rock predecessors and
"Run" start things off before sliding
into "Doomsday Dance" and its Rolling
Stones like wobble. "Love is a Train"
and the George Harrison like "Her Love
Falls Like Rain" reverberate as does the
social commentary on "Now That The War
Is Over". The eternal optimist in Nile
shows up on "Give Me Tomorrow" and
"Little Light". "Magdalena"
and "When The Last Light Goes Out On Broadway"
are highlights as well. His recent appearance
on stage at HSBC Arena with Bruce Springsteen
shows how far this Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
member has risen among his peers. Check out
www.willienile.com
for more about our home town boy.
|
|
Romi
Mayes
- Achin' In Yer Bones -
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Canadian
singer songwriter Romi Mayes turns in a fine
effort with her latest Achin' In Yer Bones.
The disc features Buffalo Music Hall of Famer
Gurf Morlix on a multitude of instruments and
vocals as well as wearing the producer's hat.
His singular guitar sound is evident throughout
the disc. The swampy blues grooves feature Mayes
smoky vocals and guitar over ten tracks including
the highlights "If The Lord Don't Love
You" the title cut "Achin' In Yer
Bones" and "Mercy On Me". For
more on this emerging artist check out www.romimayes.com
|
|
Dave
Schulz
-Connect-
|
|
CD
Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 L.A.
based Dave Schulz a long time veteran of the
local scene with the seminal C.O. Jones Band
and many others has released a solo disc titled
Connect. An in demand session and touring artist
this Buffalo Music Hall of Fame member serves
up a hot selection of smooth AOR rock over ten
tracks. Sister Gretchen and fellow BMHOF member
shows up to add her indelible vocals on "Everything"
while other guest artist include drummer Randy
Cooke, bassists Mike Pocaro and Tony Levin and
Bernard Fowler on vocals. The tracks "Fanatic",
"Perfect Day", "Back To Me"
and ""Stray" are all highlights
as is Schulz's cover of the Jimmy Buffet classic
"Margaritaville". Schulz gives the
song a dramatic reworking with Flamenco guitars,
Marimba Horns and a much slower tempo for a
fresh new approach to this rock staple. You
can get more information about Dave Schulz and
his latest release at www.daveschulzmusic.com
|
|
|
NATIONAL
CD REVIEWS
By
Bob Silvestri
|
|
Big
D and the Kids Table
-Fluent in Stroll-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 My
favorite release of 2009 is without a doubt Big
D and the Kids Table debut Fluent in Stroll. The
band uses a heady mix of SKA, punk, Reggae, power
pop and 60's girl group influence that is a bright
light on the currently barren musical landscape.
There is not a bad song among the fourteen tracks
but highlights include the lead off track "Doped
Up Dollies on a One Way Ticket to Blood",
the ode to fidelity "Not F****** Around",
the smoky cocktail jazz of "Known to be Blue",
the funky "Stop Look and Listen(Shake Up
My Life)", "My Thoughts Take Me Away"
and the infectious title cut "Fluent in Stroll"
that sounds like a cross between the B-52's and
UB40. This is good stuff. Check them out at www.bigdandthekidstable.com
or their label at www.sideonedummy.com |
Wilco
-The Album-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Wilco
continues to be America's preeminent band with
another stellar release this one simply titled
Wilco (the album). Although the disc does not
really break any new ground as the bands previous
efforts the twelve tracks are more a testament
of the great music that Wilco has been making
and the outstanding musicianship of the members.
The disc kicks off with the track "Wilco
(the song)" with its playful refrain that
"Wilco will love you Baby". Canadian
singer songwriter Feist shows up for a duet on
the cut "You and I" while "You
Never Knows" is a blend of Tom Petty and
George Harrison from their Travelin' Wilbury's
days. The real highlight here is "Bull Black
Nova" a skittish mysterious tale of murder
that packs a wallop lyrically and musically. How
can you not love Wilco when they profess their
love for you on their latest release? Check out
Wilco at www.wilcoworld.net |
Wilco
-Ashes of American Flags-DVD-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Usually
concert films suck. Shoddy camera work, surly
rock stars and crappy performances make most films
not worth viewing. That is until now. Wilco's
Ashes of American Flags captures the band on their
2008 tour at peak perfection. Shot over five venues
the DVD adds up to a full concert set and includes
incendiary performances of "Handshake Drugs",
"Impossible Germany" and "I'm The
Man Who Loves You". You'll be watching this
one over and over. Go to www.wilcoworld.net
for more information. |
Nils
Lofgren
-The Loner-Nils Sings Neil-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Who
better than Nils Lofgren could you ask to interpret
the music of Neil Young? It was Young who gave
the then teenage guitarist his big break when
he asked Lofgren to play on his After the Gold
Rush album back in 1970. Lofgren current guitarist
with the E-Street Band has released a solo disc
of fifteen tracks from the vast Neil Young catalog
titled The Loner-Nils Sings Neil. The songs feature
only Lofgren on guitar or piano and offer stark
arrangements. Keepers include "Birds",
"Winterlong" (one of Young's best songs
in my estimation), "Wonderin'" and a
nice slide guitar intro on "World on a String".
Check out www.nilslofgren.com
for more information. |
The
Smithereens
-Play Tommy-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Their
two most recent releases were comprised of Beatles
hits. This time The Smithereens tackle the Who's
ubiquitous rock opera Tommy. They faithfully recreate
select tracks from this Who classic all while
adding that unmistakable Smithereens style. "Pinball
Wizard", "Tommy, Can You Hear Me?"
and "We're Not Gonna Take It" all sound
great but maybe they could work up some new material
for their next outing. Check out www.officialsmithereens.com
for more info. |
Ernie
and the Automatics
-Low Expectations-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 I
guess the title was the first clue. The latest
from Ernie and the Automatics an outfit made up
of some of the ex members of Boston and John Cafferty
and the Beaver Brown Band had lots of potential
on paper. While the music is enjoyable nothing
here is however quite memorable to the listener
especially when the band sticks to a tired 70's
and 80's style rock. The results are much different
when they get their blues going on cuts like "I'm
Gonna Hurt You" "Blues Town" and
"Hong Kong Shuffle". Next time re think
the title and stick to the blues. For more information
check out www.ernieandtheautomatics.com
|
A
Day To Remember
-Homesick-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 After
creating lots of buzz on this summers Warped Tour
indie band A Day To Remember has dropped their
new CD titled Homesick a twelve song mix of harder
edge EMO rockers. Taken a melodic approach to
the standard loud and quiet arrangements with
the genre they score with the tracks "The
Downfall of Us", "Welcome to the Family",
the title track "homesick" and "If
It Means a Lot to You". Go to www.myspace.com/adaytoremember
or www.victoryrecords.com
to learn more. |
Reba
-Keep On Loving You-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Reba
McIntire's latest titled Keep On Loving You is
your typical slice of saccharine Nashville pop.
McIntire who now uses just her first name is one
of the most distinct voices in country and pop
music and much better than shown here. You can't
help feeling a sterile ness and formulaic approach
to the music even with some of Nashville's best
session folks helping out. Occasionally we see
flashes of the Reba we love on "I Want A
Cowboy", "Pink Guitar", "Nothing
To Lose" and "I'll Have What She's Having".
A return to her roots next outing ala her contemporary
Dolly Parton might be the way to go and away from
the bombastic Nashville approach. Check out www.reba.com
or www.valorymusicco.com
|
Jack
Ingram
-Big Dreams & High Hopes-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Big
Dreams & High Hopes the latest from Jack Ingram
finds him surrounded by many of his Nashville
friends. Patti Griffin lends her beautiful voice
on the duet "Seeing Stars" and Dierks
Bentley and Ingram kick up some dust on "Barbie
Doll". "Not Giving up on Me", co
written with Buffalo Music hall of Fame member
Tom Hambridge is a keeper as is "Barefoot
And Crazy. You can get more info by going to www.jackingram.net
and www.bigmachinerecords.com
|
Rod
Piazza & The Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet
-Soul Monster-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Piazza
and his Mighty Flyers continue to dazzle on their
latest Soul Monster. A blues veteran with more
than twenty releases over the course of his illustrious
career mixes cover and originals with his longtime
outfit. The title cut "Soul Monster",
"Can't Stand to See You Go" and "Queen
Bee" all resonate. The real gem is Piazza's
tribute to the late great blues harpist Sam Myers
on "Tell Me About It Sam". Check out
www.themightyflyers.com
or www.deltagroovemusic.com
for more information. |
|
Bruce
Cockburn
-Live Solo-
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Bruce
Cockburn has always been a dynamic and electrifying
live performer. His latest release a two disc
set from his 2008 solo tour titled fittingly Live
Solo captures the artist in his true element.
Produced by fellow Canadian Colin Linden the disc
was recorded at various sound checks and venues
including the German House in Rochester, NY. There
is something here for everyone including the hits
"If I had A Rocket Launcher", "If
A Tree Falls", "World of Wonders"
and my favorite "Last Night Of The World".
Go to www.brucecockburn.com
and www.rounder.com
for more information. |
|
Colin
Linden
-From The Water-
|
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Another
great artist that hails from north of the border
Colin Linden has a new release titled from The
Water. A highly sought after session and producer
his funky blues sound and slide guitar work
shine on the tracks "Trouble Only Comes
In", "Devilment", the title cut
"From The Water", "John Lennon
In New Orleans", "Sinking Down Slow"
and the hopelessly optimistic "God Will
Always Remember Your Prayers". You can
get more information by going to www.colinlinden.com
and www.truenorthrecords.com
|
|
Duke
Robillard's Jumpin' Blues Revue
-Stomp The Blues Tonight-
|
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Founder
of Roomful of Blues Duke Robillard is back with
some of his old friends for a new disc Duke
Robillard's Jumpin" Blues Revue Stomp The
Blues Tonight sixteen raucous blues numbers.
Rich Latille, Doug James and Carl Querfurth
from the Roomful horn section show up along
with fabulous vocalist Sunny Crownover who almost
steals the show on a couple of numbers. Put
on your dancing shoes and check out "Three
Hours Past Midnight", "I Wanna Hug
You, Kiss You, Squeeze You", "Look
But Don't Touch", "Million Dollar
Secret" and "Ain't Nobody's Business".
You can get more info by going to www.dukerobillard.com
and www.stonyplainrecords.com
|
|
Candye
Kane
-Superhero-
|
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 After
suffering a bout with pancreatic cancer it is
a wonder that blue artist Candye Kane had the
strength to record her new disc titled Superhero.
The fifteen tracks are a testament to her determination
to, see the project through. Highlights include
"I'm A Bad, Bad Girl", "Who's
Been Sleeping in My Bed" and "You
Need Love". Guitarist Kid Ramos and blues
harpist Mitch Kashmar lend a hand on a couple
tracks. Go to www.candyekane.com
and www.deltagroovemusic.com
for more information.
|
|
John
Nemeth
-Love Me Tonight-
|
|
By
Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
 Blind
Pig recording artist John Nemeth is back with
a hot new disc called Love Me Tonight. The eleven
tracks feature Nemeth's smooth vocals and hot
harp playing. Check out "Daughter of the
Devil", "My Troubled Mind", "She's
My Hearts Desire" and the title cut "Love
Me Tonight". Elvin Bishop shows up on a
couple here to add his unmistakable guitar licks.
Go to www.johnnemethblues.com
or www.blindpigrecords.com
for more information.
|
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Featured
Acts
Buffalo
Bands
|
|
www.hitnrun.net
Buffalo’s award winning party band
|
|
|
| Singer
Songwriter and Nashville Recording Artist Amanda
Nagurney |
|
|
| The
Carl Motyka Band is Western New York’s
favorite party rock band. They create an atmosphere
of fun and good times for one and all. |
|
| Noa
Bursie's music
is a rich and refreshingly unconventional composite
of jazz, acoustic new soul, folk, blues, and roots
genres. |
|
www.jonyjamesband.com
The Jony James Band has to be one of the best
in the country on the blues circuit, bar none.
|
|
| "High
octane rockabilly" and songs about hot rods are
the most accurate adjectives used to describe
The Headers. |
|
|
Bleeding
Hearts
High
energy classic rock and alternative with the emphasis
on fun. |
|
The
Kate Engler Band
Kate commands your attention whether through her
singing or her guitar playing. |
|
|
| Christina
Shrewsbury is an artist with wide ranging
talents in music, acting, and choral conducting. |
|
Dave
Schmeidler Online
guitar for the 21st Century and beyond. |
|
Diane
Kallay
Sweet spice of blues, her sizzling vocals will
raise eyebrows and touch your soul. |
|
| The
Soul Providers
lay down a groove guaranteed to pack the dance
floor with classic R & B, funk and soul. |
|
The
Live Wire Band
performs a wide variety of songs, from dance and
party favorites to a variety of standards, cocktail
music, and traditional selections for wedding
or special celebration. |
|
SUPERSTARS
LIVE Rich
& Debbie Derwald
"The Legends Come Alive" Buffalo/Niagara's Premier
Variety Show
www.superstarslive.com
|
|
|
| The
Bemus Bay Pops concerts are performed
outdoors on the amazing Floating Stage on Lake
Chautauqua in Bemus Point NY |
|
|
Weekend
Buffalo
Music Hall of Fame 70’s rockers. We're still rockin'...! |
|
Jack
Prybylski
Check out Jack's smooth jazz sound at Saxzilla.com |
|
|
|
Gregg
Sansone
Expect
to dance, sing, party and have a flat-out ball
at one of Gregg's shows! |
. |
