Thom Conde Project - Buffalo, NY

 

The Thom Conde Project - Buffalo, NY

Music video for the Thom Conde initial release After Tomorrow...

Music video for second release Dying to Live...

Third video release for Zero...

Exclusive Interview with Peter Vincent, lead singer for The Thom Conde Project.

JT (Joe Tell): Which Thom Conde Project song do you think you sang the best on?

PV (Peter Vincent): You're asking the wrong guy! At my age, I'm just glad I made it through each recording session without needing medical attention! The songs are (After Tomorrow, Dying To Live and Zero) pretty demanding vocally, but they have to be as intense as the riffs that Thom writes and the band, in turn, intensifies...luckily, I get to dictate melody, cadence and key so I'm not at the mercy of someone else writing out of my (vocal) range. All in all, I think the whole body of work (released and unreleased) is my best hard rock endeavor to date.

JT: Is there plans for a full length Thom Conde release?

PV: Hmmmm...that's for the fates to decide! The Thom Conde Project, or TCP, (TM pending...) was born from the pandemic, as were many creative endeavors during it's reign of terror. With restrictions is place, we focused on recording music and producing/releasing videos, knowing we were onto something but not knowing how long it would last. I guess we'll answer that question when we've recorded and/or released enough songs to warrant a full length release. 

JT: What song is the best musically in your opinion?

PV: I might be biased...but my favorite song seems to always be the one we're presently working out!! Really! All the songs (riffs, basic structure, title and often lyrics) start with Thom Conde (hence) but, that being said, there's no one person that dictates where the song goes. Everyone contributes, everyone has a say. We all whittle away at it until it makes sense to all of us. Drummer, Vinnie Andalora and Bassist Bruce Irwin never cease to amaze with their ideas as to what each song needs which is never confined to just the instruments they have mastered. Vinnie's vocal harmonies are usually written by him and Bruce has a particular ear for structure and nuance! That's my favorite part of the whole experience...hanging out with my brothers. Add recording the final product with Michael William Hatalak at the desk and that's the icing on these demented little cupcakes we keep churning out...mmmmm...yummy!

JT: What are your long term/short term goals?

PV: Short term goals: Saving Rock and Roll, One Song at a Time. Long term goals: Saving Rock and Roll , One Song at a Time...Music available on all streaming platforms!!!

The Thom Conde Project management/PR team is called The Thom Conde Divas. The Thom Conde divas will be in full force at the merch table for the show on 3/26.

JT: Who are the world famous Thom Conde divas?

PV: Our Thom Conde divas (or 'Con-Divas' if you will...) are our Street Team dedicated to public relations, advertising, marketing, merchandising and injecting ALL of the common sense into our organization that we in the TCP lack as neanderthal males! A BIG shout out to our ladies: Karen Irwin, Kelly Rowe, Danielle Bevacqua, Kimberly Ann Jenczewski, Jasmine Armenta, Paula Croisdale, Debbie Ann Fifield and Becky Chappell-Marchetti. Their enthusiasm for our music and our mission is unmatched and VERY much appreciated!! There's also a FB group named the Thom Conde Project Diva's Group with over 200 other Divas helping us to Save Rock and Roll, One Song At A Time!!!

Latest Stemm, His Name Was Yesterday, Thom Conde Project 3/26 show flyer.

thomcondeproject.com

rapidstheatre.com

stemmband.com

Grosh - Buffalo, NY

Grosh - Not Down For Long 

Grosh is a high energy rock band from Buffalo, NY featuring Grace Lougen (guitar), Josh English (drums), Megan Brown (vocals), and Dylan Hund (bass). With influences from bands such as Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam, the band writes music that is visceral, heavy, and inspiring. Not Down For Long is the band's second effort and includes performances by Harry Graser (Keys), Linnea Cremean (viola), Allison Collins (cello), Eric Wozniak (sax, flute, oboe), Tim Clarke (trumpet) and Alex McArthur, Harper Sinclair (vocals).

Grosh - Not Down For Long music review by Joe Tell.

The Fight is an outstanding and impressive opening volley from Grosh to start Not Down For Long. The brief intro is ethereal, a perfect start for the high energy groove that is about to explode. The band comes in at breakneck speed but remains in total control as Megan shouts out the chorus and powerful lyrics. Grosh proves why they are one of the leading bands on the local WNY scene. Josh English takes command as he marches through the adrenaline inducing ending. Step Outside is next. The meaningful lyrical content (seems to) provide a positive solution to any drama that can occur online or in person. The band grooves hard on a funky riff that dominates the song. Grace Lougen leads the band as she slows down the tempo and plays a fantastic solo. The feeling is bluesy but executed with tons of rock and roll aggression. The feeling on Seen but Not Heard is primal and aggressive. A heavy guitar riff dominates until the second verse which uplifts the feeling and tempo of the music before going back down into the main riff. A solid bass line from Dylan leads the band into the second part of the song. The lyrical content reflects the feeling of the music. The quick guitar intro for Mind Games brings a new energy back into the playlist. The tempo is quick and filled with some tasty drum fills. The key shift on the outro is a fantastic addition to an already great track. Megan Brown's heartfelt feelings are on full display as she sings the next song, On The Patio. You can hear and feel the sincere emotion come through during her performance. Along with Megan's vocals Grace Lougens beautiful guitar playing talent really shines on this track. The rhythm section really locks in tight allowing to Grace to perform a fantastic solo. On The Patio is one of my favorite songs and one of the best on Not Down For Long. "On the patio, swimming in cigarette smoke Plastic chairs, a locked-in stare I fell in love on the patio Looking in big blue eyes and brand new dreams And simple as it seems I fell in love and it was everything", a sample of the lyrics by Megan Brown. (Patio Lanterns by Kim Mitchell popped into my head as I listened.) Mr. Rogers is a lesson in funky soul. The horns and flute on this track add to the musical palette as well as some guest vocalists'. My favorite part of this track is the popping and slapping bass solo by Dylan Hund! Check out the video for Mr. Rogers below. 

No One Knows You keeps things funky and upbeat. The positive lyrical message sounds like believe in yourself. The band really sounds tight on this track as they all play accents on the downbeat. A couple of starts and stops kept me listening intently and interested in how the band was going to take the song out.

The lyrics for This Isn't Over (can) offer inspiration to keep going for when things may look bleak. The quick tempo provides a great backdrop for fantastic performances by Megan and Grace. Check out the youtube video below.

Reckless Road is a powerful, full-speed ahead rocking tune. Perfect for when you're travelling to and fro, turned up loud in your motor car. Features Grace Lougen on slide guitar.

Don't Forget Me is an emotional and soulful ballad. Grosh conveys and creates real feeling with the music. The song is further enhanced by a brilliant orchestration track by Richie English. I heard influences by Joan Baez/Joni Mitchell/Jewel/Ani DiFranco thru the guitar and vocals. One of my favorites for sure. Tread The Wave brings the power back in and features a crashing, percussion track much like the waves of a turbulent ocean. 

Not Down For Long is another brilliant and impressive release from one of Buffalo's best original rock bands, Grosh.

Grosh is a high energy rock band from Buffalo, NY featuring Grace Lougen (guitar), Josh English (drums), Megan Brown (vocals), and Dylan Hund (bass). 

Grosh Whether Or Not You Know cover art. 

Grosh, Whether Or Not You Know music review by Joe Tell.
Whether Or Not You Know blasts' off with More To Life. After repeatedly playing the song I heard something extraordinary right away. Separating the speakers revealed some interesting sounds and a cool stereo mix during the intro of More To Life. I was also struck by the unique sound of Grace Lougen's guitar. Grace plays the guitar with her fingers which results in an organic and very natural sound. Her finger style playing highlights her dynamic style and reveals a lot of natural harmonics and overtones you wouldn't hear from a flatpicking guitarist. The drum build up by Josh English brings in the high energy that defines More To Life. Megan Brown comes in on top of the fast pace accenting and accompanying the music with a singing style that is inherently appealing and intuitive in nature. Megan's spirited and passionate voice packs plenty of emotional punch. The lyrics are powerful and grab the listener's ear without taking away from the groove the band is putting down. After establishing the driving tempo the band slows down letting the music breathe. Thus allowing Dylan Hund to throw in some tasty fills on the bass and Megan to add some sweet vocal harmonies. 
The quality continues with Every Time. Every Time features a brilliant drum track executed by Josh English. The drum sound is tight and punchy, Josh's frantically fantastic playing weaves in and out of the musical pocket in creative waves. A duo of rhythm and lead guitar parts come in, each part complimenting the other. Megan's melodic and breathy vocals sound sincere and as soon as she sings the word broken the band busts' into a powerful, heavy groove that accents the lyric.
Rising Tide is up next. Rising Tide features Grace Lougen on a lead guitar tour de force. The song structure leaves plenty of room for some soulful lead guitar. The guitar solo builds up with a slow burn. A tasty slide guitar begins the solo in a bluesy fashion Grace then starts up with a few lead notes slowly getting faster, bringing up the energy along with the band. The solo bleeds in to the next verse of the song and continues on bringing the song to a close. 
Whether or Not You Know rolls on with Roads Remember. Needless to say the lyrics tell a story about travelling and the memories we connect with the road. The guitar solo signals a transition as the band kicks the song into overdrive for the outro.
Lil' Crazy, Refuse and I Bet You Did play out in an energy inducing order. 
Lil' Crazy is funky and tight. The rhythm section of Josh English and Dylan Hund jam on an infectious groove that is expertly punctuated by some great bass pops and slaps. 
Refuse is a straight up hard rock song, from the aggressive guitar to the soaring vocals Grosh shows off yet another side of the band. The fast tempo is sure to get your blood flowing and your fists' pumpin'. A spacy guitar solo with some awesome keyboards by Harry Graser contrasts' perfectly with the quick verse music.  
The previous two songs set up I Bet You Did perfectly. I Bet You Did would fit in nicely on any FM rock radio playlist. The first time I watched the music video for this song I became a fan of Grosh. I Bet You Did is a great, well composed rock song, the verse music and lyrics are strong and the chorus is catchy. Grosh really raises the bar and sets a new standard for all local musicians to follow with I Bet You Did.
Below is the video for I Bet You Did.

Astronaut is as titled, as a song about all things space. The mid tempo pace allows plenty of room for Megan Brown to fill up the heady groove with drifting harmonies. The keyboard track by Harry Graser serves to further the spacy track onward and upward.  
Grosh shows off some impressive hard rock/metal chops with Something New. This track is similar to track 6 Refuse, but Something New is even more aggressive and metallic in style and performance. Josh English uplifts the energy and power even more with his drum pounding outro.
What Have I Done is a hard-driving rock song. Megan's vocals are outstanding and Grace's guitar playing is screaming with emotion. The ending is a classic bombastic rock and roll bang up.

Piece of Mind closes out Whether Or Not You Know in style complete with a hidden track. The feeling conveyed is melancholy and the drum track drives the song with a quickness that defies the ballad like sound. Megan's vocals are breathy, beautiful and emotional. The violin track arranged by drummer Richie English and performed by Linnea Cremean and Allison Collins closes out Piece of Mind...but wait there's more! A bonus track called Sweet Mama is great dose of rock n roll that serves the listener well as a going away present and a positive parting musical shot.
The quality production and the mix on Whether Or Not You Know is top notch and a pleasure to listen to. All of the songs on Whether Or Not You Know are very well orchestrated. The transitions between the melodies are seamless, emphasizing the lyrical content. The songs highlight the creative talent and energy each member of the band possesses as they perform together as a cohesive unit. Brilliant Buffalo Band!

Website
https://groshband.com/home

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Grosh-323159498138470/

Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_7Y4RysAzDmB1DLOcQhbUg/featured

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/grosh_band/

George Puleo - Buffalo, NY

George Puleo is a Buffalo music icon whose guitar playing never fails to entertain, amaze and impress. His latest musical project is the jazz fusion powerhouse The Damone Jackson Outcome. The band is currently working a new album called Unstable. George has lent his guitar playing talents to many recording projects recently and has released albums with Haiku, The Need, Gamalon as well as releasing a solo album. My first musical memory of George was seeing him sit in with The Tweeds (Talas). I wanted to share some of George's musical insight and his unique outlook on the world of music. George agreed to do an interview for me and I am happy to share it with you on my music blog. 

1. Please describe your first musical memory: Watching The Beatles live on the Ed Sullivan show with my 2 older sisters in Feb. 1964. 

2. Who or what influenced you to start playing the guitar?: A 1-string plastic toy guitar I found in the alleyway on the way to school when I was 5.

3. Who are your favorite musicians and bands from the past and present?: John McGlaughlin, Alphonso Johnson, Damone Jackson, Jimi Hendrix!

4. Is there any song or musical passage that never fails to move you?: The Look Of Love by Dusty Springfield.

5. What is your favorite guitar and amplifier? My modified Strat (Strats in general) and my Roland JC120/90.

6. What musicians would you be anxious to meet, past or present? Jimi Hendrix, Robert Plant, Seal.

7. How would you describe your perfect day (musically or otherwise): Feeling appreciated, No Drama, Good Food! and jamming with the Damone Jackson Outcome.

8. How long have you been playing/performing with the guitar? 50+ years.

9. What is your next musical project? The 2nd release from the Damone Jackson Outcome which is almost done!!

10. How do you stay inspired? Gratitude.

11. Where can fans buy your music? Record Baron, 3048 Delaware Ave., Kenmore N.Y. 14217, Noon - 6pm Tues. thru Saturday. Discogs and all digital platforms. 

The latest release from The Damone Jackson Outcome is Unstable, which was released on 5/26/21.

Check out this Damone Jackson Outcome livestream from Asbury Hall at Babeville from 9- 30- 20.

The Damone Jackson Outcome band members:

George Puleo-Guitar

Jason Moynihan- Guitar, Saxophone, and Ewi

Jack Kulp-Fretless Bass

Damone Jackson- Drums

Some of George's musical highlights include ... 

HAIKU. Haiku included local musicians Jim Wynne on Bass and Keyboards, Hugh Arthur on Drums, George Puleo on Guitar and Spencer Bolden on Percussion. Track listing includes, Univibe, Diamond Butterfly, That Summer Night, Chasing Jeff Beck Down A Dark Alley With A Loaded Guitar, Silkie and Tempest. Artwork is from Haiku's 2013 self-titled release.

The NEED were an award-winning rock band from Buffalo, New York. In 1992, Sue Kincaid (vocals), John Caruso (bass), George Puleo (guitars) and Jim Linsner (drums) he formed a group, simply called The Need. Their first release was a self-titled cassette in 1993. In 1995, with the help of Larry Swist (Spyro Gyro recording engineer), they released "It's A Beautiful Thing". In 1996 The Need released the self-produced album "From the Heart". They spent the next two years touring the Northeast, building a following where ever they performed. In 1998 they released "Wish", their most memorable work to date produced by Armand Petri (Goo Goo Dolls and 10,000 Maniacs). Cover art below.

Sue Kincaid - Lead Vocal, Percussion

George Puleo - Electric, Acoustic & Baritone Guitars

John Caruso - Basses & Backing Vocals

Jim Linsner - Drums & Percussion

In 1993 George had the opportunity to record some songs that were not at all right for Gamalon with keyboardist Bob Volkman @ John Valby's studio, the end result was puleo so low. The cover photo is from Gamalon opening up for Larry Coryell in Rochester, N.Y. @ the Red Creek in 1991 or 92. George on guitar & bass/Bob volkman on keyboards/Reggie evans on drum sounds. http://cdbaby.com/cd/puleo2

GAMALON was a progressive/jazz-rock fusion band from Buffalo, NY founded by Ted Reinhardt, George Puleo, and Bruce Brucato. Albums were recorded from the late 1980s to late 1990s, with the band performing with various line-ups until 2012. 

Biography:

In 1982, Brucato and Reinhardt joined forces with Puleo and Greg Piontek and Rick McGirr to create Gamelon. In the mid-1980s, the classic line up of Puleo, Brucato, Ted Reinhardt, and brother Tom Reinhardt was formed, re-spelling their name to the more phonetically pleasing Gamalon. This lineup released their self-titled debut album Gamalon in 1987 (cover art below). Following that release the lineup was augmented by violinist Geoff Perry. They went on to record Aerial View and High Contrast. In 1995, Puleo left the band and was replaced by Tony Scozzaro. This lineup recorded one album, Held to the Light. After Scozzaro left, guitar duties were handled by Nori Bucci and Dave Schmeidler. After bassist Tom Reinhardt left the band, he was replaced at various times by Jim Wynne and Jack Kulp, before returning to the lineup in the 2000's.

The band played a reunion show in 2012 in New York with the classic 4-piece lineup.

Bruce Brucato died on January 15, 2014.

On March 4, 2015, founding and core member Ted Reinhardt died in a plane crash. Reinhardt has also played with Rodan , Taxi, Willie and the Reinhardts , Ron Locurto and the Reinhardts , the Dave Constantino Band , Junction West , Left Hand of Darkness and Spyro Gyra. In 1973, playing with a Buffalo band called Rush, Ted opened for Genesis in Buffalo, NY.

Three Gamalon members brothers Ted and Tom Reinhardt, and Bruce Brucato played in a band called Rodan in the 1970s, along with keyboardist Rick McGirr and bassist Bill Ludwig.

Discography:

Gamalon (1987)

Project: Activation Earth (1989)

Aerial View (1990)

High Contrast (1991)

Held to the Light (1996)

Live at The Tralf (1998)

Vessels to Motherland - New York City, NY

Vessels to Motherland - NYC, NY

Bridging the ancient with the new, electroacoustic duo Vessels to Motherland create a music of its own breed, steering between heavy industrial and evocative ambient, navigating through seas of psychedelia, journeying with humans and robots alike.

Their debut album, MACHINE LIEDER, is a collection of songs by machines imbued with human urges. Screaming out of metal shells are memories of distant worlds, cries for lost connections, dreams of a digital utopia, soliloquies on the human condition. A song cycle for cyborgs, it expresses the complexity of the modern world. It is a return to sources and a scratch dance of immortality. A bright whisper from the future, and a muffled scream from inside the power plant. Living between chaos and order, the sound of Vessels to Motherland exists in the in-between, the interzones of human experience, at the junction of methods.

Vessels to Motherland consists of composer/producer/pianist Danica Borisavljevic, and composer/producer/violinist Nikita Morozov, based in NYC.

The union of the two classically-trained musicians coincided with a mutual calling for electronic music, psychedelic soundscapes, and otherworldly sound treatments. With decades of concert hall performances behind them, Borisavljevic and Morozov have synthesized a new chapter, a reminiscence from the future, with sails reaching to Roedelius’ piano tones, chains tied to Nine Inch Nails’ raw distortion, anchors extending to Murail’s spectralism...

In 2021, in collaboration with the New York Institute for the Humanities and Social Studies, Vessels to Motherland founded the NYCKeyboardFest, a 1-day festival featuring music performances for any keyboard instrument, both electronic and acoustic (synthesizers, piano, piano+electronics, toy piano, etc.)

http://www.vesselstomotherland.com/

http://www.instagram.com/vessels_to_motherland

http://www.soundcloud.com/vessels_to_motherland

http://www.facebook.com/VesselstoMotherland