Ezekial - Buffalo, NY

EZEKIAL will be performing songs from their new release BLK HWY at The Rockin' Buffalo Saloon along with Prezence on Oct. 14th.

EZEKIAL New CD art from BLK HWY. Special thanks to Bob.

EZEKIAL are Buffalo music veterans who have been blowing people away and tearing peoples' heads off with their double lead guitar attack since 1984.
Any fan of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock should be there and worship these Metal gods in action as they tear up a stage near you.
Once again, tell 'em JoTell sent ya.

Handsome Jack - Live "Album Release Concert" 4/13 Lockport, NY

 

Buffalo's Letter to Elise joins with Japan's The Molice for Noto Earthquake Relief

 

Japanese rock band THE MOLICE and Buffalo NY's LETTER TO ELISE Release new song “RIDE THE WIND”  for Noto Earthquake Relief.                                                                        Listen to Ride The Wind https://youtu.be/pLD585JsbFE?si=x9gGbd1oyHKwTXUg 

                                                                       The Molice

                                                                        Letter To Elise

Donation Link: https://quake.japanwny.org

MARCH 1, 2024 (Buffalo, NY) -- On New Year’s Day 2024, the Noto Peninsula of Japan experienced a devastating earthquake, affecting residents from all over Ishikawa prefecture. Ishikawa’s capital and largest city Kanazawa has been a sister city with Buffalo, NY since 1962, sharing a special relationship through regular cultural exchange events and the ongoing upkeep of the Japanese garden in Delaware Park for all to enjoy.

In a collaborative effort inspired by this unbreakable sister city bond, Japanese rock band and Western New York regulars THE MOLICE, whose lead singer Rinko is from Kanazawa, have joined forces with Buffalo’s alternative rockers LETTER TO ELISE to raise funds and awareness for earthquake relief in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The song, “Ride the Wind,” with lyrics written by Rinko and Elliot of Letter to Elise, will be released March 8, 2024, through the bands’ social media outlets as well as on the websites of Good Charamel Records and the nonprofit Japan Culture Center of Western New York (JapanWNY). The release will direct those who wish to help to the Center’s ongoing relief fundraiser for the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.

Harnessing the power of musical connections that transcend borders, the collaborators hope to inspire support from the community to help our friends in Ishikawa recover and rebuild.

http://www.goodcharamel.com

https://www.instagram.com/the_molice/

https://www.instagram.com/lettertoelisemusic/

The Alarm, JA's Gene Loves Jezebel and Belouis Some

During music television's heyday, music blossomed and proliferated... and three of the bands who were instrumental in building that explosion - The Alarm, Gene Loves Jezebel and Belouis Some - raked in massive amounts of TV time, radio hits, and cultural attention.

THE ALARM, JAY ASTON'S GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

and BELOUIS SOME

Announce LIVE TODAY LOVE TOMORROW TOUR MMXXIV

FEBRUARY 22, 2024 (New York, NY) – “This tour will be a chance for a generation of fans - both old and new - to step back into the future and celebrate a time that defined millions of people's life soundtracks when the era of Music Television ruled the earth,” says Mike Peters of The Alarm about the Live Today Love Tomorrow Tour MMXIV which was recently announced but due to unforeseen circumstances regarding The Blow Monkeys, now has a lineup change with Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel stepping up to the plate along with the UK's Belouis Some. 

A phalanx of British recording artists who all broke onto the North American Music scene with music that collectively blurred the lines between new wave, alternative rock and pop music as we know it.

Continues Peters, “All our bands made an initial impact through the medium of music, but it was driven deeper into the hearts and imaginations of people all over North America via Music Television - a then brand new format that allowed bands from all across the globe to be both heard and seen, paving the way for a new generation of artists and fans the like of which had never been witnessed before.”

“Having recently performed at Cruel World Festival in 2021, We are thrilled to be returning to the States again as part of the Live Today Love Tomorrow Tour,” expresses Jay Aston of Gene Loves Jezebel. “We look forward to sharing our past catalogue of music and hits with fans and also celebrating the release of our brand new album Love, Death, Sorrow which is out now.”

Adds Belouis Some, “I’m really looking forward to getting out on the road again with such a cool line-up... playing to the best audiences in the world!"

*The Alarm first arrived onto the US music scene in 1983 via an appearance on the original MTV Cutting Edge TV Show and a debut tour of America as the opening act for U2 on the War Tour. Subsequently described by Bono as “The second greatest rock and roll band in the world’, The Alarm has maintained a constant North American presence ever since with classic singles such as “The Stand,” “Strength,” and “Rain In The Summertime.” More recently, their last four albums - Equals (2018), Sigma (2019), Omega (2022) and Forwards (2023), have all featured in the top thirty of the Billboard Hot 100 Independent album chart.

*British goth rockers Gene Loves Jezebel also featured in heavy rotation across the MTV Network establishing their songs "Desire," "The Motion of Love" and "Jealous" as massive Billboard Hit singles. With their ever present and enigmatic front man at the helm, Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel recently performed at the inaugural Cruel World Festival in California 2022 appearing alongside the likes of Morrissey, Bauhaus and Blondie. The band have also recently signed to Cleopatra in the USA and have a brand new album Love Death Sorrow that will be available at all good record stores and online outlets during the Live Today Love Tomorrow MMXXIV tour.

*Belouis Some created the classic international hit singles “Imagination” and “Some People” in 1985, and while touring with Frankie Goes To Hollywood, caused controversy at MTV with a nude video created by the legendary Storm Thorgerson. In 1986, Belouis Some contributed the song “Round, Round” to the classic John Hughes’ era defining film soundtrack Pretty In Pink which was listed in Rolling Stone’s list of "The 25 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time” and (like The Alarm), also appeared as special guest to Freddie Mercury and Queen in the UK. More info here: https://linktr.ee/belouissome

“I’m excited that The Alarm can be part of this tour with two amazing artists who I have admired forever,” says Peters. “The Blow Monkeys and The Alarm are connected to times before our bands were even born and Belouis Some’s music is to be admired through musician connections to one of our collective heroes - David Bowie and beyond I'm sure this will be a tour where we all perform together at various times along the way.”

“It’s going to be exciting touring with Mike and The Alarm,” concludes Dr. Roberts. “The connection between the two bands goes way back and, of course, I know Belouis Some from our time sharing stages and TV screens in the ‘80s. We can’t wait to play our music, new and old, to American audiences again. It’s been far too long and it’s time to build up a new connection. Hasta Pronto!”

Youtube video links

The Alarm "Rain in the Summertime"

 https://youtu.be/8D6pPgwafq0?si=v3AX5m2M8bbc_-Zh

Gene Loves Jezebel "Desire"

  https://youtu.be/_RLTUguVO8g?si=cetlcg9N4fJzH1rZ

Belouis Some "Some People"

  https://youtu.be/Firti40JqJw?si=ADXr54Ibv-6ngS9m

Ezekial - BLK HWY music review/interview

EZEKIAL - Buffalo, NY

Exclusive interview with Ezekial singer Chris Dimmick by Joe Tell.

JT: Please describe your first musical memory, why was it so memorable?

CD: When I was 11 years old, I got a cheap Harmony guitar for Christmas. We didn't have a lot of money, but that guitar looked like a Gibson to me. I played that guitar every day, I knew back then I wanted to be a rock star. By the time I was 12, I was writing my own songs. They weren't great, but pretty good for a kid. I used to go to Uno's pizza to play guitar and sing for pizza and change for pinball. That was my start and I'll never forget it.

JT: Who influenced you and who are your favorite singers/bands?

CD: First it was Ian Gillan from Deep Purple and Jon Anderson from Yes. I'd sing along with Made In Japan from Deep Purple and Yessongs from Yes and pretend I was onstage. Then I began to imitate David Lee Roth (Van Halen), Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Steve Perry (Journey) and Biff Byford (Saxon). These are all still my favorites today.  

JT: Is there any song(s) that never fail to move you every time you listen to them?

CD: I wrote 2 songs on Blk Hwy with the band that move me. The first one is called When Heaven Calls. It's for a fantastic guitar player and an old friend, Mike Biddlecom. Mike, Joe and I were in a band called Vicious Circle. Mike passed away from cancer and is deeply missed. The second song is Hard Moving On. I wrote that song after my son's passing in 2018 from suicide. Please, if anybody out there is thinking of suicide, please talk to someone. Anyone's life can change in the blink of an eye, so please call someone. (Call Suicide Prevention Coalition 716-834-3131 (Erie County) or 1-800-273-8255 (National). Every time I sing or hear these songs, it takes me to a place and hurts my heart. They also make me smile, remembering all the good times we had.

JT: What singer(s)/musician(s) would you love to meet?

CD: Jon Anderson from Yes, David Lee Roth (Van Halen), Biff Byford (Saxon) and Jared Leto from 30 Seconds To Mars. I think he's a truly great actor and talented singer. I think it's pretty awesome to be great at both.

JT: How long have you been singing? What inspires you to continue singing?

CD: I've been singing for 45 years. I hate to show my age, but it's true. I just love to perform. I love seeing people laugh and smile and headbang when I'm singing. Music keeps me going, rock and roll keeps me young. Alice Cooper and Mick Jagger are still out there performing to this day.

JT: Please tell us your most memorable story from when Ezekial was on tour.

CD: Well, there are many stories but most I can't talk about. Names and dates would have to be changed to protect the innocent lol! But there was this one time when we had just finished a show at the Gasworks in Toronto, Canada. We went back to the hotel with a bunch of people from the gig and somebody (?) threw a bottle of beer through a picture window onto the cars in the parking lot below, breaking the windshield with glass everywhere. Well, let me just say that every dime we made on that show went to paying for the cost of the damages. The band ate dorito sandwiches and tuna for the next couple of days while we were on tour in Canada.

JT: Describe your perfect day, musically or otherwise.

CD: My perfect day is seeing all of my friends, loved ones and friends happy, healthy and safe. Musically, singing until I can't sing no more or maybe just driving one of my hot rods down the black highway. 

JT: Where can Ezekial fans buy music and band merchandise?

CD: Right now, all our music and merch is available at our shows. If you see any of the band members out in the clubs or on the street, just ask us and we'll get whatever you want to you somehow. Thank you for all your support in advance.

JT: When is your next live show with Ezekial?

CD: May 4th at The Rockin' Buffalo Saloon with special guests' Prezence. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Here's a few pics from Ezekial's last performance at the Rockin' Buffalo Saloon.

Latest show flyer from a 10/14/23 Ezekial performance with special guests' Prezence.

EZEKIAL's Newest release is called BLK HWY. Music review by Joe Tell.

The first song on BLK HWY is called Come On. Come On delivers all the rock and roll goods you would expect from EZEKIAL. Ezekial is known for powerful guitars (Steve TisLaretz), pounding drums (Jon White), deep, growling bass (Rich Nicholas) and roaring vocals (Chris Dimmick). The track starts with an amazing drum volley followed by some aggressive, metallic sounding guitar and bass rhythms. The soaring vocals lift the track up into overdrive with a spirited and energetic delivery. The overall sound can best be described as high energy hard rock or heavy metal. Come On becomes a battle cry and a call to arms to get ready for the sonic assault that is to come.

Round-N-Round is a hard rock love ballad about a partner who is indecisive about a romantic relationship. The musical track features a beautiful, flat-picked guitar rhythm that never overpowers the vocal melody. The percussion track adds some extra flair with a tambourine and harmonious chimes throughout the song.

Hard Moving On is a very special song about the passing of Chris' son. This one is made me a little emotional having met him and having known Chris all these years. You can hear the intense feeling in Chris' voice as he sings his heart out.

Long Time Back marks the return of Buffalo's hard rock legends, Ezekial. A chugging guitar brings the song in and establishes the heavy rhythm. A bluesy and soulful slide guitar set the stage for the vocals to begin. The lyrics convey the rebellious and rocking history of Ezekial and celebrates its return to the WNY music scene. The layered vocal harmonies on the chorus sound sweet and highlight Chris' vocal talents. The bass takes center stage as it brings in a harmonious harmonica solo. I wasn't expecting a harmonica solo, so I was pleasantly surprised and immediately drawn further into the sounds of Long Time Back. Long Time Back is my favorite song on Blk Hwy. Long Time Back hooked me the very first time I heard it, as it shows how talented the band is with its slide guitar and harmonica solo and outro.

A low, pulsating keyboard establishes the mood for Time Will Tell. A beautiful guitar intro adds harmony to the bottom end the keys provide. The vocals convey a melancholy feeling with a moving delivery. I can picture the silhouette of a lone figure walking alone in the rain in my mind as I listen to Time Will Tell.

A deep, solid bass line and a tom-tom heavy drum beat kick off Every Little. The song is driven by the tribal back beat the rhythm section lays down. The vocals establish the melody and are relatable as they sing about you, me, and heart-felt feelings. The vocal harmonies sound sweet and haunting, enhancing the lyrics.

Ezekial takes you on a heavy metal journey with the title track, Black Highway. The kind of rockin' road trip with the hard twists and turns that only Ezekial can provide. A heavy detuned guitar starts the ride and the bass clears the road for the guitar solo. The vocals provide the power and fuel to see the journey through. The lyrics give fair warning of what could happen when you travel on the black highway with Ezekial. A vibra-slap adds some extra juice to the journey. Black Highway is one of my favorite songs on this release.

Heaven Calls is a song Chris and I have a personal connection to. Heaven Calls is dedicated to guitarist, Mike Biddlecom (R.I.P.), who lost his battle with cancer in 2016. The lyrics are about Mike looking forward to seeing heaven and saying goodbye to his fiance, Cheryl. I thought of all the good times Chris and I had with Mike as I listened to this one.

Dream starts with a sound bite from Chris Dimmick. It made me chuckle and set the mood up to enjoy the rest of the song. The vocals and lead guitar take turns dominating the melodic, metallic mix. The song conveys a feeling of fun loving playfulness in the lyrics and upbeat rhythm. 

Beginnings serves as the intro to Back Off. Back Off is a straight-up, hard-driving rock and roll song. The tempo hits hard and moves steadily along at a fist-pumping-inducing pace.            

Bonus Tracks: Rich Nicholas is featured on Back Ta U. Rich lets it all hang out, singing and playing piano on what sounds like a demo of a song that was never completed. The melody still shines through the rough mix.

Sharon is a live demo that was done in one take. This song has never been played live and this is only recording of this song to date. Once again, this is a very melodious song that features Chris belting it out on vocals. His performance is stirring and dynamic. This track features Jamie Z. and Rich Tucker.  

BLK HWY confirms the fact that Ezekial has matured as songwriters and musicians.

I highly recommend Ezekial's Blk Hwy to any fan of hard rock and heavy metal. Blk Hwy is sure to please. 

Richie and Bob Avino enjoying a brew @ the Buffalo Music Awards 2009.

Ezekial circa 2005.

Hear Ezekial - https://www.reverbnation.com/ezekial

See Ezekial on FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063083266385

This post is dedicated to Christopher Barron Dimmick 3/27/86 - 1/7/2018.

Colorado Tombs - Buffalo, NY

Colorado Tombs, Buffalo NY

Introducing a new WNY band, Colorado Tombs. Colorado Tombs brings a fresh and energetic approach to rock music, blending powerful guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. Their dynamic live shows have garnered them a dedicated fanbase, and they're known for creating an electric atmosphere wherever they perform.

With their recently released debut album, "King of Sorrow," Colorado Tombs showcases their versatility by seamlessly blending genres and delivering a collection of tracks that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. From hard-hitting anthems to introspective ballads, their music has something for everyone.

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550286104984

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@ColoradoTombs

Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@coloradotombs

Robert Smith - Buffalo's Wolverine

Robert Smith - Buffalo's Wolverine.

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rwsthewolverine

Signed photo and picture from Buffalo Comicon 2023.

Shadyhawk - Buffalo, NY

 

Shadyhawk is an original rock band from Buffalo, NY that has been recording and releasing music since 2014. Their music can also be described as metal, southern rock, alternative and grunge. The primary members are George A. Davis V (middle in photo) on guitar and vocals and Jason RFear (right in photo) on bass. As of this post they are currently looking for drummer. 

Here are their album covers from all 4 of their releases.

Shadyhawk - Whiskey Throttle, released 7/23.

Shadyhawk - Give Me the Day, released 2/19.

Shadyhawk - Portraits of Strangers, released 8/16.

Shadyhawk - Heed Where the Rebels Go, released 10/14.

To hear Shadyhawk click on https://shadyhawk.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.facebook.com/shadyhawkband

AMERICAN MUSIC, songs for driving around - Buffalo Blues4Vets

AMERICAN MUSIC songs for driving around - Buffalo Blues Benefit for Veterans v4

American Music songs for driving around cover art.

AMERICAN MUSIC songs for driving around music review by Joe Tell. 

Always on the hunt for new local music to review, I was initially interested in hearing AMERICAN MUSIC after I noticed that this project supports WNY Veterans & Military families. 

I was further interested in hearing and writing about some new local WNY musicians I haven't written about or heard before. Bob James, who sings, plays guitar, bass and produced the CD, was kind enough to send me a copy to review upon my request. Thank You Bob.

American Music also features many WNY musicians performing on a unique mix of covers and originals. Artists' featured include Porcelain Train (Tamala -Vocals, Guitar and Ralph Fonda - Drums, Vocals), Melissa Sauers (Vocals, Guitar, Clarinet), David M. Miller (Guitar), Howard Fleetwood Wilson II (Drums) and Tina Williams (Vocals). This review is dedicated to bassist, Larry Smith.

1. Lodi (Fogerty) features Melissa Sauers on Vocals and Guitar, Porcelain Train on Vocals, Bob James on Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Percussion, Larry Smith on Bass, and Ralph Fonda on Drums. Lodi, made world famous by Creedence Clearwater Revival, serves as a introduction to Tamala, Ralph Fonda and Melissa Sauers all taking turns on lead vocals. Bob James joins in on background vocals. Melissa Sauers adds a clarinet solo to complete the musical introduction on this unique take to this classic song. 

2. Times Like This (James) features Bob James on Vocals, Acoustic/Electric Guitars, Bass and Percussion and Jon Brady on Drums. Jon Brady serves up a exciting and uptempo drum intro to this Bob James original. The vocal and musical melodies have a retro sound but are delivered in an alternative style. Times Like This has a bouncy, pop sensibility and is one of the best songs on this release.

3. A Wasted Tomorrow (Sauers) features Melissa Sauers on Vocals, Bob James on Guitar, Bass and Percussion and Howard Fleetwood Wilson II on Drums and Percussion. A Wasted Tomorrow is a hard-driving rock song about the in's and outs of hard drinking. Melissa's vocal delivery is punchy and powerful. The vocal solo is a nice touch, but I would've liked to hear some kind of fancy effect on the sound to differentiate the solo from the rest of the vocals.

4. Whippin' Up The Dust (Porcelain Train) features Tamala and Ralph Fonda on Vocals, Guitar and Drums, Larry Smith on Guitar, Ed Croft on Bass. Recorded and mixed by Porcelain Train. Tamala's vocals are sweet and sultry on this mid-tempo rocker. The female and male lead vocals on the choruses sound great. This song is one of my favorites on American Music. 

5. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Fogerty) features Melissa Sauers on Vocals and Guitar, Porcelain Train on Vocals, Bob James on Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Percussion, Larry Smith on Bass and Ralph Fonda on Drums. Like Lodi this CCR song features 4 lead singers taking turns on lead vocals.

6. Woodstock (Mitchell) features Bob James on Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Percussion and Tina Williams on Background Vocals. The male and female vocal blend give this song a unique sound.

7. Stop Draggin My Heart Around (Petty-Campbell) features Porcelain Train on Vocals, Tamala Fonda on Guitar, Bob James on Guitar and Percussion, Larry Smith on Bass, Ralph Fonda on Drums and David M. Miller on Slide Guitar. This is the best cover on American Music. The acoustic guitar adds a melancholy feel to the song, my favorite part of this version is the great slide guitar by David M. Miller.

https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloBluesBenefit

PorcelainTrain.com

 

Special thanks to Bob James.

Dedicated to Larry Smith.

Club 861 Reunion, Tonawanda, NY