Come on and get some Gina Cutillo.

Many moons ago I stumbled across a provocatively dress musician fronting a band called Supergenius going by the name of Gina Cutillo. Since this time she has gone solo and has released two Cd's the first being From Here to Desire and her most recent The Lover. This past Saturday night Gina Cutillo took the stage at 89 North Music Venue to deliver her brand of rock/dance to an awaiting crowd. With the opening vocal line to "Like You Know" Gina and her band kick into a high energy performance dripping with sex appeal. Having watched Gina's transformation through the years she has gone from that provocatively dressed rock musician too a sexy sophisticated performer. Nothing wrong with the first incarnation but with age comes a different form of taste that she has embraced and is as sexy as ever. Gina and the band delivered catchy memorable songs that were well received by 89 North's audience. With Long Island having this new music venue catering to original music one can only hope Gina Cutillo plays here often.

Demon's Eye branding some old standards

 So as I surf the web for another show to catch I came across the name of a band called Demon's Eye. Now this conjures up all sorts of imagery in my head. I'm thinking another heavy metal band singing of knights and sorcery and things of that nature. So with that thought in my mind I research this band even further. I come to find that Charlie Grosso is playing guitar for this band. I recently learned of Charlie a couple of weeks ago when I caught him in another band called Sinner's Prayer. Behind the kit is Nick D'Alessandro from Awaken and Earth Eatz Dog and I'm sure many others. From my perspective Nick is the go to drummer on Long Island. And if you have ever seen him live you'll know why. Rounding out this trio is Leo Binelli on Vocals / Bass a force too be reckoned with in his own right.
 So that was all I needed to make my way to LuLu's Pub and catch this trio live. For starters I didn't get the heavy metal knights and sorcery I had envisioned. What I got was some ripping heavy blues with extended jams. These guys are well versed musicians and play well off each other. Opening their set with a killer rendition of Rufus Tomas / Walking the Dog some may be more familiar with the Aerosmith version.  Charlie explained to me that the idea behind their set was covering songs originating from black American blues artists that were subsequently redone by white classic rock artists.  And now Demon's Eye giving these songs life with their brand of hard rock/blues interpretation. The band likes to think of it as a presentation of standards for the next generation. Demon's Eye plays these songs with such heart and conviction you would have thought they wrote these songs themselves. Other highlight's of the night were Baby Please Don't Go, Just Got Paid and Bring It On Home.
 The audience cheered, danced and sang along to every song in the set. And a few audience members started shouting out requests. Hopefully the band took some notes so they can surprise the audience next time around with some of those tunes.
  So with other good night of live music under my belt. I'm happy too report the LI music scene is thriving with great talent. If your not part of the scene then get your ass off the couch and catch a show.
 I must thank Charlie for graciously giving me a CD before the show. It has many of the songs that they played tonight and I've been happily jamming it in my vehicle as I cruised around town today.

The "Rise"of the night beckons J.Rad.

 There is an old proverb stating a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. And after seeing J.Rad perform this past Saturday night. That chain shows no sign of breaking anytime soon.
 I have heard of J.Rad for years now. I've never checked out there music or seen them live. But that has all changed since Saturday night. These four guys should be on a major tour playing to a national audience.
 There is a feeling in the air that can't really be put into words. When you see a band with the "it" factor. And J.Rad has the "it" factor. I can say all the usual things as. This band is tight. They have great stage presence. Good songwriting skills and so on. Yes they have all that. But too really appreciate J. Rad one must experience them live. Since Saturday night  I've devoured all there music online. But its live where this band really shines.
 You can download their Rise - EP on iTunes for $5.94 or better yet pick one up the next time they play in your town.
 Also you can find them at all the usual place's such as Facebook, Myspace, Reverbnation. And at there very own web site www.jradrocks.com.

Connecting the scenes/starting with Evolove

Hello everyone. Well here we go. This will be a new weekly addition to the In A Crowd blog called Connecting The Scenes. Here I will be seeking out other bands across the United States too feature in our Connecting the scenes article. We all can learn from each other on what can make your local scenes flourish. But the only way to do that is by communication. Reach out to other bands and learn from their success. Hopefully here can be a launch pad for this. Read on and enjoy.

I recently attended a charity show here on Long Island. One of the bands playing were a local LI band called Blameshift. A few days after that show they announced a new tour they would be on. This will be the Awake The State Tour 2012 presented by Alternative Revolt magazine. This will be a west coast tour. Joining them on this tour will be a Los Angeles band called Evolove.

Evolove is an alternative rock band fronted by the charismatic Lucy Levinsohn on vocals. They have recored two ep's . The first being 2012: Contdown to the end in October of 2009 and this years Breaking Heartstrings.

In this short amount of time they have signed a licensing agreement with MTV. And have had songs placed in shows such as Made, True Life and Teen Mom. And also have had three songs placed on ABC's teen drama Pretty Little Liars.

So in a short amount of time Evolove have accomplished so much. Check them out and contact them. Trade some experiences. We all can learn from each other. Cheers!

400+ Gather to support Original Music

400 + were in attendance to support local music on a Wednesday night. Let me back track a bit. Four bands were chosen to play WBAB's second Homegrown Superstar Contest. Starting in October fans could vote of there favorite band in weekly rounds. And in December the four bands that survived those weekly rounds got to play the Homegrown Superstar show. And at the end of the night. The band bringing the most fans through the door. Would be crowned WBWB's Homegrown Superstar. The winning band would receive a prize package that would help them along there musical journey.

The first to perform was a four piece hard rock unit called Permanent Scar. I've been wanting to catch this band for some time now. This band possesses well crafted thought provoking songs. A bonus of the night was a free full length CD that they were handing out at the show. They played a solid set. And from the crowds reaction it was apparent they left with more fans than they began with.

The second to perform was the alternative/hip hop band Echo Sonic. Fronted by the charismatic Aaron Turner on vocals. Aaron worked the crowd and stage like a seasoned professional. Spiting lyrics and rhymes while backed by his amazing band.

The third to perform was the rock band Revel 9. Opening with the energetic San Jose. They got the crowd going right out of the gate. Rhythm guitarist Matt Dower is very entertaining too watch. He seems to be in his own little word as he plays. A very animated player bringing his playing to another level. Highlight of the set was watching a row of fans playing the leads along with guitarist/singer DJ Pearlman. From a distance all you could see in front of DJ were fingers twiddling about.

The final act and the winner of the night was Oogee Wawa. They brought a party to the stage. I would describe them is a fun loving jam band. Watching them perform and seeing how they interact with the audience. It's no surprise why they have such a loving fan base. Their motto must be Just Have Some Fun.

Most of us are aware of the poor shape the local scene is in. Its not due to the lack of talent out there. Because there is plenty of talent here on Long Island. Many people have many opinions on this subject. And just like politics there is no simple answer to this complex problem. But as long as we continue to ask questions and try different solutions. The music scene may once again thrive.

WBAB is a great supporter of the original music scene. It would be nice to see more effort from other areas of media. There is great potential out there to revive the scene. We just need more like minds to join the mission.

A Midnight Mob infestation.

This is a public emergency notification. Be on the lookout for a Midnight Mob infecting the nation with there contagious brand of rock and roll.

Welcome everyone to In a Crowds first CD review courtesy of NY's own Midnight Mob. The first of many reviews too come.

I got my copy of Midnight Mobs self titled CD at a show I was photographing. Midnight Mob was a complete surprise too me. I can't even remember the band I was there to photograph?

If you haven't hear of them yet. Then you should get yourself acquainted with them right now!

Midnight Mob has labeled their sound as swag "n" roll. They do have a swagger about them. Their four song CD oozes swagger and attitude. These songs are not only heard but felt by the listeners. Once a band can make you feel a song. Then you know you are listening too something special. From the opening sound of the cowbell of the Perfect Crime to the ending frenzy of Overdrive. Your like a drug addict looking too score again. Only it's more music your trying too score.

Fronting the band is Blackey Deathproof. She could be considered the female version of Johnny Rotten and Nikki Sixx. And thats a compliment. They are two of my favorite rockers know for their swagger and no bared attitude.

Midnight Mob has the goods to go all the way. With songs already placed on MTV, Fox Sports and E. This is just the beginning too a long and fruitful career.

So do you consider yourself a rock fan? I would beg to differ if the Midnight Mob isn't in your CD or ipod collection. Get your copy now and don't be left behind.

Mudcat takes us back in time.

Its funny how things work out. I was going to cover another show tonight. But yesterday I got notice that the show had been moved to another venue ( I wasn't up to the added mileage). So I opted to see Mudcat at LuLu's Village Pub.

Thing is Mudcat has no web site. Only a facebook page that I could find. And there wasn't much information about them and no music to sample. So I was going into this show like a blind man with very little information as to my wereabouts.

I was trying to keep my reviews to original bands. But sometimes life's biggest surprises come unexpectedly. And one of those surprises came in the form of a band called Mudcat.

The audience at LuLu's were treated too a set filled with some classic rock tunes. Not your typical tunes that every other band on the island covers. But other gems that don't get there due on the cover scene. Mudcat kicked off the night with a smoking rendition of Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers (ZZ Top). Some of the highlights of their set included Last Child (Aerosmith),Hot Legs (Rod Stewart) and The Cowboy Song (Thin Lizzy). Oh yea they also covered Suicide by Thin Lizzy (Thin Lizzy is a favorite of mine). Can I ask for a request or two for future shows? Cold Sweat and Dancing in the Moonlight. And they did a killer version of Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac).

The band is fronted by John Golden on Vocals and guitars. I'm familiar with John from his work with Earth Eatz Dog. It's fitting too see John fronting a band. He has the look the chops and the voice. Also on guitar is Steve Culotta serving up some tasty guitar work. And holding down the low end is Jon Valente on bass. And serving up the big beat is Gary Worrel on drums. These four musicians injected new life into these classic songs (goes to show you somethings get better with age).

I gotta thank Mudcat for a couple of things. First just for a great night of music. And second I've spent so much time on my mission to support music. I've forgotten that all these great tunes they played tonight. Were original songs by those artists at one time. So thanks again for a great night of music.

So for the picture above this review. The included captions were either said by the band members or they were thinking those thoughts. If you don't believe me you should have been there. Keep a lookout for Mudcat. You won't be disappointed.

VagXcore, thinking inside the box.

So I got an invitation to the VagXcore one year anniversary party this week. I had to check that this wasn't a mistake? Was there a gynecology convention in town? And I was mistakenly added to the list? Just checked no funny business changed down there.

Turns out VagXcore is a record label that promotes All female or female fronted bands. And this year the label turned a year old. And what better way to celebrate than have a party with four bands gracing the stage at Bartini Bar in West Babylon.

Tho the spotlight is shining on the females fronting these bands (except Jackknife Stiletto/all female band). Lets not forget the male members backing these ladies up. If not for you there light would not shine as brightly as it does.

The first band of the night was Better Off. Fronted by Desiree Parrillo on vocals/guitar. Their music was reminiscent of the british invasion, garage rock era days. They are currently working on a cd. So be on the lookout for it. Give them a listen on facebook.

The second band of the night was Extreme Makeover. Center stage for this band is Michele Meech. Extreme Makeover is a unique band on the scene. They take songs were all familiar with and blend them into something new and refreshing. I would hate to categorise them as a cover band. They are so much more than that. Friend them at facebook. And ask them to post some music.

I was really looking forward to the next band of the night. American Pinup is a high energy rockabilly pop band. Vocalist/guitarist Lauren West fronts the band. Lauren's vocals remind me of Imelda May on steroids. This band blew the roof off the place. I know they gain a-lot of new fans tonight. There wasn't a person sitting still during their fabulous set. Go to their website to learn more about this up an coming band.

The last band of the night was Jackknife Stiletto. Our host and ringleader of the nights festivities. How would you describe this band? Imagine if the Sex Pistols were an all female band. Their sound has an energy and edge that you have too experience live. The band consists of EsotErica on Vocals/bass, Annie Stoic on Guitar and Mel Funk on drums. These ladies engaged the crowd with lighthearted humor with a touch of sarcasm. All three of them know how to work an audience. And did I mention the stalker from their Dear Jane video was spotted in the crowd.

A great time was had by all tonight. Thank you to VagXcore for a night of great music. And I wish you the best in all your future endeavors.

Awaken the metal thunder.

This weeks band is a progressive metal band called Awaken. I wish this show was better attended. Why is it people will spend 100+ for tickets through ticket master? When they can see great bands close to home for a few dollars? But for those who spent a couple of bucks tonight were treated to a great show. These are five very talented musicians.

I was approached by bass player Freddy Villano before the show. This was nice to see and more bands should be networking a room like this. We spoke about the scene and his band briefly. Turns out the members are spread throughout the New York area. Which make rehearsing not such an easy task. Also singer Glenn DaGrossa (from Lazarus fame) resides in CT.

During the show Glenn joked with the crowd. Stating he had to swim to get to the show. The guitar duo of Joe Todaro and Scott Bennet were amazing to watch. I was shocked that Scott had never practiced with the band before and it was his first time on stage with them. And rounding out the band was drummer Nick D'alessando. I've seen Nick play in various bands in the past and he is one hell of a drummer.

I would like to have seen Awaken with a merchandise table setup during the show. I think a band should have an area in the club to promote themselves. And clubs should give the space for a band to set up a merchandise table. It should be as important as the performance itself.

Awaken has no official .com at the moment. But they are taking advantage of sites like Myspace, Facebook and my favorite site ReverbNation.

To all you bands out there. Take my advice and sign up for a ReverbNation account. There are many tools for you to further your career.

On a final note. With the experience, Talent and accolades this band has combined. They should have no problem climbing the metal mountain. I wish them great success.