Northern Current 2022 Line-up Playlist
LINEUP
TEKE::TEKE
Montreal, CA
TEKE::TEKE is a Montreal-based Japanese psych-rock group composed of guitarists Serge Nakauchi Pelletier & Hidetaka Yoneyama, bass player Mishka Stein, drummer Ian Lettre, flutist Yuki Isami, trombone player Etienne Lebel, and visual artist and vocalist Maya Kuroki.
Featuring traditional Japanese instruments, flute and trombone alongside raging guitars and a pulsing rhythm section, TEKE::TEKE creates a sound reminiscent of 1960’s and 70’s era psychedelic Japanese soundtracks, with a frenetic, modern twist.
GHOST FUNK ORCHESTRA
Brooklyn,NY
Ghost Funk Orchestra is the brainchild of composer/multi-instrumentalist Seth Applebaum. What started as a one-man recording project has now evolved into a 10-piece powerhouse live band. It’s a sonic kaleidoscope that defies genre specification, but draws heavy influence from the worlds of soul, psych rock, salsa, and beyond. Their unique blend of genres has attracted praise from the likes of Bandcamp, KUTX, Brooklyn Vegan, Earmilk, and more. Local NY blog Post-Trash described their sound as a ‘psych odyssey of traditional sounds delivered in a non-traditional fashion.’ Bandcamp’s Editorial Director J. Edward Keyes praised the band’s ability to ‘leave no funk-adjacent genre unexplored.’ Experimentation is the key, and unpredictability is what has been attracting folks from all corners of the globe to see what GFO pulls off next…
THE BIG TAKEOVER
Hudson Valley, NY
Traditionalists or progressives? Fronted by the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie, the seven-piece New York band The Big Takeover plays original music that is rooted in and reverent toward the genres and rhythms of Jamaican pop: reggae, rocksteady, ska. They are devotees of Desmond Dekker and the way the old school did it. At the same time, The Big Takeover crosses lines and blends traditions like global pop fusionists. Their deceptively complex arrangements and big hooks connect with the spirit of Motown and the uptown sophistication of the 21st century retro soul and R&B revival scene.
ROSE & THE BROS
Ithaca, NY
A powerhouse ensemble rooted in the dance tradition with the country music influence.
Rosie Newton is a singer, fiddler, and accordion player who tours internationally with various projects. She is particularly renowned for her Old Time duo Richie and Rosie, has toured on fiddle with Zydeco legend Preston Frank, as well as with the Canadian folk rock band, the Duhks. Newton is also a sought after session player having many recorded across a variety genres.
Steve Selin is a singer, fiddler, and guitar player who makes amazing cider under his label, South Hill Cider, and has been a vital member of the Ithaca music scene as a player and music collector since he moved to Ithaca over a decade ago.
Paul Martin is a singer, guitar player, and fruit and vegetable farmer who owns and runs the beloved Sweet Land Farm in Trumansburg, NY. He toured with Indie Rock bands prior to farming and is now a devotee of the way of Zydeco and Cajun music.
Angelo Peters is a energetic bass player who leads the innovative and wildly popular dance band, Big Mean Sound Machine, is a multi instrumentalist and singer in the band Swamp Kids, has toured with Donna the Buffalo and Jim Lauderdale. Peters also owns and runs his own recording studio called Black Bear Recording Studio, in Danby, NY. Angelo grew up dancing to Zydeco at the Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg where this music became part of his soul.
Greg Evans is a passionate and captivating performer, pedagogue and composer. His energy and facility on the drum set has given him experience across the spectrum of the music industry and Evans’ persistent, buoyant, and joyous groove has facilitated a fulfilling performing career in many musical traditions. Evans also keeps an active teaching schedule, working at Ithaca College and Cornell University.
Sally Freund plays rubboard and triangle, visits Louisiana frequently and knows the dances like the back of her hand. She also plays acoustic bass in various local Old-Time bands
THE OUTCROPS
Northern New Jersey
From the woods of Northern New Jersey, The Outcrops present original blues-infused rock’n’roll. The four-piece band was formed in 2016 by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Cassidy Rain and lead guitarist Bryan Schroeder. As a singer, Cassidy has been compared to Bonnie Raitt and Susan Tedeschi, but her raw sensibility as front person could as easily bring comparisons to blues legends like Howlin' Wolf or Muddy Waters. Bryan’s playing falls somewhere between Duane Allman and Derek Trucks, as many fans have pointed out. Bryan has also noted Jerry Garcia as a major influence. His long flowing lead lines throughout songs intertwine with Cassidy’s vocal phrases to create a very melodic sound that sets the tone for The Outcrops. The rhythm section of the band includes Jason Casanovas on bass and Max Adler on drums. Both Max and Jason bring a funk and soul feel that melds beautifully with Cassidy and Bryan, creating their band tag: Rock & Roll, Blues & Soul.
CRACKIN' FOXY
Saranac Lake, NY
Crackin' Foxy is a Saranac Lake–based ensemble inspired by early 1930s swing, Hawaiin, and Gypsy Jazz music.