Arts - The Spectrum

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Holiday blues: a playlist for coping with sadness around the holidays

By MADDY FOWLER | Dec. 8, 2017

Memories of Christmas spent with the person I thought I would spend every holiday with for the rest of my life. A friend stolen away from me in her youth. The death of a grandmother who practically raised me. An aunt and godmother lost to early-onset Alzheimer’s. The ever-present absence of a father who didn’t know how to love me. I carry this pain with me always, but the holidays bring it into sharp, unavoidable focus –– and I think the sadness I feel at this time of year is often exacerbated by the idea we’re supposed to be cheerful. I know I am not the only one who struggles with feelings of sadness during the holiday season. So, I made this playlist to say it is OK to be sad at Christmas time. I hope these songs can help to soothe your holiday blues.

R&B singer Snoh Aalegra opens for Daniel Caesar at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto for five straight nights starting Dec. 16. Aalegra talked to The Spectrum about these shows and the vision behind new album "Feels."

ARTS

A discussion with Snoh Aalegra

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Dec. 7, 2017

Aalegra dropped her debut and second independent project “Feels” on Oct. 20. Her self-described “romantic soul record,” executively produced by Grammy-nominated producer No I.D., is already making waves. Aalegra will open for rising R&B star Daniel Caesar from Dec. 16 through Dec. 20 at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall. The soul singer spoke with The Spectrum about her upcoming shows, her debut album and her friendship with the late, great Prince.

Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" is a must for the holiday season and a highlight of McCartney's solo work. Other holiday tracks may triumph over it, but McCartney's Christmas will never feel over-played.

ARTS

Underrated holiday hits

By SPECTRUM EDITORIAL STAFF | Dec. 7, 2017

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, unless your family insists on forcing “White Christmas” and “The Christmas Song” down your throat. We at The Spectrum believe that holiday music is a sacred art that shouldn’t be soiled by repetition or unavoidable air-play. Here are our picks for the season’s best underrated classics.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” will be the biggest film of the year, despite losing Carrie Fisher before the release. December also brings us a few gems along with Spielberg’s latest dad-fare.

ARTS

December movie guide

By DAVID TUNIS-GARCIA | Dec. 7, 2017

The holidays are a time to stay home and spend time with family and friends. It’s also a time to trek to the nearest movie theater and pay to sit in silence with a bunch of strangers for a few hours. At first glance, December appears to be a light month for releases but a closer look reveals a few gems hidden among whatever dad-movie Steven Spielberg is putting out these days. Oh, and the biggest movie of the year.

Jazz legend Archie Shepp formerly taught in the Black Studies (now African and African-American Studies) program in the late '60s and early '70s. Shepp, now retired but still on the performance circuit, talked with The Spectrum about his ethnomusicology course along with his album "Attica Blues."

ARTS

Archie Shepp looks back on rich past at UB

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Dec. 4, 2017

Jazz great Archie Shepp arrived at UB in 1969, with very few references for his ethnomusicology course. The class, “Revolutionary Concepts in African-American Music,” marked the beginning of Shepp’s career in college education. Shepp, known for albums like “Four For Trane” and “Mama Too Tight,” taught a performance course and an ethnomusicology class at UB from 1969-1971.

The 60th Annual Grammy Awards, which take place on Jan. 28, boast a myriad of major R&B and hip hop nominations. From Childish Gambino to "Despacito," here are some of Arts Desk's big winners (and snubs) for music's biggest night.

ARTS

60th annual Grammy Award predictions

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET and BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Dec. 4, 2017

The Grammy Awards are back in the Big Apple for the first time in 15 years. The nominations for next year’s Grammys were announced on Nov. 28. As the ceremony next month approaches, we’re sharing our predictions on who will be crowned some of music’s top dogs.

ARTS

Q&A with Olivier Pasquet

By EMA MAKAS | Nov. 30, 2017

Pasquet is a world-renowned music producer, sound and visual artist. Pasquet recently arrived in Buffalo as a visiting artist part of UB’s Creative Arts Initiative. He’s making his return to the Queen City to work on a project for June in Buffalo, a festival that honors contemporary music and artists. Pasquet talked to The Spectrum about his previous work, preparation for his current project and his personal inspirations in the arts.

ARTS

UB Choir and Chorus under new management

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Nov. 30, 2017

The UB choral program is under new direction for the first time in 20 years. Claudia Brown, a clinical assistant professor of voice and choral music, began directing the program this semester after the previous director, Harold Rosenbaum, stepped down from the role. The program consists of UB Choir and UB Chorus and explores a myriad of choral works both new and old, sharing their musical conversations in rehearsal and on-stage.

UB instructor George Caldwell sits behind the piano. Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist inspires his students by imparting lessons from his past.

ARTS

Behind the keys: UB instructor George Caldwell's storybook career

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Nov. 30, 2017

Caldwell’s held numerous musical director roles for nationally touring plays and played with some of jazz music’s finest groups, including the Count Basie and Duke Ellington orchestras. He’s learned from jazz composers like Wendell Logan and Frank Foster. The pianist plays stride music with a smile on his face, achieving tonal excellency and exquisite form. He’s completely engrossed in his performances, conveying an original style and striking keys with an effective groove.

N.E.R.D. is back. The popular rock/R&B trio, led by Pharrell, dropped new single "Lemon" on Nov. 1. The track, which features a verse from Rihanna, is just one of many new singles to keep an eye on this month.

ARTS

The Spectrum's November Playlist

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Nov. 16, 2017

October has passed, Halloween is over and just about everyone has created a playlist with multiple entries of “All I Want for Christmas is You.” But we still have a month before it’s socially acceptable to get festive with Mariah’s five octave vocal range. Instead of jumping on the holiday bandwagon, check out these fresh November-ready tracks. N.E.R.D ft.

The UB Concert Band, led by Director Jon Nelson, and the Genkin Philharmonic took the stage at Slee Recital Hall Tuesday night. The two groups put on an exciting show, despite their visible differences.

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The best of both worlds

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Nov. 16, 2017

The UB Concert Band, led by music department Professor and Director Jon Nelson, joined the Genkin Philharmonic for their annual fall performance at Slee Hall. The two groups came together to present “A Young Person’s Guide to the 20th Century.”

Bill Maher performs at Shea's. The comedian touched on many controversial topics including President Trump and Islamophobia.

ARTS

Bill Maher offends and excites at Shea’s

By BRIAN EVANS | Nov. 13, 2017

Comedians such as Tom Segura or Anthony Jeselnik are characterized as extremely dry comics. Bill Maher is often saddled with this description, but is in a category all his own. The political personality and stand-up comedian provided theatergoers with an evening of controversial comedy at Shea’s on Sunday night. Maher discussed everything from sex to politics, showing that no topic was too off-color.

Swift boasts vulnerability and a renewed form on her latest album “reputation.” The project shows off an uncut musician with high-class lyricism and pop music content.

ARTS

“reputation” is Taylor Swift’s most intimate and lyrically stunning album to date

By MADDY FOWLER | Nov. 13, 2017

The death of Taylor Swift’s reputation led to the birth of her most impressive artistry yet. Swift’s new album, “reputation,” draws you in immediately with the fast-paced and edgy “...Ready for It?” Swift declares on the song he “knew I was a robber / first time that he saw me, / stealing hearts and running off and never saying sorry.” The lyric is a half tongue-in-cheek, sly jab at the tabloid media’s portrayal of Swift as boy crazy heartbreaker and half smugly self-aware. Rather than completely shirking the public’s perception of her, Swift displays a huge leap in maturity by acknowledging her flaws and mistakes.

Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison took the stage at Kleinhans Thursday evening in another installment of Just Buffalo Literary Center’s 2017-18 BABEL series. Morrison, speaking on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s address in the same venue, discussed her lengthy career and discussed each of her 11 well-read novels.

ARTS

Toni Morrison delights during career review at Kleinhans

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Nov. 10, 2017

All the makings of a historic night were visible at Kleinhans on Thursday night. Renowned author Toni Morrison took the stage in another installment of Just Buffalo Literary Center’s 2017-18 BABEL series. Morrison, speaking on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s address in the same venue, discussed her lengthy career and discussed each of her 11 well-read novels. Before the main event, singer-songwriter Drea d’Nur opened the evening with a dose of soul. The artist played a deep ranging rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come” met with thunderous applause.

Brooklyn funk rockers Turquaz took to downtown Buffalo on Tuesday night in a groovy performance. The band is currently on the road and recently released their single “On The Run,” produced by Talking Heads member Jerry Harrison.

ARTS

A psychedelic smash comes to downtown Buffalo

By Chris Yang | Nov. 9, 2017

Turkuaz had barely ran through their latest album “Digitonium,” three hours into their set. The group ended the show with their hit song “The Generator.” Lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Brandwein thanked the crowd, signed off and the rest of the group followed off stage. The show ended without Turkuaz performing their most popular song, much to the crowd’s disappointment. Some clapped for the end but most hollered for an encore.

Singer-songwriter Haley Reinhart released her third studio album, “What’s That Sound?” on Sept. 22 and is currently on her tour of the same name. Reinhart talked to The Spectrum about the recent release, touring the world, and having Anderson .Paak in her first band.

ARTS

A vintage soul: Q&A with Haley Reinhart

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Nov. 9, 2017

The ’60s haven’t ended yet, at least not until Haley Reinhart puts down the microphone. The “American Idol” alum and Postmodern Jukebox singer just released her third studio album, “What’s That Sound?” on Sept. 22. The record is a classy and tasteful collection of cover songs and originals, all featuring Reinhart’s golden voice. At 27 years old, Reinhart’s career is just beginning. “American Idol” gave her the tools for success in 2011, but Reinhart is embarking on her own journey to the past. The singer discussed her musical adventure, new album and touring the world in an exclusive interview with The Spectrum.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "The Future of Integration" address at Kleinhans Music Hall, 50 years ago. The address, sponsored by GSA and SA, offered the reverend's take on racial relations in the country to a crowd of over 2000 Buffalonians.

ARTS

Community reflects on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Buffalo speech

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Nov. 9, 2017

The reverend and celebrated civil rights leader delivered his “The Future of Integration” address to a sold-out crowd at Kleinhans Music Hall on Nov. 9, 1967. In his speech, sponsored by GSA and SA, King spoke on the status of race relations in America and briefly condemned the ongoing war in Vietnam.

“Murder on the Orient Express,” directed by Kenneth Branagh, is an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel and premieres Nov. 10. November will see the release of two of the year’s biggest films: “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Justice League.”

ARTS

November movie guide

By DAVID TUNIS-GARCIA | Nov. 6, 2017

Well this one snuck up on me. November holds two of this year’s biggest releases in the first two weeks, along with a few other curiosities to fill in the back end of the month. Let’s dive right in because I can’t wait to talk about...

Music icon Janet Jackson performed a medley of hits as part of her State of The World tour in Buffalo on Saturday. Throughout, the multi-talented singer dazzled through synchronized dance and flurries of jams which pleased thousands of fans in attendance.

ARTS

Janet Jackson rouses downtown Buffalo

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Nov. 6, 2017

The Grammy-award winning music icon appeared Saturday night at the KeyBank Center, one of her stops on her ongoing State of the World tour. Jackson performed over 30 songs to a crowd of thousands downtown, impressing through a series of electric dance numbers and up-tempo pop jams.

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 23: Television host and comedian Bill Maher performs at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort on March 23, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/WireImage)

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Q&A with Bill Maher

By BRIAN EVANS | Nov. 2, 2017

Bill Maher is no stranger to stirring the pot. The host of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” and stand-up comedian will continue his stream of political anecdotes and observations, playing downtown at Shea’s Performing Arts Center on Nov.