Voodoo Visionary To Join Aqueous During Upcoming December Run November 9, 2017 15:13

Photo by Moret

Voodoo Visionary will take their psychofunk sound back on the road this December with a 10-date tour. The run will see the band join forces with Buffalo, NY-based groove rock quartet Aqueous for two shows in Omaha, NE and Ft. Collins, CO; and with Athens, GA’s metamorphic rock band Universal Sigh for two shows in Denver and Winter Park, CO. Voodoo Visionary will play their first show in Santa Fe, NM as well as make a return to Dallas and San Marcos, TX, while finishing off the run once again at The Den at The Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans. See below for a complete list of dates, as well as a stream of the band's recent performance at Suwannee Hulaween.

“Voodoo Visionary escape the generic and create their own space, capitalizing on what works within funk as a genre.”  
– Jon Litten, The Artifact Magazine 

Check out the full list of dates below: 

December 5 – Iowa City Yacht Club, Iowa City, IA 

December 6 – Reverb Lounge, Omaha, NE w/ Aqueous 

December 7 – Gillie’s Bar, Kearney, NE 

December 8 – Hodi’s Half Note, Ft. Collins, CO w/ Aqueous 

December 9 – Your Mom’s House, Denver, CO w/ Universal Sigh 

December 10 – Ullrs Tavern, Winter Park, CO w/ Universal Sigh 

December 13 – Duel Brewing, Santa Fe, NM 

December 14 – Deep Ellum Art Co., Dallas, TX w/ Star Party 

December 15 – Kiva Lounge, San Marcos, TX 

December 16 – The Den at The Howlin’ Wolf, New Orleans, LA 

Aqueous Makes Powerful Alabama Debut On Halloween Night November 1, 2017 16:44

Photos by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

While there was plenty of hype surrounding Tuesday night's Halloween show with Aqueous and Soul Mechanic at Zydeco, I'm not sure that anyone was quite prepared for what was in store. Being Aqueous' first-ever show in Alabama, many people (myself included) were finally getting a chance to see these guys in person. I can't think of a much better way to be formally introduced to a band of this caliber than an intimate, raging Halloween show. This was a special occasion, to say the least, and both bands certainly planned accordingly with quite a few surprises in store.

Soul Mechanic kicked off the festivities in powerful fashion, to no one's surprise. Ever since catching these guys at CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival earlier this year, I just can't get enough. The Chattanooga-based five-piece takes the concept of experimental funk to another level, and the energy and stage presence they bring is beyond palpable. There aren't too many young bands touring with a world-class viola player, and that's certainly one element that makes Soul Mechanic so unique. The chemistry between Jessica Nunn (viola), William English (guitar), Parrish Gabriel (bass) and Marcus White (keyboards) couldn't be much tighter, and the sky is the limit for these guys. The highlight of the set came in the set closer, when Tommy Bowen (trumpet) and Desmond Sykes (saxophone) of Tragic City joined the band for a killer take on Lettuce's "Breakout." See below for video footage of "America."

Having watched the rapid progression of Aqueous amongst the 'jam ranks' in recent years, I had pretty high expectations for the upcoming set. While this would be my first live AQ experience, I've certainly spent hours watching and listening to the band's well documented online content. As expected with a Halloween set, these guys came out swinging with Metallica's "For Whom The Bell Tolls," the first of six debut covers for the night. This led perfectly into "Origami," which officially turned Zydeco into an all out dance party. A nice transition into "Somebody's Watching Me (Jam)" ultimately led back into "Origami." 

Next up was the band's most recent single, "Weight Of The Word," which you can't miss if you're a regular SiriusXM JamOn listener. "Willy Is 40," the title track from the band's 2012 release, was executed with precision before busting out No Doubt's "Spiderwebs," another debut cover. "Kitty Chaser" was at the top of my wish list for the night, and it was an absolute monster. Guitarist Mike Gantzer then invited Travis Gray of Wild Adriatic on stage to take lead vocals on AC/DC's "Highway To Hell." This smokin' set would ultimately wrap up with "Don't Do It," a tune known for it's extensive jamming, which was absolutely held true on this night.

While the band didn't technically exit the stage, the "encore" was far from average. The entire stretch of four songs fell within "Complex Pt. 1," with debut covers of Cranberries' "Zombie" and Van Halen's "Running With The Devil" sandwiched in between. The seamless transitions here, and throughout the entire evening, were truly next level. It's always a treat when you find a band that is so balanced with talent and precision. Drummer Rob Houk held such a powerful, tight beat throughout the show. Evan McPhaden (bass) didn't miss a beat all night, all while bouncing around on stage in a fantastic 'Tigger' costume.

I was definitely most familiar with Gantzer's well-documented guitar work coming into the show, but Dave Loss (guitar/keys) blew my mind as well. Watching those two trade off scorching solos from across the stage was such a treat. All in all, Aqueous couldn't have had a dialed up a hotter Halloween show, and it's safe to say this will be the first of many Alabama appearances to come. See below for video footage of both Soul Mechanic and Aqueous, complete setlists, and a photo gallery courtesy of Home Team Photography.

Watch Soul Merchanic perform "America" here:;

Watch footage of Aqueous performing "Highway To Hell" with Travis Gray here:

Setlist: Soul Mechanic - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL - 10.31.17

Set: 6 Milli, Frontier, Jack N Coke, 'Merica, Breakout*

*Lettuce cover featuring Tragic CIty horns

Setlist: Aqueous - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL - 10.31.17

Set: For Whom The Bell Tolls*> Origami> 'Somebody's Watching Me' Jam*^> Origami, Weight Of the Word> Willy is 40> Spiderwebs**> Kitty Chaser, Highway to Hell+*, Don't Do It

Encore: Complex Pt. I> Zombie*^^> Complex Pt. I> Running with the Devil*> Complex Pt. I

*First Time Played, Metallica (intro only)

*^First Time Played, Rockwell

**First Time Played, No Doubt

+*First Time Played, AC/DC, featuring Travis Gray from Wild Adriatic on vocals

*^^ First Time Played, Cranberries Jam, included choruses

*First Time Played, Van Halen

Post show crowd shot with Aqueous

Mike Gantzer & Evan McPhaden of Aqueous

Aqueous

Dave Loss of Aqueous

Mike Gantzer, Evan McPhaden, & Rob Houk of Aqueous

Aqueous

Aqueous

Aqueous

Mike Gantzer of Aqueous

Dave Loss of Aqueous

Aqueous

Aqueous feat. Travis Gray of Wild Adriatic

Travis Gray of Wild Adriatic

Soul Mechanic w/ Tragic City horns

William English, Parrish Gabriel, & Marcus White of Soul Mechanic

Jessica Nunn of Soul Mechanic

Aqueous Is Bringing The Halloween Madness To Birmingham's Zydeco October 27, 2017 13:52

Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Share this post directly from the Live & Listen Facebook page and tag a friend in the comments section of the post for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. A winner will be announced at 10:00 AM CST on Tuesday, 10/31.

It's no secret that Halloween is one of the biggest nights of the year for most major touring bands. If you keep up with the latest happenings in the live touring circuit, you've surely seen the hype surrounding Aqueous, a four-piece, high-energy groove rock act out of Buffalo, NY. Whether its their impressive billing on just about every major festival lineup, their recent Green Day Dookie collaborations with Umphrey's McGee bassist Ryan Stasik, or even their heavy rotation on Sirius XM JamOn, the excitement surrounding this band continues to escalate. 

While Halloween isn't conveniently falling on a weekend this year, there is a party you simply don't want to miss at Zydeco in Birmingham. Aqueous is making a rather rare appearance in Alabama, and you can rest assured that the band has big plans for this special occasion. If that wasn't enough, Soul Mechanic (Chattanooga, TN) will be providing direct support and warming up the stage in powerful fashion. At the rate things are going, Aqueous is on the fast track to playing even bigger rooms/stages, and this is a Tuesday night you're going to have to plan accordingly for. Do yourself a favor and join the official Facebook event for all of the latest updates. Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here.

Bio: Aqueous

Aqueous’s groove rock sound stems from Buffalo NY. They have built a name for themselves nationally, following years of touring and high profile sets at major festivals. The band is as strong in composing as they are at communicating and improvising during their shows. Their onstage persona is infectious and undeniable; their lifelong friendship stands as a testament to the tightness of the music. While the band is relatively young, they are polished - check them out as soon as you can, and discover firsthand what the buzz is all about.

For all things Aqueous, make sure to follow the band on Facebook and check their official website.

Check out Aqueous' latest single "Weight Of The World" here:

Aqueous Reveals Dates To Extensive Fall Tour July 12, 2017 14:55

Buffalo-born jam band Aqueous has been taking the jam scene by storm, and the explosive four-piece has now revealed an extensive fall tour.  The tour kicks off with a three-night run supporting Umphrey's McGee (8/31-9/2), and continues with an array of dates which span from Colorado to the east coast and down into the southeast. Having already shared the stage with many of the jam scenes hottest acts, such as Umphrey's, The Disco Biscuits, Dopapod, and Twiddle, Aqueous is absolutely a 'can't miss' act in the fall of 2017.  For more info on the band, head over to their official website and Facebook page.

Official Bio: Aqueous

Aqueous’s groove rock sound stems from Buffalo NY. They have built a name for themselves nationally, following years of touring and high profile sets at major festivals. The band is as strong in composing as they are at communicating and improvising during their shows. Their onstage persona is infectious and undeniable; their lifelong friendship stands as a testament to the tightness of the music. While the band is relatively young, they are polished - check them out as soon as you can, and discover firsthand what the buzz is all about.

Watch Aqueous perform Steely Dan's "Kid Charlemagne" with Joel Cummins here:

Twiddle Reveals Lineup For 2nd Annual Tumble Down March 1, 2017 12:11

Twiddle will host their Tumble Down Festival at Burlington, VT’s Waterfront Park for the second year, with the host band playing four sets over the weekend and a lineup that includes Fruition, Madaila, Aqueous, Midnight North, Lucid, Strange Machines, Holly Bowling and more.

The festival will also offer up late night shows at Higher Ground and Nectar’s throughout the weekend. On July 28, Everyone Orchestra will hit the stage at Higher Ground with members of Twiddle, Fruition, Midnight North and Holly Bowling. Gang of Thieves and Backup Planet will perform at Nectar’s. The following night, Twiddle’s Mihali & Friends will play a show at Higher Ground while Lespecial and Pitch Blak Bras Band will headline Nectar’s. Tickets to the late nights will be sold separately.

Tumble Down is slated for July 28-29. All ticketing information is available here.

Tumble Down Lineup:

Twiddle (4 sets)
Fruition
Madaila
Aqueous
Midnight North
Lucid
Strange Machines
Holly Bowling
Teddy Midnight
Navytrain
The Mangroves

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Announces Domefest 2017 Initial Lineup January 19, 2017 13:48

Today, festival organizers Pigeons Playing Ping Pong have announced the initial wave of bands set to play their eighth annual music festival Domefest on May 18-20, 2017 at Fort Royale Farm in Bedford, PA. 

High-energy psychedelic funk band and official hosts Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will play four sets throughout the weekend, alongside performances by Consider The Source, Aqueous (x2), Electric Love Machine (x2), Broccoli Samurai and many other jam scene favorites. This year’s event will be the second consecutive Domefest held in Bedford, PA.

“We’re really looking forward to bringing Domefest back to Fort Royale Farm,” said Jeremy Schon, founder of Domefest and lead guitarist of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. “The venue has the perfect vibe, and I couldn’t be happier with the lineup we’re bringing there this year!”

Advance tickets are on sale now for only $75 here (mt.cm/domefest-2017). Tune into Domefest’s Facebook Page for full details and more artists TBA.

Domefest 2017 Initial Lineup

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (x4), Consider The Source, Aqueous (x2), Electric Love Machine (x2), Broccoli Samurai, The Fritz, Swift Technique, LITZ, Deaf Scene, Strange Machines, The Clock Reads, and many more artists TBA.

Watch this pro-shot multi-angle video of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing “Whoopie > 1999 > 2001” at Domefest 2016: