Latest Posts

Folkfaces – PLUMS

Buffalo-based group Folkfaces is known for their “Rowdy Jazz & Bluesy Roots.” The band has an irresistible, danceable energy and a remarkable variety of sounds, engaging audiences whether it’s busking on the street, playing in a small barroom, or putting on a large electric extravaganza. The band is influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including folk, jazz, blues, Americana, jug band, and bluegrass. Folkfaces is: Tyler Westcott on lead vocals, five-string banjo, acoustic & electric guitar, and 12 string guitar; Brendan Gosson on vocals, fiddle, and mandolin; Dan Schwach on backing vocals, drums, and washboard; and finally Patrick Jackson on backing vocals, electric & upright bass.  On this project, they got some special guests to help add to their miraculous vibes – for instance, on track two, “Minivan Cowboy,” they have Tim Clarke playing the trumpet; he’s also featured on tracks three & seven as well. Brian “Dr.[...]

Folkfaces – How Long?

Folkfaces is a Buffalo band that falls beyond the typical confines of categorization. Their unique blend of americana, folk, and jazz is loud, rustic, and organic; there is an inherent genuineness to their craft. If I were looking for an easy way out, I could slap a “roots rock” label on them and call it a day, but with elements of ragtime, alt-country, and alt-gypsy involved, their music defies that boundary effortlessly. It is best to define them as undefinable, and give them an honest listen. They’d probably like it that way, anyway. Their latest album How Long?  sprawls 8 tracks over their road map of musical genres, and with multiple songwriters and musicians at the helm on any given track, the influence varies greatly. From the back-country banjo charm of “Institution Blues” (this one may sound familiar, as it was released as a single earlier last year), to the rowdy foot-stomping pandemonium[...]

Tonight: Crows & Jays with FolkFaces

It’s the second Friday of the month, and Buffalo folkies Crows & Jays will be performing with FolkFaces in The Front Yard of the Burchfield Penny Art Museum. Using clever harmonization to emphasize a lyrically driven approach to their take on indie-folk, Crows and Jays have made quite the sonic splash since their 2012 formation. Touring as the opening act for The Whigs only three months into the band’s conception, and with one EP and one LP already floating in their wake, this quartet is sure to bring some live and folked-out energy to the Elmwood Village tonight. Walking a more roots-driven line down the broad paths of bluegrass, jazz, ragtime, and more, the folks of FolkFaces tout an array of instrumental talent. Dobro, banjo, upright bass, washboard and harmonica, just to name a few. Together, these two bands should prove perfect compliments under the warm-setting sun of a Buffalo[...]