Listen

“It’s like Prince and Lowell George invited William Kennedy over to jam.” – Casey Seiler, Times Union.

Video

Photos

Photos of the usual suspects at the “Best Damn Open Mic” taken by Jean Luc at Tess’ Lark Tavern Dec. 6, 2007, for TheHiddenCity.com. More at Flickr.

Lyrics

There’s a party going on at Tess’
Every Wednesday night
Of the “Best
of” hers is The Bestest
Mother Judge’s Open
Mic

If you need a drummer I betchya Candlen can
You could have Mitch
on guitar and Albie on bass
And Sten will add some flava on mandolin
They gonna wreck the place

Or Mr. Brodeur
can be your one-man power trio
He plays guitar, bass and drums at the same time
He’s in
twenty-nine
bands so
yours will make an even three-oh
But his review
may call you out for your lame
rhymes

There’s a party going on at Tess’
Every Wednesday night
Of the “Best of” hers is The Bestest
Mother Judge’s Open
Mic

In the back of the room there is chatter
That Rosanne will show or
even Powhida
But when Mother takes the mic nothing else matters
It’s all about: Sweet
Caroline

And Mother Judge’s Open Mic is like open arms…

Yes she welcomes you with open arms tonight
But when she opens her mouth she don’t need the mic
A voice loud and proud like her beauty mark
It’s calling past the bar, out the door of the Lark

They hear it across the street in the Lionheart
It’s giving Moses the chills up in Washington Park
Down Madison past the old Palais
digs

Steamrolling past Eliot
and Silda’s crib

The voice of heaven, the song of God’s daughter
Over 787 to the Hudson
waters
And the Hudson’s love takes it all the way down
To New York City Manhattan Town

This voice so pretty it lifts like magic

Over New York City where they wish they had it.
Where did our scene go?
Where can we sing our songs?
I think Annine knows.

She says: “Mother Judge has had it all along.”

But will it be worth it?
Will it be as good as I remember it?
It’s making me nervous…
And I know that the antidote to my suburban loneliness is just a few
miles down Delaware to her society of urban holinesss – where Mr.
Bob Buckley knows every song written since 1965 – where Mr.
Troy Pohl is going electric tonight – where Ms.
Abdou is up on the TV screen coming in live from the other side
of the world via satellite – where Mr.
Sevayega rolls in to rock at 1 o’clock a.m. he’s on C.P. time.

But for this here crazy hair four-eyes brace-face big black behind
havin’ semi-retired from the music so-called business thirty-somethin’
somethin’ pushin’ forty union webmaster
by day husband and daddy by night chilling
cold chilling free to be put in a cage
livin’ in the acoustic soul rock ‘n roll capital of the world – a.k.a
Delmar…
it’s just a 14-minute
drive -

- To the party going on at Tess’
Every Wednesday night
Of the “Best of” hers is The Bestest
Mother Judge’s Open Mic.

BT and MotherJudge. Photographs by Luanne Ferris for the Times Union “Best of the Capital Region 2007.”

SMART ROCK: Bryan Thomas, Ten 27 Push the Musical Envelope
Greg Haymes, Times Union

“With One Three Six Nine Lights, [Thomas] rocks harder than on any of his previous five albums, all of which are first-rate. With Prince as his primary musical touchstone, Thomas’ uncompromising songs are specifically local, yet gloriously global. He writes smart, and he writes from the heart, balancing intellect, passion and politics.”

What We’ve Got Here
John Brodeur, Metroland

“Opener ‘Muse,’ which (perhaps unwittingly) borrows a verse melody from Springsteen’s ‘Blinded by the Light,’ lays out the band mentality from the get-go-it’s one of the most ‘rock’ tracks in Thomas’ great catalog. The sound of the electric guitar, a staple of his live sets over the years, has never been as front-and-center as it is here; wailing Stratocaster solos simply dominate some songs. He is as self-referential and Capital Region-centric as ever-characters, and entire musical phrases, from elsewhere in his career make cameos here-but that’s what makes him such a compelling artist. Few performers could maintain such a thematic through line in their material without actually copying themselves; Bryan Thomas continues to blaze new trails (besides the one that leads to Delmar) while staying true to himself, and to his hometown.”

Bryan Thomas’ ‘One Three Six Nine Lights’ a well thought-out adventure
David Malachowski, Daily Freeman

“Combining an exotic blend of Springsteen’s guitar power, Prince’s voice and both artists’ songwriting sensibilities, Thomas takes it to another level. In ‘Muse,’ he sings about how you can ‘take the girl out of Schenectady’ while shifting in and out of an airy falsetto, as his clever phrasing floats over minimalist guitars – that is until the upright piano solo. ‘Lights’ has some real crunch, but the stunning ‘Sam’ – in which he imagines Troy’s Uncle Sam viewing pictures of interracial relationships, and what his reaction might be in 1766 – is maybe Thomas at his best. ”

Happiness is as close as your own backyard
Matt Mac Haffie, Troy Record

“Thomas has a history of releasing nothing but stellar CDs. His fifth, One Three Six Nine Lights, is no exception. The triple threat of knock-out vocals, intelligent songwriting and signature guitar style make for an ultimately satisfying listening experience.”

And for more fun:

Bryan Thomas Knows Where the Funk Is
AllOverAlbany.com

“We recently bounced a few questions Bryan’s way (that would be toward Delmar). He emailed answers back about finding the funk at pre-school soccer games, why he name-checks local places in his songs so often, and what he thinks is the best-kept secret about the Capital Region.”

Upcoming

A long overdue show with the great Julia Brown in a great room for music: Bread & Jam Cafe in lovely Cohoes, Friday, March 19 at 8 pm. They’re at 130 Remsen St. See ya there?

PS: Have you seen Julia’s new video? Have mercy!

Photolicious Archive

2009

• Celebrating Joni Mitchell w/ Michelle Mercer. June. Manchester, VT.
• WEXT Local 518 Benefit Concert. February. Troy, NY.
• Valentine’s. w/ The Woes, Pseudo Slang. January. Albany, NY

2008

• CRUMBS Nite Out at the Linda. October. Albany, NY
• Colony Cafe w/ Jed Davis and Brian Dewan. July. Woodstock, NY.

2007

• HiddenCity Reunion w/ Amy Abdou. October. Albany, NY.
• Fagbug Fundraiser. June. Albany, NY.
• Step It Up! Capital. Albany, NY.
• Last Conspirators CD Release Party.March. Albany, NY.

2006

• Why Can’t I Be You, IV. October. Albany, NY. [audio]
• Unity Stage at the Mason Hall. September. Albany, NY.
• Soul Kitchen 10th Anniversary. September. Albany, NY.
• Celebrating Paddy Kilrain. March. Albany, NY.
• Erotic Valentine’s at Valentines. February. Albany, NY. [audio]
• Night in the City: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell. February. New York, NY.

2005

• Rolling Stones Tribute. October. Albany, NY. [audio]
• Fashion Rock: Models, Music, Mayhem. September. Albany, NY.
• Video Premiere/CD Release Party .July 2005. Albany, NY.
• Jonathan Bright CD Release Party. July 2005. Middleburgh, NY.
• The Rudds w/ Thirsty, Mercy James Gang, Bryan Thomas. June 2005. Boston, MA.
• Why Can’t I Be You 3. April 2005. Albany, NY.

2004

• Rolling Thunder: 5th Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Celebration. May 2004. Schenectady, NY.

2003

• Simone Felice, Tom Burre, Bryan Thomas. December 2003. Albany, NY.
• Pan 9 with Fluttr, Earl Patrick, Julia Brown, Bryan Thomas.November 2003. Allston, MA.
• Why Can’t I Be You, Too? October 2003. Albany, NY.
• Nashville New Music Conference. September 2003. Nashville, TN.
• Collider w/s/g Bryan Thomas. June 2003. Albany, NY.
• Julia Brown, John Brodeur, Bryan Thomas. March 2003. Albany, NY.
• Doria Roberts and Bryan Thomas. March 2003. New York, NY.
• Lionheart Live Music on Lark Farewell. February 2003. Albany, NY.
• Matthew Loiacono and Bryan Thomas. February 2003. Albany, NY.

2002

• David Poe, John Brodeur, Bryan Thomas. October 2002. Albany, NY.
• Nashville New Music Conference – 2NMC. October 2002. Nashville, TN.
• Lark Fest 2002. September 2002. Albany, NY.
• “Back to the Garden:” JoniFest 2002. August 2002. Olivera, NY.
• Lark Tavern with Secret Guy, Black Cat Elliot. July 2002. Albany, NY.
• The Eighth Step “Songs from the Fishbowl”. February 2002. Cohoes, NY.

2001

• Larkin Lounge with John Brodeur, The Orange. December 2001. Albany, NY.
• Larkin Lounge with Kamikaze Hearts, Knotworking. July 2001. Albany, NY.
• Larkin Lounge with John Powhida and John Brodeur. May 2001. Albany, NY.
• TheHiddenCity.com. ‘Why Can’t I Be You?’. April 2001. Albany, NY.
• Albany Celebrates V-Day. February 2001. Albany, NY.

2000

• TheHiddenCity.com. ‘What Are Words For?’. December 2000. Albany, NY.
• Valentine’s. Metroland Local Music Bash. November 2000. Albany, NY.
• Albany Rock and Walk. October 2000. Albany, NY.
• Lark Fest 2000 . September 2000. Albany, NY.
• Lionheart with Handel, Amy Abdou, Brodeur, Kilrain. September 2000. Albany, NY.
• Hamell on Trial Benefit Concert . July 2000. Albany, NY.
• Alive at 5 Capital Songwriters. June 2000. Albany, NY.
• Black Rock Coalition Showcase. CBGB. June 2000. New York, NY.
• Joni Fest 2000. May 2000. New Orleans, LA.
• Staziaks Farewell Show. Lark Tavern. May 2000. Albany, NY.
• Bob Dylan Tribute. Union College. May 2000. Schenectady, NY.
• Savannah’s with Super 400. April 2000. Albany, NY.
• NEMO Boston. April 2000. Boston, MA.
• Lionheart with Mario Sevayega. March 2000. Albany, NY.
• Hip Hop Summit Day 1 with Sonia Sanchez, Saul Williams. February 2000. Albany, NY.
• Hip Hop Summit Day 2 with Chuck D of Public Enemy. February 2000. Albany, NY.
• The Kendall. February 2000. Boston, MA.
• Valentine’s with The Staziaks. February 2000. Albany, NY.

1999

• Lionheart with The Staziaks, Kamikaze Hearts. December 1999. Albany, NY.
• Mother Judge’s Living Room on WRPI.September 1999. Troy, NY.
• Soul Kitchen. September 1999. Albany, NY.
• Joni Fest 1999. September 1999. Topsfield, MA.
• August Kills . August 1999. Albany. Woodstock. NYC. Boston.
• The Fort with Hamell on Trial, Benjamin Wagner. April 1999. New York, NY.
• Sounding Board . May 1999. Albany, NY.
• The Loft Songwriters Summit. May 1999. Albany, NY.
• QE2 with Mario Sevayega, Wetwerks, Martly. April 1999. Albany, NY.
• Sounding Board . May 1999. Albany, NY.

1998

• Joni Fest 1998. September 1998. Topsfield, MA.
• The Fort Antihoot with Mario Sevayega. June 1998. New York, NY.

Bryan Thomas is a soul rocker from New York’s capital city of Albany.

He recently released his fifth independent CD, 1369 Lights. , which features his new band the Buggy Jive. “”With One Three Six Nine Lights, [Thomas] rocks harder than on any of his previous five albums, all of which are first-rate,” says Nippertown’s Greg Haymes “With Prince as his primary musical touchstone, Thomas’ uncompromising songs are specifically local, yet gloriously global. He writes smart, and he writes from the heart, balancing intellect, passion and politics.”

The Albany Times Union named Thomas “Best Male Singer-Songwriter” shortly after he released his acoustic hip-hop debut Radio Plastic Jennifer in 1999. The follow-up soul rock epic Ones and Zeros was Metroland Magazine’s “Album of the Year” in 2002.

He was recently in the studio with punk legend Tommy Ramone, making a special guest appearance on a track produced by Ramone for New York City’s genre-smashing neo-punksters Collider. Bryan’s music can be heard on the opening track of the Black Rock Coalition’s Bronze Buckaroo Rides Again which also includes a track by BRC founder/ Living Colour guitar wizard Vernon Reid. He has three songs on the double-live Pazfest: A New Orleans Tribute to Joni Mitchell recorded on a steamy Louisiana night at the Howlin’ Wolf in the summer of 2000.

Samples of Bryan’s music, video and poetry can be found online at his award-winning web site bryanthomas.com, and at TheHiddenCity.com, a webzine for underground arts in Albany, New York. Thomas is a founding member of the Hidden City collective.

He’s also been known to take a photo around town.

Fast Facts

Side Projects

• The Hidden City. Co-founder of Albany underground arts webzine. 1999-present. [link]
• The Sugarcookie Project. Contributed two songs to drummer Dan Sorensen’s “band by proxy.” 2006. [link]
• Famous. Soundtrack and theme song for short film by Jason Thomas. 2004.
• The Bronze Buckaroo Rides Again. Contributed opening track to Black Rock Coalition compilation CD, which also features a track by Living Colour guitarist and BRC founder Vernon Reid. 2001. [link]
• Inside Albany. Theme music; weekly PBS state government news magazine. 1999.
• Gauge. Lead guitar for CD produced by songwriting team of Matt Bonner and D. Alec Smith, a.k.a. Medicine Stone. 1998.
• Apartment D. Soundtrack. A film by Carl Liss. Debuted on PBS stations WMHT/Albany and WCFE/Plattsburgh, 1997.

Family

Thomas lives in Albany with his wife Cindy and daughters Zoe and Maya. He is the first born child of the Rev. Willis Thomas III and Deloris G. Thomas, who relocated from Baton Rouge, LA, to Schenectady, NY, for jobs in education. Brothers Jason and Justyn are actors, athletes, artists, accountants, poetic assassins in and about New York City.

Day Job

Thomas rocks the Web full-time (and then some) for an unnamed employer at an undisclosed location near Albany, New York.

Schoolin’

Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont. B.A. in English, and Niskayuna Schools. Schenectady, New York, K-12.

They Write Reviews

Greg Haymes, Times Union

“With One Three Six Nine Lights, [Thomas] rocks harder than on any of his previous five albums, all of which are first-rate. With Prince as his primary musical touchstone, Thomas’ uncompromising songs are specifically local, yet gloriously global. He writes smart, and he writes from the heart, balancing intellect, passion and politics.”

John Brodeur, Metroland

“Opener ‘Muse,’ which (perhaps unwittingly) borrows a verse melody from Springsteen’s ‘Blinded by the Light,’ lays out the band mentality from the get-go-it’s one of the most ‘rock’ tracks in Thomas’ great catalog. The sound of the electric guitar, a staple of his live sets over the years, has never been as front-and-center as it is here; wailing Stratocaster solos simply dominate some songs. He is as self-referential and Capital Region-centric as ever-characters, and entire musical phrases, from elsewhere in his career make cameos here-but that’s what makes him such a compelling artist. Few performers could maintain such a thematic through line in their material without actually copying themselves; Bryan Thomas continues to blaze new trails (besides the one that leads to Delmar) while staying true to himself, and to his hometown.”

J. Eric Smith, Metroland

“Ones and Zeros stands strong as one of the most thoughtful, heart-tugging and hip-shaking records of the year… Oblique spiritual imagery crashes against bawdy earthy realism, sparks, blood and honey flying with each concussion…. A near-perfect depiction of that ethereal place where ‘pop’ and ’smart’ aren’t antonyms, and where the mind, soul and body can groove together without stepping on each others’ toes, happy in the glow of fine, fine artistry and deep, deep passion – both of which Bryan Thomas displays like nobody’s business.”

Greg Haymes, Times Union

In naming Thomas Male Singer-Songwriter of the Year, The Times Union says: “[Radio Plastic Jennifer] is a dazzling whirlwind of folk-funk, as Thomas tackles love and betrayal, sin and salvation, lollipops and lingerie. The songs are smart, erotically charged and full of heart — an all-too rare combination. Six for example, is a dizzying stream-of-consciouness slab of rock-rap with Thomas riffing on everything from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘The 12 Days of Christmas,’ from mood rings to junk bonds, from Loretta Lynn to Guns ‘N Roses to Danny Partridge. Cycle cuts even deeper, a tale of young African-Americans struggling against all odds to survive in a hostile world. An epic emotional rollercoaster of a song, Thomas descends from heartbreaking sorrow to bone-chilling terror before finally grabbing hold of a sliver of hope and redemption in the power of love. By the end of the song, he’s chanting ‘Everything’s gonna be all right,’ as though he can make it so solely through repetition and his sheer passion… Buy the CD… or get out of the house and see what he can do in person. You won’t be disappointed.”

Riffage.com (Featured Artist)

“Bryan Thomas is a maverick talent who consolidates acoustified rock with funk and R&B roots, all the while moving boldly into the pop realm. His superbly crafted songs are a mix of stylistic experiments with soulful vocals, representing musical diversity as they move fluidly through textures and genres. This one is for fans of Prince and Lenny Kravitz.”