We Speak Music

The Empty Pockets Announce New Live Album Live In Buffalo

Published

8 hours ago

April 7, 2025

Featuring Elliot Scozzaro – Out Friday, May 2nd on Vinyl, CD, and Digital Platforms

Chicago blues-rock quartet The Empty Pockets are set to release their highly anticipated new live album, Live In Buffalo, on Friday, May 2nd. Available on vinyl, CD, and all digital platforms, the record captures the band’s electrifying performance at Sportsman’s Tavern, a legendary music venue in upstate New York. Joined by renowned Buffalo-area saxophonist Elliot Scozzaro, the performances are a thrilling showcase of musical synergy, skill, and soul.

“We never planned on making a live album, but as soon as we listened back to these recordings, it was obvious—we had to release them,” says Josh Solomon (guitar, vocals). “The energy, the interplay, the sheer joy of the moment—it’s all there.”

From Americana to folk to bluesy rock ‘n’ roll, The Empty Pockets have cultivated a sound that is both timeless and refreshingly unique. The band—Josh Solomon (guitar, vocals), Erika Brett (keyboards, vocals), Nate Bellon (bass, vocals), and Adam Balasco (drums)—have built their reputation on the road, sharing stages with legends like Kenny Loggins, Al Stewart, and Simon Kirke (Bad Company, Free). Their tight-knit musical chemistry, honed over years of touring, shines brighter than ever on Live In Buffalo.

A Collaboration That Soars
Featuring Elliot Scozzaro’s masterful saxophone work, Live In Buffalo elevates The Empty Pockets’ signature sound to new heights. The interplay between Scozzaro’s soulful melodies and the band’s dynamic grooves breathes fresh life into each track, making every moment feel spontaneous and exhilarating.

“Our songs transformed the second Elliot stepped on stage,” says Erika Brett (keyboards, vocals). “His sax brought out new textures in our music, inspiring us to stretch, improvise, and create something completely in the moment.”

The album’s lead single, “Wolfpack” (Live), already released to critical acclaim, offers a taste of what’s to come—an intoxicating fusion of tight musicianship, raw energy, and undeniable groove.

Experience Live In Buffalo
For longtime fans and new listeners alike, Live In Buffalo is more than just an album—it’s an experience. Each track immerses you in the heart of a joyous, genre-blending performance, showcasing a band at the peak of their powers.

“This record captures everything we love about playing music—the spontaneity, the risk, the magic,” says Nate Bellon (bass, vocals). “We can’t wait for you to hear it.”

We Speak Music

RONNIE BELL RELEASES NEW ALBUM MOMENTS IN TIME PT. 1: COOKOUT CLASSICS

Published

5 hours ago

April 7, 2025

Olivia Long

A Soulful Celebration of Life’s Defining Moments Told Through Southern Soul, Blues, and R&B

Southern Soul singer and songwriter Ronnie Bell returns with a heartfelt and groove-filled new album, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics—a musical tribute to life’s most memorable moments, blending bluesy storytelling, smooth R&B vibes, and good old-fashioned soul.

More than just a collection of songs, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics is a living, breathing soundtrack to the human experience. Each track reflects a universal milestone—from love and heartbreak to family gatherings and hard-won triumphs. With his signature falsetto and unmatched Southern charm, Ronnie Bell brings listeners into his world, offering a nostalgic journey that’s as joyful as it is healing.

“This album is about celebrating the moments that shape us,” says Bell. “Whether you’re dancing at a family reunion, learning a hard lesson in love, or reflecting on the people you’ve lost—these songs are here to remind you that you’re not alone.”

Tracklist & Themes Include:
“Family Reunion Groove” – A celebration of togetherness, capturing the magic of summer cookouts and the energy of multi-generational love.

“Birthday Blues” – A reflective, soulful number about growing older and embracing the wisdom that comes with it.

“Lotto Love” – A fun, upbeat track about finding the jackpot in love, not just luck.

“Lesson in Love” – A ballad on heartbreak, healing, and the growth that follows.

“Barbecue & Blues” – A laid-back groove paying homage to the simple joys of food, music, and fellowship.

“First Slow Dance” – A tender ode to young love and unforgettable firsts.

“Uncle’s Wisdom” – A storytelling song filled with life advice from a beloved elder.

“Winning Season” – A triumphant anthem about rising above struggles and stepping into your purpose.

“Sunday Morning Redemption” – A gospel-infused message of hope, grace, and new beginnings.

“Goodbye Ain’t Forever” – A powerful tribute to lost loved ones and the enduring nature of love.

A Love Letter to Southern Culture
Deeply rooted in the Southern Black experience, Moments in Time Pt. 1: Cookout Classics feels like sitting on the porch with family, smelling ribs on the grill, and reliving your life through song. Ronnie Bell masterfully intertwines vivid storytelling, infectious rhythms, and generational wisdom into a project that resonates across age and background.

Born and raised in Walker, Louisiana, Ronnie “RnB” Bell’s music journey began at just five years old singing in church. Influenced by legends like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and John P. Kee, Bell developed a style rooted in tradition yet brimming with fresh energy. From performing with George Perkins and the Voices of Harmony as a teenager to collaborating with Southern University’s Marching Band and Concert Choir, Bell’s early experiences laid the foundation for a remarkable career.

He gained national attention with his breakout hit “Cotton Candy”, and has since shared stages with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, The Manhattans, Sir Charles Jones, and Brian McKnight. Since 2019, Bell has been a mainstay on the Blues Is Alright Tour, known for his soul-stirring performances and undeniable charisma.