Since I don't want Robert to kill this board, here's a recycled review from Febuary. I'll make an effort to review more shows here in the future. - Bram
Jam band Fridays Newport 2.7.03
We got in there a little before 9pm. The Ordinary Way was already
onstage. They're a 7 piece lead by an African-American
guitarist/vocalist. They also have an female African-American
vocalist. The small part of their set I caught sounded pretty good.
Most of their tunes were quite down-tempo. Their percussionist was
not really a contributor, IMO. I'd definately like to see them
again.
Next up was Homonucleus..I mean Humonoculus. By anyone's definition
these guys were NOT a "Jam Band". A 4 piece with the
keyboardist/singer front and center. All dressed in suits and
ties...even their merch guy was wearing the band costume. Very poppy with tons of harmony vocals.
I really didn't enjoy their set at all. Ironicaly, they were giving out
a 5 song sampler. I've listened to this CD 3 times already and it's
pretty good...if I hadn't already caught them and not liked it, this
CD would have made me want to catch them. So I'm undecided on these
guys.
Headlining was The Recipe. Another 7 piece with another worthless
percussionist. He contributed even less than the one from Ordinary
Way. How these bands can afford to take so many folks out on the road
when they seem so non-essential is a big question in my mind. Female
belter who was dancing a lot. First time I'd heard any of their
music. Lots of banjo and other interesting stringed instruments.
Bluegrass/country based but very jammy. They packed the floor and I
overheard many people saying they'd driven from WV and all over just
to see them. They were competent but not earth shattering. I'd see
them again but certainly wouldn't go out of my way to do so.
Got out of there about 2am. I guess the Newport curfew does not apply
to jam band fridays. I parked in the garage across the
stret...usually at that hour they have the gates up, so no payment is
needed. Tonite was an exception...all the gates were down and there
was an OSU cop car cruising the garage. As I'd blown all my cash on
drinks, I had nothing left to use get out of the garage. Had to get
on the tail of a car that was paying to exit to get out of there
while the gate was still up.
Bram
NP: A jazzy/hip-hop mix CDR I bought at CD & Game exchange.
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