Posts Tagged ‘Drums’

Piano Lesson

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
Singer Frank McComb was the headliner for the 2013 Syracuse Juneteenth Celebration

Singer Frank McComb was the headliner for the 2013 Syracuse Juneteenth Celebration

Although the city celebrated the event on Saturday, the official day for Juneteenth (June 19) is today.

On Saturday the city got it’s first taste of soul vocalist Frank McComb, who was part of the free festival.  The concert was held not too far from the Jerry Rescue Freedom Statue in historic Clinton Square.

Physically McComb resembles bassist Chris Walker and radio-personality Doug Banks.  He has his roots in gospel and dabbles in jazz, but he has a vocal and playing style most reminiscent of a mid-80s Stevie Wonder (or some at the venue said Donny Hathaway).

McComb further showed his generosity by choosing a few Syracuse-area musicians to share the stage and play during his set (including beast of the beats Stephen Bender and Brownskin Band’s Nate Brown).

Although the show stared a little late, the crowd had no problem following his groove.

Syracuse-area drummer Stephen Bender was invited to play with McComb

Syracuse-area drummer Stephen Bender was invited to play the set with McComb.

According to a promoter at the show, look for McComb to make a return to the area in September.

McComb warms up backstage before his set in Clinton Square

McComb warms up backstage before his set in Clinton Square.

Funky Soul Brothers

Friday, December 5th, 2008

Alan

Some things you have to see to believe; some things you must feel before you can hear.

This was the case last night when I attended a concert by Soulive for the first time last night, held at the Westcott Theater. I over heard someone in the crowd say, “if you’re going to be here, you better be upfront.” Sounded like good advice. Especially since I wanted to get a good shot and only had a wide-angle lens.  But I may have been too close. At one point Alan Evans (pictured above), hit the kick drum so hard I thought my head would blow off.  Just like that I was “baptized,” as one fan told me.

Alan Evans, along with his brother Neal, bass organist, make up the funky heart and soul of the band.  On stage they were joined by guitarist Eric Krasno and later by guest saxophonist Sam Kininger. I’d covered Kininger during a previous music fest.

To say I was impressed with Soulive would be an understatement. I found their live performance and musicianship as good as any band I’ve seen lately.  And their energy was like Red Bull mixed with Amp.

The Syracuse crowd gave new meaning to the word fanatics,  but on the other hand, I found a lot of musicians in the audience.

Made for a sweaty, yet sophisticated party.

The opening act was the Ithaca band Thousands of One, which featured our friend Will Sapp on background vocals. Glad to see he and his band were in such good company.

The  beat goes on.