Asbury Park, home of the legendary Stone Pony, is where iconic New Jersey rockers like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny first honed their craft. But what happens when master musicians from Berklee College of Music join forces on this hallowed ground? Fans of Dogs In A Pile know exactly what happens—pure musical magic. Recently, Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo hosted the band in their renowned back room for an electrifying concert that had the entire house rocking.
Dogs In A Pile features Jeremy Kaplan (vocals & keyboards), Brian Murray (vocals & guitar), Joey Babick (drums), Jimmy Law (vocals & guitar), and Sam Lucid (vocals & bass). Their performances showcase remarkably tight musicianship, exceptional control, and mastery of their instruments, allowing them to explore new possibilities in musical expression. The band’s originals feel instantly familiar, while their covers emerge fresh and innovative.
On this night in Kalamazoo, the band kicked things off with "Thomas Dumas Part II," immediately setting a vibrant groove before diving into two more originals, "Little Things" and "Chocolate Milk." These funky gems are more than just jams; they're showcases of genuine musicianship. The crowd swayed as the captivating vibes filled the room, drawing listeners into active participation rather than passive observation.
With the audience thoroughly engaged, Dogs In A Pile ventured into the revered world of the Grateful Dead with a cover of "Feel Like a Stranger." The band didn’t hesitate to make the Barlow classic their own, confidently claiming ownership of the song and winning over the crowd.
Next up was "Nicolette," one of the band's signature jams, blending blues, funk, and jazz elements into a danceable experience. Perfectly placed after the Dead cover, "Nicolette" set the stage for a dazzling reinterpretation of Elton John’s "Bennie and the Jets," featuring Jeremy Kaplan’s exceptional piano work that nearly convinced everyone Elton himself had appeared on stage.
The first set concluded energetically with "Applesauce," leaving fans eager for a brief refreshment break—much needed after such an exhilarating set.
Returning with vigor, the second set opened playfully with "You Didn’t Hear That Shit from Me," a jazzy number seamlessly transitioning into the compelling groove of "Spun." The captivating interplay of melodies made the performance flow effortlessly, masking the passage of time—a hallmark of great jam music.
"Watermelon Man," "Fenway," and "Craig & Pat" highlighted the band's impressive improvisational abilities. Notably, "Craig & Pat" featured a standout bass solo worth seeking out. The band elevated the energy further with "Jack & Coke," a high-powered track with a tongue-in-cheek message.
The evening’s standout transition occurred next. From the upbeat "Jack & Coke," drummer Joey Babick shifted rhythms as bassist Sam Lucid introduced a slow, pulsing line that felt instantly familiar. Suddenly, in a sonic revelation, the iconic notes of Jefferson Airplane’s "White Rabbit" emerged, thrilling the audience with a flawless rendition. The band closed the set with a triumphant reprise of "Thomas Dumas Part II."
Returning for a well-deserved encore, Dogs In A Pile treated the crowd to "All the Same" and a remarkable cover of the Allman Brothers Band’s "Jessica." By the evening’s end, it was clear nothing had been left unsaid. The show was monumental, with each note meticulously crafted and executed to perfection.
