Jam. Band. Apart, these two words are innocuous. Put them together, and they somehow become polarizing. Whatever your perceptions may be, there are a few characteristics that help give meaning to this loosely defined genre. First and foremost, the artists are expert musicians, masters of their instruments and playing styles. These bands are also marked by their relentless touring schedules, which naturally lend itself to the improv that is a hallmark of the live setting. It's a diverse musical culture that thrives upon the live concert experience - not so much a genre as much as it is an approach to music.
The jamband scene has evolved and is still bustling. There is no shortage of talented musicians who prefer to improvise on stage as they blend genres, taking the audience and themselves on a total sensory experience. Two internationally recognized touring acts come to The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC) for a weekend of jam, funk, and soul. The New Mastersounds and Moon Hooch perform on Thursday, April 21 and Kung Fu with lespecial follows, performing on Friday, April 22.
If you looked at a picture of Eddie Roberts, guitarist and front-man for the supremely funky British band The New Mastersounds, you wouldn't think 'jamband'. His suit and tie set a sort of tone that matches their music: sly, sophisticated, hip and daring - in a conservative sort of way. He is a master at mixing soaring hard bop guitar lines with authentic James Brown grooves. Overall, the band's sound is a steady, up-tempo joyride through channels of soul, Afro-beat, jazz, and old school funk. They're all about the pocket, the groove, and getting you out of your seat. NMS is at the very top of an elite selection of acts that bring the true soul out of funk.
On Friday, April 22, Connecticut local jamband, Kung Fu brings their heavy funk to The Warehouse. Some have asked, “can a band be too tight?” The answer is no. Kung Fu is so tight and so right and has toured alongside some of the best jambands on the circuit. Making funk fusion music “cool” again, the band draws on influences such as early Headhunters, Weather Report, & Mahavishnu Orchestra, and merges those ideas with technical fireworks and a contemporary EDM informed sensibility. The ensemble, a seasoned pedigree that reads like a late-night summer festival all-star jam has been described by critics and fans of Galactic & Umphrey’s McGee alike as “lethal funk”, “explosive”, “jaw dropping”, and “musically mesmerizing”. They headlined New Years Eve on StageOne in 2013 and now return three years later to take on FTC’s new venue, The Warehouse at FTC. Their opening act, ‘lespecial,’ has been making waves as a jamband to watch, performing across the northeast and beyond as an opening act, headliner, and music festival participant.
This isn't just a scene trying to relive the glory days of the Grateful Dead. Rather, it's a vibrant scene of talented musicians, knowledgeable and passionate fans and an unmistakable freedom of self: Jamband fans get lost in the music and actually seem to enjoy themselves. And, really, what's to hate about that?
The experience is always diverse and invariably outstanding. These FTC return acts are a must-see for fans of the genre and those willing to experience artists who have mastered their craft.
The New Mastersounds and Moon Hooch in The Warehouse
Thursday, April 21
7PM Doors, 8PM Show
Kung Fu and lespecial in The Warehouse
Friday, April 22
8PM Doors, 9PM Show
