Jam rock heavy hitters Spafford returned to the Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY for this first time in almost three years last Friday, January 20, 2023. They brought their new keyboardist Cory Schechtman, from the New Motif, a slate of thick grooves with deep improvisation, and a pair of vibrant covers along for the occasion. Escaper, the jamtronica inspired quartet from Brooklyn, NY, provided their support.
The evening began at the Brooklyn Bowl as bowling balls cruised down the alleyways for several birthday parties on this Friday night. The hometown squad Escaper took the stage at 8pm with a decent sized crowd waiting. They wasted no time, diving into "No Strings" from their 2020 release Apotheosis, including raging beats and prog rock build ups. This was followed by "Breakaway." The band welcomed a saxophonist on stage for "Cicada," which was released as part of their album Spaceship in November 2022, and really elevated the dance vibes. Guitarist Will Hanza was in full on rock star mode during this melodic tune. The floor was full by the time Escaper rolled into their final song for the evening, "Chance."
After a short break, Spafford appeared from the green room staircase, and carefully walked onto the stage, as their music and lighting gear took up so much space that limited room was left for movement. They began their set ready to explore with breezy tune, "The Remedy." The was followed by two twenty one minute plus jams, starting with a cavernous "Leave The Light On" that ignited the tension and release early. "The Postman" proceeded, and included some nice synth layering by Schechtman. Bassist Jordan Fairless led the charge during this ambiently tasty funk jam.
Reminiscent of their performance at the Brooklyn Bowl in 2020, the band played the 90's alternative rock classic, "Peaches" by the Presidents of the United States of America. The peaches breakdown vocal jam within was a nice touch. With more niceties from Schechtman, this groove found it's way into "Windmill." Guitarist Brian Moss discovered a nice pocket, and ended this set on a high note.
The jams got thicker in set two, though not before Spafford debuted new song and future funk jam vehicle, "Shelter in Place." The band then moved into a stellar transition to reach the bubbly "Left on the Runway." The walls literally came down at the iconic Williamsburg venue during the next tune, "Walls." A twenty three minute heater ensued that started as a tight funk jam and morphed into a face melting guitar sequence by Moss. Drummer Nick Tkachyk showed his range during the successive segue into an alt rock fueled "Virtual Bean Dip."
The 80's vibes went into high gear as the Arizona based quartet started playing Men at Work's "Who Can It Be Now," which was played last played on October 21, 2022 in Portland, OR. This smoking hot set wrapped up with a spacey, electronica inspired "Weasel." The band stepped off stage for a moment, and returned to a crowd screaming for more music. The band obliged with "Space Gadget," followed by an instrumental "Fünkenseven," to cap off another memorable evening for this band in the Empire State.
Spafford's next performance is at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA on January 25, 2023. Hop on over to their tour page for more details about this show and the rest of the Winter 2023 tour.
Check out more photos from the show of Spafford and Escaper!
Escaper Set
No Strings, Breakaway, Cicada, Chance
Set One
The Remedy, Leave The Light On, The Postman, Peaches1> Windmill
Set Two
Shelter In Place2 > Left on the Runway, Walls > Virtual Bean Dip, Who Can It Be Now3, Weasel
Encore
Space Gadget, Fünkenseven
Notes
1. The Presidents of the United States of America
2. Debut
3. Men at Work
