reCAP :: Deep Banana Blackout w/ Moon Hooch :: 2016.02.20
Deep Banana Blackout was the funk/soul staple during the 90’s, when the Connecticut band “Tongue-n-Groove” combined with the Long Island band “Pack of Matches.” They also have a past within Port Chester, NY, where they recorded their second album at 7 Willow St, a club at the time in town. So, to say that last night’s show was a hometown reunion of sorts is an understatement, seeing that most of the band members now live in Bridgeport, CT or Brooklyn.
Moon Hooch opened the night with two saxophonists and a drummer, with tight licks and funky horns. They describe themselves, “like house music, but more primitive, jagged and raw. Horn players Mike Wilbur and Wenzl McGowan do this by utilizing unique tonguing methods or adding objects…” For us, last night, it was a traffic cone added to the bell of one of the saxophones horn to make this bizarre, yet very cool sound. They were the perfect opening band for the deep, dank funk we were all anticipating from Deep Banana Blackout.
Have you ever been to a concert and you look around and you see all of your friends? Have you ever been to a concert and you are transported to a time and a place of familiarity about 20 years ago? Where it feels old school, yet familiar and relaxed all at the same time?
That was last night’s Deep Banana Blackout show.
They brought out the big guns, “Too Funky,” “All In The Groove,” “On the Verge,” and “Cosmic Slop.” Fuzz nailed an amazing cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.” Jen Durkin spinning on stage, her trademark curls twirling behind.. “Brass Tongue,” Rob Somerville, commanded our attention on sax, while monster drummer Kalb kept all our heads bouncing in time.
Each musician had a solo where you were able to really listen to the talent on the stage. Cyrus Madan on keys, Benj LeFevre on bass, Rob Volo, trombone and Johnny Durkin, percussion, are all incredible musicians in their own right. For those, like myself, who have been watching this band for over 20 years, it is amazing to see how tight the musical mesh has become and continues to morph itself into new iterations as well.
This turned quickly into a raging dance party at The Capitol. Everyone was all smiles and all hugs for the evening.
Since Gathering of the Vibes festival is not happening this year, and DBB is always a big part of that festival, everyone at the Cap was one of the lucky ones to see them this year. Can’t wait for another DBB gathering, hopefully at The Cap again.