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Kerry Kearney Band The
Bottom Line, New York City
Kerry Kearney: Lead Vocals, Dobro, Acoustic & Electric Guitars Eileen Murphy: Drums Frank Celenza: Bass Charlie Wolfe: Harmonica Tony Campo: Keyboards Amy Helm: Backing Vocals
As I sat alone at the Bottom Line waiting for the start of the Kerry Kearney Band and Coco Montoya show, the gentleman seated next to me, who was with a large group of friends, took pity on me and asked, "Having a good time?" Becoming animated, I perked up and replied, "Oh, I am going to have a GREAT time! TWO killer bands on tonight". When he asked who the opening act was to be, I had a fleeting impulse to ramble on with an in-depth, passionate description and history lesson of Kerry Kearney, the band and their music. Keeping in mind the general collective attention span of friends gathered for an evening of enjoyment, I hesitated. Giving him a “condensed version,” I informed him that Kerry was a local artist ...who plays killer slide. “What an understatement!," I thought, biting my tongue. But, I decided I would let the MUSIC do my work for me and tell the rest of the story….and it did. Picking up his Dobro, Kerry began with the Bo Diddley tune, "I'm A Man." Slowly, the rest of the band joined him on stage; Eileen Murphy on drums, Charlie Wolfe on harp, Frank Celenza on bass, and Tony Campo on keyboard. By the time they began performing “World Train” they had already started to reel in the audience with their solid groove, expressive keyboard and harp, and Kerry’s down-and-dirty, gritty vocals combined with slide guitar stylings that mesmerize. Next, Kerry invited Amy Helm to the stage and Kerry’s playful persona shined through as the KKB proceeded to perform the “Little Rascal’s Alfalfa Standard”....."Coming Around The Mountain". Settling in with his acoustic guitar, the KKB did a song from their new CD, “Trippin' On Psychedelta”, entitled, “These Blues” with Amy’s lovely vocals adding rich texture and wonderful harmonies. By
this point in the show, Kerry had shown the audience that he was a
master of Delta-style slide, who could skillfully handle acoustic
guitar, as well. But they had no idea what was in store for them when
Kerry picked up his electric guitar. Sure, there are
lots of guys and gals out there who can play a “Strat”, but Kerry
offers his audience far more than a display of speed and dexterity,
yielding entirely to musical expression, opening up and exposing his
soul. Such vulnerability and raw emotion can only be
achieved through sincerity and a deep conviction of the musical style.
Through artful phrasing and particularly heartfelt vocals on, “I
Really Ruined It Baby When I Told You I Loved You Last Night”, Kerry
poured his blues out over the audience. Then, ripping
into Robert Johnson’s “Steady Rollin’ Man,” Kerry’s passion
and pain seemed to flow out of him riding on the music. Throughout
this incredible performance, steadily keeping the engine running, was
the very competent rhythm section composed of Eileen Murphy on drums and
Frank Celenza on bass. Filling out the action was
Tony Campo on keys and the sweet sound of Charlie Wolfe on harp. Their
combined effort results in genuine, intense, in-the-moment music,
ranging from slow passionate blues to lovin’ and dancin’ good-time
music. The band ended the night with “Gonna Build Me a Road” with
Kerry on Dobro and Amy joining in once again. The
audience was deeply moved by the evening’s performance, evident by
their warm appreciation -- and cheering for more! At
present, when “carbon-copy” seems to have become the set standard of
musical style, it is so refreshing to enjoy a performance of original
artistry. No gimmicks, no stylistic replication of
artists past, but a fresh, innovative voice. Kerry's
songwriting includes honest lyrics and music performed with emotion,
energy and an unquestionable command of his instrument. At the end of the performance, the gentleman turned to me enthusiastically, declaring, "You were right! They're great!". I knew then that my intuition paid off. The music truly does speak for itself. The gentleman now understands what the band's loyal fan base has always known: The Kerry Kearney Band is a must-see "Psychedelta Experience." To hear more of the Kerry Kearney Band, pick up their latest CD "Trippin' On Psychedelta". "Trippin' On Psychedelta" is the second in a trilogy of "Psychedelta" CDs the band will release. The Kerry Kearney Band Discography includes "Blow Your House Down", the self-titled "Kerry Kearney", and the first in the trilogy "Welcome to the Psychedelta". For more information on the Kerry Kearney Band, go to www.kerrykearney.com. Be sure to check their web site and the New York Blues & Jazz Society’s E*BluesNews for upcoming gigs in your area. Joan Mallotides Photo Credit: Joan Mallotides |
