Eggy
So who is Eggy? Some say they’re the next Phish. Others say they’re the next Goose. In our opinion, they’re all wrong. Eggy is 100% their own experience, putting a fresh stamp on the scene with a unique sound and a virtuosic questing jams that rival the best in the business.
For those who have been following Eggy for a while (hello to the Yolk Folk out there!), this show will likely mark a threshold in their memories for the band. Already this year, the group has been on a tear that is turning heads and pulling others into “the carton.” But this evening saw the band ascend to a new level that left more than a few of us brimming with excitement for their future.
Hannah Wicklund
Hannah Wicklund is a female artist who does it all; playing electric guitar with powerful riffs and intricate solos, all while wearing a tiara. Her latest album titled, The Prize, was released on January 12th and she began her Hell In The Hallway World Tour tour just a month later on February 20th, beginning in North Carolina, and will be touring through June. We were able to catch her on her New York City stop at The Mercury Lounge on February 28th.
Spin Doctors
It’s not every day you get the pleasure of seeing a multi-platinum, Billboard Top 100, heat-seeking rock group. However, it was Brooklyn Bowl’s lucky night, where the critically acclaimed Spin Doctors put on a vintage home-town throwdown with. Formed in New York City in the late 1980s, the band gained mainstream success in the early 90s with their debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite. The record was a commercial success propelled by hit singles like “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes,” a song you may recognize from several movies and TV shows from the 90s and 2000s. The crowd was packed with everyone from old jam heads to staunch and prideful New Yorkers who were ready for a night of radio wave flashbacks.
Slum Village
Hip hop group Slum Village put on a passionate rap performance defined by a fusion of experimental sampling, funky basslines, and conga drums at Blue Note. The groovement had the pleasure of experiencing their sonically innovative and electric stage presence during a tribute performance for the group’s founder, legendary Detroit rapper and producer Jay Dee a.k.a. J Dilla. The group, consisting of Dilla and rappers Young RJ and D3, grew up together in Detroit and brought their own musical chemistry and unique Detroit sound that has emerged from the city’s underground hip hop scene, to the world through their hit records “Tainted” and “Selfish.” Honoring Dilla’s legacy on the anniversary of his death, the duo paid homage by incorporating live sampling and layered percussion through Chris Rob’s dynamic music direction, synth piano and buttery vocals.
Beats Antique
On the evening of February 9th, Beats Antique performed at Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY, delivering a show that stood out for its unique blend of music and performance art. Known for their eclectic mix of genres, the group integrated elements of cinematic cabaret and electronic music, drawing from a wide array of global influences. The concert showcased the band’s commitment not just to playing music, but to creating an immersive experience, featuring elaborate costumes, dance routines, and visual storytelling.
Galactic
Galactic took over Brooklyn Bowl for two sold out nights in a row. The legendary funk band, known for their soulful song selection and electrifying performances, proved once again why they’re a must-see act in the live music scene. The insanely talented New Orleans-based band delivered nothing short of a crowd pleasing set. Each member brought their A-game, from Stanton Moore’s explosive drum solos to Ben Ellman’s soul-stirring saxophone riffs, but the real show stealer is the frontwoman and lead singer: Anjelika Jelly Joseph.
Mayer Hawthorne
Chulita Vinyl Club was spinning classic dance pop hits as audience members awaited Mayer Hawthorne, a Motown Grammy nominated disconaut. Mayer began his musical journey as a hip-hop DJ in Detroit and began recording his own Motor City grooves to avoid paying fees for sampling other artists’ work. He played all the instruments on each of those tracks, recorded all his own vocals, and the rest is history. Ten studio albums later, he’s now touring for his latest album, For All Time – and back in Brooklyn ready to serenade us with luscious R&B tones and sweet melodies.
Umphrey’s McGee
Not just your typical cap to a four-night run, Umphrey’s McGee also happened to be celebrating its birthday. On the 26th anniversary of their first ever performance, the six power jammers took to the stage, eager to celebrate. The group walked out to the forceful and uplifting tones of “Nipple Trix” as they took their stations and began to improvise in classic Umph-fashion. A quick turn into “Phil’s Farm” brought smiles to the crowds’ faces as the band sprinted through the plucky lyrics and heavy guitar licks. The song quickly broke out into six minutes of funk-down before returning into the ending riff under the guiding hand of Joel Cummins’s sweet Sunday organ action. A fierce solo from lead guitarist Brendan Bayliss followed a sharp close left everybody titillated and excited for more.
High Time
The five-piece band, made up of Pete Tonti (lead guitar/vocals), Michael O’Neill (rhythm guitar/vocals), James Preston (bass/vocals), Kevin Uehlinger (keys/vocals), and Adam Kriney (drums/vocals), delivered classic song after classic song across two sets. The band focused on the first decade of the Grateful Dead’s music, and we were treated to tunes including “Jack Straw,” “Friend of the Devil,” “Playing in the Band,” “Truckin,” “The Other One,” and “Wharf Rat.” The veteran musicians deftly accomplished the somewhat elusive goal of a tribute band: providing a familiar touchstone for long-time fans while also bringing their personal sound to the stage.
The South Hill Experiment
The South Hill Experiment is the brainchild of two brothers, Baird (guitar) and Gabe (keys) Acheson, who were joined live by Tim McNalley (bass), Mano Ruiz (drums), and Ryan “Buck” Raines (drums). Writing and recording from their minimalist studio on South Hill Street in Los Angeles, the brothers seek to create music that swerves away from the algorithm-pandering hit machine that seems all too prominent in the LA music scene. To do this, they let their music emerge from a series of long and spontaneous jam sessions, taking the kernels that are born from this and crafting them into songs.
