Close to 36 hours ago, I left a little sports bar after hearing Larry G(ee). Now, to be honest, I'm not sure if it's the band that's called Larry G(ee) or if it is only the front man of the band, but honestly, it doesn't matter. I went with a friend of mine that was photographing the band after my night had gone straight to hell. He saved the day by inviting me out with him. Let me tell you, he might just win hero of the year!
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| Photograph by Clark Cabus Photography |
Band Name: Larry G(ee)
You may know: Yo Mama
Genre: Blues meets Soul meets Funk
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You may know: Yo Mama
Genre: Blues meets Soul meets Funk
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
First, I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with how many people were there. You could tell that the band had a strong following by the different girls dancing around and singing all the words to their songs. As soon as they took the stage, people were cheering, and I could tell it was going to be a good night. Their music is a mix of blues, soul, R&B, and funk. There is just enough "hipster" element to their style, that it gives the band a feeling of being just underground enough that I feel like I finally discovered something before anyone else. This obviously wasn't true, but I felt like I had known them forever.
As for their music, it rocks. After their first song, I turned to the guy next to me, mouth wide open, and just said, "I'm impressed." His response at that moment and throughout most of the night: "Ohhh, Larry Gee!" This band had a saxophone and trumpet in it, giving it a big-band-almost-ska (think early No Doubt) sound, but also had some kickass beats and such a smooth, soulful voice leading the music. It was easy to dance to (which is important to me) and something that you could get used to singing along with.
The set they played was filled with originals and covers. My personal favorite was "Tell Me Something Good", a Chaka Khan cover. When the band played this, some guest singers were brought up on stage, and the harmonies they created gave such dimension to the song, that I felt like I was listening to an original. Their original song, "Yo Mama" was a close second as a favorite. You can listen to it here:
The best part of seeing a band in person is seeing how they interact with each other. Watching this group of people coming together on stage was like watching a group of old high school buddies meeting up and starting off right where they left off. I got the feeling that there is a strong bond between these guys, and if there's not, then at least they are thankful for each other. They seemed genuinely happy that they were on stage and up there with each other. It made me want to be part of the band.....I could play the tambourine, right?
The half of point that is missing? Their show was too short! I wanted more, and I suppose there is an actual art to cutting the fans off, leaving them wanting more, but I still felt like it was too soon. In fact, as I'm writing this, I keep saying to myself, Ohhhh, I should just go ahead and give them the half of point! But, I'm staying with my 4.5.
I encourage those in the Dallas area to look them up, see where they're playing next, and go see them! Those stuck somewhere else? Look him up on iTunes, buy his CD. It's definitely something you're going to want in your collection.
As for their music, it rocks. After their first song, I turned to the guy next to me, mouth wide open, and just said, "I'm impressed." His response at that moment and throughout most of the night: "Ohhh, Larry Gee!" This band had a saxophone and trumpet in it, giving it a big-band-almost-ska (think early No Doubt) sound, but also had some kickass beats and such a smooth, soulful voice leading the music. It was easy to dance to (which is important to me) and something that you could get used to singing along with.
The set they played was filled with originals and covers. My personal favorite was "Tell Me Something Good", a Chaka Khan cover. When the band played this, some guest singers were brought up on stage, and the harmonies they created gave such dimension to the song, that I felt like I was listening to an original. Their original song, "Yo Mama" was a close second as a favorite. You can listen to it here:
The best part of seeing a band in person is seeing how they interact with each other. Watching this group of people coming together on stage was like watching a group of old high school buddies meeting up and starting off right where they left off. I got the feeling that there is a strong bond between these guys, and if there's not, then at least they are thankful for each other. They seemed genuinely happy that they were on stage and up there with each other. It made me want to be part of the band.....I could play the tambourine, right?
The half of point that is missing? Their show was too short! I wanted more, and I suppose there is an actual art to cutting the fans off, leaving them wanting more, but I still felt like it was too soon. In fact, as I'm writing this, I keep saying to myself, Ohhhh, I should just go ahead and give them the half of point! But, I'm staying with my 4.5.
I encourage those in the Dallas area to look them up, see where they're playing next, and go see them! Those stuck somewhere else? Look him up on iTunes, buy his CD. It's definitely something you're going to want in your collection.
I am sure that I could sit/stand/dance with this group. I love their sound. The video above looks like all are having a fun time. Thanks for sharing. :)
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