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The Smokey Basement Project make the final
I passed five cops on the way to Canal Street Tavern Wednesday night to see the second semi-final in the 2006 Dayton Band Playoffs. The extra law enforcement on the road reminded me of the two acts I was on my way to see. The Sandals and their up-beat police chase groove, and The Smokey Basement Project and their crowd-pleasing hit song, Goddamn DUI.
The Sandals took the stage first/third to warm reception from tie-dye wearing faithful fans. Their first set was packed with bluesy jam music with a thick thumping 6-string bass, pounding keys, steady drum lines, and eccentric lightning fast leads. They concluded the first set with their fans freely dancing in the isles to a long version of Birds of a Feather by Phish.
The excitement was at its climax as they started into their energetic second set overflowing with hot rocking originals and covers. When The Sandals play a cover it really is just their loose interpretation of the song, and it is difficult to distinguish the covers from the originals. But this shows their talent and imagination for music.
The one cover I did recognize was The Sandals version of The Allman Brothers Midnight Rider. Another highlight of their second set was their brand new original Sail Free. It mixed a flicking bass, upstroke guitar, and funny screams to the tune of “I say goodbye.�
The story behind the Smokey Basement Project is front man Tony Herdman. He began as a solo artist playing open mics and co-op’s, and now finds himself fronting an acoustic three piece competing to win a band competition. But his fellow accomplished musicians add the flare to Herdman’s compassionate story songs, and together they have come a long way.
The guys set up, lit the mood candles, and began a verse about a homeless man with “nowhere to eat and nowhere to sleep,� and an accompanying mandolin. After an anti-telemarketing song, entitled Click, the band played a pretty old sounding country song where Herdman’s right hand man, Rick Cohen, took over the microphone.
I have described in past entries The Smokey Basement Project’s grasp of social issues with an ability to put such things as war and poverty to music. This, along with the talented leads of Cohen, is what sets them apart from other acoustic acts. Because, who needs MSNBC when you got The Smokey Basement Project.
It was a fun night, but unfortunately one band had to go home. The Sandals were my favorite again tonight, but they lost the swing vote and The Smokey Basement Project will join AVO in the 23rd annual Dayton Band Playoffs final show on September 23rd.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Dayton Band Playoffs
Comments
By sawwa woo
August 30, 2006 2:27 AM | Link to this
man, I feel bad for you. That show must have been hell to sit through. Mood candles hahahaha jesus I had forgotten about those. eugh i can’t even find the words to express my disgust!!!!! MOOD CANDLES?! A BAND WITH MOOD CANDLES MADE IT TO THE FINALS? This is just wrong wrong wrong. Bad, wrong. What happened to the good bands? This is depressing, I can’t handle it.By Rex
August 24, 2006 7:53 PM | Link to this
Hey man thanks again for the comments. -Rex www.thesandals.kicks-a*s.net