JIMBO MATHUS – THE RIGHT OFFS

Local Scene

2021-07-27

JIMBO MATHUS – THE RIGHT OFFS – LIVE

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Another great show at The Space this past weekend when Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers), Christopher Paul Stelling and hometown favorites, The Right Offs all made it to Hamden. Premier Concerts / Manic Presents have been booking amazing artists at the venue.

New Haven’s, The Right Offs opened the show with a rousing six song set. The band is truly riding high off their latest album, Bardo, which is a tour de force. AMP featured the band in a January Artist Spotlight and Interview where we described the record as “highly absorbing“. The Right Offs is comprised of Maxwell Omer (Guitar/Vocals), Than Rolnick (Bass) and Bob Rock (Drums).

The Right Offs opened the set with the incendiary rocker, “Fire in a Theatre”. Right from the start the band had the crowd mesmerized with their dynamic musicianship and exuberant flair. Omer was captivating with his fierce stage presence and command of the audience. Bardo‘s “Parlor Tricks” came next and The Right Offs were firing on all cylinders. By the time they hit “Always Room For You” the house was really into it. The stellar rhythm section of Rolnick and Rock was on point. Omer’s emotive and dramatic vocals were full of cinematic vigor.

After forceful versions of “Dead Man” and We’ve Been Spotted”, The Right Offs finished with “Spread the Money”. It was extremely dynamic with an avalanche of sonic tension. The band performed with a pulverizing intensity which the audience really appreciated. The Right Offs played wonderfully and received a well deserved ovation.

Up next was the addictive and edgy Christopher Paul Stelling. Throughout his set, his stage persona was vigorously manic. He dazzled the audience with impressive guitar work and gutsy lyrics. Stelling“s songs were boldly memorable and contained brassy textures. He had a very tenacious quality about himself which the crowd enjoyed. His kaleidoscope of sound was infectious and imposing. Also, the fury of his vocals had everyone enthralled. Christopher Paul Stelling is definitely a singer/songwriter to watch.

Closing the night was the brazen Jimbo Mathus formerly of Squirrel Nut Zipper fame. Performing with his band, the youthful The Dial Back Sound, Mathus effortlessly jumped from genre to genre. One couldn’t pigeon-hole his sound as he played country, rock and blues with the same masterful dexterity. Mathus was another performer who easily engaged the crowd. They loved all his banter and smooth repertoire. He was a very polished front man who dominated the stage.

The 22 song set opened with “Shady Dealing” and from there Mathus constantly changed the pace. Several country tunes turned into a couple of rockers and then went into some monstrous blues. Even though his band was young, their playing was elevated and mature. All of Mathus‘ songs are adventurous and fun. He kept the congregation on their toes as they danced and sang along. Mathus maintained a charming aura around himself that translated well.

On several songs, Mathus turned over the lead vocals to his talented backup singer, Schaefer Llana whose voice was beguiling. Some of the highlights from the night were “Possession”, “Dangerous” and “Tallahatchie”. He closed out with “Alligator Fish -Couldn’t Get Hi” which rocked out the night. It was a magnificent evening of grand music.

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