ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES – COLLEGE STREET MUSIC HALL
By Ralph Beauchamp
On 2/23. St. Paul & The Broken Bones brought their dynamic Angels In Science tour to College Street Music Hall in New Haven with Sugadaisy for direct support. SP&TBB is an eight piece steamrolling powerhouse that delivers a potent mix of R&B, soul, rock and everlasting funk. Lead vocalist, Paul Janeway is a consummate performer who brings electricity to the house. His voice is perfectly raspy and superbly smooth. Janeway’s vocals distributes tons of soulful intonations and fiery textures.
SP&TBB was founded in Birmingham, Alabama and have 5 full lengths under their belt. Each release has expanded their sound creating a wealth of imaginative tracks with impressive songwriting and robust arrangements. Besides Janeway, the ensemble is comprised by Browan Lollar (Guitars/Vocals), Jesse Phillips (Bass), Kevin Leon (Drums/Percussion), Al Gamble (Organ/Piano), Allen Branstetter (Trumpet), Amari Ansari (Saxophone) and Chad Fisher (Trombone). These paramount musicians are solid. Their musicianship surrenders an exploding potent verve and doles out charismatic fireworks. Theses guys can play and play hard.
Opening the show was Sugadaisy. I couldn’t find much info on the band but this engaging quintet played a gumbo of assorted genres. Born out of Bowling Green, Ky., founding members Zach Littleton and Johny Lovan were childhood friends. Their music falls in the jam band arena but their sound throws in tons of curves. Rock filters in with folk, Americana and just plain weird. The vocals were strong and the five piece meshed well together. Songs like “Born this way” and “Dusk vs Dawn” entertained the sold out room. Their set was well received and I truly felt that they made a bunch of new friends.
As soon as St. Paul & The Broken Bones hit the stage, College Street erupted. The troupe launched into a majestic extended jam before Janeway entered. “Flow With It” initiated the dazzling groove. The elevated funk coupled with the powerful bass line had the venue immediately swaying. Janeway’s voice was full of brazen inflections and the band was kicking it from the very start. Paul mentioned this was the tenth anniversary of their debut release, Half The City, and the next three songs came off that album. Their huge hit “Call Me” kept the audience on their feet. “Half The City” and “I’m Torn Up” followed. Everybody was feeling the heat.
“Wolf In Rabbits Clothes” and “City Federal Building” came next. Both songs are off their 2023 Angels In Science Fiction album. All throughout their set, each member of SP&TBB took enterprising solos. Fisher’s on trombone was exceptional but every player had their time. The rampaging instrumental “Roach Clip” followed “Grass Is Greener”. At one point Janeway sang while he travelled all through the entire venue. The house was in total bliss. The set concluded with two stellar selections. “Gotitbad” was sweet and sexy. “Apollo” blew the roof off with an amazing solo from Ansari on sax.
The encore was just as incendiary. Janeway came out in his shiny robe and the music flowed like water. “Like Mighty River”, “Sanctify”, “Last Dance” and “Broken Bones and Pocket Change” capped an exciting evening of tenacious vibes and glorious cadences.
An additional plus to the show was hanging with our friends Troy and Lori and having drinks afterwards with our dog park buddies, Cindy and Jeff. We spent a few hours discussing music, concerts and everything under the sun. A perfect ending to a marvelous night.
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“played a gumbo of assorted genres” – I like that!