JASON MRAZ / RIPE LIVE – HARTFORD HEALTHCARE AMPHITHEATER

By Ralph Beauchamp

Jason Mraz brought his Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride tour to a sold out Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport on a stormy Friday night. Mraz played with his extended touring band entitled “The Superband”. He also brought in Boston’s own, Ripe for direct support. The evening distributed positive vibes and incredible music from both bands.

This was also a first for me. I finally got to meet the newest member of our team, Kerri Nelson. Kerri is a phenomenal photographer and an awesome writer and in the short time working with AMP has already made spectacular contributions. We sat in the parking lot discussing music and getting to know each other. I think I enjoyed our time together as much as the majestic music we were about to hear.

Ripe is a funk/rock/groove ensemble out of Boston. The band is comprised of Robbie Wulfsohn (Vocals). Jon Becker (Guitar), Sampson Hellerman (Drums) and Calvin Barthel (Trombone). In addition, there are a couple touring members. We last featured them in a post in August of 2021. Even then, we knew they were destined for great things. Their most recent full length is the solid Bright Blues in 2023.

Ripe started the show a little early. I guess the weather forecast was a factor since thunder storms were slated to hit later in the evening. The amphitheater is an open air venue with a canvas roof. Their short set was full of elevated jams and heartfelt rhythms. From the very start, the band was delivering a spicy warm ambiance. Wulfsohn was a pleasure to watch. His whole demeaner was full of exhilaration. He genuinely seemed grateful to be on this stage. His spirit was contagious. At one point he stated, “tonight, my 14 year old self would be freaking out but my 30 year present self is hiding it very well.”

Photos Kerri Nelson

The band played quite a few of their spunky hits including “First Time Feeling” and “Goon Squad”. Throughout Wulfsohn was energetic and vibrant. The band laid down totally exciting beats and the audience responded well to every song. Many were on their feet, dancing away. The people next to me were singing along all through the set. The Kinks’ cover “Lola” drew a huge response. Tonight, Ripe was hypnotic and everyone seemed to really enjoy their audacious performance. It’s only a matter of time before Ripe garnishes massive appeal. They truly deserve it.

Jason Mraz is firmly a blessing in relation to the gloom in today’s world. His positive outlook on life instills a protective shield that surrounds his listeners’ hearts from the dread of the outside world. Mraz’s music is full of life and lush textures and envelopes his devotees in a heavenly glow. His band dubbed “The Superband” was amazing. Every musician was unbelievable. Also, they all were able to switch off on instruments which heightened the whole experience. Members of the band included the Grooveline Horns, Raining Jane ( who are collaborators with Mraz) and Molly Miller on lead guitar. Additionally, longtime tour musicians Daniel Mandelman (Keys) and Tamir Barzilay (Drums) were present.

Mraz opened the night with “Getting Started”, the first track on his latest full length Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride released last year. Right from the start, the entire venue was on its feet, clapping and swaying to the groove. “Feel Good Too” continued the ecstasy ride. The band was in high gear. Mraz‘s big hit “Remedy (I Won’t Worry)” followed. He told the audience the story behind the song. When his friend, Charlie, was diagnosed with a possible fatal situation, he told Mraz that “he won’t worry his life away”. His positiveness infused the entire town. And happily, he’s still around. The crowd loved it.

All evening, Mraz brought his audience in closer. His little tidbits into his life endeared him to the house. Another life morsel that he spoke about was about his constant affirmative attitude. He explained that it sometimes comes from a dark place but he uses his music to recover. “Good Old Daze”, “3 Things”, Be Where Your Feet Are” and “Traveler/Make It Mine” medley ensued.

Photos Kerri Nelson

“Butterfly” had beautiful graphics on the big screen behind the band. Another Mraz‘s hit, “Lucky” had the audience in pure delight especially when he kind of intimated that Colbie Caillat was in the house. He sang the duet with Mia Bloomfield from Raining Jane. “Little Time” and “Pancakes and Butter” from Mystical were next.

After “93 Million Miles” and: “I Won’t Give Up”, Mraz brought out the big guns. He closed out with “You Might Like It”, a dynamic rendition of “I’m Yours” and his recent big hit, “I Feel Like Dancing”. Checking his previous shows online I noticed he usually came back with 2-3 song encore but I’m sure the weather played a big role in the night’s festivities and the show was over.

I do have to spotlight one particular band member. Mona Tavakoli from Raining Jane was utterly fantastic. Whether on drums, percussions or background vocals, she was a firestorm. Her intensity was through the roof. There were times you couldn’t take your eyes off of her.

Both Jason Mraz and Ripe delivered strong performances that transported the audience to celestial heights. Don’t miss either when they come to your city or town.

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