ROOT SHOCK – LIVE AT THE ACOUSTIC

This being my first foray to the Black Rock section of Bridgeport Ct., I was amazed how much activity there was on Fairfield Avenue on this rainy Saturday night. I notated a fair number of animated clubs and restaurants along the strip that would be worth checking out sometime in the future.

When I reached my destination, The Acoustic, the face of the club was a little nondescript. After waiting a few minutes for my associate Scott and his wife Eva we ventured in. To my surprise even though the Acoustic was small, it was a gloriously radical establishment. A decent stage, a well stocked bar and a few chairs and tables for those who wanted to sit. The room was dark just like I like it and the atmosphere ideally adventurous . It kind of had a CBGB’s feel.

It also had a fair sized pit area which was optimal for me since I like to roam when listening to live music. Plus I need to remain mobile to get as many well angled shots as I can when photographing the acts. Also the club lived up to its name. The acoustics in the house were exemplary.

Opening the night was the UpFronts, a three piece punk/reggae band from Ct. The UpFronts are Tomi “Solo” Solano on guitar and vocals, Luis Mcelany on bass and Diego Solano on drums. The group played a fair mixture of originals and laudable covers.

They launched right into one of their excellent originals. “Stormalong” which set a bodacious mood. After keeping the crowd revved with a few more of their own songs The UpFronts played Blink 182’s cover of “Dammit” with a twist. Tomi called for a volunteer from the pit to sing. One brave volunteer later and the club was catching a real fun vibe.

Dispersing a few more originals with covers by The Misfits and Sublime, The UpFronts left the stage to a decent applause. As an added treat Tomi introduced a guest rapper, CBK. CBK with Tomi’s help on vocals commenced on the heartfelt rap, “Fade Away”. On a whole the UpFronts show was highly entertaining.

Now to the headliners, Root Shock, who hail from Syracuse, N.Y. The band is comprised of Jessica Brown (Vocals/Melodica), Bill Eppel (Bass), Phil Grajko (Guitar/Vocals), Brian Lauri (Keyboards) and Tyre Outerbridge (Drums). Root Shock‘s music is a very uplifting and infectious hybrid of reggae and jazz with a smattering of soul . Their songs carry positive messages and monstrous rhythms while remaining poignant and topical.

Root Shock came to the plate swinging. Their first number “Come Alive” from their self titled 2016 album signaled to the audience that the night was going to be special. Jessica’s vocals was both passionate and strong. Her voice sultry and stimulating. The band’s musicianship snappy and vibrant. You could feel the audience “coming alive”. After playing one of their newer titles, “The “Energy”, the band jumped into “Everything” from their 2018 E.P. Many Paths. The tempo was flowing and Grajko’s guitar swirling with a strong reggae beat. In turn their fans swayed to the velvety music.

The bouncy “Sunlight” with its sweet melody and “Rough Cuddle” followed. Again Brown’s vocals and Grajko’s harmonies triumphed. The sublime “Ripple” with Eppel’s smooth bass and Outerbridge’s grooving percussion carried the tune. Before getting into a battery of new songs (“Doghouse, “Here Now” and “Ain’t Gonna Break”) Root Shock smacked the room with the bottom heavy, “Games”. Lauri’s keyboard and stage antics were a huge hit. Root Shock was hitting its stride and meanwhile the Acoustic was a skankin’.

The jazz tinged “Boss Battle” highlighted Grajko and Eppel’s prowess on their respective instruments. The ska influenced “Many Paths” with Grajko on lead vocals upped the pulse to everyone’s delight. Through out the set Brown and Grajko traded lead and backing vocals designing a refreshingly enjoyable duality. Since they thoroughly complemented each other they created a tonality of immensely rich proportions.

When Root Shock went into “Waves”, their hit 2019 single, the crowd felt the tropical climate the music was letting loose. The silken vocals accompanied by the lush reggae inflections made the song soar. By now the Acoustic was putty in their hands.  After another new tune, “Move Forward”, Root Shock went for the kill.

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Root Shock began closing out the set with three solid numbers. “Rebel March” with its firm downbeat had everyone moving. Grajko’s guitar solo was dynamic. Thereafter the band went into the amazing ballad “Sage” which featured a delicate jazz styling and a very forceful vocal from Brown. Her voice drove deep into everyone’s very essence and soul. It was a powerhouse performance. Root Shock finished with “Wake Up”, their cry for world change and rebirth.

After a robust call for an encore, Root Shock obliged with the tenacious “Babylon Tree” which set the audience on another romp. The lively night was an unmitigated success.

This was one of the strongest shows I’ve seen in awhile. I attend many concerts throughout the year but this one will resonate for quite awhile. Not only for Root Shock’s incredible music and energy but also for the affirmative message they espouse. Which is something the world could use a lot more of.

After meeting with the band after the show I had great respect for their humility and friendliness. They eagerly spoke to whoever wanted to say high or wanted a selfie. This won’t be the last time you’ll  hear the name. Root Shock is destined for greatness.

 

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