SHADY STREET ALLSTARS – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

New Haven’s Shady Street Allstars is a five piece ska/punk ensemble that is continuing the intoxicating musical traditions of such great artists as Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake. Shady Street Allstars consists of members that played shows together but mostly in other bands.

The Shady Street Allstars are Julian Wahlberg (Guitar/Vocals), Kevin MacKenzie (Guitar/Vocals), Cody Freedom (Tenor Sax), Fredric Anthony (Drums) and Sean Koravo (Bass). These accomplished musicians previous ensembles included The Screw Ups, The Redactions, The Hempsteadys, Ryxno, amongst others.

Once the band formed the chemistry was instantaneous. The only problem they faced was the pandemic. The band was created in February and one or two months later everyone was in quarantine. Just at the point when they felt confident to play shows. Covid-19 caused a three month hiatus for the group.

The Shady Street Allstars began practicing again in the middle of the summer and by July were in the recording studio. They started recording at Sans Serif Recording under the the tutelage of Sam Carlson (Ports of Spain, Laundry Day). They tracked three songs that showcased their range and strong songwriting.

 

The Shady Street Allstars debut single is the enchanting ska infused “Long Way Home” Written by Julian Wahlberg “Long Way Home” features a laid back groove with captivating vocals and harmonies. The slow cadence is intoxicating. It conjures up visions of hot and hazy Jamaican nights enjoying a glass of Red Stripe.

“Fire Stories” is a moody instrumental that features a wide variety of sonic waves and brazen solos. The strange and eerie aura heightens the musical experience. Anthony”s percussions and Koravo’s bass create the perfect backbeat. All the while, Freedom’s entrancing sax is clearly a highlight. Shady Street Allstars shine brightly on this track.

The band’s newest single is “Greed” which was written by Kevin MacKenzie. “Greed” definitely picks up the pace with its dynamic punk overtone and Clash influences. Released on Black Friday the song is an outcry denouncing the “uneven division of wealth globally”. The tune is an ideal mosh pit standard.

The musicianship of the Shady Street Allstars is quite evident even though the group is a fairly new entity. Their sound is both seasoned and fresh. Based on these recent releases, the band can easily acquire a worldwide audience. The songs are both enticing and captivating. All that is needed now is for the world to get back to normal so these young gentlemen can strut their stuff.

For the future, the Shady Street Allstars are working out the kinks for a live stream event. I can’t wait.

Follow Shaddy Street Allstars:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Stream their music:  Spotify / Soundcloud / Bandcamp/ YouTube
Purchase:  iTunes / Amazon

 

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