Showing posts with label Hornettes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hornettes. Show all posts

Monday, February 04, 2013

Let's blow this town

We're definitely living in the era of retro-soul, with labels like Numero unearthing the forgotten gems of the past and young acts carrying the torch of Hi, Motown and other greats of yesteryear. Then there's the old hands like Lee Fields and Bettye LaVette carrying on. While a bunch of the soul renaissance appears to be focused in Brooklyn, there are some local outlets as well. Witness The Hornettes, who brought their own soul power to a set opening for Victoria's Chantrelles.

Let their be brass, with Brady and (I think) Megan!

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

Sharp-dressed action with Jeff de Valk, Anna Stamitova and Irina Pops!

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

It's not soul without the clapping ...

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

Extra Anna!

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

Extra Jeff!

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

Unfortunately the red light turns people into blobs.

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

Irina reaches out! The blob at right is bassist "Unky Fangaz".

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

Unky emotes!

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

Fisheye action!

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox

A swell performance. They'll be back at Zaphod's February 16 with the Chocolate Hot Pockets.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Back then, right now

It's seems like there's been a lot of soul in my diet, but ever since The Dap-Tone folks came along, it seems like combos have been springing up right, left and centre, along with the occasional soul legend willing to take another kick at the can. That brings us to local folks The Hornettes, and Victoria's Chantrelles, who were passing through town in the wake of the release of their debut EP. Both acts like the sound of vintage soul, and did a good job of resurrecting the vibe on the Zapho's stage.

Not to mention, they dress  the part (The Chantrelles admitted to being a bit abashed at the sight of The Hornettes finery).

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox
The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox, July 25, 2012

That brass! Along with a couple of originals, they served up covers of Martha & The Vandellas' Heat Wave, Ike & Tina Turner's River Deep & Mountain High and Prince's When Doves Cry.

The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox
The Hornettes at Zaphod Beeblebrox, July 25, 2012

On to The Chantrelles they made no secret of their love for Sharon Jones and Co., and covered her How Long, along with some Etta James, Billy Preston (Right Now) and Eddie Floyd's signature Knock On Wood. Singer Chance Lovett has a good stage style.

The Chantrelles at Zaphod Beeblebrox
The Chantrelles at Zaphod Beeblebrox, July 25, 2012

There's also some solid backing harmonies.

The Chantrelles at Zaphod Beeblebrox
The Chantrelles at Zaphod Beeblebrox, July 25, 2012

A good night, and a very enthusiastic audience.
  • Show reminder: Recent Bliuesfest sighting Fet.Nat and Boyhood perform at Mugshots (in the hostel on Nicholas). Plumes Ensemble, Family Owl and Yellow Jacket Avenger play the Daily Grind; Cardboard Crowns, The Musettes and Deadzone are at Zaphod's; Stoney & The Outriders bring some blues to Raw Sugar.