This past Saturday night, the Stratosphere All-Stars brought their funked out dance machine to FTC’s The Warehouse in Fairfield, CT. After playing the previous two nights at NYC’s Highline Ballroom and Washington DC’s The Howard Theatre, the group comprised of David Murphy, Steve Molitz, Marcus Rezak, new drummer Lane Shaw (Pnuma Trio/Mansions on the Moon) and guest vocalist Hayley Jane, were primed and ready to rock on this Saturday night edition.

Opening the night with a cover of Luke Millions‘ “Arnold,” Stratosphere then brought out opener Turbo Suit’s David Embry to lend a hand on vocals for a coer of LCD Soundsystem‘s “Home.” Prior to the run, the group announced that they would be paying tribute to legendary rocker David Bowie during the mini-run, and pay tribute they did. The tribute portion of the set opened with Turbo Suit drummer Jeff Peterson on drums and singing a funked-out 12-minute version of “Fame”, along with bandmate Nicholas Gerlach throwing down some sexy saxophone lines. 

Hayley Jane came out with a Bowie-inspired outfit created by GypsyGladRags that just set the tone for the rest of the show. That, along with her incredible vocals and theatrical stage presence, and there wasn’t a wandering eye in the venue. It was basically one big sing-along between the band and those in attendance. “Rebel Rebel” was a straight rocker, while “Life On Mars?” reeled the craziness in ever-so-slightly. “Under Pressure” was impressive, considering Hayley had to sing two separate vocal parts, which is a feat in and of itself. “Starman” was super campy, which was fitting considering the storyline it follows from 1972’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

“Let’s Dance” probably gets the vote for jam of the night, with both Rezak and Molitz both trading off the lead to perfection, while Murph and Shaw kept a flawless uptempo pocket groove going that paved the way for the song to go off into the….well, stratosphere. Rezak keeps on proving why he is one of the best up and coming guitarists in the scene today (i.e. check out the epic guitar solo in “Great Dane” from the 5:30 mark on). A cover of Escort‘s “Cocaine” kept the dance party going properly, while the band ended with a cover of STS9‘s “Ramone & Emiglio” which led into a show-closing “Shakedown Street.”

While the band is currently playing covers at their occasional shows, it is really in the jams where you can see the potential of this collective. Four musicians with proven track records in the jam/funk/livetronica scene that know exactly how to elevate the music and the room, along with some serious chemistry, could very well be prove to be dangerous concoction for the masses. Accent that with vocals from a rising star such as Hayley Jane, and this project has potential written all over it. Word on the street is that they will be hopping in the studio soon to record some original music. One can only hope.

Enjoy the recording of the show below. Many thanks to Mike Buzzeo for taping and Daniel Robb for getting it ready for your listening pleasure!

Setlist: Stratosphere All-Stars at The Warehouse, Fairfield, CT – 1/30/16

Set: Arnold, Home#, Fame^, Rebel Rebel*, Life on Mars?*, Under Pressure*, Starman*, Let’s Dance*, Great Dane*, Debra*, Cocaine*, BMF, Ramone & Emiglio > Shakedown Street

# w/ David Embry on vocals (Turbo Suit)
^ w/ Jeff Peterson on vocals (Turbo Suit)
* w/ Hayley Jane on vocals

Check out a full gallery of images, courtesy of Scott Harris, below: