The Acoustic, in Bridgeport, CT, hosted what can only be described as a hard rocking funk fueled dance party this past Friday, October 10th. The beat behind Soulive and countless other musical endeavours, Alan Evans, showed us he is like Shrek; a musician with layers. Playonbrother, featuring Danny Mayer on guitar and Kris Yunker on B-3 and keys, is just another of Evan’s tenacious creations. Like a musical Frankenstein, this group adds one part blues, one part rock, and a pinch of soul, to create a hard rocking, rug cutting good time.

This trip marked their return to Fairfield Ave having played B.R.Y.A.C, famous for its Wednesday funk nights earlier this summer. Thier first trip to Acoustic did not disappoint, as there was a taste of their new album, some of their older jams, and some unique covers. The excitement grew thick in the air as the opening act, Bobby Paltauf and Miles Livolsi acoustic duo, finished up their set treating us to some serious ear candy, while playing classics covers such as Phish’s “Slave to the Traffic Light” and “2001”, along with the Deads “Franklin’s Tower”.

While waiting for Playonbrother to start their set, more and more people trickled into the bar and crowding around the stage in anticipation of what would surely be a righteous musical adventure. One couldn’t help but notice a Stoops sighting- Todd Stoops, the keyboardist from Kung Fu- in the crowd ready to support his good friends, but more so, ready to rock out. The big Adidas wearing brother is a hard guy to miss amongst the crowd, and a staple in the Black Rock music scene. That’s just the type of cool musical community it is; musicians and fans alike enjoying and supporting each other.

The band kicked off around 11:00, showcasing their awesome mish mosh of hard driving electric blues rock and funky boogie woogie. They opened up with an original, “Tammi,” which got the crowd boppin and showcased the kick ass sound in which they were about to bestow. It was a dark and vibrant sound that was a pleasure to listen to. Evans may be one of the most confident and fun musicians to watch as his energy translates through each bang of the drum, and the looks on his face screams, “Hell yea, I made that sound, I funked it up”. Swag in full effect. The power behind the music made for a beautiful contrast with Evans soulful singing voice, a voice that had been prisoner to the beat for far too long.  

It was quite the sight to see Evans step out of his usual calm and cool funk/jazz manner and get edgy on us. He beat the drums with a tornado like fury, his hands moving in circles around the kit faster than the speed of rock music. The band took “Tammi” straight into “Who Dare Knock” and then delivered their best Jimi to us as they covered “Ain’t no Telling”. The band got super funky with the Hendrix cover, allowing Danny Mayer to wow with his strong riffs and while steering us through a maze of tight, spacey jams. Mayer’s laid back persona allowed for smiles and the occasional hip sway when he really got into it.

Rounding out the group was the newest member, Kris Yunker. Bent over his keys and organ in the corner like a mad scientist, Yunker conjured up some wild effects while laying it on thick with some serious B-3 jams. Yunkers sound was the jazzy driving force- a force that truly resonates in the hearts of the bands fans- the organ can create if tickled just right. “Drop Hop” was a groovy little dance party, as Yunker went straight funk on us. The man ripped through a three minute solo of sweet funky stuff that just left your feet in a grooving frenzy, and showed why he was chosen as the new keyboardist. They also jammed out their hit tune “Nothing to Say” and closed the night with “Buffalo”, a tribute to Evan’s hometown.

The highlight of the night was without a doubt their cover of Cream’s “Sunshine of your Love”. Alan Evans credits Cream along with other classic rock greats as one of the inspirations for this project. For too long he had neglected his rock and roll roots, butm with the help of Danny and Kris, he has surely found them. The jam was especially tight as they had recently performed a Cream tribute set at the Catskill Chill Music Festival in upstate New York.

When a band has this type of continuity on stage and can effortlessly float in and out of some radical jams, they are not to be missed. It is utterly amazing what these cats can do when they are firing on all cylinders. So get out there and rock and if you have the chance do not miss Alan Evans’ Playonbrother. Be sure to catch them with Dopapod and Teddy Midnight, at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre on November 21st. More information can be found here.

The band just launched a Kickstarter campaign to release their new studio album. Check it out and see for yourself the great rewards you can receive by helping them out. To see what it is all about visit playonbrother.com.

Written by: Joseph Connolly