Gravity A, a favorite among New Orleans concert goers, returned to The Maple Leaf for another night of funky beats and fun times. After many years of hard work, Gravity A has made a name for themselves beyond New Orleans. You may recognize their name from their Jazz Fest after parties, perhaps their New Year’s celebration with the New Mastersounds, or maybe you got down and dirty with them at Wakarusa! The New Orleans based “Funktronica” band celebrated their ten-year anniversary this summer.
The band, comprised of four members, Andrew Meehan (keys, organ, synths), Michael Fouquier (drums), Devin Kerrigan (bass), and Danny Abel (guitar) creates an undeniable force. The band’s name, Gravity A, perfectly encompasses their musical chemistry. They are the force responsible for the cohesion and semblance of all subatomic matter and trippy synth sounds. Their unique music provides the framework for one hell of a dance party. All of the attendees of their show this past Saturday would be quick to agree.
Another local group with growing popularity, Hipnosis, opened up the evening with their hypnotizing–no pun intended–synth playing and guitar riffs. The band features musicians from several different Uptown-based groups. With Max Smilen (guitar), Joe Gall (guitar), Leo Skovron (bass), Mack Major (drums), and Andriu Yanovski (keys and synth), Hipnosis hit the ground running last Mardi Gras and since has opened for Rebirth Brass Band and festival favorite, Dopapod. Fluctuating between intense guitar solos and deep pockets, Hipnosis creates an all around lovable sound. These guys certainly got the crowd all riled up after their killer set and they even gave an encore.
Next up came Gravity A. Each member, wearing clothes that were illuminated in green, added to an overall captivating presence. Drawing upon sound of the 80’s and 90’s, Gravity A takes their audience on an aural adventure. Throughout the set they displayed their seamless mix of electronic and funk sounds. Mid show they transitioned with an instrumental version of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover”. Once the first chorus hit one could see the crowd mumbling the lyrics to themselves.
Keyboardist Andrew Mehan interjected with some raps and organ playing that resembled a late night of partying on Frenchmen Street. Even at 2 a.m., a dedicated crowd begged for more, fueling the band up to go the distance. Drummer Michael Fouquier closed the night out with a powerful drum solo that rendered the crowd speechless.
Having shared bills with many of our New Orleans favorites such as Papa Mali, Billy Iuso, Sonic Bloom, as well as playing festivals like Voodoo Fest and BUKU, Gravity A have solidified their spot in the top ranks of the New Orleans music community.
[Photo by CRK Media]