THE CAPITOL GROOVE – BUSHNELL PARK – A REVIEW OF DAY TWO
THE CAPITOL GROOVE – BUSHNELL PARK – A REVIEW OF DAY TWO
By Ralph Beauchamp
Last week AMP reviewed day one of The Capitol Groove Music Festival. Today we cover day two of The Capitol Groove‘s sophomore production. This day’s lineup was as interesting and cohesive as the first day. It featured such rocking acts as Fantastic Negrito, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Sammy Rae and The Friends, Cake and Bleachers. Even though the crowd was slightly smaller, the enthusiasm was still evident. Each artist packed a massive wallop and the audience seemed to really enjoy the vibrant vibrations the filled the astral air.
Fantastic Negrito was, by far, the biggest surprise of the entire Capitol Groove Festival. His real name is Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz and if you have read anything about his past, he wasn’t the most virtuous person around. Fantastic Negrito used music to change his lifestyle. Three of his albums have won the Grammy Award for Contemporary Blues Album including 2016’s The Last Days of Oakland.
Fantastic Negrito boils up an incredible stew of blues, rock and soul. His music had a pulverizing energy. Every song was a testament to his impressive songwriting and musicianship. His guitar playing was smooth and funky. His vocals were full of divine inflections. Plus, his on-stage persona was dynamic. Songs like “An Honest Man” and “Plastic Hamburgers” enlivened the festival’s devotees. This is an artist that should be a must on anyone’s playlist.
AMP has featured St. Paul and The Broken Bones several times. Most recently, their headlining spot at College Street Music Hall. SP&TBB is brazen ensemble that offer bold doses of funk, jazz. blues and rock. St. Paul’s (Paul Janeway) voice is splattered with dramatic raspy articulations. This day he was energized and constantly paced the entire length of the stage. He went back and forth, easily capturing the attention of the crowd. The Broken Bones’ musicianship was evident throughout their set with cool horn and guitar solos. The entire band simply cranks.
Songs like fan favorites “Call me”, “Apollo” and Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream”, which featured a guest spot by Sammy Rae, had the throng electrified. Even though the day was sweltering with unbearable heat, Janeway donned his colorful cape and sang while walking through the festival grounds to the delight of the audience. SP&TBB won over a ton of hearts this day.
The day was warming up and Sammy Rae and The Friends took the stage. As soon as Sammy Rae came out. she was beaming. She stated this was a hometown show for her as she was raised in Derby, CT. And you could hear the roar from her family, friends and fans. Sammy Rae’s music is an aromatic blend of classic rock, folk, funk and soul with a pinch of jazz. Her vibrant personality came out with a rush. She was running, jumping and kicking all around the stage. Like The Broken Bones, The Friends were excellent musicians. The horn section excelled as well as the guitarists. Every note fit in to a tee.
Sammy Rae and The Friends’ set was filled with vivid originals with a splattering of covers which included Genesis’ “That’s All’ and Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4”. All through her set, Sammy Rae was engaging the audience. She was eating up the wondrous vibes the crowd was sending back. She also emphasized the sense of community music can achieve and we were truly witnessing that very ideal. Originals songs, “Good Life”, “Denim Jacket” and “Talk It Up” garnished huge applauds. Sammy Rae and The Friends were stellar both musically and exuding their effervescent personalities.
Cake is a major institution in the indie rock scene. Started in the 1990s, Cake powered through the decades with a series of huge hits. Led by original member John McCrea (Vocals/Guitar), the band played a 13 song set that totally infused The Capitol Groove. Known for their deadpan and sarcastic lyrics, Cake had the audience grooving to their singular style. Cake uses alternative rock as their base level and then add layers of country, mariachi and even disco in order to create something totally unique. Also an original member, Vince DIFiore (Keys/Trumpet) added gnarly accents to each song.
Cake opened with “Frank Sinatra” and immediately the crowd was singing along. Throughout the set, McCrea offered biting satire which the throng truly enjoyed as this is something Cake has built their reputation on. Plus, it was hysterical. The band left the best for last. “Never There”, Short Skirt/Long Jacket” and closer “The Distance” had The Capitol Groove dancing and bouncing everywhere. I’m not a big fan but I must admit Cake was freaking entertaining.
This is the second time seeing Bleachers at a CT festival as they headlined Soundside last year as a fill-in. Jack Antonoff and Bleachers are pure energy. The band came out like they were shot out of a cannon. Antonoff (Vocals/Guitar) is not only known as a prominent musician but also as a major producer working with the likes of Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. Bleachers’ sound is full of anthemic rhythms and infectious textures. The one thing you sense while watching the band perform is the amount of fun and excitement they exude. The sense of camaraderie is so evident. You can tell that these guys love playing together.
Opening with “Don’t Go Dark”, Bleachers had full control of the entire festival. The fans on the rail were ecstatic. They were singing along to every song. “Jesus Is Dead” led into their big hit “Modern Girl”. All the while, Antonoff and comrades were like whirling dervishes, constantly on the move and interacting with each other. It was total mayhem and everyone was enjoying the cosmic rush. Like Cake, Bleachers left the big hits for the end of the night. “I Wanna Get Better” ran into “Don’t Take the Money” and finally “Stop Making This Hurt” As usual, Bleacher stole the show. If you ever get a chance to see them, don’t hesitate. They’re that good.
On a whole, The Capitol Groove was a huge success. The acts were impressive this year and I expect that each succeeding year will only bring bigger and better. Promoters Goodworks Entertainment should be commended for their crazy perseverance and determination. I’m definitely looking forward the next year.
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