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I attended the performance of “The Soul Providers” on Saturday, September 14 at
the Lafayette Tap Room on Washington St. in Buffalo. I didn’t quite know what
to expect, as I was being dragged along with my girlfriend’s mother whose
primary music of choice is the blues. I also had my apprehensions because I
knew that the Tap Room is known for its Blues atmosphere as well as a clientele
that is mainly "Biker Guys." The concert however did exceed my expectations.
The band was comprised (at the time) of four men who have been playing in various bands for
more than 10 years.
The lead singer CJ
Swann had a powerful stage presence. He sang the soulful sounds of the
Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and BB King and as well as rocked to the likes of
Santana and Wilson Pickett to name a few. Now I wasn’t familiar with every
song performed, but the ones I did know couldn’t have been better if the
original artists were there themselves. I was also highly impressed with the
keyboard player of the band. Having some piano experience myself I tend to pay
closer attention to it than the other instruments. Steve Stempien, had
incredibly quick fingers and was able to carry on solos that entertained as well
as impressed the audience. I could tell however that he had a lot of blues
practice behind his playing. Followed by Sal Perrello on guitar, it was a winning combination.
Motown wasn't the
only style of music that was played by the band. Because it was a "Blues bar"
they did play a couple of selections that were blues. I had a harder time
getting into these selections partly because they weren't at all familiar to
me. At least the songs that were oldies or Motown I had heard before at least
recognized the chorus part of the songs. This enabled me to get into the music
and concert a bit more.
The setting of the music couldn’t have been any more perfect. Sitting back
enjoying a fine brew with a big plate of chicken wings in the middle of the
table. The crowd there was mostly middle-aged people who know how to have
fun. They were dancing and shaking to every beat; With the exception of a
few intermissions, the music flowed together perfectly to keep the crowd moving.
I have attended many concerts of local bands, but this was one of the first that
I have been to where the lead singer really allowed the crowd to get into it by
stepping off the stage and working his way through the room while dancing and
singing with the members of his audience. I was highly impressed with this
band. Going to hear a band that plays music of this genre is not something
that I would choose to go see on my own accord, but any hesitations that I had
before I saw them have been erased. I feel that they were highly talented
musicians that know how to entertain a crowd with music that is enjoyed by
everyone.
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