New Haven, Connecticut was recently blessed with a pair of Boston’s Best! Headlining the night of raucous music at Cafe 9 was the rocking soulful Barrence Whitfield & The Savages. Opening up the show was Boston’s darlings of garage rock, Muck & The Mires.
Formed in 2001, Muck & The Mires have brought their brand of garage rock to all corners of the Earth. They’ve shared the stage with a number of greats such as The Sonics, The Stooges, The New York Dolls, The Flamin’ Groovies, and more. They gained notoriety when they won Little Steven’s national battle of the garage bands contest in 2004. Their music has been described as a cross between the 1964 Beatles and the 1977 Ramones. They’ve been a prolific band with a number of 45’s, EPs, and full length releases in their 19 year career and they show no signs of slowing down!
Taking the stage in matching black shirts with red trim, Muck & The Mires looked like they stepped out of a 60’s underground music club. They played with a fury that got the club’s audience moving. They inspired several folks to take to the small dance floor and move to the grooves they were laying down. One could easily hear the influences the band has had over the years. However, they’ve taken those influences and morphed them into their own unique style. For a glimpse into what a Much & The Mires show is like, check out this YouTube video. It gives a glimpse into the energy the band conveys when they take the stage.
Barrence Whitfield & The Savages have been performing since 1983. Barrence has been described as “a soul screamer in the spirit of Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke, and early Don Covey”. Born Barry White, he donned the stage name he now uses to distinguish himself for the notable singer of the same name. The band has toured the US and Europe and have opened for the likes of Bo Diddley, Tina Turner, George Thorogood and others. Anyone in the Northeastern US has had countless chances over the years to see these hard working performers. For those who haven’t seen them, an idea of what you’re in for is in this YouTube video.
From start to finish, the show was high energy. Even the slower ballads were dynamic. Whitfield infused every song with a strength and vigor that cuts to the soul. But Whitfield wasn’t alone with his delivery. His band followed suit with the double barrel attack of a 12 gauge shotgun. The searing guitar of original Savage Peter Greenberg cut through the crowd like a hot knife through butter. What’s a soul rocking act without a saxophone? Tom Quartulli didn’t leave us wondering as he filled out the big sound this band delivers. Wild man Andy Jody was simply a joy to watch on the drums while Kane Kitchen held the rhythm section down on bass.
Never discount the quality of music one can find in a small club. This night was a prime example of the great music that Cafe 9 and countless small clubs all over the world delivers. Get out and enjoy what great musicians are putting out because you won’t be disappointed!
