One of the many unexpectedly unforgettable free concerts of the Rochester International Jazz Festival
To some, standing shoulder to shoulder in a rambunctious crowd of Rochesterians on an 85-degree night might seem unpleasant, but as I scanned the crowd, I couldn’t find a single soul that wasn’t enjoying the concert. Mingo Fishtrap was kicking off the third night of the Rochester International Jazz Festival in an unforgettable manner. It was hard to imagine cars ever driving on Gibbs Street because the music lovers had claimed the road as their own. Strangers quickly became dancing partners and friends as Mingo Fishtrap’s soulful funky sound assertively boogied its way through the crowd.
The rhythmically upbeat 8-man band consists of Roger Blevins Jr. on lead vocals and guitar; Dane Farnsworth on vocals, organ and keyboard; Chip Vayenas on vocals and drums; Mikel Urdy on percussion; Roger Belvins, Sr. on bass; Steve Butts on trumpet; Dan Bechdolt on tenor and alto sax; and Zol Waterhouse on trombone. Needless to say the stage did not look empty, yet it did not look overpacked either. Each member brought something unique to the group, but as soon as the jammin’ began, the eight Austin Texas natives grooved as one collective unit. ‘Silver Lining,’ one of their biggest hits off their most recent album, On Time, continued dancing in my head long after the concert was over.
With a sound much like a mixture of Gavin DeGraw and Jimmy Herring, they captivated avid Jazz Fest-ers as well as those who had just stumbled upon the outdoor concert. Plus, no one could move away even if they had wanted to in the tightly-packed crowd.
Texas Music Magazine accurately labeled Mingo Fishtrap as “the space where melodic pop meets gritty Memphis soul, with a twist of N’awlins funk,” and I couldn’t have said it any better. So, on that note, here’s the[itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/silver-lining/id874702336?uo=4″ title=”Mingo Fishtrap – On Time” text=” link to Mingo’s fourth full length record”] so you don’t have to spend one more minute silently reading this review.
Check out their website too!
Favorite tracks:
Silver Lining
Too Far Gone
Mason Jar
