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Getting to the show in the middle of a panic attack and not being able to drink made the first few moments at Jake's more than a tad uncomfortable. I got there early to the point that tables were still out for the dinner crowd, so I found a corner and calmed myself down.
Rum Row was the opening band, and I was impressed from the first note. They had a punk vibe that was similar to The Clash, but with a singer who sounded gruff like the guy from Last Resort, an acoustic guitarist and a fiddle player (I'm not quite sure the difference between fiddles and violins, but I bet there is one).
As their set grew on, their style of music expanded, adding roots rock elements like folk, blues, shanties and an Irish song that I thought Flogging Molly wrote. All of their songs had a sing along nature to them, which kept things interesting.
This is a good band overall, and they were able to keep the crowd (and me-who can't pay attention and bores easily) entertained throughout their set. I hope to hear more from this band in the future.
The crowd was packing it in as Ben Pilgrim Took the stage. I lucked into a chair at the end of the bar, and I didn't want to give it up to find out the name of the four piece acoustic band getting most of the crowd's attention (I found out by looking in The Phoenix at home).
I wasn't impressed with these guys, who played acoutic rock with mosty upbeat tempos. The lead guitarist was really good, ripping some nice solos. The rhythm guitarist sang and also held harmonica duties. Two girls who couldn't be heard were acting as backup singers, but they were basically eye candy because their mic was too low. I was not happy (well, maybe a little happy) with their slowed down and depressing version of the classic "Oh Boy" by Buddy Holly. They had some energy, but it sounded like something that would be played at a funeral, and I like Buddy Holly to perk me up. They followed that up with a similar version of "Career Opportunities" by The Clash. I liked the way this one sounded (think Bob Dylan covering The Clash, especially with the harmonica), but their cover of Hank Williams' "I Saw the Light" really took the cake and was one of the highlights of the night. They did a great job with that cover.
I think Ben Pilgrims has talent and some good ideas, but there is something holding them back. They are decent at best, a band with potential that I hope will find themselves and blossom.
The place was packed tighter than a roll of quarters for Sharks Come Cruisin', deservingly so. I had given up my chair at the end of the bar to put my backpack in the car and hopefully get a good spot to watch the band. I unfortunately only achieved one of these goals, as I was near the bar towards the side of the stage, barely being able to see all six members and not being able to see the cue cards at all, ruining my chances od singing along.
I found it odd at how much singer Mark Lambert looked like Joe Strummer. Jake's has pictures of influential musicians, and he looked strikingly similar to the painting of Strummer. Lambert sang his heart out, like a sailor or fisherman killing time on the deep sea, except more punk rock. The five other members, including a fiddler, an accordianist and a mandolinist (who also played banjo, playing a ripping solo at one point). The band was super tight, and I loved the sound and playing of the drummer (who was playing his last show with the band and also ripped into a solo). He kept things moving at a pace fun enough to keep the body moving.
The music reminded me a bit of Flogging Molly, only from New England and writing sea shanties instead of Irish jigs (the pirate punk label is a bit overstated).
The crowd was moving around like someone put speed in their drinks, having a great time in the process. Many people were taking advantage of the cue cards and singing along in good fun and spirits. It'd be hard to watch this band and not at least smile inside.