Fuzz Nasty opened at the Jazzhaus around 10:30, playing a long, and fierce set. The five-piece funky blues band was performing for the first time together on stage, for what was an exciting set of funky blues with dance-able bass and keyboard lines as well as jazzy saxophone and trumpet parts.
The lead singer, who occasionally busted out a trumpet, had a perfect funky blues voice, reminiscent of James Brown. Beside him was a saxophonist with skills and energy, backed up by an electric guitarist and bassist who worked well with the fast-handed percussionist and the keyboardists' deft harmonics.
Altogether the band sounded well practiced and confident, far from beginners. It's hard to believe last night was their first performance, but it's exciting to think they started so strong. At the same time, a fully established and respected band was playing at the Bottleneck, and could not be missed.
When the North Mississippi Allstars played the Granada a year ago last Fall, the band consisted of three, and the crowd, although not quite enough to fill the venue, was still big, excited and happy to cheer the band on.
Last night the North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue had a new drummer, and additional guitarists and singers switching places with the lead singer and guitarist for different songs. The band, although larger, was now on a smaller stage, playing at a smaller venue. The Bottleneck was virtually packed, but sadly the crowd filling the dance floor was too tired and calm to dance to the energetic blues rock.
North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue may be larger than before, but the core of the band, the lead singer/guitarist and the bassist are what make it powerful. A stronger harmony and steadier body of music behind the rocking, funky solos and jams only makes the band better. However, the crowd was clearly not appreciative of the great band's fantastic performance.
After playing from about 10 until 12:30, the band stopped, slowly taking a drink before pretending to put away their equipment. As soon as the final song finished, and the crowd gave a brief applause, the dance floor emptied abruptly, everyone making a bee-line for the bar, bathrooms or the exit.
No one looked more surprised or disappointed than the band members themselves. So, with an hour left before last call, everyone still looking for fun made way back to the Jazzhaus to catch the end of Fuzz Nasty's set.
The new funk band was still at full blast in the Jazzhaus, with the bar completely full and the porch outside loud with excited smokers talking. The band had a full dance-floor of fans getting down, and played until last call.
Fuzz Nasty has a perfect grasp of bluesy funk music, with a smooth blend of saxophone, guitars, and keyboard backed up by bass and drums, with the singer's comfortably familiar voice. After their "final song" the band was taken aback at the audience's vehement demand for more. A short encore was allowed by the bar owners, for which virtually everyone stayed, for one last funky jam.
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