2.28.2017

Big Hands Rhythm and Blues Band at Rockwood Stage 2



The brisk electric set by the accomplished musicians that make up Big Hands Rhythm and Blues Band finished at breakneck speed. I was fortunate to hear them play at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 at 11 pm on Friday. Osei Essed posted that there would be some howling, traditional blues standards, and originals. That was enough to count me in and invite my cousin, who loves live music.

The band is a great outfit and a joyous side project. Osei possessed deep vocals as he howled the Willie Dixon song “Easy Baby.” His voice whisked us in and captured our inner blues spirit but would worry any throat doctor. Joined by a tight, spirited band, who finished the set before we could come up for air! Yes, there were soul and blues traditions, with some Jazz slipping through via the piano/keyboardist. They ended the set with a lively all-out urgent roar of the Beatles tune “Why Don’t We Do It In The Road.”

Members of the Big Hand Rhythm and Blues Band: Simon Kafka from Elle King's band on lead guitar, Osei Essed from (The Woes) on lead vocals and guitar, Zach Jones Music (Sting, Elle King, A Great Big World) on drums, Chris Kuffner (Ingrid Michaelson and currently with A Great Big World) on bass Todd Caldwell (Crosby Still and Nash), on organ and piano.



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