Lettuce | The ralf Music Hall | Friday 2/21
Brooklyn-based funk band Lettuce packed The Tralf Music Hall on Friday, February 21. The concert was sold out days in advance and no doubt there were several folks still hoping to find a way in at showtime. The evening was an absolute funky dance party; even the guys working security seemed to be enjoying this one.
Things started off early with DJ Kraz (Eric Krasno), spinning beats as the crowd piled in. While everyone mingled and drank, Krasno set the mood for a great night, with his finger on the pulse of the entire crowd. He seamlessly flowed from funk and blues to Beastie Boys and Michael Jackson By the end of his DJ set the room was at full capacity and in high spirits.
Exit DJ Krasno, who like a superhero returns moments later as the gifted guitarist Eric Krasno, surrounded by his friends, Lettuce. The band, now over twenty years in the making, brought their instruments and their chops to the stage. Song selection for the night was heavy on numbers from Fly!, their most recent album but also had a few songs from their two previous releases, Outta Here and Rage!
The excitement had been building for several hours by the time Lettuce took stage and you could clearly see the reciprocation of emotion on the band members smiling faces. Though they did all look happy they also had a badass, take no shit look to them especially bass player Erick Coomes, with his biker gang vibe and dark shades.
With little hesitation they jumped right into “Sam Huff’s Fliying Ragin’ Machine” and for the next two hours the funk train was rolling full steam ahead. Things were sweaty toward the front of the room as the tight beats coming from the stage caused an infectious outbreak of “get down” on the floor. At one point the big guy standing front row lifts his shirt and starts playing percussion on his oversized belly, which I think signifies a good show, at the very least it adds extra ambiance to the night.
The first few songs were fairly straight-forward funk with mean horn lines by Ryan Zoidis and Eric Bloom leading much of the way and the bass drum combo laying foundation. Adam Deitch is an animal back there on the kit and and a precise one at that. Then comes “Fly” which is a slow sonic journey passing the reigns between guitar and horns while Buffalo native, Neal Evans fills the soundscape with B-3-slapping beauty.
They brought out singer Alecia Chakour, with her soulful, bluesy voice to sing a few songs, which was a fine touch. Chakour has collaborated with some great musicians including Dr. John and the Allman Brothers to name a couple and the crowd was into her for sure.
The night continued as it began. with quality musicianship all around. This is a group of well rehearsed, well accomplished players that are taking funk to a whole new level. While paying respects to the classic style they also tested the boundaries all night long and the crowd loved every minute of it. Lets hope to see them back here soon.
Band
Eric Krasno – Guitar
Erick Coomes – Bass
Adam Smirnoff – Guitar
Neal Evans – Keys
Ryan Zoidis – Saxophone
Eric Bloom – Trumpet
Adam Deitch – Drums