There might be a better four peice band somewhere, but I wouldn't know where to look. If you want to have a great time and hear superlatively played music, find the Prime Movers. Each one is a star in his own right.
Lead singer Bryan Roberts plays kicking bass and is a hunk. Girls drool. Brad Gross is a drummer anyone would like to hire. He plays clean, crisp, always exactly right beats with stops and punches that are marvelous, and he sings great harmony. You couldn't hope to find a stronger keyboard player with more taste or technique than Gordy Michaels, and he sings like Michael Bolton or Michael McDonald, whichever the song calls for.
Now we come to guitarist Tim McAlpine. Tim is superior on all levels. He played eloquent jazz with Lonnie Jacobson, fantastic country with Steve Gill (Vince's late brother), and in this incarnation killer rock and roll. He is in the class with George Van Epps or Eddie Van Halen, take your choice. This man has such exellent musical taste. He always plays exactly the right notes. He is thrilling with his soaring lead and dead on with his rhythm patterns. Tim does most of Prime Movers' arrangements as well, and they are flawless.
Prime Movers start off with a blazing "Jump Jive". The crowd at the Dockside Bar at the Ocean Key House goes crazy. The foursome smokes. Bryan's bass cooks over Brad's killer drums. Gordy blows us away, and Tim heads for the stratosphere. Bryan's vocal is right on. Next comes "Mustang Sally" like you've never heard it. This is burning funk all the way. Gordy sings it with Bryan and Brad adding delicious harmony. Tim's solo is way beyond great. So do they slow it down with a ballad? Not hardly! These folks can ressurect an oldie and make it new. "Play That Funky Music, White Boy" touches a hot note with the audience, who know every word and are mouthing them with utter glee.
Next is another even older tune, Hank Williams' "Hey, Good Looking". Gordy plays an accordian voice on it and sings it in a way Hank couldn't even have imagined. This is wild. It's pure funk with Cajun overtones. The entire crowd is dancing now, some out on the dock and some at their tables. I defy you to stay still.
"Brown Eyed Girl' is an obvious audience pleaser. Bryan sings it and plays a fantastic bass solo. Once again, everyone knows the words. This band has more energy going for it than City Electric. The peice de resistance is Delbert McClinton's "Giving It Up For Your Love". This one leaves scorch marks. Tim plays lead that would make Clapton jealous. Then we hear a flamethrower calypso feel on "Hot, Hot Hot". Sunset happens, but can't compete with the dancers who go ballistic, grabbing up everybody to get into the spirit. The dock be rocking! Gordy blazes a vibes sound on this one.
Whoever thought of the words, "this is the most fun you can have with your clothes on" must have had Prime Movers in mind. I left delighted and exhilerated. They play a lot in Big Pine at Coconuts, but I suspect you'll find them in Key West often in the future. Check the Ocean Key House and the Oak Beach Inn in Now Playing. I'll give you advance notice of other locations. This is the happiest sound since K.C. and the Sunshine Band, who are still going strong. They love playing together, and you know it. Check them out, and stay cool!