If you haven't heard the Prime Movers, you should. This is a fine band that has been together for several years and has perfected its repertoire and routine. There have been a few personnel changes over the years, but the basic core is in tact. Now that I've said that I have to tell you that last week drummer Brad Gross was off in London and was replaced by Randy Morrow. Never fear, Randy was up to the task.
Brian Roberts is the group's founder and bass player, and he's excellent. He also sings lead and shines there as well. Rob Di Staasi plays keyboards and is the other lead vocalist. Every band needs an outstanding guitarist, and the Prime Movers have one of the very best, Tim McAlpine.
They began with a chestnut, "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", which I heard Jerry Lee Lewis do years ago. Was their version as exciting? Indeed it was. Tim played inspired lead, Randy was rock solid as was Rob, and Brian was fantastic on the vocal and the bass riffs.
Next was a very popular selection, "Iko Iko". They did it right. This was a truly funky moment. The gravel dance floor at Schooner Wharf filled up quickly. Tim was awesome, a word I hate to use that says it like no other. This man plays incredible guitar, rhythm, lead, whatever is called for. Rob played his fabulous Roland that simulates a Hammond B-3 (but weighs at least 350 pounds less).
Rob Di Staasi is also an excellent singer as we found out with the Van Morrison classic "Tupelo Honey". Brian adds choice harmony. Once again Tim McAlpine sets the woods on fire with a fat toned lead. Brian's bass is perfection. This one is both exciting and romantic, bringing the dancers out once more.
Rob's wonderful B-3 sound is fantastic on "Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself". Everybody smokes on this one. Now we get into one of my personal favorite songwriters, Randy Newman with "You Can Leave Your Hat On". Newman is so far off the wall you can't help but love him, but he can also be terribly romantic and serious. Chet Atkins produced Steve Warriner's first record, Randy's beautiful "Marie, which made Steve a star. It says, "I loved you the first time I saw you, and I always will love you, Marie". "You Give Me Reason To Live" gave us reason to stay.
Bill Withers is most famous for "Lean On Me", but he also wrote some really funky tunes. The Prime Movers showed us how good they are with his "Use Me" (till you use me up). This is great slow funk. Rob uses the B-3 sound and his Kurtzweil on this one. We left them playing "Good Rocking Tomight". You can depend on good rocking with the Prime Movers. Check them out!
Stay cool.