There is music up the Keys if you need a Cayo Hueso break. Coconuts is right at the stoplight on Big Pine Key. You can't miss it. Joe and Meri-lynn Britz built the club. They are the core of the fabulous Key Lime Pie Band. One of the things I'm proudest of in my musical life is that we played the club's opening.
Tonight, the band is Group Therapy, four talented men who can and will thrill you. They certainly thrilled Saturday night's crowd.
Tom O'Brien is the band's founder. He began with "Typical situation in these typical times, too many choices" "Happy Times"!
Tom plays just about every instrument you can think of. He began on guitar, then switched to flute, with great two part harmony backing him up. Larry Erskine plays guitar, rhythm or lead, and Joe Dallas plays bass. Yes, that's the same Joe Dallas who led the Paradise Big Band at last week's benefit. Jack Earles is the group's drummer. He's outstanding.
There were hugs and kisses all around for a birthday girl. Joe sings "All That Glitters Is Gold". He's also a wonderful singer. Coconuts is a cool club, and believe me, Big Pine people get down.
Next comes "I Just Want To Die (put your arms around me baby)" with outstanding lead. There's no such thing as a gig anywhere in the keys without a request for "Brown Eyed Girl", but I don't mind, because they do it so well.
Tom switches from guitar to flute for a different take. This is no cover band. All arrangements are their own.This is a huge sound, funk city!
Rocking Joe Dallas sings "Forget About It". Larry Erskine brings out his mandolin. He also sings great high harmony. Like Bela Fleck did with the banjo, Larry proves without doubt that mandolin is a rock and roll instrument.
Larry sings one of my favorites, "Losing My Religion" withJoe singing back-up. Tom switches guitars for "I Gave My Life Away", which Joe sings. Next we hear a fantastic version of "Black MagicWoman" with some exotic Tom O'Brien lead. This is not what Santana played. It's great and it's different. I was afraid the dance floor would cave in! Tom sang it, as only he can.
Jack Earles is the glue that bonds this foursome, keeping them tight as spandex. If not for Jack, you get the feeling they would go flying off into space. "Dixieland Delight" is a country flavored confection with Larry's mandolin leading the way. The tempo picks up for a hoedown section. This is a real change of pace.
Then Larry plays acoustic guitar while Tom uses a wah wah effect for a totally different treatment of a classic regge tune, "I Don't Want To Wait In Vain For Your Love". This is easy rocking reggae with great vocal harmony and superb lead, not at all what you're used to.
Tom plays jazz guitar and Larry Mandolin on a scorching "Whip It".
You don't have to drive to Big Pine to get yourself some Group Therapy. They do play in Key West, just not as often. If you want to rock out, find them wherever they are. It will be worth the trouble, believe me!
Stay cool.