Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears came to D.C. for the second time in 2 years in March. They chose, wisely, the mainstage at The Black Cat. This happened to be my first show at the mainstage at this little club that I have grown to love. The mainstage was no different. The size was perfect, along with the sound.
On this evening, I had a large crowd with me, but specifically KA, MCB, and CCC. It would be all of their first BJL show, and I promised them that this would be a show they would be hard-pressed to stand still.
The evening started off with the girl punk band Those Darlins. This band was pretty good, and after I learned they were from TN, they sounded a hell of a lot better! Their energy was infectious, and although the lead singer had some pretty bizarre faces, I had a hard time standing still. If you like good punk rock with a little twang, then this band could be for you. For those of you interested, go check out the song "Wild One."
As much as I enjoyed Those Darlins, I was extremely antsy for the beginning of the BJL & THB show. I was curious how my friends would react to the straight up Rock n Roll swagger of the band. I was sure that the band would deliver and lo and behold, deliver they did!
With a backdrop of running clips of prominent 70s black men and women- from Pam Grier to Muhammad Ali- BJL took the stage by storm and never let up. BJL refused to let anyone stand still with the foot-stomping, booty-shaking, and body-convulsing tunes that ripped through the sound system. With a mix of songs ranging from his previous and current catalog, he also added in a gratifying grab-bag of cover versions of songs such as "Snatch it Back and Hold It."
Once the party that is a BJL show began, it never stopped and never let up. There were white boys and girls dancing like they knew what they were doing. There were black boys and girls dancing, actually knowing what they were doing. There were all in between and before and after dancing- some more able than others. And most importantly, they were there together dancing. Letting the music take over.
The night wore on with searing sax and horn solos. With break-neck drumming and bass guitar creating the perfect rhythm section. With BJL getting so into every song, every note, that at one point he hearkened back to that old guitar player with our all familiar with when he broke into a solo using only his teeth. The show from here broke into a fever with the final songs of the night being played which were "Please" (which is below) and "Please, Pt. II."
Although those of us there were deaf for most of the next day, I could not have asked for a better time with a better group of people. It was fun from the first note until the final guitar fuzz and feedback faded. An experience such as BJL & THB is one that everyone should witness, and I feel bad for you if you have let the opportunity to go see these guys perform pass you. But, never fear. They are touring now and continue to tour around the clock. Go to their website. Check them out. You won't be disappointed.
