I hear that Vibe Syndicate recently wrapped up hard work in the studio for the an upcoming album. Very cool! Carolynn Black, the fabulous vocal talent in Clyde’s band, is also the lead singer for the contemporary urban R&B sound that is Vibe Syndicate.

I’ll let you know when I have more information about the album. In the meantime, look for them to perform Sunday, September 3rd at Elevejum Park for the RECREATIONAL RHYTHMS 3 festival. That’s one show I hope to attend!

Last Monday happened to be my 35th birthday. It was partially celebrated by playing the usual Funky Monday at the King Club with Clyde and the rest of the family. Julie surprised me with a giant frosted chocolate chip cookie titled “Happy Birthday Bryan” (thanks, JuliO). I enjoyed playing cookie-bartender and made sure everyone who showed up for the first set received a portion of cookie before we played.

The band was tight and the horns were strong. Carolynn, our singer, wasn’t able to make the gig, but other friends filled in, including our soundgirl Carrie, Donnie Rembert with guitar and vocals, and none other than our former singer showman Charlie Brooks. The crowd was full and a lot of dancing was had by all while Clyde worked his grooves and we churned the funk.

How cosmic is it that 35 years ago my mom gave birth at just the right moment so that years later I would be celebrating one of life’s milestones with the Funky Drummer himeself doing what we both love to do best? Keep on playin’ everyone! And keep it funky…

Cheers to many healthy years to ahead!!!

Last May I played with Primitive Culture at Stella’s in Stoughton and we had a fabulous time. If you missed that show, you’ll have another chance to see us this Friday, July 21 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. If you haven’t been to Stella’s Speakeasy yet, it’s really worth the trip. The bar is located inside a fantastically refurbished tobacco warehouse and features Stella, the bar’s namesake dog that looks just like Eddie from Fraser. She moves about the crowd all night and makes the place feel like home. We’re sure to have fun, so I hope you will join us!

Get more info about the band Primitive Culture.
Get directions to Stella’s Speakeasy.

Groovin’! Carolynn Black (singer) and the Clyde horn section (Alex, Pete and me) played with bare feet last night at the King Club in honor of the new stage carpet Lisa and Tristen (club owners) had installed. Thank you, Alex, for being the catalyst for that idea. It took some cajoling to get me to remove my shoes and socks, but it really was refreshing. It was like playing a nice stage outdoors in the summer without the mosquitos. We were a very grounded group last night!

Please note, to my knowledge no one in the band spilled a drink on stage yesterday, so we weren’t the first to spoil the new carpet. That said, please also note that that will probably be the last time I play bare foot until the carpet is replaced again.