A Musical Maelstrom of Funk in Brooklyn

The throng at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg was anticipating a high-energy night of original home-grown funk music on a perfect spring night on Saturday, April 6, 2019. They got what they came for — and more.

Holy Hive /photo by Al Pereira

As the sold-out hall began to fill up, openers Holy Hive began to warm up the already exuberant crowd with a 10-song set that included “Blue Light,” “Always By My Side” and “Hypnosis.” Hive vocalist Paul Spring and keyboardist Joe Harrison were joined for this set by Menahan Street Band drummer Homer Steinweiss and bassist Shannon Wise of The Shacks.

Menahan Street Band with LaRose Jackson / photo by Al Pereira

Next up were soul funksters Menahan Street Band, who treated the overflowing crowd to tracks from both of their albums, Make The Road By Walking and The Crossing. With their six-member entourage already filling the stage, they were joined by LaRose Jackson. Jackson, who recorded the 45-vinyl single “Luv Jones” and “Change, Change, Change” with the late Charles Bradley, added her searing vocals and energy. Guitarist Thomas Brenneck, who does double guitar duty with The Budos Band, added just the right notes at just the right time.

The Budos Band /photo by Al Pereira

Ahead of the release of V, their first new album in five years, the nine-member Budos Band took the stage. This iconic funk, soul and psychedelic rock band played a rousing 20-song set that included “Aphasia” and “Shattered Winds” from Burnt Offering  and  “Unbroken” from The Budos Band III album, as well as “Old Engine Oil,” “Maelstrom,” “The Enchanter,” “Arcane Rambler” and “Veil of Shadows” from V.

Budos Band crowd by the Stage /photo by Al Pereira

During this long-awaited return to a Brooklyn venue stage, the entire band managed to blend their musical talents into a cohesive, high-octane sound, with standout performances from baritone saxophonist Jared Tankel, bassist Daniel Foder, trumpeters Andrew Greene and Dave Guy, as well as drummer Brian Profilio. Concert goers, many of whom came from long distances, were exuberant in their praise of such a fun night, especially when the ticket price for admission was so budget friendly.