American Nomads Rock the House !

May 3, 2017 by

Greenpoint-based American Nomads threw a big bash at Drom in lower Manhattan to celebrate the release of Ghost Highway, their new album, to a packed house on Friday, April 21, 2017.

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VickiKristinaBarcelona! at Drom / photo by Ray Fontaine

Newcomers The Transparents opened the show with a slow-tempo, seven-song pop-twang set. Following was VickiKristinaBarcelona!, a three-woman band. As Amanda Homi (percussion), Rachel Garniez (accordion), and Brooklyn native Terry Radigan (guitarist) set up on stage, the crowd began to grow.

VickiKristinaBarcelona!’s first song, Tom Waits’ “Down in the Hole,” kicked off with a gospel blues energy and was greeted with a huge round of applause from the audience. Motown-funky vibes flowed from the stage, accented by the accordion accompaniment. Songs like “God’s Away on Business” (another Waits-penned number) made for a theatrical performance and were very fun to watch.

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Walter Kenul of American Nomads / photo by Ray Fontaine

American Nomads, with a full complement of musicians and vocalists, then took the stage to play the unique brand of classic American roots music they are known for. Walter Kenul kicked off the concert, accordion in hand, with “Bayou Hurricane,” a song showcasing Zydeco Cajun influences. Joe Conoscenti, on percussion, brought a slow dancing rhythm for the song “What We’re Made of.”

American Nomads created a perfect scene to dance and twirl the night away. Later in the set, “Tonight We Light the Fire,” a slow rock ballad full of dramatic, stormy harmonies, featured a beautiful guitar solo from Dante Delemos. Next, they played “A Revelation’s Gonna Come,” a song that was a serious contender for a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots song last year.

If you are looking for upbeat music full of southern-style charm and rock ‘n’ roll, make sure to catch the American Nomads’ next show and grab a copy of Ghost Highway.