The Fu Mos Strike a Soulful Funky Chord in Brooklyn

March 23, 2020 by
Jack Walsh and Kevin Batchelor / photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Jack Walsh and Kevin Batchelor / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

The Fu Mos, a horn-heavy funk, rock, soul and jazz band  based in Brooklyn, played an impromptu show at Bar Chord in Ditmas Park on March 7, 2020, to celebrate guitarist Jack Walsh’s birthday. Brooklyn music aficionados might recognize Walsh from Celebrate Brooklyn! at Prospect Park, as he is also BRIC’s  Senior Vice President of Performing Arts.

Regina Bonelli with The Fu Mos / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Regina Bonelli with The Fu Mos / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

The Fu Mos features Tony Orbach on tenor sax, Paul Vercesi on alto sax and Kevin Batchelor on the trumpet. George Wurzbach  plays keyboards, while Charlie Sands and the aforementioned  Jack Walsh handle the guitar duties, with Gary Cuzio on the drums. Their blazing set list  included soul classics “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to be Right,” “O-o-h Child” and “Drowning In The Sea of Love,” which featured guest vocalist Regina Bonelli, whose powerful renditions gripped the crowd.

The Fu Mos On Stage

The Fu Mos On Stage / courtesy of B.L. Howard Productions

Other highlights from this musical extravaganza were The Fu Mos’ renditions of Jeff Beck’s “Come Dancing,” Herb Alpert’s “Rise,” Steely Dan’s “Josie” and the Hall & Oates classic “No Can Do.” The consensus from bar hoppers and Fu Mos followers alike was that Jack Walsh knows how to throw a party.

This was a very special night, not only because it was free, but also that attendees knew it could be one of the last live music events for sometime to come.