A Night at the Nokia Theater
Featuring the Greyboy Allstars and Soulive with Rahzel and DJ JS-1
Even with so many choice bands playing New York City for the New Year’s holiday weekend, an enthusiastic crowd came out to enjoy the funky-smooth jazz sounds of the Greyboy Allstars and Soulive at the Nokia Theater in Times Square on Saturday.
Rahzel, formerly of The Roots, opened the night deftly returning anything that DJ JS-1 threw his way. From Ray Charles to Busta Rhymes, Rahzel, the human beatbox, impressed the crowd with his version of familiar songs with the crowd more than happy to provide some creative lyrics and suggestions.
Soulive came out next for one of their last appearances, playing material off of their newest album No Place Like Soul. Soulive’s added vocalist Toussaint came out to the cheering of the crowd, joining the trio to provide enthusiastic vocals to many of the band’s hits including “One of Those Days.”
Karl Denson made a short appearance on saxophone, and Rahzel joined in later in the set offering another layer of bass to the trio. Not wanting to disappoint the audience, Soulive returned to the stage for a beat-driven encore that had everyone moving.
The Greyboy Allstars had the honor of closing the second night of the two-show run. Karl Denson kept things moving, switching instruments all evening long including performances on the saxophone, the flute and the cowbell.
The band kept the crowd going by playing some favorites off the album What Happened to Television? The band also welcomed a sit-in from Tea Leaf Green’s Reed Mathis, fresh in from opening for Gov’t Mule up at the Beacon that same night.
The audience helped the band end the night in sending around a version of Give the Drummer Some More that left everyone in the room wishing there was time for more.
And now let’s take a look at some Soulive pics:
5 Responses
I was underwhelmed seeing them in 06, but last year’s late night Jazz Fest show was astounding. They are def. on an upswing.
I’m hit or miss with GBA…and I hate to say it, but it’s all about Denson. I feel like Stillwell, Elgin and Bobby Dubs are always on, and it depends on whether Denson wants to participate with the band or shake a maraca for half an hour.
In any event, they’re always one of my favorite live bands.
A few lingering thoughts from Saturday night:
a) Elgin Park is now officially my favorite guitarist who shares a first name with a professional sports team executive(just beating out Zygi Jones, guitarist for a kick-ass rap metal/jug band you’ve never heard of, n00b!)
and 2) Is Zak Najor on another mission? And if he is, can we see if he can extend that mission for another year or six? I didn’t catch the name of the new drummer, but he was strong to quite strong.
Great shots!
caught the gba and soulive last year in d.c. near NYE, and many were disappointed with it. (friends, crowd, blogs) I was not personally because I am a homer for anything these two groups do. but, it appears based on what i’ve read, they both rocked the joint this year. Thanks HT for the writeup/photos…
also, Gamst, no love for robert walter kid?
his 20th congress discs were sick! much thanks to brad serling (nugs.net, livephish.com,etc..) for turning me on to gba and the 20th congress years ago!
lastly, I have been a steadfast supporter of the ‘new’ soulive with toussaint. others—not so much.
HOw was this show w/ toussaint? did they maintain the funk amidst his vocals?