Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band/Jamie McLean Band @ Gramercy Theater – 1/27
Words: Brian Weidy
Photos: Carl Vernlund
In the final stretch of shows promoting their latest release, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band came to the Gramercy Theater in a co-headlining bill with the Jamie McLean Band. Renaissance Man, the band’s first release, is a melting pot of influences and song selection, featuring a mix of covers and originals.
[All Photos by Carl Vernlund]
Jamie McLean, known best for his work with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, opened up the evening with an hour-long set filled mostly with songs off his band’s latest album, Sunday Morning. The group, an eclectic mix of southern rock with blues and soul influences, turned in a lively hour-long set that featured a variety of highlights and guests. Three songs into the set, Jason Crosby, who has played with everyone from Robert Randolph and the Family Band to God Street Wine, sat in for the duration of the performance, alternating between playing keyboard and fiddle. Highlights from the set included a cover of Otis Redding’s Mister Pitiful featuring Jaimoe’s Trumpet player, Reggie Pittman, and a raucous set closing I Been Low which featured a hard-driving rhythm and vocals reminiscent of Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.
