An analogue, funky, live experience that truly lifts the soul.
It would be a stretch to call Live On 29th Street an Americana album in the truest sense of the term; however, if three superb musicians from Austin, Texas, at the very pinnacle of their powers, thoroughly enjoying themselves, are up your alley, then this is something well worth checking out.
Greyhounds have been together since 1999 and consist of Anthony Farrell on keyboards and guitarist Andrew Trube. They share vocals and writing. For this project, they enlisted the help of fellow Austin resident Jay Mumford on drums. He adds a superb blues-funky rhythm and a great freestyle groove to the ensemble. Recorded at New York’s 29th Studio, it is a collection of their best tracks.
They certainly have Texas roots running throughout, but have definitely incorporated soul, rhythm and blues, along with a huge amount of funk. Farrell’s blue-eyed soul voice has a very expressive and distinctive feel to it. The way his keyboards weave around Trube’s exquisite guitar work really makes this album hugely listenable. The overall impression is simply laid-back.
Standout tracks include Hot Sauce, as hip as it’s possible to get, with the welcome addition of a harmonica. It perfectly demonstrates the trio’s almost telepathic feel. Fans of Gil Scott Heron will certainly appreciate the vibe. Enthusiasts of Georgie Fame will also appreciate a different version of Yeah Yeah Yeah. Which certainly has more than a hint of a jazz feel about it.
The overriding effect is the feeling of sitting quietly in an intimate setting, watching three outstanding performers feeding off each other in a very relaxed manner. Feeling privileged to be sharing something with a definite analogue experience. Stripping away modern production to allow the space for the others to demonstrate their craft in just such an authentic groove.
The audience, which is rarely heard during the production, is asked, “Hope everybody is enjoying their beers”. No doubt they are not only enjoying the beers but the whole experience. There is nothing here to complain about at all.
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