Memorial Hall Hosts Funk, Blues, Soul
April 23, 2009 • By Jess Novak, The Breeze
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Harrisonburg is fortunate to enjoy a thriving music scene. Bluegrass, rock, punk, jazz and classical genres can be heard both on campus and around the town.
However, funk is one genre that does not frequent this community, making the Point Blank Productions show held on Monday night at Memorial Hall a rare and enjoyable gem. As soon as funk and blues icon, Cyril Neville took the stage, the audience reacted in the only appropriate way: by dancing.
Point Blank Productions is an entirely student-run business where each semester students create a company in an effort to raise money for a selected organization, foundation or cause. Monday’s concert will benefit The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
Neville first gained recognition within the music community and public in the ’50s and ’60s as a member of the New Orleans-based band, The Meters, and later joined his three brothers Art, Charles and Aaron to form The Neville Brothers band. Though he is 60 years old, he shows no signs of his age in dress, style, sound or performance. His appearance was casual with a touch of funk, a variety of necklaces, a bandana and a black hat with a bright purple feather springing out the side.
As he danced around the stage in his sparkling blue and silver shoes and sang and shouted to the crowd, comparisons of other great artists came to mind. His deeply funky rhythms and flashy style, though tame in comparison, are reminiscent of George Clinton.
Despite his clear inspiration, Neville’s style is undoubtedly unique. While others in the genre used extravagant dance moves, huge entourages of backing bands and shocking fashion choices, Neville based his performance on the soul of the music, setting him apart from other funk and blues artists.
For those unaware of Neville’s impressive resume, it’s worth noting that he is one of the only artists left of his kind. His old-time, traditional funk and blues kind, which was reflected in his classic and wildly impressive live show. Rather than relying on mechanics and effects, Neville and his backing band, Tribe 13, rely only on each other and the raw talent each brings to the undeniably funky music.
The emotion in every note sung by Cyril and his leading lady “Queen G” was powerful. Despite broken drumsticks causing shards of wood to fly, the beat never stopped.
It was such a great show and a lot of fun,” senior Briana Carper said. “I didn’t know who Cyril Neville was before the show, but now I would recommend him to anyone.”
Though Carper had come to see the opening band, Appalachian Afrobeat Community, she left satisfied with both bands, as did many of the producers of the show.
“We thought bringing a funk artist would be something different,” said Leslie Carlson, junior music industry minor and member of Point Blank Productions. “There are a lot of students and people of the community who came out, and this is Cyril’s first time in Harrisonburg, so this is new for everyone.”
Opening band AAC, consists of a large group of musicians including two percussionists, one drummer, one bassist, three guitarists, a trombone player and a saxophone player. Though the group was performing on stage, the show seemed more like a backyard jam session, with songs organically formulating and evolving to create long jams with lyrics spoken and sung in an African language. The band was very audience-oriented, constantly calling out to listeners, inviting them to dance and telling stories about past performances.
“This song is called ‘Elephant,’” lead singer and saxophone player Eric “Slice” Firnhaber said. “The last time we played this, we caused some structural damage. But this place looks more sound.”
Luckily, the Memorial Hall auditorium did not suffer any damage and listeners had no qualms either. As the crowd between the stage and seating grew, two girls even made their way onto the stage to dance among the band, which seemed to enjoy the extra company.
Neville is currently touring extensively, but the Appalachian Afrobeat Community will be performing next Monday at The Artful Dodger, allowing those who missed this week’s performance another opportunity to see the opening band.
Contact Jess Novak at novakjl@jmu.edu
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