Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
Glen Pine underscored how the night would go down. The Slackers' trombonist and vocalist declared to the faithful, "We're not going to phone it in tonight." Not that the ska/reggae band out of New York would do otherwise, but the lively, engaging outfit made Pine's words ring true.
The Slackers were not the only group to bring it. In fact, all three bands did. Middle act The Bandulus out of New York City, were making their Boston debut despite being around for about 15 years. It was a good one. Led by lead singer Jeremy Pena, who sang with authority. The Bandulus had help from a few key friends. Vic Ruggiero's main gig is as one of two lead singers with The Slackers. For The Bandulus, Ruggiero assumed the role of keyboardist. Jesse Wagner is best known as lead singer of Los Angeles reggae band The Aggrolites. Tonight, he took on backing and some lead vocals as well. His soulful vocals hit the mark.
While The Bandulus benefitted from both Ruggiero and Wagner, they could have stood on their own as well with a lot of worthy, mainly uptempo songs. There was a lot going on musically with The Bandulus, and their debut was a good one.
All-female quartet Lady Hatchet opened the proceedings with a set punctuated by the baritone sax playing of Jenny Whiskey. She was given a lot of space to show her skills. Lady Hatchet lead singer Kristin Forbes was a bit hoarse and throaty vocally, but this was an evening more focused on having a good time.
The Slackers have been doing their thing – reggae, ska, a number of soulful songs and a bit more – for better than three decades. This band certainly did not feel long in the tooth tonight. Ruggiero with his New York cool and swagger, and Pine, who grew up in the Boston area, led The Slackers in a lively night from start to finish.
There was a lot to like with The Slackers, a sextet. Pine and Ruggiero both brought it vocally, but the beauty of The Slackers was in the playing. Sax player Dave Hillyard and Pine often brought the songs to a higher level with spunky playing and Hillyard also showing a playful/over-the-top side by playing on his back at one point.
The MO of the The Slackers meant that the entire band had a chance to display their wares. Drummer Jimmy Boom has only been with the group since September, but maintained a steady beat. Bassist Marcus Geard, decked out in a white suit, was ever present with his bass resting on a stool, though his playing mainly was underneath.
The group went in a completely different direction, but going New York by playing a few boogooloo songs – the Latin and dance music that emanated from the Big Apple in the '60s. "Boogie Nowhere" with Ruggiero standing out on his vocal delivery on "Boogie Nowhere."
The Slackers had help on a few songs from Wagner (the encore song "Countryman Fiddle" was a standout) with everyone - in a nice gesture from The Slackers - coming on the stage for the closing track, "Have the Time." It was a perfect ending to the lengthy evening about 3 1/4 hours after it began."
Pine, in effect, had it right. The Slackers failed to live up to their name.