Barrence and more in Cotuit
Some highlights from the Cape Cod Rhythm and Roots Festival at the Cotuit Center for the Arts (July 10).
“I want to introduce the band before we continue the assault on tonight’s music,” Barrence Whitfield said midway through his set with the Monkey Hips. “Don’t be afraid to dance to any of these songs because they want you to.” I bought one of Whitfield’s LPs in 1984 or ’85, but it’s taken me until now to see him in action. My loss. On “Bip Bop Bip,” Go Ahead and Burn” and other originals and a cover of “I Put a Spell on You,” Whitfield showed himself to be an amazing soul man. Whether he was howling, screaming or crooning, Whitfield was riveting.
Cape-based band Tripping Lily has long been one of my favorite local bands, but they’ve taken it up a notch since I last saw them do a full show. The harmony vocals of Monica Rizzio and Demetrius and Alex Becrelis are still at the core of the quintet’s sound, which finds a thoroughly satisfying middle ground between pop and bluegrass. The recent addition of banjo player Gary Dawson enriches the group’s sound.
Randy & the Oak Trees is another Cape band that keeps getting better and better. The group combines Sun Studio rockabilly, Wanda Jackson’s sass and the Stray Cats’ playfulness. The rhythm section of Ron Siegel on stand-up bass and Liam Hogg with his loose swagger on drums provides a solid foundation. Guitar player Dave Harmon gives things some Blasters-style edge. Boom-voiced Randy McDonald and the charming Sarah Swain take turns on lead vocals. Just plain fun.
Danielle Miragila’s voice is a bit reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt’s, but Miraglia’s blues style is rootsier than Raitts’ and more rocking than Rory Block’s. Her cover of Bob Dylan’s “Meet Me in the Morning” – part Son House, part Black Keys – was one of the best moments of the day.
I remember seeing the Boogaloo Swamis about 15 years ago when they did some Mardi Gras shows at the community hall in Marstons Mills. The cajun/zydeco group is still one of Boston’s most entertaining bands. Mickey Bones is a maniacal frontman for the high-energy band.
Other performers: 3 Cats and a Dog, Crab Grass, The Mighty Houserockers, Les Sampou, The Boston Boys and Mwalim.