by Sky Disco
Edit: Sky caught Jukebox the Ghost for the first time last night at Brooklyn Bowl. I've caught them a bunch of times dating back to 2007, and am psyched to see them getting such great gigs. Here's her recap.
I was at the front of the stage last night at for Jukebox the Ghost at Brooklyn Bowl. Tommy, the guitar player and co-vocalist, is the first to catch my eye. His guitar was a cherry-toned, shiny Gibson SG that he plugged into a Fender Twin Reverb. It looked a lot like one of mine. I really wanted to get a closer look at his effects board but, it was so packed with people and photographers that I had to be careful not to lose my premium position.
I just recently heard of Jukebox the Ghost through a friend so I wasn't familiar with their sound. Let me tell you… I fell in love during sound check! Tommy’s rock guitar style is mystic, funky and soulful with tantalizing solos. The tone he dials in on his gear is unique, rich and masterful. After 30 seconds of oozing over his axe, he tested his mic and opened up the portals with his voice.
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Ben melted any tense muscles left in me with his soulful keyboards and voice. The drummer, Jesse, had such a strong presence that it never once seemed like he was in the background. His style is powerful, with artful fills and variances throughout. Every transition he made was seamless.
These guys look AND play like they’ve known each other forever. Ben and Tommy vocal harmonies were pure, like the flick of a crystal goblet. Their passion and joy shone through every moment of the show. Charming the crowd with easy charisma and humor, they swept you into their zone without once projecting an ego, even though they must’ve been told a million times how skilled and talented they are.
Ben announced that the band is back in the studio, playing a tune from the new album entitled, “Somebody.” It sounded like a mix of Motown and indie rock, with a splash of Lennon.
After their set, the band teased the crowd so much for an encore, I thought I was going to need an umbrella to protect me from all of the drool. Finally, they returned to play one of their own hits and covers by Donna Lewis and Rage Against the Machine. Ha! Nice! Just when I though I had them all figured out….