High Watt in Nashville, TN. They bill themselves as “a raging post-funk experience” and claim to “blend soulful vocals with high energy funk grooves and ripping solos that will leave you freshly squozen!”
“Freshly squozen?” I knew that I would need to witness their live show first hand to get the full effect.
As I was making myself comfortable on a bar stool at a small round table before the opening acts, an older couple inquired if the seats around me were taken. I happily insisted that they join me, and moments later they were asking if I liked jam bands. I smiled and nodded, and they confirmed their own fandom and revealed they too were listening to SiriusXM, heard that The Main Squeeze were going to be playing in Nashville as they were driving to Texas from South Carolina, and were lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to stop off in Nashville along the way and catch the show! It’s experiences and interactions like this that make each and every show worth it – what a pleasure.
As the night progressed, The Main Squeeze’s Corey Frye sat in with the second opener of the evening, Lewis, for a song he would sing in dedication to his mother’s move to Nashville. Only seconds after taking the stage we in the audience could immediately tell where he got his memorable voice from – his mom was there,dancing as she screamed out in support and appreciation.
After Lewis played their last note, fans rushed towards the stage. In an attempt to secure a good spot for myself, I sparked up a conversation with fellow concert goers who went on to inform me that The Main Squeeze had won a battle of the bands competition in China. You know a band is doing something right when they are earning diehard fans who have a great deal of knowledge they’re excited to dish out!
Soon The Main Squeeze took to the stage and kicked things off with their trademark hit “Message To The Lonely.” After this I truly was clueless as to what to expect next.
The guys proceeded to dive into some amazing tracks, all of which were absolutely brand new to me. It’s refreshing going into a show with no expectations, and walking out with a new act to add to one’s list of bands to see again. At points I felt an intense funk influence, and at others there was a deep metal vibe that reminded me a lot of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” As with all Beatles covers, their take on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” had jaws on the floor. The Main Squeeze’s popularity appears to be expanding rapidly, and rightfully so. Beyond the power of Corey Frye’s legendary voice, the group’s musicianship is quite impressive. Ben “Smiley” Silverstein knows his way around the keys, and Max Newman’s guitar playing is impressive. Jeremiah Hunt had the room’s attention on his bass more than once, and Reuben Gingrich dazzled everyone while whaling on the drums. These guys truly are a tight knit band, and most definitely had everyone inside of the venue on their feet and groovin’ hard.
After witnessing this unbelievable set, I regret not catching them at their first Summer Camp performance in 2011. I can tell you that this year at Summer Camp, you should make it a priority to see them… and if you don’t, it’s likely they will draw your attention as you walk by! I know it’ll be a goal of mine to be front and center for their set, and I can’t wait to see all you SCampers there dancing with me.]]>
