WHO: Blue Floyd
WHERE: Garibaldi Lift Co.
WHEN: Feb. 9
The Modular Band Theory probably dates back to the 1930s, when the name of the big band leader always appeared on the play bill, followed by the word "orchestra." That orchestra was often a rotating, interchangeable stock of talent.
Blue Floyd continues that theory with a lineup of musicians that Glen Miller himself would be chasing after.
The band leader in this case is the music. Of course, Blue Floyd isn’t offering up any big band sounds; as the name implies, the band brings a southern rock influence and blues stylings to the music of Pink Floyd. And the orchestra in this case is a core group of four, with a list of credentials as long as your arm.
Marc Ford: Former lead vocals, guitar and songwriter for The Black Crowes; has also appeared on albums by The Wallflowers and the soundtrack to the film Psycho.
Johnny Neel: Cut two albums as the front man and songwriter of The Johnny Neel Band; soon found many of his songs being picked up by the likes of The Oakridge Boys, and more recently, Travis Tritt; best-known for his vocals and keyboards with the Allman Brothers Band.
Matt Abts: Also a contributer to the Allman Brothers; most recently banged out the beats for Gov’t Mule and Little Milton.
Berry Oakley: His first solo single, Stone Cold Hearted, hit number 32 on Billboard’s Rock Tracks in 1994; went on to tour with such music greats as Lynyrd Skynyrd and appeared with ZZ Top, Bob Dylan, Collective Soul and B.B. King.
Blue Floyd put the modular theory into action last summer by rotating the talents of Duanne Betts, Alex Orbison, Jimmy Herring and Warren Haynes through its tour. This gathering of eclectic and acclaimed musicians lends a primal sound to the music, like re-discovering the songs all over again.
February 9 th is the date; the GLC is the place to pay homage to Floyd, Pink or Blue.
