Sol Seed and Excellent Gentlemen :: Sam Bond’s Garage Recap
After a few minor technical difficulties, Eugene based reggae group Sol Seed commenced an hour long set of epic proportions that solidified their spot in my reggae playlist for good. It took all of five minutes for employees of Sam Bond’s Garage to begin moving tables to create more space for the dance floor.
The band consists of six members, guitarist and lead singer Michael Lennon, Drummer and vocalist/MC Michael Sorensen (how he raps while keeping a solid drum beat is beyond me, mad props), bassist and vocalist Benny Pezzano, guitarist Kenny Lewis, percussionist/didgeridooer(is that a word?)/vocalist Sky Guasco and saxophone player Greame Pletscher. Guasco is also the band’s manager, and one of the newer additions to the band. His energy on stage contributes the the solid chemistry this group has, which is part of what made for a great live performance. I was able to capture a nine minute medley of various covers towards the end of the show featuring local flautist Kevin Heisch (did I spell that right?)
Check it out below, along with an original song by the band.
Portland based electro-funk group Electric Gentlemen followed Sol Seed, and if someone were to ask me this question about the performance by this fine group of musicians, my answer would be an unequivocal yes, given with equal conviction. If you ever get a chance to see either one of these bands, do so. You won’t be disappointed. And for the love of all that is holy, if you live in Eugene and have yet to set foot in Sam Bond’s, well, you suck. This venue is large enough to comfortably watch a show, while small enough to retain that intimate closeness between artist and spectator. So do yourself a favor and follow our blog for updates on upcoming shows at Sam Bond’s, as well as other favorite local venues in the area. Oh, and be on the lookout for more content on Sol Seed, word on the street is they will be dropping by the studio in the next few weeks to talk about their upcoming California tour.