Here’s a sample from a tune played during the Jazz in the City (Westside) show on Thursday, featuring Elan Trotman and Brian Simpson. Their put together band included Rochester musicians Corey Owens (drums) and Carlton Wilcox (bass). They are featured on the clip.
Their synergy was excellent and the overflowing crowd on Park Street showed them much love.
We saw Wilcox when he played here with Frank McComb, and Owens when he played with Danielle Ponder.
Frank McComb in Clinton Square (circa 2013)
This may not be too far back for a Thursday, but these guys made some serious music together.
Branford Marsalis playing Clinton Square (circa 2006)
Singer Frank McComb was the headliner for the 2013 Syracuse Juneteenth Celebration
Although the city celebrated the event on Saturday, the official day for Juneteenth (June 19) is today.
On Saturday the city got it’s first taste of soul vocalist Frank McComb, who was part of the free festival. The concert was held not too far from the Jerry Rescue Freedom Statue in historic Clinton Square.
Physically McComb resembles bassist Chris Walker and radio-personality Doug Banks. He has his roots in gospel and dabbles in jazz, but he has a vocal and playing style most reminiscent of a mid-80s Stevie Wonder (or some at the venue said Donny Hathaway).
McComb further showed his generosity by choosing a few Syracuse-area musicians to share the stage and play during his set (including beast of the beats Stephen Bender and Brownskin Band’s Nate Brown).
Although the show stared a little late, the crowd had no problem following his groove.
Syracuse-area drummer Stephen Bender was invited to play the set with McComb.
According to a promoter at the show, look for McComb to make a return to the area in September.
McComb warms up backstage before his set in Clinton Square.