In support of their first studio album together called “The EastWest Sessions,” Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers stopped by B.B. Kings this past Monday for an intimate show. Abair has built herself up in the industry as thee “go to” saxophonist. The two-time Grammy nominated musician joined forces with Randy Jacobs (Was Not Was and Willie Nelson) back in 2015 who founded The Boneshakers. The Boneshakers consists of Jacobs on guitar, Rodney Lee on keys, Derek Frank on bass and Third Richardson on drums. This combination together worked very well on the album and the NYC crowd were eager to find out if the combination transferred into a live setting.
The show started promptly at 9 as the band went into the opening track of “The EastWest Sessions” in “Vinyl.”Abair and Jacobs defiantly had a chemistry as it was evident from the start. The song that encompassed their set was “Pretty Good for a Girl.” This tune which has humor to it, also is meant to empower women per Abair. Abair would sing the verse and then the guys would say…That’s Pretty Good..For a Girl,” which would draw some chuckles. Abair handled most of the lead vocals and dazzled on the saxophone. Instrumental songs like “Wild Heart,” “Bloom”and “Summertime” gave Abair the ability to be out front and show her chops on the saxophone. As she stated at one point, I may be a Jazz artist but I grew up a rock and roll girl. My first concert was Cheap Trick as she introduced “Play to Win.” A good jazz song that had a rock edge to it as the pace picked up some during the track.
Abair was very energetic and played to the crowd and even received a bouquet of flowers at one point. I must say the combination with her and The Boneshakers brings an element that is more dynamic and now she is able to really expand her talents in more various musical directions. She and the band delivered on all fronts and the NYC crowd I’m sure felt the same way!
Setlist:
Vinyl
Not That Kind of Girl
Pretty Good for a Girl
Wild Heart
Play to Win
Bloom
Live my Life
I’ll be Your Home
Summertime
Had to Learn the Hard Way
Cold Sweat (James Brown cover)
Lucy’s
Encore:
Freedom
We would like to thank Karen Webb from PR² Public Relations for the credentials to review the show.
