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Just like a tropical storm, Brandon Anthony should be monitored closely, because this newly formed band has all the right ingredients to become a Category 5 musical hurricane quickly.
Frontman Brandon Anthony is clearly the eye of this fast-forming storm, surrounded by outer bands bass player T.J. Jones, lead guitarist Steve Peterman and Marc Shapiro on drums.
Patrons who fill Wahoo’s Bar and grill, located on U.S. 41, on Friday and Saturday nights have been witness to this intense and sometimes unpredictable band that is unafraid to take musical chances.
One of the band’s strengths is the way they blend their musical talents in an unrefined way to give cover standards new life. For instance, Peter Gabriel’s song “In Your Eyes” was done masterfully and gave each musician an opportunity to take center stage. After Anthony finished the refrain, he exited the stage, leaving the other band members to jam. It felt more like a rock concert than a cover song done well.
The end of the song was blended into the beginning of another as lead guitarist Peterman stepped up into the lights and broke into a haunting version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child.” His technique was ambitious and varied slightly from Hendrix’s version, offering an interpretation worthy of recording.
Once back on stage, Anthony stood at the microphone ready for new challenges — his thick black hair and his body glistening from sweat.
“This thing really absorbs!” he laughs loudly as he dabs his brow with his young son’s (clean) cloth diaper, tossing it back toward his son and wife, who were in attendance that evening.
Anthony reached high for notes that for any other singer might seem unreachable. His voice sounded remarkably similar to R.E.M’s Michael Stipe, yet deeper, always twisting and turning to find the right note.
“This band is really tight. They aren’t just another bar band,” said Naples resident Dan Butchko while bobbing back and forth the beat created by drummer Shapiro. “They are really good,” Butchko added enthusiastically.
“We are in the process of writing our own material” said Anthony. “That’s the direction we are going, but we’ll still continue playing songs from a mixed generational period.”
The forecast for this band looks favorable if they continue on their projected path. It seems that their cone of uncertainty has narrowed.
Brace yourself, Naples: This band is going to have lasting impact wherever it lands.
If you go
Brandon Anthony
When: Their schedule at Wahoo’s varies as they often fill in for other bands. It’s best to call and check.
Where: Wahoo’s Bar & Grill, 210 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
Admission: free
Information: Wahoo’s Bar & Grill,
434-9600 or www.doyouwahoo.com. Band’s site (www.brandonanthony.com) will be up by the end of October, with the band’s full schedule.
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I've heard them.......they are fabulous. About time we get some decent live music in this area. I am so sick of the oldies bands that drone on and on with the same music every time. It's nice to hear some of this fresher newer music. As for originals I think this band could pull it off. The music scene here only has one other predominant band that plays all originals.
#1 Posted by Typeone on October 14, 2007 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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