The stirring music produced by the Phil Henry band at last Friday’s opening concert at Mother’s was, without a doubt, the best I have heard in months.
Drawing influence from such groups as the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and Barenaked Ladies, the Phil Henry Band harmoniously blended an eclectic variety of styles including rock, folk, and jazz music to create a powerful, rhythmic sensation. The group’s performance featured catchy, spirited lyrics, a dynamic, compelling sound, and passionate playing of instruments.
I was especially pleased by their emotive songs “Gravity Gone Bad,” about nothing going the way you want it to, “Concrete Tile,” about the heartbreak of love and life in New York City, and “All the Lonely People,” a beautiful rendition of the popular Beatles’ song. Their play showcased the band’s powerful but well-tuned voices and skilled use of tempo.
Just like their music, the members of the Phil Henry Band come from diverse backgrounds. Nelson Shapiro, who plays the saxophone, flute, and guitar, teaches music to high school students in Ticonderoga. Drummer Brendan Coyle has played in bands whose styles range from folk to Celtic and studied with well-known drummers like John Riley and Richie Moralles. Lead singer/songwriter Phil Henry once appeared on a TV advertisement for The X-Files, and guitarist Jeff Santoro investigates UFO phenomenan when not playing music.
Shapiro, Coyle, Henry, and Santoro have recorded three CDs during their short time together as a group: Board by Board, Live at Bailey’s, and Summer Live. Those students who were fortunate enough to attend the concert were rewarded with choosing one of the CDs in return for joining the band’s mailing list.
After a long week of classes, the Phil Henry Band’s music was very pleasing to my tired body, and I recommend seeing them play live if you have the opportunity to do so. The Phil Henry Band will be playing at Bailey’s Cafe in Saratoga Springs on September 28 and October 19.
