May 25, 2006 'Gravy' Gives Their Soul for Rock 'n Roll / All Access Magazine
By Maya Dawn Henderson
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It’s Cinco De Mayo on Sunset Strip and two-for-one Coronas are flying over bars fervently. For such an early timeslot, the band Gravy certainly packed ‘em in, at the Viper Room. So be it safe to say, this band has already captured their own larger-than-life fan base. They were all there to see Gravy. I was also anxious to see former Bang Tango guitarist, Mark Knight’s latest project, live. Opening with What’s It To Ya?, a super lively, funky, yet quite short song, they grabbed the attention from the entire buzzing venue. And now that we have everyone’s attention . . . lets really listen to and talk about this band.
Right away, you’ll probably notice the thick sounding, funky, bluesy rock sound Mark Knight has managed create with Gravy’s five members; guitarist, Mark Tremalgia, on bass, Rocc Thomas, Edward Shemansky on drums, front-man on guitars and vocals, Mark Knight and keyboardist Erik Szabo. Personally, I’m one of those skeptics that question why one really feels the need to put keyboards in a rock band. But I’ll give it to Gravy, Eric’s Hammond’s B-3 puts thick, full layers on an already, thick and full, old-school, classic, rock sound. Then, we move onto something very different, Lighten My Load. Sounding as seasoned as an exuberantly produced Bon Jovi concert, this song was laden with melodic hook throughout, and drums that were played solid with barely any fills (as they should be). When you listen to Gravy’s CD, Bones, I’m sure you’ll attest that Gravy’s music is a bit difficult to pigeonhole into one category. There's some obligatory Stones and Black Crows, some electro-lounge, ala Weezer and early Bang Tango, a splash of Government Mule and pretty much whatever else Mark decided to toss in the mix. Basically, Gravy is really good, funky-blues-based rock.
They played Monkey Boy next. This was a cross-over, radio-friendly song with a slow, groovy intro matched with soulful, gritty vocals. Everyone on stage was clearly having fun. I laughed thinking how Gravy has the look of the band that could guest star on the OC. I’ll tell you what…more than one of the songs on Bones could easily be on a sound track. And yes, I’m liking Mark Knight’s more laid-back approach and look, show-casing his front-man ability, while not trying too hard. He kept the audience captured and entertained as he joked about the Viper Room’s extravagant drink prices, in his California state flag T-shirt, and just rolled-out-of-bed hair. They did Upon The Mountain, which had very pretty changes all throughout song. It’s a bluesy song about keeping your dreams. They played it with exaggerated “air guitar” moves from both guitarists. Elevate had a moving and intricate guitar solo. The last song of the evening was Seein’ Is Believin’, a real shake-it song that bassist Rocc really stood out noticeably in, with that kickin’ bottom end. This is a super soulful, can’t-help-but-dance-along-to, kind of tune. A perfect ending to a great little set. Just very likeable, intelligent music with a charismatic, bluesy edge.
I couldn’t help but notice the recurring theme of real life songs that were played, and how they seemed to be played very much from the heart. An excellent concept. After all, this is real life. We live in it everyday. Funny how real life can do so much for a song, isn't it? For real life is what art sings about. This music will undoubtedly touch home for many listeners, (i.e. future Gravy fans), which is probably the reason I have been told by more than a few people, that the band Gravy most definitely has a bright future. For upcoming show dates and booking information, see what Gravy is up to next at their website ~ www.gravytunes.com.
~ Maya Dawn Henderson ~