Concert Review: The Brass Machine @ The Cock 'n Bull, 05/27/2023

The Cock n Bull, a fantastic locavore restaurant in Galway, celebrated its 47th birthday in true NOLA style upstate NY. The Brass Machine graced the occasion with two sets of rollicking good time music on the deck, in front of a large and appreciative crowd.

Kyle Yagielski, a Scotia native who now resides in Buffalo, curates a rotating roster of musicians from across upstate NY and Quebec, many of whom are multi-instrumentalists. They make appearances throughout upstate NY, showcasing their unique take on Dixieland music.

The band kicked off their performance with the traditional "Down by the Riverside" and concluded with the timeless classic "When the Saints Go Marching In." In between, they delighted the audience with their renditions of popular tunes such as The Beatles’ "Come Together" (as interpreted by the Meters), Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode," CCR's "Bad Moon Rising," Dr. John's "Iko Iko," The Grateful Dead's "Fire On The Mountain," Los Lobos’ "I Got Loaded," Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," and Steve Miller's "Fly Like an Eagle." A fitting tribute to the late Tina Turner was paid through a horn-heavy, funky version of "Proud Mary."

Unlike many jazz covers, these renditions retained their familiar essence while infusing them with the renowned Dixieland beat. This rhythm, characterized by the bass drum's prominence in conversation with the snare and high hat, exudes a joyous and celebratory vibe, reminiscent of a high school marching band. However, it incorporates more swing, freedom, and virtuosity.

Local drummer Chad Ploss from Family Tree adeptly handled the drumming duties, providing a solid beat and adding subtle accents. David DePauw enriched the bass section with his skilled use of the Sousaphone, a tuba that wraps around the musician, facilitating easier playability in a marching band context. This distinctive instrument lends a unique sound and texture, setting it apart from the traditional bass or bass guitar. Other contemporary brass bands, such as Rebirth and Dirty Dozen, also embrace this voicing.

The primary melody and interplay were carried out by a trio of trombone, trumpet, and saxophone, engaging in a captivating musical conversation. Like any conversation, not all instruments spoke simultaneously. At times, one or two musicians would play while others listened attentively, nodding or responding to the music.

Zack Cohen expertly handled the guitar duties, providing solid support to the rest of the band. Much like renowned horn bands such as Tower of Power, Ides of March, and BS&T, Cohen showcased his talent by unleashing impressive solos during "Johnny B. Goode" and "Come Together."

The event served as a fantastic celebration of the summer season's beginning, the Cock n Bull's 47th anniversary, and Chad Yagielski's birthday.

The Brass Machine's next performance in the 518 area will be on 7/1. For more details, please visit thebrassmachine.com.

Keith Pray's Big Soul Ensemble, a 17-member big band, will be kicking off their summer residency at the Cock n Bull on Tuesday, 5/30, with subsequent appearances on the last Tuesday of each month through September. For further information about this lineup and other upcoming roots, folk, and jazz acts, please visit thecocknbull.com. We commend Rick Sleeper for his unwavering support of live music and local, organic farms. Hooray!