A young six man band from New York, the Rad Trads combine rock with funk and a nod to jazz. Most of the numbers were originals, with a few covers, including just the one jazz standard. In the line up, drums, bass, electric guitar, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. As a rock and roll band they're at their best, with some great drumming and decent guitar solos. The horns add the funk in the mix giving a driving 70s R&B feel to the sound. But the results are mixed when it comes to the jazzier elements, with the solos varying in quality.
The trumpeter, Michael Fatum, is excellent, with quickfire phrasing and inventive embellishments, beanpole Sam Crittenden working the slide wasn't all that far behind him. But sax man Patrick Sargent has more application than inspiration. One very long solo produced much sound and fury, but little in originality or variation.
Five of the group take their turns at lead vocals, with varying results. Democracy seems to have won out over singing talent. The guitarist and drummer were the pick of the bunch, the latter a gruff rocker on the likes of "Keith Richards & I", and Fatum (again) surprised with the smart phrasing and thoughtfulness of his single vocal outing. But the bass and sax men might be better off sticking to backing singing.
Despite my comments, this was an enjoyable gig, and the band interact well with their audience, the horn men moving amongst us at times. Their songwriting has produced some memorable numbers. But I was left with the feeling of watching a band that still needs to make up it's mind about what it's really trying to be.
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