The Bowery Electric all hell broke loose

Review by Nathan Holloway

Freelance writer

It was a night to remember on February 7th at The Bowery Electric in NYC. The Bowery Electric is a hot spot in the city of NY for some great entertainment. Owned and operated by rock and roll lifers and nightlife impresarios, The Bowery Electric is a staple East Village hangout. Whether you're looking for a weekend dance party or you're stopping by for a live show, there's always something for everyone. Come get your drink on with 14 taps, specialty cocktails and killer daily happy hour specials. The Bowery Electric is the place to be. Want great music, want great drinks it is all here at The Bowery Electric. And with keeping with the traditions of the Bowery's great music, booking agent Jacob Geskin booked the Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins Band. We asked Jacob what made The Bowery Electric famous?

(A) "The Bowery Electric is an iconic staple of the East Village/Lower East Side that opened to keep the legacy of CBGB's alive and well half a block away from its original home. We continue booking classic legacy acts that built the New York music scene, as well contemporary and cutting-edge artists from the present day".

(Q) What was the reason you wanted to book the Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins Band?

(A) "After learning about Screamin' Jay's bizarre and crazy life in addition to his historically theatrical performances, I knew that I wanted to bring back some of his magic to the Bowery".

(Q) What did you think of the Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins Band performance?

(A)"The show was a raucous and riotous good time - I felt like I was transported to another time and place, when the blues and Screamin' Jay reigned supreme. The performers committed fully to realizing the emotions and provocation of Screamin' Jay's stage presence. There was dancing, laughing, singing, and the audience all had a uniquely enjoyable time".

The Band performs live shows taking you back in time to the music of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. It was the bands debut performance in NYC. The band is comprised of extremely talented and seasoned musicians. Mike Armando was the original guitarist for Screamin' Jay Hawkins back in the 1970's his experiences can be read about in Steve Bergsman new book, I Put A Spell On You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Another reason this project is exciting. The band is not just performing the music of Screamin' Jay Hawkins but creating a time machine of one of rock’s true wild men. A show that will be remembered for many years.

The show kicked off with author Steve Bergsman. Steve is the author/writer of his new book release published by Feral House, I Put A Spell On You: The Bizarre Life of Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Steve spoke about his book to a large audience who attended the concert. Steve gave a history lesson on the great Screamin' Jay Hawkins the good times of his life and the bad times. It was very educational and a learning experience to hear how Screamin' Jay performed and his life experiences. A real eye opener. What was great Steve had books for sale at the show which many people purchased. After Steve left the stage Anthony Bessell from WTSR FM 91.3 radio who hosts a show at the station took to the stage and introduced the Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins Band. Anthony dressed up for the occasion which added to the craziness which was about to take place. Mike Armando thanked Dom Salemi and Diabla of Beatsville Radio another great radio station located in N.J. for all of there support with getting the word out about the show. A week before the show guitarist Mike Armando was interviewed live by Anthony Bessell on WTSR FM radio.

When the band took to the stage what a show it was. You would think you were back in the day when Screamin' Jay Hawkins was alive but he was. His music was resurrected with his spirit. The audience loved it. Like Hawkins used to say "when we get on that stage all hell is going to break loose" and it did from the bands first tune Alligator Wine to their last tune which was a hit by many of the artists who covered Hawkins music. I Put A Spell On You. It was a night to remember. The band was fabulous along with their great singer Shakar "TheRealShakar"Brumfield. When you hear this band and there great singer you actually think your back in those days of the craziness of Screamin' Jay. A great show. Shakar is the real deal. A shocking great singer. The musicians were seasoned as you can tell. Mike Armando who was the former guitarist for Screamin' Jay Hawkins who put this whole project together was very tasteful in his playing approach, each note he played in his solos were very select and soulful a really outstanding player. Saxophonist Tim Price a very soulful player who topped off the music with his winding solos and great jazz approach. Other musicians in the band are Andrew Golba. Andrew is a very capable bass player. His structured bass lines really add so much to the bands bottom and his in the pocket playing approach with drummer Gene Linefsky. Gene has jazz influences in his playing, a fine player I must say. I highly recommend anyone who wants to see not just a live music performance but a show. Go out of your way to see the Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins Band. It reminds me of a Broadway show with all the greatness. Great indeed and one of a kind. I give this band and show five stars *****

For more information on the Resurrection of Screamin' Jay Hawkins Band.