Brothers McCann Bring Jam Funk to Narragansett

Many people who visit Narragansett think it's cool that we have a beer named after the town.

When Brothers McCann asked for one at the Bon Vue Inn Friday night, they asked for “beer of your people," which the crowd found charming and amusing.

Let’s pretend that Devendra Banhart and Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) decided to pursue jam funk – then they would be called Brothers McCann. 

Brothers McCann are in fact not these famous musicians, but a group of guys from Boston. 

With a name like Brothers McCann, one would think the band is entirely a band of brothers, but only lead singers Pat and Mike McCann are siblings. Pat and Mike have been banging pots together as long as they can remember, Pat said. 

The brothers started out as a duo in 2007, only to add a rhythm section a year later. The name still works because a band is like being in a family. 

In 2009, Brothers McCann released their debut album, Different Colors.  The band’s influences are relatively normal, such as The Beatles, Paul Simon, Talking Heads and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

If keyboardist and vocalist Pat McCann had a time machine, his visit would be a mission of education.

“One of the blues guys before Elvis, just to show them how far music has has come.”

Brothers McCann has opened for very well known acts, such as Thievery Corporation, The Roots and even James Taylor’s son, Ben Taylor. The band is a six-piece, and it shares the vocals between the two guitarists and the keyboardist. 

Erik White, the lead guitarist, has the classic jam rock vocals. Pat McCann will remind one of Jay Kay, and Mike McCann sounds a bit like Devendra Banhart.

Their vocals harmonized and are similar to chocolate and peanut butter: absolutely wonderful and indulgent. 

They played two sets and at the end of the first set, the three vocalists stood together and did a remarkable and stunning rendition of “America” by Simon and Garfunkel.

Speaking of fantastic covers, Pat McCann, the prime comedian of the group did a outstanding version Tom Jones’ “Kiss.” Pat’s charisma could match Jones’ as well. The band dedicated the song to Prince William, in honor of the royal wedding.

Brother McCann’s own songs are spirited and personal. They put on a fantastic performance for anyone who attends. The crowd loved them, and the band loved the crowd.

They are worth seeing, and they are currently on tour. Their next show is in Worcester, MA on May 20 at Tammany Hall. They will be also headlining the big DIY ReUnion festival on the weekend of June 17 through June 19 in Plainfield, VT at the Bissex Homestead.

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