Last night, June 6th, was a powerful night for many in the local music scene for Tulsa, Oklahoma. While it wasn’t the first live music event since Oklahoma began opening in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic social distancing measures, it was a significant mark of a return for live music. The larger venues like the BOK Center, Tulsa (Formerly Brady) Theatre, and Cain’s Ballroom haven’t quite begun welcoming guests. But, the Shrine has and last night’s event was as much for the Shrine as it was for the music community. You see, unlike the larger venues, there’s not a whole lot of corporate backing, deep-pocket investors, or a large safety net to get these “smaller” venues through this unprecedented “lockdown” that businesses have found themselves in. Private business owners very much run these out of their own pockets. And they are some of the very few that have been anticipating opening their doors again more than the music addicts undergoing withdrawals.
The event featured household names to Tulsa including Tulsa Music Award winners Travis Bond & The Rebel Souls, The Normandys, and Grind. Also playing was the funkadelic quartet, Freak Juice featuring the guitarist Torrell “Tori” Ruffin of the legendary Morris Day and the Time!
Travis Bond & the Rebel Soul:
Even setting through the soundcheck, you can see that Travis was born with that rare “It” factor that shows he was born to be a rock star. From the style, the wardrobe, to the amount of soul he projects in his performance. But even with that, he’s super approachable and was at home in the public while he was off stage. Even after he wowed the audience as he opened up the night’s performance. Once that first note hit, he exudes that southern soul that resonates with this area. Reveling in the groove that the Rebel Souls’ has mastered so well, his energy keeps venue electric, even in the more bluesy of songs. Their versatility is obvious from each of the band’s personalities shining in their respective roles, from the keyboardist pounding the keys with emotion, the drummer standing on his seat midway through a song, as well as the absolutely powerful emotion as he wrapped up their set with a ballad that had the whole place on their feet. And let’s not forget the amazing cover of Ted Nugent’s Stranglehold! Here’s their recent release, “Feed The Wolf”
The Normandy’s:
Next up was the Oklahoma Punk band The Normandy’s who have yet to turn out a boring show, that I’ve ever seen. These guys came out full throttle with a powder keg of energy! Even warming up Jay Horn demonstrated his break dancing with some pop and lock as he loosened up during the initial sound check before they played. This 5 piece band has obvious Irish pried with their skully caps and Jay’s Boston Bruins shirt. But don’t compare them to the likes of the Dropkick Murphy’s, these guys are in a class of their own! Jay’s vocals, carabiner full of keys, and non-stop dancing and energy on stage is the exclamation point on the musical ability of these guys which proves how much of a diamond in the rough the Normandy’s really are. I found myself asking where do they get all of this? It was so much of a musical experience that Jay even took a moment during the guitar solo to say a quick prayer or more of an apology towards the heavens (off mic) for what they are doing. Maybe someone sold their soul to the Devil? In any case, whatever they are doing, they are doing it so well and this is a band you HAVE to see live! If nothing else, check out “Horseshoes & Hand Grenades” and tell me you’re not ready to see what they are all about!
Freak Juice
Now, I confess, I’m a rocker but I have varied tastes from Red Dirt Country, to Classics, to old school Hip-Hop and everything in between. But this is my first experience with Freak Juice. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on so much with these cats! These guys bring a Jazz, hip-hop, reggae, blues style and infuse it into traditional rock and roll so beautifully it hits you in places you never knew you had. This was seen with all the ladies and gents grooving in front of the stage. Even the wallflowers at their seats were moving without knowing it. They have a chemistry that can’t be denied as each member was obviously right where they belong, on that stage. But this is no surprise as it was undoubtedly part of the founding member’s vision. That member is none other than Tori Ruffin, you might have heard of his other band, Morris Day and the (mf’n) Time! That said, Freak Juice stands on its own musically with its own style, sound, grove, and most importantly that oh so amazing FUNK! Again, as someone who had never seen or heard of these cats as I have been focused on the rock scene, I was surprised by a funk band amidst rockers, punks, and southern rock acts, but these guys fit in perfect and their contribution to the night was undeniable. I expect to see amazing things from Freak Juice and I encourage everyone to go check them out on facebook and youtube, ASAP! Here’s one of their classic videos:
Grind:
Closing out the night was a Grind which is a staple of Tulsa in their own right. Mixing in their new tunes with their old they exuded what Tulsa rock is all about. from Dale’s vocals to CJ’s signature high kicks midriff. You can’t watch these guys and NOT have a good time. The crowd loved them and they demonstrated why they have been going strong for the last 6yrs. JD’s bass lines and Bryan’s beats kept the crowd at a crescendo till the last tune, especially with their cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”. They’ve played DEB Concert’s Road House Stage in 2019 and last night’s performance proved exactly why they belong up there. Here’s their newer track, “Senseless”
