Looking very much like a seasoned band leader, Poxon demonstrated a finely-tuned sense of balance between blues and ballads. The four-piece band consisting of Robert Frahm on bass and vocals, Andrew Gutterman on drums, and Jerry Queene on sax, was perfectly in step with their leader. Dressed in suits and ties, they looked as though they could be playing the sock hop at the local high school gymnasium.
The band was tight and economical, keeping the spotlight on the songs. Gutterman’s drumming laid down the groove everyone built on. Frahm’s bass playing was nimble and lively and Jerry Queene was the epitome of cool on sax. Halfway through the set Poxon handed the vocal chores over to Frahm who did a fine job in the lead role for two numbers.
The set list was first-rate. “What Am I Gonna Do with All This Love” was an appropriately mournful blues ballad, while “You Must Be Crazy,” was a jump blues number with a decidedly fifties feel. “Is There Anything I Can Do” featured an emotional guitar solo and showcased Poxon’s skill as a songwriter.
After the show Poxon was soft spoken and humble, expressing his love for the music that turned him into a musician. “B.B. King, that’s the music that I identified with.” Andy Poxon is one to watch, his talent and his potential deserve a chance to shine. If you doubt this reviewer, ask Duke Robillard, who produced Poxon’s latest album, Tomorrow. “To say Andy has a bright future is an understatement. This album represents a young roots musician already developed past his years, and ready to lead us all into the future of pure American blues and roots music.”
