Andy Poxon and his band set the bar high, as the first act of a double bill at The Birchmere. In a packed hour and fifteen minute set, Poxon displayed an uncanny knack for channeling blues and early rock ‘n’ roll. The Annapolis-based guitarist with the smooth voice and baby-faced charm emanated a fifties vibe from the jump and was confident and comfortable on stage.
Looking very much like a seasoned band leader, Andy 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.
Looking very much like a seasoned band leader, Andy 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 twenty-year-old Poxon clearly enjoyed his moment, wowing the audience with his technically precise guitar solos. Even more impressive than his fretwork is his maturity as a young showman. When Poxon sings, he really sings. He can croon, he can shout. But most of all he, he knows how to work within the structure of the song, the way singers used to do a in the fifties and the sixties. He showed the same impeccable instincts with his guitar playing, knowing when to cut loose, and when to hold back. Poxon avoided the mistake many young guitar-slingers make; he was able to showcase his formidable skills without veering into self-indulgence.
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.''
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.''
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