(Writer/Photos: Valentin Villaluz)

On Friday May 10th “Ghost Light” was scheduled to play New York’s famous Brooklyn Bowl. Concert goers were however greeted with the unfortunate news that lead guitarist Tom Hamilton had sustained a back injury that would leave him unable to perform. Attendants were assured that the show would be rescheduled, tickets could be refunded, and that Tom’s health and recovery would be a priority.

(Photo: Valentin Villaluz)

Scrambling to ensure a fun filled Friday would be had, an announcement was made stating that the event would be taking place that night. The stars aligned as Scotty Zwang (Ghost Light – Drums) and Dan Africano (Ghost Light – Bass) joined forces with Andy Frasco (Andy Frasco & the U.N. – Keys, Organ, Vocals), Tash Neal (Guitar, Vocals), and Shira Elias (Turkuaz – Vocals). Updated reports showed special guests Craig Brodhead (Turkuaz – Keys, Organ, Guitar), Eric Biondo (Antibalas – Trumpet), and Johnny Butler (Escaper – Saxophone). The show would be opened by Brooklyn locals “Of Clocks And Clouds” and ticket holders for the Ghost Light show received free entry for the “Super Jam” event.

Of Clocks And Clouds used this opportunity to dig deep and warm the crowd up in a no holds barred fashion. Blending elements from metal, rock, and funk into a psychedelic electro-metal funk. Taking time to build an atmosphere, entrancing listeners into their psychedelic groove then dropping into a metal-esque jam packed with shred-heavy guitar solos. The relentless energy from Of Clocks And Clouds left attendees with a strong desire for more, and the Super Jam was happy to fulfill that desire.

(Photo: Valentin Villaluz)

Being a last minute and unrehearsed event, the “Super Jam” cast executed with a masterful excellence befitting of its seasoned veterans. Performing like they’ve known each other for years and showcased the talents of their comrades, the “Super Jam” provided a unique opportunity to get down and witness some of their favorite musicians in a clutch moment.

Shira’s powerful vocals paired with Tash’s rocking stomp-blues electric guitar solos inspired listeners to get down and boogie. Power grooves driven by drums and bass, accented by the soulful horn section and the subtle wurl of the organ, had the eager crowd ready to dance. Andy Frasco energized the crowd with expert showmanship, at one point jumping over the organ to lay down a solo. Brodhead and Neal took turns trading ripping rock n’ roll guitar licks while Shira and Andy improvised an adult rendition of “Why Don’t We Do it On the Road” by The Beatles Dan Africano brought the groove with a bass solo that was joined by Ellis sharing some jazz scat vocals evolving into a organ solo by Brodhead trading phrases with Tash on Guitar.

(Photo: Valentin Villaluz)

There was no encore, further proving the point that the band used everything they had and left it all on the stage. The crowd roared in appreciation for everything they had just witnessed. For a last minute event, organizers managed to pull beauty from ashes proving the old additive “The show must go on…”

Of Clocks And Clouds Setlist:

What you need, Tripping on the far side of the sun, Worst look > Django, Burn a Hole Pt 2, Hole in my Head > Time (Pink Floyd) > Hole in my Head, Who I Am

SUPERJAM Setlist:

Sing A Simple Song (Sly & The Family Stone), Living For The City (Stevie Wonder), Get Back (The Beatles), “C” Boogie (12 Bar Blues), What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye) > Inner City Blues (Marvin Gaye), Spanish Castle Magic (Jimi Hendrix), I’d Rather Go Blind (Etta James), Why Don’t We Do It In The Road? (The Beatles), Mr. Magic (Grover Washington), Wind Cries Mary (Jimi Hendrix), Just Kissed My Baby (The Meters), It’s Been A Struggle (Andy Frasco & the U.N.)m Give It To Me Baby (Rick James)

Photo Gallery: