Writer/Photographer: Rudy Lu

The classification of bands is always problematic. They are frequently classified by the genre they are most noted for. Such is the case for Will Bernard and his band, the Free Lance Subversives. Will Bernard has recorded and/or toured with avant gardists Don Cherry, Steve Bernstein, released several of his cds with Ropeadope Records and Posi-Tone Records. Yet, he has also performed with jam band acts such as Stanton Moore’s Galactic and John Medeski’s Mad Skillet. The official genre for this project is jazz, but clearly there are elements of many genres in their performance. All of the music was funky, hypnotic and quite danceable.

The Free Lance Subversives is a quintet consisting of Will Bernard (guitar), Ben Zwerin (bass), Eric Kalb ( drums), Moses Patrou ( percussion drums) and Henry Hey (organ, keyboards). What is the key to their sound? A solid groove. The rhythm section of Ben Zwerin and Eric Kalb provided a solid pocket with Moses Patrou providing texture and color to the beat through the hour and a half set. This left Will Bernard and Henry Hey to explore with their guitars and keyboards.

Bernard played a hollow body Gibson, so his playing was rich and full in tone, whatever notes or phrases he played. Some had a distinct middle eastern flavor, though most of it was funky leads, very much NOLA based.

Originals included “Lifer” and “We the People” and are featured on their only release(self titled). As well as “Ancient Grains”, Sam Yahel/ Will Bernard composition,

Henry is the newest member of the band and was constantly teased. He fit in like a glove. Classic greasy B3 organ made for excellent accompaniment. Electronic sounds also emanated from the Yamaha keyboard above the organ including the clucking of a chicken.

The vocals of Moses Patrou were provided on “Hang Tough” and the John Adams classic double entendre “Body and Fender Man”.

I will leave it to other critics to classify this band’s music. I will just call it fun.

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