An Ocean of Ska and Funk – Fishbone at Empire Underground

By Dean Giagni.

On April 22, Empire Underground in Albany was stuffed to the gills for Fishbone’s 40^th Anniversary celebration of the release of “In Your Face.” Lead antagonist Angelo Moore (vocals, sax, and theremin), the big man Chris Moore (keyboards, trombone), and Tracey “Spacey” Singleton (guitar) haven’t dropped a note in 40 years, and I dare say are tighter and more energetic now than ever with the addition of JS Williams of P-Funk on trumpet and keys. James Jones of Blu Eye Extinction on bass and Hassan Hurd on drums added the heavy, snappy, funk rhythm backdrop to all the expressionist antics of the Fishbone frontmen.

Opening with “Post Cold War Politics”, Angelo Moore immediately climbed the great wall of plywood that separates the band from the audience at Empire Underground and used it as his second stage all night. Stalking back and forth, engaging the fans, dancing and reaching out, he and JS Wiliams were close enough to hear their raw singing and howling going into the mic over their own amplification. Chris Moore fulfilled his role as the charming jester, moving his body, storytelling to the audience even as his hands remained glued to his keyboard, and Tracy Singleton took to the great wall front and center for a blistering guitar solo on “A Movement in the Light,” ending with peaked fingers, a humble bow, and whispered “thank you” to the crowd.

Crowd surfing broke out, and a great time was had by all.

Photos by Dean Giagni.

Read an interview with Angelo Moore of Fishbone here …