When the Gonstermachers get a hold of a classic tune, it doesn't sound classic for very long. When you are playing cello, harmonica and washtub bass, it is hard to play a Robert Johnson song without changing things up a little. The same goes for anything by Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson or Nat King Cole.
All of those are frequently performed at shows featuring the Syracuse quartet, who are playing at The Falcons Friday.
“When we play a song (at a show), it generally takes people a minute to figure out what it is,” said Leo Crandall, who plays cello and guitar, sings and writes songs for the band. “We might start playing some deep Delta blues, and then the song will turn into ‘My Sharona' by The Knack.”
The same is true with the band's original songs. “The Night Sam Cooke Died” kicks off their self-released, self-titled CD with dark, soulful folk balladry. See it on the stage one night, and there could be a 10-piece band with backup singers, accordion players and who knows what else. Catch it another night and there might just be the core group - Crandall, Richard Curry on the washtub bass, Curtis Waterman on harmonica and Hymie Witthoft covering percussion instruments that can range from drums and symbols to logs and spoons.
“We tend to grow tired of playing songs the same,” Crandall, 53, said during a phone interview. “The band tends to just ride on vibe a lot.”
The Gonstermachers have been honing their rootsy sound for four years, pulling from influences like blues, R&B, rock, folk, southern gospel and even chain gang chants. Crandall describes it as “traditional-sounding music on non-traditional instruments.” But even he has a hard time pinning down a specific style.
“The one true about our band is that there is a level of brutal emotion to our performances when we play live,” Crandall said. “I think that is what attracts people to us.”
Tom Townsley will sit in for Curtis Waterman on harmonica Friday.
Staff Writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
If you go
What: The Gonstermachers
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: The Falcons, 75 Pulaski St., Auburn
Cost: Free
For details: Call 252-9702
“When we play a song (at a show), it generally takes people a minute to figure out what it is,” said Leo Crandall, who plays cello and guitar, sings and writes songs for the band. “We might start playing some deep Delta blues, and then the song will turn into ‘My Sharona' by The Knack.”
The same is true with the band's original songs. “The Night Sam Cooke Died” kicks off their self-released, self-titled CD with dark, soulful folk balladry. See it on the stage one night, and there could be a 10-piece band with backup singers, accordion players and who knows what else. Catch it another night and there might just be the core group - Crandall, Richard Curry on the washtub bass, Curtis Waterman on harmonica and Hymie Witthoft covering percussion instruments that can range from drums and symbols to logs and spoons.
“We tend to grow tired of playing songs the same,” Crandall, 53, said during a phone interview. “The band tends to just ride on vibe a lot.”
The Gonstermachers have been honing their rootsy sound for four years, pulling from influences like blues, R&B, rock, folk, southern gospel and even chain gang chants. Crandall describes it as “traditional-sounding music on non-traditional instruments.” But even he has a hard time pinning down a specific style.
“The one true about our band is that there is a level of brutal emotion to our performances when we play live,” Crandall said. “I think that is what attracts people to us.”
Tom Townsley will sit in for Curtis Waterman on harmonica Friday.
Staff Writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
If you go
What: The Gonstermachers
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: The Falcons, 75 Pulaski St., Auburn
Cost: Free
For details: Call 252-9702
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