Tab the Band play Bowery the Ballroom

Photo by Carl Timpone

After seeing TAB the Band at Bowery Ballroom rip through twelve songs I rushed home to listen to “Sticky Fingers” by the Rolling Stones. The songs on that album weave southern blues and pop rock together insanely well. TAB the Band seems able to do the same without sounding dated. On the contrary, their songwriting chops are fresh and deliberate. Guitarists Tony Perry and Lou “Lou” Jannetty obviously adore the blues, as is evident on their new single “She Said No (I Love You),” which they played live at The Bowery Ballroom.

It begins with Tony rolling through a heavy but twangy lick that reminded me of the beginning of “Over the Hills and Far Away” by Led Zeppelin. Adrian Perry’s (pictured above) vocals were Mick Jaggeresque but pack more punch, with great sustain, super fine high notes, and great yelping. This is their standout song for me. With measured verses and choruses, an interesting bridge that continued the momentum of the verse, and playfully smooth backup vocals, the song is great to dance to. Ben “Bun” Tileston provided percussion and rattled and thumped his way through the song, which has three distinct drum parts, each building on the song and opening it up.

The chorus of “She Said No” is delivered in call and response fashion, with Adrian singing a low “No” and Lou responding “I love you!” If Cream was left in a tropical jungle, and they continued to write music, and didn’t do smack, they might write a song like this. But who cares about Cream. “Secretary’s Day” by TAB the Band is also worth checking out. If you like “Saturday is Alright for Fighting” by Elton John you will love this song. Please check this band out. You can probably hear them if you roll down your window.

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