Live At The Yale (2011)

The band Bump Kitchen had me raising my eyebrows with interest when I played the bluesy “Told You So,” the first track on their live CD Bump Kitchen: Live at the Yale. By the time bassist Joe Bevens finished his 50-second introduction to the second cut, “Don’t Doubt,” the sextet from the Pacific Northwest pretty much had me. Now, I remembered that tune from Bump Kitchen’s 2009 release Who Ordered the Waffle. That intro lasted all of six seconds. The live version had Bevens thumping, plucking, walking and basically pulling every arrow from the bass player’s quiver.

Bevens’ bass solo is a necessary element on live record made by a band that promotes itself as a group ‘founded on the idea that there is a place for real musicians playing live and with soul.’ That solo served as a reminder to the music fans attending the 2010 performance that live concerts are different. A live concert is where audiences, as well as those who hear a live CD, learn that a band has the musical chops, cohesion and the stage presence to keep audiences riveted. Bump Kitchen has all of the elements working on Live at the Yale

The band’s set list included songs that displayed the complete palate of Bump Kitchen’s skill. “Told You So,” is a jaunty blues number. “Baby’s Heart” is a torchy ballad that is aimed at the ladies. The funny “Who Ordered the Waffle” serves as an icebreaker song that helps Bump Kitchen establish a rapport with the audience. Lead vocalist Tony Harper has the throaty and muscular voice that allows him to rip through the up-tempo cuts while also caressing those ballads. Songs such as “Who Ordered the Waffle,” “Don’t Say Don’t” and the hilarious “Big Ol’ Bones” showcase Harper’s skill as a vocal story teller.

Some people want to go a concert and hear a set of songs that sound exactly like they do on the album. I say what’s the point! Thankfully, lead vocalist Tony Harper and the rest of the members of Bump Kitchen feel the same way, and that’s one of the joys of Live at the Yale. Recommended.

By Howard Dukes

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Album of the Month

Various Artists

80s Soul Classics, Vol. 8

Choice Cut

Walter Beasley

"Come Live With Me"

Choice Cut

Paul Anthony

"Ready to Learn Your Love"

See The Finalists

SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.