James Brown and His Band
Makes New Jersey "Feel Good"

James Brown and saxophonist Jeff Watkins

James Brown and his band packed the house at the John Harms Center for the Arts in Englewood, NJ. The performance can best be described as an musical extravaganza. Wiith more than twenty musicians this skillful group's line up included: guitars, keyboards, horns, drums, percussion, dance and of course, vocals. The costumes also added to the excitement, their bright primary colors with a touch of glitz, lit up the stage accented by the infamous red sequin "Godfather of Soul" cape.

Looking around the audience, I saw all age ranges and ethnic groups having a "good time" dancing in their seats. The contagious melodies and soulful lyrics of the music touched the audience in a most energetic way. Adding to that excitement was LP endorser and percussionist Spike Nealy. Situated on a platform above the group, (Spike describes it as "his nest") you can see and hear a great percussionist on a full range of percussion instruments including LP congas, bongos, bar chimes and hand percussion and even an orchestral set of timpanis.

After the performance I got the opportunity to ask Spike what it's like playing with James Brown. He responded, "Still after ten years of playing with James I never know what he's going to do next. He likes to improvise and you have to be ready to give the music what it needs." That was very clear during the performance, Spike was one busy bird in a nest of percussion instruments adding just the right accent sound at the opportune moment.

Spike in his stunny, royal blue jacket
is accented by the bright LP brand
red congas and bongos.

One such solo, by vocalist Cynthia Moore, was particularly rousing. Her rendition of "Respect" equalled Aretha Franklin's and the audience responded by giving her a standing ovation. Cynthia was good enough to spend a few minutes with me after the performance. I asked her how she started singing, she mentioned she began her career in her hometown, Buffalo, New York in the church choir. Still a big part of her life, she likes to return back to her roots as often as her schedule allows.

So if your looking for a little "soul" in you life check out James Brown and his band, you won't be disappointed. And keep your eyes and ears to the nest because you'll see and hear Spike Nealy on a full line of LP instruments.

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