Amandla, Claude Coleman’s band, will not be playing the Whiskey Bar on Aug. 22. Coleman, the drummer for the popular alternative rock band Ween, was involved in a car accident two weeks ago in a New Jersey highway. He suffered severe bodily injuries and remains hospitalized, according to sources close to Coleman.
The show must go on, so Porter, the show’s opening act, will headline what has turned out to be a benefit concert for Coleman.
"Claude is an amazing guy. We respect him as a musician and a friend," said Porter’s frontman, Peter Fand.
Coming out in support of Coleman are members of Ween, the band Instant Death, singer Bob Sharkey, and musician Greg Digesu. Fand expects to have more special guests jamming at the show.
Porter is a five-piece group that plays Fand’s music. The sounds of Porter range from lyric driven acoustic songs like Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell. They also play percussive electric groove rock, with hints of jazz and a touch of country peeking through the cracks.
"This is classic American songwriting at its highest level," Fand said.
The band’s debut album "Whiskey Hill," released on Blue Monster Records, is intense but not over the top. From the pensive longing in the opening song "Alone" to the comical tale of redneck glory "If they Don’t Wanna Listen," the use of language in this collection of songs is laden with powerful commentary and metaphorical images.
Porter, based in Brooklyn, is touring regionally in support of their album, and they have opened for several popular bands.
"It’s terrible what happened to Claude. We’ll play for him and his family," Fand said. "Musicians don’t have health insurance, so every little bit helps."
The Whiskey bar is located on 125 Washington St. The show starts at 8 p.m. For more information call (201) 963-3400 or visit www.whiskey-bar.com or email the band at Porter@bluemonsterrecords.com. On Aug. 24, the Whiskey Bar will host a battle of the bands competition, featuring five original groups. The winner will have the opportunity to be signed by a label.
Billy
Also on Aug. 22, New Brunswick-based rock group Billy will play on the other side of town at Maxwell’s. One of the more creative bands to rise out of the Jersey independent rock scene, Billy creates a unique sound with resonant lyric harmonies and edgy punk bluegrass. Complete with diverse instrumentation, Billy delivers a high-energy, crowd-pleasing show.
With the plan in place to make 2002 the year Billy breaks out, the group is prepared to do what it takes to steer their career trajectory in a fast upward direction. With the release of their album, "Music for the Two Cycle Engine," the group has matured on every level. Narrative lyrics and smart songwriting combine for 11 tracks of consistent inventive music. A good live band, Billy enlisted Hoboken producer James Mastro to help capture the live concert vibe in the studio, according to the band’s bass player Brian Szura.
Billy will play at Maxwell’s on 1039 Washington St., along with Jersey City indie band Blue Channel. Tickets are $6 for the show. For more information visit www.maxwellsnj.com or call (732) 247-5539. – E. Mulero