Acoustic American Graffiti
That
is certainly an accurate description of The Big Boppers, but also
limiting. I first heard that expression used on a Comment Card
following the Driving The Dixie event a few years ago. The Big Boppers
performed at a rolling-car-show during the car-show’s lunch break.
Drivers from over 100 classic automobiles sat down for lunch at a
small-town drive-in style restaurant, with The Big Boppers playing
classic 50s/60s/surf tunes in the background. So, you can see how that
description fits. Another description said that they were “the perfect
band for the event, providing exactly the right style music, and in a
manner that was not intrusive”. I guess one could quote Rush and say
The Big Boppers are “a companion unobtrusive”.
The
Big Boppers consist of bass guitar teaching legend, John Falstrom and
guitar teaching legend, Frank Anastos. These two have roots going back
to the early 70s and their first band together, Midnight, which was big
with the very popular Metal Sound. Now, the two play the opposite end
of the spectrum, as The Big Boppers perform acoustic – that’s right,
even an acoustic bass guitar! Although, as appropriate, they do break
out the electric axes as needed.
Their
performances consist of instrumental arrangements of all the classics.
From 1950s Rock & Roll, to do-wop, to surf music (and man, can they
rock that!!!), to 1960s classics, to 1970 classic rock, to 1980s classic
rock, and even 1990s/2000s hits. Both players bring an amazing wealth
of musical background knowledge to the performance, having played in
metal bands, classic rock bands, R&B bands, Chicago-stlye blues
bands, and even country bands. I was once asked if they take requests,
and I replied with “Oh yeah, I’m pretty sure they know every song
written”, which might be an exaggeration…..or is it?
This
is a two-piece band that can create sounds that represent the original
hits, made by 4 and 5 piece bands. This is done by the accomplished
playing styles of both John and Frank. Frank is able to mix lead and
rhythm lines, simultaneously, on the 6-string – traveling back and forth
from picking to strumming. John provides a very full bass sound by
primarily strumming the chords on the acoustic bass, not the most common
way to utilize the bass guitar, but with the acoustic bass, the sound
is absolutely perfect. Combined, these two entertain crowds of all ages
beyond belief, and almost always inspiring the crowd to get up and
dance – even in unexpected places. I saw them performing at Michigan
Plaza last summer to a lunch-time business crowd. Some onlookers were
so moved by the music, they actually began dancing – not something you
see the average business person doing downtown at lunch!
The
Big Boppers can easily play any type of event and fit right in, and
this makes them quite a find in the music industry. I have seen them
play at outdoor downtown lunch events, at music festivals (alongside
metal bands, country bands, and psych rock bands and fit right in),
“evening/dinner” events, fundraising events, and good old-fashioned bar
events – and probably everything in between. Even at the music
festival, where I believe they played right after an Alt Metal Band,
they still kept the attention of the existing fans – the quality of
their music and their passion for the music keeps any audience engaged
and the fans clearly appreciate the music.
One
other really unique and amazing aspect of The Big Boppers is their
ability to jam with anybody. At the Driving The Dixie event, as one
example, another phenomenal musician, Roy Silva of JakTripper, was
available to sit in and provide drums, percussion, additional guitar,
and some vocals. The three had never played together before, as a
matter of fact, they met that day for the first time. You’d never have
guessed that! The three played together as if they had been doing it
for 30 years. The same can be said when playing with various music
students as well.
They have put out 6 CDs – “The
Big Boppers : Rounds 1 through 6” with a huge assortment of songs and
styles. So, since you can’t physically take John and Frank with you on
road trips, you can still take their music. (Though I’m sure neither
would complain about a free road trip to someplace warm right about
now).
You can find more information at www.eadg4.com.
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