Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - The Big Boppers

This week's featured live music artist of the week is the Big Boppers..............

But wait, is this a rerun, haven't we featured them before?  Yes and no.

We featured the Acoustic Duo version of the Big Boppers - today we feature the full band!!

The Big Boppers full band consists of John Falstrom (bass), Frank Anastos (guitar), Fran Green (vocals) and Artie Baldacci (drums).

The full band, as you probably guessed, presents quite a different sound than an acoustic duo.  In this case, both John and Frank (members of the acoustic version) are playing electric bass and electric 6-string, for example.  And there are vocals in the full band - and drums!

Now that I have clarified all of this, let's get down to business.

THIS BAND ROCKS!!

Four extremely accomplished musicians who are not just talented - but clearly love music - and understand the very beginnings of rock & roll and all that have formed rock & roll - including blues artists!  If ever anybody had that perfect female blues-bar voice, it's Fran Green.  The power of this lady's voice is incredible - seconded only by her vocal range.  Fran was performing songs stylings from the 50s through the 80s including blues hits and a very signature "jazzy" sound to her voice.  One person in the audience compared her to Ann Wilson of Heart.  As I thought about that - it was a perfect (and positive) comparison.  Fran's voice range and strength is beyond description, and I'm sure if I was better educated in music theory, I could find the right words.  Let's just say, when she sings, her voice commands attention - and that is a good thing.  Nobody talked while she sang - and nobody even wanted to talk while she sang.  Her voice is jazz-blues-nightclub-rocknroll all at once. And her stage presence demands as much attention as it becomes so very apparent that she enjoys music - and enjoys performing!  Full of energy and enthusiasm while on stage.  It is a treat to watch and hear her perform!

Then there is Frank Anastos.  In most cases, I see the Acoustic Duo version perform, so I don't normally get to see/hear Frank sing!!  And he is quite the singer!!  Awesome on background vocals - just enough to be there but not overpower the lead vocalist (just as background vocals should be) - and even better on the harmonies.  Those who sing understand the difficulty level of good harmonies - and Frank harmonizes with Fran with ease!  And, if that wasn't enough - Frank handled lead vocals on some classic 70s "guitar tunes"!   We've spoken about his guitar playing in the past, but that is not to be overlooked either!  Playing songs with subtle guitar lines through some of the most well-known "guitar anthems" all effortlessly - and spot on!  Not just covering the song, but playing it as it was meant to be played.

Then there is John Falstrom - solid as ever!  The bass guitar that keeps the songs moving right along.  As we have spoken about before, John's bass playing can run the entire genre of music from surf music to subtle/soft 1950s songs with a steady understated bass line, to the rockers of the 70s and 80s to the complexities of the 60s - to blues/jazz!!  Always steady on the beat, but constantly treating the audience to the perfect runs and fills as appropriate.  A perfect compliment to Fran's voice and Frank's guitar!

And, last but definitely not least - the drummer (they always get stuck going last don't they?), Artie Baldacci!  First of all, not related to the music, but what a wonderful and easy-going guy Artie is!  As the music promoter for a recent event, I had to work with a makeshift stage due to events of previous evenings.  The "drum riser" was not all that spectacular.  Artie originally said it was fine - and said it was fine the entire time.  But, he was helpful and patient as we tried different things and gave him a riser that was much more suitable.  He never complained and was patient (and funny) the entire team.  Now, musically, "solid" and "reliable" are the words that come to mind.  The variation of songs changed widely throughout the set from ballad to upbeat to jazz to blues and everything in between - and Artie kept the perfect rhythm the entire time - never faltering even for a brief second.  And, also ready with the appropriate fills and cymbals!  And of course, cowbell!!!  What's a rock show without cowbell?

In summary - four VERY TALENTED musicians - who truly enjoy what they do and have a great passion for music!!!  This band made people get out of their seats and dance - literally!!!  It was awesome to have been there to watch!

The Big Boppers Full Band - check them out someday!!