The power rock trio reborn! Some of the bands at this summer’s edition of Groove on Grove have been more Grove than Groove, but these cats – “Rik Mercaldi Set” – can really play. A blend of a Punk Band & a Jam Band, high-energy and aggressive but when it came to the bridges and the break downs, some complex musical dialog going on between the guitarist, Mercaldi and the bass player, Paul Blomstrom and Mike Roze on drums. They sustained a momentum that handled exploration. Very Cream-ish. I emerged out of the Path station returning from the Manhattan side after a frustrating and grueling (it’s the economy stupid) day at the day job at about mid-set, where Roze sang “It’s Too Late,” the great Jim Carroll song. Back in the day, I loved this record, Catholic Boy—the last great New York Punk album. “It’s too late to fall in love with Sharon Tate!” Who the heck remembers the Jim Carroll Band? They had me at hello, but the remaining set was kicking, all originals by Mercaldi. Couldn’t quite get a handle on the lyrics—one was called “Happy Pill”—but they cooked and rocked hard, with subtlety, musical craftsmanship and intelligence. Even the power pop of one tune didn’t tarry or over do it bombast-wise. I’m thinking, early Who. Sure wish I caught the whole set. Visit: www.rikmercaldi.com
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