By DON STINE
A little bit of everybody’s favorite music will be played at Clancy’s Tavern when Phatrax and Friends perform Sat., Dec. 17.
“It will be a mixture of old classic, soul, country, and some new pop songs. There will be a little something for everybody. We are going to make some noise over there,” band spokesman Todd Wilson said.
It is the first time the band- a trio- has played at Clancy’s, 25 S. Main Street in Neptune. The free concert begins at 7 p.m.
And while the band is relatively new, Wilson said its members have a lot of musical experience.
“We will be playing a lot of nice arrangements on Saturday. It will be good, fun music- that’s what it’s all about. There is something about live music- takes you to another place,” he said.
Phatrax members include Wilson (bass guitar/keyboard); Tommy LaBella (saxophone); and Frankie Cicala (guitar).
Wilson has a 30-year history in the music business playing, engineering, recording and producing, working with well-known local and famous musicians and vocalists such as Earth Wind and Fire, The Temptations, James Brown, The Manhattans, Stanley Jordan, Regina Belle, Ray Charles, and many more.
LaBella, of Neptune, is a well-known native Jersey Shore musician who has played locally and nationally over the past 30 years with a multitude of artists including Billy Hector, Bobby Bandiera, Billy Lawlor, Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Preston, Charles Earland, Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen.
Cicala has been playing for Jersey Shore audiences for over 30 years with his eclectic, sensuous and soulful guitar playing. He has also performed and/or recorded with artists such as Steve Howe, Johnny Winter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cecil DuValle, Billie Daniels, Patti LaBelle, Charles Eartand, and Tico Torres. He is currently musical director and arranger for Bernard Purdie.
Wilson, who now lives in Old Bridge but was raised in Asbury Park, said it is good to be playing in the area again.
“I grew up in Asbury Park and it’s great to see it coming back- it’s very exciting. There are a lot more venues to play now and there is a lot of music in a little town,” he said.
