Tao Jones, an up-and-coming Hartford-based jam band, will return to La Boca Mexican Restaurant and Cantina tonight for its second show this semester.
The band features Brian Celella on drums; Dararith Ly on bass guitar; Kevin Scott on organ, keyboards and vocals; and Jason Bernard on guitar and vocals. They have released two self-titled albums, the first of studio tracks and a more recent release of their best live cuts.
“This band is awesome, but they should be getting more recognition,” said David Zylber, a senior from Clark University who attended the first performance at La Boca. “They deserve to be booked at bigger venues.”
“I’d travel anywhere to see them,” said Phil Neff, a junior at Brown University, who also made the trek to Middletown for the Nov. 7 show. “I think they could even start opening for larger acts like Keller Williams, or even Phish someday. That would be awesome!”
Only one Wesleyan student attended the first concert at La Boca.
“It’s disconcerting that no Wes students know about this band, even with the proclaimed ‘hippy’ following at the school. This band could be the next big thing,” Neff said.
Tao Jones blends jazz, rock, and blues into a distinctive style. Songs like “Mr. DUI,” “Mirror” and “It Is What It Is” demonstrate their brilliant song-writing abilities. Atypical covers such as “King Solomon’s Marbles” by the Grateful Dead and “San Ber’dino” by Frank Zappa exhibit the band’s diverse musical talents.
The group’s original lyrics complement the musicians’ long jams and instrumental interludes.
“From what I’ve heard, Tao Jones could definitely be a great addition to our spring fling band line-up, and being a Connecticut based band, I’m sure they would play here,” said Michael Drucker ’05, who has listened to the group’s music and is looking forward to tonight’s concert. “Their music is new and refreshing.”
Their fan base is small but constantly growing. After seeing the band, any music lover will be instantly hooked. To download samples from their new album, or to learn more about the band members, check out their website at www.taojones.org.
The show starts at 9:30 p.m., and there is no cover charge.
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