For a brief ninety minutes, those in attendance at Berlin Wednesday night were transported back to the East Village of the 1960s/1970s. Hollis Brown, who had a one month residency at the music venue, blasted rock ballads and serenaded the packed venue with its bluesy- Americana tracks.
Fronted by singer and guitarist Mike Montali, the Queens, New York band has a richness and authenticity that is associated with classic rock bands. Jonathan Bonilla shreds on guitar and was so into his playing that he almost took out some of his bandmates on the cramped stage. The calm and collected Scott Thompson (bass) grounds Hollis Brown, while Andrew Zehnal (drums) and Adam Bock (keyboards) provide added depth to the group. Watching special guest Danny Ray on saxophone was an added bonus. Hollis Brown’s sound is matched by their songwriting ability.
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
It may be unfair to Hollis Brown to characterize them as a band from 40 years ago, because their music really is timeless. Their lyrics are expressive and poetic. As you listen to each track a story unravels. The quintet’s ability to transition from the hip and funky “Rain Dance” to the pleading “Wait for Me Virginia” (a song about different narrators who are estranged from their families) is unique. It is easy to see why the crowd was so enrapt with the performance.
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
After Hollis Brown finished its “first set,” the group played a “second set” in honor of Bob Dylan’s 75th birthday. It was pretty fitting for a band whose moniker comes from Dylan’s “The Ballad of Hollis Brown,” to close with this nod to the legend. They led with “All Along the Watchtower” and played one of Montali’s favorites, “Girl from the North Country.”
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Since their recent Record Store Day release Cluster of Pearls, the band has been working on their fourth album. While we are all eagerly awaiting the release, the real treat is seeing the band perform live. You can catch Hollis Brown at the Warwick Valley Winery on May 29th and at the ROCKS OFF Concert Cruise in New York on June 29th.
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown
Article: Alx Bear
