By: Kate Howard
Posted In: Entertainment
Photo credit: Kate Howard
Band member Kwesi Thomas prepares a Felix Brown sticker for some creative marketing.
Photo credit: Kate Howard
Kwesi Thomas and Danny Williams share vocals during a performance at the Pelham.
Photo credit: Kate Howard
DC raps with fervor as Kwesi Thomas backs him up on vocals.
The Felix Brown Band, an occasional headliner at The Pelham on Thames Street, touts themselves as the world’s most complete band. They are the new sound of rock. They are 359 degrees of alternative soul.
Why not 360, you ask? Well, according to the promotional stickers they place on the behind of anyone brave enough to get onstage and shake it, the Felix Brown Band leaves just enough space for you to squeeze yourself in. A six-member band based in Boston, Felix Brown started their set at the Pelham Feb. 27 to a moderate, enthusiastic crowd at 10 p.m. By 12 p.m., the crowd had swelled to a participatory mass that got onstage, shook their booties, and begged for one more song at closing time. The band plays Newport regularly in the summer, but only sporadically through the winter. They acknowledge the winter crowd is definitely different, but they are seeing the same faces and establishing a fan base with the Salve and local winter crowds. “We’ve developed core people that make it worthwhile to play here off-season,” said band member Kwesi Thomas. “We’re all from Massachusetts or New Hampshire so it’s a trek to come down here, but we love to play Newport.” With original music as well as an eclectic playlist spanning the likes of U2, Marvin Gaye, Notorious B.I.G. and Michael Jackson, Felix Brown’s music ranges from rock to old school hip-hop to current hits and has something for everyone (almost everyone: they don’t do country). They choose the covers they like and play them their way, inviting their eager audience to sing along, jump onstage, or dance with the person next to them. The band’s three frontmen switch easily from powerful vocals to rapping, keyboard and even trombone, demonstrating their musical prowess, while the guitarists, drummer and saxophone maintain the intensity. “We are real musicians. Music is the first thing, and the show comes second,” Thomas said. “We have to take care of the music first.” Felix Brown is working on their second album of original music to be released in April 2004. They will be returning to Newport Mar. 19 at the Pelham and Mar. 20 at Christie’s. Check out their official website for other upcoming gigs in the area.
