Mike Mattison and Trash Magic are skilled at stealing the show
In a captivating showcase of musical artistry, Mike Mattison and Trash Magic graced the stage at Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to introduce their latest album, Turn A Midnight Corner. Despite the bitter cold of a Thursday night, the venue was teeming with an enthusiastic crowd, eager to witness the magic that unfolded. From the first note struck, Mattison and his talented ensemble set the stage ablaze, delving into a mesmerizing journey through the album’s offerings, with only two tracks left unexplored. The album itself tells a captivating story, imagining a blues duo’s reunion in the vibrant 1970s era.
Having previously lent his commanding vocals to The Derek Trucks Band, Mattison gracefully transitioned into a more supportive role as Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi formed the Tedeschi Trucks Band. However, his time in the shadows only served to enhance his creative brilliance, contributing significantly to the band’s acclaimed body of work. Witnessing Mattison reclaim the spotlight as the focal point of the show was not only refreshing but long overdue, showcasing his ability to lead an ensemble of virtuosic musicians through a diverse range of material beyond the confines of his previous endeavors.
The performance exuded a raw, powerful energy, expertly anchored by the rhythmic precision of Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell’s drumming. The band’s seamless blend of grit and groove allowed the narratives within each song to unfold with a sense of unwavering conviction, captivating the audience with each passing moment. In the intimate setting of the venue, Mattison’s affable and engaging persona resonated deeply, establishing a genuine connection with the audience. His transformation on stage, embodying the characters and emotions embedded within the music, added an authentic and theatrical dimension to the performance, elevating it from a standard club set to a mesmerizing theatrical experience.
Throughout the evening, Mattison interspersed inspired covers into the setlist, each delivered with a unique flair that paid homage to the original artists while infusing the music with his own distinctive style. From the swaggering rendition of Prince’s “1999” to the poignant soulfulness of Al Green’s “Belle,” each cover brought a fresh perspective to the evening’s narrative. However, it was the band’s electrifying take on “River Deep – Mountain High,” a Phil Spector classic, that left a lasting impression, brimming with dramatic intensity and breathtaking dynamism.
Opening act Rae the Band set the tone for the evening with their neo-soul sound, drawing inspiration from the early works of Michael Jackson and seamlessly blending polish with infectious groove. Their soulful track “Guess Who” stood out as a highlight of the night, setting the stage for an evening of dynamic and cohesive musical performances curated by Mattison himself. With an uncanny ability to command and transform the spotlight, Mike Mattison once again proved his prowess as a captivating and transformative musical artist through an unforgettable evening of spellbinding performances and musical storytelling.