Tearing into “If I Lay Down in the River” the six piece group rocked the stage from the get go. Steven Collins was decked out in a derby that was a classic fit and his vocals were sweet throughout the evening. Kevin McCullough chimed in a lot on vocals and acoustic guitar, Lonnie Trevino backed up the bottom on bass and vocals, Kyle Schneider handled the skins and some vocals, too. The two stalwarts of this band as far as instruments were Matthew Mollica on gigantic piano/organ/accordion and mad man deluxe Jacob Hildebrand on lead guitar.  Both of these gents also lent background vocals which if you noticed showed singing prowess from the whole band.  Not normal for sure.

How this 6 piece was able to blend so smoothly was a pleasure to behold.  Having critics draw comparisons to “The Band” and Dylan are some mighty big shoes to fill, but these guys wear them well.

Borrowing heavy from their self titled  “Live at the Saxon Pub” CD the highlights, which were many, included “Adios Mi Corazon”, super “Ain’t No Music” which featured veering into Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” , “Mankind”, and the ballad “Take Up Your Mat and Walk”.

The harmonies were so nice. The group would hand off so easily between organ solos to scorching guitar by Hildebrand to lead vocals by Collins effortlessly.  SC described Texas music as a blend of gospel, tejano, and country and that’s a good take on their sound in general.  “Oh Delia” ruled and the cover of “The Weight” was mind boggling. Collins passionate vocals do justice to Helm and at times Don Henley to this reviewer.

This vocal range was evident on “Ghost Story” in which he explained how he wrote the song while being alone in a 22 room mansion. If we had not seen enough bad ass music, their encore of “When the Music’s Not Forgotten” was epic.  Steve told the packed house how this was a tribute to all the good musicians that someday will be gone, but must be cherished in the folklore of modern music, ala Willie Nelson, the Beatles and The Boss.

For this beyond energetic band to have an odd moniker like Deadman as their name is thee only thing odd about this outfit to me.  It is something when goose bumps are used in a review, but more than a few were raised this evening by a great group of fellas………….Happy New Year !