
Backbeat
Just let me hear some of that rock n roll music any old way you choose
it, its got a backbeat you can’t lose it, any old time you use it, got
to be rock n roll music if you wanna dance with me”. Chuck Berry coined
that song but the Beatles made it famous back in 1964.
When the Beatles heard a great sound they recognized it...and today Backbeat
is carrying on that same tradition. The boys of Backbeat, three brothers
Stevie, Jack and Zack Snyder and Patrick Helwig are collectively billed as
Backbeat.
Back in England in the 60’s there was the “mods” and the “rockers” the
Beatles were a little of both yet a whole lot of neither. One could say that
Backbeat is a little Beatles a little Rolling Stones yet still their own
thing.
Talented to say the least, this band is youth blossoming into a culmination
of real music played by real musicians. Playing awesome songs from the 60’s
greats, Backbeat has a musical wisdom far beyond their years. In fact, when
they play the Beatles you get the feeling they were born with a rubber soul.
They seem destined to be the rockers they are today. How many families have
this much talent in even one member...let alone three! These boys know how
to rock a gig. If they had been playing back in the day of the Partridge
family they would certainly have kicked their ass and stole their daughters.
They play the past like they invented it and they even have that same jovial,
whimsical, impromptu humor the Beatles are so famous for. It’s eerie!
One thing is for sure, they're attracting attention just like their namesake.
In fact, Geoff Emerick, ex music producer for the Beatles has made several
trips to Cincy to see the band and he is as impressed as I am. These kids
must have graduated from from the “home school” of rock stars
program because they have the look, feel and sound of a pro player. They
can switch instruments with ease and play everything perfectly, you would
think think they had been on the road for decades.
Many many bands cover songs...but Backbeat brings them to life right before
your eyes (and ears). They capture the essence of that mystical era in which
all rock n roll since was formed in.
It’s not just playing the songs perfectly, it’s a feeling, a
permeating ambience, a sticky residue that is so strong it’s like the
smoke from a bonfire that gets in your clothes... it’s all around them.
Growing up with that kind of influence and talent must make these boys reel
in horror at the pseudo-musicians making the grade today. After all, Backbeat
takes their schooling from the rock n roll renaissannce masters and that’s
their standard!
Don’t think for a minute this is a tribute band. This is a homage and
these guys are stone cold creative musicians in their own right. They put
together an original album titled “Story”, it’s great and
it gives you the feeling another is on the way. With this kind of talent
it’s inevitable. Backbeat will be coming out with more original albums
soon and I’m sure the big wigs will seize upon it like a cop to a doughnut.
If it’s not broke don’t fix it...that’s how the saying
goes. Backbeats got that down pat and yet they are still improving on the
music.
Backbeat is a refreshing breath of clean air compared to the cover crap most
bands feel compelled to play. You can catch them just about anywhere. They
stay booked solid and you better get out to see them while they are still
local...I smell a “Magical Mystery Tour” of their own on the
way.