When the BLUE POWDA MONKEYS (BPM) took the stage at DiPiazza’s last Friday night, all eyes and ears at the venue were on them. The lounge was full with people crowded near the stage, some absorbing the hard-rocking sounds, others shooting photos.
Earlier, my friend and I had snagged the last available booth and had a good view of the red-hued stage, with red curtains parted to reveal “DiPiazza’s” in large letters behind the band.
One surprise was that the radio station www.radiobuzzd.com was broadcasting live from DiPiazza’s for the CD release party of a band playing later that night. Before BPM began its’ set, one of the DJs polled the people crowded around the radio station’s table.
“Who are you here to see?” DJ Doc Hollywood asked.
Even though other bands were playing that night, “Blue Powda Monkeys!” was the overwhelming response.
After setup and microphone checks, lead singer and acoustic guitarist Tony Cockram greeted the enthusiastic audience and mentioned that he hoped he sounded good; after all, he had been sick the last couple days. However, even if someone in the audience hadn’t caught what Cockram said, it wouldn’t have mattered. Blue Powda Monkeys proved once again to be a driving force, as they played together in a fine-tuned cohesive unit that allowed them to play off each other while they rocked and pulsed DiPiazza’s. As for Cockram’s voice, it was in its usual effective, raw form, even as he hit the high notes on the third song, “I Know What You Did,” in their nine-song set.
Each band member worked his magic on his instrument: Tony Cockram, lead vocals and acoustic guitar; Jeff Montgomery, bass and vocal harmonies; Randy Allen, lead guitar and vocal harmonies; and Dave Niemeyer, drums.
During “All We Want To Do Is Get It On,” Cockram strengthened the bond with the concert-goers by walking through the crowd as he sang, and even doing a short dance with a female fan when he returned to the stage. BPM also played the legendary “He Just Wants His Baby,” a song is based on the eerie voice heard on one of the BPM rehearsal tapes as it was played back. Distinctly heard is an unknown man’s voice saying, “. . .I just want my baby.” After the applause at the song’s conclusion, Cockram asked, “Do we have time for another?” Applause swelled, along with shouts of, “Yeah!” The final song was “Yung,” masterfully sung and played, with strong harmonies from Jeff Montgomery.
Blue Powda Monkeys is currently in Mirror Image Studio completing an album. Check out the band at: www.bluepowdamonkeys.com and www.myspace.com/bluepowdamonkeys.com.
Photo by: Judy Brunkala
