New Jersey Stage Issue 59 | Page 56

Secret Sound took part in the Makin Waves Jam ‘n’ Groove Fest’s 50th Anniversary tribute to the Allmans, The Meters and Little Feat. How and why did each of those bands influence and inspire you and/or your band mates? The Allmans were the first band I heard playing blues music and it literally changed my life. I got into them so hard before the Grateful Dead even and played along with ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’ while I was figuring out modal improvisation as a younger jazz musician and the two approaches seemed the exact same to me -- as they were. I found out about The Meters later on, and their music inspired me to create grooves and honor the funk like never before. They made it OK to play less notes and let each instrument play its part in the group sound, as opposed to letting the guitar be so dominant. That is easy. Grooving is harder to learn and get good at.  I love Little Feat’s music, but I’ve learned more what not to do from the unfortunate career of Lowell Watch Secret Sound perform “Budding Bromance” NJ STAGE - ISSUE 59 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 56