Monophonics / Big Brother Thunder & the MasterBlasters @ Old Rock House, St. Louis, MO

Word and pictures by Duane Clawson

Funk, funk, and more funk is the only way to sum up this night of music at St. Louis's Old Rock House. What was great about covering this show was that I got to kill two birds with one stone. First off, I have known about and wanted to cover Big Brother Thunder & the MasterBlasters set for the past couple of years but I have been unable to catch them live due to scheduling conflicts. So I was quite happy to see them on the bill with Monophonics. As for Monophonics, I was just recently introduced to their music through magic of St. Louis listener-supported radio. Monophonics takes a musical road that was paved by such bands as Sly & The Family Stone, Isaac Hayes, and The Memphis Horns.

As most local shows go, it takes a bit for the room to warm up and tonight at the Old Rock House was no exception. But once it did, there was no cooling it off. Big Brother Thunder did a commendable of filling the room with their updated take on 70's funk and soul. Sheri Facchin, lead singer of Big Brother, caught my ear by providing a smooth, soulful voice to a rearranged version of Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression". By the time Monophonics landed on the Rock House stage, the doors were open and bodies were sweating. Monophonics lead singer/keyboard player Kelly Finnigan finished the night drenched in sweat and became a testament to the energy that filled the room. Whether performing originals or covering hits by Sonny Bono and The Mama's & The Papa's, Monophonics made each song a unique musical adventure. Thanks to Monophonics for allowing me to cover the show. Pictures of the show are below:

Big Brother Thunder & the Master Blasters