The Reefermen are a cover band who concentrate on rock,
blues and soul music from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. With no gimmicks to
play with, these guys stroll on stage in their jeans and T-shirts, and
concentrate on blasting through their finely tuned set of retro-goodness. Think
The Blues Brothers jamming with Skynryd.
“We’ve been doing this for ten years plus,” says front-man
James Wailin. “We got started on the suggestion of a bar owner who wanted to
fill one of his off-nights. He suggested a few different names. We started off
with a jam night. We play songs from 1966 to ‘75. The songs that go down best
are the early ‘70s soul. Blues and soul -- Sly & the Family Stone and Muddy
Waters.”
Their authentic retro-sound has proven to be a big hit in
the Detroit
area, regularly pulling in impressive numbers. The band is tight, and while
there’s little in the way of a “show” to speak of, the songs are played with a
rare passion.
The Reefermen play every Tuesday at Fifth Avenue.
For more information about the Reefermen: www.myspace.com/thereefermen
