Billy Seward Band at Mattison's City Grille

Last night's first set a Mattison's City Grille, in downtown Sarasota, was interesting for how the Billy Seward Band set the stage for later, more energetic sets to come. 

Seward and his bandmates--Burt Engelsman on bass, Steve Camilleri on drums, Richy Kicklighter on guitar, and Brandon Sommers on keyboards--gently rolled out the vocals and instrumental riffs like individual jetstreams in a blue gulf sky, rolling out a canvas of sound that coalesced into white fluffy clouds of recognizable r&b and blues. 

Maybe it was the reprieve of balmy evening weather after days of cold that had me thinking in such metaphors. In any case, there was a pleasant haze of melody and harmony on the podium--energetic enough to attract couples and kids to the brick "dance floor", yet restrained enough to invite appreciative listening by patrons working on their appetizers at tables nearby.

This particular combination of players brings a lot of depth to the band. Each one is a seasoned master at his craft. All of them play regularly in other bands with other signature sounds. 

So it's fascinating to see what happens when they back up Seward, who has his own style of Memphis soul and Chicago blues. It's soulful, but doesn't hit you over the head with howling or shouting. It alternates between telling a tale and pulling back into lead breaks. 

Sommers' easy harmonies and Kicklighter's thoughtful counter-riffs enrich without dominating. Engelsman and Camilleri give solid rhythm and undertones, without overpowering Seward's initiatives.

Here's a listen from another Seward gig: