Ladies and gentlemen, Proverbial have returned! This hard-working RVA group with a difficult to pigeonhole sound that mixes elements from blues, funk, reggae, hip hop, and good ol’ rock n’ roll spent the past few years winning over a strong following locally and up and down the East Coast.
Ladies and gentlemen, Proverbial have returned! This hard-working RVA group with a difficult to pigeonhole sound that mixes elements from blues, funk, reggae, hip hop, and good ol’ rock n’ roll spent the past few years winning over a strong following locally and up and down the East Coast. Their self-titled debut, released in 2011, was a strong statement of purpose that demonstrated the talent shared by all members of the group. Since then, though, they’ve streamlined things a bit, dropping down to a quintet and getting into fighting form to prepare for a followup. Bassist Scott Gerry explains their process of working through the lineup change this way: “After losing two members this year, we were confused about our identity, but the will to go on has found us in a place of excitement and possibility. What was broken is now whole again. Maybe not the same, but perhaps how fate intended it to be.”
In keeping with the hand fate dealt them in 2013, Proverbial has named their second album Pick Up The Pieces. Gerry feels that the album crystallizes Proverbial’s positive approach going forward. “I am proud of this album for many reasons, but the single most is that despite our turbulent year, the overall vibe is positivity. When things seem their darkest and nothing is going your way, patience and determination will always see you through. Always.” This is also the lyrical theme on display in “New John,” the exclusive advance track from Pick Up The Pieces that we’re premiering today. Over a solid reggae groove laid down by Gerry and drummer Ryan Harlowe, saxophonist Thomas Whitesell and keyboardist Phil Walker lay down some sweet melody lines. This is really singer/guitarist Mike Keeter’s show, though, and he wails and hollers with a soulful, bluesy delivery. “I never mind what it takes to move past another mistake,” he sings on the song’s chorus, celebrating triumph over struggle and adversity. Based on the song’s strong, clear production, you might be surprised to hear that Proverbial recorded it in their basement, but it’s just proof that modern recording technology can allow for magic even on a tight budget. Check out “New John” below:
Proverbial’s official album release party for Pick Up The Pieces takes place this Friday at The National. In addition to a full set from Proverbial, who will be playing lots of new material, you’ll also get the opportunity to pick up their brand new album for the very first time (as well as some other brand new merch items). But that’s not all that will be going on at this show–oh no, far from it! Also on the bill will be fellow Richmond funk-rockers Downbeat Switch (who released a new album not long ago themselves), Wilmington NC’s own reggae-rock crew Signal Fire, local female-fronted blues-rockers Force Of Habit, and up-and-coming RVA collective Funk Butter. Plus, DJ Droppa will be spinning tunes between sets and keeping the party going after Proverbial finishes playing. So don’t go home once they’re done–stick around, dance, and hang out with Proverbial, who’ll be hitting the floor after their set to personally thank all of their fans for their support. “Much love to everyone who made this album possible,” Gerry says. “I hope our fans enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it.”
Proverbial’s album release party kicks off on Friday, November 22 at 6:30 PM. Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased HERE; tickets will be available at the door for $15. It’s all happening at The National, located at 708 E. Broad St, and the evening is sponsored by RVA Threads, Nectar Sunglasses, West Coast Kix, and RVA Magazine. For more info, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/378284545607838
