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Bringing Back the Classics
Blues and Lasers at Brooklyn Bowl
In the northwestern Vermont city of Burlington, a group of musicians joined forces and became a great band. Lead by singer Grace Potter, they put together soul, rock and blues, and took on the world. Then, one enchanting night in Club Metronome, a jam session consisting of Scott Tournet, Matt Burr, Bryan Dondero, Benny Yurco; members of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and fifth member Steve Sharon was attempted. There was a connection unrealized in the past. A need for something more was hanging in the air. The response to this was the creation of Blues and Lasers; a five piece band with two guitarists, two drummers and a bass player. Though Bryan Dondero is no longer with the band, he’s since been replaced with John Rogone, to round off the group.
The result of such a combination of instruments is a rough and rugged sound that is reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and the Neil Young all at once. This new juxtaposition of classic blues and funk creates a fantastic early-seventies sound. I got a chance to talk to lead singer Scott Tournet about the release of their new album After All We’re Only Human and how it’s affected his life.
I noticed that a lot of the music you guys play is written by either yourself or Benny Yurco; How does having two lead singer/songwriters affect the dynamic of the band?
I think it has a positive effect in the way that it’s not one-dimensional. Benny and I come at writing from different angles. His songs/music can be a little more fun and lighthearted than mine which helps lift up the mood a little bit from time to time, which I personally appreciate.
What were you aiming for when you first started with Blues and Lasers?
I wanted to do something dirty, naughty, and edgy. I also wanted to find a new voice for my songwriting. Up until that point my solo albums were personal and half acoustic. I felt uncomfortable with myself when I would perform the material in public. With B&L, I started writing music and lyrics that needed to be delivered with aggression. I had to unapologetically perform the songs and the way I was writing them made that easy.
The CD release party is at The Brooklyn Bowl, are you guys big Bowlers?
(Laughs) Here and there, I get the urge every winter to throw some balls. But I have to admit that I usually end up at the video games after a few rounds.
Do any of your songs pay homage to the musicians who inspire you?
I don’t think so. There are pieces of this and that in each song for sure, but we are trying to create our own musical stew so to speak. Trying to get beyond imitating if you will.
You’ve come quite far in the last three years, what do you have in mind for Blues and Lasers in the future?
I’d like to get the band more recognition and some longer tours, keep on working and getting better. I’d like to get more creative with arrangement and dynamics, work more on harmonizing and group vocals, explore some new musical moods, try some new rhythms.
Blues and Lasers will be playing at the Brooklyn Bowl on May 8 at 8pm, to celebrate the release of their new album. If you want to party like a rock star, come check them out, and get your bowl on! For more information check out www.bluesandlasers.com