JASON MRAZ/RIPE LIVE – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
Ralph Beauchamp
Jason Majez On a stormy Friday night, he brought his Mystical Magic Rhythm Radical Ride Tour to the Hartford Medical Amphitheater in Bridgeport to a sold-out crowd. Mraz Playing with his extended touring band “The Superband”. He also brought in Boston’s own Ripe to provide direct support. Both bands radiated positive vibes and incredible music that night.
This is also a first for me. I finally got to meet the newest member of our team, Kerri Nelson. Kerri is a fantastic photographer and a fantastic writer who has already made an amazing contribution in the short time she has been working with AMP. We sat in the parking lot talking about music and getting to know each other. I think I enjoyed our time together as much as the majestic music we were about to hear.
Ripe is a funk/rock/rhythm band from Boston. The band consists of Robbie Wulfsohn (vocalist). Jon Becker (guitar), Sampson Heilemann (drums) and Calvin Battle (trombone). In addition, there are several touring members. We last introduced them in our post in August 2021. Their latest full length is solid bright blues 2023.
The mature show starts a little early. I guess the weather forecast was a factor as thunderstorms were expected to hit later in the evening. An amphitheater is an open-air venue with a canvas roof. Their short songs are filled with soaring riffs and heartfelt rhythms. From the beginning, the band creates a spicy and warm atmosphere. Wolfson is a joy to watch. His whole demeanor was filled with excitement. He seemed genuinely grateful to be on this stage. His spirit was contagious. He once said, “Tonight, 14-year-old me would have panicked, but now 30-year-old me is hiding it well.”
Photos Carey Nelson
The band performed many energetic hits including “First Time Feeling” and “Goon Squad.” Wolfson is full of energy and energy throughout. The band played an exciting rhythm and the audience responded well to every song. Many people stood up and danced. The guy next to me was singing along the whole show. The Kinks’ cover of “Lola” was a huge hit. Ripe were mesmerizing tonight and everyone seemed to really enjoy their bold performance. It was only a matter of time before Ripe gained significant traction. They truly deserve it.
Jason Majez Compared to the dark side of today’s world, this is certainly a blessing. His positive outlook on life instills a protective shield into the hearts and minds of listeners from external fears. Malaz’s The music is full of life and rich textures, bathing his devotees in a heavenly light. His band was called “The Super Band,” and it was awesome. Every musician is incredible. Additionally, they all have the ability to turn off instruments, which enhances the overall experience. Band members include Grooveline Horns, Raining Jane (who collaborated with Mraz) and lead guitarist Molly Miller. Additionally, long-time touring musicians Daniel Mandelman (keys) and Tamir Barzilay (drums) were in attendance.
Mraz The night kicked off with “Getting Started,” the first song from his latest full-length album Mystic Magic Rhythm Radical Ride Released last year. From the start, the entire venue was on its feet, clapping and swaying to the beat. “Feel Good Too” continues the journey of ecstasy. The orchestra is in high gear. MrazThis was followed by the hit song “Remedy (I Won’t Worry)”. He told the audience the story behind the song. When his friend Charlie is diagnosed with a potentially fatal condition, he tells Mraz “He won’t worry about his life.” His positivity was infectious to the entire town. Happily, he’s still around. The crowd loved it.
whole night, Mraz It brings the audience closer. The little things in his life endeared him to the whole family. Another detail about his life that he talked about was about his consistent attitude of affirmation. He explained that sometimes it comes from a dark place, but he uses music to recover. “Good Old Daze,” “3 Things,” “BeWhere Your Feet Are” and the “Traveler/Make It Mine” remix follow.
Photos Carey Nelson
“Butterfly” has beautiful graphics on the big screen behind the band. other Mraz‘s hit song “Get Lucky” left the audience feeling pure joy, especially when he hinted that Colby Keira was at home. He sang this duet with Jane in the Rain’s Mia Bloomfield. “Little Time” and “Pancakes and Cream” mystery Next up is.
After “93 Million Miles” and “I Won’t Give Up”, Mraz The big gun was taken out. He closed the show with “You Might Like It,” a dynamic rendition of “I’m Yours” and his latest hit, “I Feel Like Dancing.” Looking at his previous shows online, I noticed that he usually comes back for an encore of 2-3 songs, but I’m sure the weather played a big role in the night’s festivities and the show was over.
I do have to highlight one particular band member. Mona Tavakoli in Raining Jane is great. Whether it’s drums, percussion or backing vocals, she’s a storm. Her intensity was at its peak. Sometimes you can’t take your eyes off her.
Both Jason Majez Ripe and Ripe’s brilliant performance took the audience to heavenly heights. Don’t miss out when they come to your city or town either.
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