Reggie Sullivan | photo by Jordan Lawrence
If any one person could be seen as a bridge between Columbia’s rock and jazz scenes, it would be Reggie Sullivan. Coming up through the famed old Thursday jam sessions at the Hunter-Gatherer brewpub, the bassist is one of the city’s most reliable jazz players, taking part in many gigs around town. But he also leads The Reggie Sullivan Band, cutting a voracious path through funk and rock since forming the group in 2012.
The outfit consists of Sullivan along with guitarist Evans McGill and drummer Geoff Shackley, and their new album, Supernatural, showcases wide-ranging abilities. “Baby Be Gone” rides stellar guitar riffs reminiscent of Maroon 5 circa Songs About Jane. The airy pop tune “Hard Heart” boasts a tender melody and soft, sweet vocals, expressing the vulnerability of a man that has been wronged one too many times. “In My Head” slinks through seductive, jazz-tinged funk with fervent passion and persistent regret.
On record isn’t the only place The Reggie Sullivan Band finds itself stretched between different worlds. The group gigs a lot, with road dates stretching from Portland, Maine, to Key West, delivering both samplings of its own original music and multi-hour cover gigs.
“For most events, I read the crowd and figure out what the listeners would like to hear,” Sullivan offers. “You know, if it’s a festival then I play 99 percent all originals. [Cover] gigs, I flow with the energy. If a slow song is needed then I slip an original slow jam, if a party song is needed then I play an exciting original that will keep people moving.”
Indeed, as mainstream-leaning bands who frequently play cover gigs go, Sullivan and company are as adventurous as it gets. As such Free Times was curious about the sounds that inspire them, asking the players to pick out five albums that most inform their music.
Sullivan explained their choices. His responses have been edited for length and clarity.
B.B. King, Why I Sing the Blues (1983)
The album picked me. One of the first albums I ever owned. The topics would be heavy but the music would be groovy and fun. One of my favorite songs is “Why I Sing The Blues.” The connection between the drums and bass is really nice.
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue (1959)
I’ve always felt like it was a jazz musician’s bible. It’s beautiful and memorable. Every note and melody is memorable. It just plays so easy. Kind of Blue has an all-star cast of musicians. A song that grabbed my attention was “So What,” mostly because of the melody.
John Mayer, Continuum (2006)
First of all, Pino Palladino is on bass and I’ve been a fan of his for a very long time. The album is vibey, and I can listen to it over and over. Actually, I am going to listen to it on my way home.
Duke Ellington, Sophisticated Lady (compilation released in 1996; single “Sophisticated Lady” released in 1933)
In seventh grade I got Duke Ellington’s album Sophisticated Lady. He was the first jazz musician I ever heard. His tunes are beautiful, orchestral, and some of his most popular tracks (think “Take the A Train”) lean toward an everyday Broadway style. My first year of college I played a bass solo for “Sophisticated Lady.” Ellington is intelligent, deep and sometimes dark. He is one of the greatest composers.
ALL James Brown
James Brown is just cool. With his live albums, you just never know what you’re going to get.
He is the grandfather of soul and funk. He was 100 percent all the time. He worked and played hard and he made sure his band gave 100 percent as well.
What: Eclipse Eve
Where: Music Farm, 1022 Senate St.
When:Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-8 p.m.
With: Seventy Six and Sunny, The Reggie Sullivan Band, Kelly Cheats
Price:Free (21-plus only)
More: musicfarm.com
