Just Stay Live
Nola Blue, 2026
9/10
The Brooklyn roots rockers The Alexis P. Suter Band see much help from the multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson (of The Band) for these 11 live selections that were captured in 2011 at The Falcon in Marlboro, New York.
The gospel spirit of “John The Revelator” opens with Suter’s powerful pipes amid Jimmy Bennett’s thick guitar and Hudson’s warm keys, and “Garth Piano Solo” follows with 5+ minutes of finger acrobatics that are heartfelt.
Halfway through the set, “Whistling In The Dark” allows for Ray Grappone’s thumping drums that suit Suter’s husky pipes and Vicki Bell’s soulful pipes, while “Knocking On Heavens Door” is an emotive interpretation of the Dylan classic where Peter Bennett’s skilled bass adds much to the rich delivery.
“Only I” and “Isn’t It A Pity’ exit the listen. The former blends the dense rhythm section with soaring vocals from Suter that are complemented by Bell’s pretty singing, and the latter benefits from Hudson’s elegant piano and accordion alongside the intimate and stirring songwriting.
A tremendous performance that uses roots, Americana, blues, rock and gospel to their advantage, Suter and company make the most of Hudson’s presence for an evening that we are grateful to relive here.
Travels well with: Peter Stampfel- Song Shards; Ryan Lee Crosby- At The Blue Front