Search - Velvet Night :: Velvet Night

A local cult classic

P. Grabar | Burgess, VA | 04/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a re-issue of a 1970 album from Velvet Night, aka Gas House Kids, featuring the fantastic vocals of Lynn Boccumini, aka Mountain Dew. I used to drive from Stamford CT to a bar in White Plains NY - the Fore 'N Aft - just to see these guys play, back around '68-'70. They were the best bar band I've ever seen, doing mostly covers of the hits of the day. Their range was wide, from Eddie Floyd's "Knock On Wood" to The Stone Ponies' "Different Drum" to The Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" to Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love"...and many more...all with their own imprint and sound. The band was tight and skillful, but for me, the main attraction was Lynn Boccumini's soaring vocals and electric stage presence. It's a shame this CD doesn't include a video of them on stage. This album captures their sound, although my one gripe then (I have the original vinyl) and now is that Lynn wasn't featured enough. However, this CD is still worth getting, just to hear a sonic slice of a local should-have-been-bigger band on their one and only recording. I wish I could take a time machine back to the Fore 'N Aft to see them one more time. :)"