Sammy Rae & The Friends Bring 'Something for Everybody' to Roadrunner
Shot for The Concert Chronicles. Original article here.
In what felt like a homecoming of sorts, Sammy Rae & The Friends kicked off their two-night stand at Boston's Roadrunner on November 15th. For Rae, who got her start in Boston's local scene and regularly packed venues like The Sinclair during her rise, this return came with the added triumph of supporting their long-anticipated debut album, "Something for Everybody."
The album's title proved prophetic for the evening's entertainment, which delivered exactly what it promised - something for everyone in attendance. The band effortlessly navigated through various genres, from the disco-infused grooves of "Cool-Doug, At Night" to the rock-driven energy of "Thieves," before seamlessly transitioning into the emotional depths of "I Get It Now." Through it all, a subtle jazz undertone served as the perfect through-line, binding these diverse styles together.
Intimate Moments in a Big Room
While the full band arrangements showcased their collective power, some of the night's most memorable moments came when the stage cleared for more intimate performances. The back-to-back renditions of "I Get It Now" and "David" stripped away the layers to spotlight Samantha Bowers (performing as Sammy Rae) with minimal accompaniment. These raw, vulnerable performances demonstrated Rae's ability to captivate a packed venue with nothing more than her voice and genuine connection with the audience.
The Friends Behind the Magic
The "Friends" in Sammy Rae & The Friends isn't just a catchy addition to the name - it's a testament to the extraordinary collective of musicians sharing the stage. C-Bass Chiriboga's drumming and James Quinlan's bass lines form an unshakeable rhythm section, while Will Leet's guitar work adds both texture and flair. Debbie Tjong's keyboard complements the horn section of Max Zooi (tenor saxophone and synths) and Kellon Reese (alto saxophone), all of which come together to make a cohesive, big-band sound.
This talented ensemble was further enhanced when local Berklee-based string ensemble Nebulous Quartet joined for a particularly moving rendition of "Jackie Onassis," transforming an already beloved track into something even more special.
Setting the Stage
The evening's openers perfectly embodied the band's commitment to diverse entertainment. Ruby Fruit, a female a cappella group from UConn, and Pattie Gonia, a drag queen environmentalist, represented opposite ends of the performance spectrum. Yet both acts captured the audience's attention with their unique talents, setting the stage for a night that celebrated variety in all its forms.
The concert served as a testament to how far Sammy Rae has come from those early days, while staying true to the eclectic spirit that got them here. As the first of two nights at Roadrunner, it set a high bar for what promises to be a memorable weekend of music in Boston.