Something that's largely taken for granted at live gigs, and very often sorely missed, is atmosphere. You could have the greatest band in the world on stage, but if the atmosphere isn't there, the gig just goes right down the drain. That's why the Cadillac Moon show at Lennon's Pub was such a breath of fresh air.
Barring a need for better lighting, the intimate, smoky Irish bar is just the right setting for seeing a band like Cadillac Moon. The band and the bar seem to complement each other so well - they're both colorful and of a delightfully classic style.
If you've ever seen Cadillac Moon, you know that they certainly deliver the goods when it comes to a capable, broad-based Rhythm and Blues sound. Together for a year with their line-up of Long Island favorites Rich Campbell on keyboards, Al Santoriello (also of the Little Wilson Band) on vocals, Mike Nugent on guitar, Shawn Murray on drums and Dave Noyes on bass, the band have forged a solid, tight unit.
An undeniably full and tight sound (even in the absence of bassist Noyes, who was replaced for the evening by Tony More) enhances the great songwriting abilities of the band. Original numbers like the rocking "Plug Me In," the Golden Earring-ish "Test Drive," and Cajun-flavored "Filet Gumbo" sounded very comfortable alongside covers of Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Pride and Joy" and traditional "Iko Iko" as they were already classics themselves.
The band is currently working on their first CD that they hope to have it completed by December, Until then, they'll be playing all over Long Island on a fairly regular basis. If it's classic R&B you're looking for, Cadillac Moon is what you want, but make haste; this is certainly not a band that'll be restricted to playing local bars forever.
Jim Haggerty
