Julius C

This is the tale of the most original new band I’ve encountered in recent memory.  They come from Staten Island, and play shows throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  They’re called Julius C.

I saw Julius C in a bar on Manhattan one fateful evening.  The room was small, and hot.  There was a lot of alcohol floating around.  There was a fair amount of alcohol in me.  The band took the stage at 11, at the end of a series of New York based acts that had been jamming on since 8.  Everyone was drunk, everyone was sweaty, and the anticipation the air was palpable.  This group, which I was standing among, knew what was to come.  This was a loyal fan base.  A well deserved one.

The band took the stage (and by stage, I mean small pile of carpets in the corner of the room,) and instantly their charisma flooded the small space.  They’re bass driven funk-rock was something so enlightening; the heat fell away and there was nothing but the sound.  Lost in this world of sexy guitars and amazing drums, I found what I think I can call peace.  Brief, as brief as the set, but peace none the less.

After performing a couple of songs, the vocalist left the band to briefly put forth a solo performance.  He, named Jay, put everything into that song.  He stepped away from the mic and unplugged his acoustic, then proceeded to belt out one of the most heartfelt things I’ve ever heard.  No time for recovery after that, though.  Upon his finish, the rest of the band put on an instrumental medley that slaughtered me. 

I’m a fan of funk.  True funk.  True funk is all about ***.  Being ***.  This band has it, this band uses it, this band is it.

http://www.juliusc.com/
http://www.myspace.com/juliusc

P.S.- Northwest Airlines flight 1771 Memphis to Detroit passengers from 07/07/08; it was me who Rick Rolled you all.  I’d apologize, but I’m not sorry.  It was in good fun, and if you feel offended I can assure you that it didn’t bother me at all.