After seeing Professor Louie perform with Guy Davis the previous month at The Extended Play Sessions, we eagerly anticipated the performance by Professor Louie & The Crowmatix. Our patience was rewarded by a fabulous show (not that any of us were surprised)!

Professor Louie

It is not easy to quantify this band’s genre. Their Facebook page says ‘roots/rock Americana’ and at a high level that is what they play. Looking more closely, they play gospel songs, rock songs, country songs, blues songs, and even songs with a Cajun or Zydeco influence.

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix

Do not for one moment imagine this to mean the band is unfocused. On the contrary, mes amis! They are tight and appear to be able to play anything they set their minds to play.

Professor Louie

There was much music royalty on stage this night. Professor Louie worked with The Band; guitarist John Platania worked with Van Morrison; drummer Gary Burke worked with many artists including Bob Dylan and Joe Jackson; bassist Frank Campbell worked with Steve Forbert and Levon Helm, among others; and singer/percussionist/keyboardist ‘Miss’ Marie Spinosa also worked with Rick Danko.

Professor Louie

John Platania

Gary Burke

Frank Campbell

Miss Marie

They are touring to support their most recent release Music from Hurley Mountain. Hurley Mountain is in the Woodstock, New York area where most, if not all, of the band lives. It is quite the coincidence that last name of the producer/director/videographer of The Extended Play Sessions is Hurley!

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix

One of my favorite songs they did was ‘Family Reunion’ which I believe is a waltz. Featuring Miss Marie on vocals (she is the lead singer on most of their songs), I wanted to get up, grab a partner, and waltz around the room!

Miss Marie

I apologize for the brevity of this review; I wrote it after the performance, which was over two months ago, and for a variety of reasons have not published it. Do not interpret that as meaning I did not like the show. I loved it and cannot wait for the band to return to The Fallout Shelter on Sunday, August 14th! It promises to be another fabulous show.