With the release of a new five-track EP, Hard Times, the introduction of the fan-funded Boner Donor program, and a trio of multi-gig residencies on the horizon, New Orleans’ inimitable Bonerama has never been busier. The trombone-centric funk-rock troupe is all about checking off milestones right now, conjuring up new ways to spread their boner-ific mojo and enhance the Bonerama experience for their loyal fan base.
Hard Times, available beginning September 29, includes the first-ever studio recordings by Bonerama, once described by Rolling Stone’s David Fricke as “the ultimate in brass balls.” Those who’ve caught them in concert during their decade-plus existence treasure the group’s live recordings, and now Hard Times recasts Bonerama music in a whole other context. The four studio tracks on the EP include the title track, “Hard Times,” the instrumental “Folly” and “Lost My House,” co-written by Craig Klein and Dave Malone of New Orleans’ legendary Radiators. The last studio recording is a ferocious cover of Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks” (who in the Big Easy can’t relate to that?), while the sole live track is a raging rave-up of the Bobby “Blue” Bland soul classic “Turn On Your Love Light,” captured at last year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The release of Hard Times will be supported by a month of Northeast residencies and tour dates running from Oct. 1-30. The residencies include three consecutive Wednesday nights at Johnny D’s in Somerville, MA, four Thursdays at Club Metronome in Burlington, VT, and four Fridays at Sullivan Hall in NYC. The whirlwind tour will also make stops in Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE; Londonderry, NH; Rockland, ME; Manchester, CT; Northampton, MA and Lancaster, PA with more cities to be announced. See below for the current list of fall tour dates.
The most intriguing new wrinkle, though, is the Boner Donor program, designed to provide the ultimate Bonerama fan experience while simultaneously affording the band nothing less urgent than the very opportunity to continue to record and tour. Through the Boner Donor program, Bonerama is offering new, out-of-the-box ways for fans to jump directly into the energy stream and spirit of Bonerama. As the band explains on its web site (http://BoneramaMusic.com), “Your investment as a Boner Donor translates to a direct lifeline that will keep our music pumping. It’s the most pure and direct way to support the art that we all need in our lives.” For donations set at various pricing levels, fans can reward themselves with anything from hard drives that can be loaded up with live content at Bonerama shows, to serving as roadie for a day or traveling with the band throughout the entire year of 2010! Click here for the full details on the Boner Donor program http://BoneramaMusic.com/Boner-Donor.
Those who’ve followed the path of these forward thinkers-after all, who’d ever heard of a funk-infected rock band fronted by trombones before this one?-probably won’t be surprised at the ingenuity behind the Boner Donor program. This, after all, is a band that has always remained close to the people who’ve supported them throughout the years. Now, as the music industry continues its slippery slide into unknown abysses, leave it to the ingenious Bonerama to come up with a patron-of-the-arts concept that redefines the musician-fan relationship by offering the most dedicated supporters the time of their lives.
No one who’s ever understood what it’s like to be loyal to a favorite musical artist can possibly have a bone to pick with that!
Don’t miss Bonerama on tour this fall:
September 25 Howlin’ Wolf Northshore Mandeville LA
September 26 Mid City Lanes New Orleans LA
October 1 Club Metronome Burlington VT
October 2 Sullivan Hall New York NY
October 3 Rex Theater Pittsburgh PA
October 5 Rock N Roll Hotel Washington DC
October 7 The Main Pub Manchester CT
October 8 Club Metronome Burlington VT
October 9 Sullivan Hall New York NY
October 10 8 X 10 Baltimore MD
October 12 The Time Out Pub Rockland ME
October 13 Iron Horse Music Hall Northampton MA
October 14 Johnny D’s Somerville MA
October 15 Club Metronome Burlington VT
October 16 Sullivan Hall New York NY
October 17 Dogfish Head Brewery Rehoboth Beach DE
October 18 Marion Court Room Lancaster PA
October 21 Johnny D’s Somerville MA
October 22 Club Metronome Burlington VT
October 23 Sullivan Hall New York NY
October 24 Tupelo Music Hall Londonderry NH
October 28 Johnny D’s Somerville MA
October 30 Tipitina’s New Orleans LA
November 6 On the River Friday Series Gretna LA
November 13 Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival Live Oak FL
