by Tom Baldino
The Magnificent Mancini Brothers certainly lived up to their name on this appearance at Reckless Steamy Nights. A packed room was treated to an acoustic night of curated songs played by a group that only gets together periodically due to their multiple commitments to other bands. They were led by Dave Ambrosey on drums, his brother Gary on acoustic guitar and mandolin, Mike Flynn on acoustic guitar, Danny Carouso on bass and John Pittas on accordion and keys. These much in demand musicians have been delighting fans on the Jersey Shore, and beyond for years. It’s always a treat to get them together, out of the bars, and into a real listening room where they an be appreciated.
Acoustic Steamy Nights began with a fine rendition of a traditional number with origins of more than a century old, “Deep Elum Blues.” Both Gary and Mike included solo’s which contrasted beautifully the difference in sound of Gary’s 1968 Gibson J-45, versus Mike’s Godin slim body. They then slowed it down for a seldom heard Jimmy Cliff tune,” Sitting in Limbo,” which was highlighted by Mike’s vocals. Gary then launched into a nice bluesy introduction to the Keb Mo’s classic, “Soon as I Get Paid,” with Dave on vocals. It included a fine solo by John on the keys, and Dave questioning the audience as to what season it was: not Mardi Gras, not Valentines, but “tax season!”
Their version of Jimmy Vaughan’s ode to his brother Stevie Ray’s passing, “Six Strings Down,” this heartfelt presentation included a shout out to the many great guitar players we have recently lost. The classic John Hiatt number “Feels Like Rain,” was given a nice reading, with Mike on vocals, and the band crafting a lush bed of sound that made this a standout. “I Believe I’m In Love with You,” a song written by Kim Wilson for his band, the Fabulous Thunderbirds featured Dave on vocals with another fine solo on keys by John.
Gary strapped on the mandolin for a rollicking version of the Anglin/Wright song, “Down South in New Orleans.” The set ended with John on accordion and Mike taking over the vocals for Buckwheat Zydeco’s “On A Night Like This,” and everyone in the room was glad they were here for a night like this.
The show wouldn’t be complete without a tune by Delbert McClinton, and this evening’s selection, “Somebody to Love You,” underscored the fact that he is one of the most underrated singer/songwriters in the business, and the boys did him proud with Dave’s impassioned vocals, and Gary’s slide guitar. Another highlight of the evening was the band’s version of the traditional song, “Jesus on the Mainline,” turning the room into a mini church revival. Los Lobos “Hearts of Stone,” was another great choice. Dave started with the drums, and after a minute of playing a great shuffle, he exclaimed “I could do this all night,” before the band launched into the song, with Mike adding a stellar solo. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Danny’s solid bass work, as well as adding some levity to the evening! They then reached back to the Stone’s “Goat’s Head Soup” collection for the deep cut “100 Years Ago,” which was great to hear again, especially with Mike providing another fine solo. Before beginning the Bob Dylan tune, “Gotta Serve Somebody,” Mike said he would probably leave out a few verses (there are 14!), and proceeded to do a great version with John adding some tasty piano.
The Maverick’s “All You Ever Do is Bring Me Down” was preceded by a mention of their recently deceased front man, Raul Malo. With John’s accordion and a nice solo from Gary, it became a fitting tribute to someone who brought so many people joy. John kept the accordion on for another Buckwheat Zydeco tune, “Come Get Yourself Some,” and I turned to Jill Baskind, and said she should have brought her rub board!
They then asked Gary Neuwirth to join them on harp for a terrific version of Mearle Haggard’s “Workin’ Man Blues,” which got a rousing response from those in attendance. For an encore they played one of Keb Mo’s most inspirational songs, “Better Man,” which as the chorus stated, left everyone with a “smile on their face.” It was the kind of night which reminded me why I do this.