The music of the Gaslight Tinkers has always defied easy labeling. Since forming in 2012, the way the band blends Afro-pop, funk and reggae rhythms with traditional New England, old-time, and Celtic fiddle music sets them apart from any other band on the local scene. From the start, audiences responded to the lively music they created, which always led to plenty of whirling and twirling on the dance floor.
There is an undeniable burst of positive energy when the Gaslight Tinkers hit the stage, so get ready for some feel-good vibes when the band plays a Halloween show at the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. Costumes are strongly encouraged.
This show is also an informal record release for the band’s new album, “Gaslight Tinkers II.” They ‘soft-released’ the album in June to coincide with their appearance at the Green River Festival and are now working hard to bring it to more listeners.
The band describes this new album as the next chapter in the Gaslight Tinkers sound. It is the follow-up to their self-titled seven-song EP released in 2015. At that time, the band consisted of founding members: bassist Garrett Sawyer, guitarist and vocalist Peter Siegel, fiddle player Zoe Darrow and drummer Dave Noonan. There have been lineup changes since then with Siegel and Sawyer the only remaining original members.
With lineup changes plus a pandemic to deal with, it’s easy to understand why this record was five years in the making.
“The CD is almost like a retrospective of the band over the past five years,” said Siegel in a recent phone conversation. “The CD features Audrey Knuth on fiddle, and it also features singer I-Shea, who joined the band in 2018 and Choc’late Allen, who sings with us quite a bit. There are things on there that I listen to and it’s like ‘oh wow, I remember when we did that.’”
Joe Fitzpatrick, who is known for his work with many local bands, is now the drummer of the group and plays on the album.
Siegel, who is from Brattleboro, has a background in folk music. He started the band with Sawyer, who has an extensive history playing reggae and world music. Their goal was to combine their different musical influences and create music that merged various divergent styles. They have succeeded with this objective, and there is an even broader range of styles on the new album.
“There (are) definitely more styles on there,” said Siegel. “I think I-Shea has brought so many other different Caribbean styles in. We were doing a lot of Calypso and Afrobeat before, but part of I-Shea’s heritage is her family is from the Dominican Republic, and she can sing in Spanish so we have branched out into a bit more sounds from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and even some classic rock.”
With her strong voice, skilled percussion playing and dynamic stage presence, I-Shea has been a welcomed addition to the band. Siegel agrees that she ups the energy level of the already energetic band.
Choc’late Allen, who is originally from Trinidad, occasionally sings with the band and her Calypso styles vocals also add a lot to the group. “We know Choc’late because Garrett cut his teeth playing Calypso In Trinidad with her family who are Calypso royalty in Trinidad. The Tinkers did a tour in Trinidad a couple of years ago and worked with Allen, then when she came up here we had her join the band.”
Then there’s fiddle player Audrey Knuth who joined the band when Darrow departed and also plays in the typical Scottish fiddling style. Knuth moved to California soon after joining the band, but remains a member. She appeared on the album, and plays with the band when they are out on tour, especially playing contra dances which is her specialty and something the Tinkers do on occasion. Knuth contributed a lovely version of the old folk song, “Hush a Bye,” to the disc.
“Audrey had never really sung before, and we had her find a song that she knew very well and she chose that song and we recorded a very sparring version of it. Garrett is such a master recording engineer that he transformed it into a very ethereal song that’s unlike any of the many other versions that have been done before.”
You will find that “Gaslight Tinkers II” is a mixed bag of sound that reflect the evolving and ever changing nature of the band and all the diverse influences that each member brings to the table.
“When I started this band with Garrett I really wanted it to be a collective experience where we use all of our expertise in these different genres and come up with something very genuine that has all of these different traditions in them and be true to each of the traditions,” said Siegel. “When I-Shea entered the band in particular I wanted it to feel more of a collective than a band because we are all contributing and all making this evolve in whatever way it does.”
Siegel went on to stress that he isn’t the leader of the band and that everyone contributes equally. This is most evident in their live shows which can feature a changing lineup.
“Because Garrett and I can span a lot of different genres it’s exciting to take the songs we play and play them differently every time,” said Siegel of the band’s live shows. “So it’s always an evolution and it’s always changing. I almost feel like calling us the Gaslight Tinkers Collective.”
The lineup for this show will feature Siegel, Sawyer, Fitzpatrick, Emerald Rae, I-Shea and Choc’late. Siegel mentioned that they don’t do many local shows, so catch them while you can. The DiTrani Brothers, who play music that is heavily influenced by 1920s and 1930s jazz, and Eastern European, Balkan music will open. Siegel handpicked the band himself. “They are from Brattleboro and they completely fit in with our vibe and I think it will be great night, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
For tickets, visit: https://www.showclix.com/event/gaslight-tinkers-and-ditrani-brothers. Doors open at 7 p.m. All Ages. $20 in advance / $28 at the door.
Halloween Happenings
Jimmy Can’t Quit, the ultimate party cover band, will be on hand to host the Halloween Costume Party at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at hawksandreed.com or at the door. The venue also announced that Jimmy Can’t Quit will be one of the bands playing at their New Year’s Eve party.
There will be a queer dance party at the ‘Voo in Turners Falls on Saturday beginning at 9 p.m. with music provided by DJ Longlegs and DJ Callus. There will be a costume contest, a full bar and snacks. $5 suggested donation.
Hitchcock Brewing Company in Bernardston will host their second annual Halloween party on Saturday night. There will be a costume contest with prizes award for first, second and third place. Music will be provided by Afterglo who will play your favorite classic rock tunes from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a 21+ event.
Ten Forward in Greenfield is hosting two Halloween parties this weekend. On Friday night, it’s a costume party with music from the local avant-garde rock band, The Leafies You Gave Me. Experimental music maker Ron Shalom from New York City will also be performing. The celebration continues on Saturday night. DJ Jake Mission Meginsky will provide music at this show. Ron Shalom will return, and on this night, he will be performing in his pop/drag persona of Minivan Soundsystem. Once again, costumes are encouraged, and there will be a costume show and contest. 8 p.m. start time, both nights.
There will be a Halloween costume party with Lady Pop at Deja Brew Cafe & Pub in Wendell on Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. Prizes for best costume.
Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.