St. Paul and the Broken Bones Play Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill

“There is an old saying about assumptions and in most cases this saying is more than accurate.”

When one thinks of conventional soul music, artists such as James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding come to mind. Rarely does one envision six very Anglo twenty-somethings cranking out earth-jarring, soul-shuddering, old-school R&B. Enter St. Paul and the Broken Bones, a Birmingham based soul band, complete with charismatic lead man, sturdy rhythm section, and dynamic horn line.

Time Warp

A band on the uptick, St. Paul and the Broken Bones are taking audiences to a different time and place, dipping into a style that has more in common with the Stax’s sound of the 1960’s than the slick fabrications of the modern music industry. St. Paul and the Broken Bones are offering original variations on a time tested theme while defying all assumptions of what a “soul band” should be.

Spreading the Soul

Paul Janeway, the charismatic lead man, and his band mates are spreading the good-news of the soul gospel one show at a time. Covering a swath of styles that could only be tagged as “soul-garage-mod-psychedelic-rhythm and blues”, Janeway and the crew deliver a vigorous melodic experience that is not for the socially reserved or faint of heart.

Janeway’s perspiration soaked suit, visceral vocals, and sporadic gyrations are reminiscent of the titans of soul mythology yet distinctly novel. Backed by a collection of remarkable musicians, Janeway and his compatriots are moving audiences to sonic rapture with their fervent act. Broken Bones shows are also proving to be much more than a spectator sport. Audience participation is seemingly obligatory as the gritty-southern soul compels spontaneous cavorting.

Movin’ on Up

In a broad sense, things have started to move quickly for St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Playing packed shows across the Southeast, St. Paul and the Broken Bones are developing quite a reputation for blistering live performances. A widely viewed episode of Music City Roots from Nashville’s Loveless Café has increased the band’s notoriety. In early March, the fellows hit their first SXSW with multiple engagements, including a showcase performance at the Thirty Tiger’s House Party.

As a result of their relentless touring, St. Paul and the Broken Bones have recently been featured in PASTE Magazine, on NPR, and are currently in the spotlight of many influential music blogs. With an album, produced by Alabama Shakes keyboardist Ben Tanner, “in the can” and an expanding assemblage of dedicated fans, success seems imminent for St. Paul and the Broken Bones.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones will headline Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill, Friday April 12th. Concerts on the Dock is a free concert series. The show starts at 6:00pm. Adults, children, dogs on leashes, and coolers are welcome. Bring your dancing shoes and a sweat rag, you are going to need them.

Even More

Event Information: St. Paul and the Broken Bones

Date: Friday, April 12th
Time: Concert starts at 6:00pm
Location: Lowe Mill
Cost: Free

About the Author

Todd Powers is an educator, public servant, concert photographer, occasional writer, perpetual college student, husband, father, and audiophile. Todd is originally from Madison County and enjoys all things North Alabama. His writings and photographs have appeared in various publications including Bluegrass Today, Relix, Jambands.com, Deep South Magazine, and the Valley Planet. Todd’s major passion is live music. He and his wife Shannon have traveled extensively to see their favorite bands all over the United States. Todd and his family currently reside in the Gurley community.