By Joanie Cox-Henry
Big Rock Band ignited Galuppi's in Pompano Beach, Fla., April 15 with a powerful set list of classic rock anthems and soulful jams. After experiencing just a few notes of this South Florida music scene staple, it's obvious why they have such a loyal and ever-expanding following. Alex Lencina belts out rock power ballads with an unbridled tenacity and shatters expectations note after note. Lencina opened the show with the Stephen Stills stunner "Love The One You're With" and proceeded to take the audience on an auditory and visually mesmerizing thrill ride through a plethora of other singles including "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith, "Message In A Bottle" by The Police and Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes." Experiencing Big Rock Band dispatch this song live absolutely makes you want to hold up a boombox in lieu of a cliche lighter.
In addition to his extensive singing career which has spanned American and Latin acts, Lencina does voice over work and was hired to write the lyrics and perform a Sinatra-style song for a Toyota Camry commercial.
Regardless of how many times I have seen this funk and groove act, I still feel the same thrill and wonder of the first time I saw them perform roughly a year ago at Rooftop Live on top of DAER Nightclub inside The Guitar Hotel in Hollywood.
With one of the largest percussion sections of any local live act, Big Rock Band features Ysauro Hernandez on congas and Zendrum. His execution of "You Sexy Thing" by Hot Chocolate is always a crowd favorite. You can feel the energy vibrating in the air as all the ladies in the house flock to the front of the stage for this one. There's also a playfulness to Hernandez's style of playing that transcends through every performance.
Fernando Santomaggio is a supernova on bass. With his rock locks fiercely blowing in the air as he flawlessly takes command of the bass guitar, the local "Ace of Bass" has garnered his own cult following of fans with the hashtag #teamnando. Influenced by Frank Zappa, Sting, Jeff Beck and Albert Nigro, Santomaggio, who also dazzles as the lead guitar player in rock cover band Spektora, is truly a sight to behold on stage. At Galuppi's he sang his signature vibrant version of Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's Last Dance."
Big Rock Band's lead guitarist Jimi Fiano is another South Florida icon who has been revving up audiences with his wicked guitar riffs since 1982. Fiano has worked with members of Bad Company and Night Ranger and shreds with a powerful style that is all his own. Just when you think the lead might be over, Fiano smashes his foot down harder on the melodical gas.
John "Johnny O" Onderline spiced things up on saxophone and nailed a cover of "Baker Street." His sassy, soul-fueled rendition of "Rapper's Delight" never disappoints. With Scott Sherman grinding and grooving on rhythm guitar, Euvoski Cunningham Sr., creating a polished continuity on drums and Philip Bithell adding additional flavor on keys, they round out the powerhouse that is Big Rock Band's dynamic sound.
There were two incredible guest performers who graced the stage at Big Rock Band's Galuppi's show. South Florida singer and songwriter J.D. Danner presented a potent and animated performance of The Doobie Brothers' single "Long Train Runnin.'" Danner has been a mainstay on the South Florida music circuit for the past two decades and the award winning singer/songwriter has performed multiple times at Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe. Inspired by Carole King, Joan Jett and Melissa Etheridge, Danner delighted with her bluesy rock take on the tune. Danner has previously played with Santomaggio over the years and he lent a solid conveyance on harmonies.
Guitar slayer Stevan Carter took to the stage for a guest performance and wailed in a battle of the axes with Fiano. Carter cameoed on The Rolling Stones rager "You Can't Always Get What You Want." It was an instant crowd pleaser.
These guys look like they're having the time of their lives of up there and that clearly exudes to the audience. Big Rock Band keeps fans on their feet with funky, fresh bass beats and a line up of songs that offers something for everyone ranging from the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. Big Rock Band has the perfect acronym because you'll BRB to see them show after show.
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