Fans of the Allman Brothers Band have watched with sadness as several members have struggled with illness and died in recent years. Greg Allman and Butch Trucks both died in 2017. Dickie Betts cancelled tour dates in the fall of 2018 because of medical trouble.
Drummer Jaimoe Johanson is a keeper of the flame now, with Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band performing many of the Allman Brothers tunes with horns, snarling electric guitars, boisterous organ and that distinctive mix of soul, blues and rock that created the template for Southern rock.
As a drummer, Johanson has a light and delicate touch. He doesn’t trample over the music. Guitarist and singer Junior Mack has played with loads of other soul/funk/blues/rock heavy-hitters. Mack views the music as a vehicle to move listeners, and he sees his role as central to the mission. If he looks out from the stage and doesn’t see the audience physically connecting with the sound and rhythms, he makes it happen.
This band teases out the essence of the songs and takes its job seriously.
Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band plays at the Poli Club at the Palace Theater, 100 E. Main St., Waterbury, on Jan. 4 for two sets at 7 and 9 p.m. $42. 203-346-2000 and palacetheaterct.org.
