Mississippi is known for its strong musical roots and modern-day talents, but a certain band visiting this weekend plans to remind Mississippians that Alabama can keep up, too. This Saturday night, St. Paul and The Broken Bones will play at the Lyric Oxford along with opener and fellow Alabamian Kate Teague.
Band members of St. Paul and The Broken Bones include Paul Janeway with lead vocals, Jesse Phillips on bass and guitar, Browan Lollar on guitar, Andrew Lee on drums, Al Gamble on keyboards and Allen Branstetter on trumpet.
In working on its sophomore album, “Sea of Noise,” the band was joined by Jason Mingledorff on saxophone, clarinet and flute, and Chad Fisher on trombone in order to create the sounds they wanted. Janeway said the band took inspiration from singer-songwriters like Tom Waits and Nick Cave for its second album.
“Sea of Noise” puts an emphasis on lyrical and emotional connection to the soul, through lyrics like, “Is that river wide, is that river deep, let me sanctify, let me sanctify you baby,” on the song “Sanctify.”
Bella St. Amant, a sophomore international studies and spanish major, is planning to attend Saturday night’s concert. She likes the band’s latest album, but as a longtime listener, the first record holds a special place in her heart.
“I have been listening to St. Paul & The Broken Bones since I was a sophomore or junior in high school,” St. Amant said. “Their first album ‘Half the City’ is still my favorite. I think the sound is a little more raw. I just have a special devotion to the first few songs that I’ve been listening to for the past three or four years.”
Considering that St. Paul & The Broken Bones has opened up for the Rolling Stones in cities like Atlanta and Buffalo, New York, its live concert skills should be up to the task.
“I hope their frontman, Paul, shows up with a lot of energy and the whole crowd is dancing,” St. Amant said. “I think the art of performance can be lost on a lot of bands but I don’t think that’s the case with this one.”
Doors at the Lyric Oxford will open 8 p.m. Saturday, and the show starts at 9 p.m. .Tickets can be purchased online, or at the door, cash only.
