Boxelder played an energized fourteen-song set at the Funky Monkey. At first the audience hung around the bar but slowly the up-tempo island beats and soaring dueling guitars drew listeners closer to the stage. Boxelder opened with 'Finding A Way' which featured lead vocalist Bryce on bongos as the guitars created a spacey sort of jam, layered over reggae beats. Greg from Fallen From Grace gave the band a warm welcome and encouraged the crowd to purchase Boxelder CDs and shirts. 'Straight' was sharp with its snappy rhymes and grooving guitars. 'Red Wine' blended an edgy sound with a catchy island beat. 'Drown or Swim' ebbed and flowed from quick storytelling vocals to jamming instrumentation, then changing tempo to a heavier sound before returning to a reggae vibe. 'Patterns' was described as a song for survivors and 'Love Is How' showcased Bryce's expressive vocal tones and animated dancing. 'Swallow' had a funky groove with a musical message overlaid with percussion and a bongo jam.

The second half of their set continued on the path of reggae chaos as island tones melded with jam and edgy hard rock rifts. The band was tight and the crowd was more receptive – showing their appreciation by swaying and clapping along with the last song.

Fallen From Grace took the floor a little after 11:00 p.m. after battling with the sound system for a bit. The current line-up of Greg Galdieri (guitar and vocals), Steve Frederick (guitar), Dave Grech (keyboards and DJ) and Jon Garsman (bass) ran through two sets of acoustically energized music featuring cover songs and selections from their self-titled debut. Also showcased was some new FFG music that may soon see the light of day. They closed out the night with a new track called 'Lost' which shows that the band has found direction for their new record. The track mines the familiar acoustic and harmonic territory of the first album and the new songs look to continue revealing the journey of the fallen. Some other favorites from this show were the leadoff 'Catch It If You Can' and the 9/11-inspired 'As The World Stands Still'.

Fallen From Grace continues to evolve as a band. Garsman fills out the bottom on bass and the loss of the bongo kit has Dave Grech handling more of the beats for the group. Harmonizing vocals are adding more texture to their originals as well as the covers that they include in their sets. Fallen From Grace is gaining more confidence and professionalim with each live show that we have been to. The crowds are getting larger and singing along. Greg makes a point of interacting with the audience and the songs have longer instrumentals, showcasing the diverse talents in the band.

Fans packed The Funky Monkey to catch this important show!

Abztrakt continues to present great musical collaborations and the pairing of Boxeleder and Fallen From Grace is a prime example of showcasing quality music in a friendly format.

Morristown has a uniquely historic and urban city center that is flourishing and alive with numerous restaurants, upscale beauty shops and many historic buildings and national landmarks. It is also home to the Community Theater which has been featuring big-name music concerts in the heart of the city center.

The Funky Monkey is a fun and funky bar and restaurant with a good atmosphere serving up contemporary music and hearty food. The straightforward menu includes appetizers and main courses such as ribs and salads. The portions are very generous and include tasty side dishes. The slow-cooked baked beans were particularly good. Tables are set up in the front of the restaurant overlooking the sidewalk and on warm days is open to the street. The bar is in the center of the building and in the back is floor space for bands to set up and people to dance. The acoustics are good and travel well throughout the venue.

Boxelder, the reggae-rock hybrid from Florida, was impressive!

Related Links: For more information on The Funky Monkey and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Boxelder | Buy "Fallen From Grace" | Buy "Boxelder"

(Originally Published on June 25, 2004)