Specializing in the music of the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Sharon Jones, The Dap Kings, Billy Preston, Led Zeppelin, Edgar Winter, Cee Lo Green and many more, Spencer and the T-Bones will deliver a one-night-only special performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Community Theatre League, 100 W. Third St.
The band, which is fronted by Williamsport's own Spencer Sweeting on vocals with eight of the area's top musicians, will perform covers and original compositions that span classic rock, funk, soul, jazz and rhythm and blues.
For this performance, audience members can expect to hear Spencer and the T-Bones perform Cee Lo Green's "Forget You," Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" and James Morrison's "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" for the very first time.
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Spencer and the T Bones will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Community Theatre League, 100 W. Third St.
And with a repertoire of killer renditions of "Will It Go Around in Circles," by Billy Preston and Stevie Wonder's hit "Signed Sealed, Delivered," funk, blues, jazz, soul and rock fans alike will find themselves hard pressed to remain seated during this performance.
Once known as K.T. and the T-Bones, the band formed in 2009. The "T-Bones" were originally manned by four trombones and a rhythm section with members of the band doing some of the vocals.
With a few more changes - trading "one bone" for a baritone saxophone and adding a keyboard player (who doesn't love the Hammond B3 sound?) - the band created a niche throughout the community with their innovative and progressive sound.
Acknowledging that something was still missing from the mix, band members set out to find a frontman. Founder and trombonist Kevin Henry said Sweeting, who is an established singer in the area and no stranger to blues, gospel and soul music, was the natural choice.
"He's a wonderful, soulful and all around great singer," he said.
According to Henry, forming a band with such a unique horn section was a no-brainer after watching Don Henley perform "Hotel California," with nothing but trombones backing him up. He also said the band, Bonerama, of New Orleans, which has been recognized by Rolling Stone Magazine and others, has been doing very cool stuff with trombones, often performing songs such as "War Pigs," by Black Sabbath and "Whipping Post," by the Allman Brothers Band.
Embracing that same type of fresh approach, future plans for the band include incorporating more contemporary numbers.
"That's the direction we want to go," Henry said.
The trombonist of more than 30 years also said he is doing things a little bit differently with the use of effects and wawa petals, distortion and wireless mics.
"That's what sets us apart from other bands on the scene," he said.
In regard to the trombone, French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz is quoted as saying, "It possesses nobility and grandeur to the highest degree; it has all the serious and powerful tones of sublime musical poetry, from religious, calm and imposing accents to savage, orgiastic outburst."
"The trombone can do everything," Henry said. "It can be rockish, but also sing like an angel."
In addition to Sweeting and Henry, Spencer and The T-Bones consists of Tim Breon, guitar; Lee Saville-Andre, keyboard; Matt Radspinner, bass; Bobby Leidhecker, drums; Bill Grose, trombone; Brett Rynhart, trombone and Larry Fisher, baritone saxophone.
This will be Spencer and the T-Bones last performance of the summer, and tickets are going fast. Tickets are two for $25 or $15 for adults and $8 for students. They may be bought online at www.ctlnet.org or by calling the CTL Box Office at 327-1777 weekdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For pictures, videos, upcoming performances or more information about Spencer and the T-Bones, visit www.facebook.com/Spencer-and-the-T-Bones.
