Dynamic jazz-pop band Couch brought their Sunshine, Part 2 Tour to the Westcott Theater in Syracuse on Friday, March 29. It was a fittingly beautiful, sunshine-filled spring day in Central New York. The show was the second stop on a lengthy, cross country tour for the band, which features Sophia James as the opener.
Hailing from Boston, Couch have been turning heads since their formation in 2021. Described as a blend of jazz, rock, pop and R&B, the band has performed at major festivals like Boston Calling, and toured in support of Lake Street Dive. The seven-piece band is currently touring in support of the recently released Sunshower EP (October 2023).
Opener Sophia James rewarded those who arrived to the theater early this evening. James performed on stage solo, but brilliantly mixed in drum and vocal loops to build dramatic layers to her songs. She excitedly touted her upcoming release, Clockwork, due April 19, an EP that is sure to garner lots of listens from those who were in attendance tonight.
An excited energy filled the theater as Couch made their way to the stage. Opening with the energetic “Saturday,” all of the hallmark staples of a Couch show were immediately on display: the dramatic horn section of Jeffrey Pinsker-Smith (Trumpet) and Eric Tarlin (saxophone) which blended with singer Tema Siegel’s dynamic vocals. Throughout the set, each of the band members were given ample time at the center of the stage. Guitarist Zach Blankstein delivered a fierce guitar solo during the interactive “Poems,” while Jared Gozinsky (drums) and Will Griffin each took turns showcasing their talents. Keyboardist Danny Silverston added layers of synths and also took his turn at the mic, leading the audience in a three-piece layer of sing along harmony during “Poems.”
While much of the evening showcased the band’s high energy tracks, the band brilliantly weaved several slower ballads in to the mix. Siegel told the tale of finding love before performing “Autumn,” while later in the set the band performed the beautiful “Let Me Hold You.” In between their own songs, they worked in several cover songs, including Billy Joel’s “Vienna” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” the latter of which saw opener Sophia James returning to the stage to share vocals.
After a brief encore break, the band triumphantly returned to the stage to perform the upbeat “Easy To Love.” Clearly a fan favorite, the song offered fans one last opportunity to sing and dance before the spilling out in to the streets. The sunshine of earlier in the day was gone, but it was not lost in the mood of those who attended this evening.
Comments are closed.