Boston’s resurrected rock and roll dynamo unleash new live video on July 18 in advance of headlining party at The Sinclair on August 5

NOW PLAYING: Watch ‘Live In Cambridge ’22’ on YouTube

Joining Mellow Bravo at The Sinclair are Cask Mouse and Hayley Thompson-King

BOSTON, Mass. [July 19, 2023] -- Holidays, birthdays, and Mellow Bravo live performances. There are only a handful of events that happen once a year, but few are as vital as the annual reunion of one the finest Boston rock and roll bands to ever do it.

This year, Mellow Bravo take on the dog days of summer with a scintillating Saturday, August 5 throwdown at The Sinclair in Cambridge, a raucous evening that brings house party energy to Harvard Square rock club through an inspired lineup that also features Cask Mouse and Hayley Thompson-King.

But before Mellow Bravo hold court at The Sinclair for the show of the summer, they’re rolling down Massachusetts Avenue and unleashing video evidence of last summer’s reunion party at The Middle East. Presented with a vibe that echoes the dusty old VHS tapes we all watched growing up, Live in Cambridge ’22 – a proper video showcase of that trusted Mellow Bravo intensity, charisma, and bluesy rock and roll fury – hits YouTube on Tuesday, July 18.

The live video, capturing a 16-song powderkeg of a performance, was recorded by Bob Maloney and edited by Q, with live sound at the Central Square venue by Ian Nault. And it amplifies not just what we missed during Mellow Bravo’s eight year hiatus, but also what we’re all in store for when Mellow Bravo bring their eclectic, soulful rock and roll to the live stage once again.

“That show was nuts because from start to finish, there wasn’t a single lull in energy from the crowd,” says guitarist Andrew Doherty. “By the time we got to ‘Feel Like Dancin’’ I felt like I was levitating.”

That’s the effect the band has had on crowds since forming back in 2009. An album, an EP, a handful of singles, and countless sweat-fueled live shows – including a memorable turn at the 2011 Rock And Roll Rumble and a SXSW takeover in 2013 – helped cement the Mellow Bravo legacy as a can’t-miss live band.

Now the sextet is back in action – with Doherty joined by a mostly original lineup of Keith Pierce on vocals; Jess Collins on keys and vocals); Dave Jarvis on drums; Jeff Fultz on guitars; and longtime confidant Johnny Northrup on bass – and The Sinclair is the next destination, with high-fives, hugs, laughs, riffs and ripping solos on the agenda. And while in the years since Mellow Bravo were fully active has brought new bands, projects, and other hobbies and interests, there’s no denying the adrenaline that forms when these six people get back in the same room and dial it back up.

“This party has everything: Long hairs, weirdos, freaks, bozos, and zipperheads,” says Jarvis, while Northrup adds: “This will be everything a Mellow Bravo show should be: Tunes you love, lots of smiles, friends, hugs, singalongs – and six people on a stage having the absolute time of their lives and taking you along with us!”

For the band’s members, getting back on stage and back in Mellow Bravo’s true element has been a long time coming. And the enthusiasm can be felt through the screen on Live In Cambridge ’22 and they tear through the songs – “Just Like Water Would,” “Ridin’,” “I Get Off” – that soundtracked the Boston music scene across its once fertile grounds a distant decade ago.

“Playing these tunes again has been like putting on a super fine jacket that you and your friends tailored together,” says Pierce. “You can’t exactly remember making it, or even buying the fabric, but anytime you put it on you remember exactly how to strut in it. It’s easy like Sunday morning and fun as hell. Realizing how many people loved it as much as we did was pretty amazing.”

Jarvis agrees, adding: “It’s funny how you can pick the songs up quickly after not playing them for a long time. They’re permanently burned into my brain. It’s always good to have everyone home again and doing what we do best. Banging out a set of loud rock and roll party songs for our friends and fans. I think it’s been awesome to see the reaction from the people who still love the songs and care about the band after so many years. I feel lucky to have been a part of something that’s made any kind of mark on the music scene in Boston. Old friends came out of the woodwork for the last show and it was amazing to get back to some sense of normalcy after the pandemic keeping people away from each other for so long.”

The importance of connection is essential for a band like Mellow Bravo, whether it’s playing a house show or at one of the best rock clubs in town. It’s their bond with the audience that allows everyone who attends to feel part of it, bringing their memories from the band’s heyday and quickly creating new ones.

“When the band first parted ways in 2015 I wasn’t sure if we would ever play again,” admits Collins. “I’m so grateful it didn’t turn out that way! There’s nothing like a crowd of people you love still singing along to your songs after all this time. I also treasure reconnecting with the guys on a musical level. It’s crazy how much we’ve all individually grown and the life paths we have taken. Proud of all my duders.”

Collins will be flying back into town for the show from her new home in New Orleans. And similarly, Fultz will be coming back to town from Idaho. For both, it feels a bit like a big family reunion.

“Having the band active again allows me to reconnect with a community that has had a huge impact on my life in such a positive way,” says Fultz. “My gratitude for being able to ride the coattails of my younger brilliant band mates is beyond measure. I’m super stoked for The Sinclair but also slightly intimidated. It’s such a pro room!”

That sentiment is shared mightily by each member of Mellow Bravo, who can’t wait to let loose the fury and liven up the summer. Collins equated it to “Boston rock family vibes,” and there’s a lot of truth to that.

“The Sinclair is hands down the best room I’ve ever played in,” notes Jarvis. “They have the best sound people. I always look forward to knowing that I’m in good hands when I hit the stage.” Adds Pierce: “Always excited to play the best place in town with the most experienced staff you can imagine. We will be in good hands as well as the crowd.”

And like that holiday or that birthday, there’s only one chance this year to celebrate accordingly, and party it up like the future of rock and roll depended on it. Because after all, next year is pretty far away.

“It’s perfect because we only do this once per year,” concludes Doherty. “So, we really value the time we have together and the special moments with our friends in the crowd. After a week straight of rehearsals, by the time we hit the stage, it truly feels like amplified love.”

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Mellow Bravo is:

Jess Collins: Keys, Lead Vocals

Andrew Doherty: Guitar, Backup Vocals

Jeff Fultz: Guitar

Dave Jarvis: Drums

Johnny Northrup: Bass, Backup Vocals

Keith Pierce: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

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‘Live In Cambridge ’22’ production credits:

Recorded live at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA on July 30, 2022

Introduction by Richard Bouchard

Recorded by Bob Maloney

Live sound by Ian Nault

Video editing by Q

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The Sinclair show poster:

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