3 Reasons You Should See Red Matter Live

When is a jam band more than a jam band? When they’re Connecticut-based outfit Red Matter, and they can literally do it all.

Recording as a seven-piece, but often filling the stage with a plethora of talented special guests, Red Matter just had the album release show for their debut LP, Northbound Train at Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport, CT, and they legitimately had something for everyone. It was a good thing, too, because the crowd was filled with just about everyone.

With a diverse audience ranging from young concert goers just barely old enough to get into the venue, to music lovers old enough to be those concert goers’ grandparents, the crowd was a great visual example of how Red Matter’s music crosses generations.

Once the band hit the stage, those generations had a blast together, enjoying a high energy set that lasted well past midnight.

Whichever way you choose to travel – whether you walk, drive, or take the Northbound Train – here are three reasons you should make your way to see Red Matter live.

1. They’re for fans of … pretty much everyone 

A common way to help people become interested in new bands are the abbreviations RIYL, and FFO – “Recommended If You Like,” and “For Fans Of.” Basically, it’s an easy way to tell people if they like Band A they might also like Band B. Red Matter, however, are so musically diverse – thanks to being filled with veteran artists with impressive chops – that they are legitimately for fans of not just jam bands, but fans of pretty much every genre of music.

Like blues, and blues rock? Songs like “Northbound Train,” and “Joker’s Wild” are right up your alley.

Into the music of bands like Fleetwood Mac? “Jealous Man” will be your jam.

Latin rhythms get you moving? “Hole In My Heart” will have you wearing a hole in your dancin’ shoes.

Heck, when the sax player gets going there’s even some funk in their set!

The musical thread that runs through all of this is a “let the good times roll” ideology that starts with the band, and permeates throughout the crowd.

So I guess you could say Red Matter are FFO having a good time.

2. Milo Barer is a wildly charismatic frontwoman with an amazing set of pipes 

With big smiles, and big time energy, Milo Barer has the type of charisma that makes her a perfect frontperson. Even when she isn’t singing lead on a song, she’s dancing, interacting with the band, and making sure everyone in the crowd is having a blast.

When Milo is singing lead, which is the majority of the time, one can’t help but be impressed by her vocals. With fantastic control, she knows when to go big, and when to go soft, always doing what’s right for the moment.

3. They’ll have you movin’ and groovin’

When you attend a Red Matter show you’re going to see people dancing, and before long there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find yourself beginning to at least sway to the music. As the night goes on, even the most self-conscious of folks start moving their feet.

The desire to move to the music of Red Matter is almost inescapable, so wear something comfortable, you’re going to be dancing.

PS – Don’t be worried about your moves. Everyone is dancing like no one is watching, so do you! 

To find out when, and where, Red Matter will be performing next, check out their website for show dates.