By Joe Farkus, NDG Contributing Writer
New York-based blues-rock due Jocelyn & Chris Arndt entertained the crowd at Gas Monkey Bar & Grill Sunday, Oct. 8 under the hot Texas sun. Music history is littered with bands led by siblings, and that family connection again proved to guarantee chemistry that led to an impressive performance on the Gas Monkey stage.
Chris was dressed in a classic 1970’s button-downed shirt coupled with jeans that complemented the vintage look. It wasn’t just the appearance, though; his guitar style reflected influences as varied as Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers Band. Backed by a clearly experienced drummer and a bassist adorned with black sunglasses looking so relaxed he might as well been asleep, the authentic sound caught the attention of even casual on-lookers from the bar and dining area.
However, the real star of the show was clearly singer and frontwoman Jocelyn. Her powerhouse vocals and mere physicality onstage could easily draw comparisons to the likes of Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. And although their original material clearly impressed the audience, their cover of Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” really got the crowd going – leading a number to sing-along to this performance of the 80’s classic.
What audience members at Gas Monkey Bar & Grill had the chance to see last weekend was a band on the up-and-up; a duo with nothing but potential and the opportunity to make a name for themselves on the road. And while their brand of smoky rock ‘n’ roll might not be a winner with music listeners their own age, more seasoned music fans will appreciate their fresh take on a classic sound that rarely gets heard on mainstream radio anymore.
Jocelyn & Chris Arndt’s latest release is the album “Go” and can be purchased on iTunes or streamed on a variety of music streaming services. More information on the band can be found here.
