mattk

The term “bar band” is often used as a pejorative. When referencing the Jersey shore bar band scene, that birthed Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and Southside Johnny’s Asbury Jukes, it means something different. It signifies a seasoned unit, raised over countless nights onstage, taking cracks at classic soul, doo-wop, blues and early rock and roll records. Bands with decades of experience, learning how to give the people what they want. Bands that took their lumps in front of demanding, well-lubricated crowds, seeking that Jersey Shore sound in the early seventies. Audiences that were quick to let them know, when they weren’t getting it...