"Always remain true to yourself and your art, and never let yourself be pigeon-holed." -- Roosevelt Jenkins I figured it was fate when I got a text from my editor and from my friend and lead singer of Roosevelt Jenkins, Jeff Connors, within 2 minutes of each other--both asking if I wanted to go to 'The Jenks' Q101 show December 15th at The Note. I've known Jeff since college back in AZ, but I've somehow managed to only hear his band play one very crazy Halloween nite a couple of years back. So I told both of them, "Of course!"
Determined not to be just another ordinary band, The Jenks have created their own history based on a man named Roosevelt Jenkins. It goes a little something like this ... Mr Roosevelt Jenkins was a fierce and passionate man who fathered each member of the band before they were spun off into different parts of the US to grow and live apart until, one day, they found each other again. Bound together by a common musical vision, these 'Brothers From Another Mother' knew in that moment that they would never again be apart.
I went to see them at the Q101 Streetfight showcase at the Note, and I walked in as they were setting up. Just a few minutes later, they rolled on stage all wearing some form of Bears paraphernalia in the ultimate tribute to Mike Ditka. Jeff bantered a bit about Da' Bears and whiskey.
Then, as suddenly as ESP, Jeff stopped talking, inhaled, and the entire band exploded into a fit of sound. The girls in the front row leaned forward and screamed. The guys in the back crossed their arms and nodded.
Their music is loud and gritty and soulful. It is sharp, indie music. It is emo without the self-deprication and penchant for cutting. These boys have poured their hearts into their songs, and it shows.
Listen to their songs on their MySpace page, and check The Jenks out live at their all ages show on December 30th at Logan Sqare Auditorium along with Liftpoint, The Opposition, Tonight the Prom, and Eclectic Theory.
BAND MEMBERS
Skully Saviano (guitar,voz)
Nigel Fray (guitar)
Jeffrey Connors (voz, whiskey)
Nate deVan (bass, voz)
Joshua Waddle (drums)
WEBSITE
http://www.myspace.com/rooseveltjenkins
