Levitt AMP Music Series Another great evening of music in Trenton
Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Quincy Mumford asked a key question via song Thursday, an inquiry Trenton residents need to answer.
“If I reach out to you, would you lend a helping hand?,” Mumford quizzed during a headliner appearance with his band “The Reason Why” as the capital city enjoyed a third installment of the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series, a 10-week delivery of free music.
Mumford plugged several songs featured on a fall release effort, including the aforementioned “Helping Hand.”
Mumford energized with two Prince covers “Controversy” and “1999”, plus, added Bowie’s “Lets Dance” as an involved Mill Hill Park crowd enjoyed the Asbury Park-based band that featured a soulful horn section talented enough to risk and successfully handle a reconfigured version of James Brown’s “Soul Power.”
“What you need?,” Mumford asked, as he engaged the audience reply of “Soul power.”
Mumford hit high notes for music entrepreneurship playing a gutsy guitar that cut through any concerns about the evening’s main-staged music production.
He hooked listeners on another tune entitled “Great Escape” and Mumford’s “Ain’t It Sweet” captured the essence of love.
Mumford as maestro never preached although subtle insights infused his message of soul power, love power and community.
“Asbury Park and Trenton have similar history. Asbury seems on its way back and I hope the same for Trenton,” Mumford offered.
Kudos to Mumford &The Reason Why for a strong repertoire of rock, funk, hip hop and soul music, plus, their message regarding community.
If James Brown is involved then somebody needs to take this column to the bridge. (Quincy) “What we need? Soul power.”
Trenton’s gotta have? Soul power.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist.