The beer selections at the bars we play are a big influence, and the "Voodoo Shrimp" will always be a bitter sweet memory. And then of course, there are the assortment of ex-girlfriends, deals with the devil, repossessed cars, broken promises, broken dreams, broken hearts.
As for musical influences, it's the usual suspects from New Orleans to Chicago, but special mention has to go to: Son House, James Booker, John Mooney, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Robert Johnson, Little Feat, The Band, Jon Cleary, Taj Mahal, The Rebirth Brass Band, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and, according to Max, our bassist, Judas Priest, but none of the rest of us can figure that one out.
Sounds Like
Uncle Floyd's Special Reserve Voodoo Juice -- best served in an old Mason jar.
Upon first hearing New Pony it's understandable that most assume the band is made up of a group of transplants from New Orleans. The way these guys can tear into some vintage New Orleans funk leaves little doubt that they've got some bayou water in their soul. But the truth is that New Pony is home-grown from Philadelphia not New Orleans. Still, the overall impression from listening to these guys will make you swear they grew up playing in the dark and greasy dive bars of the crescent city. Philly may be bookended by the Delaware and Schuykill rivers, but it's the big muddy Mississippi and the dark waters of the bayou that flows through the heart and soul of this band.
The original nucleus of the band, guitarist Chris Devenney, keyboardist Pete Gaffney, and bassist Max Guerin met when they ended up playing together as the “house” band backing up other musicians at a local music showcase. They'd never met or played together before, but after just a few songs it was very clear they shared some deeper musical affinities. Their next step was to find a drummer. Enter Dwayne Holloway, who answered an ad the guys had posted. One song into the audition and it was obvious they'd found the right guy. New Pony was ready to go.
And go they did. The band began gigging regularly in and around Philly and has never looked back. "We never said no to a gig," says bassist Max Guerin, "we would play anywhere. You can rehearse forever, but nothing can replace the experience of playing live." Guitarist Chris Devenney adds "there's no place to hide playing live, you can't fake it. You just take a deep breath, close your eyes, and let it rip and then just enjoy the ride." Enjoyment is key for this band because it's immediately evident that the guys in the band are having as much fun playing as the audience is having dancing and grooving along. "We just love to play," says Devenney, "but we're all very aware that show is about the audience, they're the real show, we're just helping the night along."
In the Spring of 2008, some personel changes occured as keyboardist Pete Gaffney left to form his own band, and drummer Dwayne Holloway moved to Atlanta for family obligations. Current drummer Stefan Young was found at the same music showcase where Max and Chris first met. The band played as a trio for the next few months as they searched for a keyboardist. "We placed ads, held auditions, but nothing was working out," says Guerin. Then serendipty struck again. New drummer Stefan Young was playing at Warmdaddy's and heard Scott Coulter playing keys, and asked him if he was looking to join a band. As luck would have it, he was. "The audition part of the audition lasted for about two songs," remembers Devenney, "it was obvious Scott was the guy. So we looked at him and asked if he was on meds or insane, he paused and said 'I'm nuts, but I'm not on meds', which was the right answer, and so we asked if he could stick around for a few hours for his first practice." His first gig with the band was two weeks after that opening for funk legend Bernie Worrell.
The band as a whole has been together for three years, and in that time they've made their mark. They've opened for national acts such as Sonny Landreth, Dwayne Dopsie, Robert Randolph, and the aforementioned Bernie Worrell. In addition, they've played all of the major venues in Philadelphia and the surrounding tri-state region. And 2009 will see them branching out and playing in New Jersey and Delaware as well as a number of festivals.
Their first CD, “More Fire,” which was released to great reviews, offers up a rich gumbo of original New Orleans funk. The CD reveals what audiences throughout the region have already learned, which is simply that these guys can flat out play.
For booking, email us either here or at new.pony1@gmail.com
The Domino Effect is a star-studded tribute concert celebrating the life and influence of rock and roll legend Fats Domino. Musical legends from far and wide are gathering in New Orleans for one historic night to pay tribute to Fats and his feats throughout his lifetime. A portion of the proceeds from this music extravaganza will benefit the Brees Dream Foundation bettering local playgrounds and outdoor recreation sites for the children of New Orleans. May 30th, New Orleans Arena.
Come join us Friday May 15th @ 9:00 PM @ Club Risque! All Out Friday Night featuring Dive, Even The Res, and Spy The Thinker - $10 gets you into the show upstairs and the gentleman's club downstairs. For updates check www.myspace.com/risquelive.
Tonight and every Wednesday night at 8pm we have open mic hosted by Daddy Says So. Not only that but it is ladies night with $1.50 well drinks for the ladies. So don't miss out on the hottest Wednesday night around here at Generations. (formally the Little Inn) 9 State rd Media Pa 19063
Hey Guys, I saw you on April 11 at the Rotunda. You were totally unbelievable. I'd ben wanting to see you for a long time, and I am indeed now a fan!!! Your drummer is sick, and I learned a LOT from watching him play. Thank him for me.
Hey! Thank you so much for checking out my music and adding me! Keep doing what you love and inspiring others to do the same! Together, we can all make this world better by doing what we love (how simple is that?) lol.. anyway stop by my page anytime to share some ideas or listen to some tunes!! See you at a show soon!! ALL MY DATES are up on my page!! Stay tuned!
Everyone gets free hugs from Uncle Kevy! All performances can be videotaped for the artist's free use. This night is more fun than transgender dwarf monkey PCP enhanced mud wrestling (And that can be a damn good time)...besides I've got some awkwardly long Uncle Kevy hugs to hand out...So come out and feel the love.
