With their newest album, “Here, There & Everywhere,” perennial Tahoe favorites Jelly Bread chronicle their never-ending circuit across America. Fittingly, they’ve chosen a smushed insect for the album cover.
“We’ve been all over the country recording it and it’s what we’ve seen most of —bugs splattered on the windshield,” says keyboardist Eric Matlock. Through these travels, they’ve created an uplifting tapestry of funk, rock and soul that is sure to keep you moving along on your journey wherever it may lead.
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“When you find yourself losing hope and inspiration,
don’t let nobody bring you down.”
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What I love most about Jelly Bread, even more than their booty-shaking grooves, is the positive message and feel-good optimism of their lyrics. This upbeat energy is immediately apparent on the album opener, “Don’t Let Nobody,” a crunchy gospel-rock number led by multitalented drummer and singer Cliff Porter.
“When you find yourself losing hope and inspiration, don’t let nobody bring you down,” he sings in a versatile, soulful voice supported by the band’s superb harmonies.
A couple of tracks later, Porter makes clear that you: “Gotta Give Somethin’.”
“We have so much love we can give to each other, so reach out your hands to your sisters and brothers,” he croons in a Stevie Wonder soul-vibe over a wide-open groove with expansive horns.
“Funk to the Left” drops an old-school, hip-hop and slap-bass jam complete with dance moves, a talk box solo and spacey P-Funk vocal overlays that take listeners on a journey of key changes and break beats.
Then “Let it Burn” lights up a slide guitar number featuring guitarist Dave Berry’s low-down, gravelly vocals. “Let it burn like it’s supposed to. Let your pain, people, set you free,” he drawls on this meditative tune.
If anything, this new album feels bigger, fuller and more optimistic than anything we’ve heard from Jelly Bread before. After all the time they’ve put in on the road, these guys are the real deal. And now they’re on their way back home and ready to spread the local love.
You can catch a taste of Jelly Bread on April 22 at Moe’s Original BBQ in Tahoe City, on April 29 at Crazy Horse Saloon in Nevada City and on April 30 at Whitney Peak Hotel’s Cargo in Reno.
April 22 | 7 p.m.
$10 | 21+
Moe’s | Tahoe City
April 29 | 9 p.m.
Crazy Horse Saloon | Nevada City
April 30 | 9 p.m.
Cargo | Reno, Nev.
For more information on tour dates, visit jellybread.net.
