by Chuck Michel
As musicians, The Convertibles are impressive. A 10-piece, heavy brass party band with a rhythm and blues heritage. The Convertibles play an assortment of old favorite soul music from the 60s and early 70s. Many of the tunes they play were popularized by The Blues Brothers and, like that band. The Convertibles induce a sense of irreverent zaniness in the audience which leads in a crowded dance floor and a great time.
Most of the members of the band work as studio musicians or session players. and several have been involved with some big names. Notably, their baritone sax player has worked with Al -Year of the Cat Stewart and the trumpet player has played with blues guitar master Albert King. Lead vocalist. Frank Lombardo. has a long list of credits with well-known Chicago-area binds and that probably explains the emotion which seems to rise even higher in his voice while he sings "Sweet Home Chicago
The Lighthouse seems the ideal theater for The Convertibles sound and stage show. Despite
the
Lighthouse's weak sound
System the relentless brass section comes through clearly, but is not over-bearing. They could work on symmetry in their choreography, but it was prob-ably spontaneous and the crowd loved it anyway. The lead guitar seems to perfectly punctuate their visual and aural presentation. Overall, they have tremendous soul for a bunch of white guys.
The Convertibles have taken their smoky and nostalgic rhythm and blues show to many of Los Angeles' well-known nightspots, including Sasch, Madam Wong's, Club Lingerie, and The Blue Lagoon in Marina del Rey. They will be playing Wednesday nights at The Lighthouse throughout April.
The Convertibles are pure party attitude, so don't forget to bring your shades. They are currently working on original music which should be ready shortly. The band consists of lead vocalist Frank Lombardo. vocalist/ arranger/trombonist Don Yancey. drums, Mark Locke. bass guitar Peter Snell, keyboard. Dean Mora. trumpet, Steve Nicholas and Don Still, tenor sax,. Dean Roubichek and Dave Camp, baritone sax.
