Welcome to Walter's Basement. This is where we practice, and where you will find all The Score's past news. Also check out photos from our first recording session!..
After a little while, band and gig reports will be bumped from the main page to live here among Casper the Friendly Ampeg Amp, various old bottles, dead picks and half-chewed drum sticks. So if your name was in lights and you want to show your friends, this is the place to be!
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Sunday, 6/8 It was a long strange trip to East Hartford as The Score returned to the East Hartford French Club's Annual Booster Picnic. The band had to fight through high humidity and brutal temperatures racing near triple digits, bizarre wiring and interference issues and then a lengthy torrential lightning storm, but the lads out of Glastonbury perservered and put on a quality performance. The band mixed it up the set list to best suit the crowd as they enjoyed the delicious food, and when it wasn't hazardous, the outdoor games, volleyball, raffles, moonbounce and the mud wrestling pit. Yes, there was a mud wrestling pit, but since it was not included in our contract, The Score did not directly participate in that specific event. The band sure had a rockin' mud-free time. And of course, like most storybook endings that has to do with bands, hot dogs and beer (and mud), everyone lived happily ever after! Thanks to French Club for their hospitality!
Thursday 5/29 It was back to business as The Score rocked the joint at Murphy & Scarletti's in Farmington. The second set was a blistering affair with a powerful version of Pinball Wizard to open. The second stanza didn't let up as the dance floor filled up quickly and a beach ball was tossed around marking the opening of the summer season. The third set evoked the same energy, as the band smoothed their way through Moondance and then kicked it up three notches with some ZZ Top. As usual, when it was time to pack up, the energetic crowd called for more, and the band delivered a raucous I Want You to Want Me and threw in some Monkees for good measure, as the band bopped with the crowd on the floor. The band added several new tunes to the set list, working in the Daughtry hit Home, a peppy revisit of Tom Petty's Don't Do Me Like That and a version of Slide by the Goo Goo Dolls. We return to the Murph in July, so we will see you there!
Saturday 4/19... The Score rocks the first of two this year for the East Hartford French Club. Playing at the Glastonbury Irish American Home of all places, the band returned to play for the club on the strength of last year's successful picnic performance and once again the rockers out of Glastonbury did not disappoint, by alternately rocking out and slowing it down by adding songs like Amie, Dock of the Bay and Life by the Drop. This was the first gig without a core member of the band in eons as Evan Bellman subbed in for Dave Gager. Bellman added some different flavors to the show, highlighted by slick off the cuff performances of Van Morrison's Moondance, Friends in Low Places, Desperado and a by request ZZ Top three song excursion at the end of the night. Bellman shined on bass during Moondance, and played a nifty guitar and hot vocals on LaGrange, with Jerome belting it out on Tush and Sharp Dressed Man. Walter Jennings even got in a short drum solo! The band adeptly brought back Wonderful Tonight after many years to satisfy requests, and featured Matt on Mandolin during Kenny Chesney's What I Need to Do and CSNY's Southern Cross. The Score will play again for the French Club, this time in East Hartford for their June Booster Picnic, so come on down and enjoy the band, the family fun and great food!
Thursday, 4/10/08...Always a favorite place to see your band, The Score had the patrons at the Farmington landmark for rock rolling. The first set at Murphy & Scarletti's was hot from start to finish, lighting it up with some of our best, including a tight version of All Right Now and a frenetic Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting with Dave Blodgett on lead vocals. Matt literally ripped the cord out of his amp jumping around during She Sells Sanctuary. During the second and third sets, The Score faithful were treated to guest guitarist extrodinaire Evan Bellman of The Blackburns and he wowed them with a well balanced attack of finesse and power. Bellman jams with Walter in The Blackburns - check them out! The second set was a twenty song super-sized marathon that included searing extended jams during the crowd requested Mary Jane's Last Dance which featured Blodgett's guitar handiwork, while Bellman showed his chops on a smoking set ender during Johnny B. Goode. This crowd wasn't our biggest, but there were a lot of new faces, and they had staying power until well after midnight. The final set was highlighted with our new fans calling for some modern rock which we of course obliged, serving up a monster version of Fuel's Shimmer. The Score is back at the 'Murph in May, so don't miss it!
Friday, 3/21/08... If there wasn't your favorite rock band cranking it up to a huge and enthusiastic crowd, you could easily believe that Cary Grant or Kate Hepburn would be gracefully decending from the amazing staircase in some old movie. The Score's debut at Joe Black's in historic downtown Hartford can only be described as the perfect melding of the classy decor, dancing and great music. If you haven't been to Joe Black's, you are missing out on the breathtaking architecture, the quaint side rooms, their balcony and what appeared to be 50 foot high painted ceilings, which made it seem like we were playing in the Bushnell. The natural reverb in this venerable venue gave the show a distinct arena quality. The extended second set was relentless and packed the dance floor. Jeremy and Blodge made full use of the place, even performing I'm a Believer from the balcony during our encore! The band served up some new tunes as well for this mega event, including a searing set stopper Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting and a fun version of The Ramone's I Wanna Be Sedated. The band also broke into the vault to steal some old favorites (Joe Black's was a bank in it's former life) including Southern Cross and U2's One. Obviously, The Score looks forward to returning to Joe Black's, so look out for future dates!
Thursday, 2/14/08...Lovers of all ages were out to see The Score on Valentine's Day in Farmington to Steal Some Kisses from their favorite band. Some ate the Hershey's kisses, some were more creative, but everyone agreed, it was another tight, rockin' show at The Murph. The crowd danced well past midnight, with their sweethearts. Love songs such as Sharp Dressed Man, Johnny B. Goode and 867-5309 set the mood for romance. Before the night ended, each band member was presented a Valentine's gift from our faithful fans, with an extra-special thanks to Shana. Thanks Girls! You can see us back at Murphy's to celebrate some more on April 10th. Don't miss it!
Friday, 2/8 First gig of 2008, The Score flew into Windsor Locks for a return engagement at The Blackboard Cafe. Ok, we really drove in, but there were no shortage of planes in the area and the crowd enthusiasm was sky high. The groove was thumping and the crowd was bumping all night long, particularly in the third set, which was highlighted by several stunning ladies and a down and dirty version of ZZ Top's Sharp Dressed Man. The band also added other new tunes to their rep, including SRV's Crossfire and Surrender by Cheap Trick. The rockers from Glastonbury also expertly pulled off some old favorites including Elevation, Shimmer and by request, Green Day's She. It was a rockin' good time and The Score looks forward to returning to The Blackboard, stay tuned!
Saturday, 12/29/07 Nothing like closing out a great year on a high note! The Score jammed another searing show for the throng of patrons at Sweet Jane's in Hartford. It was great to see both familiar and new faces in the crowd! The first two sets were blistering, carrying over their Murphy's magic from a week before, and the last set was almost a request-fest, for the late night partygoers! The Motown selections had the dancers moving, and the place went crazy during Hey Jealousy and Play That Funky Music. To the delight of longtime fans, Matt returned to his jumping ways, full force during The Middle, as bandmates scurried for cover. And what was with the Tiara? You had to be there! The Score looks forward to the next time they grace the historic Pratt Street establishment, dates to be determined, so keep your eyes and ears open!
Thursday, 12/20/07 Ho Ho Ho- hope you didn't miss the 4th annual Chrismas show... Like the big guy in the red suit, this only happens once a year, and again The Score brought the chimney down at Murphy & Scarletti's in Farmington! The band spread the good cheer by banging out three scorching sets in front of a loud and proud group of naughty and nice. The crowd was treated to two Christmas classics: First, a spirited version of Bruce Springsteen's Santa Claus is Coming to Town, now spicier with some Donato sax appeal, and a peppy cover of Chuck Berry's Run Run Rudolph. Plus, the band added Elvis to the mix, breaking out a medley of Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog. The guitars were hot with the Daves, and Matt had more than the chestnuts roasting on his fiery guitar mini-set. Walter was rock solid behind the kit (even after we left him alone on stage during I Want You to Want Me) and Jeremy belted it out all night, working the crowd into a bumping and grinding frenzy. The gig went deep into the night and we had to leave 'em wanting more. So, if you were one of the few not there, you can't get this one back, but never worry- The Score returns to the Murph for another holiday show- Cupid, bring your sweetheart(s)- the arrows are flying again on Valentine's Day, 2/14/08!
Saturday, 11/24/07 The Score entertains South Catholic's Class of 1972 at the Rocky Hill Marriott. Generating a special collection of hits from the late 60's to the late 70's (and a few newer tunes for good measure), the band weaved their magic for the group of revelers to rave reviews. The band had a group of fun-lovin' dancers cutting the rug throughout the night! The Score would also like to thank the small group of classmates that didn't make it. We wish them well, and many thanks for the dinner originally not included in our contract! If you have a theme party or class reunion to plan, check out our music sub-page- Covers By Year, and let The Score get the party started!
Thursday, 11/8/07 The Score leaves 'em wanting more in Farmington. Murphy and Scarletti's enjoyed another crowded Thursday night courtesy of The Score. The band had the throng throbbing to the beat with a searing first set that exhibited several new songs including a bouncy Another Saturday Night by Cat Stevens as the opening number. Toward the end of the set, the crowd was tearing up the floor during a groovin' version of the Spencer Davis Group's Gimme Some Lovin'. Other songs to make their debuts included Ain't Too Proud to Beg, which featured Tom Donato on the Trombone and CCR's Up Around the Bend. The band played deep into the evening, bringing the house down with a "high flying" performance by jumpers Blodgett, Banks and Donato during The Middle. Another encore later and the demonstrative crowd was still looking and crawling (you had to be there) for more. Don't miss our next show at Murphy's - Bring your Santa hats because It's time for holiday show #4 on 12/20- a Score tradition, be there or expect a lump of coal or something!
Saturday, 9/29/07 The Score rocked Sweet Jane's in Hartford. The groove was smooth on Pratt Street at Sweet Jane's, as The Score jammed to an energetic crowd in the Hartford home for rock. The band delivered the new goods with a smooth version of Otis Redding's (Sitting on) The Dock of the Bay, and a charged up Don't Change by INXS. Jeremy Banks unveiled his new wireless microphone, and he was often in the crowd, belting, bumping and grinding with legions of Score stickered supporters. Tom Donato added some funkiness, flourishes and depth to the jam in his new role as sax player. Dave Blodgett played an aggressive set, joining Banks in the audience for some rock n' roll fun. All in all it was another triumphant show at Sweet Jane's for the now 6 guys out of Glastonbury. The Score returns to Sweet Jane's on December 29th, don't miss it!
Sunday 9/23/07- The Score was back jamming at Renbrook, this time to kickoff and entertain at their annual picnic fundraiser. Perched high above the football field, the band jammed for about 90 minutes, playing classic rock favs and offering a new cover of Otis Redding's (Sittin' on ) The Dock of the Bay. The band also unveiled a new band member- sort of... longtime guest Tom Donato officially joins The Score as a saxophone player!
Saturday 8/11/07- The Score returns to the scene of the crime. It was our first gig several years ago, and the band was called something different. Blodgett wasn't with us either, but the lineage is indesputible. The Score was back at Tom Donato's house for a huge bash. This time it was an outdoor affair, with great BBQ, a fun crowd of family and friends, plus good live music that jammed until it was too dark to see. The Score played through 2 solid sets, this time featuring Tom on the saxophone for several songs including a snazzy solo during Billy Joel's You May Be Right. There were also some notable guests on Wilbert Harrison's classic blues ditty Kansas City, which featured Uncle Lou on vocals and Tom's dad, a professional musician who played with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra on the guitar. And Donato Senior was smooth... If you have a private party, count on the cool classic rock of The Score!
Thursday, 7/19/07- It was more than just a night out with the band, it was a SHOW at Farmington's Murphy and Scarletti's. There was just so much to see at the Farmington landmark for live music. All the stars were in alignment for this gig, an amazing crowd, blazing guitar work and a fresh set list. The throng, as big as any weekend gathering, was dancing, exercising (kudos to the girl who out pushup'd the guy) and participating all night with guest vocals and tamborine. A Scorified shout-out has to go to the wild bunch from ESPN! Jeremy worked them as if he was playing to an arena, making nice with all the pretty girls. As for new tunes, the band added The Doobie Brother's China Grove to the set list, to the delight of several longtime supporters. It has been said "You haven't seen The Score until you've seen them at Murphy's!" True that! Unfortunately, the party had to end at some point, but fear not, we shall return to Murphy's, stay tuned...
Saturday, 7/14/07-The Score returned to Sweet Jane's in Hartford, jamming to a small, boisterous crowd that appeared to grow as the night went on. The band had Stella Demand return to back up on Black Horse Cherry Tree, Tom Donato lent his vox and tamborine to several songs and Dave Blodgett showed off his lead vocals on Neil Young's anthem Keep on Rockin' in the Free World. Everything seemed safe, but things got dicey as Matt waged war on Blodgett's microphone stand during a series of flailing jumps as the band cranked up The Cult's She Sells Sanctuary, knocking it across the stage and into the drum kit. While Dave was nervous, it got the crowd roaring onto the dance floor. It's all about the show, right? One bizarre item of note- Who was that smashed, disrobed guy standing at the bar at the end of the night??? OK, we don't really want to know- way too much to see there... Is there a better place to see a band than Sweet Jane's? We don't think so, and The Score will be back to Downtowns' first choice for rock in September- Check the schedule!
Sunday, 6/10/07- It was a sunny Sunday afternoon as The Score jammed out for the French Social Club of East Hartford at the Knights of Columbus Pavilion. The large crowd of young, old and in-between rocked and rolled to the sounds of The Score while eating BBQ, playing horseshoes, darts, sack races and jumping in the giant moonbounce. The band catered to the tastes of the crowd, playing new tunes as well as the familiar Score offerings. This event marked the first time for some country tunes like Kenny Chesney's "What I Need to Do", "Amie" by the Pure Prarie League and Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places" which had Matt debut on the electric mandolin. The band also scorched a blistering rendition of the Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There", and an uplifiting version of U2's "Angel of Harlem". It was a great time for the band, club members, and the general public. We may be back again next year for this annual event. Stay tuned!
Sunday, 5/27/07 The Score had the pleasure of playing at Michele's college graduation party in Southington, CT. The Moonbounce was full, bouncing to the tunes. The coladas were frosty and the band played all their Buffett covers. This party was a lot of fun and everyone had a blast! Congratulations Michele on your future as an OB nurse! If you have a private party or function and would like some good live music, check out The Score!
Friday, 4/27/07 Sweet Jane's- The Score or Christina Aguliera... That was the "what to do" question on Hartford, Connecticut's mind. And while we didn't quite have 15,000+ people stuffed into the hottest rock club downtown, a suprisingly large group of classic rock supporters were there, jamming along with the sounds of The Score! To quote our "ultimate fan", Morris Banks, "I think you guys played your best show yet", and while we appreciate that he says good things often, this was the truth! All the elements of a great night were there: an electric crowd, great sound and great entertainment. The Score had sharp, blistering solos from all three axemen, Jeremy worked the crowd, Matt was jumping and Walter kept the beat thumping! Plus, everyone was treated to guest vocals from Stella Demand on Black Horse, Cherry Tree. We also had many pretty ladies guesting on tamborine throughout the night and the band added a credible 867-5309 to the crowd's delight even though the we never practiced it all together before. This party cranked until 1:30 AM, long after Miss Christina hit the showers. Was the blonde bombshell "after partying" at Sweet Jane's? One will never know, there were too many people dancing to notice! Next SJ gig- July 14th - be there!
Thursday, 4/12/07 Murphy & Scarletti's- The Score rocked in their return to the Farmington live music landmark, playing to a spirited crowd of patrons. The band showed off their new rack amp unit, giving them the power to fill the unique venue. Tom Donato guested on the tamborine and vocals and mysteriously picked up a guitar, treating everyone to a wailing acoustic performance. We had several birthdays in the house and The Score did not disappoint, by taking their requests and bringing back old favs like Steal My Kisses. The band also debuted a sweet cover of Eric Clapton's Lay Down Sally, and unveiled a well received funky new original song called Optional (See the Music page for lyrics). The party lasted until well after 12:00 and we left them wanting more, which will be delivered the next time at Murphy's, when The Score hits their stage again in July! See you there!
Thursday, 2/8/07, Murphy & Scarletti's. Farmington, CT once again rocked out to the sounds of The Score. It was a blustery night, but faithful were in the house and the band did not disappoint, plowing through three strong sets despite popped strings and melting guitar amps! Somebody in the band had to be a Boy Scout, because they were prepared. The band unveiled their new apparel line which included black logo hoodies and variously colored T-shirts in both men and women's styles. Get your shirt and represent at the next show! Musically, Scoreheads heard the band bring back All Along the Watchtower, which started in a "Dylanesque" slow and bluesy feel and ended at a breakneck pace ala Hendrix. With Matt on guitar, the band cranked it up to 11 on She, by Green Day, which was by request. Dave Gager also made his mark as a lead vocalist on a sweet offering of The Grateful Dead's Fire on the Mountain. The band will return to the Farmington landmark for rock and roll on April 12th, be there!
Friday, 1/19/07, The Score jetted into Windsor Locks and after many months, again touched down at The Blackboard Cafe. It was a magnificent return for the five guys based out of Glastonbury as they entertained a large crowd that contained many new faces! The band unveiled a simmering version of Bob Seger's Turn the Page, successfully melding it with the angst of the recent Metallica version to make it a true Score song. The show also marked the return of a breakneck offering of Jethro Tull's Locomotive Breath after several years on the shelf. The third set had requests from some dancing Deadheads, and the Score did not disappoint with a powerful showing during Scarlet Begonias and a quirky Eyes of the World. And of course the place rocked during Jet Airliner! The house was rocking to the very end as the band jammed until after last call. The Score looks forward to their next visit to the Windsor Locks club, so keep your eyes out.
Saturday 1/6/07, It was a triumphant return to Hartford as The Score packed in Hartford's premier rock club, Sweet Jane's Rock and Roll Eatery. The show was electric from their opening number, The Rising, and the power grew through the night with the band closing the bar and leaving the masses screaming for more! The dance floor was shaking as the band fed off their energy. The Score performed a solid versions of Bon Jovi's Who Says You Can't Go Home, and Rick Springfield's Jesse's Girl to the delight of the crowd. Jeremy Banks also sang a haunting version of Marshall Tucker's Can't You See, bringing back that old favorite after it's lengthy set absence. Scoreheads were treated to Ryan Markey of Tenet as he guested on vocals during spirited versions of Hard to Handle and Play That Funky Music.
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Band life . . .
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Walter gets out some aggression in a meaningful way.
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The details of our band are quite inconsequential...
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More equipment!!!
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Meet Tom "Tenorsax" Donato, the horn player.
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Sometimes, you just have to strum it all away.
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The home for wayward drums has opened its doors.
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The Official Score sticker!! Get one at the next show!!!!
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Behold the copper masterpiece
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Jeromeo resting the pipes
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Giovanni's Pizza: Where the band gets inspiration and a hot slice.
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The Score hard at work!
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One of our new monitors!
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Matt's bag of . . . . .
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A new guitar and a cooler . . life is good!
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Assembly required.
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Got pedals?
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Dave B. dialing in the sound!
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Hmmm, how can I get more cowbell in here?!
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Renbrook Recording Session 2008
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A little pre-recording meal for Dave B.
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Walter helps himself to a bag of chips.
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Dave warns the sticky-fingered drummer to stay away from his Lays!
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Walter mysteriously vanishes...
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Jeremy pretends to look busy while the band does all the work.
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Break time.
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Let's Jam!!
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Why it took so long to record: Exhibit A
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Exhibit B
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This is where Dave....I don't know what Dave was doing...
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From behind the curtain!
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Dave and Joe Desisto talking technology.
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Many thanks to Joe Desisto for helping us get the recording done.
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