The 5 O’Clocks, the original super band from Westport, is performing again for the first time in more than 20 years with a new lineup.
The latest incarnation of the band includes legendary guitarist Charlie Karp. The group will perform at Naughty Water, 2931 Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock on Sunday June 29. The festivities start – appropriately – at 5 PM.
“The Fives are back and better than ever,” said keyboard player John Lamb, who co-founded the band in 1983 along with saxophone player Jon Saxon who is also part of the new band. “The idea is to start a super original band – with musicians with super original talent. Then it hit me – that’s was the 5 O’Clocks.”
From 1983 to 1992, The 5’Clocks did hundreds of gigs with an ever changing lineup. Only Saxon and Lamb remained the entire time. The band performed at the legendary CBGBs in New York City, and did shows with bands including Humble Pie, Eddie Money and Peter Tork of the Monkees.
“When I started thinking of members for an original super band, Charlie Karp was at the top of the list,” said Lamb.
Karp became an instant local hero in 1969 when he dropped out of (Staples) high school to go on the road with drummer Buddy Miles – who was touring with Jimi Hendrix. Charlie played memorable guitar solo on Miles’ biggest hits, Them Changes and Down by the River.
Vocalist Paula Gallo of Westport is the lead singer from the Paula G Reality. That band’s 2011 CD received extensive airplay on WPKN. Gallo has also performed at the gathering of the Vibes, the annual music festival in Bridgeport.