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 Fives are back and better than ever,” said keyboard player John Lamb referring to the group’s nickname. He co-founded the band in 1983 along with saxophone player Jon Saxon who is also part of the new band. “The idea was 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 o’clocks performed original music at hundreds of gigs with an ever changing lineup. “The reason we kept changing personnel is because the musicians who came through the band kept getting bigger gigs,” said Lamb who is the principal songwriter. His songs have been aired on more than 300 radio stations across the United States and Canada. “Playing with The Fives was a stepping stone for a lot of guys.”
The band played world-famous CBGBs in New York City. They performed with bands including Humble Pie, Eddie Money and Peter Tork of the Monkees – with Saxon and Lamb as the common musicians in each version – just as they are with the new group.
“Then I started thinking of other musicians for an original super band, and 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 solos on Miles’ biggest hits, Them Changes and Down by the River. He formed SloLeak with guitarist Danny Kortchmar, has performed with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, and led the original band The Dirty Angels which had three albums on RCA records.
Tenor sax player Jon Saxon’s energetic style of playing and soulful sound have kept him busy as a saxophone player with bands throughout the New York City tri-state area for over 30 years. He has led his own jazz groups – but plays all styles – landing gigs with everyone from Larry Coryell to The Belmonts.
Vocalist Paula Gallo of Westport is the lead singer from the Paula G Reality. That band’s 2011 CD received extensive airplay on radio stations including WPKN, 89.5 FM. Gallo has also performed at the Gathering of the Vibes, the annual music festival in Bridgeport.
Jim Syarto of Milford is the drummer. He teamed with Lamb and Gallo in other band including The Paula G Reality.
Reservations for dinner are available which includes admission to the show.
Doors open at 5:00.
Call (475) 282-9900