Concert in your area for Folk & Blues, Country, Indie & Alt, and Rock.
The band got its start in 2006 by brothers Ian, James and Simone Felice, who were joined by their friend Josh "Christmas Clapton" Rawson, previously a traveling dice player, fiddle player Greg Farley and drummer David Estabrook. They originally started playing in the New York City subway stations, and in 2006 they self-released their debut album, “Through These Reins and Gone.” They followed up with their second album in 2007 entitled “Tonight At The Arizona” and toured the United States.
On 7 January 2008 the group signed a deal with Team Love Records and extensively toured the United States to promote their newest album. They also played a number of music festivals including Bonnaroo, All Points West Music and Arts Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Continuing their stride of touring, the band went on tour in 2009 with Old Crow Medicine Show, Justin Townes Earle and the Dave Rawlings Machine for a nine-city package tour called The Big Surprise Tour. Additionally in 2009, the group released “Yonder Is The Clock” which also peaked at Number 20 on the US Billboard Top 200. Then, in 2011 they released “Celebration, Florida” which peaked at Number 5 On the US Billboard Top 200.
The Felice Brothers are absolutely amazing. Its hard to compartmentalize their sound into one genre, so I won't. If you're a fan of the American sound- you have to see them. The first time we went to see them was in 2009 or so and the performance just blew our minds. I had never seen such an energy and captivating stage presence (as a group as well as each band member individually) and they really reminded us of THE BAND, which, as you should know, is saying a lot.
Their music takes on American imagery. They sing of American landscapes, American people, American ideologies and have been known to play American traditionals. Their musical style evokes a sense of "folk" however their stage presence is something much more energetic. A favorite to watch on whichever instrument is James Felice. The soul he pours into that accordion is an intimacy I've rarely witnessed from any other live musician. Even sitting behind the keyboards you can tell that the instruments are a part of him.
They all play that way, as if they were born to write these songs and perform them for the world. They are natural performers, gifted musicians with an incredible ability to write such perfect songs and perform them playfully. You really get a sense that their relationship with their audience and their music is inclusive, as if these were your older brothers.
Hands down, favorite band - do not miss them, they never disappoint.