Dorothy Raises Hell in Kansas City
The evening before March Madness kicks off is usually preceded by a lot of drinking. While some major roads in downtown Kansas City were closed in preparation, many people found their way to the recordBar to catch a little glimpse of the brewing storm that is Dorothy. You can be forgiven if you haven’t heard of them yet. Forming in 2013, the band has only released two albums, and an EP, but if the near capacity crowd at recordBar, and sold out dates on their tour is any indicator, Dorothy is a machine that is gaining momentum.
Fronted by Dorothy Martin, from where the band takes its name, the band is supported by Jason Ganberg on drums, Eliot Lorango on bass, Eli Wulfmeier and Nick Maybury on guitar. At points during the performance, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s influence on lead guitarist, Nick, who has blistering, bluesy riffs. The guitar work, and indeed the musicianship of all members, plays very well with Dorothy’s whiskey-soaked vocals, which are very soulful, almost reminiscent of Janis Joplin.
The band’s sound really drives back towards 60’s classic rock, with bluesy roots, but brings things into the 21st century. It’s cliche to say, yes, but the band makes it work, and keeps things dirty, and real. A lot of artists make their rounds through small clubs, some fading before hitting the next level, and I sure as hell hope that Dorothy makes it. They clearly have the talent, and the passion, and their ever-growing fanbase will certainly help.
But enough yapping from me. Get out and raise hell!
