De La Soul once argued that three was the magic number, and perhaps in the case of instrumental trio The Aristocrats they were right. The talented supergroup featuring Guthrie Govan, Bryan Beller, and Marco Minnemann recently arrived on Tyneside as part of their eagerly anticipated UK tour.
It had been three years since the band’s last appearance in the North East of England. Drummer Marco Minnemann recollected that the last show he played pre-pandemic was in Newcastle, so returning to the region was certainly giving the artist some strange memories. However, bass player Bryan Beller was in the area only a few weeks back whilst on tour with Joe Satriani at the Sage Gateshead.
The sounds of Devo’s take on the Rolling Stones (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction played the three-piece onto the stage. The song even allowed for a little bit of a funky jam as the group warmed up.
The band got to the task in hand with Stupid 7, before showcasing a couple of new tracks by way of Marco’s latest composition – the rather jazzy Where’s My Drink’s Package. Subsequently, Guthrie’s new track, Sgt Rockhopper, followed. Even though the song had only received its world premiere the night prior, the band joked that this may be the first time they got through it fully.
Bad Asteroid showcased Govan’s fluid playing and finger-tapping skills whilst simultaneously taking the fans back to the band’s first album.
Music aside, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the show was the insightful backstories and on-stage banter between each track. Instrumental music is a fascinating area, and to hear how each of these powerhouse performers composed the songs in the set was enlightening indeed.
For lovers of instrumental music, it doesn’t get any better than The Aristocrats. The trio are a world-class ensemble. Everything about the show was big – from big tunes and big riffs, through to the huge drum kit centre stage and Bryan Beller’s enormous bass speakers.
The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde illustrated a terrible moment for Beller, recollecting when he had some of his instruments stolen. The emotive sounds and sinister groove featured unpinned the subject matter, whilst the clever instrumentation skilfully illustrated the story.
Whilst 90s dance music is perhaps an unlikely genre for the hard rocking trio, the song Aristoclub with its danceable beat and heavy rhythm, made a refreshing change in the setlist. The song also led into a fierce drum solo from Marco.
Two big tunes followed back-to-back via Through The Flower and Ohhhh Nooo. The songs were a lot of music by the band’s admission, but they certainly hit the spot. The latter was like Miles Davis meets Van Halen, with added stuffed animal noises for texture.
The main set concluded with the appropriately titled Last Orders, proving that all good things must come to an end.
Dictionary.com defines an Aristocrat as “a person who has the manners or qualities of a member of a privileged or superior class.” And that definition certainly rings true with this uber-talented trio – the group are in a class of their own.
Whilst the intro music at the show may have argued that (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, on this occasion, the Tyneside audience left the show well and truly satisfied based upon what they had witnessed.
Words and Photos by Adam Kennedy
