Brother Bean

Artist Information

Biography

"Brother Bean blends seemlessly the psychedelic, the funk and the straight up rock 'n roll while seeking out the infinite possiblities of live improvisation." , Orlando Weekly

Breaking the barrier of what is possible with 3 instruments, Eric Flint (guitar, synths, vocals), Russ Neidhardt (bass, vocals), Patrick Livezey (drums, percussion) bridge the gap between compositions with an intricate tapestry of improvised music. While on stage, the lines between songs become blissfully blurred, and the natural instinct to dance takes over their audiences. Over the past 3 years, Brother Bean has played more than 200 shows across the Southeast United States at venues holding more than 5,000 people. In ’06-’07, Brother Bean performed at many festivals including: Bear Creek Music & Arts, Down on the Farm III Music & Arts, Ashefest Music & Arts, Anti*Pop Music Festival, Open Grass Music Festival, Earth Day Peace Jam, FIT Solar Energy Conference, Sandy Shoe’s Music Festival, Ft. Pierce Friday Fest, & special headlining appearances at the Love Gathering and Camp Jam Music Festival.

“It's about discovering new music, for instance, music that is layered, intricate, technical, flowing, whimsical, elating and euphoric like that of the Melbourne favorites (and now one of my favorites) Brother Bean. Never have I seen a band create such a mood in a venue where no one spoke and everyone just listened” – Orlando City Beat, Alicia Lyman

In 2005, the original members of Brother Bean came together one summer night for an all night jam that ushered in the dawn. There was an immediate feeling in the air from the energy created in that first session, and everyone left the next morning dumbfounded by what they had stumbled away from. Today, shows are packed with finely crafted songs, dazzling improvisational sections, an eye-popping state-of-the-art light show, and a strong support of fans willing to go the distance to catch a show.

Some notable venues Brother Bean has performed at include:
Hard Rock Live (Orlando, FL)
Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park (Live Oak, FL)
Skipper's Smokehouse (Tampa, FL)
Deerfields (Horseshoe, NC)
Tobacco Road (Miami, FL)
The Social (Orlando, FL)
Bamboo Room (Lake Worth, FL)
Loco’s Grill & Pub (Savannah, GA)
Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Charlotte, NC)
Spanish Moss Farm (Quincy, FL)
Dunedin Brewery (Dunedin, FL)
Bryant Park Ampitheater (Lake Worth, FL)
City Limits (Delray Beach, FL)

Brother Bean has had the privilege of sharing the stage with:
Umphrey’s McGee
Col. Bruce Hampton (Aquarium Rescue Unit)
Brian Stoltz (Funky Meters, PBS)
Perpetual Groove
Ivan Neville (Neville Brothers, Dumpstaphunk)
Karl Denson (Greyboy Allstars)
Drive By Truckers

If you like the music to grab you and take you with it, then you’ll love an evening with Brother Bean!

Instrumentation

Eric Flint~ Guitar, Synths, Vocals
Patrick Livezey~ Drums, Percussion
Russ Neidhardt~ Bass, Vocals

Discography

Brother Bean has been hard at work recording their first album, due to be released in the fall of 2008. The album, which has been in production since late 2006, will feature a mix of new songs and the classic BB material that put the band on the map.

Brother Bean is also a friend of the live music taper, and allows live taping at their concerts. Many of the performances from the band have been captured on tape and are in regular rotation amongst fans around the country.

Audio

• If I (Live in Ft. Lauderdale)
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• The Way
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• All Good
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• Yo Mamma
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Lyrics

• The Way
• If I
• The Scene Before
• Better Days
• Famous Amos
• Black Tie Affair

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Brother Bean [+ Show ]
  

  October 2, 2008 The Melbourne-based group Brother Bean recently posted a new MySpace blog called ...October 2, 2008
  
  The Melbourne-based group Brother Bean recently posted a new MySpace blog called "We Have You and You Have Us," accurately depicting the communal vibe so characteristic of its live shows. That encompassing description is fitting because Brother Bean's performances are more like collective jam sessions where the energy of the band merges with the audience to create one cohesive unit. The group, which consists of Eric Flint (guitar, vocals), Russ Neidhardt (bass, vocals), and Pat Livezey (drums), has a way of mesmerizing its audience with trippy, soulful music and genre-blurring fusion. Significant is the fact that there are only three members to get it all done, but that may be the key to their precise sound and unhindered musicality. Although all Brother Bean songs stand as uniquely solid tunes, together they represent a band chock-full of range and musical prowess. Captivating mellow stylings like those featured on "Auntie Em" show off the band's capricious nature, while the heavy instrumentals on "Von Boyage" give off Floydesque meanderings. The band has a wide array of techniques and a flair for eclectic arrangements, making its onstage improvisation a crowd-rousing experience.
  
  
  http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2008-10-02/music/brother-bean/

• Skope Magazine Feature: Brother Bean at the Bamboo Room [+ Show ]
  

  April 8, 2008 The term “jam band” is almost useless. Simply sloughing off a band that likes to...April 8, 2008
  
  The term “jam band” is almost useless.
  
  Simply sloughing off a band that likes to take a song out on a tangent and see where it goes as a “jam band” doesn’t begin to describe these bands’ sounds. A band such as Galactic may choose a jazzy or hip-hop route, while Sound Tribe Sector 9 may be more dance inclined. Even Phish, the landmark group of the ’90s, is progressively inclined.
  
  Take the example of Brother Bean, a band from one of the U.S.’ jam-rich regions — the Southeast, specifically the east coast of Florida. Instead of going into a hard funk break or a countrified journey, the trio takes off on sparse but high-tempo excursions.
  
  A recent show at the Bamboo Room in Lake Worth, Fla., Brother Bean showcased a very tight but open-minded set. Their music is of two minds working together — a focused rhythm section of bassist Russ Neidhardt and Pat Livezey on drums which allows guitarist Eric Flint to explore outside the normal confines of song.
  
  The thing that ascends Brother Bean’s profile is the group’s ability to use long and short notes together, to sometimes allow a breath between notes. The result is a more relaxed, but still lively, sound. They even have fun with some covers — turning Huey Lewis & The News’ “I Want A New Drug” into an extended space jam while their take on Billy Joel’s “Still Rock ‘N’ Roll To Me” was honest and true to the original.
  
  By Jon Tully

• Anti*Pop day 2/ Brother Bean [+ Show ]
  

  November 15, 2006 There was some confusion and mayhem at the door. A majority of those in line ...
  November 15, 2006
  
  There was some confusion and mayhem at the door. A majority of those in line were peeking around the heads in front of them with fire in their eyes while clutching their online-purchased-printed-out-pre-paid tickets, irritated that it was taking so long to get inside. At that point, a festival worker told me that Peanut Butter Wolf had canceled at the last minute and no one would be onstage until a very tardy 11:30.
  
  Truth be told, I gasped a sigh of relief because even though I did want to catch Saul Williams, I did not want to miss Brother Bean! Besides, this is the Anti-Pop Music Festival! It's not about standing in long lines and being frustrated that one of the "hottest" promoted acts of the night cancelled. It's about discovering new music … for instance, music that is layered, intricate, technical, flowing, whimsical, elating and euphoric like that of the Melbourne favorites (and now one of my favorites) Brother Bean. Never have I seen a band create such a mood in a venue where no one spoke and everyone just listened when guitarist Tony Hume trailed off into a Pink Floyd-esque solo. I am so happy that I walked away from the drama at The Social and back to AKA Lounge and didn't miss Brother Bean's their set, which was cut all too short -- in my opinion, they could've played all night.
  

• “Bienvenidos a Miami” [+ Show ]
  

  08.20.06 Brother Bean made it’s mark on Florida’s hottest city this past weekend playing 2 shows...08.20.06
  
  Brother Bean made it’s mark on Florida’s hottest city this past weekend playing 2 shows that will not soon be forgotten. Friday night found the band on the patio of Tobacco Road, Miami’s oldest bar. This legendary watering hole boasts 93 years of live music history, and this night provided another entry to it’s already fantastic story. Somewhere in the middle of skyscrapers and “Tim Burton trees”, Brother Bean turned out 3 sets to a jam packed audience. The show had many high moments, capped off by a monster 3rd set peppered with Famous Amos and which also saw the return of If I!
  
  On Saturday, The boys moved the party over to the beach and took the stage at the newest live music hot spot, The Scrap Bar. According to locals, the biggest crowd the Scrap Bar has seen came out to see what so many people have bee talking about. The first set was marked by the incredible tempo dynamic presented in Fascination>Big Blue>Fascination, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the spirited cover of The Doobie Brother’s “Long Train Runnin”. But noone seemed ready for what was to come. The 2nd set started around 3am, and the boys didn’t walk off stage till near 4:30. Somewhere in the midst of Circle Round and Electric Ave the band sauntered off into uncharted territory, busting into Phish’s reggae classic “Makisupa Policeman” and ushering it right into Bob Marley’s “Lively Up Yourself”. Neither of these songs had been previously played or practiced by the band, which made them a treat for both spectator and performer. BeginAgain came next, and featured absolutely scorching guitar work by both Eric Flint and Tony Hume. This song is one of many new Bean originals that have had fans glowing with excitement for the future.
  
  After the smoke cleared, Brother Bean had made it’s way back north, but if this weekend’s performances are any indication of their future, we should all prepare for Better Days.
  

• Improvational Psychedelic Rock from Brother Bean [+ Show ]
  

  Brother Bean draws from many different influences. They manage the impact of each influence on thei...Brother Bean draws from many different influences. They manage the impact of each influence on their sound and blend them together to create a fresh original sound all their own. Their live shows are full of energy, fun songs and good old-fashioned psychedelia.
  
  A recent concert review said, "Creating a blend of funk, blues, jazz and good old rock 'n' roll, Brother Bean shows have become known for their mix of well-written original material, soaring improvational sections and fantastic covers."
  
  The band has played numerous shows on the East Coast and shared the stage with such bands as Perpetual Groove, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, the Jim Payne Band, Orlando's funkUs and the Burnin' Smyrnans of New Smyrna Beach.

• Tobacco Road turns 94! [+ Show ]
  

  Happy Birthday Tobacco Road It seems incredible that anything in Miami is 94 years old, let alone a...Happy Birthday Tobacco Road
  It seems incredible that anything in Miami is 94 years old, let alone a live-music venue, but so it is. Tobacco Road celebrated its anniversary Friday with a packed crowd and excellent lineup of local musicians: the Spam Allstars, Johnny Dread, Shufly, etc. Brother Bean laid down some impressive jams in the patio. Then Suenalo Sound System on the main stage immediately got the crowd dancing, despite technical problems (and some annoying audience members who apparently thought 11 people on a stage wasn't enough and that people wanted to watch them dance). The conch solo was genius. Can't wait to see what the club has planned for 2012.
  
  

• The Sound Check - Brother Bean [+ Show ]
  

  The singer bosts that his shows are high-energy, and filled with fun songs and old-fashioned psyched...The singer bosts that his shows are high-energy, and filled with fun songs and old-fashioned psychedelia. Hear his blend of funk, blues, jazz, and rock at 9:30pm today at the Bamboo Room, 25 S. J St., Lake Worth. Tickets $12.

• Artist Spotlight: Meet Brother Bean [+ Show ]
  

  Russ Neidhardt, who many locals know as the bass player for the lead band at the the Governor's Gril...Russ Neidhardt, who many locals know as the bass player for the lead band at the the Governor's Grill rock jams is now performing with his new band, Brother Bean.
  
  Band Members are
  
  Eric Flint~ guitar, vocals
  James Almasi~ guitar
  Russ Neidhardt~ bass, vocals
  Pat Livezey~ drums
  
  From a recent review: "Creating a blend of funk, blues, jazz and good old rock and roll, Brother Bean shows have become known for their mix of well written original material, soaring improvisational sections and fantastic covers."
  
  The band is working on a new website, www.brotherbean.com with information added frequently, so visit often.
  
  The enthusiasm for this new band is apparent in their last newletter:
  
  "We have also been VERY busy writing. In the past 3 weeks we have nailed down about 7 brand new original tunes!! Practice has been great, but the shows have been better. As we had hoped, the new stuff really crackles with energy in the live environment."
  Catch the band at The Hustler in Indialantic on Friday, November 25 and at the Governor's Grille Friday Fest on December 2

• Brother Bean [+ Show ]
  

  Brother Bean, a four-piece rock outfit, plays exploding, out-of-this-world jam and hippie funk. Form...Brother Bean, a four-piece rock outfit, plays exploding, out-of-this-world jam and hippie funk. Former member of the now-defunct Orlando jam kings Kynda, Tony Hume is back with the perfect blend of friends and players in this up-and-coming traveling jam band. A mix of exploratory funk-rock infused music, Brother Bean blends seemlessly the psychedelic, the funk and the straight up rock 'n roll while seeking out the infinite possiblities of live improvisation.
  Instruments/Equip:
  Eric Flint - guitar & vocals, Tony Hume - guitar & vocals, Pat Livezy - drums, Russ Neidhardt - bass & vocals
  
  
  

Setlist

BB is capable of turning out three 2 hour sets of unrepeated music. The band is comfortable splitting into small sets or playing for hours on end with no stop.


sampling of recent set lists ...

William III
Yo Mama
Stratosphere
Electric Avenue
Circle Round
All Good
Auntie Em
I Want A New Drug

Better Days >
Walls'll pt I & II* >
Long Train Runnin >
Better Days
Black Tie Affair
If I
Soul Finger%
The Scene Before
Unravel >
Walls'll pt III*

* - Tony Hume Original, First Time Played as a Trio
% - The Bar Kays, First Time Played


The Bamboo Room
Lake Worth, FL
Set 1: The Way, Famous Amos, Yo Mamma>Unravel, Jive Talkin, Scene Before, Cripple Creek>Black Tie Affair

Set 2: Tomorrow's Song, All Good, Electric Avenue, Circle Round, If I, Elliot's Tail>William III, Stratosphere, Pets>Scooby Snacks, Better Days

11.17.06 Tobacco Road [Miami, FL]
94th Annv. Party w/ Spam All-Stars, Suenalo Sound System, Joey Gilmore Blues Band, and many more

Set One: Circle Round > Sand > Yo Momma > Franklin's Tower

Set Two: Walls'll > Unravel > Walls'll

Set Three: Scene Before > Big Blue > Gotta Jibboo > Big Blue Reprise > Scene Before

Set Four: Famous Amos > If I > Pets > Circle Round Reprise > Famous Amos Reprise > If I Reprise, BeginAgain


10.28.06 The Orange Door [Lake Park, FL]
Bean-O-Ween

Set One: Big Blue > Gotta Jibboo, Theme From Diff'rent Strokes*, Better Days > Unravel > Better Days, BeginAgain > Franklin's Tower > Yo Momma > Electric Avenue > Yo Momma > Big Blue Reprise

Set Two: Theme From That 70's Show* > Jam > Scene Before, Fascination, The Way > Gilligan's Island* > The Way, Pets*, Circle Round > Sand > Circle Round, Rukkus*

Set Three: Walls'll > Long Train Runnin' > You Enjoy Myself Finale > Walls'll

* live debuts

Basic Requirements

Calendar