I was introduced to Beats Antique just a month or so ago, and downloaded their second album, Collide from their website (follow this link and download it for free). The album is a unique amalgam of intricate rhythms, organic textures and middle eastern flavor; throw in some dubstep and afro beat and there you have it.

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.

After several listens, it was apparent that this album, and the band that created it, were both something special. The next logical step was to check out the band’s tour schedule as I had a hunch that the energy contained in this offering would translate live. As luck would have it, Beats Antique was scheduled to play at Bourbon Street last Friday night.

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.

Upon seeing this band for the first time we certainly were not disappointed. The band, consisting of “Sidecar” Tommy Cappel, David Satori and Zoe Jakes made more sound than most groups double or triple their size and did so with incredible skill, energy and showmanship.

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.

Cappel, who trained as a studio drummer at Berklee School of Music was precise, driven and relentless. Satori, who graduated from California Institute of the Arts, plays a multitude of instruments including, violin, banjo, guitar and percussion in-between mixing electronic elements into the sound. Jakes stole the spotlight over and over with her own percussion skills, but most notably with her world class belly dancing and choreography. Jakes was trained in ballet and jazz and has toured with two major belly dance troupes while producing and choreographing as well.

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.

Beats Antique

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.

Combined the trio produce and compose music that that touches on a multitude of diverse modes of music and in doing so, they reach an audience that encompasses several generations and fans of many genres. The sound is infectious, the crowd at Bourbon Street could not keep still. To further surprise those of us who had never seen them live, the band’s encore consisted of the musicians and extras creating a circus atmosphere of costumed animals and general mayhem. Then they were gone.

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.

Photo and story by Theresa Keil.