Concert Review: Mac Ayers, The Juicebox Tour
December 4, 2019
After releasing his sophomore album, Juicebox, earlier this year Mac Ayres set out on the Juicebox North American Tour. On Monday, December 2nd, Mac Ayres played a sold-out show at Philadelphia’s Foundry at The Fillmore.
At just 22 (soon to be 23), Mac Ayres’ pool of influences pre-date his birth. Steeped in the tradition of Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, and J Dilla, Mac Ayres is a thoughtful songwriter and talented composer, which is evident from his first three projects.
Mac Ayres opened his show performing the first two songs from Juicebox: I Wanna Give Up, an up-tempo song reminiscent of West Coast funk and R&B, laced with sultry vocals on top, and Shadows, a slower tune with filled with a steady back beat from the drums, synthesizer, and pulsating bass line that was capped off by a blazing saxophone solo from Zach Berro.
After the success of his EP, Drive Slow, in 2017, Mac decided it was time for him to leave Berklee College of Music, where he had studied the past three years. With this in mind, Mac thanked the audience for their support, and how their support is what has aided him in not needing to continue with school – (Berklee’s list of dropouts might be just as impressive as their degree holders – maybe?). Performing Slow Down, a song he wrote shortly after leaving school, Mac Ayres showcased his range as a songwriter and performer – a ballad written in the tradition of standard Jazz tunes (the song is built around a 2-5-1 chord progression).
Whether performing the Trap-infused Walking Home, 90s New York Hip-Hop-inspired Jumping Off the Moon, the DJ Harrison-produced and D’Angelo-inspired song Where Do We Go From Here?, the slow-burning Summertime, or the Neptunes-ish song Better, Mac Ayres is at home. His influences are clear, but they don’t take over his voice.
Mac Ayres closed the night by performing Better, then for an encore, a fan favorite, Lonely, which included solos from saxophonist Zach Berro, an incredible bass and drum solo from Declan Miers (bass) and Chris Anderson (drums).
What I wished was different?:
I kind of wish Mac did a couple of covers, just to hear how he would interpret some songs. It’s his show, showcasing his music, so I get it. He performed for nearly an hour and a half, straight, hence there really wasn’t time for a cover, maybe. Also, Mac’s band is incredibly talented, and they have igreat chemistry, but I wish it were a little more jam-y at times. I yield to the idea that most people don’t pay to see a singer just to their band just play, so it’s a singular opinion in that regard. Last but not least, as always, the sound at The Foundry is spotty (at best), and the acoustics just aren’t meant for music. I would have loved to have seen Mac at World Café Live, or even the TLA.
Band:
Chris Anderson – Drums
Declan Miers – Bass
Morgan Burrs – Guitar
Jordan Robertson – Piano
Zach Berro – Alto Saxophone
