Cold Chocolate ~ 2023 June 22 ~ Spire Center for the Performing Arts, Plymouth, MA
Ethan Robbins (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin); Ariel Bernstein (vocals, drums, banjo).
Scroll to below videos for a review of the show.
Videos ... if a problem with viewing, go to Youtube and search by performer and date; the Youtube account is in the name "nicepace"
Everybody Plays the Fool {song by The Main Ingredient}
Banjo Number 5 {original instrumental}
Review
Cold Chocolate is a Boston-area duo comprised of two accomplished musicians, Ethan Robbins and Ariel Bernstein. This is the third time I've seen this duo, and they are expanding their sound each time I see them. Ethan is such a good guitar player, and Ariel is such a good drummer, these two guys really can sound like an actual rock 'n roll band just by themselves. For instance, they played Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" as their final song, and it sounded fine. This also shows how willing they are to range far and wide to find songs they will enjoy playing, and that the audiences will love to hear.
Rock's not really their primary sound. I think you'd mention bluegrass first if asked to define their sound. But when a band uses the catch-all term Americana, it more or less means they'll play just about anything. They are also both very good singers and harmonize wonderfully. Tonight's 1 hour 15 minute set included a number of melodic, uptempo, and fun originals, as well as several covers from the universes of rock 'n roll, soul, and pop.
They tucked in an acoustic set of three songs toward the end of the show. For this, they stood at the front of the stage and shared a microphone. Ariel played banjo (apparently learning this instrument was Ariel's pandemic pastime) and Ethan played mandolin.
There was a fairly good sized crowd in attendance at the always entertaining Thursday lobby series at the Spire, including a number of audience members who were devoted fans of this musical duo. I have nothing but good things to say about this Lobby Series, as it has given me the chance to get to hear a good number of under-the-radar musicians in a casual, close-to-home setting.