Mike Dillon Band: Age has its benefits

Fans of lyrics that appear to have been inspired by Miguel de Cervantes, William Burroughs, Kurt Vonnegut and Robert Anton Wilson and delivered via a voice that has been called Tom Waits-meets-Frank Zappa black comedy are in for a real treat when The Mike Dillon Band  arrives at Founder’s Taproom for a night of music that evokes New Orleans’ debauchery with a heft mix of age-old themes of travel, love, self-destruction and greed.

But if you want to pigeonhole this unique artist’s work, then good luck since, after listening to “Band of Outsiders,” you will be amazed at the musicality and originality of this seasoned music professional. 

“People are always trying to figure out how to describe our music. Maybe we should call it New Orleans punk jazz Brazilian math rock? It’s a gumbo of tribal percussion, The Meters, old school hardcore, Brazil, hard bop and anything else that might move us,” says Dillon. “But you know, I really don’t care what you call it. We kick out the jams harder than anyone, and we also know when to heed the lessons of The Minutemen’s Double Nickels On The Dime and keep things straight to the point. There’s a reason we called the record what we did. We’re the living, breathing definition of a band of outsiders, but together we deliver simple majestic beauty, let’s leave it at that.”

Dillon has been performing for more than 25 years and has the stage presence to back it up with an act that has been described as a “punk rock provocateur,” “jazz vibraphone visionary” and “percussion virtuoso” …and often in the same sentence! 

In a world of pop sensations, it is good to know that salty dogs like Dillon can find a place in such hallowed halls devoted to drinking. In fact, I cannot imagine it in any other setting to be honest. Get there early to garner a seat at what is certain to be an eclectic night of music.

For a sneak preview of Dillon’s unique style, please visit this link.