by: Beth Gimbrone

YES! Once again, I have discovered a band that not only gets my footsies moving, but also has a strong, powerful female force. Last year, I rang in the 2004 New Year along with fellow live music lovers at Harper’s Ferry in Allston. Having been reassured ahead of time that the headliner was worth the money that I had put up for the night, I was still a tad bit weary. Being semi-jobless and poor, I was definitely taking a chance on a band that I had never listened to before. However, I am forever grateful to this day for the introduction to the headliners that night, Superhoney.

If you go crazy over energetic bands with lead singing females, then Superhoney will satisfy your music hunger. Joan Pimentel has arguably the most amazing and talented voices on the local club music scene. When she opens her mouth, it is truly dumbfounding. A Superhoney live performance can have a “Wizard of Oz” effect on the audience. It seems as if you could open a curtain behind the stage only to reveal the soulful Aretha Franklin sitting on a stool singing her heart out into the microphone. But there is no hidden curtain, and Aretha is definitely not in the building. This chick can sing.

Along with Pimentel, the talent of the other Superhoney members will make you rush to the dance floor. Any band that has a keyboard and horn section works for me. Superhoney has such an interesting sound that it is hard to place them in one category of music. They are a little bit of Funk, Soul, Rock and R&B all rolled up in one. These five boys and one woman really know how to bring it. The sounds of the bass are delivered by no other than Richard Palma (who replaced original bass player, Scott Watson in 1999. Watson can be heard on their first two CDs.). Alongside Palma, is the keyboardist and faithful Sox fan, Paul Schultheis. Next is Sean Nelson on percussion. The saxophone is played by John Aruda. Doug Sherman plays the guitar. And, last but not least, there’s Dean Johnson on the drums. Together, they set free a noise that will leave you smiling and dancing all night.

Last year at Superhoney’s sold out New Year’s show, the band handed out one of their live CDs entitled, “Live Nudes (the naked board tapes)”. The tracks that are found on this disc were collected from various shows in the Boston area and beyond. The first track, “Take Off All Your Clothes” dives right into the group’s distinguished funk vibes. This song really sets the pace for the whole album. Besides their original hits, Superhoney is known to cover some not-so-common classic soul tunes. Track three on “Live Nudes,” is an excellent rendition of Sly & the Family Stone’s “If You Want Me to Stay.” Prince’s “Sexy MF” is also another crowd pleaser.

After seeing Superhoney live, it is quite natural to understand how these guys have been nominated for seven consecutive Boston Music Awards: three time nominees for Best Female Vocalist, two times for Best Live Band, two times for Best Soul Band and the 2001 winners for the Best R & B Soul Band. They have also earned recognition by other media in the Boston area. According to their website, www.superhoney.com, the group has also caught the attention of such likes as George Clinton, who invited them to “sit in” with himself and his band at one of the P-Funk All-Stars shows here in Boston.

If you missed Superhoney’s annual New Year’s show at Harper’s Ferry, don’t fret - they frequently play in and around the Boston area. Upcoming gigs can be found on their website. However, Boston isn’t the only place that you can shake your bon bon to their nasty groove - they play all around the country and the world. In December 2004, the band hopped on over to China and played a couple of gigs there. So, don’t be surprised if you are in a foreign country and you happen to hear the name “Superhoney” on the lips of passers by; they could very well be playing in that city. Keep those eyes and ears open - Superhoney could be coming to a bar or venue near you very soon. This is definitely a band that you do not want to pass up!