The Commitments BB King’s Thursday, March 9, 2006 Written by John Shankman Photographed by Luc Haverals

I was tense in the way that only a New York minute can wind you up, so I walked into BB Kings with fury. But it was a fury that was quickly assuaged with a few Commitments.

The night started out unspectacularly. The beers were expensive and the intermission long. Nevertheless, the opening act (Jeff Mitchell and the Texas Flood) performed well, supplying the crowd with raw, blues-inspired rock n’ roll. The Flood gave out free CD’s and had the filled-to-capacity crowd feeling good heading into the main act.

Then The Commitments took over. Not one person in the group looked like a movie star (which some of them are, see last paragraph), but together they were an extremely charismatic (dare I say infamous) group. The nine-piece band was an enigma wrapped in a riddle - an all Irish group of nine performers (male and female, performing Motown and classic hits. They were a cover band of the highest order - bringing their own flavor to hits by artists such as: Otis Redding; Martha Reed and the Vandella’s; Aretha Franklin; The Black Crowes; and Wilson Pickett.

The group is extremely professional and fun: dancing is assured for an entire show. Even though BB King’s doesn’t offer a dance floor, the band had the crowd on their feet and dancing at their seats by the second song. The well-polished act controlled the stage the entire time and gave the revelers exactly what they wanted – a memorable experience. It was a perfect show.

I would definitely suggest checking out The Commitments if you are looking for a chance to unwind or just have a hankering’ for Mustang Sally. Everyone present left in high spirits, singing arm-in-arm. I am not sure if it was the booze or the music, but since they’re both Irish, does it really matter?

Note: The Commitments ((the band) was formed by some of the cast members from the 1991 movie, The Commitments. For more on The Commitments (the band), log onto: http://www.thecommitments.net.