Show Review - Ghost-Note 9/19/22

My first visit to the legendary Rex Hotel

With a sound like James Brown-meets-Snarky-Puppy, Ghost-Note took over the legendary Rex Hotel in Toronto for four shows in two nights. My first sit-down concert that I can remember, it was tough to resist the urge to get up and dance through the duration of the set (though we were encouraged to do so for the final song).

Led by original Snarky Puppy drumming duo Robert “Sput” Searight and percussionist Nate Werth, the eight-piece band was made up of some of the music industry’s most prolific performers, sidemen to the likes of Toto, Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock, and Prince. Like Snarky Puppy, Ghost-Note has a rotating cast of musicians on tour with them, so this unique formation was a treat to catch.

In just short of an hour and a half, the band delivered a set of relentless, in-your-face funk music, but taken BEYOND what you would expect.

Searight’s unstoppable and fluid drumming with Werth’s perfect percussion accents built a foundation for the rest of the band to go wild over, smiles on each member’s face throughout the performance.

Keyboardist Dominique Xavier brought forth a number of compelling solos throughout the night and my eyes were glued on his playing for the majority of the performance. Drawing some crunchy clavinet and wildly aggressive piano playing out of his Nord Stage, he truly stood out from the pack of incredible musicians.

Each band member had a chance in the spotlight as Searight called out changes and solos to the band on the fly, a trick reminiscent of James Brown.

My first visit to the Rex was an absolutely unforgettable night and I can say with certainty that it won’t be my last!

Ghost-Note is absolutely not a show you should miss! See them while they’re on tour now!