Joslyn & the Sweet Compression: The Sleeper Set of Whippersnap!
Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival just wrapped up its third Florida iteration at Florida Sand Music Ranch with four days of amazing weather, food, friends, fun, and music. We will post a complete review soon, but I feel compelled to shout out the brilliant set that Joslyn and The Sweet Compression turned in on a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon (February 21).
This was the sleeper set of Whippersnap, a brilliant performance from a remarkable singer and kickass trio with great songs and even better lyrics. It was the perfect setup for a toasty afternoon set on the Cookies Stage out in the field. Unfortunately, too many people, wearing down on the fourth and final day of the fest, missed this one. We certainly hope they will tour this way again, because this was truly special.
On the day that featured seven outstanding female vocalists, Joslyn Hampton was one of the very best, with fabulous range and depth. Their set opened with the title track from the band’s second album Bona Fide (2023), the song assuring that this was “no imitation.” They next grabbed the first of seven track’s from their eponymous debut with “Changing Times.” “If I Break It Down” took notice with “then I don’t hear the sound of my breaking heart after all.” WOW
All of these song featured deep lyrics, including “Sticky Situation”: “I can’t get myself together.” The trio with her was really solid: Carter Scofield on guitar, Tyler Papierniak on bass, and Rashawn Fleming on drums and backing vocals. It was at this moment that a beautiful swallow-tailed kite began circling above the stage, just as Joslyn and the boys roared into the Rufus tune “You Got the Love,” full-on Chaka Khan. MC Nookis acknowledged it was a sign. He was correct.
“Wise Fools” from Bona Fide was another great confession: “A fool in love is what I want to be.” That was followed by more great song-writing with “What Did You Think Was Gonna Happen?” and then “Honey, Be.” Did I cry like a baby when she filled the entire campground with Chaka Khan’s signature “Ain’t Nobody”? YOU BET.
Everywhere backing vocals were needed, Fleming was on the job in addition to keeping superb time in tandem with Papierniak on bass. “Sunday Driver” talked about the need for somebody “taking me through the night.” WAIT! WHAT? “War Pigs”? Killer version, Scofield blistering on guitar and Joslyn holding nothing back. They made a jazzy transition to the second half of the tune, very cool.
Scofield roared again on “Love on the Double” before they ALL tore it up on the 1974 Funkadelic masterpiece “Cosmic Slop.” They closed out the set with “It’s About a Passion.”
[J&tSC: Bonafide, Changing Times, If I Break It Down, Sticky Situation, You Got the Love, Wise Fools, What Did You Think Was Gonna Happen?, Honey Be, Ain’t Nobody, Sunday Drive, War Pigs, Love on the Double, Cosmic Slop, It’s About a Passion]
Bravo to Shane Lavigne and his crew for bringing in this superb group from Lexington, Kentucky. Let’s hope they get back here soon. The band’s current schedule and information are below.
Joslyn and The Sweet Compression
02/27 From The Earth Brewery | Roswell GA
03/06 Route 51 | Elkville IL
03/07 Kenny’s Westside Pub | Peoria IL
03/13 Broadway Oyster Bar | St. Louis MO
03/20 Jack’s Live | Charlotte NC
03/26 Bullfrog Brewery | Williamsport PA
03/27 Triumph Brewing | Red Bank NJ
04/18 Pumzi’s | Charleston WV