Durand Jones And The Indications Close Out The Summer With Sweet Vibes And Golden Melodies

Durand Jones performing with Durand Jones And The Indications at The Knitting Factory in Boise, Idaho. Photo by April Massey

I do not know about you, but live music has been my saving grace this summer. Stepping into the hot night air after sweatily dancing the evening away to the perfect combination of drums, bass, guitar, and vocals is the closest many of us have come to euphoria over the past three months. Two weeks ago at The Knitting Factory in downtown Boise, Idaho,  Durand Jones And The Indications transcended the Treasure Valley into damn near ecstasy. 

Capturing the hearts of Treefort goers this past March with their silky suave lyrics and retro smooth stage presence, the group made their Idaho headlining debut on August 24th, promoting their latest album, Private Space. The record easily slides across decades, dipping into ‘50s surf guitar ballads, ‘60s four-piece soul, and ‘70s psychedelic funk. 

Aaron Frazer performing with Durand Jones And The Indications at The Knitting Factory in Boise, Idaho. Photo by April Massey

Durand Jones And The Indications round out their stage show with a full eight-piece band, including a horn section and bongo drums, harkening back to a time when every instrument recorded in the studio also had a place on stage. Jones himself conjures legendary band leaders like James Brown and Sly Stone– masterfully holding the audience's attention while falling back to share the spotlight with his bandmates. This is most evident in the songs “Crusin’ To The Park” and “Is It Any Wonder,” both sung by drummer Aaron Frazer. Frazer’s angelic falsetto is a crowd favorite, prompting audience members to sing along and sway their hips in the amber glow of the stage lights. Frazer also treated the audience to an airy rendition of Smokey Robinson And The Miracles’ “Ooo, Baby Baby,” a song that perfectly fits into The Indications’ sultry set list of baby-making music. 

Steve Okonski performing with Durand Jones And The Indications at The Knitting Factory in Boise, Idaho. Photo by April Massey

Durand Jones And The Indications delivered a night full of unrelentingly pure vibes. Even less familiar songs like “Ride Or Die” became well-worn favorites by the end of the last note. Jones has spoken in interviews about intentionally leading his actions with love. That earnestness was evident during a moment of overwhelming emotion for the singer while performing the song “Morning In America.” The group ended their Crusin’ After Dark tour stop with their electrifying single “Witchoo.” A song that dons the rose-colored glasses of ‘70s funk and disco– sending the audience off into the night, making plans with their future baby’s mama (or daddy). 

Like the sweet stains at the corners of your mouth from the last red cherry popsicle of the summer, the bright golden sounds of Durand Jones And The Indications will linger in your ears long after the scorching summer sun has gone.