The Schemers at the Narrows Center
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
The Schemers at the Narrows Center
The Schemers are one of the greatest Rock and Roll bands ever to come out of the Ocean State. Along with legendary live performances, their “new wave” rock sound ruled the local airways in the 1980’s. Their recent induction into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame solidified their place in local music lore. The band recently released a impressive new album, The Last Beach. GoLocalProv Music Critic Ken Abrams was there along with Photographer Rick Farrell Saturday night for the album release show at Fall River’s Narrows Center for the Arts.
The Schemers at the Narrows Center
The Schemers
The Schemers backstage before their album release party at the Narrows Center for the Arts Saturday May 30, 2015. The band includes Mark Cutler, Emerson Torrey, Rick Couto, Jimmy Berger, and Richard Reed. Their new album, The Last Beach, is a jingle jangle pop/rock tour de force.
Emerson Torrey
Emerson Torrey is a powerhouse on lead guitar taking the band through a two hour set of over 20 songs. He excels on tunes like "Poor Little Johnny" and "I Could Get Used to This," both tunes from the new album. An original member of the Schemers, Torrey was an integral part of The Raindogs in the late 80's/early 90's.
Mark Cutler
Mark Cutler is chief songwriter and the driving force behind the band. He's an important part of the local music scene and has fronted the Raindogs, The Dino Club, and Men of Great Courage. He's also part of RI's top tribute band Forever Young.
Jimmy Berger
Bass player Jimmy Berger is the subject of "Gentleman Jim," a slow rocker found on The Last Beach. An original member of the band, he anchors the rhythm section along with drummer Rick Couto.
Rick Couto
Rick Couto is part of a family of great Rhode Island drummers, and the workhorse of the band. His driving beat pushes the band along on rockers like "Hammer in my Heart" and "Angell Street," both top tunes on the new album.
Richard Reed
Richard Reed had quite a night on the keyboards with the added pressence of the Hammond B3 organ. He shines on "Too Bad for Me," a soulful ballad found on the new album.
The Schemers at Narrows
Definition of 2015 Schemers: Iggy Pop meets The Byrds and you’ve got the best Tom Petty album never made. Through in some rock and roll lyrics, a little jingle jangle guitar, and a driving beat and you've got a great rock album. It's available on ITunes and CD.
Dylan Sevey
Dylan Sevey and the Gentlemen opened the evening with an excellent set of straight ahead rock and roll. Sevey’s a rock artist of a new generation, with “boy next door” good looks and enough distortion on his telecaster to make it count when it matters.
It was an especially fine performance for Keyboardist Brendan Moore who really showed his chops on the Hammond B3 organ. With Sevey keeping rhythm, lead guitarist David Ponte rocked the house. The band knows how to jam and had the crowd on its feet before giving up the stage for the main act.
Mojo Photography
Photos by Rick Farrell, Mojo Photography
The Original Schemers
Flashback to 1984. The Schemers have just won the WBCN Rock and Roll Rumble, a prestigious event held annually in Boston. Boston’s Till Tuesday had won the previous year and the sky was the limit for one of RI’s greatest rock and roll bands.
