Comfest preview: The Max Power Trio

Local band will flood Comfest with tunes inspired by Hendrix, Marley

By Dwayne Steward

Metromix

Leading up to Comfest 2010, which takes place June 25-27 this year, we'll be previewing some of the local bands that will be taking the stage. You can see The Max Power Trio at 8:10 p.m. Friday, June 25 on the Gazebo stage. Click here to read about other Comfest 2010 bands.

The Max Power Trio is no longer a trio. The group has grown into a quintet. Ever since the band played its first live show and recorded its first demo while everyone was in school at Ohio University, they've been growing. Now with the help of the Columbus-based SoHud Music Collective, they're poised to become a local act to be reckoned with.

Max Power—featuring lead singer/guitarist Jesse Michael Barr (known to most as Max Pouvoir), drummer Carlos Fisher, bassist Marc Subel, trombonist Jason Branscum and backup singer Steph Rogers—sounds a little like ‘70s funk with a modern twist. Their sound takes on a laid-back Dave Matthews Band vibe, with a slight reggae twang.

Barr gave us a quick take on what the band's all about.

How would you describe your sound?
Hendrix meets Bob Marley.

Where do you guys typically perform?
Rumba Café and Skully's.

What have been some of the band's most notable strides lately?
We're members of the SoHud Music Collective.  (Check out SoHudMusic.org)

Any upcoming projects or gigs people should know about?
SoHud Music Festival (at Skully's) July 31.

What can people expect from your show at Comfest?
It's going to be loud and funky.