SAUGUS — If you were driving or walking past the Saugus Iron Works Wednesday night, there’s a good chance you heard smooth sounds of jazz, rock, and soul flowing through the air.
Coco Brown & the Invitation lit up the night for residents and some who traveled from surrounding communities, giving people something to shimmy and shake to.
The band consists of lead singer Coco Brown, bassist Rory McKenzie, Adria Smith on keyboard, and percussionist Grant Clark.
The Iron Works grass was covered in lawn chairs as people, young and old, got a taste of the sweet soul that flowed from the band. Kids danced in the back, and some were entertained by bubbles and cornhole.
Library Director Alan Thibeault kicked the concert off, welcoming everyone to the Iron Works.
“This is the fourth year of the summer concert series at the historic Saugus Iron Works. It’s a great partnership we have with the National Parks Service. They take great care of this facility, and they’re continuing to improve the facility,” he said. We’re really happy and I know that the Town of Saugus is very proud of this place, so it’s great that we can have this concert series here.”
The minute Thibeault stepped off the stage, the band began to play, starting the night off with a cover of “Rock Steady” by Aretha Franklin. Brown showcased a powerful voice that got heads nodding and feet tapping. The rest of the band was in perfect beat, with McKenzie and Clark providing background vocals.
Brown told the concertgoers that they “couldn’t just sit there all night,” encouraging everyone to move and groove. “We need your energy. … So, if you hear a song and you know the words, and you want to sing along, please do. If you hear a song and it makes you want to tap your toes, please do. And if you hear a song and it makes you want to move, get on up, we want to see you dancing,” she said.
The band filled the air with songs such as “Fever” by Peggy Lee, “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes, “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstadt, and “Spooky” by Dusty Springfield.
Each song flowed seamlessly into the next, with Brown taking breaks for instrumentals. Each band member showcased their skills with solos, proving each to be a key component to the melodic muses that played throughout the night. Brown’s voice fit like a puzzle piece in every song, explosive, subtle, joyous, and soulful. McKenzie’s bass provided the perfect rhythmic undertone to each song, while Smith’s keyboard shone brightly, providing a snappy sound. Lastly, Clark’s drums added a warm heartbeat to the music.
It’s safe to say that the band’s talent was much appreciated by concertgoers who cheered them on through every song with “woops” and claps.
The next Iron Works concert will take place on July 16, and concertgoers can expect a mix of ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s rock from the Memorylaners.
