Bill McClellan drums, Stew Cutler guitar, Chulo Gatewood bass, Etienne Lytle keyboard
FLEISCHMANNS — Spring arrived with a welcome burst of rhythm and soul on Sunday evening at the Print House, where guitarist Stew Cutler and his seasoned ensemble delivered a spirited performance that filled the room with energy rarely seen on a quiet end of the weekend. In a region where Sunday nights can sometimes wind down early, this gathering felt like a celebration of community, musicianship, and the enduring pull of live music. By showtime the venue was filled to capacity with local musicians, devoted fans, and curious newcomers who sensed that something special was unfolding in the northern Catskills.
Cutler, who maintains a home in Margaretville, greeted the crowd warmly and expressed his appreciation for the strong turnout. He noted that he aims to perform in the area three or four times each year when the band is not on the road. Judging by the enthusiastic response from the audience, those visits have become eagerly anticipated events. Smiles were plentiful throughout the evening, both on stage and among the crowd, as the musicians leaned into the joy of playing together.
The lineup featured an impressive roster of talent. Etienne Lytle commanded the keyboard with grace and authority, Bill McClellan held down the rhythm on drums with expressive precision, Chulo Gatewood anchored the sound on bass, and Cutler led the ensemble on guitar and harmonica. Their musical chemistry was evident from the first notes, shaped by years of collaboration and mutual respect.
One of the evening’s early highlights came with the performance of “Something to Think About,” a tune that showcased the band’s subtle interplay and dynamic range. Cutler opened with a lively guitar line that danced across the melody, while Lytle guided the piece with a flowing keyboard presence that created an airy and inviting atmosphere. McClellan, positioned in the corner of the stage with a beaming smile, punctuated the arrangement with crisp rhythmic accents that lifted the mood. The audience responded with visible delight as Lytle stepped forward for a commanding keyboard solo that carried the room into a spirited groove. Gatewood followed with a playful bass passage that bounced with confidence, drawing cheers from the attentive crowd. Each musician contributed a distinct voice, yet the ensemble moved as one cohesive unit.
The band shifted gears with “Longtime Joe,” bringing a touch of rock and roll swagger layered over a snazzy, jazz infused rhythm reminiscent of the 1970s. The tune carried a buoyant energy that had heads nodding and feet tapping throughout the venue. Lytle slid effortlessly across the keys, building tension until a dramatic flourish at the conclusion prompted a burst of applause. Although vocalist Bobby Harden performs the song on the album, his presence was felt through the band’s faithful and spirited interpretation.
Another standout moment arrived with “The End of the Day,” a reflective yet uplifting blues number centered on the realities of growing older while remaining fully engaged in life. Cutler stepped to the microphone with harmonica in hand, delivering a gritty vocal performance that resonated with authenticity. The steady chug of the rhythm section inspired several patrons to rise from their barstools and dance, turning the room into a lively gathering of friends and neighbors. The song carried a message of resilience and determination, conveyed through a groove that felt both timeless and deeply personal.
To close the evening, Cutler introduced what he jokingly described as the Michael Jackson blues, a bold and imaginative take on “The Way You Make Me Feel,” originally recorded by Michael Jackson. McClellan handled the vocal duties, singing with spirited enthusiasm while driving the rhythm from behind the drum kit. His voice pushed through the energetic swirl of instruments, capturing the song’s familiar chorus with gusto. The arrangement transformed the pop classic into a soulful blues celebration, prompting laughter, cheers, and a wave of applause as the final notes rang out. It was the perfect feel good finale to a memorable night of music.
The performance also served as a showcase for the band’s new vinyl release, titled Undercover Mostly, a collection that reflects Cutler’s long standing musical partnerships. In a brief conversation before the show, Cutler spoke about the deep connections that define his group. He explained that drummer Bill McClellan brings decades of experience, including work with vocalist Cassandra Wilson and the Michael Hill Blues Mob. He also praised bassist Chulo Gatewood for his versatility and steady presence, noting that the ensemble often performs as a trio but expands to a quartet whenever possible.
Cutler spoke fondly of keyboardist Etienne Lytle, who spent part of his youth in nearby Bovina and now divides his time between the Catskills and the Bronx. That shared regional connection adds a sense of familiarity to their performances in the area. The guitarist emphasized that maintaining these long term musical relationships allows the group to perform with confidence and spontaneity, qualities that were evident throughout Sunday’s show.
With a career spanning more than four decades, Cutler has built a reputation as a dedicated bandleader and composer whose work bridges jazz, blues, and gospel traditions. His collaborations with legendary artists and his contributions to film and television soundtracks have earned him widespread respect within the music community. Yet on this particular evening in Fleischmanns, his focus remained squarely on the audience gathered before him.
As the crowd filtered out into the cool night air, conversations buzzed with excitement about the performance they had just witnessed. In a season defined by renewal and fresh beginnings, the music of Stew Cutler and Friends offered a fitting soundtrack for the arrival of spring in the northern Catskills.
