GENESEO — Muddy Waters Coffee House on 53 Main Street in Geneseo is well known by many for its relaxing environment and enthusiasm for local music.
The Whale and the Warbler, a band composed of SUNY Geneseo students, attracted a large student crowd with their ten-song set at Muddy’s last night despite the heavy snowfall.
“Local scenes are everywhere, but it’s really nice to be a part of one whether it’s us playing at the farmer’s market, or at Muddy,” said Rob Wojcikiewicz, drummer for The Whale and the Warbler.
The Whale and the Warbler’s lineup includes:
Conor McCann – Guitar, Vocals
Emily Cirincione – Viola, Vocals
Steve Rosenzweig – Trumpet
Andy Patt – Trombone
Alex DiPaola – Bass, Vocals
Dan Lynch – Guitar, Banjo, General Quarter Noise, Vocals
Rob Wojcikiewicz – Drums, Glockenspiel
The band, normally on stage with seven members, was missing their bassist Alex DiPaola last night which resulted in banjo player Dan Lynch having to cover for DiPaola on bass.
Lead singer Conor McCann stated that the band’s unique folk-jazz style is influenced by that of Phosphorescent, Phil Elvram, and Neutral Milk Hotel.
When asked how the band got started with so many members and different styles, McCann expressed, “When we first started I was playing a lot of noise and folk by myself. Steve and Andy have been playing jazz for a while so that’s how our styles really combined.”
McCann and other band members were really pleased with the crowd at Muddy’s last night.
“Out of all the shows me and Rob have played there, that was the most packed by far,” said Lynch.
“We felt loved, and we feel people really appreciated it,” Wojcikiewicz said.
While The Whale and the Warbler was the headline at last night’s event, another student-based band, Drowned Valley, was on stage right beforehand playing a nice set. Kicking off the night at 7:30, Warbler banjoist Dan Lynch and drummer Rob Wojcikiewicz played a few tunes from another band they are a part of called Mammal is a Mountain, where Lynch provides lead vocals and guitar, and Wojcikiewicz plays mandolin.
This past Saturday, The Whale and the Warbler were busy recording for their new album expected to release this spring.
“Saturday we recorded in the Presbyterian church on Center [Street] for about 6 hours. This was our first show since recording,” said Lynch.
The band members were very appreciative of Muddy Waters letting them play the show, as it generated fans for both the band and the coffee house.
“Local merchants and local bands have equal goals,” stated Lynch. The large student crowd at Muddy’s last night can surely back that statement, as the crowded venue was thrilled to relax and hangout watching live music being played, while enjoying their favorite hot drinks that Muddy’s has to offer.
The Whale and the Warbler’s demos can be heard on SoundCloud, and their next show will be hosted at The Bug Jar in Rochester on Feb. 27.