Commonheart — rock, riffs and soul
If your ears yearn for soul-filled rock with growling lead vocals, gutsy guitar riffs and a glowing horn section, treat them to The Commonheart, a Pittsburgh-band performing July 28 at The Altoona First Frontier Festival.
Frontman Clinton Clegg and drummer Shawn McGregor founded the band in 2014 and are joined by Anton DeFade, bass; Lucas Bowman, keyboards; Mike Minda, guitar; Nick Insco, trumpet; Abby Gross, saxophone, and vocalists Marika Reid, Anne Caledonia and Mike DeLuca.
"We added some folks," Clegg said, as he and McGregor searched for the right sound and synergy as the band matured into its current 10-member roster. Also growing is their schedule, travel and fans. The 2018 itinerary includes gigs that criss-cross from Denver, Colo., Chicago and Bloomington, Ill., Austin, Texas, Charleston, W.Va., and down to Saint Augustine, Fla.
"It's been happening pretty fast the past six months," Clegg said, adding one highlight was playing at the NFL draft festivities. "We've been branching out more with our concert dates and extending beyond the Pittsburgh area."
In addition to playing at the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the band has upcoming dates in Toledo, Ohio and Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla.
"We have been getting in front of more and more people at shows and this generates more and more energy," Clegg said. "Every show gets bigger and makes us more motivated and we have that much more fun."
A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business technical support, it seems counter-intuitive, but Clegg credits fans with spreading word of the band.
"At every show we play, I make it a point to go out and meet as many fans as I can, shake hands and share the experience by making it really personal. It goes a long way. Social media has its place but it's not better than being personal. We appreciate how genuine and loyal our fans are and we are loyal to them," he said.
The snowballing momentum has the band considering a second record release later this year. The band will digitally pre-release one song and then decide.
While Clegg plays multiple instruments, he forsakes the guitar at shows to focus on his high-energy vocals.
"Besides our guitarist is much better than me and I'm fine with it," he said, chuckleing. "When we were figuring out what we wanted the band to be, I wanted to be like the best R&B frontmen. Without the guitar, I can work the crowd better like I want to, and not be limited by a guitar in my hand."
Clegg's high-octane stage presence equals his powerful, gritty vocals.
Clegg said he doesn't think he's naturally gifted, but instead "grew into it. It wasn't always there and there are a lot of years driving it … It started slow and I felt my way into it."
His distinctive vocals fit the band's sound.
"We are really a rock and soul band. We are a live rock band with a lot of blues, soul and gospel influences, and a retro-R&B sound. Our performances are really high energy and bring a lot of positivity. We try to spread the feelings of love and community when we do a show," he said. "We talk between sets about being a good friend, a good family member and how the power of love can help people get through tough times. I want our music and our shows to give audiences a sense of hope and positivity."
Altoona Mirror staff writer Patt Keith can be reached at 946-7030.
If you go
What: Altoona First Frontier Festival featuring musical guests The HillBenders, The Commonheart, Mama Corn and RailTowne
When: 1 to 10 p.m. July 28
Where: Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
Tickets: $22 advance general admission, through July 4 (then $25 through show day) and $50 VIP seating. Available online at firstfrontier.brownpapertickets.com, by phone (800-838-3006), or visit the Altoona Mirror offices during weekday business hours at 301 Cayuga Ave.