Tune In Turn On
Always on the lookout for artists worth discovering, this columnist recently caught up with Sgt. Splendor, the alt-funk duo of Kate Vargas and Eric McFadden, who will open for Tab Benoit on Wednesday, July 8, during the free AC Mardi Gras Concerts on the Boardwalk series presented by Tony Mart.
Promotional material describes Sgt. Splendor’s music as a blend of social commentary and playful imagination, wrapped in an “alt-funk” sound. The description fits. Their music moves comfortably between rock, funk, blues and Americana while maintaining a distinctive identity.
McFadden may already be familiar to blues fans. The veteran guitarist previously recorded Pain by Numbers for Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou Records label and has performed with George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars. His powerful guitar work carries a heavier edge than listeners might expect.
Vargas brings an equally compelling presence. Songs including “Heavy Be the Borrowed Crown,” “Lips Are Movin'” and “Chelsea Motel” showcase her expressive vocals, earning praise from outlets including NPR, No Depression and SPIN.
Tune In Turn On recently spoke with Vargas about the duo, its latest music and the upcoming tour.
DD: How did you and Eric first begin working together?
KV: Eric and I met at Steel Bridge Songfest in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Pat MacDonald from Timbuk3 introduced us. He invited about 40 songwriters to stay at the Holiday Music Motel for a week to write and record songs. We became fans of each other and eventually songwriting partners through that experience.
DD: Tell us about your latest album.
KV: Our most recent album, Isotopia, came out at the end of last year. It was our way of processing the current state of the world, particularly here in the United States. We also have a new album coming later this year or early next year. It’s produced by Falcon Greenwell, drummer for Tedeschi Trucks Band and Col. Bruce Hampton, who also plays drums on the record.
DD: What does it mean to open for Tab Benoit on his Soul of the Swamp tour?
KV: This is our first time opening for Tab as Sgt. Splendor, although Eric has toured with him before. Tab also produced Eric’s Pain by Numbers album in 2018. We’ll be performing as an acoustic duo. The sound is different from the full band, but we’ll bring the same energy and spirit. We’re excited to see Tab every night and to perform in places we’ve never played before as Sgt. Splendor.
DD: Where did the band’s name come from?
KV: If I recall correctly, we were scuba diving off Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands. While moonwalking at the bottom of the ocean, I tripped over a turtle. The turtle coughed and out came a badge. The name on it was Sgt. Splendor. We thought that would make a good band name.
Sgt. Splendor will perform with Tab Benoit at the AC Mardi Gras Concerts on the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza, 2301 Boardwalk, on Wednesday, July 8. The free concert begins at 7 p.m.
Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
