Upon first listening to Durand Jones & The Indications, one may easily mistake the band’s sound as belonging to decades prior. In actuality, they are at the top of their game right here, right now — successfully incorporating ‘70s flair into the 21st century music climate. Since the group’s original formation in 2012, they have been drawing from the wells of vintage soul, R&B and funk, resulting in smooth, passionate grooves with a touch of nostalgia.
The band paid a visit to the Madonna Inn Expo Center on Sunday, March 22. Frontman Durand Jones, along with The Indications — drummer and vocalist Aaron Frazer, guitarist Blake Rhein and keys player Steve Onkonski — were joined on stage by bassist Matt Romy and touring horn players, Jackie Coleman and Michael Buckley, both of whom were wearing sunglasses indoors the whole night. Altogether, the seven-piece ensemble immediately captivated the hearts of audience members, curating an undeniable feel transporting all of those in attendance straight into the sweet, soulful realm of the band’s latest album, “Flowers.”
The instrumental band (or The Indications, if you will) takes the stage first.
“It’s been a long time… how’ve you been, SLO?” asks Jones himself, waltzing into the spotlight, resulting in a massive cheer from the crowd. The band launches right into a passionate performance of “Sea of Love.”
The venue is packed with a crowd composed of families, couples, and friends alike, many of whom are dressed to impress. Sequins seem to be the trend of the night, beautifully shifting and catching reflections of the moody stage lighting as their wearers sway.
Jones is exactly where he belongs, undeniably charming and charismatic in the way that only a true frontman can be. Frazer, posted at his drum kit, displays some remarkable musical multitasking as he simultaneously keeps the beat and serenades the audience with his signature falsetto. Fans are engaged all throughout the night, clapping along and singing in-time as the low-high harmonies of Jones and Frazer, in combination with dreamy instrumentals and backing vocals from the rest of the group, paint idyllic pictures. Their collaboration skills and clear passion are evident, and the resulting music sparks love, acceptance and a genuine lust for life.
During “Lovers’ Holiday,” the set mood is slow and sensual with deep pink lighting to match: later shifting to something more chill, upbeat and groovy. “Flower Moon” follows, a gentle, timeless track that near-perfectly captures the essence of the band’s current era. The stage, set up for the night with large calla lily floral sculptures, serves to illustrate this point.
A little later on, “Really Wanna Be With You” proves to be a standout. From the fun, energizing pre-chorus buildup to Jones’ fervent belting, the live performance of this song is especially exciting and memorable.
“This feels like home away from home,” Jones said after the song concluded. “Y’all are making us feel real good on this stage.”
Each member of the performing band gets their own spotlight through the course of the night, showing off their solo skills to a kind reception of wild cheers from the audience. The Indications lean into this energy and play another crowd-pleaser, “Cruisin to the Park,” followed by a song off of the back half of “Flowers,” “Without You,” that Frazer dedicates to the San Luis Obispo crowd.
“Is It Any Wonder?” is a welcome surprise addition to the setlist. From The Indications’ first album, this song is arguably one of their most well-known. Here, Frazer steps off the drums and owns the stage.
An intimate moment; the whole crowd sings softly, the room is sunshine. After the last chord rings out, Frazer states, “California knows how to slow it down… give yourselves a big round of applause for keeping this culture alive, this isn’t a trend, this isn’t a TikTok fad, this is culture.”
And it’s true — not many people are doing things the way that Durand Jones & The Indications do, and an essential part of that involves homage to their musical predecessors and inspirations in soul. An appreciative, engaged fanbase keeps that culture and that spirit alive. A beautiful symbiotic relationship between artist and audience which was absolutely on display.
The performance eventually comes to a close, but of course only after more smooth, brass-imbued hits like “Sea Gets Hotter” and an encore that ends on an upbeat note with “Witchoo.” Attendees trail out to their rides, satisfied and with love in their hearts. Those who stick around outside are even able to speak with members of the band as they pack up, exchanging ‘thank yous’ and other words of kindness. This is the kind of show that sticks with concertgoers long after the fact, an experience of joy through and through.
