Band wins over reluctant crowd

Edwards and Company members Ed Edwards (left), Jake Edwards (center), Christian Teele (back), and Mark Diamond (right).

Edwards and Company, a local band based in Arvada, played an eclectic and varied setlist this Wednesday evening, July 5, at a free concert sponsored by the Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum.

The band, comprised of father-son team Ed and Jake Edwards on guitar and vocals, with Christian Teele on percussion and drums and Mark Diamond on bass, dabbled in several different genres throughout the evening, stretching from classic rock covers of Van Morrison to funky blues originals written by Jake Edwards himself.

When asked about artists who inspired the band’s work, bass player Mark Diamond smiled and shook his head.

Mark Diamond, Edwards and Company bass player, said, “I play so many kinds of music… It’s like putting a drop of water in an entire pool.”

“I hate this question because I’ll just start naming every great artist you’ve ever heard of. I play so many kinds of music… It’s like putting a drop of water in an entire pool. I don’t even know where to start,” Diamond explained.

The fact that the band pulls from so many genres became immediately clear once they started playing. Their original songs often started with sounds reminiscent of classic bands like Simon and Garfunkel. But, once the vocals began and the instrumental pace was kicked up a notch, the resulting sound was like that of Jack Johnson- bluesy and jamming.

These variations in sound created a vibrant musical atmosphere, but it also proved the talent and dedication of the musicians. Diamond explained that he had recognized his musical calling when he was 3, and the progression never stopped from there.

But, despite the impressive instrumental skill of the band, the audience in attendance often seemed unenthused. Audience members could frequently be spotted swiping away at their screens or mindlessly chatting to friends as the musicians played on. At the end of almost every song, the applause were minimal and generally uninspired.  

The definite exception to the seemingly underwhelmed crowd were the young children present. Ranging from infants, barely walking, to kids of about 12, younger audience members embraced the upbeat and funky sounds gadding from the stage and began gallivanting across the grass, making their way to the designated “Kids Dance Zone”. Here, a dozen small children spun around joyously, cartwheeled back and forth, and unabashedly danced to the songs of the band.

It was curious, however, that the older members of the audience appeared so underwhelmed by the performance, as many had arrived at the event a half an hour to an hour early to find shady spots to sprawl out their blankets and set up their chairs.

Crowds arrive early in anticipation of the summer concert.

The overall attendance of the event also raised questions about the audience’s reactions. A gathering of between 100 and 120 people braved sweltering temperatures and an unrelenting sun to sit in the well groomed meadow outside the Littleton Museum where the concert was held. The audience was mainly mothers accompanying their children, young families, and elderly couples.

Between 100 and 120 people attended the concert.

The band rocked on, playing songs like “Six Feet Under” and “Fine Young Gentlemen”, written by Jake Edwards, and “After the Fall”, an original written by Ed Edwards, inspired by his move to Colorado two decades ago. Jake Edwards cited his baby daughter as inspiration for some of his songs, as well.

As afternoon cooled into evening, Edwards and Company roused the crowd with their finale, a song called “Women Like That”. It was met with whistles and applause which had previously been reserved.

Apparently the crowd was waiting until the very end to express their appreciation and admiration of the band. As a reward, the band played an encore with long instrumental riffs as the crowd continued to cheer.