This past Saturday night at Milo-The Meeting House on Philly’s Germantown Ave., Matt McCann returned home from the West Coast to play a show with his ever-evolving electronica-jam project, Muskrat Flats. Matt, who plays a mean rhythm guitar, was joined by his brother Paddy McCann on drums, JP Florio on lead guitar, Isaac Gaston on bass, and Bobby Blake of Pet Lizard on keys and flute. As an extra special treat, the band was joined on several numbers by Philadelphia-based soul singer, Fawziyya Heart.
The Muskrats took the stage just after 9pm, shortly after Philly pop-funk group, onyxandhoney. had finished their energy-boosting opening act. Milo, as the venue is affectionately known to its frequent patrons, was brimming with attendees by the time Matt joined the Muskrats onstage.
As Paddy McCann would later comment, “There were a ton of new faces” who came to support one of their first live performances out of quarantine. Just before launching into their opening jam, the band was welcomed by the crowd with warm applause and rowdy cheers.
The band began with “California,” the fourth song on the band’s album, Field of Rays; paying homage to their Santa Cruz-based leader. From there, they began serving up a healthy mix of classic Muskrat tunes and songs from their new album that had never been heard before. “Ballad of Otis Flip” was introduced to the setlist, as well as a foot stomping tune called “Whiskydoo.” Another original tune written by Matt McCann called “Grow” was beautifully performed by the band as well. Soul-singer, vocal instructor, and world-class performer, Fawziyya Heart joined The Muskrats for Grateful Dead numbers, “Here Comes Sunshine” and “Viola Lee Blues” during set one.
During set break, Candice Johnson aka The Wallflower Observer, handed out hugs and high fives as each member came offstage. As the brothers McCann made their way through the venue, they stopped to say hello to everyone they knew with huge smiles on their faces. It was clear they had spent far too long away from the friends and loved ones who have spent years supporting their musical endeavors, and always in complete recognition of their worth as musicians.
Muskrat Flats began their second set with another new tune, “Shape Up Woman>Funk Machine” which featured Fawziyya Heart on vocals and some remarkable interplay between guitarists Matt and JP. Bobby Blake, who has been featured as a guest keyboardist for some time with Muskrat Flats, dug deep alongside regular-bassist, Isaac Gaston, for “Terrapin Terrace,” and a weird, wonderful cover of “Funkytown,” featuring Heart on vocals once again. Donna Summer’s “Bad Girls,” rounded out the funk-dance-party performance, and the band ended with two more originals. “High Plains,” which is another new song, preceded “Smile,” which are sung by Matty McCann.
The band returned for an encore, another song from their newest album, “Setting Sail”. The crowd was incredibly receptive to the new material, the performance featuring Matty McCann and Fawziyya Heart, and the overall energy produced by the unique, talented, and remarkable members of Muskrat Flats. It was a night they won’t soon forget and another beginning with a brand-new wave of fans.
