By Eric Ryan
Quincy Mumford and the Reason Why played an enthusiastic show at the Rathskeller on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Mumford and company put on a rousing performance with songs reminiscent of artists such as Dave Matthews and G-Love.
The summery vibe of the band at first seemed out of place in the looming face of winter, but as their set went on, it became a welcome reprieve to the weather growing colder. With songs like "Feel Good Music," "Sounds Like Music" and their single, "Sunshine," it is easy to see that this band takes much inspiration from their home on the Jersey shore.
Their style was more than eclectic with songs ranging in genres including reggae, funk and, on one song, even something of a country vibe. Mumford himself prefaced the song by saying "you must all be thinking 'what the *expletive* are these guys about to play?'" Every song played has one thing in common; however, and that is that each one was upbeat and wonderfully original.
Opener Matt Huston, Editor-in-Chief of The Signal, performed a more subdued set of acoustic music. Huston did a few cover songs throughout his set, including a song by Radiohead, as well as some of his own original material. Every song brought applause from the small crowd in attendance.
As for Mumford and the Reason Why, Matthew Mance, a sophomore IMM major at the College as well as the sound tech for the show, said "their hits were tight and they played really well together. It’s nice to hear this kind of music in the winter... it’s different."
After the show, Mumford hung around his merchandise table to meet those in attendance and promote himself. Most of those who came out to see the band perform dropped by to give compliments or to buy a shirt or CD. Mumford, who hails from Asbury Park, NJ, and has been actively making music since his preteen years, seemed more than happy to talk to everyone who came up to him, and looked genuinely excited that everyone enjoyed the show.
Mumford has been with "The Reason Why" for around three straight years, although he does solo work as well. His first release was at age 17, and he said that he absolutely loves making music.
Mumford has also embarked on a recent radio campaign with his single "Sunshine," which according to him, has been successful so far. He stated "Our single (Sunshine) is being played on about 20 stations so far, with more to come. I'm really happy that it’s getting out there like that."
Mumford plans to continue releasing music and encouraged those who attended the show to take a download card to receive their song "Sounds Like Music" for free. His music can be found online on the band's Myspace page, and he plays shows in Asbury Park multiple times a year.
