by Bret Peretz

Press photo by Andrew Scott Blackstein

Thursday night a storm came through Atlanta, not one of wind and rain but a force of nature much stronger. If you aren’t familiar with Hayley Jane and The Primates, stop what you are doing and get to know them immediately! Coming from Boston with Berklee roots (and chops), the band has been doing its thing for just under five years now and has clearly found their sound.

Playing to a small but lively crowd at Aisle 5 the band did not hold back. The obvious comparison for me is Tedeschi Trucks Band. Hayley’s voice has the warmth and range of Susan while the band itself is based in blues with some undeniable funk working its way into the mix. The band played a fiery 12 song set moving nicely between originals and covers, including a beautiful rendition of the Dead’s “Ramble on Rose” with Atticus Kelly from McLovins before ending with a powerful Hurricane Jane encore that did not leave a single person in the room standing still. They also snuck in a cover of one of our favorite Dr. Dog tunes “Where’d All the Time Go,” which was particularly strong.

We’ve had our eyes on Hayley Jane and her band for sometime and it really seems like they are poised for a steady rise in the national scene. They are playing some sweet fests this year including FloydFest & StrangeCreek.

The band started an extensive east coast tour on February 15^th and will be playing through March 31^st, when they support Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at The Brooklyn Bowl in New York City.

Here’s a snippet from the “Ramble on Rose”:

Set List:

Crazy Show – Bumpy Road – Creatures – Ashes – Poo Jam – Ramble on Rose (Grateful Dead) – Mama – Where’d All The Time Go (Dr. Dog) – Madeline – Make it Alright – More Interesting – Hurricane Jane

Full tour info below: