Every once in a while, a rock and roll cover band that can do justice to the tunes they cover, pleasantly surprises you. Friday night at the Odyssey in Weymouth was just such an occasion. A friend of mine had told me to check out this group of forty-something year old rock and rollers who have been pleasing music connoisseurs from Bridgewater to Boston.

We paid our five dollar admission fee and settled in for some rock and roll. Onstage warming up, I immediately recognized the 6'6" Bass Player from the Boston club scene of the 1980's, Mike White. Mike a former Rocklandite, was a mainstay in the punk rock scene of the 1980's. White's band, the Outlets were considered the godfathers of the punk craze of the 80's and made several successful recordings. Tonight, it appeared as though White had cleansed his musical pallet and put aside his pogo jumping, slam dancing ways of old. I will always remeber him clearing lanes in the mosh pit at the Channel with the Bartlett brothers. But anyway...

Sharky consists of five band members...Lead Singer Steve Gardner, who reminded me of a blend between David Bowie and Jim Morrison with a dash of Mellencamp. John Penny and Paul Dennis on Rhythm and Lead Guitars, traded lick after searing lick, back and forth as they mastered one classic hit after another. Dave Mall on Drums is a no nonsense, heavy handed expert. He and Bass guitarist Mike White kept a solid foundation on every song. all five guys were obvious musical professionals who were enjoying their work.

The only thing more impressive than these guys talent was their song list. Sharky has an incredible selection of rock and roll standards. Clapton, Al Green, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Steve Ray Vaughan and on and on and on. With nearly a hundred years of combined rock and roll experience, Sharky is the real deal if you still love your fathers "kick ass rock and roll".