By Kate Bartlett
Local band SON will be kicking off the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival this Friday, July 5th with live music at the Gazebo at 7pm. The duo will be playing soulful covers and has been gaining popularity in the area as they frequent stages across Erie, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Sabrina’s soulful voice melds perfectly with Jed on bass guitar, putting a new spin on the songs we all know and love.
Sabrina Gustafson and Jed Thomson have been playing together for 2 years as SON (deriving from their last names) at various festivals and events in the area. SON plays both as a duo and as a full band, with a heavier, highly electric energy. “We just love what we do,” says Sabrina. “We never expected to get this far, but we’re so incredibly grateful. We love playing together,” and it shows.
Sabrina has been singing for as long as she can remember. “As soon as I could talk, I began singing,” recalls Sabrina. Practicing anywhere and everywhere, Sabrina gained appreciation for a variety of musical styles including Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Nirvana and more. “I’d close my bedroom door and record songs from the radio, then play them back and practice singing until my heart was content. I loved a wide range of music and a variety of artists.” She began taking the stage singing karaoke, then live music shows about 6 years ago. She joined Steve Davis Band singing vocals in 2019 where she met Jed Thomson.
Jed had been playing with Steve Davis for about 15 years with an extensive background in music. He began learning guitar at 6 years old, and started taking lessons at the age of 9. He played in various bands, including the Alleghany Senior High Jazz Band when he was only in 4th grade. As a freshman in high school, he joined a couple of seniors playing as a rock trio as his first ‘band.’ He dubs himself as a ‘free-agent’ guitar player, playing with countless artists over the years. “It’s just who I am and what I need to do,” describes Jed. “Music is a part of me, and I need to create music in order to be a functional human being.” In addition to rock and jazz, Jeds influences include gospel, world soul and funk . He has played overseas tours in Central America, Jamacia in addition to major cities from South Dakota and back, all over the Eastern United States. His musical career was put on hold for about 2 years when he received a cancer diagnosis while he focused on his health and recovery.
Seeking a fresh start, Jed called Sabrina and asked if she’d be interested in joining together to create music. “It was an immediate ‘yes’, absolutely,” recalls Sabrina. “Jed is an amazing musician and there’s no one I’d rather sing with.” Their sound as a duo is more low key and soulful, and more full and heavy as a band. The members of the band rotate, with Sabrina and Jed are the two core members. “I call up contacts I’ve had throughout the years to form a full band for various festivals and events,” says Jed. “The show is never the same. Everyone is extremely talented, but brings different musical backgrounds and talents to the stage. It’s never the same show twice.”
SON is playing the Sunday Jazz Brunch at Ellicottville Brewing Company in Bemus Point throughout the summer months, in addition to the Ellicottville Gazebo concert series in August. They’ll be kicking off the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival on Friday, July 5th, starting a weekend of music and celebrations. They’ll also be playing at the Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Fest on August 18th as well at Ellicottville Jazz and Blues Fest on August 27th. They also frequent the Apolla Canna Co Dispensary in Salamanca. “There’s so many beautiful venues across the three counties; we love playing at different stages in the area, taking in the sights and all they have to offer.”
SON is in the early stages of recording their own version of Tiny Desk, a series of high-quality sound recordings in a tiny room produced by NPR. “We’re looking into building our online platforms, and recording our own songs at high-quality in a tiny room similar to NPR. Music can reach so many people online, and we’re looking to branch out.”
Jed and Sabrina are inspired by my various elements of everyday life, including nature, people and human interaction. “I’m most inspired when I clear my head, walking in nature or looking at buildings,” remarks Jed. “Everyday life inspires me,” comments Sabrina. “I’m inspired by human interaction and people in general. I love watching the crowd during our shows; we have a great vantage point.”
Sabrina comments on how the crowd is a vital part of any performance.” The connection between an artist and the crowd is one of the most realist interactions around. The energy created at a live show is unique to the music and the people. The crowd is why we play.”
Music is more than an art for SON, it’s a lifestyle and its cathartic. “Music has saved by life, several times,” notes Sabrina. “Music has a way of healing. Sometimes there are no words to describe a feeling or moment, but there’s always a song.”
For more information, follow SON on Facebook, and watch for updates on their online platforms and website in upcoming editions of The Villager. All upcoming events are posted The Villager online event calendar www.thevillagerny.com
Jed began learning guitar at 6 years old, He played in various bands, including the Alleghany Senior High Jazz Band when he was only in 4th grade.
Sabrina has been singing for as long as she can remember. “As soon as I could talk, I began singing,” recalls Sabrina. Practicing anywhere and everywhere, Sabrina gained appreciation for a variety of musical styles including Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Nirvana and more.