Dorothy at the Bowery Ballroom

Dorothy Martin

Guitarist Sam Wofford of the Remedy heard his cousin sing in 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Dorothy Martin had a powerful, bluesy voice. Wofford introduced her to the leader of his band, Mark Johnson, and Johnson's production partner, Ian Scott, who together imagined her singing in front of a blues-rock band. Rounding up available musicians and naming the band Dorothy, the team cut "After Midnight" as a music video in 2014, and this launched a career. The band generated a local buzz with several singles, then a 2014 EP and a 2016 debut album, Rockisdead. On May 5, 2017, Dorothy released "Down to the Bottom" as the lead single from the second studio album, which will be released in 2018. Dorothy presently consists of Martin, guitarists Nick Maybury and Eli Wulfmeier, bassist Eliot Lorango, and drummer Jason Ganberg.

Charting a forward-looking path, Dorothy performed 10 new songs and only four older songs tonight at the Bowery Ballroom. Ironically, though, the overall sound was a throwback to classic rock of decades gone by, highlighted by searing vocals and fuzzy, charging guitar riffs. Contrasting the music's gutsy approach, Martin sang and spoke between songs about the positive power of sweet love, revealing the singer's tenderness and possible vulnerability. Above all, Dorothy's performance showcased the strength, range and intensity of Martin's grand vocal prowess. What was lacking was the visual, however; the stage was so dark throughout the set that it was challenging for the majority of the fans to see more than a red or blue silhouette of the performers.

Visit Dorothy at www.dorothytheband.com.

Setlist:

1. White Butterfly
2. Who Do You Love
3. After Midnight
4. Naked Eye
5. Raise Hell
6. Pretty When You're High
7. We Need Love
8. Philadelphia
9. Wicked Ones
10. Ain't Our Time to Die
11. Flawless
12. Down to the Bottom
13. Freedom

Encore:

1. Dark Nights