THE MILKMAN & SONS
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
The Milkman & Sons bring their Brooklyn quartet to Barbès for a set that moves through blues, R&B and jazz. Expect original songs alongside a deep-rooted selection of classics associated with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Ray Charles and Otis Redding. The billed lineup is Marcus Milius on vocals and harmonica, Stephen Ulrich on guitar, Andrew Hall on upright bass, and Uri Zelig on drums. The group’s latest album is dedicated to The Archer in Jersey City, where they have held a weekly Thursday residency for six years.
Brooklyn-based The Milkman & Sons describe their musical territory as “Traditional Blues and Prohibition Jazz,” drawing as well on Django Reinhardt, Fats Waller, Hoagy Carmichael and Little Walter. Milius is originally from Los Angeles and has performed in Japan, China, England, Spain and Scandinavia; the listing places his vocals somewhere between Leon Redbone and Dr. John, with harmonica references spanning Paul Butterfield and Larry Adler. Ulrich and Hall also play together in Big Lazy, while Zelig comes to the band from Terry Waldo’s Gotham City Band. Their album The Bill Please features Bruce Barth, Philip Ambuel and Zelig.
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.