Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on December 12, 2025
Brian Moss | Spafford | photos by Dan Ward
Winter isn’t fooling around tonight. Single-digit temperatures and black-ice conditions threaten to lock down the city and leave us stranded in our homes. But tonight, Spafford is playing two sets at Bell’s Eccentric Café. Spafford—known for their laid-back jazzy grooves and inspired original works—is too enticing to miss, so we “Spaffnerds” brave the cold.
Bell’s Back Room is in full holiday regalia, with bright lights reflecting off giant snowflakes. Christmas lights intertwined with garland set a cheerful mood as the band takes the stage. First up is “Todd’s Tots,” just the tune to get the fans grooving. The straightforward melody has enough of a hook to awaken the mind as the music takes flight and the classic Spafford journey begins. The music ebbs and flows, changing direction at will—classic jam-band magic and exactly what we want from Spafford.
The band transitions into an amazing version of The Alan Parsons Project’s “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You.” Spafford navigates Parsons’ intricacies and subtleties with ease, mimicking the group’s vibe while adding their own take to every note. The strength behind that flexibility is the rhythm section, which sets the tone.
Nick Tkachyk (drums/vocals) isn’t your typical rock drummer. His playing is pure emotion—each beat thoughtful and intelligent. His transitions from straight common-time rock to hard “one” funk are seamless, like going from a clunky bus to a smooth electric car. Rare is the drummer who can shift from square rock beats to compound triple meter without the listener noticing the change, but Nick does it with grace.
Locked in with Nick like a telepathic twin is Shon Gordon (bass/vocals). Shon’s mild-mannered approach disguises the complexity of his wild, riff-driven bass lines. When it’s his turn to sing, he performs with his signature smile and effortless delivery. His voice is warm and smooth—another cornerstone in Spafford’s magnetic sound.
“Duncan’s Uncle” and “Settled In” complete the first set. A strange time displacement seems to occur—I feel like we’ve just gotten started, yet an hour has vanished. During the break I wander the floor, meet fans, and even bump into the bass player from my jazz band. It’s always fun to discover shared interests in unexpected places.
When the bumper music stops, Chuck Johnson steps to the mic to announce the “poetry section of tonight’s performance.” His original poem, rich with imagery reminiscent of great jam-band writers, surprises and delights the crowd. A wonderful and unexpected gift.
Set two opens with “Pursuit of Trance,” which morphs into a laid-back version of The Champs’ “Tequila.” The crowd reacts instantly. Coming out of a beloved original into an unexpected classic is exactly the kind of clever musical interplay Spafford excels at. Brian Moss, guitarist and lead vocalist, makes the moment look effortless.
Brian embodies both guitar-hero intensity and humble entertainer charm. His ability on the six-string is unquestionable—he slips into a trance and brings us with him. Yet when he speaks, he feels like a longtime friend. The band then transitions into Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s “Lucky Man,” a reverent homage for those who grew up hearing it on the radio. They follow with “Weasel,” an original that highlights Brian’s guitar firepower and vocal strength.
Keyboardist Cory Schechtman rounds out the foursome. “Galisteo Way” gives him room to unleash his lightning-fast fingers. Seated behind a phalanx of keyboards—plus a tethered Leslie cabinet that warms every jam-band heart—Cory leads, fills, and elevates the music with precision and soul.
The band launches into “To the Nest,” an original that showcases their collective talents. It’s always a highlight and tonight is no exception. Despite the late hour for a work night, time feels irrelevant. Spafford closes the evening with “Simple Mysteries,” an ephemeral tune that lets each member shine one more time.
Spafford’s music is available on all major streaming platforms and through their website. But to truly experience the band, see them live. Beyond the improvisation and the energy, you never know when you might be gifted a surprise poetry reading. It’s well worth the effort.
