Lengthy, thoughtful reviews of both shows that includes extended riffs on The Leaves and Jen Crowell and the Woods Vehicle.
In an era where music gets separated and classified into highly specific genres, it’s slightly comical that a straightforward rock and roll band like Potter & The Nocturnals falls between categories. If they had come around a generation earlier, no such confusion would occur, as they would have fit in nicely with the earthy, rootsy rock bands of the time. In today’s world, people seem to struggle with how to describe a band that consists of a lovely and charming lead singer who plays a devastatingly gorgeous Hammond B3, a guitarist who can expertly deliver the blues as well as reach the melodious heights of guitar geniuses like Roy Buchanan, a bassist who can subtly work the power chords of classic rock without overwhelming the entire sound and a drummer who gets more out of his sparse drum set than most drummers do with a kit twice the size. However you want to characterize them, the New Hampshire shows left no doubt that by defying people’s expectations of what they should be, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals are one formidable, entertaining and exciting band.
I won’t quote all the praise the writer heaps on the band - please read the whole piece yourself.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Saygracenow 07.02.08 at 4:12 am
Thank you Mr. Schultz- You have captured in words what those of us around here already know. It’s called “WOW” and it extends to all the folks that surround this incredible band.
Kired 07.02.08 at 4:53 am
Yep, they f’n rock all right. It’s always nice when reviewers see the light.
Todd 07.02.08 at 11:56 am
Particularly nice to see The Nocturnals appreciated like they deserve!
a guitarist who can expertly deliver the blues as well as reach the melodious heights of guitar geniuses like Roy Buchanan, a bassist who can subtly work the power chords of classic rock without overwhelming the entire sound and a drummer who gets more out of his sparse drum set than most drummers do with a kit twice the size.
High praise indeed. Thanks Mojo
toofarnorth 07.03.08 at 7:00 am
Had to re-read today - was too tired at 2 AM to absorb it all - and Wow ! …. just Wow !
So great to read something like that - and so glad I was there so can relate to it. Hope the great music from those shows makes it’s way out eventually.
My favorite comment - -
” Burr does more with less and during the manic group-wide, free form drum solo that has become a concert staple, he shows that good drumming involves more than just hitting things ”
Yes, yes it does ! ! ! :]
Vtshome 07.04.08 at 8:26 am
A review who listens a show…what a unique idea. Especially love the praise of the boys. Their talent is often over look….infact Grace’s is too.
snowbird 07.05.08 at 10:47 am
WOWZERS - that’s more than a double WOW by the way. How incredibly refreshing to read such an informed and intelligent concert review.
Need to get that article read by many more people!!!