It should come as no surprise that the #1 event of the year is the change up in band personnel. As we reported in May Bryan Dondero left the band. The ultimate reasons for his departure remain personal and, I’m sure, still somewhat painful. I’ll say again what I said then.
Over a year and a half of “knowing” Bryan – virtually in the beginning and then in the real world I was always struck by how decent he was. A decent person. That word isn’t used so often any more and has somewhat lost its meaning over time but I think that Bryan epitomizes what the word decent was supposed to mean.
After a few show cancellations a new band hit the stage in late March for a concert that was later included in a documentary about the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. I think I’ll always remember standing outside the venue as Matt drove up in his pickup with Cat in the passenger seat. She was there on an hastily arranged “audition” for a concert that the band did not want to cancel. Benny, who had been making frequent sit ins with the band, also hit the stage that evening. The mini-concert, even though it was just cover tunes, was awesome. “Try” and “White Rabbit” both found their way into the bands permanent rotation. Check out the videos below and remember that Cat was on stage with the bande for the first time that night – the groove is obvious – and I’m blessed to have attended the show.
“Try”
Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) from Kenny Cortez on Vimeo.
“White Rabbit/Woodstock”
Still, it was almost two months later before Cat and Benny were officially announced as new members of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. What a short strange trip it’s been . . .
“Strange Vine” – Delta Spirit
It’s such a strange vine wrapped around my neck
All twisted up between my steps, between my steps
I’m tripping and falling over things we just couldn’t get over
I tried my best to get it off my chest
Songs we never wrote
Seeds they wouldn’t sow
We’re taking it all to the end
And we’re planting our own garden
The sun came while you were shining
The tide flew when we were writing a symphony in the key of D
Songs that had lost their luster
Finally they found their color
Songs we never wrote
Seeds they wouldn’t sow
We’re taking it all to the end
And we’re planting our own garden
The rest of the list
#2 – The Record
#3 – The Look
#4 – Bonnaroo
#5 – Benefit
{ 1 trackback }
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Over a year and a half of “knowing” Bryan – virtually in the beginning and then in the real world I was always struck by how decent he was. A decent person. That word isn’t used so often any more and has somewhat lost its meaning over time but I think that Bryan epitomizes what the word decent was supposed to mean.
Thanks Mojo, I couldn’t agree more. This brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. I will forever miss Bryan, and be thankful to have made the New Years Eve shows last year where IMO he was the STAR. a talented, warm, sincere person who was as real and genuine as you will find in the music business.
change up in band personnel -
once announced, like most fans, we were surprised,and some doubt was in the air as to the future of GPN. I had only met Bryan for a brief moment in Tucson, and can’t say I ever “knew” him, but I did appreciate his music.
After settling myself with “change” as a possible good thing, I hoped that in this change would come a stronger supporting background vocal support.
Now to see/hear the harmonies brings a huge smile to me – for as strong and beautiful as Grace’s voice is – a complementary voice makes it that much sweeter.
what a year – may 2010 be the best year ever, for everyone, everywhere.
peace.
Best of all is the fact that Bryan has been found by The Joshua Panda Band! A great group of people who are also awesome musicians. Saw him and Aya last week and they’re looking forward. He is playing NYE w/J. Panda @ The Skinny Pancake. Might swing by before HG if anyone wants to join me! Wishing you all the best in 2010
I will always prefer the original 4. That may change once I hear a new record from the new version of GPN.
Haven’t seen the band since Bryan left, something about the way it went down left a really bad taste in my mouth and it just hasn’t been the same since.
Hopefully the new record changes my mind.
I miss Bryan. Yodeling pickles, squatting gnomes and that rare smile. I can’t say I really “knew ” him, in fact I think Gary and I connected with Aya a bit more – Gary shares her birthdate, although his birth year is a bit before her. I think they make a wonderful musical pair and wish them nothing but happiness in the journeys together. Hearing the four of them scorch it up in Skowhegan, melting us musically with Sugar, Over Again, Can’t See Through and a score of what are now back catalog songs that I wish I could hear again, well, I can on archive – but never again live, makes me melancholy.
I do however appreciate very much what Benny and Cat bring to the new configuration. I don’t dislike it all – but like many – can still be nostalgic for what once was – isn’t that a bit of what auld lang zyne is all about?
Jan,
you can be nostalgic anytime you like – it’s all good
what a year. 2010 will even better!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.