And the whatever

1) It's a very interesting feeling watching a band that you know is about to blow up. Almost as if what you're witnessing is too good to be true. That's the way I felt on Saturday night at Revolution Hall watching Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. To say that they were excellent would be an understatement.

I had caught about 4 songs of theirs at Trey Anastasio and 70 Volt Parade two weeks ago, and really liked what I heard. They announced that they would be coming back to Revolution, I figured, what the heck. After seeing them Saturday, I am positive I made the right choice. They are led by Grace Potter on keys, organs, acoustic guitars, and lead vocals. Her voice is fantastic. Backing her up are Matt Burr on drums & percussion, Bryan Dondero on electric & upright basses, and Scott Tournet on acoustic, electric guitars, and vocals.

I have been trying to figure out for the past two days how to describe their sound. It's a bluesy, rock, with some light jamming. They can all play their insturments, and they all seem to know their roles. Their influences seem to be bands from the 60s and 70s, which rocks. At one point during the show Grace was going to place a solo song on guitar she exclaimed, "I need to have open tuning for this song. Most Zepplin songs are in open tuning, and I've been listening to them a lot lately." Brilliant. The best way I like to think about them is that they would be the band that in my mind would have gone on tour with Stillwater from Almost Famous. And those of you that know me know that Almost Famous is my favorite movie.

This Vermont quartet is the best thing to come out of the Green Mountain State since.....you know. (it was too easy, my apologies) So I'd say go see them, or order their cd. You can listen to music on their website, www.gracepotter.com I talked with Jen at the Merch table after the show, and she seem very humble about their growth. (I could have easily talked with the band, but they all seemed to be engaged in convorsations). And ps-they're young, like had I went to St. Lawerence and not Geneseo, I could have been friends with them. There's a great interview with Grace at www.jambands.com as well.

2) For those of you at the GAP who have discovered my blog, enjoy.

3) For those of you who received Friends & Family coupons and used them, I hope you enjoyed your 30% off.

4) I find that I don't mind doing things like going to concerts by myself. I used to be more self-conscious about stuff like this, but after 3 shows in 2 weeks, I'm over it.