MOG

You all owe me a dollar. I am still so blown away by my 5 days in Vt. that only now can I even attempt to put words to it.
Grace Potter And The Nocturnals not only got better three nights in a row (they took a break on the 30th ;) ) ... They put on a scorching second set of cover tunes after a first set that had already been better than the two previous nights!
The first time I managed to see this band ... Both Scott Tournet and Grace Potter explained how they liked their new album (Nothing But The Water) so much better than the first. When I inquired why that was ... They simultaneously responded ... "Because it sounds more like Little Feat!"
Little Feat was the beginning for me. The band that first made it clear that live music would become my obsession. Little Feat is also the first thing that comes to mind when I hear myself talk about a band getting better every night. The best Little Feat show I've ever seen ... IS the next one.
Grace ... Scott ... You got that. You blew me away w/ a half set (I was late) the first night ... Even as I realize the second night was better ... I couldn't deny my feeling that the 3rd and final show ... Would be better still! It was absolutely amazing. I've talked enough ... And didn't take notes ... But my new pal Ted does ... Here's his insightful take on the specifics Thanks Ted! :
And while you might recall I didn't really see the whole second show sue to that Pesky Patriots Perfection Pursuit issue, I can tell you that the 14 song opening SET, by itself, might just satisfy any longtime listener as a Top Three show ever, they just happened to, oh, by the way, add on a simply rollickin' second set chock full of covers that successively amazed and delighted the sold out revelers on New Years Eve 2008.
Taking my spot by the corner of the B-3, and joined by Carrjo, vtforme Dave, tipiboy (woo HOO!) and Mainiac we wait and wonder..

Billed on the site as "70's Night", Grace took the stage at 10:22 in a black and white big polka dot/geometeric number, white go-go boots, topped with teased hair. And while the hair was teased, and she shook it all seductively during set closer "Watching You" (prompting Mom to exclaim GRAAAACE?), there was no teasing here.....just deliverance.
HIGHLIGHTS, FIRST SET:
Grace: strong, strong, strong all set...as was Scott
Treat: Little bit slower version
Stop Bus: Fog Fairy appeared delivering, well, fog to the stage. Nice wings..
Meantime: Bryan continues to own this. Nice, huh?
Joey: Sweet little slide guitar action
Pain in My Heart: Standout version, delivered with all the soul that Otis Redding did originally
Take It All Away: Matt brings some new flourishes
Every Mile: Great to hear Bryan and Scott vocal harmony.
Watching You: Nice reverb on the line "I know you can love me"
Just a great set, top to bottom...and they leave the stage at 11:45. House lights stay down during the brief break.
The decision to take Sunday off and replace it with a lengthy practice paid off in spades. Now, they are ready for 70's Night!



Matt comes center stage wearing a skyblue T-shirt with palm trees, big shades and tight pink hip hugger bell bottoms. For the sake of his dignity, let's call 'em "coral". In a southern accent he wonders if we are ready to party. And if we aren't, once we see Grace we are....she strolls out with big round sunglasses, in a tight knit low cut striped top over tight peachy bell bottoms. Oh, yea, with a red curly Afro. Little Orphan Annie goes over to the "tart" side.



Yowza. Scott looks oh so seventies in a cannabis T-shirt, and Bryan has polyestersized. And managed to shave off his beard in the 9 minute break, leaving what was described post show as a "70's porn star mustache" or "butch YMCA cop". Double yowza.
Grace leads a countdown, balloons are dropped, she heads to the Rhodes for a version of Auld Lang Syne. And when its over, leans over the Rhodes, and picks a fan to plant a big New Years kiss on. Me.
And joined in by an additional guitarist, and later a sax player who both shall remain nameless, due to my incompetency, launch into a 70s dream set.
Highlights tonight, 2nd set: EVERY ONE
Seriously, just go below to the set list, it was so much fun.
Highlights highlight; During Wars Low Rider, the Fog Fairy parades out holding a sign overhead that says 'More Cowbell!' (a reference to a classic SNL skit featuring Chris Walken and Will Ferrell on Blue Oyster Cult's Don't Fear The Reaper) Following him are two comely ladies playing cowbells. The one in the sparkly dress is Graces sister Charlotte.
Post show, Little Orphan Annie launching into a few bars of The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow, Ethel Merman style!
encore NBTW wowed with 4 way drum solo during which Grace called out the Cowbell Chorus for their own encore in support of the drum solo
Skynards Tuesdays Gone closed out the set.

SET ONE
Mary Mastermind Treat Bus Meantime Joey Pain in My Heart Aint No Time Big white gate Take it all away Sinking Man Every Mile Paris Watching You
SET TWO:
Auld Lang Syne Sweet Emotion Aerosmith Right Place, Wrong Time Dr. John, The Night Tripper Low Rider WAR Slow Ride Foghat Mystery Train Junior Parker Getting in Tune The Who Farmer John Neil Young Jet Airliner Paul Pena, via Steve Miller //////////////////// Nothing But The Water Tuesdays Gone Skynard