MOG - vtsnowbird26's Posts

Listen to Grace Potter and the Nocturnals on MPBN

vtsnowbird26 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:10:59 GMT

I was one of the lucky ones present at the June 27th concert at the Skowhegan Opera House - but if you weren't, you can still hear the complete live concert courtesy of Maine Public Broadcasting. Just click on the link and to hear this awesome concert.

It’s a hot humid night, and the Opera House is a nice period municipal building that house a theater upstairs. This period theater relies on open windows for cooling – nuff said there? The Brew get a bit of a late start, but they put out a nice set, little long for my taste – but they were a good warm up band for the house, the local crowd went for them in a big way and got the energy up – just what a warm up band should do right?

So, we are plenty warmed up in all ways, when the Nocturnals take the stage, so what do they do to crank it up a couple more notches? Lead off the set with Sugar of course, their very own "Sticky" song.

For those of you that heard it – you know how on the band was – they just connected beautifully and the music flowed and place rocked and grooved all night. And if you didn't hear it - go take a listen - it's available on the link through July 31st. http://www.mpbn.net/mainelive/

Nice Jambands Review for The Concerts for the Cause - June 2008

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:21:44 GMT

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals/The Leaves/Jen Crowell & The Woods Vehicle
Palace Theater, Manchester, NH – 6/6 & Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon, NH – 6/7
schultzdh@hotmail.com">David Schultz

Snippets from a nicely written review of the Concerts for the Cause shows back in June – to read the whole article at jambands.com - click here: http://www.jambands.com/ShowReviews/content_2008_06_30.01.phtml

It is well worth the read!

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.

Potter wasn’t the only strong female vocalist to perform at the New Hampshire shows. The Lebanon Opera House show featured a wonderful opening set by Jen Crowell & The Woods Vehicle, which on this night consisted of bassist Max Adam and Tournet. Seated across the front of the stage, Crowell led the trio through a folk-style throwdown, a milieu in which Tournet really flourishes. Crowell’s sultry, bedroom voice, similar in tone to Natalie Merchant’s, mesmerized the Opera House and her guitar exchanges with Tournet on the dreamy "Hey Dixon" and intoxicating "Marvelous" received great reactions from the crowd. For the final song, Tournet and Adam exited the stage, leaving Crowell to close the set on her own. A fitting end to a finely delivered performance, Crowell’s Cold Front became the must-have item for sale in the lobby during the set break. She wasn’t done though. Having Crowell back in the on-stage fold provided Potter & The Nocturnals with the inspiration to break out "Go Down Low" from Original Soul, with Crowell perching herself on a stool behind Potter’s keyboards to lend a hand on vocals.

On the previous night, The Leaves, who hail from the jamband haven of Burlington, Vermont greeted the Manchester crowd with a nicely-crafted set of hard-edged coffeehouse rock and roll. Aya Inoue, The Leaves’ dynamo of a singer, may be recognizable to anyone who caught Ramble Dove, Mike Gordon’s traveling honky-tonk road show a couple years back. Fronting The Leaves, Inoue shows she can do much more than sashay to a two-step beat, her stature belying the bold voice and powerful lyrics that explode from her tiny frame. Along with Steve Sharon (drums), Cory Beard (bass) and Matt Harpster (guitar), Inoue and The Leaves’ focused their set around newer material, on which Inoue showed glimpses of Gillian Welch’s feistiness, only playing the title track from Timid Line, their wonderful recently-released EP. Their smoldering set, perfectly matched the Town Hall atmosphere of the Palace Theater.

Rock with a Heart - The Concerts for the Cause - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

vtsnowbird26 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:32:13 GMT

I've always said this band has soul, but this past weekend they showed their heart. The Concerts for the Cause shows in Manchester and Lebanon NH raised 71,000 to benefit Children and Family Services, aiding at risk children in the Upper Valley of NH and VT.

Check out those two days through the eyes of the Posse from a Place called Potterville.

Concerts for a Cause and a First Timer Hooked for Life!

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:37:24 GMT

I’m a pretty consistent mogger in that I talk about Grace Potter and the Nocturnals a lot . And I am always saying that you must hear them live to understand what the what I am talking about. Love when my thoughts are validated!! Below are not my words, but they are what I’ve been saying for a while now . . . Just go to a show, and get hooked for life.

Excerpt from: Cursed Monkey Paw

It was my very first Grace Potter and the Nocturnals show and I was instantly hooked for life. I do believe that my wife and Phil are converts as well. Ellyn (wife) was floored by the drum jam, or as I call it, the Drum Orgy. My mom, also brought some of her folks to the aural deflowering, I think they are all on board now. That was the night I also met my first members (live and in person that is) of the Potterville Posse, they are fantastic folks btw. Eventually, we made our way to the show. The Lebanon Opera house was hot, period. It did get hotter, when Jen Crowell and the Woods Vehicle took the stage. Her lead guitar player was pretty good, I think he plays in another band too. I did pick up her CD and did get her autograph, she's someone to watch for sure.

When the band took the stage, the heat was sweltering. They still managed to raise the temperature. What an amazing show. The energy that radiates off this band is palpable. They have a sonic sensuality that just permeates down to the bone (not that bone you pervos). I can't describe to you the pleasure of watching these four people come together and form one living breathing musical entity. Holy shit, I lose my breath just from the recollection.

Check out: http://cursedmonkeypaw.blogspot.com/ for the rest of this blog and other entertaining bits.

Tab Benoit - A Voice for more than music alone

vtsnowbird26 — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:06:28 GMT

The 2008 Blues Music Awards were announced in the Mississippi Delta on Thursday, May 8. For the second year in a row the winner for best Contemporary Blues Male Artist is Tab Benoit.

Now – I just went out and heard him live and in person myself last Friday, at FTC in Fairfield, CT and this man is not only an awesome live performer who can wail on his vintage fenders, but he is a great ambassador to his home state of Louisiana. A social and environmental activist for his intertwined passions for preserving the wetlands, and for encouraging Americans to be proud of their country and finding their individual voice to bring the idea of true democracy back to our political focus, and not allow the few in current political power to work to their own agenda rather than what “we the people” voice collectively. This soliloquy came after a totally smoking set of hot delta blues and was not heavy handed at all, but a natural passionate delivery of this man’s thoughts beliefs and observations delivered in a soft southern accent. There followed and even hotter second set and final encore that brought standing ovations from all in the house.

Like another of my favorite musicians; Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Tab Benoit is a performance artist – which means - best experienced live. By all means buy the CD’s and enjoy the music at home and in your car. But get yourself to a live show and REALLY experience the depth and range and personality of this fine performer who has more than just a voice for music.

Excepts below were taken from the Blues foundation and Tab’s website.

Benoit had also received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album (Brother to the Blues, CD-83639, released in 2006). In addition, he has also fulfilled his duties as president of Voice of the Wetlands, the environmental organization that he founded in 2003, and played a prominent musical role in Hurricane on the Bayou, a documentary by filmmaker McGillivray Freeman that chronicles life in Louisiana in the aftermath of Katrina. Hurricane on the Bayou is playing in IMAX theaters in the U.S., Canada and Europe throughout 2007.

Born and raised on the Louisiana bayou, Benoit has been the standard bearer for a new generation of Cajun blues musicians - a traditionalist and an innovator at the same time, grafting elements of rock and soul to the indigenous sounds of the bayou. And if dedicating his life to his musical roots weren't enough, Benoit has also been a tireless crusader in recent years - prior to the devastation of hurricane Katrina but even more so since - for the preservation of the rapidly vanishing wetlands of his native region.

Find the Cost of Freedom into Gold Dust Woman

vtsnowbird26 — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:48:38 GMT

Gonna tag team my friend tipi here - he put up a great post with an awesome photo and review on the 2008 Jammy's, here's the video and audio on that. I believe he's still on the road - so hope you don't mind me tag teaming here!

Warren Haynes and Grace Potter Co-hosted and performed these to gems to kick off the show along with Joe Russo, Booker T. and Will Lee.

Find the Cost of Freedom into Gold Dust Woman

vtsnowbird26 — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:48:38 GMT

Warren Haynes and Grace Potter Co-hosted and performed these to gems to kick off the show along with Joe Russo, Booker T. and Will Lee.

Lovin this new version of Whole Lotta Love

vtsnowbird26 — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:21:15 GMT

Let me start by telling you that I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin and loved Robert Plant as only a 17 year old girl of that era could. You never could have told me then that I would be just as in love with this new version of the Zep classic sung by a women, and futher call it a searingly hot rendition more than good enough to compare with the original.

Yes I am an older and one would hope a wiser woman now. I have to say that Grace Potter just rules singing along with Warren Haynes and backed up by her band mate Scott Tournet playing with Gov’t Mule at the NOLA Jazz Fest 2008.

Take listen and prepare to need some coolin’ when you’re done.

Tonight Grace and Warren are hosting the Jammy's you can be sure if they play this tonight the joint will be shhhmooo-kin' . . .

GPTN headlines two Concerts for The Cause in NH

vtsnowbird26 — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:09:40 GMT

Check out last years rendition of Meantime at the Opera House May 2007. We're sure to be in for a rocking good time in both Manchester and Lebanon, NH this coming June.

Part of CFS's CONCERTS FOR THE CAUSE 2008 series Internet buzz fueled the fire for this young, Vermont-based rock band. Now, their major record label debut, This Is Somewhere (Ragged Company/Hollywood Records), marks their coming of age. GPN has been elevated to the rarefied stratum of bands that fuse rich heritage with a sense of adventure. Their timeless, organic brand of neo-classic rock and magnetic live performances have made them something of a sensation. Two-time Jammy Award (a Grammy for jam bands) nominee, GPN is driven by uncompromising views of the world, raw passion and a reverence for rock.

Not only will the crowd be able to enjoy the live sounds of this kick ass band, but they will be able to feel good too know their concert dollars are going to a good cause.

Proceeds will support Child and Family Services’ local child abuse prevention and treatment services, services for at-risk youth, summer camp for disadvantaged children and child advocacy initiatives.

The Jammy’s are Coming – May 7th – Grace Potter co-hosts with Warren Haynes

vtsnowbird26 — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:06:29 GMT

Fresh off their mini-tour up to and including the New Orleans Jazz Fest these two band have been ripping it up together. Can only imagine the fun they will have hosting the Jammy’s – check out a little piece of an interview from jambands with Warren on Grace . . .

Warren Haynes' Many Returns: From NOLA To The Jammys Mike Greenhaus 2008-04-25

http://www.jambands.com/Features/content_2008_04_25.06.phtml

MG- This year you are co-hosting the Jammys with Grace Potter. Do you remember the first time you shared the stage with Grace? What were your initial impressions of her and the Nocturnals? WH- About three years ago we did one show together at a theater in upstate New York and I was surprised how much of a connection they made with our audience. Our audience really connected with Grace and the Nocturnals and our audience doesn’t always connect with our openers [laughter]. So they came out on the road with us last Fall and we played together quite a bit. MG- What about Grace’s sound do you feel resonated most strongly with your fans? WH- You can feel from her and the band the respect they have for rock, soul and the blues. They all have extremely good taste in music and create really honest music. Even when Grace is strutting around on the stage there is something really genuine about her performance.

Top Ten Lyrics Recorded at Sun Studio

vtsnowbird26 — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:29:17 GMT

Who's been stealing my honey from my bumble bee?

I been gone for three damn weeks and someone shook all of my apples outta my damn tree.

Add to the list below lyrics from Outta My Tree as recorded by GPTN in their second of eight rocking bluesy sessions and if you haven't checked them out yet you can at http://blip.tv/file/825114/

Friday, April 11, 2008 Top Ten Lyrics Recorded at Sun Studio

( in no order/ off the top of our heads) Compiled by: Matt Ross-Spang & James Lott

1. "Some honey fell from a tree, they dressed it up and called it me" (Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby, By Carl Perkins)

2. "Big fat momma, meat shakes on the bone" (Love My Baby, Junior Parker)

3. "Went and boogied for the doctor, and then for the nurse, Won't stop boog'in' till they throw me in the hearse" (Boogie Disease, Dr. Ross Johnson)

4. "It's gonna be funkier than nine yards of chitlins with onions and sardines on the side!" (Rufus Thomas banter)

5. "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die" (Folsom Prison Blues, Johnny Cash)

6. "Well, I got a gal, six feet four, Sleeps in the kitchen with her feet out the door" (Red Hot, Billy the Kid Emerson)

7. "Baby, baby, baby,baby baby,baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby ...... baby, baby baby baby baby Come back baby, I wanna play house with you!" (Baby, Let's Play House, Elvis Presley)

8. "Well, if you don't want my peaches honey, please don't shake my tree" (Matchbox, Carl Perkins)

9. " Stand in one spot.....wiggle around just a little bit, and then ya got somethin'.... " (Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Jerry Lee Lewis)

10. "Big legged woman, keep your dresses down, you got something under there honey, that'll make a bulldog hug a hound" (Big Legged Woman, Jerry Lee Lewis)

Lake Champlain Maritime Festival - GPTN and DTB - I'm in HEAVEN!!

vtsnowbird26 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:34:12 GMT

I am moving up to Burlington for this weekend in August - with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals playing the festival on Saturday and Derek Trucks Band playing on Sunday - Summer in Vermont just doesn't get any better than this!!

VERMONT’S OWN GRACE POTTER RETURNS TO THE BURLINGTON WATERFRONT Grace and the Nocturnals Headline 2nd Annual Lake Champlain Maritime Festival

Burlington, VT (April 12, 2008) This summer’s Lake Champlain Maritime Festival guarantees great entertainment for its second annual celebration, and nothing could be bigger than Vermont’s Grace Potter and the Nocturnals as they return to Burlington on August 16th at 6pm. Potter says, "The magic oflast year's waterfront show was truly unforgettable for us. We'll cross our fingers for the same golden weather, but rain or shine, it's a hometown show and the crown jewel in our summer tour."

Virtuoso singer-songwriter-instrumentalist Grace Potter is a true rising star in the music world. And save some room in your concert calendar for The Derek Trucks Band, just added to the bill and performing the following night, Sunday, August 17. Defined by blending jazz, Eastern Indian, rock, blues, Latin and other world music, guitarist Trucks and his band throw down some very electrifying sounds that will prove to be the perfect successor to Potter’s waterfront vibes.

Higher Ground presents the concerts as part of the Maritime Festival at the magnificent Waterfront Park, and tickets (for both?) go on sale Friday, April 18 at 11AM. They may be purchased online at www.highergroundmusic.com, charged by phone at 888-512-SHOW, or in person at the Higher Ground box office.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Festival, August 17-19, embraces the celebration of Vermont’s own “great lake” and the vibrant waterfront in all its splendor. For more information please go to www.lcmfestival.com or call 802-482-3313.

Had to Cry Today

vtsnowbird26 — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:34:04 GMT

“This kid deserves to be in the same class with Stevie Ray F*&cking Vaughan and Jimmy Hendrix and Jeff Beck.”

– Rock guitarist Ted Nugent after a recent jam with Joe for VH-1’s Supergroup

My good friend Owllover turned me on to Joe just last night, and it's hard to believe that this young guitar wizard was born in 1977. That's about when I was very into Clapton, Jeff Beck and Robin Trower. Joe's intrepretation of this classic not only pays tribute to these legends but shows his own personal style and virtousity. I'm liking it - thanks Amy!

Jammy Nominations are posted - Vote for your personal faves!

vtsnowbird26 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:10:48 GMT

(From Jambands website) The 7th Jammy Nominees

Voting is now open for the 7th Jammy Awards. As previously reported, the Jammys will take place at New York’s Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 7, with Phish slated to take home the evening’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The show's co-hosts are also nominated: Grace Potter is up for an award in the Song of The Year category ("Ah Mary"), while Warren Haynes is nominated along with his band Gov't Mule in the Live Performance of the Year category. Haynes and Potter also received a collective nomination for Tour of the Year (Gov't Mule and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals on the Mighty High Tour).

Click on the link to vote http://www.jammys.com/

Crossroads 2007

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:49:15 GMT

Okay Vts - look what you made me go and dig up - Crossroads Guitar Gods is what this one should have been called!

Joyful Noise

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:23:13 GMT

Now that I've flirted with the jazzy side - here is what I really love - a great big bluesy Joyful Noise courtesy of DTB

Digging the Jazzy Blues with DTB

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:15:06 GMT

I've had my musical feet firmly planted in roots music for a while - rocking blues tends to be my preference. But to go way back to my early concert going experiences I was always blown away by Ian Anderson's mastery of the flute in his legendary band Jethro Tull.

Now this CD has caught my ear as well for the awesome jazzy and wild "riffs" of not only Derek Trucks but Kofi Burbridge. Especially on Afro Blue and Rasta Man Chant.

Bringing me back to a bit of my youthful love of that fine instrument played masterfuly in a rock/blues/jazz/world fusion here that is very tasty indeed.

Grace Potter & Warren Haynes To Host 7th Annual Jammys

vtsnowbird26 — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:11:00 GMT

This year's co-hosts will be Warren Haynes, the hardest working man in rock and roll today, and Grace Potter, the coolest chick currently walking the planet.

This ripped from the pages from Earvolution - the link is below to read more about the event. But to Noctomaniacs like myself - this is cool news indeed.

http://www.earvolution.com/2008/03/grace-potter-warren-haynes-to-host-7th.asp

Tickets went on sale yesterday and there are slim pickins indeed if you wish hear those priceless Gracisms live.

Guess I'll be looking to catch them on Youtube . . . sigh . . .

Shelter Me

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:48:53 GMT

Here is a clip of Shelter Me a cover of a Judy Miller song. Now I am not a religious person - but I really like this one and hey - everbody needs a little shelter sometime - right? The driving beat and solid guitar and organ just make me want to belt this one out loud when I'm listening in my car. I drive alone alot - okay?

Tab Benoit - Power of the Ponchartrain

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:36:07 GMT

Hey now, my lil sis loves live music just like I do, and last year she told me that I needed to check out Tab Benoit and GO GO GO to the show he doing in NH. Well, I did check him out briefly and liked what I heard, but Life got in the way of Good Music, and I didn't make it. Digging a little deeper now, I see what a missed opportunity that was.

Tab Benoit has been around for a while and is a musicians' musician putting out his CD's and forever touring and playing the festival circuit. Much like my favorite band you might have caught a post about - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Now, if these two were ever to "grace" a stage together - I can assure you I'd be there.

Check out the video from the Blues Cruise 2006 of Tab with J Thackery - getting WARM - yeah - it's winter in VT I could do with getting warm.

Here's an excerpt from his myspace page: Guitarist-singer Tab Benoit is the real deal. Born and raised on the Louisiana bayou, this self-proclaimed “new kid from the old school” has been the standard bearer for a new generation of Cajun blues musicians – a traditionalist and an innovator at the same time, grafting elements of rock and soul to the indigenous sounds of the bayou. And if dedicating his life to his musical roots weren’t enough, Benoit has also been a tireless crusader in recent years – prior to the devastation of hurricane Katrina but even more so since – for the preservation of the rapidly vanishing wetlands of his native region.

Benoit unleashes his passion for his homeland and its music in Power of the Pontchartrain, a new Telarc recording that he co-produced with veteran producer David Z (Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Prince). Also on board for the 11-track ride is LeRoux, the enduring Louisiana-based blues/rock/pop collective that has been a regional mainstay since the late ‘70s.

Going back to Pearl Street

vtsnowbird26 — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:18:10 GMT

I was just reminded of the awesome concert that totally spiraled me into Noctomania by a blog on www.thisissomewhere.com - if you haven't been there check it out. But I digress - This band has an awesome repetoire of their own original songs, but they do killer covers now and again and this is one of of them - check it out - GPTN does Hendrix proud, IMHO - and glebefarm captures it for us here.

Snowbird's Experiences -GPTN Ridgefield Playhouse 2-20-08

vtsnowbird26 — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:37:11 GMT

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Ridgefield Playhouse - February 20, 2008

My long awaited winter concert date finally arrived, and now it’s a fantastic memory of a rocking evening spent with dear old friends and meeting some most excellent new ones.

We arrive at the Playhouse and find a parking space way out back, and see the great big tour bus parked out that way too. Alright, it’s really happening! As we enter the theater, I see a familiar yellow t-shirt and a friendly smiling Corporal Cowbell arms full of yellow roses which he kindly welcomes my friends and I. Nice start to the evening – thanks for your thoughtfulness John! I pass on some stickers and business cards to him and he entrusts me with the Posse cowbell for the NBTW chorus. Okay, next come the ushers with the armbands for our “gold circle” meet and greet session and we find our way down to the second row center and take a seat . I Very soon the house lights dim and Lowell Thompson begins his very cool acoustic set. Oh – just before this the playhouse announcer is trying to do her thing up there, yadda, yadda, and who comes out to upstage her completely?? KICK!! Too funny.

Next up Grace and the boys take the stage and prepare to mainline us with a high energy evening of some old, some newer, a few covers, and a even couple brandy new tunes all perfectly segueing into the next with barely a breath in between.

Now, the stage is looking a bit different than I’ve ever seen it tonight. Grace is in her usual spot stage left with her B-3 and piano and directly opposite here stage right is Matt – he’s come out from backstage and it’s nice to see him highlighted there. The stage is plenty roomy enough to let Scott and Brian have stage center, with Grace joining them with the flying V when she’s ready to rock on. I liked the set up, but did feel that Brian could have used another mic on him to pick up the great back beat he always provides.

Some highlights were hearing Grace sound so happy to be the closest to home that she’s been in a while, just 4 hours away. Hearing the song Can’t See Though for the first time was another highlight. Grace introduced it a a new song they’ve only played 3 times or so, we were to be her guinea pigs, so she said, she also went on to say it’s a song about Saying Goodbye. It is one gorgeous song, in my humble opinion. Finally got to hear the other new song Sugar that they have been playing live since the recorded it down at Sun Studios just about a month or two ago. Smoking bluesy rock n roll, just the way I like it! Bringing out my older favorites Treat Me Right and Ragged company also made this girl happy, along with a super long jam on Over Again where Scott just RULED. That guitar did not gently weep – it soared and roared and just plain wailed under his expertise. Tasty covers of Jet Airliner and Getting in Tune rounded out my listening pleasure.

As the chillingly haunting, yet utterly lovely notes of Grace starting NBTW resound in the auditorium, we scramble to get the Posse Cowbell (by this time all decorum has gone out the door, we’ve all rushed the stage, and are dancing up front – this started somewhere around Sugar and Sweet Hands) and while I know John was wanting me to be ringing the bell during the a capella with Grace’s tambourine, I just had to hold out till the raucous part II before I let that happen. Grace acapella just give me chills, and I couldn’t diminish it with the cowbell. Sorry John, hope you understand. Now, Grace goes over to the B-3 and let me tell you that cow bell rang and rang and rang– and I was able to get Carol up front briefly to join me in ringing it, before I passed it of to Chris and John to carry on.

After the finale with Angel Band and Big White Gate, always wonderful, we milled about waiting for that meet and greet, and while I was doing so, was so very pleasantly surprised to be introduced to Peggy and Sparky Potter – what awesome parents, so pleasant and friendly. Also met Justin (indie911) and got a second chance to speak with Matt after going through the reception line. What warm and genuine people I meet this evening. It’s no wonder I love this band, their music, their real life personalities it’s all so good. I better sign off now, hope I haven’t bored you all.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Review from Good Reckless and True - Show in the Big Easy

vtsnowbird26 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:07:36 GMT

I've been saying this about this band for months - here's a more eloquent review from a first timer to a Nocturnals show - I couldn't say it any better myself!

http://goodandrecklessandtrue.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/grace-potter-and-the-nocturnals-live-at-the-parish/

Good and Reckless and True Musings on music.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Live at the Parish

January 26, 2008

‘08 is sure getting off to a great start.

Tuesday brought along my first show of the year - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at the Parish, down here at the House of Blues in New Orleans. And seeing as how BLOWN AWAY I was by the show, it won’t be the last time I see them this year, for sure.

It was my first GPTN show. Before Tuesday, I only knew This Is Somewhere, and a few songs off of Nothing But the Water. I had heard a lot of good things about their live show in the past. A good friend of mine saw them play with Gov’t Mule, and had nothing but great things to say. But none of that prepared me for the ass-kicking RAWK of GPTN show.

I got there nice and early, so as to get a really got spot in the room. And I did, right in front of Grace’s Hammond. It was already shaping up to be a great night.

Opener Brandi Shearer didn’t go on as planned, which meant that Grace and the boys came on a little bit earlier. As soon as the band walked on stage, I was reminded why I’m such a huge fan of live music. There was an electricity in the crowd that I haven’t felt at any other show in a very long time. And I got the feeling that this wouldn’t be like any other show I’ve been to.

They came storming right out of the gate, opening the set with “Here’s to the Meantime”, “Ah Mary”, and “Mastermind”, all from This Is Somewhere. Then, they preceded to get a little funky with “Treat Me Right”, before getting into “Ain’t No Time”, a song that Grace said was written about our fair city of New Orleans.

But then, it was back into full-on, ass-kicking rock mode, with “Sweet Hands” and “Joey” from Nothing But the Water. Like I said, before the show, I only knew This Is Somewhere, and a few songs from Nothing But the Water. And “Sweet Hands” and “Joey” were not a few of those songs. But as soon as they started them up, I was rocking out to them, like they were tried and true favorite songs of mine. Electrifying.

Then, they preceded to blow me away with one of my favorites from This Is Somewhere, “Big White Gate”. I find the recorded version to be incredibly moving, and the live version even more so. It’s one thing to hear Grace’s emotional vocals and guitarist Scott Tournet’s tasty slide playing blaring through your speakers. But imagine you experienced it live like I did, just feet from the band. Right in front Grace’s Hammond. Just incredible.

They followed that up with another selection from This Is Somewhere, “Stop the Bus”. The next three songs they played were all unreleased, and they included “Sugar”, which Grace said they had only written the night before, at Sun Studios in Memphis.

They returned to songs from Nothing But the Water with “Ragged Company”. This was definitely a highlight of the night for me. This has always been one of my very favorite GPTN songs. And Grace mentioned before the song that it wasn’t one they played a whole lot, but they got a special request for it. Seeing as how it was my first time seeing them, and it’s one of my favorite songs (and I wasn’t the one who requested it!), it was very awesome timing.

Following “Ragged Company”, they covered “Who Knows”, a Jimi Hendrix tune. They followed that up with “If I Was From Paris”, an outtake from This Is Somewhere. They ended the set with “Watching You”, and then FLOORED everyone in the room with “Nothing But the Water”. They had everyone, and I mean EVERYONE stomping and clapping, and singing at the top of their lungs. I have never been a part of such an energized crowd. They left the stage to absolutely thunderous applause.

For the encore, they came back and, in the spirit of New Orleans, covered Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time”. And with that, the show was over.

From the time they walked on the stage, and electrified the crowd with “Here’s to the Meantime”, to when they blew us all away with “Right Place, Wrong Time”, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals were ON. There was no doubting that. Grace just tore it up the entire show with her great organ playing and amazing vocals. Scott played some of the tastiest licks and riffs I’ve heard in quite some time, but really rocked it and layed it on thick and heavy when the song called for it. Bryan Dondero on the bass kept everything steady and rocking, just like the best bass players should. And Matt Burr was just an RIDICULOUS behind that drumkit the entire night.

After the show, I got the chance to meet Grace and Scott. Let me tell you, they couldn’t have been cooler and nicer, or more genuine and down-to-earth. Really, they’re such great people. It’s one thing to get an autograph, or shake the hand of a musician that you like. But when musicians from one of your favorite bands actually takes a few minutes to meet with you, to talk to you, maybe get a picture or two, it really means a lot. And you don’t come across that too often.

So if you’re not familiar with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, well, GET familiar with them. Go buy This Is Somewhere and Nothing But the Water. And keep listening to them to the point where you think you’re slowing burning a hole through the CDs themselves, like I am. And check out Original Soul and Live Oh Five while you’re at it. And just go see them live. You have NO idea what you are missing out on. I mean, really. NO idea.

Grace, Scott, Bryan, and Matt, thanks so much for an unforgettable night.

SETLIST:

Here’s to the Meantime

Ah Mary

Mastermind

Treat Me Right

Ain’t No Time

Sweet Hands

Joey

Big White Gate

Stop the Bus

Margery

Belladonna

Sugar

Ragged Company

Who Knows (Jimi Hendrix)

If I Was From Paris

Watching You

Nothing But the Water

—————————–

Right Place, Wrong Time (Dr. John)

And by the way, “Falling or Flying” is my ringtone now. What can I say? They truly made believers out of me.

« Whew!

Date : 26 January 2008

GPTN does Paris AND Sneaking Sally through the Alley

vtsnowbird26 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:06:03 GMT

Check out the Jamcruise video with Grace gettin all Sassy with Porter and Neville.

Music Video Fans - check out the work of BirminghamSteve

vtsnowbird26 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:57:11 GMT

Here's the link - really good stuff on Grace Potter and the Nocuturnals, my personal fave - amoung others. If you can't get to a show live today - go to the link below now and you're next best thing to live!

My pick for favorite video is a toss up between Treat Me Right or Big White Gate with a new intro I'd never heard Angel Band.

http://www.youtube.com/user/BirminghamSteve

Over Again

vtsnowbird26 — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:03:08 GMT

This song is a extra cut that some people where lucky enough to get on certain copies of This is Somewhere - I've been even more lucky to have heard it live - it's a great example of how this band can rock it out.

Klaus's post reminded me how much I too liked this song that you don't hear very often.

A Prediction

vtsnowbird26 — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:29:40 GMT

Just as the band Cowboy Junkies has revisited their past and done a reinterpretation on their watershed album, I can see the same kind of thing happening with the much younger band, GPTN.

Trinity Sessions was conceived looking for a particular sound and style, recording in an old abandoned church, NBTW was also a conceptual CD in that GPTN strove to embody the best of blues/rock of the 70's ala Tom Petty and Neil Young. And it was all recorded in an old Barn with awesome results.

Check back in 20 years and I am quite certain GPTN will still be around writing and performing, and maybe they will revisit there roots as well.

The Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Revisited

vtsnowbird26 — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:59:06 GMT

http://www.cowboyjunkies.com/exclusives/trinity/main_content.html

Check it out - 20 years after the original was recorded, they've reinterpreted it beautifully all over again with some assistance from Natalie Merchant and Ryan Adams. Loved their version of Sweet Jane 20 years ago, and it so good yet again.

http://www.cowboyjunkies.com/exclusives/trinity/images/video_on.gif

below the beams

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:19:52 GMT

See previous post - here's the sound, got to get these two parts together!

Below the Beams

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:32:01 GMT

Love this airy eerie little instrumental - captures the feeling tween the songs and puts YOU right Below the Beams

Annie Lennox - Songs of Mass Destruction

vtsnowbird26 — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:06:56 GMT

You'll hear in a Dark Road on the radio, if you haven't already - and it's good. But the song to listen to is Sing - give a listen it says it all -

Sing my Sister - Sing

http://www.annielennoxsing.com/sing.php

You Do Have Time - to listen to this one

vtsnowbird26 — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:01:51 GMT

This track off the latest by Grace Potter and theNocturnals shows off the best of what is so good about this band, bringing the sounds of their earlier releases forward on their latest from this summer. The sound of B-3 as played by Grace is perfect for this one - Gotta love a woman who can wring every last note offa the B-3. Not to mention that she plays a mean guitar, bangs out soulful tunes on the keyboard and on top of that has a voice to go with it. By voice I mean a low down, whiskey soaked sound that can soar into the purest of highnotes with faultless phrasings. And don't think for a minute that the rest of the band isn't top notch. They are - Scott's slide guitar can make ya swoon, Brian's bass drives the machine and Matt and Animal completely complete the picture. Give a listen - you'll see that you do have time for this one and the rest of This is Somewhere, and then go back into their deeper cuts and listen EVERYTHING off Nothing but the Water. You just might thank me!

If you haven't heard them yet - give a listen to Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - One of the best live performers out there - and if you have heard them - you KNOW what I am talking about!

vtsnowbird26 — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:51:43 GMT

Left Behind

vtsnowbird26 — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:48:27 GMT

See previous post - this is what sets this band apart - give a listen

Left Behind

vtsnowbird26 — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:42:11 GMT

This song is an example of what a great singer/songwrite Grace Potter is and how awesome her Nocturnals are backing her up. The bluesy syncopated beat and and styling coupled with Grace's impeccable timings make this a favorite

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Upcoming Events

vtsnowbird26 — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:50:47 GMT
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Looking for a great Live Band?

vtsnowbird26 — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:39:11 GMT

Then you need to go see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. They put on the best live performances around. Currently touring with Gov't Mule and also booked for several solo shows in December - they are not to be missed. Their bluesy rock n roll is best heard live, but check them out on line as well and find a show near you to experience the Power and the Passion that this band brings to a live show!

check them out at:

http://mog.com/music/Grace_Potter_And_The_Nocturnals