Blues Traveler @ Molson Concert Series, Lockport, NY
Friday, July 23, 2010
By: TJ Jennings
If there is one thing that I took away from seeing Blues Traveler for the first time, it's that some bands simply can't be experienced through headphones. For the past 20 years, Blues Traveler has been developing a unique sound that you simply can't comprehend until you see them live. With mind blowing harmonica solos and extended jams, Blues Traveler should be a "must see" for every music fan.
The band kicked off the Lockport, NY, show in some sort of strange Elton John style. The boys wore fluorescent light-up cowboy hats and 80's sunglasses as they walked on stage to "Love Me Sexy" from the movie "Semi-Pro." It was clear the band was ready to party and the crowd was feeling the vibe.
Frontman John Popper wasted no time putting his harmonica to work. Popper played wicked solos on "You Me and Everything" and "The Mountains Win Again," which was dedicated to former bass player Bobby Sheehan who died in 1999. Popper held up his glass and told the crowd "this one is always for Bobby" and the band was clearly putting their hearts into the song, which made for a simply remarkable performance of an already spectacular number.
Sheehan's replacement and brother to the guitarist, Tad Kinchla, showed he deserved his spot in the band, leading the groove on a number of songs and a playing a wicked solo on "But Anyway." There is a unique chemistry between Tad and brother Chan Kinchla that adds a great deal to the band's performance.
Chan's fretwork shined on every song, but his solos on "How You Remember It" and "Love and Greed" were absolutely mind boggling. Despite being the lead guitarist for a blues band, Chan shreds his guitar like a real rocker. Whether its a bluesy groove or an in your face rock number, Chan keeps the crowd in awe.
Of course, you can't really have a rock band who says they are influenced by "The Blues Brothers" without a mean keyboardist as well. Keyboardist Ben Wilson kept the bluesy feel going, and even stole the spotlight on "How You Remember It" with a solid solo. With Wilson on the keys and Popper on the harmonica, the blues poured out of the speakers.
Blues Traveler isnt just a blues band though. They have meshed together folk, rock, blues, soul, and a little dash of southern rock. The band treated Lockport fans to two covers, both of which came as a complete surprise to the crowd. Sublime's "What I Got" was on the set list, and despite being a hardcore Sublime fan, I would listen to Blues Traveler's rendition over the original every day. If you think I'm blaspheming then you havent heard Blues Traveler's version.
The band also played Radiohead's "Creep" which although nothing like the original, it was downright spectacular. It's hard to imagine a harmonica in a Radiohead song, but it really made for a sweet rendition.
After "Creep" came "Sweet Talking Hippie" which featured a drum solo from Brendan Hill, and the fan-favorite "Hook." The crowd was singing along as Popper wailed away on the microphone and the band walked off stage to the sound of a roaring crowd. The band had already played through a number of hits like "Run Around" and "But Anyway" so everyone was itching to see what the encore would be. To the crowd's surprise, Popper took center stage with a guitar and jammed away the opening notes to "Alone." Popper's fretwork was surprising, especially his solo. If you thought a harmonica is the only thing he can play, than you definitely need to see him play guitar.
Don't let the name scare you off, Blues Traveler isnt just a blues band, they know how to rock and they definitely know how to play live. Fans of any genre can appreciate the unique sound of Blues Traveler. If they come to your area be sure to go check them out. You won't regret it.
Setlist:
You, Me and Everything
Mullin it Over
Droppin Some NYC
Run-Around
How You Remember It
Love and Greed
Regarding Steven
What I Got (Sublime Cover)
But Anyway
The Mountains Win Again
Creep (Radiohead Cover)
Sweet Talking Hippie
Hook
Encore:
Alone
Photos by Steve Bowe
