BLUES TRAVELER - Rock Log 041312

Big name bands bring out the masses, as was the case tonight as Blues Traveler stopped by The Den.  Thus, Randall, NK, Homework, Paulie S, K-Syl and I rumbled down to Uncasville in two, yes two, rock wagons.  Six attendees is not unprecedented, but is quite an accomplishment.

The Den was mobbed tonight in anticipation of the legendary blues/rock/jam band.  Arriving thirty minutes before show time proved foolish as there were no good viewing spots to be had.  We finally nestled in to Blossom Rock, which offered obstructed views but fairly good sound.  Since our scope was limited, we could not determine if any Den Notables were in attendance.  We did get a surprise visit from GJ and K-Law who were there for the Moody Blues in the Arena.  In The Den itself, I could not take my eyes off of Sherry Garcia, who spent the whole night in the aisle either “dead dancing” or trying to rid herself of a hovering swarm of locusts, I’m not sure.  Either way, it was visually entertaining.

Now the show.  Blues Traveler is more comfortable on stage versus in the studio.  Their entire career has been that of road warriors, jamming every show.  As such, it was not uncommon that the ninety minute set was comprised of twelve songs.  If you like the jam band thing, then this was a top-notch show.  I am on the bubble, but this show was very good in my eyes.  The band’s founder, John Popper (who also founded The Spin Doctors), is a rock force like few others.  Strong vocals, nice banter and that harmoni-bong thing that he blows into was just flat out cool.  Whether Popper is fat, skinny, carrying weapons, baked or simply wrecking his hog, I liked the guy.  Great entertainer.  Right with Popper is Tad Kinchla, who instrumentally stole the show with his incredible playing of a six-string bass.  This was good because guitarist, and brother, Chan Kinchla was horrible.  A jam band should have a dude on the axe who can rip, this guy was not the one.  I think Gary Puckett was a better guitarist (Rock Log 081111).

Now the Music.  The songs were done well.  Most casual fans, myself included, only know of “Hook”, “Run Around” and “But Anyway”.  All three were played tonight, the latter two were done extremely well, with But Anyway taking off for a long journey through Jam Town led by Captain Tad Kinchla and his wailing bass.  However, Hook was sub-par for me.  Why? The guitar was terrible if non-existent.  Listen to the song and it has a melodic undertone that was missing in this live version because the guitar was nowhere to be heard.  Other songs of note included two covers; What I Got (Sublime) and Creep (Radiohead), both were good, though a few comments were made that Creep was not as edgy as it should have been.  All that being said, the key to this band is “the jam” and jam they did.  Some songs were too long, some not long enough but overall, this was a good show by a good band that understands its place in the world.  I liked it and would go again.

Ending the night is always critical and tonight was the best ever because for the first time in all of my Denning, the light was on, which meant warm originals at Krispy Kreme.  I shoved two in my cake hole in record time.  Now that, my friend, is jamming.

Vick