In the age of auto-tune and digital editing, it’s not hard to sound good on a record.
Most bands or artists can produce quality albums that may not best The Beatles but sound good enough to garner some artistic credit.
But sounding good on an album isn’t sufficient any more.
Good bands have found ways to overcome the vicious cycle of an OK album and a worse live show.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is one of those bands.
When I first listened to the group’s self-titled 2010 record, I was entertained and appreciative of the bluesy, roots rock elements sprinkled throughout the album. Potter’s scratchy, soulful voice holds the album together.
But I wasn’t impressed.
The Nocturnal’s sound was nothing new, and only a few songs like “Medicine” and “Tiny Light” had significant shelf life.
I feared the group was fated to be another hard-working, great sounding band that would soon fade away like many before them.
But when I attended the 2011 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals proved me wrong.
The performance was nothing less than electrifying.
The prowess of Potter’s vocals is disgustingly understated on the album. Her voice demanded attention, whether she was passionately and expertly screeching while ravaging her guitar or entrancing the crowd with her deep, soulful drawl.
The southern rock sound came to fruition in the bands live act, with guitar solos and impromptu jams thrown at left and right to the crowds pleasure.
The show was as raw and unrefined as Potter’s vocals, and the atmosphere was just right for a hot summer day.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals’ live act exemplifies the most important quality for musicians in the 21st century: having the skills to make a cohesive and entertaining album and translating that sound into an unforgettable live show.
If you get the chance to check the group out at this year’s Jazz Fest, prepare to have your face rocked while you get drenched in sweat, grooving along to a bonafide rock ‘n’ roll show.
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Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]