PC|Bluestocking

I recently attend the rock and roll revival concert at the book store and was pleasenty surprised by the sheer musicality of the event. The first band, Crowns, was new to the concert scene. As a matter of fact it was their first concert. All of the songs were originals. The lead singer/guitarist walked onto the stage with a black eye and cowboy boots…the definition of rock and roll. He played out of a Fender deluxe amplifier and used a gretsch semi acoustic jazz guitar which allowed for their unique sound and was accompanied by a very simple classic jazz drum set missing both toms. Their sound was not only interesting but simple and very indy. There were no complex guitar solos just a very stripped down and pure rock sound slightly reminiscent of the Avett Brothers without a banjo. From the first chord strummed to the last note sung, intensity seeped from their fingers, voice and drumsticks. The lyrics were angsty, clearly from the heart of a songwriter. I was enthralled. The concert was already off to a good start. When the first band finished the headliner took a few minutes and then dove right into their set. This band played mostly classic rock covers. Of their entire set, the song that spoke most to me was “Gimme some Lovin” by the Spencer Davis Group. They started right in with the thumping octave bass line. The lead singers vocal quality reminded me heavily of the lead singers voice from the Allman Brothers Band, a bit of a twang to lead to a country rock sound but not enough to hurl them into the category of country music. Their sound also found itself escaping to the simple roots of Classic rock. Unlike the opening band the headliner found themselves indulging in extened solos and “jam sessions”. At one point the lead singer got so into the music that he ended up inadvertantly flinging of his glasses in a sheer moment of rock. Being able to see…unnecessary to rock out. They finished their set with just as much intensity they started it, ending with a huge breakdown and vamping on that single section until they left everything they possessed musically on the table. I left with my eardrums ringing and the spirit of rock and roll in my heart.

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