I should lay my cards on the table here, I have loved Grace Potter's music from afar for some four years. I discovered her through a YouTube video of her plus Joe Satriani and others covering Cortez The Killer. Not only is it stunning for the music, and her voice, what stood out for me was the unmistakeable joy on Grace's face, it was obvious that she genuinely loves her music. You may think, don't all musicians? All I can do is suggest that you check out this for yourself and reach your own conclusions. Since then I've sought out all the Grace Potter music I can get my hands on, and watched all the YouTube I can find. I've posted in many places urging them to visit the UK, and I never thought it would happen. So when I got word of this gig at what is, to me, an obscure and tiny venue, I had to go.So this is a biased review. But who else would go to a barely publicised gig in a tiny venue on a cold Wednesday night but someone who just loves the band? I've seen most of the great bands, starting with The Beatles. For me there's nothing better than a Springsteen marathon. How would a little band from Vermont measure up?
My anticipation levels were of course through the roof. I was one of the first in and got a great spot in front of the stage. Perfect view, and so close you could lean on the stage. I don't honestly think there's a point of a song by song review as just about everyone who may read this won't know her music. Those who do know her will most likely feel the same as I do, if the people I know as a result of this gig are anything to go by. What stands out as a band is their sheer energy and love of playing music. Also, of course, Grace has a really great voice, for both rock and ballads (check out Stars). She is also extremely attractive, which is never a bad thing! The set was about 1 3/4 hours, with just two covers - Atlantic City and American Girl, which I don't think was on the original set list. Maybe what I like most about them is when they jam, as on Stop The Bus and Nothing But The Water part 2. But make no mistake, Grace has soul too and can melt your heart with the ballads. Grace plays her Flying V and she also has Scott Tournet and Benny Yurco on guitar, so between them they make a killer trio. Matthew Burr is a cool drummer, and the line up is completed by the accomplished Michael Libramento, who mostly plays bass. I say mostly as they swap instruments
I don't think you can pigeon hole the music, as they can cover many different styles. To me the high spots are when they're rocking, the power and exuberance combine with Grace's charisma make an irresistible potent force.
I don't expect anyone not knowing this band to take my word for it, check out some videos on You Tube. A word of warning though. I have watched a huge amount of Grace Potter videos and thought I knew what I was going to get. Not so, the live experience blew me away in a way that I never really expected. I honestly can't fault them.
They are talking of coming back later in the year. If they do, I recommend them 100%
Bush Hall @
- London @
- Wed 13 Mar 2013 @
Favourite moment: The cute little Grace and Benny dance 11 minutes into recommended video @
Setlist: nothing But The Water 1, The Lion The Beast The Beat, Never Go Back, Goodbye Kiss, Apologies, Timekeeper, Turntable, Ah Mary, Big White Gate, Atlantic City, Runaway, keepsake, Stop The Bus, The Divide, Nothing But The Water 2, Paris, stars, American Girl and Medicine @
Opening act(s): Sam Fender @