Got to see my favorite band last night @gloveandspecialsauce. Braved 5” in snow in Virginia, drove through freezing rain in DC on a cold night all the way out in Annapolis, Maryland. The band was playing the sold out Rams Head - Live On Stage with Hawaiian Ron Artis II opening up. I had never been to a sit down show with G. Love but it was small, intimate and sounded the best I have ever heard. The seated crowd and the warm lighting made for a very personal show. Ron Artis II stunned the crowd with his passionate singing and fiery guitar work. No one talked throughout his opening set, half out of respect and half because he’s that good. After several beautiful numbers he exited and they changed over for the main act. G. Love came out and sat seated with his trademark hat, harmonica, and guitar combo in a well fitting suit with a thin tie. He opened with “Don’t Drop It” then took us through a few familiar tunes and favorites. By the second song “Back Of The Bus” we were treated with a gorgeous bass solo by Jimi “Jazz” Prescott who was sporting a custom, two piece, colorful fern suit reminiscent of the hepcats from a bygone era. Because of the close quarters and the great mix of FOH mixer Chris D., the upright acoustic bass and Jeffrey “Houseman” Clemen’s deft drumming brought out all the subtleties of “Garbageman” which the band funkingly and brilliantly segued into “Smallfish” G. Love worked up a light sweat and got the audience pumped and dancing in their seats. Jimi Jazz took another solo during “This Ain’t Living” The Band soon diverged wildly from the setlist and was about to call another audible when a young woman shouted out “Beautiful” to which G. Love said “If you’re gonna pick one you might as well pick a good one.” Houseman agreed and said “That’s a good one.” G. Love dedicated it to co-writer Tristan Prettyman and all the people from the Eastern Shore. Next G. Love talked about making a record down in Asheville, with the Avett Brothers and said “You’ll know this next song.” A few notes into “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” and the crowd audibly gasped in appreciation. I only hope that G. Love keeps this song in rotation long after Paul Simon passes on. Afterwards, G. Love talked about celebrating 25 years as a band since 1993 and 25 years after making the first record in 1994. The crowd chuckled after he asked the crowd to do the math and that they knew it was 26 years and then G. said “We’re gonna exploit the shit out of that motherf*cker.” They then lead into their classic “Blues Music” combining blues and hip hop in their signature sound. Houseman gave us an amazing solo for the ages. The band said “Thank you so much” and exited the stage to a standing ovation. After a minute the band returned. One rowdy patron in the front row was chanting “One more song, one more song!” G. Love smiling broadly and incredulous asked “Is that all you want, one more song?” He then promised to play until the last person left. Seated and on accoustic guitar he started into “Baby Please Don’t Go” Next he talked about how he had a new Christmas record out and it was for sale out front. The crowd laughed when he said “Even though it’s still a long way away, it’s never to early to start celebrating Christmas.” He played a great version of “ Cape Cod Winter Blues” vamping again on the impending polar vortex. He improved the memorable line “I’m from Philly and I love me the Eagles, but I’m in Redskin country so I better fly like a seagull.” At the end he did a shout out to Dewy Beach, the closest beach town to Annapolis and a perennial stop on his summer solo tour. Seated and on accoustic guitar he started into “Baby Please Don’t Go” Next he talked about how he had a new Christmas record out and it was for sale out front. The crowd laughed when he said “Even though it’s still a long way away, it’s never to early to start celebrating Christmas.” He played a great version of “Cape Cod Winter Blues” vamping again on the impending polar vortex. He improved the memorable line “I’m from Philly and I love me the Eagles, but I’m in Redskin country so I better fly like a seagull.” At the end he did a shout out to Dewy Beach, the closest beach town to Annapolis and a perennial stop on his summer solo tour. G. Love talked about his upcoming album being produced by Keb Mo and sang “The Juice” a very topical/pseudo protest song about the current state of our affairs in a largely Navy Academy military town. Despite that, the crowd still seemed to enjoy it and sang along. The crowd rose to its feet for a standing ovation and Frank the roadie brought out another amp and raised G.’s mic stand so we knew we were getting an encore. We were treated to a blistering “Ron’s Blues” that demonstrated that the only thing hotter than Ron Artis was Ron Artis and G. Love together. The band followed up with a very Alman Brothers-esque Wonder Wall complete with dueling leads. The band finished out with Jack Johnson’s Rainbow with Ron leading the crowd in a boisterous call and response that they lovingly obliged. Despite the fact that we were seated most of the night, G. Love and the band lead us through a barn burner of the old and new. Once again thanks to to Chris D., the band sounded better than ever. Houseman seemed to enjoy himself more than usual and smiled and laughed all night. He’s a real gentleman and invited me backstage after the show. Afterwards I got to party and spend about an hour with G, Jimi, and Ron Artis II. I offered to shoot G. Love’s upcoming wedding for free and we talked about my friend from Austin Taylor Erin Schleith @theredvenus. Today was the bands day off and they are playing the sold out Hamilton Theater on Thursday. Even though it’s sold out, if there is a will, there is a way. If you’re a fan of the band I’d try to check them out, they’re on fire these days. Respectfully submitted by Gogo
