Blues Traveler-CANCELLED
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Once upon a time (1987 to be exact), a group of guys jammed out blues in a garage somewhere in New Jersey. However, it took them 33 years to really do it again in the same way. This time around, the quintet—John Popper [vocals, harmonica], Chan Kinchla [guitar], Tad Kinchla [bass], Ben Wilson [keyboards], and Brendan Hill [drums]—reimagined and recharged classics from the American blues songbook and a few surprises, making the record they were always meant to make.
“There’s a lot of onus on us to honor traditional blues values and follow them,” he explains. “While paying homage to the original ‘You Got Me Runnin’,’ we took everything and ran with it in the Blues Traveler way.”
Swaggering piano struts through tambourine on the Mississippi Sheiks staple “Sittin’ On Top of the World” [feat. Warren Haynes] before Popper and Warren trade verses, and Chan and Warren trade licks. “It’s an old blues song, but we brought a modern jam vibe to it,” he continues. “We’ve known Warren since 1990 when we opened up for The Allman Brothers. We’ve played with him in various ways for three decades. He’s an amazing musician and a wonderful guy. It’s cool we’re still rocking together after all these years.” Then, there’s their take on the Gnarls Barkley smash “Crazy” [feat. Rita Wilson & John Scofield]. As the beat simmers, Popper leans into the iconic lyrics with palpable charisma before Scofield rips a lead and Rita delivers a powerhouse counter-vocal. On Son Seals’ “Funky B****,” which Phish also does a live version of, they dive into a fluid jam and proudly “Let our Blues Traveler flag fly,” according to Chan. “Roadhouse Blues” serves as a raucous Doors tribute and revs up into a “cool harmonica vehicle.” “Need Your Love So Bad”—originally made famous by Little Willie John—brings them into new territory altogether, while Nina Simone’s “Trouble in Mind” [feat. Keb’ Mo] concludes with a scorching soul duet uplifted by bass-y piano, lyrical soloing, and vibrant harmonica.
In the end, Blues Traveler came back home and played the hell out of the blues on Traveler’s Blues.
with special guest DANIELLE HOWLE
True connection can only come about through pure, honest expression. It comes from knowing how to find a truth within, and having the courage to unabashedly share it. As an artist-poet, Danielle Howle is a natural storyteller through song. She makes the biggest impact by sharing simple truths. Her music comes from a place of self-awareness, and is on a perpetual journey of self-discovery. She balances powerful style with conversational lyrics, sharing her honest experience of life.
Known for captivating audiences with her stunning vocal ability, contagious energy, and incredible songwriting skills, Danielle’s music ranges from country-swamp-blues to jazz to Americana with clear jazz, country, southern rock, indie, and folk influences.
It’s with great excitement that Danielle released her newest single, “Something Better Now,” produced by long-time friend and collaborator Mark Bryan, of Hootie and the Blowfish on Friday, March 19.
This is the celebration of an artist anew.