G. Love & Special Sauce ~ February 3, 2016 @ SoHO, Santa Barbara

Blues Music


G. Love & Special Sauce have always held a special place in my heart since their self-titled album debuted in 1994. Originating out of Philly, the East Coast vibe can definitely be felt in their music. Unapologetically both sentimental and rough, their music is a fusion of blues, soul, and hip-hop, and their live shows are always upbeat and funky.

Touring on their 10th studio album together, Love Saves the Day, G. Love & Special Sauce brought high energy electric blues to SOhO last Wednesday. Their sound has evolved to point where a new genre may need to be created to be able to label it. New soul blends with old rock, with heavy emphasis on dirty blues (I tried). Playing mostly new songs unfamiliar to many of us at the sold out show, they easily got us all grooving by the sheer energy of their performance.

Led by Garret Dutton, aka G. Love, special sauce is Jeff Clemens (drums) and Jimi Prescott (bass). G. Love started the show seated, with a harmonica strapped to his head and an electric guitar in his lap. Seated, although not sitting, the man went crazy dancing on his seat while Jimi went crazy slapping on the stand-up base. Unfamiliar songs became familiar as the band did their thang – rocked the house.

From sitting, to standing, to commanding, G. Love led us through funky blues and raunchy love songs that showcased his vocal ability – when did his voice get so damn good? Closing out the night with few older favorites, G. Love and Special Sauce worked the crowd into a final frenzy with their good ol’ blues music.