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.