John Butler with Lazy Sunday

Iroquois Amphitheater, Louisville Kentucky

Review by Zen Wild

Photographs provided by Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

Gallery Link: http://jamsplus.smugmug.com/TonyVasquezPhotography/The-John-Butler-Trio/

Arriving at the Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, KY, to see the John Butler Trio, there is some sort of mix-up with the ticket office concerning our tickets, but after a short wait, or so, the man who was working the ticket window walks over to us, sitting on a bench, and hands over our tickets.  He’d chased down the tour manager to make sure we were good to go, and just like that, we’re in the door.  We’ve got plenty of time.  It’s only about 7:20 pm, local time, and the opening band doesn’t come on until roughly 8:00 pm.

The opening band was a bit of question for us as we were entering the venue.  The tickets didn’t indicate who it would be, saying only Special Guest, and we hadn’t checked online to be certain.  After we’ve been inside for ten minutes or so, I ask a man outside the restroom, and he indicates that it’s a band called, Lazy Sunday.  I haven’t heard of them, but it ends up that the band is a group of local Louisville kids who’ve been rocking their hometown scene.  One of the best in the area, according to many opinions.

Once Lazy Sunday takes the stage, it isn’t hard to see why so many people hold them in such high esteem around the Louisville area.  The start of the first song is a bit shaky, but within a minute or two, the group is dialing in.  I wish that I knew song titles, so that I could relate them to you, but I don’t.  Nonetheless, their sound is incredible.  Everything they do is steeped in rock, but there are infusions of ska, reggae, and blues that run throughout.  Two guitars, bass, drums, and a single saxophone.  Their songs all have a solid core to them, and lead vocals switch several times throughout the set, but every song is a jam.

When they start to break down, and solos start getting passed back and forth, that’s when it really starts to get good.  Though they might not cite him as one of their influences, those grooving, dance-inciting jams remind me of when Neil Young used to break it all down with Crazy Horse.  It might not be the same style of music, but it definitely carries that same feeling of intense musicianship.  It turns out to be a great set, and if I were anyone living near Louisville, I would be sure to check this band out.  You don’t get to open for the John Butler Trio unless your music is solid.

The Trio finally hits the stage about 9:30.  As the lights illuminate the stage and the musicians enter, the crowd is standing and roaring with approval.  I’ve seen the band once before, but that was back in ’07 at the Vogue, in Indianapolis, IN, and I expect that this show will be a different sort of affair.  That was a smaller venue, indoors, and included a short acoustic set where John Butler covered Bob Marley’s “Mellow Mood,” singing a duet with his wife, but in front of this larger, outdoor crowd, I’m sure that we’re in store for some high energy music with some extensive jams.

The band opens with “Cold Wind,” from their newest album, Flesh & Blood.  It’s a great way to get things started.   From there, they play “Used to Get High,” which some guy near where we’re sitting was hoping to hear, “I’d Do Anything,” featuring an amazing instrumental intro by John Butler, and then, “Bullet Girl,” also off their new album, which happens to be one of my favorite tracks off that newest creation.  All around us, the crowd is standing, dancing and singing along.  To the right, in the foremost part of that far section, what appears to be the youngest grou p of the audience is absolutely gettin’ down, feeling to their core (or so it appears) whatever the JBT is playing.  There’s more great stuff in store.

Next the group dives into another two tracks from the new album, “The Only One” and “Blame It on Me.”  I love “Blame It on Me.”  That incredible reggae groove that defines that song just begs a person to dance.  It almost forces it upon him/her.  The performance tonight features some spot-on, vigorous soloing.  All of that is only a prelude.  When, a couple songs later, John Butler plays “Ocean” by himself, you would think that the roof was going blown from the pavilion part of the amphitheater!  Prior to playing the song, John mentions that he’s been playing this instrumental from the time that he was playing on streets, when he was much younger.  If I recall correctly, the original album version of the song lasts roughly twelve-and-a-half minutes, but as far as I can tell, John’s performance is near the twenty-minute mark.  It’s ridiculous! Just like a real ocean, so does the song ebb-and-flow, building, and then, falling away.  All around, the crowd is moving, trying to keep up with John’s furious playing.  It’s no easy task, I can assure you, and by the time he’s done, I’m almost grateful for the release.  Almost.  Like I said, it’s brilliant.

When the other band members come back out, they all play “Revolution,” from the group’s album, April Uprising, after which, John whips out the banjo as the group jumps headlong into “Hi Dee Ho.”  Throughout the evening, it doesn’t really matter what instrument John is playing, his technique speaks of pure precision.  His ability to slide is nothing short of breathtaking, whether on an acoustic guitar or a lap steel.  It all leaves you wanting more.  This is not to say that one should take anything away from the other members of the group, Byron Luiters (bass) and Grant Gerathy (drums), who also show extensive talent during the set, every jam being kept tight-but-loose amongst the three.  Still, be assured that John Butler is amazing.

Following “Hi Dee Ho,” the trio plays “Better Than,” “Don’t Wanna See Your Face,” and “Devil Woman,” another great track from Flesh & Blood.  For what John says is going to be the next, and final, song, he gets the crowd to have a competition between the assembled men and women, trying to see who wants to sing the most to close out the night.  It’s hard to tell who wins, because everyone is yelling as loud as they can, male or female.  In the end, everyone wins as The John Butler breaks into a classic, “Zebra.”  If it’s truly to be the last song of the night, it’s a great way to go out.  John graces the song with some razor-sharp solos, and the entire group is playing with a furious energy, but when it’s over, the crowd is roaring for more, and the trio, not to ones to disappoint, comes back out for an encore.

I’m literally worn out, running on adrenaline, but I’m not going to sit down, so very close to the end.  The band has been playing for over an hour-and-a-half, and by the time they’re finished it will be right at two hours.  Two hours well-spent.

The encore starts with “Losing You,” from the album, Grand National, and is followed by “Livin’ in the City,” again, from Flesh & Blood.  The jam-filled performance of “Livin’ in the City” is amazing, and the energy, pouring from the band and reciprocated by the crowd, is so high, that when the song is finished, I’m positive that it’s the last song.  I’m glad that I’m wrong, because, instead, the band thanks the crowd for being so great, assuring us that they’ll be back as soon as possible, and then launches into “Funky Tonight,” which sends us all dancing into the night, with songs playing in our minds, awaiting the next time JBT comes around.  I hope it’s soon.