I saw an extremely talented band; Elliot Brood. They were three very friendly musicians. A banjo, guitar and drum kit were played with such refined expertise. The band interacted with the audience like everyone was an old friend. They even gave out fun props; tin lids and wooden spoons to bang on during songs. The crowd went crazy banging on the tin lids and merriment was had by all. It has been a long time since I heard a band play so skillful as if they were sitting around playing blindfolded or sitting around their living rooms with family. They were very relaxed and made the audience feel welcome; even though it should have been us the Chicagoans welcoming these Canucks.
What stood out were the powerful drums, by Stephen Pitkin. I was looking for an enjoyable banjo sound, which I got, but the drumming got me to my feet for every song and standing atop a bench clapping with the beat and even dancing and if you know me at all you know I loathe dancing! Their sound was rock with a pinch folk and a dash of bluegrass. One gal in the audience said band mate, Mark Sasso’s voice sounded like the great Roger Waters of Pink Floyd during “What Would You Have Me Believe” the band’s opener. Casey Laforet was funny and played guitar brilliantly. He was such a master player even kept us entertained when a string broke on one of the guitars and he had to mend the instrument quickly.
The band released a new album “Days Into Years” recently. I played it over and over and over again. I had the same feeling of wanting to get up and dance. This album perked up my stressful day at work sitting in a cube. My three absolute favorite songs of the bunch are "Lindsay." It had such meaningful lyrics. The melody of “Northern Air” stayed in my mind even after my day of hitting repeat button. Then the song, “If I Get Old” had a groove that really struck my core.
This trio is traveling to a city near you right now. Their next shows are:
March 2nd, 2012 - Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco, CA
March 3rd, 2012 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA
March 5th, 2012 - Hi Dive, Denver, CO
March 6th, 2012 - The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
March 7th, 2012 - Old Rock House, St. Louis, MO
March 8th, 2012 - White Rabbit Cabaret, Indianapolis, IN
March 9th, 2012 - Beachland Tavern, Cleveland, OH
March 10th, 2012 - Mohawk Place, Buffalo, NY
Tell them Licha from Chicago sent you!!!
