When Grace Potter and the Nocturnals perform, Grace grabs your gaze and keeps you riveted to her. She’s mesmerizing. She struts and twirls like a dervish, as did a young Stevie Nicks. She’s so into the music. And, she’s so versatile. She’s a rocker (e.g. “Medicine”) but can sing controlled ballads too (e.g. “Apology”). She will be compared to Bonnie Raitt, or perhaps, a bit of Janis with a hint of Grace Slick. But Grace Potter has a lot of something unique, and it’s all her own.
Grace doesn’t just sing, she puts her entire body and soul into every note.
This is not to discount the talents of the band. Last Friday night, when Grace Potter and the Nocturnals played at Terminal 5 in Manhattan, every member did the same as Grace, energizing the crowd nearly to it’s limit. Cat Popper enhances the sex appeal of the visuals, but she can also play a mean guitar!
Brett Dennen, is a folk/pop singer-songwriter from California, opened for Grace Potter & the Nocturnals at Terminal Five. I’m not following the tour, but I’m assuming he’s the opening performer for a while. His sweet demeanor and reggae style got the audience swaying and lifting their hands in the air.
I first saw Grace Potter in person was in Manhattan, over a year ago. It was at invitation of a good friend who is a total GP&N groupie. My father was very ill and I was unhappy, but by the time the concert was over, I felt elated. I realized I had just experienced something really special. I came home from that concert and said to friends: “I’ve just heard someone wonderful, and her name is Grace Potter!” I handed them my iPod. After listening, they were immediately hooked.
The second time I heard Grace Potter live was at a Celebrate Brooklyn concert in Prospect Park this past Summer. I am still getting to know the band and their music, but my favorite songs are “Stop the Bus” and “Medicine.” The first, a melencoly ballad, and the second, a body wiggling rocker. There’s so much to like about Grace Potter & the Nocturnals that it is hard to convey how exciting they are, without showing you a video. With Grace Potter, a picture (or a video) is worth a thousand words:
There is chatter about when the newest album will be coming out. Maybe Spring 2010? The Advice Sisters will be waiting, and will bring you a review when the album has arrived. Meanwhile, if you want to know more about Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Visit the Grace Potter & the Nocturnals Web Site
*all photos and video by Alison Blackman, with special thanks to John Dunham and Brandon Stewart for their photographic assistance! Please read the copyright notice below if you are interested in the content, here. et/