Ah yes, we were finally able to score the free time to go catch a rock show. What show was it Dave? Well hang-on, I’ll tell you. I went to the Griff Hamlin and the Single Barrel Blues Band show Friday night at the Guitar Sanctuary, btw a great place to catch live music. I like to think of myself as a regular to the Sanctuary, which is probably why I drove past the place 4 times and couldn’t find it. Finally having to call the lovely Mrs Dave and get her to help me find it. Alas, another story. Meanwhile, back to the review. This was the first time I’ve gotten a balcony seat, stage right, great seat I might add, clear sight line, good clean sound. I did have to shoot thru the prison bars, aka the balcony rail, for the videos, ya’ll just ignore that. Of course, I did not record the entire concert, but included are some excerpts.
We open the show at 7:30 with the Brandy Smith trio, the trio consisting of keys, snare drum/cajon and Ms Smith’s vocals. Small group with a big sound. I got to my seat during her rendition of “Bette Davis Eyes”, which was sung with proper Kim Carnes inflection. Brandy’s set was about 30-45 mins, she sang mostly pop songs, i.e. “Islands in the Stream”, she played a Gaga tune as well I just didn’t get the title. Ms Smith’s vocals were strong and clear. She mixed in a bit of gravel when necessary, and could clean it up when she needed to, good set. Go check her out.
Up next we have the Maylee Thomas Band, a long time veteran of the Dallas music scene. I first saw her at the Dallas Guitar Show about 15 or so years ago. Been lucky enough to catch her several times since and she never fails to impress. Maylee’s highly impressive vocal chops are complimented by her energetic and sincere stage presence, she is a pro and it definitely shows during her performance. I tried to get several titles of songs from each performer, I have to admit I spent more time listening than writing during her set, “Texas Home”, “Crazy’s What I Need” were ones that I managed to write down, a highlight to me was a cover song about addiction that moved me deeply, having played that game before. I wish I would have written the title down, but oh well. Backed by a 5 piece band that included guitarist, husband and McKinney Mayor George Fuller. The closing tune was a lovely mashup of “Purple Rain” and “I Can Only Imagine”. A comparison of Maylee Thomas to Janis Joplin based on vocal chops and stage presence might just be a bit too easy. It’s definitely there, but Ms Thomas goes beyond that comparison.
Now for the main event, the headliner, yep Griff Hamlin and the Single Barrel Blues Band, this was my third time to see them and no they did not disappoint. These guys are a high energy 8 piece band (4 horn section, that includes Griff’s wife Laura). Hmm maybe I need to get my wife in my next band………its a thought. Alright lets crank this sucker up with “Almost Level to the Ground” for the opening song. Most of their material came from the album “I’ll Drink to That” with “Don’t Lie to Me”, “Down and Out”, along with one of my favorites, “When Evil Comes to Town” off the Griff Hamlin Band Lp. Now when you add the inclusion of “Too Rolling Stoned”, “Fire”, “Me and my Guitar/Superstition” and a smoking version of “Hoochie Coochie Man” you have all the makings of a great evening of music. All told about a 90 minute set that reached out, grabbed you and hung on till the end, what a great evening of music. Griff’s impressive and expressive chops along with wife Laura’s endless enthusiasm make for a grand music experience. I’ve told you before, you need to go check these guys out.
Make a JoyFul Noise,
Dave