I had read about Grace Potter and the Nocturnals before Id heard the music. Not having network television (or the desire to), I hadnt been turned on to Falling or Flying by watching Greys Anatomy. The glowing reviews of a so-called coming of age album I read encouraged me to click to buy This is Somewhere. One listen and I was hooked. Graces songs followed me into the shower, the truck, on walks with the dog. The only thing that I didnt know was if the live performance could possibly deliver the soul-stirring that the recording made me ache for. Having missed them at ACL last year, when I saw them come up on the Stubbs calendar, I snatched up six tickets and eagerly counted the days.
The first thing Grace and band did upon taking the stage was to baptize the crowd in Nothing But the Water with a little Gospel-esqe summons to Graces altar. The four friends we had brought (who hadnt even heard of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals) looked at us with bewilderment like wed been purposely hiding this great band from them. Vermont? one friend repeated when I responded to the question of where they are from. Yes, Vermont. Waitsfield, VT to be exact.
Grace has that powerful ability to sing to your soul you cant help but let every note saturate your entire being. Her passionate, raw stage presence is undeniable, but its not contrived. She seems genuinely happy to be there, that night, with the band and you. She effortlessly goes from guitar to keyboards and at one point, even laid on the stage to pound on the bass drum in the bands own mid-show drum circle. Shes beguilingly pretty but a humble leading-lady, giving each band member an introduction and multiple mentions throughout the show. Grace professed their love for Austin, teasing us with the notion that they had wanted to move the band here, but that Vermont would never forgive them for leaving. You gotta love a girl whos loyal.
Those of you that know Graces songwriting know that Joey dont treat her good no more, that darn Mary may be the end of everyone, and if St.Peter doesnt open that big white gate, hes missing out because I can guarantee that the folks up in heaven DO want to hear Grace sing.
The show at Stubbs didnt disappoint. It blew us all away. The four friends? They thanked us profusely for introducing them to a band who well definitely be talking about in the future, probably while saying remember when we were so close we could have touched her?. Ah Grace, even if we wont be so close that we could touch you at future shows, your music will be touching us, no doubt.
