Spring Break
Blues Traveler
Twenty years in the spotlight and they've still got it.
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Arts And Entertainment
Twenty years in the spotlight and they've still got it.
The popular American blues rock band Blues Traveler may have fizzled out of the headlines in recent years, (with the exception of front man John Popper's bizarre arrest in March of '07) but their live shows still pack a mean punch.
Filling the Georgia Theatre to capacity on October 9, Blues Traveler put on an upbeat, lively show, highlighting each of the musicians' unbelievable (and underrated) talents, in particular, the always mind-blowing harmonica work of John Popper that has given the band their reputation.
The brains behind the operation, Popper is responsible not only for the harmonica, but is also accountable for the vast majority of song-writing duties, as well as lead vocals.
He dominated in stage presence, interacting with the crowd, and raising his plastic red cup to Athens on several occasions.
The band covered a lot of turf in one show, playing tunes that ranged from standard, gritty twelve-bar blues (but rocking all the same) to upbeat, "poppy" hits, resembling bands like The Barenaked Ladies and Hootie and the Blowfish. The set also included a delightfully refreshing rendition of The Charlie Daniels Band "Devil Went Down to Georgia", with Popper's harmonica replacing the near impossible fiddle parts. They also made sure to hit the key crowd pleasers, such as "Run Around" and "Hook", arguably the two biggest songs accredited to the band's good name.
After a brief encore, Popper threw his harmonicas into the crowd, causing complete pandemonium within the ranks. The band bade farewell, and local harp players cried themselves to sleep that night.
The popular American blues rock band Blues Traveler may have fizzled out of the headlines in recent years, (with the exception of front man John Popper's bizarre arrest in March of '07) but their live shows still pack a mean punch.
Filling the Georgia Theatre to capacity on October 9, Blues Traveler put on an upbeat, lively show, highlighting each of the musicians' unbelievable (and underrated) talents, in particular, the always mind-blowing harmonica work of John Popper that has given the band their reputation.
The brains behind the operation, Popper is responsible not only for the harmonica, but is also accountable for the vast majority of song-writing duties, as well as lead vocals.
He dominated in stage presence, interacting with the crowd, and raising his plastic red cup to Athens on several occasions.
The band covered a lot of turf in one show, playing tunes that ranged from standard, gritty twelve-bar blues (but rocking all the same) to upbeat, "poppy" hits, resembling bands like The Barenaked Ladies and Hootie and the Blowfish. The set also included a delightfully refreshing rendition of The Charlie Daniels Band "Devil Went Down to Georgia", with Popper's harmonica replacing the near impossible fiddle parts. They also made sure to hit the key crowd pleasers, such as "Run Around" and "Hook", arguably the two biggest songs accredited to the band's good name.
After a brief encore, Popper threw his harmonicas into the crowd, causing complete pandemonium within the ranks. The band bade farewell, and local harp players cried themselves to sleep that night.
Be the first to comment on this story