Fall Tour 2006

[Snowbird]

Tour: Fall 2006
09/30/06 Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in Boston,MA Paradise Rock Club United States

09/29/06 Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in Boston,MA Paradise Rock Club United States

09/28/06 Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in Portland,ME The Big Easy United States

09/27/06 Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in New Haven,CT Toad

[Snowbird]

Tedheadone Re: September 3 - Shelburne, VT #8 [-]

Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(09/04/06 11:48:10)


Ernesto showed the lady a little respect...

Rain was my companion driving North on I-91, but once I got onto I-89 cross Vermont, by about the sixth exit, the pavement was dry.

I went slightly out of my way to go up past Higher Ground for pre-show nourishment at "Al's Famous Frys". A single cheeseburger for $1.71 got me back out on the road, headed through the University of Vermont (what a wonderful view from the crest of the hill, straight down Main Street past Nectars where the band really got kickin, to Lake Champlain) and slightly south to The Shelburne Museum.

Parking is on grassy fields, and you can tell people in surrounding cars have their eyes on the skies, making decisions of exactly what to bring inside for clothes and gear.

Me, it's easy. Low lawn chair and blanket are still next to the door at home, right where I left them. All I have is a golf umbrella and a jacket that I can sit on. Spitting at fate, I wear shorts and a T-shirt inside. Walking to the gate, I look unround uneasily at all the locals wearing long pants and fleece vests. Hmmm...

Going in, the "gate" is at the top of the a nice medium gentle hill sloping down to the stage, which has a stockade fence running off to either side into the woods. There is a merch tent midway down the left side of the hill, and I can see Jen, busy. I decide to visit later. I get down past midway to the stage, and it is already very crowded, so I just plunk my coat down and sit. Hey, you can't be in the front row EVERY time. This time I'll just experience the show from back here. Just be a concertgoer among concertgoers. Rrrrright..........

After about 12 seconds of sitting, I get up and go back to the merch tent and to say hi to Sparky Potter. I'm not sure, but I think he might actually be the mayor...everyone going by stops to say hi- he introduces them all to me...(note to self..work on name memory tricks...) little kids come up and beg him to bring them backstage - right now!- and he takes pictures of them all. He must have quite the photo album(s).

Uber fan Kelly wandered up to say hi. She is a teacher, and the start of school has been delayed to 9/18 because of mold remediation in the building, so she's diggin an extended summer vacation. But I'm guessing her building will be warm next July..they are gonna go late...She is carrying a beautiful corsage. I have to ask. Turns out an extra ticket she had went to a friends father...who rewarded her with the flowers...which she wore until she got tired of answering questions about it! (Umm, sorry, Kelly...)

Second opener woods Brothers are on and they sound good. They were in Newport as well, but might have had some sound interference from Grace's set there :\ as they were on at the same time....

A few faint drops of rain convinces me to go back to the car and get on long pants along with the new GPTN Shelburne show long sleeve T.

As its getting closer to show time, I head back to my lonely jacket and look at it with disdain...I can't sit here...way too far back...so I head down the edge of the crowd, and hang my jacket on the fence and run into Peggy Potter. Now, if Sparky is the mayor, she for sure is the First Lady, because she seemingly knows everybody else..and introduces them to me (note to self..I'm serious about this memory thing). One woman I met,(I forget her name) Peggy hadn't seen since 1982 !!

A woman I worked with in Mass spotted me and visited for a bit. Beth and Jeff have a second home in the Mad River Valley and she knows Peggy from the farmers market on Saturday..we chat until we can see the band on the stage steps..time to stake out a position, which I do, standing on the side about 50 feet from the monitors on the corner. Here by default, I too late realize this is not the best spot, as the B-3 is completely out of view from here. I will only be able to see Grace when she is on guitar. Moving to the other side would be a lot of work, and put me further from the stage, so I stay put in the midle of the dancing crowd. During the show, I get a chance to move to about 20 feet from the monitors, as dancers come and go.

The band takes the stage to a hometown welcome. Grace is wearing a tight, one piece, stretch, denim item and the boys are wearing, well, jeans and a T-shirt.

I lie. I just like always writing that. Scott is wearing white slacks, and Bryan is wearing a sport coat- for the first song anyway..and they open with Belladonna.

Grace asked that folks keep the obscenities down when they shout song request as the show is being recorded for later broadcast by VPR....

By a show of hands at Grace's request, there are a lot of first timers at this show. and I suspect that most of the others might not have seen the band since Barre in February, so there were a lot of new songs for them. And from the "time inevitably marches on" department, the total show was 19 songs, only six of them were "old". By that, I mean from the most recent disc. Isn't that amazing? Not a single song from "Original Soul" made the setlist tonight. If I had to guess one that might have made this show, it would have been "Crazy Parade"....

Tonights show has multiple highlights. I love the intros to "Ragged", "Treat Me Right" and "Falling or Flying".

"Over Again" is just one of the songs that featured Scott off the charts, and Bryan and Matt anchored the night.

Grace invited everyong to stand for the last song, "Every Mile"
and the crowd complied, filling in the front. I managed to get stage edge, right in front of the B-3. SCORE! I knew I couldn't sit in the crowd, and I was rewarded. And Grace smiled and said "THIS is what we're used to.THIS is what we like!"

And a smokin version of "Every Mile" ended with Matt kicking his set, and tossing his cymbal stand high in the air, and Grace chucked the owl in the same direction...kinda like skeet shootin for cymbal with owl....if she hit it, I couldn't hear it !!

Don't think this energy just stops when they go down the steps...I could see Grace, Matt and Scott, bouncing around right into a spontaneous group hug by the RV. Bryan might have been in the middle of that for all I know.

But they came back out, (after Bill and the monitor man re-set the drums for Matt) and went into a soulful version of "Big White Gate". Man, I l LOVE being 10 feet away from the B-3 to see the expression on a song like this. And the crowd sang along to NBTW, ripped again by Scott and Bryan.

Finally, opener Ansin Rich came out with the Wood Brothers (one of whom was nearly clocked by a turning Bryan's Fender Jazz bass). Ansin brought out a handwritten lyric sheet that he laid on the B-3 in front of Grace.

And out of nowhere, they closed with, George Harrisons "All Things Must Pass" A treat that just might never be heard again...one of the reasons I keep comin....a song that maybe 20% of the crowd had never, ever, heard at all.

After the show, I said goodbye to Sparky by the backstage gate. No need to try and say hi to the band...I got a big smile from each of them when I was up front..they know I made the trip, like I said I would.....8 hours in the car today...rain or no rain...and after a quick good bye to Jen at the merch tent, I'm back in my car. I put the windows down and open the sunroof while I wait for traffic to move...and just minutes later I had to close it as a light rain was starting..

Ernesto showed the lady a little respect...

Final Note: Be sure to pick up a copy of the magazine Vermont which Sparky had. That's all I'm gonna say..

Okay, okay....full page pic of Grace with this title "Grace Potter-State Songstress" and multi page article


set list

BellaDonna
Joey/Joy
Ain't No Time
Toothbrush and My Table
Ragged Company
Here's to The Meantime
Arms Length
Take It All Away
Mystery Train
Stop The Bus
Left Behind
Treat Me Right
Over Again
I Ain't Changin
Falling or Flying
Every Mile
////////////////////////
Big White Gate
Nothing But The Water
All Things Must Pass w/ Wood Brothers and Ansin Rich

[Snowbird]

Tedheadone Re: Fall River Show #1 [-]

Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(09/11/06 05:20:33)
Chaos Theory...

That's what the parking plan must have been at The Narrows Festival for The Arts yesterday after the adjacent lot filled up.

I won't bore you with details (I tried but a pop up just erased my whole post in progress somehow..) but suffice it to say that I was standing out on the corner directing traffic, looking for an RV and trailer to make sure they could get into the stage area. This brought some laughs when they pulled into sight.....

Great day, nice little festival, smallish tented stage erected right in the middle of the intersection, almost below the I-195 bridge across the Taunton River.

The venue had set up, in the facing street, rows of tables and chairs set back about 30 feet from the stage. I guess they thought people would need tables to sit and eat the chourico sandwiches and lobster cakes....So it was a laid back crowd, distanced except for those taking pictures.
And unlike the night before, there were no exhortations to "come on down" to stage edge. But I did, for the last three songs, taking my favorite spot in front of the B-3. I am very happy when I have one elbow on the stage..

Grace came out in jeans and multi layered top and wore shades for the first several songs. The band wore, well, jeans and T shirts.

Opener NBTW missed the first verse of the band section due to a dead mic on the B-3, which Bill quickly switched out with the center mic. Stop The Bus moved quickly and cleanly into Meantime with great guitarwork on both.

Openers don't often get them, but the emcee brought the band back out for the encore, a surprise rendition of The Stones' "No Expectations"

Grace and Scott signed for several fans who came behind the stage. And after a nice post show hang with everybody (but Matt) I hit the road home. I should have stayed for Sonny Landreth, but wanted to beat the weekend traffic home.

Set List

NBTW
Arms Length
BellaDonna
Joey
Ain't No Time
Big White Gate
Stop The Bus
Meantime
Falling or Flying
Every Mile
///////////////
No Expectations

Photo link here:
http://vtphotocreations.com/gracepotter/2006-09-03/

[Snowbird]

Tedheadone Iron Horse, Northampton Ma 9/20/23 #1 [-]

Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(09/23/06 10:31:06)

Funny how it's all a big circle.

Last time GPTN played here, Chris Smither followed them in the next night. He plays the Iron Horse tonight.

Following GPTN this time is Ollabelle, who opened for Chris last night at Somerville Theater.

And prior to the show, Grace remembered opening for Olabelle at the Iron Horse (far enough back that it predates the dates saved on GPTN website).

Tonight the venue has pulled the tables from the club, so there is a chance to get down front. which doesn't particularly please the 3 guys that got in line at 6 PM to get a table down front...

Jen's family has pulled into town and wanders off to Main St for a bite to eat. No food at the club tonight...hmmmm....not that I couldn't stand to miss a meal..:\

Grace's Dad Sparky has taken the ride down from Waitsfield as well, and he is certainly psyched to see see a dance floor.

Otherwise engaged, I completely miss the opener Lowell Thompson, but I make it to the floor by the side of the stage in time to have the band walk right by to take the small stage. But before they do, I spy Wally's daughter Keri, who is right in front of Bryan's mic. Ah, college life......Monitors are actually on tables in front of the stage.

Grace is dressed in a sleeveless v neck top. The band takes the stage dressed in, well, jeans and T-shirts. Except Scott, who has a collared shirt. Pretty radical...

Belladonna is the opener, and the band really kicks into gear with Meantime. Tonight Grace sings Joey into the hand held harmonica mic, giving it an old time flavor and it segues into a furious Joy. Mystery Train has a neat break and my notes highlite "keyboards/drums/Bryan"

Particular delight tonight is "Lovers Lost and Found". Matt has a bit of a different beat, Scott was outrageous, and the end tonight had Grace in rare form, holding one high energy note so long that she just slowly sank down disappearing below the B-3. Which was followed by another infrequent addition these days, Sweet Hands...great to hear again..

Scott even kicked it up a notch on Over Again with a seismic solo.

Bryan took some good natured kidding from Grace about his awe-struck (she claims, he denied) first meeting with bass player Chris Woods from Martin, Modeski & Woods before he launched into the upright solo intro to Toothbrush. Bryan also got solo props tonight on NBTW..

The Stones also played tonight in Masachusetts, so the band played encore "Live with Me" before closing with Big White Gate.......another great night with The Nocturnals!

Pre-show, Jen told me they were not staying local, but heading to Kingston NY for the Bearsville Theater/Woodstock show. Plan was to leave THAT show and make the long trip back to Waitsfield, so it's nice not to have the day book-ended by long rides. Good plan, that I adopt....

On to Woodstock.....
setlist

Belladonna
Meantime
Ain't No Time
Joey>Joy
Mystery Train
Lovers Lost and Found
Sweet Hands
Falling or Flying
Left Behind
Over again
Take it all Away
Toothbrush
NBTW
Stop The Bus
///////////////
Live with Me
Big White Gate
POYH (scheduled, not played....)

[Snowbird]

Tedheadone
Woodstock, NY 9/21/06


Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(09/23/06 12:19:32)


Well, I came upon a child of God, he was walking along the road....It was ME!!

Before leaving the Iron Horse, I had a chance to tell Grace that I was going to visit the site of Woodstock, 1969 and her eyes opened wide at my plan...

Contrary to popular belief, Three Days of Peace and Love did NOT occur in Woodstock, NY, as the Town Fathers were real Mothas and denied permits late in the game. Farmer Max Yasgur stepped up to the plate and leased the promoters his land in Bethel for the concert.

Which is 60 miles away on two lane, which makes for a nice ride for me. I go through towns that seem almost deserted, and feature lots of Yiddish signs and camps and retreats. Some of the "camps" are just cottages, very close to each other by the road, surrounded by chain link fence. I can't tell if they are abanded or just out of season...

Stopping in Fallsburg, at a scenic outlook, I encounter some state workers. I tell them were I am going, and they fill me in, a whole story I hadn't heard...

A billionaire cable tycoon named Gerry has a foundation that purchased the festival site and surrounding areas, and has poured $70 million (so they say) into creating an amphitheater performance site called Bethel Woods that just opened this summer.

I make it to the area, and head up Hurd Road, and sure enough, there are new split rail fences, parking areas, and signage. And when I get near the top, there is a gorgeous Adirondack style building with huge stone fireplace, humming with activity of construction workers.

I pull thru the tasteful gate, and Bill the security guard approaches, friendly. We talk for a minute about how it's closed etc., and finally he motions me to "pull here and park" so I do, and get out and start a 30 minute conversation with him. He asks me if I want to look over at the amphitheater and starts to lead me over. I feel goosebumps and my eyes well up. I am on ground that is, to me, hallowed.

In 1969, he was 17, and was staying that weekend at White Lake. Saturday morning, it was deserted, every one had gone to the show. They started walking the 7 miles, and he said it was just a moving mass of humanity, people in front, in back, and on each side the whole way. They spent the day on a hillside of the back side of the crowd. He said it was kind of scary.

No expense has been spared by the Gerry Foundation, which cleared a whole hillside to make the venue. The original hillside site of the festival is not used for shows, and will remain as a memorial...



The gravel area on the left is where the original stage was at the bottom of the hill

There is a marker that faces the field



The inaugural performer to open Bethel Woods this summer was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Talk about going full circle...wonder if they were still "scared shitless". I can't begin to imagine the reaction of those folks who had been there 37 years ago....oh my god...

I truly pay my respects to the memory and the vibe, and hit the road back to Woodstock. And as soon as I get there, I am in traffic....the town is very funky and there are happy, smiley people everywhere and police as well. I find out, later, the Dali Lama was there for a speech. D.L. gets head of state security, so there was Secret Service there as well.

I make it to the venue which is quite a place, and includes a great radio station WDST. Woodstock was home to Bob Dylan, and The Band, among others. Check out more on the site here:
thebearsvilletheatercomplex.com
and click on the Red Theater icon...

I do take a ride around a lake before pulling back in at 5 PM as they go to a "live at 5" segment. I walk into the theater and see the band interviewed on WDST and play 2 songs on the air. At the show later, Grace said she was glad she didn't cuss, as she thought it was being taped, not a live shot..

After the segment, the band continues sound check, works on a song, and Scott works on...



And as I have a 3 hour ride home, late, I pull my car to the far edge of the lot, and put the seat back for a 60 minute refresher, coming to at 7:15 PM., Doors are at 7, there are lot of folk there already, so I head in, buy a ticket, and then head over the The Little Bear for some chinese food at the bar.

By the time I'm back, openers Felice Brothers, are finishing their set. The sound in the bar area is great. The back wall of the bar is actually a huge plate of glass, so you can sit at the bar and watch the show inside the theater.



It is a way cool place, and original photos of Jimi, Janis, Dylan, Van, and The Band are displayed. Might, in fact, be the nicest place I have seen a show. No expense has been spared. I would love to have this as my "home field".

No seats tonight, and I am upfront behind a couple from Albany, Meredith and Luke, that ask me if I am Matt's father......they had seen me at Lowell and are big fans..

Grace comes out in a gorgeous red wrap dress, first time I have seen that, with a wide leather belt, and black shitkicker boots!! She is a vision tonight, and the band takes the stage in, well, jeans and T shirts, Scott once again bucking trend with a collared shirt...

Grace pays the town a compliment as a beautiful place, "and coming from where we live, that is a big compliment".

This a great venue to open with NBTW, and the band has the crowd right out of the gate..and the move right into Arm's Length and its funky synchopated open...

Bryan again takes the full solo open for Toothbrush, and Scott sung his "I Ain't Changin".

I'm not sure if it was the 4 shot montage of Hendrix on the bar wall, or Neil Young on "Down by the River" that sounded great on the Bose sound tower in the bar after sound check, but Scott is off the charts on Over Again, a simply furious pummeling of 6 strings.. wow....

And if that wasn't enough energy, they continued to the finish line with Mystery Train, Every Mile/Delta, before coming back out for encore Piss on Your Hand.

No post show hang for me tonight...I bid my good bye to Jen at the merch table, and hit the head before hittin the road. Bryan exits the dressing room as I walk by. I say goodbye, and he points to the door and says "go in and say goodbye". I do, and Grace and matt are talking with one of the Felice guys. They see me and Grace asks, right off, "Did you get to Max Yasgur's farm"/>

vtforme Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #1 [-]

Fan

Posts: 239

(09/23/06 14:08:11)


Ted,
Your descriptions of the shows are funn to read. Keep up the good. By the way are you Matt's Dad?

OyStErHeAd00 Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #2 [-]

Posts: 3

(09/24/06 06:25:13)



Thanks for posting the setlist, I needed help filling in a few blanks. In the process of uploading the show to the LMA now, should be ready for download later tonight

www.archive.org/details/g...21.smk-h8k

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
September 21, 2006
Bearsville Theater
Woodstock, NY

Taper: David Jeffers <oysterhead00@hotmail.com>
Source: Superlux SMK-H8K/U's > Silver Hydras > PS-2 > AD-20 >
CJB3 (WAV 44.1 Optical In)
Location: At SBD, ~30' from stage, Mics @ ~8' X/Y Config.
Transfer: CJB3 > Firewire > SoundForge > CDWave > FLAC


Disc One
--------------------------------------------------------
01. WDST Intro 01:32.69
02. Nothing But The Water > 09:31.49
03. Arms Length 05:01.18
04. Belladonna 05:24.65
05. Treat Me Right 08:11.73
06. Left Behind 06:00.52
07. Bryan Dondero Upright Bass Solo > 02:04.44
08. Toothbrush And My Table 05:18.14
09. Meantime / Stop The Bus 12:31.64
10. I Aint' Changin'* 08:45.14
--------------------------------------------------------
Total 64:23.12


Disc Two
--------------------------------------------------------
01. Big White Gate > 05:37.12
02. Over Again 10:59.32
03. Mystery Train^ 08:49.21
04. Every Mile 07:40.48
05. Delta 07:08.31
06. Encore Break 02:36.54
07. Piss On Your Hands 04:58.74
--------------------------------------------------------
Total 47:50.47



Notes:
* Scott Tournet (lead guitarist) song
^ Junior Parker cover

Show Notes:
Not 100% sure on the setlist and editing, email if there
are any big messups. Great show with a TON of energy.
Between songs and during some quiet parts, you'll hear
one guy who felt the need to turn around and yell to
this girl between every song. Stuff like, "Earplugs? I
don't need no stinking earplugs!" and "Sweet mother of
God, I need Hydration!"

FLAC Fingerprints
--------------------------------------------------------
gpn2006-09-21d1t01.flac:823b703c91f01070550f4d3964e4b587
gpn2006-09-21d1t02.flac:30f862199545b9f06c27b7a022c5b945
gpn2006-09-21d1t03.flac:4209e88b7f7624b21d18ada4ec6ca0a9
gpn2006-09-21d1t04.flac:d48359b044fd998a152f6b5860b1cc16
gpn2006-09-21d1t05.flac:4cc3ae84ba0551ae2ccb2ca44926c748
gpn2006-09-21d1t06.flac:434094338208346f22b05d9c6d9f43b6
gpn2006-09-21d1t07.flac:07641a92fa083e596d26e0a0eb0be251
gpn2006-09-21d1t08.flac:e06219dddb3ae589e4ea759d0f55d7c3
gpn2006-09-21d1t09.flac:6fa4e338e558530eeee4331cf30eff2f
gpn2006-09-21d1t10.flac:f0fa70efbdeb5465b8770a15be28f181
gpn2006-09-21d2t01.flac:d25b03a5d30e678a0a695175dbb39e3a
gpn2006-09-21d2t02.flac:de70c7ee4687ce8e0d1ff220cda5d2a2
gpn2006-09-21d2t03.flac:080c6920a191ec77c2c0bf311280a59a
gpn2006-09-21d2t04.flac:c73ad0683cbb03ae4d37004aae9408f7
gpn2006-09-21d2t05.flac:e9425c1ee75aab5393d3eddd84d46c32
gpn2006-09-21d2t06.flac:983d189e3f469a6c267a250f0017de0d
gpn2006-09-21d2t07.flac:3cfc517f287ac1bfd05efaf3b67b4111
--------------------------------------------------------


Transfered, Tracked and Compiled on September 22, 2006.

Tedheadone Matt's Dad #3 [-]

Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(09/24/06 10:59:22)


VtforMe-

I can answer that two ways...

1. Look at Matt. His dad is obviously a handsome man..

2. I bet his Dad is smart enough to figure out how to get
pictures inserted in his posts... :\

sienaluke Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #4 [-]

Member

Posts: 29

(09/24/06 14:48:11)

* Reply
* Quote
*
More
o My Recent Posts


Thanks for the link to the show. i'm listening it o right now. I was there, it was great. i'm actaully the luke that ted refers to about thinking that he is matts dad.

status offlinetekawitha Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #5 [-]

Fan

Posts: 299

(09/25/06 08:04:34)


thanks, again, Van - had to miss this show, too and love reading your take on everything from the sounds to the sights!
And, you could be Matt's dad - both of you are good-looking!

I wonder who siennaluke is???? does he live in NY???

Tedheadone Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #6 [-]

Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(09/25/06 09:08:52)



Aww, shucks, thanks...:\

Sienna Luke and Meredith came down from Albany, and also made the trek to Lowell in August

Fun Folly Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #7 [-]

Posts: 3

(09/25/06 10:11:48)



Well written, Ted.

Good imagery and connection. I felt like I was right there with you.

An emotional and amazing adventure.

Thanks for sharing.

Did everyone see the link from Olivia to some really cool
GPN photos? I think in was in 'general discussion' .

I'll repost it if not:

www.andrewburdickphotogra...folio.html

-Fun Folly

sienaluke Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #9 [-]

Member

Posts: 29

(09/25/06 16:03:08)



www.kodakgallery.com/I.js...&y=-vy0kpz


This is a link to the photos i took at the show in lowell back in august. there maybe some photos where the rope in the from of the stage is in focus. i'm using a digital rebel slr and i'm still getting used to the focusing

tekawitha Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #10 [-]

Fan

Posts: 299

(09/26/06 07:16:55)

*

thanks for the intro, sienaluke - and, the slide show was appreciated - had to miss that show...nice setting.
tekawitha Re: Woodstock, NY 9/21/06 #12 [-]

Fan

Posts: 299

(09/26/06 14:16:42)


thanks - just got the discs burned and will listen tonight - love the new stuff as well as the old. you tapers have been a real asset/wonder - keeping us fans "fed"
cheers

[Snowbird]

Tedheadone
Boston Paradise Theater 9/29 1st night
Lead [-]

Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(09/30/06 05:40:59)


The Paradise is now one of the longer running venues in the country. Plunked down on Commonwealth Avenue, smack dab in the heart of Boston University. In its' 25th year as the Paradise, and as another club for at least a decade before that, it has seen its' share of stars come through. Many on the way up, and sadly, some on the way down as well...

Ascending, and putting in the final two shows of a 2 year exploration of America spreadin' the gospel of Grace, sometimes to only a handful, sometimes to festival throngs, The Nocturnals pay a visit.

Heading out to LA in a week and a half, the band will be hard at work selecting the right mix of songs for the new album. Rumour has it that there are 35 songs in the running (Grace says a plethora of new songs) and let me tell you, I'm already excited about the Higher Ground run to close out 2006, (think we'll hear a few new tunes ?) because 2007 will be huge. You will remember well the night when only 40 people showed....like the night at House Of Blues "Parish" in New Orleans when I was in a "crowd" of about 20 people- MAX.

This 2 night Boston run is part of NEMO "3 nights, 30 venues, 300 bands". I'm seeing one of them, twice. (I guess that musically, I go deep rather then wide!!) With that city wide event, tonight is not sold out, unlike GPN's last Paradise visit.

And it takes a lot of nerve to kick off a show with a brand new song, but nerve they've got, and that's what they did tonight. I need to hear it again a few times to absorb it. and after the first song, Grace sat down at the B-3 and said "That red sign there is the exit sign. If you're not ready to rock, get the #&*$ out"

This was an ultra high energy show, with the special Scott guitar open to Treat me Right. Particulary fun was right in the middle of NBTW, Scott and Grace both drivin', they stopped abruptly and said "did you hear that" & "what was that" while looking to the soundboard in the balcony. Then Grace laughed and said "that's the sound of Mark turning 35" Jen ran out a balloon and 4 2x3 posterboards. Matt held one that said "Mark" and Scott Grace and Bryan stood side by side with signs that said "Happy Birth Day" and Grace led the crowd in a laughing version of Happy Birthday to Mark.

Then they picked up their axes and went back to work finishing NBTW, a memorable moment for sure. It's that spirit and joy that is infectious. Much like bringing Drew and Zoom Zoom to the stage for a send off at their last gig in Waitsfield last Fall that closed out the "Welcome Home" tour.

Grace dedicated "Big white Gate" to her hospitalized Grandmother, concerned that she might not make it out this time..

Opener Peter Prince, personality plus, came out mid set for a rippin version of "Live with Me" and the night ended with Grace deciding to add one more song, POYH, as the rest of the band was starting to split.

Great night at the 'dise. I ended up in my favorite spot along the stage, next to a guy that had driven up from Baltimore. Way to go !!

set list

Night Rolls On
Mystery
Treat
Stop The Bus
Joey>Joy
NBTW> Happy Birthday> NBTW
Take it All Away
Live with Me w/ Peter Prince
Over Again
Left Behind
Arms Length
BellaDonna
Big whit gate
Every Mile
Delta
//////////////////
Falling or Flying
POYH

musicfromthesoul Re: Boston Paradise Theater 9/29 1st night #1 [-]

Member

Posts: 32

(09/30/06 07:16:25)

*

Unreal review!!! Great job....the best part about it, is this is my 1st time ever reading about myself on the web! I am the guy from Baltimore. :hat I wish I knew I was next to such a die-hard...I assure you I felt your energy! Although their were quite a few 1st timers up by me, who weren't really sure how to handle such powerful and moving music! I'm excited for tonight, make sure you grab me and let me know who you are. -Brian

[Snowbird]

Tedheadone Re: Paradise 9/30 #3 [-]

Nocturnican

Posts: 509

(10/01/06 12:02:06)


There are nights. And then there are NIGHTS...

This was a NIGHT....you will all get your chance, taper-extrordinaire Jason will get it up on archive.org before long.

Check out his work on this upload of the GPN's Paradise opener for Mike Gordon and Ramble Dove on May 30th here:
http://www.archive.org/details/gpn20...30.m200.flac16
(That show opened with a brand new song as well, Take it All away)

The final show of a tour is always a big night, and for the hard core, wrenching in a way, as you know it's gonna be awhile till you hear 'em again. Higher Ground is just 90 days away, and that seems like such a mighty long time to me. But hey!, find the silver lining, new album will be laid down by that point, and we'll be able to look forward to its release sometime in 2007..

Lat night was Green Mountain State night at the Paradise. Opener Lowell Thompson hails from Vermont as well, and turned in a strong set of country tinged rock, highlighted by closing song "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere". This came out of left field and most people around me didn't know the song. Not surprisingly, I guess, since it was released in May of 1969 as the the title track to Neil Young's (with Crazy Horse) first album. This 7 song gem included Cinnamon Girl, Down by The River, and Cowgirl in the Sand.

If you do not have this disc, but love a guitar, here you go, on sale $11.99 :

shop.fye.com/product.aspx?sku=60147039&loc=50244

Okay, I admit, I have digressed majorly. Maybe it's because my head is still ringing, and my smile is starting to hurt....

And since we're on the topic of Neil Young, let's go right to the encore. Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer"..I'm getting goosebumps as I type....joined on guitar by Scott Taylor of User Shorty Patent Co., another Vermont band, that all of GPN have played with. Absolutely searing, with 4 and 5 voices singing at different parts. What a way to close out a night, a month, a tour!

But before the band ever took the stage, uber fan Kelly, her room mate (sorry, I forget..) appeared behind me down front. And with them, a 31 year old Thai woman that has come to Vermont for 1 year, to teach in Kelly's school. I wonder how a young woman from Thailand will handle GPN. Just fine it turns out...I make sure she is up close, she may be only about 5 feet tall, and quickly into the show, she hands her camera to another, so that he can take her picture sitting on the stage, drink in hand, with Grace at the mic as backdrop.
I guess some things are universal.

Mid set I feel a poking in my back, which I ignore. I am certain it is not a gun. Playful kidney punches later, I turn to see Sparky Potter, camera in hand, ready to take some up front pics of his daughter in the band. He points out Peggy in the balcony. Scott's parents are in da house, and I see Matt's brother as well.

Off the list tonight from last night are Bus, Joey, Left Behind, Big White Gate, Live with Me, Falling or Flying, POYH.

Additions are Ain't No Time, Ragged, Meantime, Lose some Time (duo), Toothy, I ain't Changin, Cortez the Killer.

Scott is, in fact, and animal...I can testify...I was close enough to get nearly get clocked by the head of his guitar as he administered dose after dose of high octane euphoria.

Highlights? Easier to list the lowlights..

Lowlights? None...

Special note tonight... Lose some Time with the duo of just Scott and Grace on accoustic guitar. The crowd needed a breather after Over Again and really got a chance to hear Grace sing on this rarity.

Special note last night...Grace said "give it up for the Nocturnals!! If I had my way, we would be just The Nocturnals, forget what the marquee says" The marquee noted just Grace Potter in big letters. Nice nod for her band.

My early line for "single" off the new album is Arms Length, or maybe Falling.....but who knows what other songs are lurking in the fertile mind of one Miss Grace Potter?

A memorable night, indeed, to close down this run. I have been blessed to have been at lots of the shows and report them back to you. Buy a ticket to the show!! Next chance, Higher Ground, Burlington, VT Dec 29-31. See you there...
over and out....

set list

Night Rolls On
Belladonna
Treat Me Right
Ain't No Time
Ragged Company
Meantime
Arms Length
Mystery (w/ Rosey Rosenblatt on harmonica)
Take it All Away
Over Again
Lose Some Time (duo)
Toothbrush
I ain't Changin
Every Mile
Delta
NBTW
//////////////////
Cortez the Killer (w/Scott Taylor)

WallyC
Paradise 9/30


Posts: 11

(09/30/06 23:45:06)


Fill up the tank......$ 22.46 on debit Mastercard.
Pre-show meal.....$32 on debit Mastercard.
Parking in Boston.....$20 on debit Mastercard..
Standing 8 ft away from Ms. Potter on the left side of the B-3..........priceless!!
Unless you're Van.........just a bit left of center stage, right in front leaning on a monitor!
Third show of my young GPN career and it was HOT!!! They had me sweating and moving. Grace was a ball of fire ....and she was moving more than me but she wasn't sweating.....or maybe she hid it well.
Highlights for me....Mystery Train with "Rosie" blowing an awesome harmonica. I Aint Changing....and Water........Brian jumping on the speaker cabinet for I Aint Changing..........the band seeming to be channeling Jimmy Hendrix at the end of one tune(cant remember the song but I'm sure Van will fill us in) with multi-feedbacks, members banging their guitars on the floor while on their knees....I was waiting for Scott to set his guitar on fire!!!........and of course, Brian coming out for the encore with a bottle of Jack. They deserved it!!

My take on the band: Matt is an "animal", Scott is a "Monster", Brain is "wild", and Grace.....well she's "Phat"!!!!
And I mean all of that in only the most positive way.

My first time at the 'Dise...hopes its not my last.

Good luck to the band on their trip to LA!!

Now all I need to do is find a room in Vermont for New Year's Eve..........

Wally C.