GPotter_Nocturnals

THE PASSAGE OF TIME has seemingly diluted rock and roll’s roots, however, one thing is for certain: Each decade introduces at least one stand out, roots-y rock and roll band. For the ‘00’s, that band is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Grace Potter is the real deal and has the band to back it up. It’s not often these days you find a band that employs a Hammond B3, a Fender Rhodes and a front woman seductively slinging a Gibson Flying-V (and playing the hell out of it, I might add). Grace Potter and the Nocturnals bring it. Sex, soul, roots, swagger and staying power.

Formed in 2002 in Vermont, it didn’t take long for them to land a deal with Hollywood Records and start cranking out product by 2006. Nothing But the Water had been recorded and released independently by the band a year earlier after which, Hollywood re-released it as the group’s major label debut. Radio started taking to the band gradually and the touring ensued. Later that year would see award nominations begin to pile up including a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Grace_PotterThe following year brought us their sophomore record, This Is Somewhere, followed by more North American shows with Dave Matthews and fellow 2013 Peach Music Festival performers, The Black Crowes and Gov’t Mule. Television began recognizing the band by licensing their music for use in ER, Grey’s Anatomy and others, and we also saw them performing in living rooms all over the country via appearances on Leno, Good Morning America and Craig Ferguson.

With momentum building, it wasn’t until Grace Potter and the Nocturnals dropped their eponymous self titled third effort that they became an international success. This record yielded the band’s first single to break the Billboard charts, Paris (Ooh La La) and introduced them to a much broader audience. It was this single and record that first caught my attention.

Although most musicians have adopted digital recording methods, The Nocturnals included, the combination of strong songs, stellar musicians and conviction cuts through their albums like the warmth of a classic analog record. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have all 10 feet firmly planted in their roots and the needle just barely dropped. This is a band that will introduce younger listeners to a vintage sound and be a welcome, familiar vibe to those of us disheartened by current music. Grace Potter and her band are new “classic rock” and are certain to deliver the goods at this year’s Peach Music Festival.

PHOTO GALLERY


Johnny Zappwww.johnnyzapp.com | www.facebook.com/johnnyzapp76

Derek McCabe | ROCKTOGRAPHY | WEBSITE


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