A harmonica wailed through the open air, acting as an auxiliary Fountain of Youth. G. Love, returning to Jannus Live with guest cellist Special Sauce, turned middle-aged concertgoers into 16-year-olds Saturday night.
Fusing blues, funk and a rap undertone, G. Love spat zingy melodies over long, drawn bass notes. Quick-paced and energized, there was little time for words beyond lyrics. With Chili Peppers speed and the raspy allure of Gavin Degraw in his voice, G. Love presents a unique sound blend.
A crowd of 30-plus fans drove the show. G. Love’s appeal lies in his balance of funk and honesty. College listeners can find a hook in his tales of underage lust for alcohol and dreams of women. “Cold Beverage,” about four songs in, left the crowd roaring at the prospect of asking for alcohol.
“I wrote this song when I was underage. Standing outside the liquor store, just praying for someone to bring me some good times,” G. Love said to the crowd of 1,200.
G. Love’s idea of a slowdown was found only in “Baby’s Got Sauce,” which featured an easy drumbeat that left hips swaying. He closed the show with “Booty Call”, perhaps trying to help a pair of drunken fans with his smooth harmonic charm.
G. Love’s Garrett Dutton has mastered guitar and harmonica after 20 years of playing. He regularly reminisces over his first meeting with drummer Jeffrey Clemens and the music that followed. Their music even reached fans of Jack Johnson when they collaborated with the artist on “Rodeo Clowns.” Johnson later signed Dutton to his label, Brushfire Records.
Throughout the night, Special Sauce pulled strings like ropes, tugging at bass chords and the hearts of fans during extended solos. It’s clear why G. Love fans find shows that feature Sauce to be a treat. He brings a sense of intensity and passion.
Loyal fans boasted of five or more shows attended. Most were easily over the age of 30, recognizable by their talk of the Ice Palace, later renamed the St. Pete Times Forum and now the Tampa Bay Times Forum. However, they held an underground mentality towards their beloved music. Their jabs of band loyalty made them hipsters of funk.
Opening act Swear and Shake did little for a mature crowd, but would have been a thrill for a younger audience. Pumped with youthful energy and spunky lyrics, they had a She & Him look, but an edgier sound. Lead singer Kari Spieler had the flair and voice to match Zooey Deschanel.
