Embracing the snowy weather and the crisp Buffalo chill, G. Love & Special Sauce brought their unique musical styling to the Town Ballroom Wednesday night, delivering an innovative concert experience to the eager, mellow, mood-craving fans.
Their odd sound would best be described as a combination of Jack Johnson, Dispatch and a slight bit of Light Funky Ones, the singers of "Summer Girls," referenced here in the least offensive way possible.
This combination creates an eclectic sound that is simultaneously relaxing and invigorating, causing the audience to respond strongly to the group's live show.
Lead singer G. Love (a.k.a. Garrett Dutton III) of Philadelphia knows how to put on a great performance, filling up the stage with melodic singing, rapping and free-styling that proved to Sauce skeptics that he is no joke.
Besides having a great and original sound, the free flowing front man also plays the guitar and harmonica, which nicely compliment his smooth and sometimes odd lyrics.
Openers The Wood Brothers did a fine job of warming up the already anxious crowd.
"I really liked them," said Evan Marx, a senior exercise science major. "They had a great blues feel that reminded me a lot of The Allman Brothers, and then they actually played a 'Midnight Rider' cover, which was amazing."
The music of The Wood Brothers captivated dedicated fans and first time listeners alike. With only two people rocking out (brothers Oliver and Chris Wood) they seemed to know exactly how to astound whomever they were playing for.
One outstanding moment of their set was the breakdown that Chris Wood played on his bass guitar, getting everyone revved up.
The opening served as the beginning of a concert that covered many different genres of music. The Wood Brothers honed their own sound, while G. Love attacked the stage and played many originals alongside some great covers.
The covers themselves had a huge range in their sound, from Jack Johnson's "Rodeo Clowns" to Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice." The band proceeded to end the show with Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side".
There were no limits to what Mr. Love and his band could do. At one point G. Love even spit some freestyle specifically for Buffalonians.
"The band knew how to please their crowd," said UB junior Rachael Anderson. "I thought he played a really great show. He really got the audience involved and entertained, great jam session with the Wood Brothers and I loved the whole thing."
Wowing the crowd with their unique instrumental performance and sometimes mind-boggling lyrics, Mr. Dutton and company spread his love throughout the Ballroom and gave everyone in attendance a little taste of his "Special Sauce."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
