reCAP :: Blues Traveler :: 2014.12.27
John Popper led the harmonica driven blues-jam rock band, Blues Traveler, back for their ninth show all-time at the Capitol Theatre last night with a variety of covers, classics, and extended jams. A diverse crowd of both young and old-time fans gathered at the historic rock palace to share BT’s improvisational genius.
Opening with a cover of The Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” I knew the Cap was in for some other surprises. Soon after, they covered Sublime’s “What I Got,” leading to a full Cap sing along as guitarist Chan Kinchla engaged the audience to clap along to the beat. It’s always interesting to see how bands manipulate cover choices; I never would have pictured a harmonica and organ driven version of “What I Got”, proving that BT made the rendition their own. As they transitioned from “What I Got” into the following song, the band gave bassist Tad Kinchla a solo to smoothly slap his way into the jam.
Popper had no issue transitioning from a belting tenor to leading the band in harmonica-driven solos throughout the night. Such tenor strength was reminiscent of an 80’s Phil Collins, as Popper showed unbelievable vocal control. The veteran showed no signs of aging musically as he led BT through classics, such as “Run Around,” “Hook,” “But Anyway,” and “The Mountains Win Again.” The crowd was remarkably more energetic during these songs, as they are arguably the band’s most notable tunes. Guitarist Chan Kinchla’s speed picking techniques, keyboardist Ben Wilson’s prominent influence, and drummer Brendan’s Hill’s crashing fills strengthened BT’s extended jams and contributed to their full sound during these classics.
The relationship between BT and the Capitol Theatre owner Peter Shapiro goes back, as Shapiro owned the Wetlands Preserved nightclub in Tribeca in the 90’s. BT played numerous sets there, famously until early in the morning on most occasions. This friendship was evident during their set last night when Popper dedicated a song to Shapiro. BT then closed their set with a reprise of “Hook,” which yet again had the crowd singing along. As Popper came on stage with a cigarette in hand for the encore, he said, “The last place you can smoke is on stage, do you understand that? Anyway, you guys are f****** awesome!”