LOCKPORT —
Back in May when the Canal Concert Series lineup was announced I remember recognizing all of the band’s names except one. The lone act that I had never heard of was The John Butler Trio.
As I prepared the story announcing the lineup, I had to Google John Butler to figure out who the heck he was and why his trio was playing Lockport.
Even though I had done my homework going into Friday’s show, I can honestly say that I really did not know what to expect from The John Butler Trio. I was actually more familiar with the support acts, all of whom I had seen before. So, when Butler and his rhythm section hit the stage at 9:15 PM, they had to prove themselves to me.
It didn’t take me long to realize that Butler is the real deal. He is dripping with talent, and can make a twelve-string guitar sound like three different guitarists playing at once. I watched him play and just couldn’t figure out how he got the sound he did.
After his opening number “One Way Road,” Butler promised the Lockport crowd that they would hear a variety of styles. Butler delivered on his promise, sometimes he sounded like Dave Mathews and other times he sounded like Jimi Hendrix. Whatever he did, I had a sense that I was in the presence of greatness.
There were plenty of people in the audience who knew Butler’s music, and based on who I met in the parking lot and in the venue, there were many road trips that ended in Lockport on Friday. It created a unique feeling, a good vibe that was unlike any of the shows I have attended in Lockport.
Musically, Butler and company were nothing short of spectacular. One of the knocks on “jam bands” is that they are too loose, almost sloppy. That is not the case with The John Butler Trio. They hit stops on the song “Don’t Wanna See Your Face,” that were incredibly precise, and throughout the night the band maintained a unique balance of polish and improvisation.
One of my favorite moments was when the band played “Oceans,” a lengthy instrumental. For over ten minutes Butler captivated the crowd with just his instrument. And the Lockport crowd got it, which is what I have been telling artists I talk to and what makes these shows work. People at canal concert shows are not only diverse, there is a huge segment of them that really love music and they are an amazingly appreciative bunch.
For his part, Butler certainly did not act like the superstar he is in Australia. He is a guy that still has a great deal of humility in spite of his talent. After his set, he took time to pose for pictures with any fan that had a camera. More importantly, at the end of the show he and his band stood center stage and instead of taking bows, he applauded the crowd.
John Butler told the Lockport crowd, “You are nice people, we need to come here more often,” and I agreed. And the next time he comes to town, not only will I know who he and his trio are, I will be very excited to see them.
Molson Canal Concert Series
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