Concert Review: John Butler Trio

by Razz Trumble
Music Guy

Finally, the Editorial Board of Lost Blueprint has unlocked the chastity belt around the finances and doled out some fundage so that this writer could actually do his job. Geez. Despite the fact that I had to arm wrestle The Blog Host to get the cash, I am happy to say I can finally honor my contract and tell The Readership all about a really great show.

Also, this is being published well after the date of the show since the Lost Blueprint Editorial Board has been very busy revising its mission statement. They are preeminent, they can do that.

The John Butler Trio is from Australia. I did not hear one person say anything about shrimp on the barby, most likely because we were watching the show in Chicago at the venerable Vic theater. I did hear someone say, "Did he just announce the final score of the Cubs game?" This was an unanswerable question as all dialogue between JBT and the audience came in the form of indistinguishable garbling.

But none of us were there to talk. We were there for the music, and that came through loud and clear. The John Butler Trio has jam band tendencies, but they're not annoying about it and they're really good musicians so they can get away with it. The drummer rocks. There was an upright bass. Lots of yummy layered music. Cool lyrics. Audience participation--the best when Mr. Trio sang "Peaches and Cream" and then let the audience finish it off by singing the refrain ("All I know is that I love you . . . "). It was moving. An entire venue of people singing I love you is good. It was a religious experience.

They played for two hours. I wanted them to play longer, but probably they were tired and also, I didn't have any more money for beer. The show was sold out. If you get the chance to see these guys, you should jump at the chance.