Bowlive….what to say that hasn’t been said before. In the history of Bowlive, we have had roughly 50 nights of pure, unadulterated Soulive, along with an endless list of special guests, and sit-ins over the course of this now famous run which occurs in Williamsburg every March. On this particular Wednesday portion of the run, fans were treated to a show that would feature Sir Joe Russo, Susan Tedeschi, and Jon Cleary (who also performed opening duties).

With Cleary, you’re getting straight New Orleans style R&B and funk, straight to the point. Having never seen Cleary live before, and unfortunately having not been able to catch any previous nights of the run due to work and other life obligations, I was particularly excited. Some of my Bowlive brethren informed me, as Cleary was playing, that he was, in fact, playing the same exact set as the night before. Now, if you were there the night before, this is a huge letdown; however, for those that weren’t there, it was a rather enjoyable set – especially given Cleary’s propensity to engage before each song and talk about the music and what the band was about to play.

On to Soulive. As much as I love the 2nd set special guests and random sit-ins – because, let’s be honest, this is why people go out to eight show in ten or so nights – the 1st set of Soulive simply being Soulive is what I, personally, find special. It’s just Krasno and the brothers Evans giving us the trio dish that is magnifique. The occasional horns, or guest on one song is just fine, but give me that meat and potatoes, this is Soulive, all night long.

Opening with “So Live!” and “DIG,” things were on point early. But the “Eleanor Rigby>I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” was out of this world. It is literally heavy, psychedelic, jammy, and everything in between. Soulive has put their own distinct touch on these Beatles classics. And who could complain about Joe Russo coming out for a straight drum clinic on “76” and “Up & Out”? It’s like the soup du jour….mmmm, I think I’ll have that. Overall, the first set was delivered to the masses in such choice fashion. The set closer of “When You Get Back” with Cleary and Mark Rivers (Tedeschi Trucks Band) gave way to a mass exodus to the bar for a refreshment, and outdoors for a much needed smoke or breath of fresh air, as the sweat began teeming out of people towards the end of a hot first set.

Now, the 2nd set….mmmm, that was a lesson in some finely played jazzed up blues rock. Susan Tedeschi is a star in her own right, a much accomplished musician that can flat out play guitar and sing. With the selection of “Butterfly,” and the duet with bandmate Mark Rivers on “Tired of My Tears,” it was clearly time for the second half of the night to shine. And shine it most certainly did. Tedeschi has such a smoky, soulful rasp to her voice; a particular grit to it, if you will. While Tedeschi certainly can strut her stuff from a vocal standpoint, many may not realize how good of a guitar player she is. Yes, she is married to Derek Trucks – who has probably given some pointers – but, check out a song like “Misunderstood” (video below) in which Tedeschi and Krasno (who played bass in Tedeschi Trucks band last summer, following the departure of Oteil Burbridge) traded lick for lick, and you could can see that she is no joke. Bowlive is a showcase of musicianship, and when Jon Cleary came back out to end the 2nd set with “Clean Up Woman” alongside Tedeschi and the Soulive crew (including the Shady Horns), into an encore of “Little by Little” (with Tash from the London Souls and ) and “Turn on Your Lovelight” as the finishing move, that point was driven home.

Everyone left Brooklyn Bowl on this particular Wednesday quite satiated from the dish that was served, as the Bowlive run came one night closer to the finale. There is just something magical about what happens at Brooklyn Bowl during this particular jaunt. Everyone comes out of hibernation from the long, hard winter to commiserate with friends, get down, and check out Soulive and the long list of special guests that are always willing and able to show up and play. Until next year….

– Chris Meyer

[All Photos Courtesy of Mark Dershowitz at Headyshots.com]

 

Set I
So Live!
DIG
Eleanor –> I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
76 (Joey)
Up & Out (Joey)
For Granted (Horns)
Vapor
When You Get Back (Cleary, Mark Rivers)

Set II
El Ron
Aladdin
Butterfly (Susan)
Tired of My Tears (Mark Rivers)
Break In The Road
It’s So Heavy
Misunderstood
Clean Up Woman (Cleary)

Encore
Little By Little (Joey & Tash)
Turn On Your Love Light (Everyone)

“Tired of My Tears:”

“Misunderstood”:

 

More Photos from Mark Dershowitz: