John Butler Trio Live

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Firstly, we must thank the John Butler Trio for putting Adelaide first as the capital city to kick off their latest One Way Road World Tour instead of being left to last, which is so often the case. Secondly, we must thank them for putting on one hell of a live show. They might be a relatively new line up but this trio is tight. I think the reason this was a carbon neutral gig was because this trio produced enough energy on stage to power the venue for the night !

Brett Dennen, from California, (also John Butler’s birth town) was in support for about an hour before the trio then graced the stage and put in a solid two hour performance. Among the songs played were: ‘Used To Get High’; John’s tribute to his wife ‘Daniella’; the irrepressible ‘Better Man’; ‘Good Excuse’; the ever popular ‘Better Than’; the new ‘Revolution’; of course ‘Zebra’; and a roof raising ‘Funky Tonight’ which had them literally dancing in the aisles and featured a blistering three minute drum solo by Nicky Bomba and also featured all members of the trio. The encore was led by a crowd sung ‘Peaches & Cream’; and in a night of pleasant surprises there were no prizes for guessing the last song of the night when John sat down to his steel guitar and started with his slide … their latest single: ‘One Way Road’.

However, the highlight of the night had to be the instrumental ‘Ocean’ performed just by John. To hear this song live was something else. Even though it was recorded twelve years ago and can last for up to twelve minutes – every second is time well spent.

If you’ve forgotten why you should see artists performing live then the John Butler Trio will give you a sober reminder. There is nothing quite like watching musicians at a live gig mastering their instruments feeding off the atmosphere of a hungry crowd. And these guys make sure you go home feeling satisfied.

Review quotes on the John Butler Trio’s recent live performances:

“… there is now enough diversity in the material, and electricity between the players, to bring a fully charged party atmosphere and a satisfying well –rounded show … The future looks as bright as ever.” …BEAT, Melbourne

“The John Butler Trio proved they are musicians at the peak of their powers, playing for over two hours and giving the crowd one of the best value for money tickets of the year, less than two weeks into it.” …Faster Louder, Brisbane

“April Uprising is the singer’s fifth and most definitive work”…San Francisco Examiner, USA

“As the trio moved deftly through new tracks ‘Revolution’ and ‘Close to You,’ from their forthcoming album ‘April Uprising,’ it became apparent that this Butler incarnation has found an entirely new rhythm. …Denver Post USA

So here’s a clip of John performing the acoustic ‘Ocean’ live a few years ago just to whet your appetite until you can catch him live. Absolute magic.

John Butler Trio Exclusive One Way Road Live Solo Audio

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