CD REVIEW- Grace Potter and the Nocturnals’ rise to fame shows promise

In her third full-length album, “This Is Somewhere,” Grace Potter and
the Nocturnals have been turning heads with their nostalgic blend of blues,
country, soul and rock that is as American as jingoistic bumper stickers.

With an eerily sexy voice that resembles the likes of Lucinda Williams,
Potter’s identity – as well as her band’s – is rock solid.

The Nocturnals consist of Vermont natives Grace Potter (lead vocals
and Hammond B-3 organ), Scott Tournet (guitars), Bryan Dondero (bass),
Matt Burr (drums) and recent additions Mike Daly (guitars), Alan Bezozi
(percussion) and the Booty Call Choir.

The epic quality of Potter’s songs “Ah Mary” and “Falling or Flying” clearly
gauges her potential. The chord changes, especially in “Stop the Bus” and
“Apologies,” also reflect the band has a deeper sense of musical understanding
than most acts out there on the “dust bowl” circuit.

While most artists write songs typically about emotional hardship or
happiness, Potter has experience in Political Dissent 101. Like Ozomatli’s
latest album, Potter’s “This Is Somewhere” and “Ah Mary” are both direct
criticisms of the government.

“Purple mountain’s majesty has turned black and blue,” Potter sings,
venting frustration at the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans.

Being from Vermont, Potter also raises the question, “How much of her
occasional Southern accent
is for effect, and how much
is really her?”

Of course, artists imitate
styles and accents. (Sorry to
say, Green Day’s Billy Joe
Armstrong isn’t from England,
and Herbie Hancock
isn’t from the future . I
think.)

But Potter’s fake accent
is evident in songs like,
“Big White Gate” and “You
May See Me.” Just a minor
nuance, these occasional
inflections are most likely
tributes to Potter’s sources
of inspiration and in no way detract from the intrinsic value of the music.

Aside from these minor issues and maybe a little too much lap steel for
my tastes, her other songs are full of tangible positive emotions that will
make you glad you supported such a candid artist.

Grade: B+

Download (don’t steal): “Apologies” by Grace Potter