Concert Review: Soulive @ The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA- 4.23.11

Last night I had the pleasure of watching some amazing musicians display their skills at The State Theatre in Virginia.  It was my first time at this particular venue.  It has a pretty unique setup.  A converted movie theatre, The State Theatre features a seating area where concert goers can enjoy dinner, as well as standing room in front of the stage and next to the two bars flanking the ground floor.  In addition, The State Theatre has a balcony with auditorium seating.

The night started with a DJ set from KRAZ (aka Eric Krasno- Soulive guitarist).  It was pretty fun to watch him work, and even more entertaining watch the eclectic audience dance.  My only complaint of the night however, was the length of the set, as it lasted over an hour, and I was anxious for Soulive to take the stage.

Alas, around 10:30 Eric Krasno returned with band mates Alan and Neal Evans to start the main set.  The whole band was amazing and blew the roof off the place, but Eric Krasno stole the show.  I have to admit, watching him play guitar is reason #1 for my love of Soulive.  In ever jam, he finds a balance between distortion and classic technical guitar playing to send the tune beyond it's boundries.

About halfway through the set, the band performed a series of Beatles covers featured in their latest release Rubber Soulive.  Here, Krasno's shined!  During "Eleanor Rigby" those in the audience sitting took to their feet to enjoy his frantic playing.  By far this was the highlight of the show for me.  To finish off the night, the trio played "Do It Again", as staple of their repertoire  featuring a call and response that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed.

It was a blast watching Soulive perform, and I highly recommend checking them out if you get a chance!

Soulive: Steppin'

Freshman year in college, a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a Jazz concert.  They had an extra ticket, and they were supposed to go for their required music class.  Not expecting much, but with nothing to do that particular night, I accepted.  It was a great decision.  The band happened to be Soulive!  If I had to guess, maybe 50% of the audience had no idea who Soulive was when the concert started.  Most were their to fulfill their class requirement.  By the end of the show nearly everyone was dancing, and nearly everyone forgot about their class. Eric Krasno's guitar, and Evans' brothers rhythms make this band unstoppable.  Really, it's a shame that jazz/funk/jam bands don't get much attention in today's music scene.  I think most would be hard pressed to find better musicians than these three.

Tonight Soulive is playing The State Theatre in Falls Church, VA and I'm lucky enough to be attending the show.  Check out the clip below, and try to keep your head from bobbing!  Here's Soulive playing "Steppin'".

You should probably go to a Soulive show!  Click here to find a concert near you!  Review of tonight's gig to follow!

Cover Thursdays- All The Lonely People

Soulive is a three-piece jazz band featuring Eric Krasno (guitar) and brothers Alan (drums) and Neal Evans (B3 Hammond Organ).  They are incredible musicians who put on outstanding live performances!

In September 2010 Soulive released an album of Beatles Covers entitled Rubber Soulive.  Here's a live performance of Soulive covering "Eleanor Rigby" and "I Want Her (She's So Heavy)".  The guitar work alone makes this video worth a listen!  Enjoy!

Want to hear more?  Want to catch Soulive in concert?  Click here to learn more, or find out when Soulive will be in a town near you!