The third Garden Of Groove entitled "Rise" was beyond what any of us expected. The communion of talent and energy on stage was unlike anything we thought we could create.
Brandon Maggard brought such an honesty and relaxed atmosphere to begin the evening. Songs about family, his own fragility and placement in this life. Such an inspiration to just write and become a better man through songwriting. We are forever grateful to share any stage with him. If he continues on this path, the stages will become bigger for him.
Ye Ole Remedy, the dark and dusty doom meets folk group from Lexington, just blew everyone away. Such wild instrumentation and such deep seeded and ethereal tones. Truly original and invigorating. Mandolin, Saxophone and a cocktail kit of sorts, complete with a suitcase kick drum. At times a salty drone of sadness would give way to a total improvisational jam that would rival current vibe and almost lift the sound to a higher happiness. No one was quite sure what was being seen but knew what they walked away with, the sense of just wanting to be "closer to the water"! Incredible.
Then the Garden gave way to Earth By Train.
A soft open and a few poetic words from front man Anthony Wayne. Dangling from a thread and, at times, the front of the stage, Anthony reached deep into his solo pantheon and even deeper into his emotions as he delicately tip toed through three originals, two taken from his solo album "Bury Who We Are" and one unreleased newer song before introducing new band mates, Elick Todt and Austin Wright.
What happened next was a blur. Straight away into crowd favorite "Twenty Pews", complete with a melodic bookended soundscape. Snaking through several other songs, We Live, Unravel My Soul, and In My Head. Then a massive drums section compete with samples and looping before Ye Ole Remedy members joined them for the groove/funk tune "Problems I Borrow". Then, as if to "catch my breathe", Earth By Train steamed right into "Roll", the first single from the upcoming debut.
The night was coming to a close and everyone could feel the tension of a job well done. The release of THIS being the new sound. Something fresh and original and even bigger than before. However, what happened next was quite unexpected.
As the band entered into its last song, "Last Days" (fittingly enough), the tune has sort of a melancholy drone that seems almost Armageddon ish. Very end of times lyrically and sonically unsettling for the first movement. Then the song gives way to a Latin fused groove that sends the vibe rocketing up. So far UP that it began to rain. And rain.
The band played on. Equipment soaked. Band soaked. Everyone seeking shelter.
Earth By Train eventually ended their song simply stating .. "we have to go"
But. "We'll be back, thank you"
And be back they shall..
Truly an amazing evening and fitting for every band involved. Rise.
Thank you to O'Mainins and their wonderful staff for supporting our vision and the fans and friends who came and enjoyed themselves. We don't get to do any of this without you. We aren't afforded this opportunity without your energy. Thank you.
See you at Garden Of Groove IV !! Photo: Sherri Jessee
