Show Review

After changing their name from the Seth Yacovone Blues Band to the Seth Yacovone Band a few years back, the doors of musical possibilities have opened ubiquitously for this Vermont trio. No longer playing a labeled sound, the band is continually becoming more comfortable with their on-stage chemistry, while most importantly always stressing the importance of spontaneous fun.

This particular evening at Higher Ground, site of many memorable performances from the trio, marked the record release party of their first new release in two years, the live album – In a Moment - recorded over four east coast shows last spring. The disc exhibits their improvisational tact, blues backbone, and their love of tackling an off-beat cover song – this time the AC/DC howler "Whole Lotta Rosie" - roars the legacy of Bon Scott back from the ashes. It’s also the first live release since 1998’s Yessir! and the inaugural live album featuring this particular version of the SYB.

Opening up on acoustic guitar, Yacovone performed a first time cover of the un-released Neil Young tune, "Everybody’s Alone," one that couldn’t be more fitting in an acoustic solo setting. The band often covers Young songs as diverse from "Cowgirl in the Sand" to "Roll Another Number," but this one had had everybody quickly crawling forward to the stage for hear this rarity. Followed by three more acoustic songs that featured bassist Tommy Coggio on upright bass and Steve Hadeka on "little drums," the band showed their willingness to give something special back to their home crowd and friends with this rare acoustic run of songs.

Soon after, the band plugged in and the power trio became electric. Although Yacovone is considered the leader of the band, enough can not be said about the drummer Hadeka, who flourishes behind the kit, qualifying himself as a commander, adding the thunderous to the funky to the blues – a must have for any improvisational band. The set featured one song off the new album, "Overflow," a scratchy, upbeat blues number that picked up the momentum and then slowed to a Yacovone guitar solo, displaying a dripping voice like string bend.

Opening the second set with the ominous guitar chords of Black Sabbath’s "Fairies Wear Boots," was a cunning way to pick the audience’s interest away from the bar, as the signature drum fills and sinister vocals got the crowd expecting the unexpected. "What Will I do When Winter Comes" a thematic blues number was very poignant during this mid September evening. A number of segues followed, providing a typical second set feel, in which the three members carried the energy as far as it would take them. The band mixed tempos and emotions – perhaps one of the bonuses of catching a three-piece – as it’s stripped down, and has better chances of all the band members to remain on the same page. Another SYB blues token – "All the Pain Through the Years," known amongst many Phish fans as a song on the setlist from 11/29/98 at the Worcester Centrum, when Yacovone got to play this tune and "Layla" with his Vermont friends in front of a soldout crowd. The record release party soon had concluded where it began, as the band paid another tribute to Young, with the Crazy Horse thrasher "Sedan Delivery, " once again, exhibiting their ambitious ability to mix up their own styles with their diverse influences.

For more information on "In a Moment" and fall tour dates visit Sethyac.com.

Photos courtesy of Nick Lavecchia.