A funky southern-rock band recently grabbed my attention at a local concert in Portland. The band, known as Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, is led by Grace Potter (vocals/piano/guitar) and guitarist Scott Tournet. The band was independent and self-promoting until 2005 when they signed on with Hollywood Records.

In person, Grace is gentle and mild mannered. On stage, however, her presence is vivid and explicit. While the band’s performance was mainly focused on Grace’s vocal and organ talents, she has a surprisingly skilled hand for guitar.

The band’s lead guitarist Scott Tournet demonstrated a wide range of techniques on the guitar. Blues, rock, funk – he walked all roads throughout the night in his own country/southern style.

The real highlight of this band is in their live performances. The guitar-heavy jam sessions draw from the best sounds of the 60’s/70’s. Their studio albums are a real disappointment in shadow of the concert. Hopefully they will release a live cd in the future. Until then, the best way to catch Grace is on the road.

The White Stripes “Lets Build a Home”

Jack White got his start as a performing musician during the 1990s playing random gigs in Detroit. However, White wasn’t able to quit his day job as an upholsterer until The White Stripes soon to come success.

Eventually, he started a band with his then-wife Meg White on the drums. The duo saw gradual success over three solid albums. The White’s popularity allowed Jack the opportunities to solo and collaborate with other artists, so the lead vocalist/guitarist decided to take a break from the band.

In 2005, Jack White became a founding member of the rock band, The Raconteurs. He was also ranked #17 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”

This year, The White Stripes returned with a brand new album, Icky Thump. Yo dawg, I think we got a thump goin.

Aerosmith Live – Dream On video

First up, Sublime performs Don’t Push, Garden Grove, DJS, Right Back, and more at the House of Blues. Enjoy!