Rating: NNNN
|
|
It’s easy to lump this Aussie in with the Ben Harper-Dave Matthews-Jack Johnson set, but to dismiss John Butler as merely an also-ran in the chill-dude canon overlooks the fact that the guy is really good. He may have played with all those guys, but Butler has a gruff, dirty style that his Bonnaroo brethren – with the exception of maybe Harper – don’t even hint at. Generally subtle accompaniment from bassist Shannon Birchall and percussionists Michael Barker and Nicky Bomba allows Butler’s soulful guitar work and singing to dominate the mix, and while not every tune connects, the ones that do are pure magic.
John Butler and Co. hit Lee’s Palace tonight (Thursday, February 24).
