It wasn’t Elvis, it wasn’t Chuck Berry, it was JD McPherson. Live at the Aggie Theater, McPherson and his band rocked out on stage in a way that combines rockabilly, classic 50’s style rock n roll, and even the feel of punk. The large feeling of sound and energy had everyone bopping. McPherson knows how to rock and he proves it on the stage. Before the show fans of McPherson explained they had seen him 20-plus times prior and to expect a roller coaster of music with little chatting.
Before McPherson hit the stage the show’s opening act was an unexpectedly amazing performance of Kate Clover and her band. Clover, sporting a black business skirt, a white collared shirt and a black tie had the forces of her band all in black suits to back her up. In an amazing display of rockabilly punk, their sound was one that so unique it is is difficult to even put into words. The best comparison is if 50s rock n’ roll and punk met sooner in order to blossom into an epic sound of distorted guitars, heavy emotions in music and the inescapable motion of bopping your head and clapping along.
After the release of his first album in six years with Nite Owls this year, the tour was a perfect mix of new songs off the album and familiar favorites. McPherson started off strong with the opening track of his new album with Sunshine Getaway. An irresistible catchy track that will make you twist and shout uncontrollably. The first half of the show mostly consisted of newer material from the Nite Owls album but later in the show, McPherson brought out more of the classics. Some stand-out songs from the show were Baby Blues, Rock & Roll Girls, and his popular song, Lucky Penny.
Many instruments accompanied McPherson on stage with keyboards, upright bass, and saxophone and McPherson himself rocked a fascinating bomb-shaped guitar with little bomb decals along it. A rather simple drum kit drove the rhythm of the show but the simplicity worked in the song’s favor. McPherson also reached out near the end of the show to high-five lucky fans in the front as well as his Christmas hit Bad Kid. ‘Tis the season. To wrap up the night with Clover joining McPherson on stage they ended with the 1981 song Beyond and Back, a cover from the band X.
Contrary to what was previously rumored McPherson was rather talkative at this show which seemed to be a rare treat. Battling a cold, McPherson jokingly stated that Nyquil had sponsored the show. Not so jokingly he did explain that his new album was a way for him to reconnect with writing and performing as well as his humorous displeasure of a contractual obligation to state it was a surf rock record. McPherson did not seem to agree with the record label and he’s right, his music is difficult to categorize since it’s so unique.
After the show, Clover’s band spoke to KCSU to talk about the tour they had been on as it was wrapping up soon with a final show in Denver the next night.
“It’s been an apocalypse dream,” said guitar player Giuliano Scarfo when asked about the tour. They also took a look into their short past together. After recently meeting and finding a love of the same music.
“We’re all local from L.A. so we all kind of met up recently. It works, we all get each other,” said the drummer David Field who plays drums so smoothly you’d think he was there to conduct a business meeting rather than a rock n’ roll show. In the best way possible. “We’re all friends because we all grew up with old rock n’ roll. We love rock n’ roll.”
Touring since March, Field also explained the love that is felt between the band and Clover. Looking to the future they plan to tour in the Spring and release a new record with their eyes set on Europe in July.