Concert Sun Mar 03 2013

Review: Tea Leaf Green Jams at Lincoln Hall

By Brianna Kelly

After seeing Tea Leaf Green at the 10,000 Lakes Festival in 2009, I was happy to have the chance to catch them again, this time at Lincoln Hall on February 23. After an opening set by Tumbleweed Wanderers, Tea Leaf Green came out jamming. They included some beautiful build-ups to lead into transitioning songs. The guitarist, Josh Clark, can absolutely shred. Keyboardist Trevor Garrod is borderline impish. He has a glimmer in his eyes like he's up to something wonderfully mischievous and long, flowing blonde locks. With those two things combined he could easily be mistaken for an elf from Middle-earth. His voice is raw and smoothly at the same time. He sings like he plays the keys, in a manner that demands attention, but still maintains much grace.

Tea Leaf Green's Trevor Garrod (Photos by Brianna Kelly)

One of the best things about Tea Leaf Green is that it has two drummers on the roster. Drums are completely underrated. Having an extra kit in the mix really adds a whole different layer to a band's sound. There's even a fun and playful dynamic between the bassist and guitarist. They have all the necessary ingredients of a successful jam band. But their sound is still more polished than improvisational.

Tea Leaf Green

When more than half of the band left the stage it seemed like the show was winding down. Trevor grabbed a banjo for a duet with bassist Reed Mathis. The pair covered "America" by Simon and Garfunkel and it was apparent that it was the first time they had ever performed the song. But then two members from the Tumbleweed Wanderers came out to converge an acoustic quartet for a cover of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice It's Alright." That was much more dynamic.

Tea Leaf Green reconvened on stage for the presumed encore, but they just kept playing and playing. It's always nice when it seems the show is going to end soon, but then it completely catches you off guard by continuing for another hour. "You're My Star," a soulful tune, struck a major chord with me. The gritty vocals and guitar made it sound similar to a White Stripes song.

When the encore actually came, it began with a birthday celebration for Josh. A cake was brought onto the stage and after he blew out the candles, Tea Leaf Green continued the show. They debuted a new song called "Three Dollars." A balloon floated down to the crowd from above. It was one of those picturesque moments when you have no idea how it happened, but you're glad that it did. The birthday fun was a perfect way to end the night.

Opening the show that night were The Tumbleweed Wanderers, a self-described "hair folk and soulful rock and roll" band. They strummed string and vocal-heavy melodies that inspire a fantastic sense of hope through socially conscious lyrics. The mentality and approach of the Tumbleweed Wanderers is similar to that of the famous 60's folk bands. Most importantly, they fit seamlessly as the opening act for Tea Leaf Green's winter tour. Both bands are a gaggle of vagabond boys from the Bay Area.

Tea Leaf Green and The Tumbleweed Wanderers were recently announced as additions to the Summer Camp Music Festival line-up. You can catch both bands play at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL, over Memorial Day weekend.