American singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw announced the first tour dates of 2014 back in November to support his newest album Make a Move (2013). The tour includes a great supporting cast of Parachute and Rozzi Crane. Kickng off the 29-date tour in Birmingham, AL, DeGraw and company stopped at Starland Ballroom in Sayerville, NJ on Wednesday April 2nd.
Starting things off was upcoming vocalist Rozzi Crane. If you have not heard about Rozzi before now, you need to do your homework. This amazing singer-songwriter, from San Francisco, CA, caught the attention of Maroon 5 front man, Adam Levine, who later signed her as the first artist on his record label 222 records. Crane has also collaborated with Maroon 5 on a song titled “Come Away To The Water”, which she sings a duet with Levine featured on The Hunger Games Soundtrack (2012).
Crane took the stage with a smile and then began her performance. It was amazing to see and hear the vocals coming out of such a petite girl and with such control and emotion. She sang her heart out through a quick list of songs included a new tune, also featuring collaboration with Levine titled “Painkiller”. Only in her early 20’s, Crane is going to have an amazing year and is definitely worth the attention. She continues on tour with Gavin throughout the spring and it is recommended getting to his concerts early and checking her out.
Directly following was alternative pop rock band Parachute from Charlottesville, VA. Consisting of Will Anderson (vocals), Kit French (Saxophone/keys), Alex Hargrave (bass), Johnny Stubblefield (drums), and Nate McFarland (lead guitar), these guys have been together since their college days signing with Dave Matthews, Red Light Records in 2008. Proving to be a big break, the band has three albums, had a list of chart topping singles, and toured all over since, growing in popularity with catchy hooks and well thought out lyrics.
Parachute blasted onto the stage with excitement giving off a fun vibe that really opened the eyes of the audience. Anderson jumped around the stage throughout the set, even leaping off the piano onto the stage while not skipping a beat in his singing. Performing a good mix of their smooth uplifting pop tingling tunes, the band showed off a wide range of talents. As the set moved on, the band mixed things up, creating a mellow mood with a soft acoustic performance. There was no doubt this band brought an immense amount of energy to this show and the audience thoroughly enjoyed their set. Check out their latest album released in August 2013 titled Overnight.
Finally the moment everyone had been anticipating all night arrived and Gavin DeGraw was ready to take the stage. Originally from the Catskill mountain town of South Fallsburg, NY DeGraw has become a hit maker since his breakthrough album Chariot (2003). Mesmerizing fans with soulful lyrics, emotional singing, and a charismatic charm, he is one of the brightest performing artists in recent years. His ability to wow an audience continued at Starland Ballroom in front of a packed house of eager fans.
DeGraw kicked things off with the title track of his latest album “Make a Move”. The energy was electric and it was clear DeGraw is a natural performer through and through. Effortlessly he belted out vocals and played piano mimicking that of studio recording quality, sounding spectacular. Keeping a steady amount of power and enthusiasm in his performance, DeGraw knew how to keep the crowds attention playing a good mix of hits and new songs.
Songs like “Chariot”, “Best I ever had”, and “Run Every Time” were just a few of the highlights from his lively set. Adding flavor to the performance DeGraw even played a beautiful cover of Billy Joel’s “She’s Always A Woman” followed by a hip rendition of Adele’s “Rumor Has It”. There is no doubt this performer has enough swag and talent to keep an audience entertained all night through. With people dancing, smiling, and having a blast the set ended the cool hit “I Don’t Want to Be”. With the audience clamoring for more with cheers and applauds DeGraw graciously came back out to close out the 17 song performance with new song “Leading Man” and worldwide mega hit “Not Over You”. During the closing track the whole crowd could be heard from outside the venue singing along. It sent shivers down your spine to see the impact this music has on DeGraw’s audience.
It’s easy to see DeGraw is one of the most talented musicians and performer of our generation. Each and every person who exited the venue from this mid-week performance were completely satisfied and extremely impressed with the show DeGraw put on. If he is coming to your town in the coming months, it is highly suggested you go to the show, leave your troubles at the door, and sing your lungs out.
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