Sound Check Music Blog

Just after the sun went down in Atlanta’s lovely Chastain Park Amphitheatre Grace Potter and the Nocturnals took the stage to deliver their blend of southern, soul fused rock.  The set included old favorites, such as “Treat Me Right,” and newer jams, such as the appropriately titled “Hot Summer Night.”  

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Treat Me Right”

“Medicine” had everyone dancing, but nobody outdid Potter. When she wasn’t banging out the keys on the electric organ, playing one of her guitars, or working the tambourine, she was moving like a 1960’s go-go dancer all over the stage. She did so while sporting three-inch heels and a slinky sequin dress, which I’m 99 percent sure was originally intended to be a shirt.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Medicine”

Though Potter’s voice is the real attraction, showcased beautifully during an a capella version of “Nothing but the Water,” her Mick Jagger-esque dance moves were half the fun.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Nothing but the Water”

Potter told the crowd before launching into “Stop the Bus” that the song is dedicated to their tour bus, which literally caught fire in Atlanta that day (or “Hotlanta” as Potter references it). Laughing as she told the crowd about the incident, it was clear that she didn’t hold a grudge; I suspect by her outfit that she packs light.

The parallels between Grace Potter and Grace Slick are pretty easy to make given their names, but Potter solidified the comparison when she launched into a true-to-the-original version of “White Rabbit.”

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “White Rabbit”

The band also played their take on The Door’s “Riders on the Storm,” but the best cover was during the encore when the Nocturnals launched into ZZ Top’s “Tush,” which is set to appear on a yet-to-be released tribute album. Potter sang “I’m just lookin’ for some tush” in a way that I’m sure most of the males in the audience would have obliged (and probably some of the females).

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Tush” Live at Chastain Park

The crowd ranged in age and style from the older gentleman next to me that did not remove his binoculars the entire night to the ladies in the row front of me who didn’t stop dancing for a moment, even during the soulful, slow burning rendition of “Apologies” which held the audience captive.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Apologies”

One of the highlights was when every member of the band ditched their instruments and gathered around drummer Matthew Burr’s drum kit, taking the drum circle to a new level.

“Only Love” from their latest release would have been a good addition to the set list, but they did deliver the single “Paris” to close out the show on a high note.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Paris” Live at Chastain Park

I cannot think of a better way to spend a hot summer night than with the talented Nocturnals, fronted by the amazing Grace.