Rock Candy

If you were expecting a quiet singers-in-the-round type of a show last night at Juanita’s you didn’t get it. The Revival Tour (featuring Ben Nichols of Lucero, Tim Barry of Avail, Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music and Tom Gabel of Against Me!) opened up with a forceful performance – everyone on stage complete with acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, stand-up bass, pedal steel and a harmonica. After a couple of songs, the solo sets began. Even over an acoustic guitar, Tom Gabel’s performance was somewhere akin to getting punched in the face. Barry’s unapologetic songs kept the crowd into it, including a pretty hart-warming tune he dedicated to a lost friend and his sister’s new baby. Nichols was a crowd-favorite and played through some old Lucero staples including the now-tired “My Best Girl.” Nichols also played some material from his new solo record, “The Last Pale Light in the West.” Chuck Ragan rounded out the cast with a strong set, showing great vocal range. After the solo sets were done, all rejoined on stage for a couple of farewell numbers including an up-beat and lively version of “Wagon Wheel.” The solo sets were strong, but the highlights came during the ensemble bits. After some 40-odd shows together, these guys have really learned how to play to each other’s strengths and polish over each other’s rough spots. Here’s hoping for another revival.

On the jump, catch a full version of Ben Nichols and the guys playing an old Lucero tune, “Hold Fast.”