Saint Bernadette

I could focus this entire post on the miracle that I and many of my friends were made aware of The McLovins through a perfect storm of exposure in our local media.  Just the fact that this is even possible – that a local band of young people who have practiced sufficiently to get good enough to merit being noticed, would actually BE noticed, and that some sort of mechanism to get the word out could be employed is enough to warm my heart about the potential of our fair city.

Though the announcer at their appearance this weekend at the Gathering of the Vibes festival stated their hometown as Bridgeport, their biographical materials indicate Hartford and a slew of shows at Hartford’s own Sully’s Pub seem to back it up.  Saint Bernadette is happy to support any band from our great state of CT, but if it does turn out that these young guys are indeed from Bridgeport or have considered to identify themselves as such, it will be only good news for both the city and the band.

I was tipped off about the McLovins during Grace Potter’s set yesterday at the Vibes and was additionally informed that they have been getting a “ton of press”.  Naturally, I was intrigued.  Years of promoting music in Connecticut has engendered a very healthy respect for anyone who can use what’s left of our local media and its limited reach to promote something, anything really, but especially new and original music.

Well, so it was kind of original.  The band opened with a high-energy cover of “Shakedown Street”, but it was definitely new and was absolutely really good.  Vocalist drummer, Jake Huffman, has a nice, solid groove and an uber-charming stage personality; Bassist, Jason Ott, has a pocket far beyond his years; and shredder, Jeff Howard, had some guitar solos that I can only describe as inspired.

And that’s just the music.  The Green Vibes tent was literally packed with young people, eagerly awaiting the start of their set, who jumped to their feet and started dancing at the first hit.  The energy was up and fun and infectious.  The band employs some classic stage banter delivered over danceable grooves which were very funny and engaging coming from such young people – probably wouldn’t work for every band, but they used it to great effect.

So, before the haters start chiming in, and I know you’re out there, waiting to hate, Saint Bernadette encourages you to take away the good news from this developing success story.  Local band capitalizes on the existing tastes of its audience by developing signature versions of popular songs and letting it grow organically into their own sound.  In addition, they are employing a classic rock strategy, so often overlooked in the early stages: the band is comprised of three members, all equally strong, anchored behind certain standout qualities in each.  There is a clear respect between each member for the strengths of the others and though their musical and on-stage chemistry is apparent, each is also given their individual time to shine.

If you already heard about them ,then you already know, but if you haven’t, then remember, you heard it hear first.  Come back often and Saint Bernadette guarantees to let you know about new and exciting music guaranteed to make you feel better about where you live!