The Revivalists may be from New Orleans, but their sound is much bigger than just their hometown. With four albums under their belts including 2015’s fine Men Amongst Mountains, every instrumental element of this seven-piece’r contributes mightily to the sum: David Shaw’s relentless energy and stage presence, Ed Williams snarling pedal steel, guitarist Zack Feinberg, Rob Ingraham’s sax, George Gekas on bass, Michael Girardot on trumpet and keys, and drummer Andrew Campanelli. This is a stew that boils, not simmers. While I’ve covered them many times over the years, I still can’t put it much better than David Fricke’s description of “a Crescent City-rhythm spin on jam-band jubilee“ (though I’ve tried), and, yes, I smile a bit when coming across the Revivalists on Sirius JamOn.
The band and the 600 capacity Teragram Ballroom west of DTLA were a good match. Flashing some strong tunes from “Mountains” throughout and knowing just when to drop “Criminal” (second encore, of course), it was evident why the band’s loyal following continues to grow, and attract new fans (oh, and pretty sure the mom with a “my first concert” sign pointing to her son now has cool parent cred to burn, after the dude spent a few songs front and center stage with the band). I’ve seen The Revivalists kill it on big stages from Jazz Fest to KAABOO, and they own every minute. They leave in a puddle, whatever size room they are playing to.
Opening act Kolars, the husband and wife outfit of Rob Kolar and Lauren Brown, got the crowd on their side early with their playful, spirited guitar and mallets set up. Yes, I can say chemistry.
Check out my full gallery from the show below.
