“Americana without borders” is how the band describes their music and the lyrics say it all.
It’s always best to see a band in their neck of the woods and judging by the performance Thursday night the band was in top form. Teetering somewhere between jam, bluegrass and folk rock, Great American Taxi is a fun band who knows how to entertain. Don’t let the mandolin fool you, this band is all americana rock and roll. Frontman Vince Herman’s Leftover Salmon roots brings this band to a new level from the first time I saw then shortly after their debut album in 2007. From Jim Lewins electric guitar solos to some integral keyboard work from Chad Staehly that just wouldn’t have the same vibe without. This was a special treat for me to see this show as it was not only on their home turf but they eventually plan to release tracks from a few of the Colorado shows for an eventual live CD release. They played several tracks from the newest release Paradise Lost including “Penny Arcade” sung by Staehly & Vince on the mandolin as well as “Poor House” (which is a compelling report of America today in their eyes) off the latest album. One of my personal favorite covers “Whiskey before Breakfast” was sandwiched in “Unpromised Land” off their reckless habits album.
This was a small run dubbed The Great American Snowball Tour 2013 but I’m sure we’ll see more of them in 2013. Read on for my photos.
