The term “fusion” is exhausted, and often misused when trying to define a musician’s style. In the case of G. Love and Special Sauce, there’s no other way to describe it; the group’s music is a rich blend of rap, jazz, blues, and rock. Often considered to be the creators of their own genre, their unique sound has earned them a distinct place in the music scene. Their current tour marks the 30th anniversary of the group’s self-titled debut album, an occasion celebrated with the album’s re-release, featuring remastered originals and live recordings from their early ’90s tour. Despite many years gone by, G. Love and Special Sauce proved that they’re far from relics, delivering a performance that was as raw, unapologetic, and relevant as ever.
The Philly-based trio is headed by the charismatic Garret Dutton, or G. Love, who describes himself as a blend of Bob Dylan and the Beastie Boys. Black fedora balanced on his head, G. Love perched on his stool, shimmying his legs to the music. Plucking at his double bass, Jim Prescott bobbed his head and shoulders. Drummer Jeffrey Clemens, completely lost in the rhythm, played with his eyes practically closed, a hint of a smile on his lips.
Guitar in hand and harmonica within reach, G. Love opened and closed his legs to the beat, a cheeky nod to the choreography of the band’s iconic ’90s music videos. Their discography spans a broad range of topics. They explore hard-hitting reality in songs like “This Ain’t Living,” which delves into the inequities of street life in Philly, but there’s also a lighthearted playfulness to tracks like “Cold Beverages,” a nostalgic anthem dedicated to hot summer days. Every song is a testament to the band’s versatility and depth, showcasing their ability to tackle diverse themes with authenticity and finesse.
Ironically, some of the best parts of the concert were when the band wasn’t playing. Between songs, G. Love recounted the early days of his music career in Chicago, playing at iconic Chicago-rock venues, including Schubas (their first ever Chicago concert), the Riviera, and the Music Box. His stories referenced the roots that shaped the band’s sound and they resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom shouted back personal memories from their first G. Love performances.
Toward the end of the show, the group took song requests. Given the breadth of their work, there were plenty of options to choose from. We received the soft and groovy “Kick Drum,” which, with its bright notes, is quite moving, despite thinly veiled sexual lyrics. A more-than-tipsy 50-something year old man squeezed his way to the front, saying “this one’s for me!” With his arms stretched above his head, he shimmied to the rhythm, singing along to every word. As the song drew to a close, he drifted back into the crowd as suddenly as he had appeared. He was just another victim, hypnotized by that special sauce.
