Albums You Must Hear From The New Millennium
Traditional Sounds For The New Millennium
On Sunrise Over Sea The John Butler Trio blends traditional elements of blues and folk with alternative rock and reggae. To this he adds a healthy splash of his very own special sauce spiced with rhythm and bluesy hip hop. He stirs this up with masterful guitar licks and a killer rhythm section and delivers a true masterpiece of roots rock, funk ‘n’ soul, and reggae, and one of the essential records of the new millennium.
There'll come a time When you may want just a little more Societys luxuries are not what you had in store. They offer no security for your soul. So Mother Earth is what you need Maybe this is what you be looking for. There'll Come A Time - John Butler ( 2004)
Mysterious Beginnings
I have no idea who or what turned me on to The John Butler Trio, though it might have been a name on a Bonnaroo line – up. I had just started attending the festival in 2004 which would perfectly fit in with the release of Sunrise Over Sea. I know I didn’t see him live at any Bonnaroo, yet somehow became aware of John Butler’s name. Don’t even know where I picked up Sunrise Over Sea but, man, am I happy I did. This remains one of my all time favorite albums.
I walk for miles, circumnavigate these lands. Walking blindly, holding out my hands. And I pass the stones, that remind me why I am here. I follow the setting sun, and you were there. Bound To Ramble - John Butler ( 2004 )
Live In Munich
I had a chance to see John Butler on the Sunrise tour at the Backstage in Munich. This turned out to be a lucky circumstance. With 200 people max at the event, the venue felt neither too empty nor crowded and added to a rare sense of intimacy. John’s rhythm section at the time, with Shannon Birchall on bass and Michael Barker on drums, was one of the best I have ever seen. They played as a perfect unit with an intensity that left the audience in awe. The trio’s dynamic playing of John’s deep and impassioned songs created an almost ethereal atmosphere.
I could be rich like a wandering Gypsy I could be poor like a fat wallet lost I could be first man or I could come last It's not who breaks the ribbon boy it's how you get across I could be red blue black and white sunset Or darkest at day boy or brightest at night I could be the sun boy I could be the moon I'm made up from the stars boy I'm shining so bright Zebra - John Butler (2004)
Magical Moments
I had not yet quite internalized how great the songs off Sunrise Over Sea were. The longer the live performance lasted, though, the more John Butler’s words and melodies sank in. Great songcraft and musicianship combined that night to create an experience of a lifetime. Late in the concert they pulled out a giant microphone and the band stood back unamplified. They began playing Peaches and Cream, a beautiful ode to John’s wife and newborn child. His voice, carried only by the acoustics of the venue, barely made it through the first verse when the audience joined in. He held back with a warm smile on his face while the crowd took over the lead creating a sense of spirituality and community.
There you are right in front of me, A brand new day sunrise over sea. No longer my cup half empty cause there you are, You and your mum in front of me, in front of me. Peaches and Cream - John Butler (2004)
The Secret Is Out
Well, word got around. The next time John Butler played Munich he packed a venue twice the size. The rhythm section had changed, too. The show was still great, however missing the magic of Sunrise Over Sea. A small audience experiencing an exceptional performance of a young up and coming band creates a feeling of mutual admiration. A band will feed off a crowd’s positive reaction and in such an intimate environment form a sense of unity. I have encountered this only a few times in my life which made the whole experience extraordinary. Sunrise Over Sea is the soundtrack to that memory.
Don't call me hippy cause the way that I look Cause I got a recipe and you know I can cook And I come forth with only good intent You know I am Heaven bound but I'm surely hell bent On getting the job done like I know I should Get the job done like my momma told me to Only one thing can remember she said You gotta earn all of your respect Treat Yo Mama - John Butler (2004)
What Makes This A Great Album?
With 13 songs and 71 minutes Sunrise Over Sea definitely stretches the limits of what can be retained upon multiple listens. Each song is so varied, though, and packed with its own distinct message and meaning, the listen never gets too long. As with many a great album you lose a sense of time as the music engulfs you. You find yourself completely submerged in the listening experience and feel a sense of peace and calm. When it ends you realize you just enjoyed musicianship and melodies of the highest order.
But I could fly away Or I could be no one And you could be the sunshine Falling over the mountains What You Want - John Butler (2004)
John Butler has something to say and ain’t shy to put that in his lyrics. Much like many lyrical poets he can create word plays that anyone can sing along with while not having to be of his political persuasion. In the end the music does the talking, and that with a mighty roar.
Great songcraft and awesome musicianship combine on this effort.
Let me know what you think. What were your experiences seeing The John Butler Trio Live? What is your favorite song and/or album? What is an album from the new millennium that should join this list? I would love to hear from you! If you enjoy this article please share it with your friends