Crowfield puts their bigfoot down...

Last fall, Jay and I went to see Edwin McCain at Ziggy's.  It just so happened at the show, a band named Crowfield opened for him.  We got there early (as usual - you know the whole being up in the crotch thing) and Crowfield was finishing up their soundcheck.  Apparently, there were some problems with the soundcheck and the band didn't seem happy.   When they finally took the stage, we could barely hear the lead singer and the music overpowered the vocals.  Even still, we enjoyed their music.  It wasn't until their last song "Bigfoot", that we realized just how much we would like them.   Lead singer Tyler Mechem, up to that point had been toying with us. He had just been fishing with us -dangling the lure in front of our faces. With "Bigfoot", he yanked the hook and reeled us in.  The energy level went from 50mph to 100mph in a split second- an unexpected treat.  "Bigfoot" produced a big sound with a strong rhythm, soulful vocals, and thoughtful lyrics.  This could very well be this band's anthem.  As you, may know, I don't like every band I see.  And I certainly don't clamor for a set list from every band I see.  But I LOVE THIS BAND.  After, the band finished and was packing up their gear, I asked guitarist Micah Nichols for their set list.  "It's on a paper plate" he replied.  And that is exactly one of the reasons I wanted it.

So, last Thursday night, Jay and I made the trek to Chapel Hill to see Crowfield perform at the Local 506 club.  They were opening for a band called the Dirty Guv'nahs - who we would not stay and see as it was work night for both Jay and I.  Since that first show, we has actually got to see, Tyler play in a Greensboro coffee house for a charity benefit.  As soon as we walked in on Thursday, we were greeted by Tyler. He remembered us by name and seemed genuinely excited to see a couple of fans in this somewhat uncharted territory for them.

Crowfield opened with a few songs from their debut album, including the ardent and thoughtful song"Give".  As the song goes, "It ain't what you got"  when you are in love -it's about giving it all to the one you love".  They also played my favorite "Jesus in my Pocket".  Having worn this song out in my car's cd player, I was excited to hear it live. The lyrics meaningful, powerful and moving - 

"The pain don't break me down these days
I've got a Jesus in my pocket, blue eyes and a better way
It helps remind me faith is a powerful thing
Gives you more reasons to live than die any day"


The band also gave us a sneak peak of one of their songs off the new album.  A few months ago, the band launched a kickstarter campaign, asking fans to help them raise the money to make a new album.  Their fans answered the call, helping them raise almost $20,000 in just a few short weeks. This was enough to send the band into the studio for two weeks to work on the album.  And I cannot wait to hear what they have waiting for us.

Ending once again with Bigfoot, except this time, it was a sneak attack.  Starting with a funky sound, Jay and I looked at each other and said "They aren't ending with Bigfoot." Ha- but they showed us.  For this version, they slowed the song down a bit, but it was as powerful as the first time we heard it. Tyler's voice was strong and confident, commanding attention even as he ended with a high falsetto voice reminiscent of The Edge.  Interestingly enough, Micah's guitar playing and use of pedal effects mimic (quite affectively) the style of The Edge as well.  This song begs you to stomp around but Tyler does all of the stomping for you.  The band ended Bigfoot with a roar as Tyler and Micah clamored all over the stage.

To say Crowfield is soulful is an understatement. They have soul - they have funk- they are alternative and country mixed into one.  Most of all they have a raw, edge with inspired and intelligent lyrics.  These guys are solid musicians with the heart of songwriters - a combination that is sometimes hard to find. But they are soulful even beyond their music.  The thing that resonates the most for me is that they have a sincere humbleness about them and are easily approachable.

I am very much looking forward to seeing much more of Crowfield.  Until then, they will retain a top spot in my cd changer.