John Butler warned a Rolling Stone writer that the trio bearing his name is the “least rock-and-roll band in the business.”
The newly released album, “Grand National,” underscores the point.
The band isn?t about what?s expected. Just as the band members drink milk instead of alcohol, the music also strays away from the norm. It?s more about love than injustice, more about good music than genre. The sound is genuine and, according to the aforementioned March cover story on the trio, so are the band members.
“It?s moving more toward a universal kind of music,” Butler, a Los Angeles-born, Australia-raised singer-songwriter said, about the new release. “The whole thing, the way I look at the world, the way I see myself, the way I see the band, it?s all becoming a bit more worldly and encompassing rather than being too specific.”
That methodology obviously works well for the trio. It?s difficult to believe that “Grand National” is only the band?s third release and it has already gained some heavy-duty kudos by many renowned music critics. To echo their sentiments, the trio all are talented musicians who have honed their style of playing together. Butler, who plays his grandfather?s vintage slide guitar, is quite frankly a standout.
While the trio may just be catching on in the United States, it?s been a phenomenon in Australia for several years. Butler?s 2003 album, “Sunrise Over Sea,” sold five-times platinum and was the year?s fifth highest-selling album in Australia. Many other awards, accolades and a world tour by Butler, bassist Shannon Birchall and percussionist Michael Barker followed.
“After three years of touring for ?Sunrise over Sea? it was great to come into the studio with those guys and have the synergy all ready to go,” Butler said. “There?s a kind of respect between the three of us, personally and musically.”
Butler credits producer Mario Caldato Jr. (who?s worked with Beck, G Love and the Beastie Boys) with providing the extra creativity to bring “Grand National” to new heights.
“Mario was a real vibe guy,” he said. “He was about keeping the tension down and he reminded me not to be too precious. I can get pretty intense in the studio. Man on a mission. He kept it mellow.”
IF YOU GO
John Butler Trio with Kaki King
» Venue: Sonar
» Where: 407 E. Sarasota St., Baltimore
» When: 8 p.m. today, May 22
» Information: $20; www.ticket master.com; 401-547-SEAT
