Search - John Trio Butler :: Living 2001-2002

Throw away Harper, get some BUTLER into you!!!

Joe Lewis | Brisbane, Australia | 06/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The John Butler Trio pushes the bounds of Australian live music by producing vibrant whilst mellow music in the vintage of... i guess.. Ben Harper, but the amazing colourfulness of the lead guitar leaves the band synonymous with obscurity.Anyone on the Bonnaroo trail of 2002 in the US might have experienced an interlude of John's playing here or there and also on his tour, yet the difference between this and his local shows is inexorable.My mind fathoms Led Zeppelin when I try to think of another band whose 5-10minute studio songs are turned into epic musical tales thrust at will of the guitarist, notably 'Dazed and Confused.' But, John Butler is only similar to Page in THIS remark, not overall playing style. Even though Page and Butler share similar but varying degrees of anonymity in the states. As an Australian endorser of John's philosophically enthusiastic lyrics "spring is here again," "treat your mama with respect," "a country [Australia] founded on immigration can be so damned racist too..." I must encourage anybody who is a fan of the Harper/Johnson/Randolph/Fleck/D.Dozen way of life to embrace John.Who knows you may actually be lucky enough to come over here and see one of his 3hour shows and get melted by his onstage pickings. I am about to see him for a second time, but don't need to take my MD with me because i have 'Living,' which chronicles various tours John did after the commerical release of Three in Australia.We publicly endorse your music, your music rules our record stores. This is not a white-wash. We made St. Anger GOLD in it's first week of release for Metallica, we have suburbs of Eminem tshirts on the crawl. Support some JBT."

Live and Large

Seano | Down Under | 06/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The reputation of JBT live is one of the highest in Oz but I've never seen them. Been since the 1st CD 'John Butler' but never seen a gig. And for those that haven't this is a top taster. Over two hours of live music recorded brilliantly. You really do get an idea that these guys do not only play but play with their music. But the extra improvs within most of the track included aren't all just for show. In many ways they add something to the originals or simply use the orginal track as a basis for going somewhere new. So even if you have 'Three' or either of the two self titled albums 'John Butler' and 'John Butler Trio' then this by no means duplicates them at all - if you love live music in the mould of Ben Harper or Jeff Lang then grab this then find out where there's a gig near you......."

A yankee's perspective

M. Bentley | California, USA | 10/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The John Butler Trio isn't getting the recognition they deserve in the USA, despite their generous number of visits. I'm here to tell my fellow Americans that JBT proves the best things come from Australia.



I don't give out 5's easily, but this is one of my most frequently played albums. Real bands do it live, and JBT is truly a great live act. For those unfamiliar with JBT, John Butler leads the trio on an acoustic/electric guitar with an emphasis on the slide. Think Ben Harper, take away the sap, and add maddening improvisational and jamming skills. The JBT sound is upbeat, fresh, and soulful.



For those familiar with JBT, realize that the best way to hear this band is live, and if they're not coming to your town soon, this is a necessary alternative. This album even has a couple of tracks not available elsewhere (Spring, Home Is Where The Heart Is). This will not be an album you'll regret owning."