08/24/12 Blues Traveler

Blues Traveler creates a ‘90s nostalgia moments for many listeners, with fast-lined, harmonica-fueled pop rock songs like “But Anyway,” “Run-Around” and “Hook,” but true fans know that Blues Traveler has only been getting better since those hits. Their tight, wild live performances blow other jam rock bands’ out of the water and with the Stamford-raised John Popper on the blues harp, their sound is always incredibly unique.

Blues Traveler blends American roots with reggae, classic rock and a slight country twang, all with power. On stage, they carry an at-times Grateful Dead, at-times Led Zeppelin vibe, and often the musicians can take things in a Phish or Medeski, Martin and Wood direction. Their pop rock songwriting shines on stage, when backed by such inventive talent.

Now in their 25th year together, Blues Traveler is releasing a new album, called Suzie Cracks the Whip, they are embracing a bigger, fresher and more collaborative songwriting approach and they’re touring hard. After shaking it up with a solo album last year, and a subsequent tour with the Duskray Troubadours, the explosive blues singer and harmonica wizard John Popper almost immediately became interested in building a new Blues Traveler record. But this time, he wanted to expand their sound and work with songwriters like the Spin Doctors’ Chris Barron, Carrie Rodriguez and Ron Sexsmith, just to keep on switching things up.

Popper told Rolling Stone the process really helped unearth the band’s true creative juices: “This album will actually cure measles! This album will cure erectile dysfunction! This album is better than roofies!”

“Despite the weather, if any band could make you dance hard enough to forget how cold and miserable you are, it’s Blues Traveler.” – Reverb.com, regarding a recent July 4th concert at Red Rocks

“Presented by Fairfield Theatre Company”