Legendary local band celebrates the 25th anniversary of their GLEE album.
The penultimate day of Jazz Fest saw many amazing groups and artists perform for free. The last event at 9:30 was grabbing most people’s attention, however, with Bran Van 3000’s name in block letters showing everywhere.
The Montreal band came on stage in a punctual manner to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Glee album, which is arguably their most famous LP.
They started off their set with a mashup of songs; featuring “Gimme Sheldon,” “Loaded,” “Grace (Love on The Block),” and a cover of Slade’s “Cum on Feel The Noize.”
Sporting a biggie shirt, James Di Salvio, one of the group’s founders, welcomed the audience and thanked them for coming to the show.
The members were joking around on stage with one another, they didn’t feel forced to perform, much more like old friends reuniting to perform to a crowd of loyal fans.
Afrodiziak started off with Stephane Moraille singing with the crowd. Then both Salvio And Steve “Liquid” Harley joined in on the fun, riling the crowd up even more.
Mr. Curtis Mayfield would normally sing his iconic part on “Astounded.” However, in his stead, Bingham filled in, and her version of his verses was spectacular. Towards the end of the song, though, they used his sample before going back into the hook. They ended it off with their Latin coda.
Salvio then introduced Miss Sarah Johnston to the crowd, and she played “call me (I’ll be around)” on guitar. She added her own twist to the song, making it sound more stripped and acoustic. The entire group then came together and played to the sample of Hall and Oates’s version. Each member had their own verse, which almost made it a timeless rendition.
“You” was an unexpected surprise for me. The song was a dynamic journey that involved Bingham coming back to solo for the crescendo of the song Bingham made the crowd whoop and yell after she belted her heart out.
By far the most eclectic song was their partial cover of the Beastie boys’ classic, which transitioned into other hip hop classics (like their song “old school” and “Get up stand up” by Shrek Louch).
Everyone was anticipating when they would play their most well-known song. That time came as the synth player started that ethereal pad, and the infamous “hi, my name is Stereo Mike” line: “Drinking In L.A.” was here, and the band was going to make sure that the crowd loved it. News flash, they did.
To tie everything together, BV3 played “Journey” (one life one love) as their last song in the setlist, transitioning immediately from “Drinking In L.A.” A perfect wrap-up to the gig for old school and new school fans alike, pardon the pun.
Most Memorable Songs: Astounded, Drinking In LA, Afrodiziak.
The word that I would use to describe the overall show: Wholesome
Confetti released: Once
Setlist
- 1. Gimme Sheldon
- 2. Loaded
- 3. Grace (Love on the Block)
- 4. Cum On Feel the Noize
- (Slade cover) (partial)
- 5. Exactly Like Me
- 6. Afrodiziak
- 7. Go Shoppin’
- 8. More Shopping
- 9. Old School
- 10. Stand Up
- 11. Rainshine
- 12. Jahrusalem
- 13. Astounded
- 14. Call Me (l’Il Be Around)
- (plus other unidentified songs in a medley)
- 15. You
- 16. You Too
- 17. (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To
- Party!)(Beastie Boys cover) (partial)
- 18. Drinking in L.A.
- 19. Journey
Saro Hartounian
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