Things Get “Saucy” When G. Love Stops By First Ave Friday Night

Philly favorites G Love And Special Sauce brought their unique, funky hip hop sound to the Main Room at First Ave on Friday night. They were in town celebrating their 25^th anniversary with “The Sauce Tour”, which kicked off in Milwaukee on the 10^th.  They were supported by Ron Artis and the Truth.

The Truth came out right around 8:30. With Ron on guitar, his brother Stevon on drums, these guys from Hawaii wasted no time creating a mellow, soulful music, filling the Mainroom with mellow vibes. Even though the vibes were mellow, Ron just shreds the guitar. Hendrix like progressions floated over the funky bass and drums. Positivity permeated the air Friday night. The packed house was definitely digging the opener.

Garrett Dutton, better known as G. Love, along with Jim Prescott on bass and Jeffrey Clemens on drums, opened with “Peace, Love and Happiness “which set the tone perfectly for the evening. The “Sauce” is a blend of funk, hip hop and jazz, with a pinch of blues and alternative rock. G was in fine form, inspiring the crowd to participate in the festivities with whoops of “Yeah Minneapolis!!” Passion reigned, as Dutton blew a mean harmonica or dropped to his knees to jam out a guitar solo just dripping with stank.

There were also some nasty bass lines to be had from “Jazzy’ Prescott wailing on his standup. He had the packed Main room booty shakin’ with his slinky fretwork. “Houseman” Clemens had spectacular high energy on the drums, as well as handling the backing vocals. His tight grooves added just the right spice to the “Sauce”

G Love and Special Sauce have a unique take on life that still comes through as fresh as ever, even after 25 years.