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Votolato stuns Venue crowd
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Covered in a veil of green spotlight, with only his guitar and a harmonica to accompany him, musician Rocky Votolato took the stage at the Venue last Thursday, Sept. 13.
The night marked his second appearance in Boise this year and, once again, his solo act impressed the audience. His set consisted of upbeat folk songs balanced with softer acoustics
as he played from each of his five albums.
Two bands, A Rotterdam November and The Honorary Title, preceded him with their edgier punk rock sounds.
The only opener that fit with Votolato’s music was Blue Checkered Record Player (fronted by Votolato’s brother, Sonny Votolato). It possessed a folk sound that at times almost crossed into country music. Along with Sonny’s smooth but booming vocals, the band boasted an eclectic collection of instruments. The bank consists of Ryan Middleton on the bass, Adam Fream on drums, Jeremy Morton on cello and Dave Martin on keyboard.
The band got off to a rough start, after Sonny lost vocals about 30 seconds into the first song and required a quick equipment check.
“That was almost our first song,” he said to the crowd.
Afterward the band was ready to go again.
“Ok, for real this time?” Sonny said to the audience with a lighthearted grin.
The band members continued on flawlessly and became one of the strongest acts of the night.
The Honorary Title followed Blue Checkered Record Player. Lead vocalist and guitar player Jarrod Gorbel couldn’t believe the large crowd that gathered for the band’s set.
“We’re used to smaller crowds,” Gorbel said, “You know,
just intimacy!”
After the Honorary Title finished, Votolato began. He opened his set with songs from his newest album, “The Brag and Cuss” including “Postcard from Kentucky.” He also performed “White Daisy Passing” and “Portland is Leaving” from his 2006 album “Makers” and “Suicide Medicine” from his 2003 release of the same name.
Each song sent tranquil vibes through the Venue, providing a welcome contrast to the high energy and rough sounds of aA Rotterdam November and the Honorary Title.
This makes sense, as he said he prefers his music to be lighter instrumentally and “more focused lyrically.”
The audience favored this change of pace. A line of people stretched across the front of the stage, their eyes glued to Votolato the entire time.
When he finished his last song, an audience member immediately shouted a request to him. His 40-minute set did not seem long enough.
Votolato’s show proved a welcome addition to the Boise concert scene. Whether viewers came to see him or one of the
other three bands, he gave a passionate performance for anyone who listened.
Francy Marcotte