Jacob's Loc 01-18-05

Jacob’s Loc, I hope that their following continues to grow as they get the exposure that I believe they deserve.

As Jacob’s Loc followed Silvertide, Jacob thanked Silvertide for setting up the room and mentioned that he was a big fan of Silvertide. Silvertide is a hard act to follow, but Jacob’s Loc did so with style and grace. Major props go to Jacob’s Loc and other bands who are the antitheses of prima donna rock and pop stars with entourages of managers, label execs and lawyers who will only permit an artist to perform under the best of conditions. Most major artists wouldn’t play an intimate club on a Tuesday night at 11:30, following the evening’s headliner. One of the things that I admire about Jacob’s Loc is that their love for performing rock ‘n roll and partying with rock and rollers is first and foremost. The baggage of which venue, day, spot in the lineup, dollar guarantees and lists of perks and riders can be left for others. Right now, Jacob’s Loc seems to be enjoying this early stage they’re in. As Jacob aptly proclaimed between songs, “We’re unsigned, independent and loving it!”

It is so exciting to witness this early developmental stage of the band. To me, it appears they are not shackled by limitations that managers, labels, producers and sponsors place upon artists, so they are free to explore and develop their own music and style. They seem to appreciate those who are enjoying this time with them, too. Before launching into one of their new songs titled “Ready and Waiting,” Jacob said (a bit breathlessly from performing “Devil”), “We’re going to do another one …It’s an original … It’s a brand new one … We’ve played this twice … And I love that we’re growing, man! It’s our 6th show ever and you guys are loving it … You’re singing along … enjoying the party … Dance with me! Jacob invited his brother Bryan to sing on this one.

Another nice perk of catching Jacob’s Loc’s shows at this early stage of the band’s career is that these small clubs permit the band to carry on some informal banter while they’re tuning up for the next song. Jacob had a glass of whiskey onstage so he’d have it handy as a prop for “Whiskey Callin’,” which was the second to the last song in the set. Unfortunately, the glass got knocked during his performance of a song earlier in the set. While the band was setting up for the next song, Jacob said in a good-humored tone of self-amusement, “Can you believe it? I spilled my damned whiskey! You know that [expletive] cost thirteen bucks here, too? I just wasted 6.50! [Expletive] Just ruined my night! The crowd responded in unison with a compassionate sounding "Awwww!"

And before launching into “Devil,” Jacob got a rise out of the audience with this introduction while they were setting up for the song, “This one’s about all those women out there! …. This one’s about you devil women!” When the crowd broke into cheers and applause, seemingly in praise of such women, Jacob protested, “No! No!” I gathered from his brief comment that followed that the song is more about the wiles of devil women than about celebrating/honoring them.

Jacob’s Loc’s official site announced in December that they have been keeping busy writing new tunes that they couldn’t wait to play live for everyone. They made good on their word and included two of their new songs in this show’s set list. They have switched the order of the songs, dropped their cover of Aerosmith’s “Never Loved A Girl” and added a cover of “Fat Bottomed Girls” by another group they’re big fans of, Queen. I’m a huge Queen fan, too, so this was a wonderful treat. I think that they truly did the song justice. The crowd really enjoyed it, too!

The new songs really jam! I can’t wait until everyone can hear them. “Ready and Waiting” is very catchy. I imagine everyone will be singing and clapping along to it. Aaron told me that the band is in the process of recording the new songs, should be posting a clip of “Ready and Waiting” within the next couple of months and will have lyrics for "Deadly Game" and other songs posted on their site soon.

Here is the set list from the show:
1. Baby I (new song written by Jacob’s Loc!)
2. Faces
3. Move On
4. When We Die