Carbon Leaf performed at the Bluebird theater with an opening band called Alternate Routes. Wow. I loved The Alternate Routes. They were alot of fun and similar in style to Carbon Leaf. Their sound is very diverse yet enjoyable. I was amazed with what they used as "instruments". They had the usual instruments along with harmonicas and such but they also used what looked like a plastic toolbox with coins/metal stuff inside to make a percussive rattle sound. There was I assume a microphone inside also to project the sound. It was a nice effect for the song they played. Carbon Leaf members joined them for some of their songs and vice versa when Carbon Leaf came on stage. I'd definitely recommend them if you are into Americana folk style rock. They'll be playing in Denver again October 27th at the Bluebird Theater with Need to Breathe and Serena Ryder.
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Carbon Leaf took to the stage after The Alternate Routes. Carbon Leaf is touring in support of their latest album Nothing Rhymes with Woman. They seem to like Colorado as not only were they there 6/14 but later on around 6/30 they played at Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Ampitheater and back they came in September with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. They must have played Telluride too somewhere in there. Anyway, Carbon Leaf is another American folk rock style band with hints of Irish tones. They also use a wide variety of instruments including the penny whistle and what looked like a larger and deeper sounding penny whistle providing a haunting almost ethereal feel to the tune being played. Other instruments included bells, guitars, bass violin, shakers, mandolin, and some kind of lap guitar ( I can't think of the name of it right now.) The lead is very energetic and matter of fact. haha At one point, when the crowd was yelling out various songs for them to play, he said, "We'll play what we like and you'll like it!...or you won't. *shrug*" haha
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Evidently, Colorado loves Carbon Leaf as it seemed a sold out concert and everyone was singing along with the band. There was a point where in one of the songs, the lead had the crowd singing the chorus as if in the round along with him. It was a really cool effect. (The song was "Let Your Troubles Roll By". The lead singer said the song was written somewhere between Utah and Colorado. Of course Colorado loves the song because the state is mentioned in the song and the crowd enthusiastically yells it when that part of the song is sung.) They also sang a couple songs Grand Ole Opry Style (Everyone in band playing/singing around a single microphone.) They sang Seven Brides for Seven Sinners (off their live album). Very funny ( made the sign of the cross several times).
The Alternate Routes joined them on stage for a cover of Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith. Awesome!
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At one point the lead singer of Carbon Leaf hopped on the stage singing parts of the song "Safety Dance" saying afterward that he was jealous that he didn't create that song. LOL The lead is very engaging. The rest of the band members were having a great time as well. It was easy to get swept up in their fun. It was like a big party on the stage at times. Lighting and stage design were simple yet effective. No special effects necessary. Love the lead singer's facial expressions. Reminds me of a musical Jim Carrey at times.
Overall, I'd say Carbon Leaf is comparable in entertainment quality as Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. Worth every penny and a must see.
