The Jazzhaus got a taste of original tributes to the reggae king, Bob Marley when James Dean Rose Jr. and Friends rocked out their bluegrass styles while playing the best hits of Marley and the Wailers. The show got a huge turnout for a Thursday night, and enjoyed opening acts that were both impressive and fresh.
The one-man-band Tyler Gregory opened early with his resonating vocals and guitar-picking, boot-stomping skills for a gathering crowd that appreciates quality bluegrass from any size band. The best performance to follow Gregory up could only come from a powerful combination of instruments, and that's exactly what Cowgirls Train Set brought to the stage
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The seven-piece collective of Cowgirls Train Set was playing together for the first time with all their current members. This experimental folk band included two saxophonists, a banjo, violin, acustic guitar, harmonica and standup bass. The jazzy, funky voices of the saxophones and harmonica lend themselves well to the rambling, fast-tempo bluegrass instrumentals. Vocals from certain band members joined in the harmony of the instruments or came over the music to lead certain songs. The crowd really took to this band and a gathering of impressed fans took to the dance floor to get down to the massive bands' jams.
After two sets of folk, the headliner James Dean Rose Jr. and his band kept the flow going with a bluegrass set of Bob Marley hits that got the audience involved. Jamming favorites like Stir It Up, Three Little Birds and One Love, the crowd sang along and swung around the dance floor, drunk with reggae love. It was an interesting, unique treat for the ears to hear familiar songs in a different style. Bluegrass may not make the reggae hits better, but they weren't worse either.
The Jazzhaus enjoyed a healthy crowd of excited music enthusiasts, but that's nothing compared to the crowds coming out tonight and tomorrow night. Be sure not to miss all the great shows coming up and be safe!
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