A Misty Botanical Garden Reception With Sweetwater Junction

Atlanta's hard-working Sweetwater Junction brought their extensive repertoire and showy chops to one of the city's most desired wedding venues, The Atlanta Botanical Garden.  I always want to make that name plural, but the garden is a singular variety.  We performed in the Day Hall, which is perhaps one of the busiest rooms in the city as far as functions go.  It is not a quiet room, with little absorption.  Guess what - very few rooms these days are.  Folks prefer their vaulted ceilings, hardwood flooring and super-sized windows.  That's where they want to be seen.  It's up to the band to deliver their sound in these less-than-ideal sonic slots.  A well placed subwoofer can help level out the frequencies and provide heft to the mix without overbearing harshness.  We took some time dialing the sub in, and it paid off.

Fortunately, Sweetwater Junction has figured out how to mix the band in such a way that volume never seems to be an issue.  It starts with the drummer, and in this case, they have one of the most versatile craftsmen in the business.  Mark Letalien is a consummate professional, and aside from being a great friend of mine, he really understands the whole mechanics of a percussion gig.  He and I have chatted at length about the value of playing quietly and yet with intensity.  Only a seasoned pro is capable of generating and maintaining that level of force and drive without playing harder.  That is just one of his many facets.  I marvel at his skill set and serious application of his energies to the bandstand.  Check out one of the many links to Mark here for more on this performer/instructor.

It was a rare treat for me to perform with these guys once again.  I really enjoy the opportunity to play with Daniel Barker (Scott Walker Band, Paris Luna).  He is a classic keyboard wizard who always brings excitement to the bandstand.  I love his two-tiered setup and analog-infused tonalities.  He always finds a spot in the show to get down on a Keith Emerson styled Moog patch that just tears the hair off of your dog.  Plus, he stands up like the rest of us and really gets into it from a physical perspective.  The fact that he knows every song this band commits to is icing as well - almost a musical director of sorts.

Chris Garner is the principle vocalist and rhythm guitarist, and it's just not the same if he's not available.  Fortunately, he came ready to belt his mighty pipes for the blessed couple and their attendees.  Good thing, as he can sing this songlist better than anybody else i can think of.  The groom picked many of our jam band favorites: Widespread Panic's All Time Low, Chilly Water, The Band's Ophelia, The Shape I'm In, that big ol' Superstition medley that keeps the floor packed.  We played some typical ones that are quite standard as well: Signed Sealed Delivered, Ain't Too Proud to Beg, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Wonderful Tonight, Sweet Home Alabama...  almost too many to recollect.  I marvel at how Chris' voice holds up throughout the whole night.

Brian Molin is the guitarist and leader of the band.  He is there through the whole process, from the booking of musicians, to requirements of the venue, to providing meals to the band, the the last minute requests of the booking party.  He takes it very seriously.  I've known Brian for quite some time, so I can say this.  He has the best tone of any guitarist when it comes to playing on these shows.  True to form, he keeps the volume in check, as we all do.  Here is one of his secret weapons: /13.  Love his Clapton-esque via Haynes double-stop high bends - I actually don't know what to call it, but as a guitarist, I want to learn it.  The flow from one song to another keeps the people partying, and the time flies by like on no other night.  Almost as soon as we've started, we are saying good night.  It was a fun night for the bride and groom, as well as everybody in attendance.