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Words by Tyler Hammer :: Images by Susan J. Weiand
ALO :: 10.14.06 :: The Fillmore :: San Francisco, CA
"For the record, the real thing is better than the dream." –Zach Gill, ALO, October 14th, 2006
ALO with Jack Johnson :: 10.14 :: Fillmore |
While the lyrics to their just-played song "Country Camper" say the opposite, Zach Gill, keyboard/ukulele/vocals for ALO, wanted to set the record straight at The Fillmore. And in doing so, he affirmed what everyone in the crowd had been suspecting all night – he was living his dream.
Life is all about dreams. We all have them. Dreams are what drive us, and they are what motivate us. Really, when it comes down to it, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't base their life's path on dreams – big or small. It's when we see our dreams come true – that moment when we are able to peer over that pinnacle of life and see what's on the other side – it's in that moment that we are able to give the most meaning to our lives.
Dan Lebowitz - ALO Living The Dream at The Fillmore |
On Saturday, October 14th, about 1,200 fans were witness to a group of friends in a band called ALO experience just that – a pinnacle in life. Headlining their very first show to a sold-out crowd at the historic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, Zach Gill, Dan Lebowitz, Steve Adams, and David Brogan appeared to be on top of the world.
Sure ALO has played in front of much larger crowds and in bigger venues, and as with any successful band, ALO has surely been wowed by their past experiences. But this, after all, is The Fillmore. The excitement, both on stage and in the crowd that night, was akin to a proud parent watching their only child finally walk across the graduation stage.
Zach Gill :: 10.14 :: Fillmore |
As you would expect with any big night, ALO brought out a number of friends to share the moment. After Honeycut, Blue Turtle Seduction, and Mojow and the Vibration Army warmed things up, ALO made their appearance to an already raucous crowd. Opening with "Maria," The Fillmore was immediately swept up with the Isle Vista beach vibe ALO brings with them. Following with "Plastic Bubble," the signature and simple ukulele strum brought bliss to the air. Mixing Hawaiian island with their California soul sound, this song has all the ingredients to tickle eardrums and put smiles on faces.
Brett Dennen :: 10.14 :: Fillmore |
The first set was solid throughout, with notable highlights including a guest appearance by another rising star – singer/songwriter Brett Dennen. With a truly unique and inviting raspy voice, Dennen performed "She's Mine" with ALO as backup. As with all of Dennen's songs, his nimble guitar licks and simple-yet-joyous lyrics lift the spirit. The other highlight of the set came as Honeycut and John Whoolilurie (of Mojow) came onstage to throw down the "Lowdown." This funky Boz Skaggs song brought The Fillmore back to the 1970s as the dance floor heated up and moved the feet of everyone in attendance. More than anyone, John Whoolilurie owned the stage on this song with his over-the-top, just-say-yeah saxophone playing.
ALO :: 10.14 :: Fillmore |
As with any good show, this night was about more than just the music; it was also about the scene. Gaining a reputation for themselves, the band and their fans bring theatrics and flair to many of their bigger shows. Billed as an "Abnormal Formal," this night gave ALO's loyal following in the San Francisco Bay Area yet another excuse to deck themselves out in outrageous outfits. In what seemed a warm-up for Halloween, there were corduroy plaid suits, bright-pink top hats, lacy dresses, and bunny ears creating something like a mad-hatter's ball. The decadent crystal chandeliers, lush purple velvet drapes, and historic resonant musical energy that covers The Fillmore added to the positive vibrations felt by all.
Adding to the family reunion atmosphere, ALO brought out their good friend Jack Johnson a few songs into the second set. Decked in his own formal attire with a shiny silver coat and '30s-era black hat, Jack raised the energy level a few notches.
Jack Johnson with ALO :: 10.14 :: Fillmore |
Sharing the better part of the second set together, they traded songs such as Jack's "Rodeo Clown" and "Better Together" with ALO's "Girl, I want to Lay You Down" and "Wasting Time." With ALO backing Jack Johnson up, he never sounded so good (then again, maybe it was because you could actually hear him sing and not just a horde of high-pitched screaming fans). But seriously, it was a solid mini-set within a set and a tasty treat for most everyone involved. Once they had the stage to themselves again, ALO rounded out the night with some long-time favorites like "Barbeque," mixed in with covers "I Shall Be Released" by Dylan and Journey's "Lights" to close out the show.
Dan Lebowitz - ALO :: 10.14 :: Fillmore |
With their headlining debut at The Fillmore, ALO certainly showed that they have grown in both popularity and as musicians. The rich, commanding sounds that Dan Lebowitz creates with his acoustic guitar is at times reminiscent of the very talented Bill Nershi of SCI. And the infectious undertones of Zach Gill's keyboard are hard not to love.
Yet there is still room to grow, not just in their popularity and sound, but in their material. Show after show, the band plays essentially the same set list mixed among different covers. Except for a few new songs, "Maria," "Try," and "Water Song," (and perhaps one or two others) ALO hasn't really written any new tunes since 2004.
Jack Johnson with ALO :: 10.14 :: Fillmore |
Even so, the band is on a roll – and they know it. With the release of their new album Fly Between Walls, successful tours with Jack Johnson and Galactic, and an upcoming New Year's show at (fittingly) the Sea of Dreams Festival, ALO may be rising through the ranks of the jamband scene faster than anyone. And with their upcoming studio sessions next year, it sounds like they're finally making some time to roll out new material.
Whatever way you slice it, ALO brings with them a youthful energy that is nearly as good as Wonder Bread. They are new and humble enough that you get the sense they are truly living their dream. And no wonder – the uplifting vibe they bring with them to every show is what has liberated the animal within the legions of fans throughout the country.
SET LIST
ALO :: 10.14.06 :: The Fillmore :: San Francisco, CA
SET I
Maria*, Plastic Bubble, Pobrecito, Possibly Drown, She's Mine (Brett Dennen song w/ Brett), Spectrum, Try*, Walls of Jericho, Water Song*, Lowdown (Boz Scaggs song w/ Honeycut & John Whoolilurie), Time is of the Essence (w/ Tony from HC on MPC drum machine)
SET II
Shapeshifter > Waiting for Jaden, Country Camper (w/ John Whoolilurie), Gardener, What's Gone Wrong (Untouchables song w/ Jack Johnson), Better Together > (Jack song w/ Jack), Girl, I Wanna Lay You Down (w/ Jack) > Rodeo Clowns (Jack song w/ Jack), Wasting Time (w/ Jack), Mud Football (Jack song w/ Jack) > Barbeque, Animal Liberation
ENCORE
Happy Birthday Lebo! w/ cake... > I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan song w/ Jack), Michael Was A Man, Lights (Journey song w/ Honeycut, Mojow, Brett Dennen & more)
* New Song, First Time Played
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