Grand National - John Butler Trio

Advantages: Great guitars, high level of musicianship
Disadvantages: A little self indulgent

I first heard John Butler when I was in a record shop in Perth (that’s Oz, not Scotland) and asked for some cool local grooves. JBT was the first thing the assistant played and I can still remember the moment: I wet gangbusters on him, as they say Down Under. Since then I’ve bought all his albums, travelled to London (and Manchester) to see him and all in all been a bit of a fan. Although this new album is not as immediately brilliant as the last ...
...do no wrong. If you’ve not heard of him, Butler is a fantastic guitarist — he’s got to be one of the best in the world — and plays electric rootsy folk. However, even as a fan I can admit he can go on a bit: his twin loves are the environment and playing long, complicated guitar sections. My other half doesn’t really like him for this — he’s too prog rock but more than that he’s too blokey and in a guitarhead kind of way. When you see him live, ... Read review

Advantages: great guitarist and excellent lyrics
Disadvantages: too much like a jamming session?

...of the United Kingdom, and Grand National, is the latest cd to be relaesed by the John Butler Trio. in my opinion this is not his best cd, that would have to be Sunrise Over Sea, i personally would recommend that you bought that one first. Grand National sounds a bit like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, very full of energy. ... Read review

Advantages: great music, catchy tunes
Disadvantages: some songs are too long

...excellent cd by an excellent artist. i have been addicted to this cd since i first heard it two months ago. marginally better than the John Butler Trios latest cd Grand National, which is a slightly different style to the styles of the John Butler Trios earlier album. these are definately three guys who want to make a positive change to the environment through the music which they clearly enjoy playing. was a very popular cd in Australia and reasonably popular in France, but for some reason never made it over here in the United Kingdom. not everyone will like this style of music, it is chill out music, sounds like three guys having fun jamming together. this cd was released after Three, but before Grand National.... Read review

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