Volto - The Baked Potato - 20/10/12

Good job they had Sam Adams. I'll take 2 please...

I saw Volto back in 2008 at the Baked Potato. Danny Carey being the draw thanks to my love for his work with TOOL. This time round I was sat slightly further away from a speaker, which is tough seen as the Baked Potato is such a tiny venue. The guys in the band are so friendly. They try and say hi to most in the room, even if its just a nod of the head.
They don't really have a set list. John (Ziegler) tends just to have a little chat between songs and they all come to a decision as to which they should play next, making the whole feel of the gig a lot more relaxed. Its like you're being let into their practice room. They're all just having great fun bouncing ideas around and jamming. Of course it helps that you have one of the best drummers around keeping everything together, but to just focus on Danny would be a massive injustice to the other members in the band. Bassist Lance Morrison has played with Alanis Morissette, Rod Stewart and Don Henley. He's a superb bassist and his solos are excellent. Jeff Babko was excellent on keys. Fresh from fulfiling his duties as keyboardist, composer and arranger on Jimmy Kimmel Live he is one hell of a talented keyboard player. He's also recently been heard playing with the legend that is James Taylor, Alanis Morissette, Frank Ocean and Jason Mraz. Doug Webb also guested on about 5 different saxophones.
My favourite track is probably Grip It which is a terrific blend of rock and jazz. It also has some of the best riffs i've heard throughout especially at the start and end of the track. Danny's drumming is immense and the filthy bass line is a joy. Teamed together with some wailing organ and John's playful guitar it's certainly the standout track for me. That's not to say that their cover of All Along the Watchtower by Hendrix isn't one of the best versions around. It's just not quite as good as Grip It.
I'm very excited about an album, something I told John afterwards. Fingers-crossed it not too much longer until it's available to make my ears happy.
If you're in LA when they're playing I would highly recommend the $25 entrance fee to one of the best venues around. The sound quality for such an intimate space is amongst the best I ever heard. A great night out.