Last Night: Trevor Hall and Carbon Leaf at the Showbox - Market
By Malia Makowicki in Concert ReviewsSaturday, Jun. 20 2009 @ 6:23PM

Last night Carbon Leaf , a classic rock band with a little bit of pop and a dash of folk mixed in, packed the Showbox at the Market with enthusiastic audience members ranging from eight to 80.

As a new fan of Carbon Leaf I was surprised at the variety of followers this five-some has amassed over the years. From the feisty middle-aged lady next to me (who had no problem telling the rowdy folk in front of her to stop dancing) to the teen lovers on my other side (who really needed to get a room) the audience devotedly sang along with every song and I soon found their jumpin' and jivin' contagious. The dudes of Carbon Leaf, along with the surprisingly entrancing opening act, Trevor Hall, spanned generation gaps to create a high energy, passionate performance.

While the passion of lead singer, Barry Privett, was a little much at times (mostly when he would stare intently at the ceiling), these spirited performers definitely knew how to put on a good show and keep the energy flowing. This may be why their songs performed live, especially fan favorite, "Love Loss Hope Repeat," took on a much fuller and captivating sound than when listened to online. Make sure to check out their new CD Nothing Rhymes With Woman.

Prior to Carbon Leaf taking the stage was opening act Trevor Hall who sported a very Venice Beach hippie look. I'll admit I was a bit skeptical when he started his 45 minute set with guttural moans that reminded me of a new-age tribal meditation track. However, I was soon blown away when he proceeded to perform chilling songs that sounded somewhere between Jack Johnson, Bob Marley and Matisyahu (whom Hall has previously toured with).

Lyrics from his new song "Where is the Love?" challenged the audience as he stated "So many Gods but no love for the people." He continued to send chills down my spine with new release "Unity" (co-written with Matisyahu) that crooned "I don't want to reason anymore about the one I love/the one I love/I don't want to reason anymore about God above." His songs carried powerful political messages of compassion and unity that captivated the liberal Seattle audience. His newest CD This is Blue comes out July 28th.