A closer encounter with Better Than Ezra

ROBERT NATT / photo editor Bassist Tom Drummond, of Better Than Ezra, rocked Wilson Hall Sunday night with a blend of mellow, alternative, and hard rock.

Sunday's concert at Wilson Hall was a night written in the stars. People came for the hits and headliner Better Than Ezra, but they received more than that. Georgia Avenue, the opener, and Better Than Ezra played strong sets for a packed audience ready for anything that the bands threw at them. The crowd was not let down, as there were many surprises in store for the night.

Better Than Ezra, an alternative rock band based out of New Orleans, plays a blend of mellow, alternative and hard rock that was the staple of the mid- and late-'90s rock scene. Local band Georgia Avenue opened the show with tunes incorporating a blend of classical piano styles, southern blues rock guitar, smooth but funky bass and a rootsy feel with soft, consistent drum beats. Their sound reminds some listeners of the Allman Brothers or the Black Crowes. Georgia Avenue members attend JMU and Bridgewater College.

Both bands took advantage of the venue's intimate setting. Georgia Avenue acted as a responsible opening band by getting crowd members on their feet with brilliant execution and audience interaction. "They had a pumped-up beat," junior Erin Harpine said.

Audience anticipation heightened as Better Than Ezra's set drew nearer. The long-awaited moment came, and Better Than Ezra entered the darkened stage to the western sounds of the theme of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly."

The stage was lit once again, revealing a glistening backdrop that encapsulated the colors of the stage lighting. Better Than Ezra opened its set with "Misunderstood," the song for which the band was recording a video. Following their first energized song, the band played one of its classic hits, "Good," off of its first album Deluxe.

Guitarist and vocalist Kevin Griffin involved crowd members and brought them to their feet with entertaining stories and humor. Whether it was demonstrating his ability to dance like Bruce Springsteen or accusing guitarist and pianist Jim Payne of playing "porno" guitar, Griffin kept the audience entertained.

"They kicked some major booty," freshman Ashley Nimmo said. "Those guys were funny, a rocking riot."

During the band's the latest hit "Extra Ordinary," the crowd's energy intensified. Better Than Ezra began moving in and out of the song into excerpts of Madonna's "Don't Tell Me" and Outkast's "Ms. Jackson." Midway through "King Of New Orleans," Griffin showcased his vocal R&B capabilities. Griffin's crooning voice was one of Better Than Ezra's strengths along with its brilliant showmanship.

Griffin described "Time of the Year" as a song about the first cool day of fall when the band members went to see Louisiana State University play at "Ole' Miss" as fellow members Tom Drummond and Travis McNabb passed a football on stage. Another exciting and unexpected moment came when Griffin invited an audience member to come onstage and participate in a song. Tim Griggs, a Virginia Tech junior, was the fortunate audience member who played guitar with the band.

"There was really good interaction with the crowd," Daniel McNamee, a Virginia Tech junior said. "It was fun and made you part of the show."
The first set closed with popular favorite "Desperately Wanting" marking the height of the audience's excitement. Energy pulsed through the crowd as audience members sang along, waved arms and hoisted one another onto shoulders.

During an encore, Griffin displayed his piano skills and gave the audience a taste of Elton John's "Benny and the Jets," "Lean On Me" and "Peanuts Theme." The band also played "Recognize" off its latest album Closer, highlighted with some guitar slides, rendering a western sound. Better Than Ezra closed the show with "In The Blood," adding a touch of Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper."

Both Better Than Ezra and Georgia Avenue performed quality music with timely execution. The show had elements of a solid rock concert — audience participation and interaction, girls on shoulders, people singing and jumping up and down, comical cover songs and great stage presence. Better Than Ezra put on an impressive, extravagant live show.

"There were plenty of covers and all of their good songs," freshman Matt Miller said.