This show had been on my calendar for nearly six (6) weeks. Needless to say, I was NOT going to miss it! But, little did I know that high demand would warrant advance tickets only, and that it would sell out weeks prior. The very night of the show, out of desperation, I made some urgent phone calls, in which I ultimately gained access to the sold out show. I grabbed a seat near the stage, and waited for G. Loves' opening act, Palomar. And waited, and waited. They were a no-show.

Philadelphia's very own Mike Tyler took the stage with his band G. Love and Special Sauce a little later than expected, which made for a super long night, considering there was not an opening act. This was G. Love's KC Debut with his new Special Sauce lineup, at stand up bass and at drums, following a mini tour in Japan. They performed in front of an easy 400 people. Don't spill this to the KCMO Fire Marshall, but the joint only holds a cool 300, or so. Obviously, it was beyond packed and hot.

The G. Love sound? Well, that is more than tough. I'd say, it's a broad combination of funk, hip-hop, jazz, soul, and R&B. Yes! All of those genres wrapped into one. I believe that the record industry has been calling it "ragmop," for one good reason. It's easier than rattling off the aforementioned description.

Anyway, his show was nothing less than incredible. Tyler is the best-worst guitarist I've ever known, although, he holds an audience with his Dylan-like, emotional, well written lyrics, that are sometimes song, and sometimes rapped. They never really jammed out. Instead they played loud and slow which perfectly compliments Love's voice. The rest of the band were not the best musicians either, but they still manufacture a great feel. The songs became more and more familiar as the set progressed, and ended with everyone singing along to several of G Love and Special Sauce's more popular songs.

Oh yeah, of course Mike brought out his harp (the harmonica), and made some disjointed sounds that somehow flowed well with his lyrics, and background music. It really was an all around relief to see a band with little talent, besides G's lyrical arrangements and presentation, to actually be more than entertaining.