Since the release of their debut album in 1994, Philadelphia natives G. Love and Special Sauce have been continuously refining their laid-back blend of blues, alternative rock, soul and hip-hop into tighter and more sophisticated song structures. Led by the bluesy guitar, vocal, and songwriting ability of frontman G. Love, the trio has remained a favorite among the groove/jam band set, while simultaneously sharpening the pop hooks that have endeared them to fans across the world.
The trio was originally formed in 1992 in Philadelphia when G. Love recruited Jimmy "Jazz" Prescott on acoustic bass and Jeffrey Clemens on drums in order to help flesh out his compositions in a full band setting. Their self-titled debut, released in 1994, won them acclaim from fans and critics who adored the group for its blues-based song structures and hip-hop beats. The album's single, "Cold Beverage," gained them wide airplay and put the band into heavy rotation on MTV, resulting in the record nearly going gold. While later releases didn't quite attain the popularity of their debut, records such as 1995's Coast to Coast Motel and 1999's Philadelphonic proved instrumental in keeping the band in the spotlight.
The band's newest record, Lemonade, is a fantastic back-to-basics effort. Employing the effortless songwriting skills that first brought them to the spotlight while mixing in a cadre of guest stars and subtle-yet-perceptible organ and piano flourishes, the record finds the band wholeheartedly playing to their strengths and sounding great while doing it.
Copyright 2006 XPN
