Fitz Blew the Roof Off the Crocodile Last Night

Yesterday we wrote up a preview of the Fitz and the Tantrums with BGP show. There was a lot of tentative speculation based on what we could find out about them. Honestly, there were no diehard fans to consult at the time so we took what we could get. We now know that all the negative speculation was bullcrap.

Let's start with the BGP. While the opinion of their recorded music hasn't changed, we do realize now that it grossly under-represents their talent. With a dynamic keyboardist/lead singer, solo-ripping guitarist and fantastic drummer and bassist they have a full group of solid musicians. They even let slip a stint on the pop show America's Got Talent. Unfortunately they spent a lot of time taping for the show but none of the footage actually made it to the small screen. We know why they were chosen even for the preliminary round, though, and it was justified. They have a great attitude on stage and have a child-like energy and joy from playing even at a smaller venue like the Crocodile. BGP's style is quite a bit different from what is posted to the group's Myspace page. It's far more like Harry Connick Jr. than the techno pop represented on the web. We were happily surprised by this group and recommend you don't judge till you've seen their live show.

Now on to the real treat. Fitz and the Tantrums was, simply put, extraordinary. We had never seen the Crocodile reconfigured in a way that created the feeling of such a huge venue. With a little smoke and a change of lighting it felt like Neumos or even the Showbox at the Market. No joke. It didn't hurt that Noelle and Fitz's performance was bigger than life and you felt every single word they sang. They were so full of energy through the entire set and on into the encore, you had no idea where it came from. It truly was a gorgeous throw-back to the fantastic Motown shows that we can only imagine took place in their hey-day. We had a few reservations about this group, it's true. Wondering how the live show would compare to the album and also wondering whether it would feel like the same song or at least the same melodies over and over again. Their sound was pretty similar throughout, however that didn't phase us or even slightly detract from how ebullient the show turned out to be. If you ever have the opportunity to see this show, don't hesitate. As a matter of fact, you'll get your chance late this year at the Paramount. Fitz and the Tantrums will be opening for Michael Franti & Spearhead at the 103.7 Winter Warmth concert.

There will be a full gallery of photos tomorrow as well as a Flickr set with even more shots to enjoy. Check back tomorrow for the madness and beauty.