by photojournalist Dan Fernandez
I knew that it was going to be a great night early on as staples of the Jam community Goose launched into an enthusiastic cover of one of my favorite artists, Father John Misty’s, “I’m Writing a Novel” just two songs in. Serendipitously enough I was listening to this very song as I was hunting down parking to get to the venue. Goose, hailing from Wilton, Connecticut officially formed in 2014 but has rapidly gained popularity over the last 6 or so years as they have played alongside genre powerhouses such as The Dead & Co. and Trey Anastasio. The crew showed exactly why they deserve that notoriety and then some on Friday night, April 17th, as they rocked a packed house at The Baycare Sound in Clearwater, Florida.
As the group (Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weeks, Peter Anspach and Cotter Ellis) took the stage and, after Anspach took a few photos with his disposable camera, broke into “Big Modern!” to an enthusiastic reception by fans who were already in mid show form, especially those riding the rail. After wrapping up the previously mentioned cover of Father John Misty’s “I’m Writing a Novel” (seriously if you have not heard any of his music please take a listen immediately) Goose jammed through a collection of tunes featuring “Mr. Action,” “Elizabeth,” “Seekers on the Ridge Pt. 1 & 2” and a cover of Future Island’s “Peach” before wrapping up the first set with fan favorite “Give It Time.” While the crowd could have grooved straight through, the band decided a slight set break was in order.
As Goose returned to the stage the crowd was at a fever pitch. The band promptly broke into a sequence featuring “Hungersite> Rockdale” with a “Time to Flee” tease that bled right into a “Slow Ready> In Your Eyes” combo cover of Peter Gabriels hit song. The guys wrapped up the set with a heavy hitting version of “Thatch,” but come on, we all knew that they were not done. As fans did the obligatory encore dance for one more song the band obliged and retook the stage for a mind blowing rendition of “Arcadia” before ending the night for good.
The connection that Goose’s fans have to the music is undeniable and spawns an impressive community in which everyone is accepted in their journey for great music. No matter what you are wearing, how you are dancing, whether you are a newcomer or long-time fan you are welcome at a Goose jam sesh. It is a magical thing, as one fan put it, “I’m 72 and this is the first real music that I have heard in a long time!” before dancing her way back into the crowd. After I left the venue while I was walking to my truck, I was hit with a recurring feeling that I truly feel bad for those who sat this one out. Man, what a show!
