John and Jacob- Summer Sounds, Cedarburg, WI 7/10/15

photo by Will Piper

Nashville's John and Jacob have all the right tools to become a break out artist.  Following a heavy run on the festival circuit last summer, including appearances at Boneroo and South by Southwest, and an American and European tour opening up for country stand-out star, Kasey Musgraves, the road traveled band fronted by co-lead singer/guitarists John Davidson and Jacob Bryant stopped off at picaresque Cedar Creek Park for a beautiful Friday of music and fun.  Summer Sounds has a real knack for booking performers who appeal to diverse audiences, and John and Jacob were no exception.  Part country, part throw-back rock 'n roll, and part Americana, John and Jacob delivered a high energy set.  On stage, they have exceptional energy, and reminded me lot of the Avett Brothers.  Both singers traded off vocals fluidly and were backed with a tight band which included Austin Smith on vocals, guitar and keyboard, Jake Thrasher on bass and Trevor Davis on drums.

One of the show highlights included the band covering the Everly Brothers's hit, "Wake Up Little Suzie."  The band admitted to often times being compared to the Everly Brothers in their prime, and with their matching suits and wonderful harmonizing, this was an easy comparison to see. This tune made you feel like you weren't in Cedar Creek Park in Cedarburg, but rather rocking out in a malt shop in a different era.

John and Jacobs's set drew heavily from their 2014 debut self-titled release.  Tunes like the rocking feel-good summer anthem "Ride with Me," got the crowd to its feet.  "Be My Girl," another stand out track, was warmly received especially with the energy displayed on stage.  The retro-rock infused "Breaking the Law" was another stellar track with Thrasher providing some great grooves on the bass.  I have a feeling that the next time John and Jacob play Milwaukee that they might be in a larger venue, but it will be great to say that, "we saw them at Summer Sounds."

photo by Tony Frontier