Jack Kerowax captivates, entertains Harvest House crowd
From left to right: Garret Padgett, Johnny Beauford and Nash Griggs play at Harvest House Friday night. This was the band’s first time in Denton. Erica Wieting | Features Editor
Erica Wieting | Features Editor
@ericawootang
With 30 minutes to do sound checks, plug instruments into amplifiers and all the other procedures necessary to complete before going onstage, soft indie rock quartet Jack Kerowax appears relaxed and at ease.
They’re set to perform at 10 p.m. By 9:50, the stage at Harvest House has fallen silent and dark. It’s the band’s first performance in Denton.
The band is composed of four members: lead singer and guitarist Johnny Beauford, lead guitarist and keyboardist Garret Padgett, drummer Nathan Adamson and bassist Nash Griggs.
With a controlled flurry of guitar chords and a sudden onslaught of drums and cymbals, the show begins.
Singer Johnny Beauford, left, and bassist Nash Griggs play “Fancy Cigarette” at Harvest House. The song is on their first album, titled “Kerowax.” Erica Wieting | Features Editor
For the next two hours, a buoyant atmosphere fills the air. The tunes were unexpectedly jaunty, coming across differently than the more bluesy-sounding videos released on the band’s website and on YouTube. The band just released their first album, suitably titled “Kerowax.”
The surprise was pleasant and well-received. Conversations at the bar slowed as audience members turned their attention to the new performers. One couple even started swing dancing in front of the stage.
Jokes from Beauford, interspersed throughout the show, maintained the spirit of entertainment. At one point he urged people to check out the band’s merchandise, saying they needed gas money to get to the next stop on their tour, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Formed in 2012, Jack Kerowax has had three years to create the perfect storm. Distinct vocals. Impressive guitar riffs. Energetic drumbeats. Timely cymbal crashes. Incomparable keyboard sounds. The deep undertones of a bass guitar.
Unexpectedly animated, the sound Jack Kerowax brought to the stage makes them one of those hard-to-find bands you might enjoy listening more live than on an album.
If you enjoy a more laid-back style of music, try their recorded versions. For an energy-filled show with some refined musical talent, attend a concert.
Either way, you’re in for a good listen.
Featured Image: From left to right: Garret Padgett, Johnny Beauford and Nash Griggs play at Harvest House Friday night. This was the band’s first time in Denton. Erica Wieting | Features Editor
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