Jacob Larson thrills the crowd with debut performance of songs off his new EP, Aftershock, Saturday night at The Field House in Denver.
By Veronica Lee
On a beautifully damp spring evening in The View House, the skyline of Denver shone bright from the refreshed and newly washed rainfall. Walking around the swelling crowd still in formation, the large space is a fun spot to host a party or reception of sorts. High vaulted ceilings disperse echoes of conversations, twinkle lights are glistening and offer subtle highlights to the places that eyes should be drawn, and the stage is currently bare but is just waiting for its turn to be the focus. From outside, a close and crisp view of the epic Sports Authority Field at Mile High served as a reminder that the first kickoff of the season is just a couple short months away. Tonight, however, is host to another landmark occasion for the history books, the books of Jacob Larson, as he releases his first EP of original music, Aftershock.
Friends, family, and fans gathered in an evening of live music, dance, and celebration on Saturday night and raised a glass to honor the collective efforts of the musicians they love so much. Larson entered the stage, all smiles and excitement, as he blew off the roof with his first single and the title track of the EP, Aftershock. As the set list progressed, the dance floor was filled with energy as everyone sang along to familiar tunes as Superstitious by the legend Stevie Wonder and Uptown Funk by master entertainer Bruno Mars. Larson held his own amongst the comparison to such idyllic superstars, belting out the high notes and getting the crowd pumped higher with his infectious energy.
Larson took the stage with 6 other musicians, including Larson’s mentor and co-writer Cody Baker on drums, and they filled those high ceilings to the max with the tight sections and emphasis on every note and downbeat. Brass section swayed in unison and the bass and rhythm guitar took their cues from one another. The keys brought soul and depth to the new material and blended the parts in perfectly. Special guests were invited on stage such as the one and only Hazel Miller, Denver and National icon in the scene, and her backup singers (one of whom is Larson’s vocal coach and exclaimed she was still stunned and blown away by his performance that night!). Jaden Carlson showcased an impressive guitar solo on an Alabama Shakes cover and we expect to see more of her in the scene in the years to come.
Beautifully interwoven were those high-energy covers that would then allow introduction to new material seamlessly. Aftershock was the most energetic and exhilarating for the entire room while Music Can was also another stand-out. Being one of the first written for this EP and the first time being performed in front of an audience, Larson executed with emotive appeal offering sheer love, hope and community. The track is based off a quote that was extremely impactful to Larson, “Music can change the world, because music can change people.” It’s clear that, for Larson, it’s all about the connection. He draws in his audience while he commands the stage, jumps off stage post performance to be met with a sea of awaiting arms for hugs and cheers, and he connects people to the music and to one another. A very successful and memorable night for the Jacob Larson Band and all of his followers, this is truly just the beginning.
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