Jack Johnson, ALO and Matt Costa at The Santa Barbara County Bowl

Jack Johnson is living a charmed life.  His homemade debut, “Brushfire Fairytales,” shocked the record industry by selling millions.  He beat the sophomore curse with “On and On” and is showing no sign of letting up, riding high on the wave of “In Between Dreams.”  What does Mr. Nice Guy do now that he’s got it made?  Bring his friends on board to share the success of course.  Last Wednesday’s sold out Bowl audience was treated to a glimpse of two bands with a very bright future.

Matt Costa, backed by his four-piece band, started off the night with a subtle, yet powerful set.  Thanks to his captivating voice and smooth integration of various influences, his songs struck all the right chords.    

Inevitably feeling the magnitude of the climb from DP keg parties to the biggest stage in their hometown, ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) milked the spotlight for all it was worth.  Possessing a balance of instrumental and lyrical prowess rarely seen, the foursome conveyed profound messages of positivity while inciting the dancefloor to riot.  A particularly elated group of “liberated animals” seemed intent on making it clear who they came to see, turning the middle of the pit into a fun-loving spectacle

The carefree Santa Barbara spirit was immediately evident as Jack Johnson took the stage.  The king of chill instantly transformed the Bowl into a living room where we were all his best friend.  Covering material from each of his albums, everything sounded unmistakably fresh largely thanks to the addition of ALO’s Zach Gill on upright piano, vocals and accordion.  Mr. Gill has wasted no time fitting in with the trio, finding a way to compliment every song in a respectful fashion.  Blending a ragtime feel with Johnson’s signature aloha sound might have led one to wonder if music could be any more joyous. 

The stage set was majestic, framed by white fabric serving as a canvas for glorious organic projections.  Even as his socially conscious lyrics served as a constant reminder of the shortcomings of the world, worries seemed far from anyone’s mind.  We rose to the surface with the nirvana of “Bubble Toes” and floated away together on a “Banana Pancakes” cloud.  As Johnson wondered, “Where did all the Good People go?,” it was plain for all to see he needn’t look too far.