I’m not quite sure what I saw tonight but I can tell you it was great. Homemade Water took the Phoenix stage and laid down some groovy, jamming, acoustic music that really didn’t feel all that mellow, but then again, it was. With two guys on guitars and a percussionist on the cajon (it’s a sophisticated box, go look it up) you would think it would be somewhat mellow. So why do I have to say they rocked? Because at times they certainly did. So the hell with labels. Let’s just say you ought to see these guys for yourself.

Lead singer/rhythm guitarist Jody Duvall hails from Bowling Green, so add his name to the list of successful local musicians. Here’s where some of the rocking originates as his strumming is often energetic and his vocals are strong, even in the high range, which he hits quite often. And he can get quite animated up there too, where he stands front and center. So there’s the band’s front man. He also does most of the between-song bantering, from which you’ll learn a little bit about the songs. Lead guitarist/vocalist Jon Mehaffey has quite the touch on the fret board, and did numerous solos displaying his dexterity and musicianship. He can be quick at times and tender at others, and every note is clear as a bell. He received several rounds of applause at this show, and they were well-deserved. Percussionist Tom Larson rocked the box, playing it mostly with his hands and sometimes with brushes. I had never been exposed to the cajon quite like this before and was amazed at the sounds it produced. Larson does play drums at bigger venues where I’m sure they rock out a little more. But for tonight, in this intimate venue, the cajon was simply the perfect choice. Not to mention several other “nice touch” percussive hand-held instruments he played.

The songs mostly had that down home feel, but with a bit of sophistication, and you could tell the words were often from the heart. Once again, this band is hard to label. You’ll even hear some jazz influence from time to time. One tune had that one man and his guitar, singer-songwriter vibe, even though there were three guys playing. From there they can sound like a full four-piece unit in another song. Like I said, you need to see it for yourself. The hopeful and encouraging “Dream On” came off very well, and they even did a reggae-ish take on “Roxanne” by the Police. And I do believe Mr. Duvall could have gotten up there in high range right there with Sting if he wanted to. You can check out some of the band’s music for yourself at www.homemadewater.com.

This was the second of two shows presented this weekend by White Oak Hill Productions, and it was another winner. They know how to showcase the right acts for the Phoenix, that’s for sure. Judging the quality of these two shows Friday and Saturday I’m going to be certain to be on the lookout for more of their productions, because who doesn’t like great quality at a good price. Maybe you should do the same too.             

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman