Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room in Chelsea

by | Jan 21, 2025 | Music

Gregory Stovetop delivers an evocative set of rock music at the Rumpus Room in Chelsea.

Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room

Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room

Having met Gregory Stovetop at GIG – The Art of Michigan Music last November, I was keen to see him live. This show at the Rumpus Room was part of a weekend series called “Rebels From Our Roots,” which features musicians from Chelsea doing what they do best. With a good crowd gathered as the doors opened and more streaming in, we tucked in close to the stage to share in the crowd’s excitement.

The JTW Trio

Getting the evening started with a stacked set of classic tunes was The JTW Trio. The trio includes Josh Silas on guitar, Tommy Reife on bass, and Wesley Fritzemeier on drums. I recognized Tommy and Wes from the Ben Daniels Band, but Josh was a new face. Let me tell you, that dude can play! Using a finger-picking style similar to great artists such as Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler, I was floored when the band did a cover of “Jerry’s Breakdown,” the country classic featuring virtuous Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed.

Beyond the dazzling musicianship, The JTW Trio played a fine set of classic covers ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Bill Withers. On each tune, they added their own personal touch. The final cover of Prince put the crowd in the palm of their hand.

The JTW Trio at the Rumpus Room
The JTW Trio at the Rumpus Room
The JTW Trio at the Rumpus Room

Gregory Stovetop

With the Rumpus Room full of friends, Gregory Stovetop and his band took the stage and proceeded to put on one hell of a show. Jamming tunes off his most recent release, Hot Stuff, as well as earlier originals from “The Good Stuff,” Gregory was mesmerizing. His songwriting taps into the same well that has produced rock greats such as Tom Petty and Bob Seger. However, there is a gritty edge found in alt-rock favorites such as Live and Pearl Jam. There is no denying that Gregory’s music shines with ardent honesty and authenticity.

Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room
Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room

I’ll be honest, I got so caught up in the emotional quality of Gregory’s music that I failed to note the setlist. Take it from me that there was a passion and urgency to this performance that it was easy to be swept away. Hell, at times, I forgot to take photos as I found myself grooving to the tunes.

Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room
Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room

While playing to a packed house, you felt that Gregory was playing to you. Perhaps it was the heartfelt and relatable subjects in his songs or the intensity of the performance. Gregory, together with his band, made you feel like you were essential to the show. It isn’t often that you get that feeling, but when you do, it is something special.

Gregory Stovetop at the Rumpus Room

Pictures

You can find more photos of The JTW Trio and Gregory Stovetop in our galleries.

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