Of Good Nature starts off the show with a blare of a saxophone, followed by a quick succession of funky bass licks and reggae drum beats curated by Jeremy Maher and Jerred Gaynor. Lead singer and guitarist Cam Brown, pianist Mikel Paris, and aforementioned saxophonist Jazzy Zach pair the ensemble with jazz-tinged melody, topped off with joyous vocals, making up this highly infectious band from Charlotte, NC.
I’m a big sucker for genre blending, and Of Good Nature are one of those bands that mix elements of genres so well it's difficult to distinguish what your ears are picking up to begin with. And that’s if you’re able to resist the sway of the crowd as they dance to the music. The aptly titled track “Open Your Mind” is the invitation into Of Good Nature’s world. The band's performance highlights the openness to their sound that holds no borders within their instrumentation, allowing the band to enter a flow state that they then pass on to their crowd.
Within this musical flow state, Of Good Nature allows each musician to shine. Solo performances by Jazzy Zach, Mikel Paris, and a supportive performance by violinist Emanuel Wynter enunciate the unique and beautiful parts that make the whole of the band's performance. It’s what makes the whole equation work. When the band plays dance hits such as “Feels Right” or the reggae jam “Valerie”, the transitions are practically seamless, which in turn makes the atmosphere a pulsating river of joy.
To close off the show, Of Good Nature performs their greatest hit, “Don’t Wanna Give Up”. And in my opinion, this track showcases the heart of the band and their audience. Of Good Nature exudes the light in darkness and to always look on the brighter side of it all, which is well reflected in their sound. In a melody that draws on the best of vibrant and happy music genres, Of Good Nature resonates with a message of resilience despite it all. And in the current state of events, this message is surely to grow this band's name and audience, promising them that even in troubled and difficult states, we can draw from our diverse and inherent good natures and bring forward a stream of good vibes that refresh the zest of life and keep us grounded in our bonds,