When I first met Sarah Crisman on Twitter, she would go on and on about Snarky Puppy. Perhaps to a degree of being considered mentally unstable. Now I understand why and I, too, will start to go on and on about Snarky Puppy.

Last night Montrealers gathered at Le Gymnase on St.Denis to watch Snarky Puppy and their opening guests Pocket Change. Needless to say, it was quite the sexy party.

Before I go on, here’s a note for those of you going to Le Gymnase for the first time and you have a couple of beers and then must find your way to the bathroom:

Big enough for you? This is just so you don’t get confused like my buddy Dave and end up going into the girl’s bathroom and getting yourself sprayed in the face with mace (the preceding might have been enhanced for humorous purposes).

Now, onto the show.

The show began with Montreal’s own Pocket Change. A group of young talented musicians who seriously blew me away. It felt like you were watching one of their jam sessions, their chemistry meshed so well. It was a pleasant surprise, even more pleasant to know these boys are homegrown. After each song the saxophonist kept saying, “we have a few more songs, we don’t want to take that much time cause Snarky Puppy’s coming on next and they are the… best… band… in… the …. world..” It seemed Pocket Change was eager to finish playing just so they can go grab a seat and watch Snarky Puppy. I know if Pocket Change does more shows I’d definitely go see them again and recommend YOU (I just pointed at my screen) do too!

Then Snarky Puppy came on. I think the lucky Montrealers who made it out last night were EASILY blown away. The crowd, however, was a little shy. I don’t know if they were in awe with the performance of the band or just, really shy. I wanted people to dance. The music was fucking awesome. My buddy Ed appropriately made reference to Billy Bob’s radio interview where Billy Bob Thorton called Canadians “all potatoes with no gravy.” I don’t think Billy Bob’s right. I think we love music too much.

Snarky Puppy was seriously one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. I understand why someone like Andre 3000 would say they’re “fucking great.” I can’t begin to describe how awesome the music and energy in the room was. I’m happy I got to see them in a more intimate venue but these guys deserve to be playing at outdoor festivals where people can get down to their music and just fucking party the night away. They don’t call it “music for your brain and bootay” for nothing.

The only thing that sucks about seeing an awesome band like this live is the feeling you get immediately after the show when you wonder “when the hell am I going to see these guys again?” I’d go as far as to say these guys are Road-Trip-to-Toronto (that’s BIG, coming from a Montrealer – jk – i love you Toronto) worthy. Seriously.

Finally, I understand what Sarah Crisman was going on about. I understand how a band as awesome as Pocket Change was just as eager the crowd to watch Snarky Puppy. Now when I listen to the Snarky Puppy C.D. I’m stuck with that feeling of wanting to see them live again, a feeling that’s enlightening as much as it is frustrating.

Good job boys. Come back to Montreal soon.

Here’s a clip from last night’s show (doesn’t compare to seeing them live (obviously)).