Brothers Gow

Brothers Gow displayed a level of musicianship almost forgotten in this generation at the Music Box in Downtown San Diego on Friday night. Categorized as a jam band with influences of rock, jazz, and soul, the unassuming quintet performed what seemed to be a 21st century symphony, featuring movements rather than tired and predictable verse-chorus interchanges. Funky riffs melded into deep groove syncopations, original hook lines over double-stops segued into soulful a cappella harmonies, and lead guitars supported each other rather than dueled.

The group’s love for their collective sound was inclusive, and shattered the indelible barrier between performer and spectator. A shared goal between live artists and audiences is to experience an unforced osmosis of energy, and since a moment is only as long as you hold it, live in the now when you see Brothers Gow.