Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Hypertension

Hypertension - or "Hypertension STL" as they are known on facebook to separate themselves from any other type of Hypertension - is a Saint Louis area-based 5-piece rock & roll band.  I don't want to call them a classic rock band or a cover band - because even though they do play covers of classic rock, they really are a good old fashioned true blue Rock & Roll Band.  They have a Rock & Roll look, Rock & Roll sound, and Rock & Roll Fun Attitude on stage.

The band features a female vocalist, however other members of the band do sing on harmonies and backup, and, when I saw them, the drummer also took lead vocals on some songs.  (The others might as well, I didn't catch the entire show).

The reason I didn't catch the entire show was because Hypertension was the featured band at the Route 66 10k in Edwardsville, IL, and because I'm not exactly a fast runner (by any definition), I did miss the opening of their act.  Though, I admit, I did hear them with about a 1/4 mile to go, and that helped speed up my pace, so I could see them as well!

The band played songs from the way-back classic rock catalog to songs that are still on popular radio today - and everything in between.  In addition to having that "Rock & Roll Look" - heck, the lead guitarist had a classic long ponytail - they also had talent.  More than just looks!  Watching the lead guitarist on solos from artists like GNR was amazing, nailing the rifs and solos.  The same can be said about the bass player who was laying down some grooves with some awesome fret work.  The drummer, not only could sing, but was setting the perfect beat for each song with some timely fills.  The vocalist had the voice - and also the ability to capture the crowd.  And the keyboardist, though quiet, like many keyboardists, played perfectly in every song - and really, can 80s music even be played without a quality keyboard player??

The band interacted with the audience the entire time, and even got the majority of the audience to "laugh out loud" with this quote - 'Wow - it IS a hot one today.....great day for a run'.

Another thing I noticed, and this doesn't hold true with all bands in the live music world, these guys were prompt.  They were asked to take a break so that race awards could be given, and they were off the stage and out of the way almost immediately.  When the awards were over, they were back on stage, and started playing immediately.  Always a joke in rock parody movies - but these guys (and gal) really ARE prompt.  Of course, in true Rock & Roll fashion, when told they had time for "one more short one" - they picked a 7 minute GNR song!  Much to the delight of the fans!!!

If you are in the St. Louis area - on either side of the Mighty Mississippi - check them out.