Virginia Coalition Virginia Coalition -- or VaCo, as it is known to its fans -- is somewhat reminiscent of Blues Traveler, from its jam-rock style to Poliakoff's roaring, John Popper-esque voice. But the group hardly seems locked in that style, as it shows off the many sounds of a Casio keyboard for the crowd and launches into a salsa breakdown at the end of "Gates of Wisdom." "Live at the 9:30 Club" is an hour and 45 minutes of unwavering vibrancy; even on the many songs that stretch longer than eight minutes, Poliakoff and company never let their energy wane. Likewise, the crowd's excitement audibly ricochets through the club's cavernous space, capturing the rock 'n' roll adoration that VaCo surely dreamed about in high school. -- Catherine P. Lewis
.: Originally published: The Washington Post: 8 September 2006, Page WE06
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