Review: Umphrey’s McGee in Grand Junction

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The first set never really slowed down, and what was perhaps most interesting about it is that they chose to include two songs from their 2009 release, Mantis. The jam out of Made To Measure was perhaps the best performance of this song to date, and 1348, the set closer, translates very well live. The Bottom Half also featured great improvisation, and Space Funk Booty was a real treat for old-school fans.

Opening the second set with a massive, thirty-minute sandwich of Front Porch and Resolution was a bold statement. The sextet treated the crowd to two classic Umphrey’s McGee songs with vast exploratory jamming. Keyboardist Joel Cummins stepped up in a big way with this jam and took the lead in quite a bit of the improvisation.

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They pushed forward with great song selection and well-placed jamming without any of it feeling forced. Tribute to the Spinal Shaft featured yet another great, patient jam, which started soft and mellow and built smoothly to a gorgeous peak, that, while short-lived, was one of the better moments of the night. Later, the big sandwich in Ringo was a great choice to close out the second set.

When the band came out for the encore and Cinninger picked up a bass and a vocal microphone was brought out for bassist Ryan Stasik, the crowd knew that they would be getting something special. The timeless West Coast beat of Dr. Dre’s Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang started to hammer down the rhythm, and Stasik took the mic to lay down Dr. Dre’s verse while Bayliss handled Snoop Dogg’s lines. Having not been performed since early 2005, it was quite a surprise. That could have been the end of the show, but they dropped into a raucous Phil’s Farm to close it out strong.

If there’s one thing you should know about Umphrey’s McGee, it’s to go see them play in a smaller market, at as small a venue as possible, because that is when this band seems to bring the most inspiration and ingenuity to the table.

Umphrey’s McGee
September 18, 2009
Mesa Theater
Grand Junction, CO

Set One: Atmosfarag, August, Rocker pt. II, The Bottom Half, Made to Measure > Space Funk Booty > The Fuzz, 1348

Set Two: Front Porch > Resolution > Front Porch, Walletsworth, Tribute to the Spinal Shaft, Ringo > Sweetness > Ringo > God Gave Rock and Roll To You > Ringo
Encore: Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang, Phil’s Farm

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