Umphrey’s McGee – Hajimemashite: Tashi Station Demo 1997

When Umphrey’s McGee revealed the tracklist for their latest LP, Death By Stereo, the inclusion of one of the band’s oldest songs Hajimemashite stood out amongst a cache of much newer compositions. This week on Hidden Track we’ll be exploring Hajimemashite from its earliest origins in South Bend to its closing out their newest album. To start things off today we have a special treat kicked down from sound caresser and producer Kevin Browning.

[Umphrey’s Circa 1998]

Haji predates Umphrey’s, having first been performed by guitarist Brendan Bayliss and bassist Ryan Stasik’s pre-UM band, Tashi Station. This Tashi Station version of Hajimemashite features Bayliss and Stasik, along with drummer Steve Sanders and Greg Andrulis on keyboards. Sanders borrowed former UM drummer Mike Mirro’s kit for the recording that took place in Mike Nolan’s (who would later pen Uncommon with Bayliss) basement three blocks from the Notre Dame campus back in 1997. Listen to this rare bit of Umphrey’s history which will also be available for download soon at umlive.net and check back here all week for more Haji exploration.

Hajimemashite (fade) – Tashi Station (pre Umphrey’s McGee) by Hidden Track