We’ve finally reached the end of our Phish Joy Box giveaway and we’d like to thank everybody for participating. The answers you’ve provided have been stellar and in a few
Ween – Backstage > Reggae Junkie Jew
Words: Alex Wolff
Photos: Jason Woodside
In the moments leading up to Umphrey’s McGee’s triumphant return to Arizona, it would seem as though most of those in attendance were as excited as the band. It showed in both the music and the way the crowd responded to their first Arizona show in almost four years. A surprising amount of fans had seen Umphrey’s before, and the band ensured that any first timers would be eager for a return visit.
The band wasted little time as they got to work with a 13 minute rendition of Nemo. This song set the tone for the night with a dark and moody, yet playful jam led by guitarist Jake Cinninger. Using various hand signals the band is able to craft exceptionally precise improvisation, and from the beginning of the night it was clear that the improvisation would be spot on in Tucson. The momentum kept going strong with a sequence of tightly executed songs that included the elusive Soul Food 2. The highlight of the set was an impeccable FF. This song included two searing dub jams, and a flawless segue into Push The Pig before wrapping up the set with their cover of Flock Of Seagull’s I Ran.
If there was uncertainty as to whether the second set would carry the momentum of the first, it did not last long. An exploratory, and unfinished, version of The Crooked One picked things up right where they left off. The second set saw heaps of improvisation, and particularly gorgeous playing from guitarist Brendan Bayliss. In both Dump City as well as Example 1, they maintained the overall mood that they set with Nemo and both songs featured some incredibly soulful jamming. Several times throughout the evening keyboardist Joel Cummins and bassist Ryan Stasik both took the lead in improvisation, conducting the band and guiding the flow of the jam.
READ ON for more of Alex’s thoughts and Jason’s photos…
Then there are CDs worthy of more listening, and a precious few worthy of joining my regular playlist. Nitin Sawhney’s new release, London Undersound, is one of those albums. It is a masterpiece.
Nathan Moore, based out of Staunton, Virginia, has been producing some of the more magical “neo- folk” albums of the last 10 years. At times he has expanded his sound out from a lone songwriter to a full band sound; the best example of this can be found on his album from last year You Yeah Smokin’ Hot. However with Folk Singer, Moore returns to his roots with something that sucks you into his personal thoughts and reflections in a way that is truly cry-in-your-beer beautiful.
We’ve been screaming for a reunion of The Faces ever since we started this blog, but you can’t reunite that band without Rod Stewart which is exactly what the other
For the second year in a row, Philadelphia’s Lotus kicked off their tour at one of city’s most intimate venues, the Mercury Lounge. Embarking on a 35+ date run, the band remarked on their love for New York City’s music fans, but had no love for the tenuous parking situation in the Big Apple.
[All Photos by Jeremy Gordon]
For many in the sold out house it was their first chance to catch the band with Mike Greenfield on drums – who is filling in while regular drummer Steve Clemens is out on paternity leave – and the results were impressive. Mixing in old classics and new material from their next album, fans and band members alike, danced, joked (Let Chuck Sing!) and sweated until the early hours. Highlights from Saturday night included hot versions of Suitcases, Tip of the Tongue, Wax and an excellent Hammerstrike to finish the evening off.
Next up for Lotus is a two-night stand beginning on October 02 at Aces Lounge in Austin, TX; before the Philadelphia quintet moves on to the west coast with friends Break Science. For those unable to make it to New York City this weekend, Lotus will be returning on November 28th at Terminal 5 with special guests RJD2 and the Junior Boys
READ ON for the setlists and more of Jeremy’s photos…
Every fall for the last 20+ years legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young has assembled an all-star roster of musicians for a charity concert to benefit the Bridge School – which assists
Back in late 1969 and early 1970, the Miles Davis Quintet boasted a line-up that included Chick Corea on keys, Jack DeJohnette on drums, Dave Holland on bass and the
Two members of the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, launched their latest band, Furthur, with three shows at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, CA this past weekend that featured nearly every classic Dead song ever written.
Joining Phil and Bobby as part of Furthur were drummer extraordinaire “Sir” Joe Russo, guitarist John Kadlecik of quintessential Dead cover band the Dark Star Orchestra as well as Jay Lane and Jeff Chimenti of RatDog.
You’d think Kadlecik – a guy who “plays” Jerry every night with his own band would sing all of Garcia’s parts, but Weir sang lead on a number of Jerry songs. Yet, the crowd would go nuts whenever Kadlecik stepped to the mic.
Let’s take a look at the setlists…
Friday, September 18
Set One: Jam> The Other One> The Wheel, Jack Straw> Music Never Stopped> Bird Song> Born Cross-Eyed> Let It Grow
Set Two: Lost Sailor> St. Of Circumstance, Althea, Scarlet Begonias> Fire On The Mountain, St. Stephen> The Eleven> Foxy Lady Jam> Terrapin Station> Not Fade Away
Encore: Donor Rap/Intros, Touch of Grey
READ ON for audio, video and more from Furthur…
