Since I was not able to get tickets either during the presale or the general sale for either the MSG or the Nassau shows of the Dead, I'm looking. If anyone has an extra or two, please let me know.
Also, the upcoming schedule has been updated (on the right).
Mountain Jam is still a question, but Gathering of the Vibes seems almost certain.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Umphrey's @ Nokia
Umphrey's McGee announced their Spring 2009 tour dates in support of their new studio album, Mantis, scheduled to be released on Inauguration Day (January 20, 2009). They will be at the Nokia on April 9 & 10, and are selling a 2-day pass at a slight discount (when fees, etc. are figured in), with a limited edition tour poster thrown in. Tix are on sale now in the pre-sale through their website, www.umphreys.com.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Big Catch Up Post
Life has been moving too fast. Summer's gone. And I've got like four shows to talk about. A couple of people (which might just be all of the regular readership here) have poked me to put some new stuff here. I don't think I'm going to do their request justice, but there are a few shows and a festival that need updating.
July 24th - Umphrey's McGee & Sound Tribe Sector 9 @ Roseland Ballroom.
I haven't been to Roseland in so long I don't remember the last band I saw play there. Place was HOT. Like the vibe was good, but the place was too damn hot. First time I've seen STS9 and kind of liked it, though I couldn't tell you where any songs were. Sounded like one long song the whole set, but I liked the groove. A bit trancy/rave-y but not bad. Would have gotten into it much more if it was more guitar driven rather than keyboards. The drummer was just crazy. Picture a live action "Animal" from the old Muppet Show. That's what this guy was like. Just over the top for the whole show. One of those musicians that you can't help but have a smile when you watch them play.
Umphrey's McGee put on good show. When they play a split bill (like they did last summer's tour with The Disco Biscuits) they understandably don't have the luxury of an extended two set show they normally do on their own. That said, the set was solid, and a lot of fun. Very nice "Nothing Too Fancy", and the set was nicely bookened by JaJunk. Closing song was a very cool mashup of The Beatles' "Come Together" and Nine Inch Nails "Closer". Yeah, sounds weird, but really worked. Very much looking forward to the full 2 set show on October 16th.
Also, just remember that it is possible to talk your way into the VIP section (without even tipping the bouncers - I wanted to but couldn't find him once we got inside) as long as you don't act like a dick; make sure you treat people with respect. The VIP area was a great platform (literally) to see the show, and having a separate bar and bathroom just made it that much better.
July 31 - August 1 - Gathering of the Vibes - Bridgeport, CT
This was our second trip to the Gathering of the Vibes and we had a great time. Last year we just went for one day, this time we made the weekend of it. They do a great job with the festival, and the shuttle buses worked better than I expected them too. Assuming the Artist Lineup is any good next year (which it always is), it's definitely a festival to check out, even just for the day.
Got to see a bunch of great bands. Assembly of Dust was great, with a nice sit in by Donna Jean Godcheaux (even though her mike wasn't up high enough). Ryan Montbleau Band was good. 2nd time seeing them at a festival. Worth catching in that type of a venue. Zappa plays Zappa was interesting, though I agree with April who said "It's really good until they sing." Not being a huge Zappa fan, it didn't hold my interest as much as some of the reall Zappa-heads I spoke with after the set who thought it ripped.
The Black Crowes were the headliner Friday night, and were good, but seemed to me that Chris Robinson lacked his energy. He didn't sound great either. Not sure if he wasn't feeling well or it was just an off night. Even so, I was excited to see the new lineup with the addition of Luther Dickenson from the North Mississippi All-Stars. Luther seemed in his element. I'm really looking forward to seeing them in October at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Saturday brought a ton of rain. Lightening and loss of power wound up postponing much of the festival until the mid-afternoon. Portions of the field were huge mud pits, with the obligatory mud dancing being undertaken. Bill Kruetzman Trio was pretty cool and had a very nice funk going. Mike Gordon was much more enjoyable than I expected. I'd like to see him again. Taj Mahal Trio wasn't as good as I had anticipated.
Phil Lesh & Friends headlined on Saturday and just tore the place up. I liked the set list better at Jones Beach a few weeks earlier, but there's something about seeing them with a festival crowd that makes a huge difference. Great show and can't wait to see them during the Phil-a-thon at the Nokia (2x) this November.
August 9 - Jethro Tull @ Jones Beach
Peter Frampton opened up for Tull, and I was pleasntly surprised at how entertaining the show was. There were a few parts that seemed a little Vegas-y, but overall it was a solid show. Very good mix of stuff everyone knew and some good newer material. Great instrumental version of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun". Even though I woudn't consider myself a huge Frampton fan, I would definitely go to see him again.
Unfortunately, Jethro Tull was disappointing. As one of my favorite bands through my college years, I was really looking forward to seeing them live for the first time. Even providing some relief from expectations since this was the 40th anniversary tour it really didn't do anything for me. The set list was good, with a full spectrum of stuff from the 1960's, 70's and on, and one or two new songs. The problem was they just seemed old. Having listened to a lot of live Tull from the 1970's, and seeing them on video from their prime, there just wasn't enough energy there. Also, somewhere along the way (perhaps due to diminished vocal range), Ian Anderson developed a really annoying habit (or affectation) of physically lifting up and away from the microphone at the end of each line of lyrics in a song. The band was tight, but it was a totally rehearsed, scripted performance. One of those things where it doesn't matter what night it is, they're putting on the same show, night after night. For me, that's not what live music is about. I want some breakout spontaneity, some inspired run, some potential for a "goosebump moment". Didnt' get anything close to that here.
Still have to give an update on Ratdog and Allman Brothers Band @ Jones Beach. Mabye tomorrow :)
Thanks for reading!
July 24th - Umphrey's McGee & Sound Tribe Sector 9 @ Roseland Ballroom.
I haven't been to Roseland in so long I don't remember the last band I saw play there. Place was HOT. Like the vibe was good, but the place was too damn hot. First time I've seen STS9 and kind of liked it, though I couldn't tell you where any songs were. Sounded like one long song the whole set, but I liked the groove. A bit trancy/rave-y but not bad. Would have gotten into it much more if it was more guitar driven rather than keyboards. The drummer was just crazy. Picture a live action "Animal" from the old Muppet Show. That's what this guy was like. Just over the top for the whole show. One of those musicians that you can't help but have a smile when you watch them play.
Umphrey's McGee put on good show. When they play a split bill (like they did last summer's tour with The Disco Biscuits) they understandably don't have the luxury of an extended two set show they normally do on their own. That said, the set was solid, and a lot of fun. Very nice "Nothing Too Fancy", and the set was nicely bookened by JaJunk. Closing song was a very cool mashup of The Beatles' "Come Together" and Nine Inch Nails "Closer". Yeah, sounds weird, but really worked. Very much looking forward to the full 2 set show on October 16th.
Also, just remember that it is possible to talk your way into the VIP section (without even tipping the bouncers - I wanted to but couldn't find him once we got inside) as long as you don't act like a dick; make sure you treat people with respect. The VIP area was a great platform (literally) to see the show, and having a separate bar and bathroom just made it that much better.
July 31 - August 1 - Gathering of the Vibes - Bridgeport, CT
This was our second trip to the Gathering of the Vibes and we had a great time. Last year we just went for one day, this time we made the weekend of it. They do a great job with the festival, and the shuttle buses worked better than I expected them too. Assuming the Artist Lineup is any good next year (which it always is), it's definitely a festival to check out, even just for the day.
Got to see a bunch of great bands. Assembly of Dust was great, with a nice sit in by Donna Jean Godcheaux (even though her mike wasn't up high enough). Ryan Montbleau Band was good. 2nd time seeing them at a festival. Worth catching in that type of a venue. Zappa plays Zappa was interesting, though I agree with April who said "It's really good until they sing." Not being a huge Zappa fan, it didn't hold my interest as much as some of the reall Zappa-heads I spoke with after the set who thought it ripped.
The Black Crowes were the headliner Friday night, and were good, but seemed to me that Chris Robinson lacked his energy. He didn't sound great either. Not sure if he wasn't feeling well or it was just an off night. Even so, I was excited to see the new lineup with the addition of Luther Dickenson from the North Mississippi All-Stars. Luther seemed in his element. I'm really looking forward to seeing them in October at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Saturday brought a ton of rain. Lightening and loss of power wound up postponing much of the festival until the mid-afternoon. Portions of the field were huge mud pits, with the obligatory mud dancing being undertaken. Bill Kruetzman Trio was pretty cool and had a very nice funk going. Mike Gordon was much more enjoyable than I expected. I'd like to see him again. Taj Mahal Trio wasn't as good as I had anticipated.
Phil Lesh & Friends headlined on Saturday and just tore the place up. I liked the set list better at Jones Beach a few weeks earlier, but there's something about seeing them with a festival crowd that makes a huge difference. Great show and can't wait to see them during the Phil-a-thon at the Nokia (2x) this November.
August 9 - Jethro Tull @ Jones Beach
Peter Frampton opened up for Tull, and I was pleasntly surprised at how entertaining the show was. There were a few parts that seemed a little Vegas-y, but overall it was a solid show. Very good mix of stuff everyone knew and some good newer material. Great instrumental version of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun". Even though I woudn't consider myself a huge Frampton fan, I would definitely go to see him again.
Unfortunately, Jethro Tull was disappointing. As one of my favorite bands through my college years, I was really looking forward to seeing them live for the first time. Even providing some relief from expectations since this was the 40th anniversary tour it really didn't do anything for me. The set list was good, with a full spectrum of stuff from the 1960's, 70's and on, and one or two new songs. The problem was they just seemed old. Having listened to a lot of live Tull from the 1970's, and seeing them on video from their prime, there just wasn't enough energy there. Also, somewhere along the way (perhaps due to diminished vocal range), Ian Anderson developed a really annoying habit (or affectation) of physically lifting up and away from the microphone at the end of each line of lyrics in a song. The band was tight, but it was a totally rehearsed, scripted performance. One of those things where it doesn't matter what night it is, they're putting on the same show, night after night. For me, that's not what live music is about. I want some breakout spontaneity, some inspired run, some potential for a "goosebump moment". Didnt' get anything close to that here.
Still have to give an update on Ratdog and Allman Brothers Band @ Jones Beach. Mabye tomorrow :)
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Phil Lesh & Friends - July 13
Following on the heels of the Great South Bay Music Festival on Saturday, we went to see Phil Lesh & Friends at Jones Beach on Sunday evening.
Jones Beach Theater gets just about everything right. Sound is always good there. Great landscape to see a show. More often than not a nice breeze is coming off of Zach's Bay behind the amphitheater. Security tends to be pretty mellow. Easy to get to and easy to get out of the parking lots. The only complaint is the lack of beer & alcohol sales unless you've purchased a VIP ticket. I've had discussions with managers there who have said that since it's a New York State operated venue they are very careful about it and don't want thousands of drunk people leaving the show and driving on the parkways. Rings a bit hollow to me, since they seem to be pretty fine with you getting smashed in the beer garden as long as you shelled out your extra money for VIP access. Also, there doesn't seem to be any problem with alcholol sales at the Nassau Coliseum even though it's not a venue that is heavily served by mass transit. If they would open up a bit and loosen the policy. Even if they cut off sales of drinks at some point before the end of the show, that would be a positive step.
But this is supposed to be about the show and not a rant about the liquor sales policy at the venue.
The Levon Helm Band opened up and put on a nice set. They played for about an hour and fifteen minutes. I know someone who has had the opportunity to attend one of Levon's Midnight Rambles at his barn in Woodstock, and have read a few reviews about them, so I had some high expecations. Perhaps the intimacy of the Rambles doesn't translate well to a large open-air venue like Jones Beach, but I was a bit disappointed. Demonstrates the problem of having preconceived notions of a show. The set list was a mix of new material from the recent album Dirt Farmer, covers, and a number of classics from The Band. No real complaints about the performance. It was fun and there were a couple of nice breakouts. Larry Campbell is great to listen to and Levon had a couple of folks join him during the set including Jackie Greene. Maybe it was a bit too Country for me. Not sure. I just know I had had expected something more.
Following the stage adjustment, Phil Lesh & Friends came out. The entrance was a good metaphor for the show. Nothing flashy. No big stage set or light show. Just great music played by incredible musicians.
The set list was amazing. With the exception of one Jackie Green song in the first set (When You're Walking Away) the show was all Dead (or Jerry) songs.
I'm not the biggest fan of Phil's voice. Certain songs you look for it and expect it, but in others it just seems a bit jarring to me. I'd have like to hear more from Jackie Green and Larry Campbell on some songs. And a couple of times, the harmonies weren't there. Uncle John's Band was a good example.
But the music redeemed all faults. Two huge standouts for me during this show was a superb Sugar Magnolia, and an unbelievably great Sugaree. Sugaree was the highlight of the night. There was a guy a couple of rows behind us that was absolutely blown away by it. He was at the show to see Levon Helm, and stayed because his friend was a deadhead. After Sugaree, the guy was ready to go on tour and follow Phil & Friends. At least until someone told him that they change up the setlist each show and there's no telling when they'd play Sugaree again :).
There seemed to be a lot more interplay between Campbell and Greene this time than when I saw them at the Nokia last fall. Molitz was more distinct on the keyboards too. The musicianship here really was amazing. There are a multitude of bands that play well together; Phil's continuing contribution is to put on a show where the musicians play great as individuals and as a band. You can clearly isolate each performer and when you do you appreciate it more because they are each playing their own jam that all stiches together into one amazing sound.
The second half of the second set slowed down a bit, and you could see the non-diehard fans lose some steam. Unbroken Chain>Dark Star>Born Cross Eyed>Dark Star was 35+ minutes of jammy goodness, but the crowd definitely settled down after the opening run for the set of China Cat Sunflower>Fire on the Mountain>Sugaree>St. Stephen. The Eleven served as a transitional song between the rocking first half and jamming second half of the set.
The encore consisted of a nicely harmonized Attics of My Life with just Phil, Larry & Teresa Williams on the stage, rolling into the rest of the band coming back to close out Playing in the Band (which they opened the show with).
The torrent of a good audience recording is available. I didn't see it up on the Live Music Archive yet, but may be there soon.
During the goodbyes, Phil mentioned another Nokia run in November. They've got 14 shows already scheduled between October 31 and November 18. Now to decide how many of these I can make!
Jones Beach Theater gets just about everything right. Sound is always good there. Great landscape to see a show. More often than not a nice breeze is coming off of Zach's Bay behind the amphitheater. Security tends to be pretty mellow. Easy to get to and easy to get out of the parking lots. The only complaint is the lack of beer & alcohol sales unless you've purchased a VIP ticket. I've had discussions with managers there who have said that since it's a New York State operated venue they are very careful about it and don't want thousands of drunk people leaving the show and driving on the parkways. Rings a bit hollow to me, since they seem to be pretty fine with you getting smashed in the beer garden as long as you shelled out your extra money for VIP access. Also, there doesn't seem to be any problem with alcholol sales at the Nassau Coliseum even though it's not a venue that is heavily served by mass transit. If they would open up a bit and loosen the policy. Even if they cut off sales of drinks at some point before the end of the show, that would be a positive step.
But this is supposed to be about the show and not a rant about the liquor sales policy at the venue.
The Levon Helm Band opened up and put on a nice set. They played for about an hour and fifteen minutes. I know someone who has had the opportunity to attend one of Levon's Midnight Rambles at his barn in Woodstock, and have read a few reviews about them, so I had some high expecations. Perhaps the intimacy of the Rambles doesn't translate well to a large open-air venue like Jones Beach, but I was a bit disappointed. Demonstrates the problem of having preconceived notions of a show. The set list was a mix of new material from the recent album Dirt Farmer, covers, and a number of classics from The Band. No real complaints about the performance. It was fun and there were a couple of nice breakouts. Larry Campbell is great to listen to and Levon had a couple of folks join him during the set including Jackie Greene. Maybe it was a bit too Country for me. Not sure. I just know I had had expected something more.
Following the stage adjustment, Phil Lesh & Friends came out. The entrance was a good metaphor for the show. Nothing flashy. No big stage set or light show. Just great music played by incredible musicians.
The set list was amazing. With the exception of one Jackie Green song in the first set (When You're Walking Away) the show was all Dead (or Jerry) songs.
I'm not the biggest fan of Phil's voice. Certain songs you look for it and expect it, but in others it just seems a bit jarring to me. I'd have like to hear more from Jackie Green and Larry Campbell on some songs. And a couple of times, the harmonies weren't there. Uncle John's Band was a good example.
But the music redeemed all faults. Two huge standouts for me during this show was a superb Sugar Magnolia, and an unbelievably great Sugaree. Sugaree was the highlight of the night. There was a guy a couple of rows behind us that was absolutely blown away by it. He was at the show to see Levon Helm, and stayed because his friend was a deadhead. After Sugaree, the guy was ready to go on tour and follow Phil & Friends. At least until someone told him that they change up the setlist each show and there's no telling when they'd play Sugaree again :).
There seemed to be a lot more interplay between Campbell and Greene this time than when I saw them at the Nokia last fall. Molitz was more distinct on the keyboards too. The musicianship here really was amazing. There are a multitude of bands that play well together; Phil's continuing contribution is to put on a show where the musicians play great as individuals and as a band. You can clearly isolate each performer and when you do you appreciate it more because they are each playing their own jam that all stiches together into one amazing sound.
The second half of the second set slowed down a bit, and you could see the non-diehard fans lose some steam. Unbroken Chain>Dark Star>Born Cross Eyed>Dark Star was 35+ minutes of jammy goodness, but the crowd definitely settled down after the opening run for the set of China Cat Sunflower>Fire on the Mountain>Sugaree>St. Stephen. The Eleven served as a transitional song between the rocking first half and jamming second half of the set.
The encore consisted of a nicely harmonized Attics of My Life with just Phil, Larry & Teresa Williams on the stage, rolling into the rest of the band coming back to close out Playing in the Band (which they opened the show with).
The torrent of a good audience recording is available. I didn't see it up on the Live Music Archive yet, but may be there soon.
During the goodbyes, Phil mentioned another Nokia run in November. They've got 14 shows already scheduled between October 31 and November 18. Now to decide how many of these I can make!
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