Reviews

Since the release of both their sophisticated Similar Skin album in 2014 and the elegant bonus album, London Sessions, which was produced at Abbey Road of last year, Umphrey’s McGee has begun to more frequently perform at up-scale venues across the Midwest. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is among one of these venues. It was the band’s third time appearing. The intimate and limited seating of the location led to a sold out show.

Steely Dan brought its “Rockabye Gollie Angel” summer tour to Ravinia in suburban Chicago, and it was a jazzy and classy affair. The two performances at the upscale open-air music venue featured a special set from Chicago-based jazz guitarist Bobby Broom instead of tour opener Elvis Costello and the Imposters. Broom’s Organi-Sation trio, initially formed at Steely Dan’s behest in 2014 to fill the opening slot on last year’s U.S. trek, did a fine job setting the mood for the evening.

Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit’s reputation rests on freelance improvisation and artisanal jazz and blues, but twenty-five years of observational polish didn’t hurt the second of two nights at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado. Like old friends shooting the breeze, they’d already revitalized their well-established familiarity. The sights and sounds were altered, but haven’t they always been?

Never miss a Sunday show is a phrase everyone should know. Celebrating their 31st Red Rocks show The String Cheese Incident finished off a great weekend with a Sunday night show. Joined by Nahko and Medicine for the People, Sunday was hot, bright and full of energy. The show was blessed by a traditional Native American prayer that simply reminded us to love the earth and love one another.

In French the phrase “Je ne sais quoi” means an inexpressible something, a little something extra or a quality that eludes description. With over 20 years of touring under their belt The String Cheese Incident brings that “je ne sais quoi” to their live shows. Whether it be a cover, a special jam or a sit-in, String Cheese always adds that little indescribable element to each show to ensure a unique experience.

Marco Benevento returned to The 1Up-Colfax on 7/25 for a fun filled evening of Piano Rock. Having never seen either Marco Benevento or his opening act The Jaden Carlson Band I didn’t know what to expect.

It's been more than 20 years since "Candy," B-52s lead female vocalist Kate Pierson’s duet with Iggy Pop. Pierson has fulfilled the promise of that Top 40 hit with her first solo effort Guitars and Microphones released earlier this year. Finally, her voice is up front and center, with an overall sound that is heavily influenced by 1960s pop and girl groups. It compares favorably with her band’s later output, and comes closest to mainstream breakthrough Cosmic Thing.

Jamgrass titans Cornmeal have gone through quite a bit of transition in the last few years. Banjoist Wavy Dave Burlingame and Bassist Chris Gangi bid an amicable farewell to longtime band mates Allie Kral, J.P Nowak and Kris Nowak. It was a sad parting for loyal followers of the band who built an impressive tour following with their explosive energy and authentic chemistry.

The jam band problem is that any inventive act breaking onto the scene is compared to somebody already playing. And the truth about “jam bands” is that often the music is too complex to put into words. It’s more about how it feels. Jam rockers Achilles Wheel could be compared to the Allman Brothers or Grateful Dead, but we can do better than that. Their instrumentals are boisterous and inventive. Their chemistry shimmers and enthralls their adoring crowd.

Not many music ensembles stand the test of time. Most can’t even handle the road… 29 years now, Widespread Panic has been king of the road.  Located in a considerably small municipality, the Arkansas Music Pavilion played host to a smorgasbord of colorful ‘spreadnecks’, some who have been on tour with the band all spring and summer and were more than proud to tell tale of a moment at a previous show.

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