Reports are beginning to trail in from the fifth annual moe.down, which took place in Turin, NY this past weekend. Headliners moe. welcomed a string of special guests to the stage throughout the weekend, including Mike Gordon who sat in for Meat on Friday night. The following evening, during Brent Black, moe. performed one of its trademark full-band segues, as members of the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey replaced the festival hosts one by one for an all-improv jam. JFJOs grooves eventually gave way to a stealth performance by The Disco Biscuits, who were in turn replaced by moe. After closing out the Brent Black Jam, moe. seamlessly segued into Timmy Tucker. Earlier in the day, the group also debuted a version of the Rolling Stones ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’.’ During its sixth and final set Sunday evening, moe. appointed Young Matt mayor of moe.ville during the first performance of George.
Mike Gordon also proved busy, performing a full set of instrumental music alongside the Benevento/Russo Duo. While Gordons initial set with the Duo at last Junes HeadCount benefit focused on instrumental improvisations, the Trio played a selection of well known numbers including Roundabout, The Beltless Buckler, and a set-closing take on Mikes Song. Gordon also nodded to his other major Phish-hiatus project, joining Leo Kottke during his solo set. The busy bassist could also be seen selling an occasional subscription behind the Relix booth.
Unfortunately, technical difficulties plagued The Disco Biscuits Saturday evening performance, causing the group to abort a particularly adventurous version of Crickets. By many accounts, the group did recover, however, in time for its performance at Hartfords Webster Theater the following evening.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for additional information on Jambands.coms m.o.e. Hoops Tournament, at which Kevin Flinn received top honor.