JamBands.Com - November '98 - Big Sky Regional Report

Big Sky Regional Report
Edited by David Shulman - davids@sterlingdirect.com
Greetings all from the Big Sky region. First of all, I would like you to join me in sending thoughts and prayers to Andy Gadiel and his family (Andy's father passed away a few weeks ago). Secondly, happy Thanksgiving wishes to you and yours..may your holiday season be safe and meaningful.
I also would like to pass an extended thanks to Paul Pearson and Scott McClintock, who have both helped beyond expectations with their contributions to this regions report. I would really like to see the reports expand and would welcome any and all additional contributions.
Fall looks to be another exciting season for Jamband fans (it sure seems like any season these days are exciting!!) Of course what might be most exciting, is Dean Budnick's new book which this on-line zine is a by-product of. I will be reviewing the book during the next month, but I have already read a detailed review by Charlie Dirksen, and am looking most forward to reading the book myself. From what I understand, there are well over 100 bands featured!!
Speaking of Jambands, the times sure have changed from my teenage years, where although I experienced the end of the 60's and beginning of the 70's music craze, there did not seem to be the excitement to improvise like there is today. Sure, we had the Dead, Cream, Traffic, among others, but IMHO, bands such as Phish, WSP, LoS, SCI, etc, are taking jamming to the next level.however you want to define it. Even the classic Allman Brothers are taking their music to levels previously unexplored..although that's the beauty of music. Of course it's interesting to note that the groundwork had to be laid at one point, and how fitting that bands like Phish can pay homage to the grandfathers, i.e..covering Velvet Underground's "Loaded" for Halloween.
So here you have it..another report from the Big Sky region:

by Scott McClintock
St. Louis, MO
Another slow month for jambands has fallen over the St. Louis area this month. Last month featured many bands coming to the area including multiple moe. and String Cheese Incident shows, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, and ekoostik Hookah to name a few. The only major jamband concert in the area this month was Widespread Panic at the American Theater in St. Louis, which I regrettably missed.
However, it was not a slow month in regard to other items developing around town. I have started a local moe.ron community called St. Louis, moe.ron. The groups main focus is to connect with other St. Louis moe.rons and set up tape trading circles, pre/post show gatherings, and to help find ride shares to regional (and abroad) moe. shows. If you live in the St. Louis area and would like more information, check out the official site at:
http://members.primary.net/~nughuffer/moerons.html
or e-mail me at:
nughuffer@primary.net
The site also houses our website for Funky Rueben Productions, which is a bootleg shirt business (and I use that term very loosely), that I run with Alex Rosenfeld (Long Island, NY). Check out the shirts while you're there! We have moe. shirts for Recreational Chemistry, That Country Tune, a shirt dedicated to Vinnie Amico (moe. drummer), and also a shirt for the best damn mailing list in cyberspace, the moe-l.
For more information on things moe. related check out http://www.moelinks.com.
This is Cory Ferbers site dedicated to moe. and is the home of Jesse Jarnows "That Setlist File".
November proves to be another good month for the Midwest as many of the best jambands will be circling through. Obviously the 3-day Phish run in Chicago. Medeski, Martin, and Wood will be floating through the St. Louis area with shows at Urbana, IL on the 20th, Columbia, MO on the 21st, and Lawrence, KS on the 22nd. The Big Wu and Hypnotic Clambake will be playing at the Copper Dragon in Carbondale, IL on Nov. 21st. ekoostik Hookah is said to be coming back soon, but I'm unsure of the dates. And of course, my highlight of the month, the highly anticipated return of moe. to the Vic Theater in Chicago, on Friday the 13th!
peace...
Scott McClintock
Nebraska Report-November, 1998
Paul L. "Pro" Pearson
pro@strangepleasures.com
Strange Pleasures
Bodega's Alley, Lincoln NE
10/28/98
Setlist: http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/981028set.htm You can tell it's fall in Nebraska when people start heading to the bar instead of the great outdoors on a weeknight. The cool weather evidently gets people out of their chairs for a cocktail-I'm not sure. Whatever the reason, it's nice to see a capacity crowd for a local band. Mr. Fire Marshall, please leave Bodega's and the Zoo Bar alone-there's too much good music going on that needs to be heard.
Following Radio Gumbo and the Dead Hour on KZUM 89.3, Strange Pleasures took the stage at Bodega's Alley to an enthusiastic and full room. "Third Stone" was a good warm-up that the crowd wasn't expecting. When vocalist/rhythm guitarist Greg Beebe busted into the original "I Can't Do This Again", the dance floor filled to take in the grumpy, driving groove. Beebe nailed it, swelling and backing off, then bringing it to a growling crescendo on the last line. Even though this song has only been in rotation for about three shows, it's obvious that the crowd digs it about as much as the band. "Sparkle" was rough in spots, but well-received. Next it was time to let special guest Jay "Bird" Blomenkamp take the spotlight with his harp on "But Anyway" which segued effortlessly into "Fire". Bird doesn't shotgun notes like Popper (who does?), but he plays the signature licks, bends his way nicely through the solos and plays a mean rhythm, filling in the spaces between the guitars. "Thrill" was average, but just into "Goin Down the Road Feelin' Bad" the crowd gave a huge cheer. Fill-in drummer Tim Zoucha of S.O.U.P. kept this one driving, guitarist Erik Blomenkamp ripped off some blazing licks and then stepped back to trade some with his brother on harp. Always the crowd favorite at Bodega's, "Franklin's Tower" had the spinners spinning. What followed was one of the most unique "Happy Birthday" renditions I've heard (or participated in). Little brother Kyle B. turned 21 on the 28th and joined Erik and Jay on stage with a tambourine on the bouncy original "Brothers" (fast becoming a crowd fave as well) dedicated to him.
Second set started off with a smoking ChinaaRider. Miss Holly Karsten then joined to sing a nice "Rack Em Up." 'Antelope' was a great choice at the time, but upon further review wasn't all that. "Poor Heart" was tight and had the entire floor shaking and screaming for one more. A pretty nice "Fluffhead" with some fill-in vocals by yours truly ended the night on a great note. Solid music, a loud interactive crowd that included a slew of local musicians, a happy bar owner and a very good tape made this show a special one. Some firecrackers from the bass rig during the night, a couple of 'soundboard solos' here and there and an overactive kick drum on "Brothers" give this mix some 'live' character. Strange Pleasures will return to Bodega's on Wednesday December 2 and kick one out at the Handy award-winning Zoo Bar in Lincoln on January 13, 1999.
Strange Pleasures
10/29/98
Saddle Creek Bar, Omaha NE

setlist: http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/981029set.htm
The Thursday night house slot at the Creek once again belongs to Strange Pleasures, but it's rapidly becoming a guest showcase as well. Local band 'Honeyplush' got a chance to introduce their music to the regular crowd. Although they were a bit too heavy for my tastes, they busted a couple of medium tempo grooves that made me listen-they were pretty tight, I'll say that.
When Pleasures took the stage, the crowd was ready for something different. That's what it got in a true burst of contrast-Greg Beebe started with a solo 'Horse,' into 'Silent in the Morning' with the band (ala Rift). Following a firecracker-filled 'Franklin's' (bass rig), a three-original run ensued. "I Can't Do This Again" once again brought the crowd onto the floor the rock out and they didn't leave until the break. The light summer tune "Lyin' In the Sun," proved to be the best version of this song yet. "Brothers" was solid with a killer (as always) drum solo. Greg McWhorter, a veteran of no less than 65 bands (including the Air Force Band) is, in a word, sensational. I've listened to countless hours of tape of Strange Pleasures with (and without) Greg. I've noticed that I can listen to tapes with McWhorter on and not even really notice that the drums are there, until I listen to one without him. He is sneaky-good and at times I cannot comprehend just how he subdivides a measure into so many beats. I swear I can hear the stick both on the ridges and in the grooves of the cymbals. Anyway, a dancy "Bouncing" brought a very good first set to a close.
Strange Pleasures obviously takes pride in its musical roots and friends, and is definitely not shy about pulling people up on stage to jam. An abbreviated second set was all about guests. Former SP bassist Drew Gurney jammed to a big reception on "Wilson," brought the crowd down and took the vocals on "For What It's Worth", it popped into a rockin' "Goin' Down the Road." Current bassist Steven Petty moved to percussion and background vocals, both of which clearly showed his musicianship. The addition of Petty on bass has certainly brought a solid, in-the-pocket groove and a wave of originality to Strange Pleasures in recent weeks. Bassist Fleeb of Moment of Release* then added his talents on "Fire." Local legend Earl Bates also sat in on percussion. Earl's Acoustic Jam, an Omaha mainstay on Wednesday night at the Creek was the birthplace of Strange Pleasures' live show and has been an outlet for trying new material in recent months. Wherever you are, support your local jams. Yeah, some nights it sucks, but you never know who will show up or what magic might occur.
Following a brief break, the band returned for one more long jam and the wait was worth it. I abandoned my outpost at the board to grab some auxiliary percussion and get in on a bit of the energy. Believe me, there was a tangible groove on that stage that was almost impossible to miss locking into. A good "Suzy" morphed into "Werewolves of London", which drew a few confused looks until they realized what was going on.
"Werewolves" melted into a "Space" jam that broke way down, floated around the room and came out on the other side as "China Cat Sunflower." You can almost guarantee a "China Cat" at a Strange Pleasures show. You can't always guarantee one that pushes the limits like this one did. Guitarist Erik Blomenkamp found some room on the edge of sanity and let his AxSys Line 6 do its thing. A mid-tempo "Rider" followed to end the evening, leaving both the band and the crowd satisfied.
Take care-more from Nebraska in next month's issue.
*Moment of Release is originally from Omaha, but just recently relocated to Denver. They will make a return trip to Omaha to join Strange Pleasures for a New Year's Eve blowout at Billy Frogg's in Omaha. More info on this show and other upcoming Strange Pleasures events can be found at: http://www.strangepleasures.com
S.O.U.P. (aka Grateful Dudes)
Halloween Bash
Saddle Creek Bar, Omaha NE
10/31/98
Setlist: http://www.strangepleasures.com/links/sets/981031set.htm
Halloween at the Creek with the Dudes-an Omaha tradition. A tradition that I decided to try on this year, just having moved to Omaha. The Dudes have been around for years in the Lincoln/Omaha area. They have a very loyal following, a great groove, and an endless bank of songs-Dead and otherwise. I've had the opportunity to see them a couple of times in larger shows, but never when they had the whole night. African Reggae Connection (from Omaha) played their first show ever to start the goulash festivities. I was surprised when I was able to name nearly every song they played on the first guess-I didn't think I'd listened to enough reggae to be able to do that. On the other hand, it was pretty standard fare, not overly inspirational. Good vibe, though.
The Creek was about as full as I've ever seen it. Full of dead brides and grooms, Mr. Potato Head (the costume winner), some doctors, and just a bunch of hippie freaks. When the Dudes started off with a tight "Feel Like a Stranger", everybody started getting in the mood. Greg, the sound man, had it dialed in from note one. It sounded great. They had a long jam on 'Stranger' that felt its way around. Their original(?) "Dance With Me" packed the floor, and it never let up all night. "Terrapin" was well-received. The next jam must have lasted a good hour. Check out that setlist. 'Playin' and 'UJB' really got me moving. 'Scarlet' and 'Fire' were medium tempo like the Dead. 'Miracle' and 'Samson' jammed hard and had everybody grooving, until they broke it back into the ending of 'Playing' to finish a tremendous set. There's no doubt that when the Dudes find their groove and the crowd and sound are there to help them, they can jam right along and keep everyone entertained.
Following a set break refreshment, I came back in to catch the end of the costume party jam. Singer Mike Dowty of the Lincoln band Ripple Effect and a former member of the Dudes, got up to sing "Eyes of the World", looking like Henrietta in a dress and funky glasses-nice version. The culmination of the evening came on the next song, however. Singer Greg Beebe of Strange Pleasures was asked up to join on vocals for China Cat Sunflowera I Know You Rider. Dowty stayed on the lead vocal, while Beebe harmonized the lead. Both were carrying the verse, creating a dueling lead vocal that got the crowd really pumped. As they made the transition into 'Rider', Dowty and Beebe traded verses, each drawing screams from the crowd, then sang harmony leads on the 'northbound train' verse. Dowty then put on his full act and brought the crowd to a screaming crescendo with two final verses as Beebe harmonized perfectly-the whole time backed by the Dudes. There was some extreme mojo in the house for that song, and has to rank up there for electricity I've seen at a show in Omaha. 'Ramble On Rose' was a perfect choice for Elmo to bring the crowd back down to earth. The ovation at the end was intense and well deserved and brought the Dudes back out for a beautiful 'Promised Land' that sent everyone home happy. I really enjoyed this show and felt a great vibe and a lot of magic all night.
Widespread Panic
10/14/98-Sokol Hall, Omaha NE

setlist at http://cac.egr.duke.edu/~gcs/SETLISTS/981014.htm
Sokol's an old auditorium with a balcony and when it's packed with hippies-it's pretty damn cool. It took me 10 minutes to get from my living room to my first Panic show. Not bad. The music began as we walked up the steps into the hall. I expected a near sell-out of the 1300 tickets, but I wasn't really ready for Omaha to show THAT kind of crowd. Phish may never play Omaha again, but I'm sure Panic will be well received whenever they do.
The first set material was mostly unfamiliar to me, and to be frank, the sound wasn't all that hot. The pervasive southern blues/rock was good, but so was the beer. (It certainly doesn't suck to be drinking an import at a show like this). When they busted into "Just Kissed My Baby", I got my money's worth. I'm a big fan of the Chris Duarte Group (http://www.chrisduartegroupfans.org), who brought this song back to life on their "Texas Sugar Strat Magik" CD. Hearing the signature bass riff got my groove going for the rest of the night. "Red Beans Cookin" ended the set on a high note.
Whatever was lacking in the sound the first set was there for set number two. When a smoking version of "Chilly Water" came out of "Impossible", the crowd was locked in with the band for the rest of the night. John Bell's vocals on "Can't Get High" were on and the contrast between the songs made for a great opening. The second set was what I was expecting from Panic, even though I didn't get "Coconuts" or "Porch Song". Oh well, I was happy to see the Omaha scene so alive that night-especially for Panic.
Widespread Panic
10/23/98-Stephens Auditorium, Ames IA
I managed to get my flight back to Omaha directed to Des Moines, setting me down just 35 miles from my second Panic show in as many weeks. Returning to Ames was a trip back home, of sorts, to the land of the Maintenance Shop, People's Bar and Grill and C.Y. Stephens, where I walked across the stage to pick up my diploma. Stephens is a hall built for sound. Loges up the sides, a huge stage, carpet, and too few bathrooms for a rock concert. Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Bob Dylan and Blues Traveler are among the bands I've seen in that room, with Lyle taking the cake. After a week of being on the road for work, I was ready for a groovin' show.
Abandoning our fifth row stage left tickets, we walked up to the mostly empty balcony and picked out a row each dead center to get the full effect. "Let's Get Down to Business" opened on a tear and the color show was definitely more impressive from above and back than it was from the floor in Omaha. As much as Stephens is built for the sound, I kept hoping for it to fill out. The entire first set (well, basically the whole night) felt like wading through a sea of keyboards and center-panned congas to try and find a guitar. I'm not saying it was terrible-just that it wasn't Phish. John Bell was singing and playing his ass off all night, but his guitar was barely in the mix. Michael Hauser seriously left me wondering whether he just had a REALLY bad night, or whether he was just really bad. I hate to sound that critical, but I go to a $20 rock and roll show expecting to see the lead guitar player tear it up. Hauser left me wanting all night. At several times during the night, I was sitting and waiting for a guitar solo that never materialized-just dead space in the middle of a jam. The solos that didn't seem invisible (particularly the blues solos) were forced and lacked imagination. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but he's gotta show me SOMETHING. "Hatfield" was the highlight of a pretty decent set which grooved but never got me out of my seat and certainly didn't push the improvisational envelope very far.
As the second set started, the lights turned back onto the stage curtains and began a geometric, psychedelic undulation. But, by the fourth song or so, it had gotten somewhat distracting. When the lyrics to "Heaven" hit home, I felt something pouring out, swirling me around in the green light and bringing the ethereal to view. The encore was definitely sweet. "Me and the Devil" screamed and I got my "Porch Song" to dance to, even though it wasn't nearly long enough. All in all, I got some good moments out of this show, but the lack of guitar throughout the evening left me somewhat disappointed and hoping for more the next time.