photo by Carla Kilgore

Upon walking into the 1600 capacity Wilma Theater in downtown Missoula, one’s eyes were drawn to the intricate and unique stage set-up and decorations that Mike Gordon has for this tour. With six mossy looking apparatuses hanging from the ceiling at different heights emitting a translucent glow and with multiple lights set at precise positioning, it was clear that this was going to be a more than just a musical experience, which it certainly was.

Coming out on stage with a large crowd of eager fans in the wait, Mike Gordon, Scott Murawski, Todd Isler, Tom Cleary and Craig Myers took their respective positions and after a little bit of tuning they opened with a tight version of “Idea,” from Gordon’s latest album, Moss. The tightness of the song quickly loosened up as Scott led the tune into a spacey and almost “type II” jam, which would be a sign of things to come. Bringing “Idea” back around, Gordon’s voice sounded clear and pure, leading the way into “Voices” from The Green Sparrow. This song also started off very much in sync with the album arrangement but quickly gave way to a percussive-heavy, guitar-rocking jam. Tom Cleary, the professor of music from the University of Vermont, then gracefully held down the keys and vocals on “Be Good and You’ll Be Lonely,” which was a treat that really caught the fans off guard. Mike then took lead on “Rock On,” delivering a fine rendition of David Essex’s early 70’s soulful tribute to rock and roll. The rest of the first set was packed with great music from “Can’t Stand Still” to “Couch Lady” but had no other major breakthroughs or defining moments. Still, it was evident that this band has chemistry, and comes together as a complete unit with not one defined leader but all parts in sync yielding something greater than the members themselves.

The second set opened with relentless abandon and a great drum and bass intro to “Fire From a Stick.” The remainder of the night maintained the momentum, as the band was in tune with the audience, delivering quick changes, fast songs, elongated jams and down home Southern rock and bluegrass. “The Void” which was performed well, but with nothing too over the top, showcased Mike’s impeccable bass work. Later in the set Mike and Scott called an audible, changing up the set-list to adapt to the crowd at hand, delving into a very rhythmic and faced paced cover of “Cities” by The Talking Heads.” This landed the audience right where the band wanted them: dancing, singing and moving at a great tempo. Kudos for Scott’s vocals on this one. Not to lose the momentum, “Swamp Music” was next, a great Possum-esqe rendition of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic. With the lights in time with the music and all five members working as one, this was one highlight of a tight rock show. The lights flashed the crowd as Gordon would scream or sing with enthusiasm “Swamp…Swamp…Swamp……Swamp Music!” From here the band showcased “What Things Seem” and then two excellent Green Sparrow songs: “Andelmans’ Yard” and “Dig Further Down.” Both of these held true to form with the beginning of the show, where the songs began with a traditional feel but quickly gave way to some of the best give and take that can be played between band members these days.

The show encored with Mike promising to be in the lobby afterward to sign autographs. Then we were treated to “Lit O Bit,” a soulful tune performed by Phish on its summer tour and originally recorded by Rita Clark and the Naturals. It was fun and filling.

Mike Gordon has found that perfect balance between his main band’s touring and recording career and his own. To this one reviewer it was the best Mike Gordon show yet. Nothing over the top, nothing that will leave you breathless for days but rather a testament to hard work and great chemistry.