A couple of weeks ago, I posted a piece about my shitty experience with the Lucero crowd. My experience with this show was the exact opposite. My friend and I arrived really early, so we got into the venue and up front with relative ease. Eventually, as happens at every show I attend, some six-foot-something gentlemen and his girlfriend (who usually happens to be comparable to my meager height of 4’11”) gets right in front of me. Obviously I had been there a while, waiting patiently for the show to get underway, but it was no matter to them. After witnessing this, one of the fans already riding the rail offered me her spot. I must admit, I was in a state of shock but I took that opportunity and ran with it.
I sparked up a conversation with a different couple behind me and when his girlfriend went to grab a drink the guy showed me a ring he had in his pocket as he was planning to propose to her sometime during the show. It amazes me how much people are willing to share when they are excited and nervous, but nonetheless what a great memory to have before the music even started! Even though I didn’t get their names — I wish them the very best in life (for those of you keeping track at home, she said yes).
Finally, it was time for the Felice Brothers and when they arrived on stage I was surprised to see that their lineup changed.  Their drummer, Simone, was not in attendance for one reason or another and the Felice’s brother-in-law, A.A. Bondy, who happens to be on a tour of his own was helping out on guitar for this special show.
The show kicked off with Big Surprise and then led into one of my personal favorites, Run Chicken Run. After a couple of songs, some of the Old Crow boys joined the Felice Brothers on a few numbers and this started the theme of guest spots for the rest of the evening. The band also played a couple of tracks that will appear on their new album set for an April release. One such track was a rousing rendition of the Memphis Flu – which was quite appropriate considering I actually got ill going to Memphis.
After a great set of music by the Felice Brothers the boys in Old Crow were set to take the stage in their last show of the U.S. leg of their tour in support of their new release Tennessee Pusher.
The second set is where things got interesting. During Hard to Tell I saw the fastest guitar string change I’ve ever witnessed and the band kept going like nothing had even happened – a testament to their professionalism. During Methamphetamine the Felice Brothers band members joined Old Crow and managed to turn the rest of the show into a family affair. The highlight of the evening for me was We’re All in This Thing Together that featured Ian Felice on vocals for a verse. The encore almost turned into another set with both bands tackling each other’s songs and then a triple threat of covers including Tonight’s the Night, Lay Lady Lay, and finally Ziggy Stardust.
Before I conclude this recap of the evenings events I wanted to share my thoughts on the new venue in Memphis. Short answer: LOVE IT! In my full-time job I manage a small venue here in middle Tennessee and I’m absolutely jealous of the amenities they have. The light rigging, the way it’s setup to the ease of actually getting in through the will call lines could put Memphis back on the Musical Highway map – right back where it belongs on the muddy banks of the Mississippi. The only qualms I had was the fact that they didn’t have their liquor license (yet) so only beer was served and the grating on the front of the stage tore my hand up pretty bad while trying to get a few snaps of the camera in. I can’t wait to go back next month for Umphrey’s to see what other changes they have in store.
Setlist courtesy oldcrowfans.com:
2-15-2009
Minglewood Hall
Memphis, TNThe Felice Brothers Set: (entire set with AA Bondy on electric guitar)
Big Surprise
Run Chicken Run
Murder By Mistletoe (w/ Willie on electric)
Whiskey In My Whiskey (w/ Gill on banjo and Willie on electric)
Cypress Grove (? title) (w/Gill)
Ruby Mae
OÂ the Vampyre (w/Â AA Bondy on vocals)
Memphis Flu
GD Jim
Helen Fry
Penn Station (w/ Morgan on scrap metal)Old Crowe Medicine Show
Set 1:
Fall on My Knees
Tear it Down
Humdinger
Greatest Hustler
Alabama High Test
Boatman Dance
Highway Halo
Gospel Plow
Motel in Memphis (w/ James and Searcher Felice)
Caroline
Minglewood BluesSet 2:
Hard to Love
Downhome Girl
IÂ Â Hear Them All
Mother Earth (w/ James Felice)
Hard to Tell (willie breaks a string)
Tennessee Pusher (w/ Ian Felice)
Methamphetamine (w/ the Felice Brothers)
Mary’s Kitchen (w/ the Felice Brothers)
Wagon Wheel (w/ the Felice Brothers)
Were All in This Thing Together (w/ the Felice Brothers)
Tell it To Me (w/ The Felice Brothers)Encore:
CC Rider
Frankie’s Gun (w/ the Felice Brothers)
Tonights the Night (w/ the Felice Brothers)
Lay Lady Lay (w/ the Felice Brothers)
Ziggy Stardust (w/ the Felice Brothers)
15 Responses
Great work Jennifer. From the looks of the set list must have been a fun night. The encore looks fantastic. Can’t wait to see the Felice Brothers in New York in April.
I am so excited for the Minglewood Hall. It’s about time we got a decent venue in Memphis. Didn’t get to make this show but I’m really excited to see Lotus there tomorow night
hell yeah!!
thanks for the pics and review jen.
what an amazing night of music and a real joy to finally see Minglewood Hall open with so many music lovers in there.
maybe simone was too busy buying a new wife beater and/or was off kicking some lame rhimes wacker than leanne to make an apperance at the show
Nice review. It was a great and LONG show, and the venue is awesome.
Can’t wait for Lucinda Williams and Ryan Adams!!!
I flew in from San Francisco on a whim to see this show. I’ve never been to Tennessee before, and I had a GREAT time. Arrived Sunday morning, checked in at the Peabody, ate delicious fried chicken on Beale street, watched those crazy little ducks, visted Gibson and Sun Studio, took a nap, then made my way to Minglewood….I was blown away by the show. Completely amazing. The people in the crowd were so nice, and OCMS played EVERYTHING I wanted to hear. That guitar string change was killer, and I can’t believe they closed with Ziggy Stardust… Wish I could go see them in New Zealand…I’d love to visit Memphis again when I have more time, and when it’s warmer.
Memphis=Stax
I am the fan who gave you her spot. I’m glad you got some nice shots and had a good time! If you are interested you can find some of my photos from the night the same place you found the set list.
Thanks again Jumpin’ Bean. I saw your pics – they are great! Thanks again for the opportunity to get up front. Made my job a lot easier! Looking forward to the next OCMS show!
Great review!
Seems like Simone has been pretty busy with a new project these past few months, so that might be why he hasn’t been on this tour.
http://myspace.com/dukeandtheking
The review was great, just as the concert went.
Like you I was equally impressed with the quick changing of the guitar string. I’ve always loved them but seeing
them in concert was a priceless experience.
ps, I was the girlfriend with the 6 foot something boyfriend, haha. I asked if you wanted to get in front of us because you had been there longer, but I wasn’t sure or not if oyu heard me. It was understandable- I feel ya with the height thing, i’m in there with ya.
Awesome review, I hope you remain in the writing career!
Your photos were excellent as well.
I love it that people recognize themselves in each other’s comments. Where is the guy that was doing the drawings of the band? Thank you for the wonderful play list as well!