Show Review

Portland Oregon loves the Yonder Mountain String band, which was clearly evident in listening to the adoring cheers heard after each song. After this weekend’s love fest from the stage, it is clear that Y.M.S.B. reciprocates the affection wholeheartedly. Jeff Austin reiterated this idea when he said that even if there were only five people in the house, they would keep coming back for more. We didn’t need to test his proclamation because the place was packed each evening.

Both nights featured high-energy originals, interesting reworked covers, and a room full of smiling faces, which is the norm for a Yonder show. The opening act, the Open Road, started things off on a more traditional note. Open Road is a bluegrass ensemble that features some beautiful harmonic vocals, as well as tight acoustic interplay. Not only were they featured in their own sets, but also they were welcomed back each night to stage during Y.M.S.B.’s encores. These encores were truly acoustic jam sessions that each featured three different unamplified tunes. The audience was mostly quiet and respectful for these special musical treats, but an occasional outburst of excitement broke the silent reverence. As it was said from the stage on Friday night, when Yonder has the ability to play acoustically in front of 1500 people, they know they are playing for family.

Y.M.S.B.’s first night opened with the fan favorite "On the Run" which was followed by a terrific version of Neil Young’s classic "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere." The first set continued along with a fiery energy, and included a terrific version of "Lonesome Fiddle Blues" that was dedicated to the late great Vassar Clemmens, and featured some of guest fiddler Darol Anger’s masterful fills and leads.

The second set started with beautifully somber "Left Me in a Hole," which is one of the more vocally pleasing numbers in their repertoire. From that point the energy never let up. Even Bob Horning, of Horning’s Hideout fame, made a cameo during this raucous set. Other set highlights included an enjoyable "Sometimes I’ve Won," and an interesting bluegrass version of the Beatle’s "Come Together."

The second night was a musical journey that left those in attendance thoroughly satisfied. Both sets started with an obscure nod to the Talking Heads, as the first set started with "Psycho Killer" still playing thought the pre show pa. As the band wandered on stage the audience and the band started singing along, especially during David Byrne’s trademark extended shout. The first set also featured a truly entertaining reworked version of Black Sabbath’s "Crazy Train" and the always fun "Jesus on the Mainline" to close the set.

The second set began with a tremendous version of the Talking Head’s "Girlfriend is Better," which when paired up with the "Queen of the Earth" and the "Ten" that followed was one of the largest bluegrass meltdowns that I’ve ever seen. Together those three songs must have clocked in around half an hour. The set concluded with a terrific run of the Grateful Dead’s "Fire On The Mountain"> "Snow On The Pines">"Sideshow Blues."

Y.M.S.B. returned for the encore by busting out yet another cover or the Beatles "Think for Yourself". Then they called out the Open Road once again to assist in some all out acoustic and unamplified action. "Uncle Penn" was up first, followed by "Pike Country Breakdown." To finish off our two nights of bluegrass bliss their fourth of the night encore they played "Grand Ol’ Opry," which had an almost remorseful tone, and left us swaying into the night.

As a sidenote, the security fiasco at these shows must be addressed, because it was some of the worst treatment of music fans that I have ever witnessed. There was no need for such disrespectful treatment of their patrons.

The beauty of the music, and that that exists within the scene easily overpowers the idiocy of a few security guards. I had a marvelous time, as did the majority of the folks in attendance. We are continually blessed by being visited by these amazing musicians, as often as we are, and I can’t wait for their next trip this way. Can we say String Summit 06? I guess we’ll just have to wait, hope, and see.