See Me, Feel Me – Assembly of Dust, Bridgeport, CT, 7/25/09
To close out their performance at the Gathering of the Vibes, AOD melts into the Who’s epic tune from Tommy, See Me, Feel Me, and rips it apart. Former Strangefolk frontman and Emusic exec Reid Genauer does a nice job emulating Roger Daltrey’s tough to handle vocals; guitarist Adam Terrell provides blistering lead work; and the whole band keeps the energy rising throughout.
Other One – moe., Asbury Park, NJ 7/4/09
When it comes to holiday celebrations, the rest of the religious world may place the most emphasis on big dogs like Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Eater, Passover, and so on, but jam bands celebrate with a different pecking order: 1) New Years Eve, 2) Halloween, and 3) the 4th of July. This year, the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ played host to one of the summer’s finest Independence Day celebrations with moe. handling the main duties followed by late night festivities by U-Melt.
moe. provided a great first set highlighted by their first Other One in 115 shows. While clocking in at just four minutes, it’s four dark angry minutes. Of all the thousands of bands that have covered the Dead over the years, moe. plays some of the coolest interpretations, because they really do not hold back on the lead guitar. Whereas most guitarists tend to try to emulate Jerry’s more laid back psychedelic style, moe. just simply makes it sound like moe. This Other One segment cuts off rather abruptly as it is part of one giant segue first set, so if you like it, definitely grab the whole set. It’s quite epic.
Atlantic City, U-Melt, Asbury Park, NJ 7/4/09
Later that night, U-Melt succumbed to a longtime desire to cover the Boss by playing homage not only to the USA, but also his native digs for a local New Jersey crowd. U-Melt is probably better known for their complex compositions and fluid improvisation, but this cover shows that keyboard player Zac Lasher really commands a great voice. Obviously, Lasher does not sound exactly like the Boss, but he sure sings this song well and the bouncing piano accents only add to this uplifting treat.
3 Responses
What a summer for good music. revolution is in the air!
Wow….That Lasher dude really nailed it! Imagine doin’ da Boss on his own turf. Took balls and Lasher and the guys def pulled it off. Gotta check out more stuff from Umelt! Could be the start of a beautiful relationship!