I’ve seen Tea Leaf Green a few times before, and I’ve always left confused about how people have fallen in love with this band. Sure they know how to rock, but what makes them different than any other jamband? And how come my partner on this here blog won’t shut the fuck up about how they’re the best band on the road?

This past weekend, I finally got what all the fuss is about. I entered the venue with vague thoughts of leaving at setbreak, as I was feeling a tad weary entering the show. But from the opening notes of Taught To Be Proud through the third encore of AC/DC’s Have A Drink On Me, the members of Tea Leaf Green had the sold-out audience at Irving Plaza wrapped around their collective fingers. Hell, I would have stayed for a third set.

One of the first distinctions I noticed between the Irving gig and some previous TLG shows was the emergence of a powerhouse light show. TLG’s new LD, Alan Sezack, was not only completely in command of the outrageous psychedelic-tinged lights, he also was grooving hard to every note the band was playing. Impressive stuff.

I spoke with drummer Scotty Rager about the shift in the quality of the lights. “I felt a huge difference the first time Alan operated the lights,” he said. “He knows our music so well.” Rager also noted the ancillary benefits of the rockin’ light show: “The audience can trip out to the lights while we jam.” Look for more from Scotty coming soon in the Hidden Track Baseball Preview.

Read on for more from the show and some fantastic photos of the evening from The Coach, one of HT’s best friends, Adam Kaufman…

There seemed to be much more peak-and-valley jamming at this show than I had remembered in the past. I think that’s mainly due to the progression of the rhythm section. Rager pounded the drums ferociously with the stamina of a ’70s porn star, while Ben Chambers’ booming bass sound filled the room with authority. It was clear from the moment Chambers dominated the mix brilliantly during Franz Hanzerbeak that he was in control of the tempo and direction of the jams. It was pretty surprising ,as I thought both guys were nothing special during my first TLG experiences.

Often bloggers get accused of fluffing, so I’ll be honest here: There were points when the similar song structures got old. I loved TLG’s improvs, but some of their songs just weren’t my cup of tea (see). That being said, pencil me in for the next time Tea Leaf Green comes to my town. TLG returns to NYC on June 3rd for a Rocks Off boat cruise. And if I don’t go, Ace may take it personally.

Let’s take a look at some more of Coach’s photos:

Trevor Garrod lets his soul glo

Josh Clark leans into it

Jammin’ the night away

Scott Rager keeps the band in time

Ben Chambers putting every ounce of effort into a bass solo

The new Man In Black

“I Like The Good Times, I Like The Funk”

“It’s a long way…….”

Set I: Taught To Be Proud > Kali Yuga > One Reason > Georgie P. > These Two Chairs, Faced With Love, The Devils Pay > Broom, Don’t Curse The Night, If It Wasn’t For The Money

Set II: Lil Hood > Garden Part 1 > Garden Part III > Garden Part II > Dragon Fly, I’ve Been Seeking, Franz Hanzerbeak> Inc. Devil > Criminal Intent > Trouble > Criminal Intent > Make A Connection > Morning Sun

ENCORE: Emma Lee > Mistletwo> Have A Drink On Me

Go get it, and enjoy these guys when they hit your town next…