NYS Music 20​14

Tag: Gov’t Mule

  • Gov’t Mule Tour Closes at State Theatre Ithaca

    Gov’t Mule closed out their twentieth anniversary fall tour at the State Theatre in Ithaca on November 15, pulling out all of the stops and in the words of Warren Haynes regarding the last show of the tour, making sure, ‘Anything Goes!’ Indeed this fact was true as the Mule blasted out a career spanning set that featured multiple and extended instrumental interludes and definitive renditions of multiple Mule jam vehicles.

    Gov't Mule Ithaca

    The band hit the stage at 8:20 with late-comers still stumbling their way to their seats as the group developed a spacey swell. Haynes used some deft manipulations of feedback immediately before dropping coin into slot with the twisted groove of ‘Bad Man Walkin’. The hallmark of this introductory set is not only the expected holographic Haynes guitar explorations, but the dirty sock funk laid down by the sturdy rhythm section. ‘Inside Outside Woman Blues’ continues this trend with the first ‘big’ jam of the evening, culminating in a knotted guitar/bass battle between bassist Carlsson and Haynes. Keyboardist Danny Louis is also a major proponent of the grooves being developed on the evening lending spongy Rhodes asides and Moogy colorizations.

    A jam then constructed with hammer and nails resulted in the shady chugging introduction of ‘Broke Down on the Brazos’ from Mule’s 2009 LP, By A Thread. Haynes deconstructed the outro jam in a blue flurry of quotes, smoothly revealing obscured melodies with every quote. ‘Brazos’ fell perfectly into a sprawling ‘Tributary Jam’ allowing Louis to explore his sonic stamp collection while exchanging licks across stage with Haynes.

    ‘Whisper in Your Soul’ followed and was dedicated to Grace Potter by Haynes. The shimmering track is the appropriate cool down period for the set even though it splashes into watery wah-wah’s guitars by its conclusion. Haynes and Mule standard, ‘Banks of the Deep End’, made a welcome appearance keeping the damper down and did not stray from the theme of cultivating funky blues rhythms that had been developed over the evening.

    Following a restful duo of tracks, Haynes donned the slide for the first time the evening during the show highlight, ‘Devil Likes It Slow’, surpassing 13 minutes. A plethora of thematic snapshots are examined while Carlsson forgoes the steps and heads straight for the stars with his bass virtuosity. The composition becomes elastic when Louis steps forward for a Herbie Hancock impression while Haynes lays back with jazzy interjections. Musical summits are reached and then left behind for greater things. Inspiring musicianship is the hallmark for the Mule and this particular jam leaves no doubt.

    ‘Thorazine Shuffle’ then closes the powerful set while also sandwiching the punchy smirk of 2013’s ‘Funny Little Tragedy’. This is a runaway train of a jam that careens around corners before peaking and leaving the excited crowd anticipating the second set. It’s hard to believe the band could follow the previous jamming on ‘Devil’ with anything, but again they come up in spades by topping themselves yet again.

    The tight quarters and cramped bathrooms of the historic State Theatre were no match for the camaraderie enjoyed over the break due to the Mule’s superior and joyful playing. After such a well jammed out first set, the second set was sure to be brimming with musical surprises. As to not blow the roof off of the place after the incendiary close of the first set, the Mule eased it in with the slick guitar buoyancy and undulating bass of ‘Done Got Wise’ followed by the refreshing Reggae drift of ‘Scared To Live’, both found on 2013’s Shout!.

    Properly warmed up and ready to kick, the band jumped into a funktified reading of the Betts/Haynes composition ‘Kind of Bird’, a song built for musical madness and a song performed by Mule since their inception. Here it is given a moody long distance reading with a full on ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’ jam as well as a quote from the Turtles, ‘Happy Together’. ‘King of Bird’ spotlights stellar playing, seamless segues and stratospheric playing by the entire band. The venue gathers a late night haze, the temperature rose in the balcony and the Mule turned the assembled crowd to putty. Bird calls glided over rolling thunder, before coagulating into a massive scrubbing froth of swelling musical foam. Multifaceted and dynamic jams are lead by Haynes but given momentum by Louis and Carlsson who came in for a slamming landing at the only natural resting place, the expansive mine field of a Matt Abts drum solo. Woah.

    ‘I Think You Know What I Mean’ slinked through the bar room door, the influence of its distinctive drum beat reflected in the version of Led Zeppelin’s ‘When the Levee Breaks’ that it envelops. Haynes slipped the slide on his finger again for this song suite, bringing much of the collected crowd to its feet. The natural progression between songs is hand in glove as Haynes weaves the band between compositional boxcars. Two more song pairs combine to culminate the evening in a way that only the Mule can. The kinetic cowbell driven ‘Bad Little Doggie’ is a crowd favorite and defiantly breaks its lead to act as a prelude to the evenings second Zeppelin reference, a floor stomping ‘How Many More Years’. Played with the Zeppelin arrangement but dictated in the classic Howlin’ Wolf fashion. Rising and falling like the seasonal waves on Cayuga Lake the song disintegrates into a crowd clapping conglomerate before reprising intensely.

    The band returns to ecstatic applause for their encore and responded in kind by playing a pair of Mule standards road tested, recognizable and as comfortable as dependable winter gloves. Undeniable proof of who is still one of the finest live bands in the land. ‘Mule’ and ‘Soulshine’ close the evening paired fittingly in what is a celebration of a great band, touched by tragedy, luck, respect, talent, change, stability and undeniable abilities. Lets raise our glasses to another twenty for Gov’t Mule, Warren, Matt and Allen’s original vision, unchanged and still kickin.

  • Like a Boss: Gov’t Mule Returns to the Palace Theatre

    Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule returned to the Palace Theatre Friday, Nov. 14 amid their 20th anniversary tour. “World Boss” opened the show on a strong note, seguing into “Steppin’ Lightly”, a song of pure heartache.  “Gameface” stretched into a jam of “Mountain Jam”, a nod to the fest Warren lent his name on for many years. A deep rocker emerged in “Which Way Do We Run” followed by the highlight of the set, “I’m a Ram”, full of Haynes turning his vocals up to 11. Danny Louis played the keys with the sound of a second guitar, a latter day Ray Manzarek. The set ended with “Railroad Boy”, which makes for good fightin’ music.

    govt mule palace(Before Set 2 started, a proud grandparent mentioned to me that this show was his grandson’s first concert ever. Grandpa picked a good one too. Hope you enjoyed the show Chris!)

    A spooky wind machine sound preceded the Set 2 opener, “Fearless”, by Pink Floyd, with Danny Louis joining on second guitar. Mule will release an album of Floyd covers, Dark Side of the Mule, on Dec. 9. “Beautifully Broken” let loose a cover of Tom Petty’s “Breakdown”, jammed out quite nicely before returning to “Beautifully Broken”. A Doors cover, “People are Strange” roused the crowd once again as the set ended on a high note, closing with “Soulshine” and “Slackjaw Jezebel”. The encore “Bring on the Music” off 2013’s Shout! capped a solid rock performance from veterans Gov’t Mule who blended rock and jam perfectly – not too much rock and not too little jam.

    Download the show at Mule Tracks.

    Set 1: World Boss > Steppin’ Lightly, Gameface, Which way do we Run, I’m a Ram, Child of the Earth, Stratus, Railroad Boy

    Set 2: Fearless > Stoop So Low, Beautifully Broken > Breakdown > Beautifully Broken, Larger Than Life > Drums, People Are Strange, Soulshine, Slackjaw Jezebel

    Encore: Bring on The Music

  • The Mule to buck the State Theatre on November 15

    Celebrating their first twenty years, Gov’t Mule will be stopping at the State Theatre in Ithaca, NY on November 15 in the midst of their celebratory anniversary tour to spread their unique organic brand of heavy rock and blues. In support of their 2013 LP Shout!, the concert is sure to feature recent Mule compositions in addition to a plethora of unique cover tunes and Mule classics from their genre twisting classic recordings.

    Following a preceding November 14 visit to The Palace Theatre in Albany, the Mule will be bringing the musical party to the Upstate masses in what is sure to be the usual incendiary Govt Mule musical display. The current tour reaches its conclusion in Ithaca, in what is guaranteed to be blow out finale for the band.

    Mule State TheatreTickets are available for $29.50-39.50 for the all age’s performance here. The concert will begin at 8:00 PM on November 15, 2014.

  • Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam XXVI: Jammin’ Around Ashville, NC

    If you’re in the Tar Heel State this December, be sure to have yourself a Muley little Christmas, Christmas Jam XXVI that is.

    xmasjam26

    Gifts come a little early as Warren Haynes 26th Annual Christmas Jam is scheduled for Saturday, December 13. The renowned guitarist has hosted the event since 1989, donating the proceeds to charity; Habitat for Humanity has been the beneficiary since 1998. While Warren brings his soulful guitar-playing Upstate to Hunter, NY for Mountain Jam every summer, his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina gets him during the winter holiday season. Haynes’ relentless work ethic and benevolent personality have helped the event grow each year and Christmas Jam now takes place at the 7,500+ seat U.S. Cellular Center.

    Past lineups have included The Allman Brothers Band, Counting Crows, Los Lobos, Umphrey’s McGee, and many more. Special guests like Karl Denson, Jackie Greene, Ron Holloway, and Susan Tedeschi show up each year. Americana Artist of the Year Jason Isbell, Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, and Vince Gill join Gov’t Mule, The Revivalists, and Hard Working Americans on 2014’s initial bill, but there will be many more artists to join, both announced and unannounced.

    Kreutzmann’s new super-group, Billy & The Kids, features The Disco Biscuits’ keys/piano guru Aron Magner, Tea Leaf Green bassist Reed Mathis, and American Babies’ Tom Hamilton. Magner and Hamilton’s chemistry was recently on display at Catskill Chill, where they played with fellow Disco Biscuit Marc Brownstein and Lotus’s Mike Greenfield as Electron. Magner also sat in during Hamilton’s American Babies set for a fantastic cover of the Dead’s “New Speedway Boogie;” with Kreutzmann running the show and Mathis joining in, fans can expect a killer set.

    Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill makes his inaugural trek to Christmas Jam in 2014. Gill has a GRAMMY award for each finger and toe on his body and will add a twang of country to the Southern rock show. Drive-By Trucker Jason Isbell, whose own award collection includes this year’s Americana Music Awards for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“Cover Me Up”), and Album of the Year (Southeastern), brings his talent to Asheville as well.

    The initial lineup is rounded out by Hard Working Americans and The Revivalists. Like Billy & The Kids, Hard Working Americans is another all-star band, consisting of singer/songwriter Todd Snider, Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s Neal Casal on the six-string, Widespread Panic’s Dave Schools on bass, Derek’s younger brother Duane Trucks on drums, Jesse Aycock on the steel guitar, and Chad Staehly on keys. Their 2014 self-titled debut album features 11 cover songs, and Asheville is their penultimate scheduled stop on a national tour. The Revivalists is a New Orleans group with a brass section and a huge sound.  The band plays soulful funk that sparks dance parties. Christmas Jam is their final stop on a national tour reaching 20+ cities.

    The aforementioned musicians alone would put on an incredible show, but there will be many more artists announced in the coming weeks. Pre-sale tickets go on sale October 13 and regular tickets become available October 17. They always go fast, so be sure to treat yourself to a happy holiday by joining Warren’s incredible event.

  • Gov’t Mule Announces New Years Eve run and Vault Releases

    Gov’t Mule will spend their New Years run in New York City at The Beacon Theater on Dec. 30 and 31 and swing down to Philadelphia for two more shows on Jan. 2 and 3 at The Tower Theater. On New Year’s Eve, Mule will be joined by Myles Kennedy for a potential night of AC/DC covers, given the artwork below and Kennedy’s vocal potential.

    On Jan. 2, Cabinet and Ron Holloway will join Mule, and sax legend Bill Evans will join the band on Jan. 3. Tickets are on sale for the Beacon shows Friday, Oct. 10 at 12 noon, while Tower Theater tickets are on sale Friday, Oct. 17.

    In addition to their four-night New Year’s run, Mule will also be releasing four vault releases:

    Stoned Side of the Mule: Volume 1 releases exclusively on vinyl on Black Friday, Nov. 28 and features seven Rolling Stone covers from Halloween 2009 at The Tower Theater.

    Dark Side of the Mule, will release on Dec. 9, including 90 minutes of live Pink Floyd covers. Recorded on Halloween 2008 at The Orpheum in Boston, this release will be available as an album, an album/DVD package or double vinyl.

    Dub Side of the Mule, to be released in early 2015, will feature reggae songs with reggae legend Toots Hibbert of Toots & The Maytals from Mule’s New Year’s Eve 2006 show at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.  This release will be available as an album, an album/DVD package or double vinyl and features special guests Gregg Allman & Friends and John Popper.

    SCO-MULE, a long-awaited release that celebrates John Scofield’s teaming with Gov’t Mule as the band enters their 20th year. Details from the press release spell out the great potential for this live release:

    In late September of 1999, John Scofield teamed with Gov’t Mule, then featuring original bass player the late Allen Woody, along with keyboardist Dr. Dan Matrazzo, in Georgia for two legendary shows of mind-bending live prowess. Both shows were recorded and included the Mule’s first-ever all-instrumental sets. The band had begun preparing the music for eventual release while working on their third studio album Life Before Insanity. However, less than a year later, their beloved bassist Allen Woody passed away, setting the Mule on a different path. The idea of releasing SCO- MULE came up over the years, but the timing was never as right as it is now – helping to mark Gov’t Mule’s 20th Anniversary. While Scofield and the Mule did reunite briefly for a set at Warren Haynes’ 25th Annual Christmas Jam in December 2013, fans have been clamoring for the return of the project ever since those lauded 1999 shows, and for more than a decade the Mule have been eager to share the music from these shows through an LP. Now for the first time, fans can experience the SCO-MULE magic first-hand in album form, newly mixed and mastered. The 3-hour all-instrumental album is a jazz romp laced with rock riffs and will be available as a 2-CD set as well as a double vinyl.

  • Peach Music Festival 2014 Delivers on a Much Anticipated Weekend

    The Peach Music Festival of 2014 may have hit a few bumps in the road in the last week before the festival got under way, however it did not stop them from having one very successful event. When the news came out that Bob Weir and Ratdog would be cancelling the remainder of their touring schedule, including the Peach, there were some very unhappy fans who expressed their opinions all over social media. The Peach on the other hand took a deep breath and managed the situation like any good executive would and came through in a big way. They were able to fill Weir’s void with a second night of  Trey Anastasio Band. The festival also added a special set of Grateful Dead music by a super-group of very talented musicians.

    Thursday night brought the majority of the crowd to the mountains of Pennsylvania and the music started at 6PM with Citizens Band Radio followed by local northeast bluegrass standouts Cabinet. Cabinet was asked back with good reason, they were one of the most talked about groups from last year’s festival. George Clinton and Parliament Funk followed Cabinet and brought the funk. George Clinton and the P Funk have been playing for over 40 years and have been part of some big time stages; it was great seeing them at The Peach. Late night is always a great time when it comes to music festivals. Dopapod,who also returned to The Peach again this year, played an incredible set combined with great lighting and jams that lit up the sky. There were plenty of people talking about what a great show it had been closing out night one. This was only the beginning as Friday would bring some heavy hitters and with the newly added acts for Friday night, the anticipation was at an all time high.

    Friday started off the day with, From Good Homes on the main stage and Trigger Hippy on the Mushroom Stage.  Blackberry Smoke got a lot of people moving at the Peach Stage and by the time JJ Grey and Mofro began their set the majority spent their time there. JJ Grey doesn’t travel much up north and being at the Peach this year was something I was excited for. JJ Grey’s voice and southern soul reminded me of Joe Cocker. Grey’s voice delivers as much as his music does with flashes of excitement on stage. He brought a lot of smiles and he was perfect in the placement of the festival. Playing several of his notable songs and bantering back and forth with the crowd, he was a shining spot in not just the Friday lineup but in the entire weekend. I hope that JJ Grey and Mofro can make some time to come up north more often, he is definitely more than welcome.

    One thing about the Peach, you sure do get your exercise bouncing from stage to stage. As soon as JJ Grey was finishing up The Revivalists were getting going over on the Mushroom stage and by the time you made it over there, The Revivalists crowd was packed right up to the stage. Out of the middle of the crowd one could see David Shaw’s  head and noticeable hair bobbing to the beat, shaking everyone’s hands as he made his way to and from the stage. He loves every minute on and off the stage, smiling from ear to ear.  The Revivalists give the fan the ultimate experience every time they perform with great energy, music and showmanship.

    The Peach stage was just ramping up as soon as the dinner hour was looming with a Dead set featuring a cast of excellent musicians. The lineup was put together in the last week with the departure of Bob Weir and Ratdog from the festival lineup. The festival had brought a lot of the Grateful Dead crowd in past years and with the remaining fan base that didn’t bail with the Weir announcement, were treated to a great set by Joe Russo (drums), Jackie Greene (guitar), Jeff Chimenti (keys), Reed Mathis (bass), Scott Metzger (guitar), Tom Hamilton (guitar) and Joan Osbourne (vocals).Tedeschi Trucks band carried on after a great set and opened with Traffic’s ” Who Knows What Tomorrow Brings”. Playing their staples with “Midnight in Harlem” and “Bound for Glory”. TTB also played Willie Johnson’s ” Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burned”  which saw a seated Trucks with an acoustic guitar. Trucks normally can be seen playing his Gibson SG, so it was nice to see him donning a different look and playing some old Delta blues taking the listener back to a simpler time.  Trey Anastasio Band was headlining the evening and I couldn’t have been more excited, shamelessly I haven’t seen TAB yet and was looking forward to it; seeing Phish many times I had an appreciation for Trey’s guitar work interlaced with his normal band but it was the mix with horns and backup singers I was looking forward to checking out the most. Opening with the upbeat ” Sometimes after Sunset” and playing a set filled with songs like “Shine” Phish’s ” Sand” and closing out with “Push on Til the Day”. Trey’s guitar solos grab your attention and he loves to feed off the energy of the crowd producing a different solo on any given night.

    Anastasio is truly a master with being able to take the crowds feelings and let it be broadcast with his solid guitar playing. The encore brought a familiar song to the masses with Led Zepplin’s ” Black Dog”. When it was first announced that TAB would be playing two nights, it was a bittersweet feeling, I felt that maybe another band would have been added but I was soon glad that TAB would be playing two nights because one set just wasn’t enough for me and I couldn’t wait come Saturday evening on the main stage.  Friday’s late night sets included Scranton’s own Cabinet on the Grove stage and Big Gigantic on the Mushroom stage. Big Gigantic has played countless festivals throughout the entire country and their Livetronica and lighting kept the late night crowd entertained into the night.

    What started out as an overcast type day soon turned into a day filled with sunshine and music. Everyone  dusted themselves off  from the night before, got a breakfast burrito and a morning beverage and dove right back into the music filled Saturday. The Mushroom stage started the day off with The London Souls and Rich Robinson Band, while The Peach stage brought out The  Tribal Seeds and The Infamous Stringdusters. The Grove stage hosted Tom Graham and Jamestown’s Big Leg Emma. Big Leg Emma had a sizable crowd brewing, representing the western New York scene rather nicely. Gov’t Mule took the Peach Stage as they did many times before at this festival and the many festivals around the country. Warren Haynes, an extremely talented guitarist, with his crunchy guitar and southern twang, always seems to impress the crowd. Haynes is not only a great guitarist but he is one of the most humble and respected people throughout the industry, he is as real as someone gets in the spotlight and it shines through in his playing. One of the greatest things about Warren was his guitar technique. Brian Farmer, who by the time you’ll have read this  had unfortunately passed away; Farmer may have been one of the most well liked persons who seemed to have loved life every time you saw him. It’s with a heavy heart that I type this and know that this gentle giant will be missed by so many, Thank you Mr. Farmer for making sure that Warren’s guitars always sounded top-notch.

    Another bright spot for western New York State was Aqueous, who played the Grove stage and had the largest gathering of people on that stage, their constant touring throughout New York and Pennsylvania has really paid off, as well as the many followers coming from Buffalo, NY that made the trip. The band started off their set with “King for a Day”. Kicking it into high gear with a rousing segue series with “Skyway>Staring into the Sun>Heart Shaped Box> Warren in the Window”.  Closing the set with ” Strange Times”  and using every bit of their allotted time with one incredible set from start to finish. The set was perfectly placed at a time when the crowd was filtering into the main stage area for Trey Anastasio Band’s second night set. If there were any non believers watching Aqueous perform their set, I would bet that there wearing an Aqueous shirt today. As everyone shuffled off from Aqueous, the main stage filled in with many people for night two of Trey Anastasio Band. The talk around the campgrounds was on how everyone loved TAB the night before. Night two included three Phish songs to keep all the phans pretty content with “Alaska”, “Gotta Jibboo” and “First Tube”. Trey played to the crowd again on the second night and at one point dodging a few giant-sized balloons that found their way on stage, without missing a beat and smiling in true Trey form.

    As good as TAB was, the night belonged to The Allman Brothers Band. The amphitheater was packed to the gills both in the pavilion and on the lawn. There were not many people at the venue that weren’t down to hear the band. As the Allmans came on stage the crowd erupted, Butch Trucks came up to his elevated drum kit with fists clenched high and got the fired up crown even more excited. Ever since the Allmans announced this would be their final tour the anticipation for this show was at an all time high. The band was also going to play their 1972 album, Eat a Peach in its entirety. As soon as the group hit the first few notes of  “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” they new this night was going to be something special. Following along to the album, the boys played “Les Brers in A Minor” and “Melissa”. “Mountain Jam” was incredible, with Oteil Burbridge’s thumping bass, Butch Trucks’  rolling drums matched with being on an actual mountain and at The Allman’s festival it was a once in a lifetime experience. Rolling right through with ” One Way Out”, ” Trouble No More”, “Stand Back”  and closing the set with a rousing ” Blue Sky”. The Allmans stepped off stage for what seemed like seconds, returning with just Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes who came out and played ” Little Matha” while images of the late Duane Allman with old footage of the Allman Brothers band were displayed on the screens. It was a great moment with two of the newest members of the band paying a tribute to the originals. Danny Louis once again joined the group onstage; Louis who plays in Govt Mule, played on the opening song and on “That’s What Love Will Make You Do”. Closing the night out with “Black Hearted Woman” the band finished up their first night and it was one of the best I have ever seen from them. The band was on point, and they showed it all night long. The Allmans are true pioneers in the music scene, if there wasn’t groups like this, we wouldn’t have a lot of the music we love to listen to from so many others. It was amazing to catch them before they decided to hang it up and if you weren’t able to make the festival you may want to make some plans to catch them with their Beacon Theatre run.

    Setlist: *Ain’t Waistin’ Time No More, Les Brers in A Minor, Melissa, Mountain Jam, One Way Out, Trouble No More, Stand Back, Blue Sky Encore: Little Martha, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, Black Hearted Woman *Eat A Peach in its Entirety

    Late night featured two great bands with Lotus and The Ron Hollaway Band playing on opposite sides, NYS Music’s own Garrett Montgomery reflects on the latter which we both had the pleasure of attending. As a mass exodus of  fans headed to watch Lotus from the poolside Mushroom Stage, Ron Holloway started spraying melodic runs with his tenor saxophone at the smaller Grove Stage.  A highly revered veteran of the festival circuit, this was only the second ever show Holloway has played with his new project, The Ron Hollaway Band. After singers Amanda Lynne and Jenny Poppen pleaded “God make me funky!” and bassist Chris Brown’s quickly flicking fingers demonstrated he was blessed with that gift, the late night crowd was provided a special surprise. Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks and Danny Louis  joined The Ron Holloway Band on stage for unforgettable renditions of “The Weight” and “The Letter.”

    “We were fortunate enough to slide into that midnight spot,” lead singer Jenny Poppen said. “It couldn’t have been a more perfect place. People were leaving the Allman Brothers, heard us, and had to stop.  We were hoping Warren and Derek would join us, but it was a last-minute surprise even for us!”

    Solos flew like hotcakes for the star-studded The Band cover, while Rod Gross kept everyone in line on the drums.  The crowd sang the well-known lyrics in unison, and then the heavy hitters stepped up.  Holloway soloed first, laying out a template for the others to build on.  Warren retorted in soul-wrenching style.  Trucks, who seemed to be hiding near the back of the small stage, slid in and added his share to the monster jam.  Holloway’s guitarist Joe Poppen, however, would not be outdone during his set.  He shredded to pieces what the other rock stars built up, showcasing his own clout as a highly talented guitarist.

    When “The Weight” wound down, The Allman Brothers‘ guitarists and Govt’ Mule keys player stuck around for a cover of “The Letter”.  According to Holloway, “They saw the song list and gravitated toward those two songs.  [Warren and Derek] liked the idea of playing both songs, which made it even more fun having them stay out for two.” Holloway, who has played with Root Boy Slim, Dizzy Gillespie, Little Feat, and many more musicians throughout his career, added, “It was an honor and a privilege being up with them, those are two of my very best friends.”

    After the guests left the stage, the Ron Hollow Band continued to rock the crowd well past curfew, playing a mix of jazz, soul, funk, and blues. Amanda Lynne started a heartfelt cover of Neil Young’s “Down By The River” that Jenny Poppen added her “Black Betty” touch to. Holloway warned, “Careful ladies, there are a lot of horny guys out there,” as his band mates grooved and grinded on stage. While it was easy to be seduced by their shaking hips and pretty faces, their appeal was rooted even deeper in their soulful voices. With musical legends crowding the stage, no one could mistake Jenny running the show and Amanda Lynne’s voice was rousing.  Holloway, who discovered Lynne in 2013, realized she wasn’t being properly utilized in her previous band.  “I thought to myself, ‘I want to get her in a setting to really shine.’  So she was definitely going to be a part of the band.”

    The Peach set included a grooving version of “What Is Hip” and keys player Wes Lanich cranked it up during “Memphis Soul Stew.”  While the night was full of covers, Holloway portends, “We’re here for the duration. We’re thinking about getting into the studio and recording, that’s a definite. It’ll probably be a mixture of both [covers and originals], but definitely expect originals.” The next scheduled Ron Holloway Band show is at the 8×10 Club  in Baltimore. Though no dates are confirmed yet, Holloway and Jenny Poppen both hinted that it will not be long before the band returns for another show in the northeast.

    Set list: Blackbird, God Make Me Funky, The Weight, The Letter, Baby I Love You, Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean, Make It Rain, Congo Square, Baby Love, If I’m In Luck (I Just Might Get Picked Up), Breaking Up Somebody’s Home, Down By The River, Kissing My Love, What Is Hip, Memphis Soul Stew, Rock Ready

    Lineup: Ron Holloway (tenor saxophone), Jenny “Black Betty” Poppen (vocals), Amanda Lynne (vocals), Joe Poppen (guitar), Christopher Brown (bass), Wes Lanich (keys), Rodd Gross (drums)

    Guests: Warren Haynes (guitar), Derek Trucks (guitar), Danny Louis (keys)

    Sunday tends to be a more laid back day, with a crowd that had been going hard since thursday night, Sunday set up with a sense calmness to it. A good amount of people tend to also pack up and head out and get to the travel ahead of schedule and back to reality. For  the hardcore festival goers that like to use every minute of the weekend for the festival, they are treated to some great music. The day started out with Wake Up With Warren. A set with Warren Haynes and an acoustic guitar. Warren played several Govt Mule songs, Allman Brothers Band tunes, a Rolling Stones cover and closing with Pink Floyd’s ” Wish You Were Here”. Haynes is such a versatile guitar player that he can play just about anything and with the knowledge of music that he has learned, he makes it look easy.

    Taj Mahal Trio, who is led by Grammy award-winning blues musician, Henry Saint Clair Fredricks has been playing music for 50 years. Taj Mahal, is what he uses for his stage name played with some of the greatest blues musicians in his time and was a refreshing sound of authentic raw blues on Sunday. The Soul Rebels, a band from New Orleans had a big sound and was working to get the crowd jumping for the Allman Brothers return to the stage. The eight piece band brought the funk, jazz and dance to the stage and was a nice surprise to the Sunday afternoon. Bridging The Rebels and the Allmans was Jimkata, which closed out the Grove stage with a solid set and very good appearance at The Peach.

    The Allman Brothers band closed out the festival, once again coming on stage to a standing ovation and the band got right into it opening with The Spencer Davis Group’s ” Don’t Want You No More”. Playing through their extensive catalog while playing popular songs such as ” Statesboro Blues” , “Midnight Rider”, ” Soulshine”, ” In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and closing with ” Whipping Post”. The Peach fans definitely got a big slice of Allman Brothers for the weekend and it’s going to be tough to see this band hang it up with touring. I sure hope they rethink it and perhaps still attend the festival that they created only three short years earlier. If the Allmans decide to permanently put it on hold I sure hope they pass the torch to a great band that can take on the festival and continue to grow it the way the Allman Brothers Band had always planned.

    Setlist: Dont Want You No More, It’s Not My Cross to Bear, Midnight Rider, Done Somebody Wrong, Hot’Lanta, Dusk Till Dawn, Leave My Blues At Home, Statesboro Blues, Soulshine, You Don’t Love Me, Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl, Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, JaBuMaOt >In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, No One To Run With

    Encore: Whipping Post

  • Mountain Jam Returns for Its Tenth Year of Amazing Music on the Mountain

    This year marks the tenth anniversary of Mountain Jam, a festival produced by Mountain Jam, LLC, in association with Woodstock, NY’s legendary independent radio station Radio Woodstock 100.1, and none other than guitar and vocals virtuoso Warren Haynes. You know if Warren Haynes is involved, it’s going to be good! The festival will take place at Hunter Mountain, a world-class ski resort nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains in Upstate NY, from June 5-8. Located just over two hours from New York City, it is definitely worth the trip up the mountain to check out this festival, which features approximately 40 bands on 3 stages.

    Having started out as a one-day festival to celebrate Radio Woodstock’s 25th anniversary, it has grown to what it is today, a festival that has been consistently rated as one of the top music festivals in the country by magazines such as Rolling Stone. Over the years, Mountain Jam is honored to have hosted some incredible talent, from internationally touring bands, including Widespread Panic and Primus, to some local favorites from right here in Upstate New York, including John Medeski and Simone Felice, and this year is sure not to disappoint. Not really knowing where to begin, as there are so many spectacular musicians who will making appearances over the course of this four-day festival, just a few of the bands that will be playing include: Bob Weir and Ratdog, the Allman Brothers Band, Government Mule, Umphrey’s McGee, Pretty Lights, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jackie Greene, and The Avett Brothers. And these are just a fraction of all the huge acts that will be there! The two main stages are set up right next to each other, which maximizes the amount of time there is to play/see music, as while one band is playing on one stage, the stage next to it is being set up for the next band. (It is also much easier on the knees, for fans at least, who don’t have to trek across fields to make it from one band to the next.)

    The third stage is located in Healey Brothers Hall, inside the Main Lodge. It is always worth heading indoors to check out this more intimate concert space, and to escape from the elements, if necessary.  This year, in honor of Mountain Jam’s 10th anniversary, a series of workshops will be taking place in Healey Brothers Hall throughout the weekend. Stop by to participate in these workshops, which are being led by various authors, photographers, painters, dancers, and musicians, including Michael Franti, who has become quite the fixture at Mountain Jam, and who will be performing a very special acoustic set! Another cool act to perform on this stage will be Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, who will be joining the Paul Green Rock Academy – another collaboration that promises to be exceptional. Other workshop topics include songwriting, led by Eric Earley (of Blitzen Trapper), Valerie June, and Connor Kennedy; and a reading and discussion with Duane Allman’s daughter Galadrielle Allman.

    Hunter Mountain has become quite the year-round attraction. For those daring enough, between sets, be sure to squeeze in enough time to experience North America’s longest and highest Zipline, right there at Hunter! For a unique way to be able to take in the spectacular mountain views while not having to miss a beat of music, take a ride on the Sky Ride, which allows you to view the two main stages from above on the mountain’s ski lifts. There are plenty of other activities that can provide a brief hiatus from all the rockin’ music being channeled out to you, including yoga and sound healing classes, drum circles, and a live interactive version of Farmville 2! In addition, Ash Street Puppetworks will be strutting their fantastic puppets around the festival site throughout the weekend, and you can’t really miss them, so be sure to snap some photos when they pass by – they are quite the sight to see! Another act that has become a staple of Mountain Jam who will be back again this year is the Shilly Shally Fire Troupe, who jumps from place to place around the festival site to captivate the audience with their unique interactive fire act. The Fire Troupe will even be giving workshops this year for those who have always been curious as to how they do all their remarkable tricks!

    For the wee ones, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained (an important note: children 10 and under are admitted to the festival for free with a ticket-holding adult, limit two children per adult): children’s music and entertainment will be performed on Saturday and Sunday mornings; there will be a “cozy kids corner” complete with arts and crafts, hammocks, and a sandbox, and even its own potty; the well-known Wormtown tent, where kids can get their faces painted and participate in team games (there is a child registration area located at the Wormtown tent, in case your child gets lost during the festival); and the “Wayfinder Experience” interactive game. None of these activities should be treated as babysitting services, but they definitely provide some much-needed distractions for the kiddies, and they do so in such a way that encourages the children’s teamwork and creativity.

    While you are enjoying all the music and activities, it will be hard to avoid reveling at the beauty of the scenery surrounding you. To demonstrate the festival producers’ awareness of that fact, and the forward thinking that went into the planning of this festival, Awareness Village will once again host exhibits from not-for-profit organizations and environmental groups, in addition to children’s entertainment, performance and sculpture art, physical and spiritual healing, a beer and wine garden, and much more. On top of all that, Awareness Village is the spot to be if you are itching to meet some of your favorite artists, as you will be able to find many of them signing merchandise in the Radio Woodstock Artist Signing Tent throughout the weekend! The Festival will also be continuing its greening efforts with recycling, carbon offsets, and $1 water refills to reduce the usage of plastic water bottles. So be sure to stop by the Awareness Village to see the many positive impacts that are being made by local environmental groups, and to learn more about how you can help move this planet in a more positive direction.

    It would be foolish not to mention the extraordinarily wide range of food options from which to choose at Mountain Jam. Many of the food vendors are located right along both sides of the concert field, so you don’t even have to miss any music while scoring some grub to sustain you through the rest of your dance-filled days! From New Orleans-influenced cuisine to Asian-style stir-fried noodle dishes, from tacos to pizza, you will find all that and more at the Festival. Some of the more unique food options available this year include How We Roll, described as serving comfort food in an egg roll, and Meltdown Gourmet, where they serve up a variety of creative grilled cheese creations, including a BBQ chicken mac and cheese sandwich!

    Tickets are available on the Mountain Jam Festival website, with a variety of ticket options available, ranging from single-day tickets ($69 for Thursday only; $99 for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), to 3- or 4-day passes with or without camping (if you buy at the “It’s About Time!” price, a 4-day pass with camping would cost $269). In addition, there are designated “car camping”, “lot car camping”, and “near-car camping” passes available, if lugging all your gear up to a camping spot on the mountainside isn’t your thing. RV passes are also available, with several designated areas to choose from as far as where to park your home for the weekend. One can also purchase one of several “Jammer” packages, which provide VIP amenities such as early access to the festival, private camping areas, a special viewing area in front of the stage, access to shaded hospitality tents stocked with hors d’oeuvres and discounted drinks, and 24-hour access to air-conditioned bathrooms (which can be key, especially when it gets hot and sticky outside, which often happens at Mountain Jam). Jammer pass holders are eligible to reserve lodging in the on-site Kaatskill Mountain Club, which provides swanky accommodations during the festival right there on the outskirts of Awareness Village. (These rooms are sold out for this year, but be sure to reserve your spot for next year’s festival if you are looking for a more luxurious festival experience!) This year, you can also purchase an on-site parking pass; your other option would be to park for free at one of the festival’s off-site parking lots and take a shuttle to the festival entrance (or you could always utilize the many parking lots that seem to pop up on people’s front yards for such events, for a small fee, of course). Please see the Festival’s website for more detailed information on ticket pricing and to purchase tickets and RV/car camping/parking passes. The Festival website also has a list of hotels in the vicinity of Hunter Mountain, many of which will be serviced by a hotel shuttle being offered by the Festival for a $20 fee, allowing you to leave your car behind at the hotel and not even have to worry about looking for parking at or near the Festival.

    Whether you decide to come for the day, or for the entire four days, you will discover that you don’t have to travel very far (that is, if you live in Upstate NY) to find world-famous, as well as locally known and loved, musicians playing in a pristine mountaintop setting. Mountain Jam is a place where you can just let loose and enjoy yourselves to the fullest, where you will come to see familiar faces year after year – and meet plenty of new ones, and where you can get your karma washed by a team of “Bliss Facilitators” right there on the concert field! Come on out to Mountain Jam in the heart of the Catskills for a thoroughly enjoyable four days of music, art, and community from June 5-8! In the meantime, here’s a preview of what’s to come at this year’s Mountain Jam Festival!