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Check out YMSB from 2005 Big Summer Classic in Schaumburg, IL on JamCam.
Words by: Melissa L. Burke :: Images by Tobin Voggesser
Yonder Mountain String Band :: 09.01.06 :: Red Rocks Amphitheatre :: Morrison, CO
YMSB :: 09.01 :: Red Rocks |
It has been said that, "Not All Who Wander Are Lost," and for the scores of Colorado Yonder Mountain String Band fans, September 1st was the ultimate homecoming. YMSB ascended the stage at the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre as one of the opening bands for the revered Allman Brothers Band. Now these boys are no strangers to huge audiences themselves at this point, but for the fans that have seen the band "grow up" firsthand, this was a moment of awe and pride.
Oteil Burbridge (ABB bassist) his Peacemakers opened the show with a lively 40-minute set. Mother Nature, who has been gentle during most of the Red Rocks outdoor concert season, greeted fans and musicians alike with a stormy and chilly presence. This did little to dissuade the weather-seasoned Yonder fellows, as most of them make their homes in Nederland, Colorado, where the chilly winds do blow and all residents are familiar with the cold rain and snow. Undaunted, the band took their places on stage and settled into an exceptional show.
Adam Aijala - YMSB :: 09.01 |
Playing to a very full house, it was clear that many in the audience were there to pay homage to their hometown heroes. Lively and witty as ever, mandolin player and vocalist Jeff Austin gave a big "Hello" to all, and the band stepped into an appropriate "East Nashville Easter," followed by "Going Where They Don't Know My Name," which seems highly unlikely in the literal sense. Energized and humble, the band was full of friendly and appreciative banter that related to their jubilation at playing the esteemed Red Rocks. Austin remarked that he had been in the audience on his first visit to Colorado from his native Illinois and that he never thought he would one day be standing on the stage. A lot more than sentiment marked the performance. The recent five-month tour ended here, and the road has apparently done YMSB just fine, as they played with exceptionally well-oiled precision. All members played with extraordinary verve, making it difficult to decide which one to focus on.
Banjo player extraordinaire Dave Johnston has a quiet but mischievous stage presence that reminds the audience that although he is a serious musician, he's having just much fun as they are. Johnston had truly sublime moments on the banjo that elevated the songs we have heard many times to a newly interpreted view. YMSB has the rare ability to play each song in a new way at any given time, which always rejuvenates the tune. This evening was a rock-solid example of how this band has progressed into what they are today, due to an intangible coherence of merged resonance. They own the sound they create, born of influences as diverse as traditional bluegrass to Ozzy Osbourne. YMSB is a band for all ages and lovers of all kinds of music, which is demonstrated by their newest radio hit, "How 'Bout You?" sung by bass player Ben Kaufmann.
Johnston & Aijala - YMSB :: 09.01 :: Red Rocks |
It's difficult to pigeon-hole the band's genre, and that is probably just fine with them. YMSB's dizzying touring schedule and the release of their new self-titled album, which was produced by Tom Rothrock (Beck, Elliott Smith, Blunt) and included drummer Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello), more than likely keeps them too busy to think about the actual progression of their sound, which remains uncharted. The ability of the band to stay connected to old fans and create new ones as they effortlessly evolve is easily the key to their success. A strong community exists between members and fans, and humor, tastefully crafted tunes, penetrating vocals, and occasionally profound stage ramblings hold the audience close. Regardless of where they wander, Yonder still seems to be in touch with their fans and unchanged by their success.
YMSB :: 09.01 :: Red Rocks |
Rain pelting down and an occasional wind did not chill the heat Yonder threw down from the Red Rocks stage. Kaufmann reminisced by saying, "Picture an up-and-coming bluegrass band in a tiny bar in Nederland - four guys all playing music and trying to get going. We've played some crappy places along the way, and this ain't one of them!" Adam Aijala sang a classic YMSB original with great heart, "You Left Me In A Hole." Aijala's guitar playing was impeccable throughout the show, a real example of pure D'Addario Magic.
In all, Yonder Mountain's Red Rocks show was just plain perfect, musically, spiritually, and atmospherically. The boys played a relatively short set, but weather and music proved cleansing enough to satisfy all.
Setlist
East Nashville Easter, Going Where They Don’t Know My Name, Night Out, At the End Of The Day, Angel, Damned If The Right One Didn't Go Wrong, Half Moon Rising, Fastball, How 'Bout You?, Death Trip, Sometimes I've Won, Nothin' But Nothin', Finally Saw The Light. Left Me In A Hole, Peace Of Mind > Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie > 2 Hits And The Joint Turned Brown
Continue reading for the headlining act, Allman Brothers Band...
Words by: Melissa L. Burke :: Images by Tobin Voggesser
Allman Brothers Band :: 09.01.06 :: Red Rocks Amphitheatre :: Morrison, CO
Allman Brothers :: 09.01 :: Red Rocks |
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado has always evoked magical, musical experiences for both the fan and the world-class musicians that play there, and September 1st, 2006 was no exception. In 48-degree driving or sometimes-misting rain, following a rousting set by hometown heroes Yonder Mountain String Band, the Allman Brothers Band took the stage after many a preparation by stage crew to keep equipment, Gregg Allman, his Hammond B, and assorted keyboards dry in his own personal tent. Portable heaters in place, amps and monitors partially covered, the band quickly took their places. With the sun already set and apologies extended, the pioneers of a self-created genre whose music has spanned several decades and multiple lineup changes began their show.
Oteil - Allman Brothers :: 09.01 |
The wind and rain did not threaten the veteran musicians, who broke cleanly into "Don't Want You No More" > "It's Not My Cross to Bear" to begin their 16-song set. The ride began with the Brothers' signature southern-blues, emotion-drenched guitars. For even the most seasoned concert-goers, this show will remain epically etched in the minds and souls of all who experienced it. The combination of the wild Colorado weather, the amazing presence of living legend Gregg Allman, and the energy and precision of the music played was almost dream-like. Seeing this particular performance in this atmosphere, which did not threaten the abilities of the band or audience to remain transfixed, was powerful. The 35-year-plus legacy of the Allman Brothers reminds us that there are different levels of bands and performances in the music we see, and these guys are true rock & roll royalty. The cohesiveness and quality of the playing, regardless of the lineup is unequaled in these experienced pros. Allman's voice was better and more commanding than it has been the last several times the Brothers have graced the Red Rocks stage; he was at the very top of his game here. Allman's energy and interaction with the fans provided them with the connection they need to keep dancing and anticipating each note.
Derek & Butch Trucks - Allman Brothers :: 09.01 |
A great deal of the spirit for this show was found in the cover tunes. Bass player Oteil Burbridge belted out the solid Derek and the Dominos tune "Anyday," with old school Clapton flavorings from the boys on guitar. Warren Haynes asked "How you doin' Red Rocks? You doin' alright?" as he broke into a rousing, bluesy rendition of Willie Dixon's "That Same Thing," featuring Derek Trucks' ripping guitar licks and Haynes right behind him with killer leads. In addition, some special guests kept everybody on their toes. Haynes sang all verses of The Band's tune "The Weight," with guests Danny Louis on keys and Andy Hess on bass. Gregg Allman brought his son Devon Allman (whose band Honeytribe played in Golden, CO that evening) onto the stage to sing an impressively moving and soulful "Midnight Rider." Devon Allman was notably carrying a copy-cat of Haynes' Gibson Les Paul sunburst guitar, on which he played rhythm. It was a moment of awe to hear the father and son sing the classic song together, distinguishing each as a great singer individually, but both pure, 100-percent Allman.
Allman Brothers :: 09.01 |
This was a classic Allman show that brought up many '70s-era classic tunes to which the oldest and newest fan could relate. The band did not play any of their more recent hits or any newer material here. During the show, fans remembered the different guitar players that have been a part of the band's rich history. The show seemed to call to former band mates Duane Allman and Dickey Betts at times, but the amazing guitar soloing of Derek Trucks was no less than mind-blowing. A pure genius virtuoso, the often-reserved stage presence of Trucks was overshadowed by the superb slide guitar and right-hand magic that only he fully understands. This was an exceptional show for Trucks, showcasing his improved ability and technical skills that are straight from a raw talent and simply cannot be acquired. Haynes' voice was hauntingly clear as he nailed every note while pumping out astonishing guitar, occasionally warming his hand on the portable heaters.
Gregg Allman :: 09.01 |
"Hot 'Lanta" and "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" were instrumental gold (found on the double live album The Allman Brothers at the Fillmore), with Trucks, Burbridge, and the percussion section making history. "Statesboro Blues" was another clear highlight, showing-off that hallmark Allman Brothers' sound. By the time the end of the show rolled around, folks were drenched and darn-near frozen, but the encore, "One Way Out," warmed the audience for their final descent from the majestic venue, with the glorious red rocks gleaming in the wet, black night. As a fan of over 40 Allman Brothers shows and two decades, I will have to record this in my memory as one of the top shows of all times. I saw the huge tour bus roll past me and out of the upper lot as I made my way down to the car, minutes after the band finished their encore. I smiled and thought, "There they go, on the road again, to another adventure in music. We will see them again..." It just goes to prove that there is only one Allman Brothers Band. And like another band from a similar era, they are not the best at what they do; they are the only ones who do what they do.
Setlist
Don't Want You No More, It's Not My Cross To Bear, Southbound, Revival, Who's Been Talking, Trouble No More, Midnight Rider*, AnyDay#, Same Thing, Hot 'Lanta, I Walk On Gilded Splinters, Statesboro Blues, Dreams, The Weight^, In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
Encore: One Way Out
*w/ Devon Allman - Guitar
#w/ - James van der Bogert - Drums
^w/ Danny Louis - Keys, Andy Hess - Bass
JamBase | Red Rocks
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