Jason Fladager Guests With Umphreys McGee On Toto Cover

By Scott Bernstein Apr 24, 2015 6:30 am PDT

Umphrey’s McGee kicked off a three-night stand at First Avenue in Minneapolis last night, where they were assisted by an old friend on a cover of Toto’s ’80s hit “Africa” as part of the show.

The Chicago jam-rockers opened the festivities with “Get In The Van” before treating fans to a version of “Spires” that contained a “Jimmy Stewart” improvisational section. Later in the first set, UM welcomed former Big Wu/God Johnson guitarist Jason Fladager on guitar and vocals for a cover of Toto’s “Africa.” Umphrey’s shared the stage with The Big Wu many times during their early years. The second set was an all-original affair that ended with 10+ minute takes on “Mulche’s Odyssey,” “Red Tape,” “Sociable Jimmy” and “Wife Soup.” Umphrey’s brought Night One of this year’s First Avenue run to a close with a cover of Fugazi’s “Waiting Room” and their own “Fussy Dutchman.”

While we await video of last night’s “Africa” to surface, watch the version of the Toto cover Umphrey’s laid down at Mayan Holidaze 2013:

In other UM news, the band recently premiered the video for “Cut The Cable” off the recently released The London Session:

Umphrey’s McGee returns to First Avenue tonight. A webcast is available via TourGigs.com.

Setlist (via All Things Umphreys)

Set One: Get In The Van, Spires[1] > Mad Love, The Linear > Water, Africa[2], Wizard Burial Ground

Set Two: 1348, Cut the Cable, Professor Wormbog, Mulche’s Odyssey, Red Tape, Sociable Jimmy > Wife Soup

Encore: Waiting Room, Fussy Dutchman

[1] “Jimmy Stewart” with lyrics
[2] with Jason Fladager on guitar and vocals

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