Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Debuts ‘Second That Emotion’ At SPAC

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead made their SPAC debut on Thursday with a concert at the historic amphitheater in Saratoga Springs, New York. Last night’s second set included the band’s first take on the Motown classic “I Second That Emotion.”

The quintet featuring namesake drummer Joe Russo joined by guitarists Scott Metzger and Tom Hamilton, keyboardist Marco Benevento and bassist Dave Dreiwitz kicked off the evening’s first set with a jam that birthed “The Race Is On.” Joe Russo’s Almost Dead had only performed the George Jones song, fittingly played in a town known for its legendary horse racing track, three prior times.

Joe Russo discussed his excitement for the night and appreciation for Saratoga before the band launched into an adventurous 18-minute “Shakedown Street.” Tom Hamilton handled lead vocals on “Shakedown Street” and the ensuing “Row Jimmy.” JRAD then worked a “Shakedown Street” reprise into “Dancing In The Street.” Elements of “Shakedown” and “Dancing” were mixed with “The Music Never Stopped” as an intro to the latter sung by Scott Metzger. The five-piece tacked on a set-closing “Touch Of Grey” to end the frame.

A wild “Playing In The Band” helmed by Metzger got the second set underway. The 20-minute second set opener was followed by the JRAD debut of “I Second That Emotion.” Tom Hamilton sang a song Smokey Robinson scored a hit with in 1967 that was a staple of the Jerry Garcia Band repertoire. “I Second That Emotion” bled into “Brown-Eyed Women” which led into a cosmic “Let It Grow.” JRAD went on to pair “When I Paint My Masterpiece” and “Franklin’s Tower” to bring the set to a close. The band offered a standalone “I Know You Rider” as their encore at SPAC.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead opens a two-night stand in Boston tonight. Watch video of “I Second That Emotion” and “Brown-Eyed Women” from last night’s show captured by Monica Hampton below:

Setlist (via Setlist.FM)

Set One: Jam > The Race Is On, Shakedown Street, Row Jimmy, Dancing In The Street > Shakedown Street Reprise > Dancing In The Street > The Music Never STopped, Touch Of Grey

Set Two: Playing In The Band, I Second That Emotion > Brown-Eyed Women > Let It Grow, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Franklin’s Tower

Encore: I Know You Rider