Skerik Sits In With Joe Russo’s Almost Dead At Remlinger Farms

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead closed out a weekend of Pacific Northwest shows on Saturday with a concert at Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Washington. Saxophonist Skerik was the quintet’s special guest for most of their second set, adding another improvisational voice to the mix.

Skerik came out at the start of the second set for a nine-minute jam that flowed into “The Eleven.” The longtime Seattle-area resident stuck around for an adventurous “St. Stephen” featuring a jam on “Black Peter” within and the “I Need A Miracle” that followed.

JRAD then went without Skerik for a run of “He’s Gone,” “Foolish Heart” and “Lawyers, Guns & Money.” The latter gave way to a well-jammed version of “Throwing Stones.” Skerik returned for the “Throwing Stones” jam and also contributed to the “I Know You Rider” finale after a sax-less “Touch Of Grey.”

Almost Dead keyboardist Marco Benevento and Skerik have a long history of performing together that includes time as Garage A Trois bandmates. Skerik’s history with Benevento also includes a memorable 2023 collaboration that marked the saxophonist’s return to performing after suffering a severe neck and shoulder injury.

Earlier in the night, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead loaded their first set with Grateful Dead classics, including “Row Jimmy,” “Cassidy,” “Fire On The Mountain” and “Truckin’.” The opening frame also featured a take on Bob Weir’s solo gem “Gonesville.”

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead ends their summer tour in Colorado this weekend with shows in Denver, Vail and Dillon. Watch Skerik jam with JRAD in Washington state via fan-shot video below:

Audience Recording (Taped by Jeff Travitz)

Setlist (via Setlist.FM)

Set One: Jam > Row Jimmy, Cassidy, Fire On The Mountain, Gonesville > Cumberland Blues, Truckin’

Set Two: Jam [1] > The Eleven [1] > St. Stephen [1] > I Need A Miracle [1], He’s Gone, Foolish Heart > Lawyers Guns & Money > Throwing Stones [1], Touch Of Grey > I Know You Rider [1]

[1] – with Skerik on saxophone