Watch Spafford’s Monstrous 28-Minute John Hiatt Cover In Kalamazoo
See the quartet take “Memphis in the Meantime” deep.
By Nate Todd Jan 26, 2024 • 2:25 pm PST
Photo by Christoper Deau Photography
Spafford brought their 2024 Winter Tour to Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Wednesday. The jam quartet kicked off the second set with a massive exploration of John Hiatt’s “Memphis in the Meantime.”
Spafford launched the concert with the familiar pairing of “All My Friends” and “Bee Jam,” a +20 minute excursion. The band then delivered their cover of Steve Kimock’s “Ice Cream,” debuted on May 31, 2023, as per Spaffnerds. The first frame came to a close with a coupling of “Gold Glittered Hat” and “Eternity.”
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Then came the monstrous “Memphis in the Meantime,” the opener on Hiatt’s landmark 1987 album, Bring The Family. A favorite cover for Spafford, the band debuted “Memphis in the Meantime,” back in 2014 and have performed it over 60 times.
After bassist Jordan Fairless led the band through the song with guitarist Brian Moss joining him in harmony on the chorus, Moss soared from the song’s chug-a-lug with drummer Nick Tkachyk flying beneath him on a ride cymbal laced gallop. The band then dropped into a vibey sequence with Fairless once again taking the reins on bass.
Keyboardist Cory Schechtman added in tasty textures as the quartet began showcasing their explorations of electronic music ahead of an explosive peak. Watch Spafford take “Memphis in the Meantime” deep below:
From “Memphis,” Spaff headed into “Motel 6.” “Lonely” came next before the quartet wrapped the second set with the funky “Frog Gossip.” The road warriors encored with “Home (One Place I’ll Never Be).” Listen to official audio of the show below via nugs.net:
Spafford is at the Moontown Brewing Compnay in Whitestown, Indian tonight. Find their full tour routing with ticket info below:
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Setlist (via Spaffnerds)
Set 1: All My Friends > Bee Jam, Ice Cream [1], Gold Glittered Hat > Eternity
Set 2: Memphis In The Meantime [2] > Motel 6, Lonely, Frog Gossip
Encore: Home (One Place I’ll Never Be)
Notes:
- [1]: Steve Kimock
- [2]: John Hiatt
