Umphrey’s McGee Fits Rarities Into Richmond Finale

On Saturday, Umphrey’s McGee closed out a two-night stand at The National in Richmond, Virginia. For the second night in a row, the prog-jam rockers dipped into their repertoire for a number of rarities including their covers of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and “Power Of Soul.”

The Chicago-based band got their evening going with a pair of setlist staples offering up takes on “Miss Tinkle’s Overture” and “2nd Self.” “Sociable Jimmy” was used as a springboard for a lengthy jam-filled run as the six-piece act would work their way into “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” in its midst. The Motown classic was dusted off for the first time since August 14, 2014 – a span of 402 shows. The cover would segue into back to back bust outs with “Sweetness” and “Rocker.” The former had been sitting on the shelf since October 27, 2017, while the latter was delivered for just the fourth time ever and for the first time in 164 shows.

Jimi Hendrix’s “Power Of Soul” was tapped to open up the second frame of the night. The tune, which originally appeared on Band Of Gypsies had last seen action as a one-off in February of last year. Mantis cut “Spires” came ahead of an expansive take on “Ocean Billy” that featured guitarist Jake Cinninger on keyboards. An unfinished take on “Ringo” melted into “The Linear,” with “The Bottom Half” bringing the set to a close. Umphrey’s McGee brought things to a close with a two-song encore of “Kimble” and “The Silent Type.” Listen to full show audio taped by opsopcopolis below:

Setlist (via All Things Umphrey’s)

Set I: Miss Tinkle’s Overture, 2nd Self, Sociable Jimmy > I Heard It Through the Grapevine > Sociable Jimmy > Sweetness > Rocker Part 2, Half Delayed > Water, Breaker

Set II: Power of Soul > Spires > Ocean Billy[1], Ringo[2] > The Linear, The Bottom Half

Encore: Kimble > The Silent Type