Umphrey’s McGee Welcomes Redman & Plays Bust Out Cover In Madison

Last night Umphrey’s McGee wrapped a two-night stand at The Orpheum Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin with another performance featuring saxophonist Joshua Redman sitting in at various moments in each set. While they didn’t quite match the the completely improvised second set from the night prior, the band and their guest managed to muster another crowd pleasing dose of exploratory jamming. UM also delivered a bust out cover performance of “Señor Mouse,” which was last played on the same Orpheum stage more than 100 shows ago.

UM opened the night with a trifecta of “Le Blitz” > “Spires” > “Example 1.” After that, guitarists Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinninger both donned acoustics for another trio of songs starting with just the second rendition of “Gone For Good” which was debuted at the band’s Reel To Real event in Denver on New Year’s Day. Old favorite “Uncle Wally” moved into a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “That’s The Way,” ending the acoustic portion of the show. Redman came out at that point to add his signature line to “Intentions Clear” as he did on the band’s 2006 LP Safety In Numbers. The saxman led the jam that followed, trading riffs with Cinninger and Bayliss as “Made To Measure” emerged next. Redman assisted on a stretched out “Great American” before leaving the stage for the “The Floor” closer.

Set two picked up with Redman on hand for “The Triple Wide” which built to an intensely climatic peak. Another tune debuted during the New Year’s Run, the original “Speak Up” made it’s third appearance as Redman made his final contributions for the night. “Comma Later” resulted in more improvisation ahead of turn to “Make It Right.” UM then worked up their classic original “August” which showed off Bayliss’ soloing skills. At its conclusion Bayliss introduced the next song, noting they intended to play it with guitarist Al Di Meola at their recently canceled Beacon Theatre show before dedicating “Señor Mouse” to the master musician who is recovering from surgery. Last played by UM 109 shows ago when they were at the Orpheum on November 7, 2014, the bust out Chick Corea/Di Meola cover was dominated by drummer Kris Myers’ skillful attack and keyboardist Joel Cummins’ synth work. A beefy “Plunger” filled the second set closer spot and the rowdy “Hangover” encore sent fans off with a boost of funky fun.

UM shared official footage of four minutes and twenty seconds of improvisation from Thursday’s all-improv second set. Watch the clip featuring Redman below:

Umphrey’s McGee and Joshua Redman team up again tonight at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan with TAUK opening. A webcast is available via TourGigs.

Setlist (via All Things Umphrey’s)

Set One: Le Blitz > Spires > Example 1, Gone for Good[1], Uncle Wally[1] > That’s the Way[1], Intentions Clear[2] > Made to Measure[2], Great American[2], The Floor

Set Two: The Triple Wide[2], Speak Up[2], Comma Later -> Make It Right, August, Señor Mouse, Plunger[3]

Encore: Hangover

• [1] with Brendan and Jake on acoustics
• [2] with Joshua Redman on saxophone
• [3] with Entrance of the Gladiators (Julius Fučík) teases