Umphrey’s McGee Kicks Off ‘Wrapped In The Round’ Series

Umphrey’s McGee presented their first of two Wrapped In The Round livestream concerts on Wednesday night. The sextet played a two-hour set incorporating originals and improvisational themes submitted by fans at a soundstage featuring their full production for a show broadcast via TourGigs.

The members of UM were assembled in the round for a performance which began with a run of “Conduit” into “The Linear” into “Make It Right.” Guitarist Jake Cinninger then led the band through the start of “Mulche’s Odyssey.” A number of “Stew Art” themes contributed by fans were written on small pieces of paper and put in a glass bowl. Percussionist Andy Farag had the honor reaching in and selecting the first theme. Brendan Bayliss revealed “Fripp It & Rip It” was the choice, leading the six-piece to embark on a prog-heavy improvisation reminicent of King Crimson. UM went on to deliver a groovy workout for the next theme, “Baby Making Music,” before concluding “Mulche’s.”

Last night’s Wrapped In The Round continued with “Attachments” and “Mantis.” The latter featured a pair of jams based on themes selected from the bowl. Up first was “No, Mr. Bond, I Expect You To Die” and then Umphrey’s presented “Eddie Van Halen Meets Axel Foley” containing elements of multiple Van Halen songs and Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F.” The thematic jams were followed by the end of “Mantis.”

Umphrey’s opened up “Partyin’ Peeps” just a bit before lighting into “Crucial Taunt.” Cinninger then led his mates through “40’s Theme” to bring the performance to a close. Another Wrapped In The Round concert is scheduled for tonight with pre-orders available via TourGigs. Look for the livestream to start at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Watch the “Conduit” opener from last night’s concert below:

Setlist

Set: Conduit > The Linear > Make It Right, Mulche’s Odyssey > “Fripp It & Rip It” > “Baby Making Music” > Mulche’s Odyssey, Attachments, Preamble > Mantis > “No, Mr. Bond, I Expect You To Die” > “Eddie Van Halen Meets Axel Foley” > Mantis, Partyin’ Peeps, Crucial Taunt, 40’s Theme