Saturday night at Quixotes was all about the music that inspired the creation of the venue in the first place. In the main room, California’s Cubensis was cranking out tight versions of Grateful Dead classics like “Shakedown Street,” “New Minglewood Blues,” and “Brown-Eyed Women,” while outside, the local boys in DeadPhish Orchestra were seamlessly weaving Dead and Phish tunes together to the delight of the tie-dye wearing fans that crowded the patio on a beautiful night.
While we wandered inside a few times to check in with Cubensis, most of our time was spent with outside DeadPhish and as usual they were spot on. Paul Murin on lead guitar interpreted Trey Anastasio’s intricate playing with an ease and flow that is a real testament to his skill as a player and the rest of the band gelled with him expertly as they danced between the songs of the two seminal jam bands. Though they haven’t been playing too frequently as DeadPhish lately, Murin, bass player Brian Adams, and drummer Chris Sheldon spent about five years player together night in and night out in the Phish tribute band Phix, and that time together shines through to this day when they take the stage together and seem to share a brain.
DeadPhish Orchestra – Quixote’s – 6/11
SET ONE: Theme from the Bottom > Here Comes Sunshine > Bathtub Gin > Here Comes Sunshine, Birds of a Feather > Carini > Mason’s Children > Possum
SET TWO: Help on The Way > Slipknot > Tweezer > Slipknot > Frankenstein, Mike’s Song > Throwin’ Stones > Gotta Jiboo > Franklin’s Tower > Weekapaug Groove. E: Tweezer Reprise
Cubensis – Quixote’s – 6/11
Shakedown st.>Just a little light, New Minglewood Blues, Brown Eyed Women, China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider*, Soulshine, Maggie’s Farm, Uncle John’s Band>Drums>Space>Bird song, One More Saturday Night
*w/roy jay on guitar
Disappointed that the reviewer didn’t hang around for any of the Cubensis set. The real magic of the night happened on that main-stage. They were the headliners for a reason!
No dead cover band really attempts to recreate the sound of the 80s Dead, so any dead heads who toured in the 80s or even fans of that decade can’t get their Brent fix. With Tom Ryan on keys, Cubensis can do what no Dead tribute band (not even DSO) can do, which is to faithfully recreate the soulful singing and lively playing that could inspire an often strung-out Jerry Garcia.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of being taken to Church by Brent, I guess the appreciation for what Cubensis did on Saturday, and what I can assume they do on a nightly basis in California, is lost to you. And that is a shame, because while Dead Phish Orchestra was going through the motions of just another show playing some dead and phish songs, Cubensis was taking a group of us on a journey through the Grateful Dead’s cannon of psychedelic masterpieces.
I did hear some of the Cubensis set, and it was very solid. I was particularly impressed with Tom Ryan as well. His voice did take me back to the Brent era of The Dead. Thanks for commenting!
thanks for contributing!
Just thought we’d mention how well Colorado is being represented at Powellapalooza Music & Arts Festival the weekend of September 22-25. Just announced, DeadPhish Orchestra will feature special guest, Michael Kang of String Cheese Incident! Yonder Mountain String Band, The Motet, and Octopus Nebula will also be waving the Colorado flag in the Arizona desert along the shores of Lake Powell!
http://www.powellapalooza.com
Cheers – Ted
Keys – DeadPhish Orchestra