Patterson Hood, frontman of the Drive-By Truckers, played his next-to last show of the decade at Globe Hall for a devoted Denver audience as he wrapped up his solo acoustic tour. As he made his way through the set he spoke candidly to the audience as he always does, an endearing trait that has helped build his fanbase over the years.
Strand of Oaks is no newcomer to the music scene despite being new to so many music fans, but the secret’s out as Globe Hall had been sold out weeks prior. The place was packed with mid-thirties to 40 year old music connoisseurs, and they were justifiably excited.
Opening for Herbie must be daunting, but Kamasi not only filled that tall order, he crushed his set as if he were the main attraction. His high energy set was punctuated perfectly by his song “Fist of Fury,” the perfect ending despite leaving you wanting more. If he were opening for anyone else he might have owned the night….but it wasn’t anyone else, it was Herbie!
Last weekend Joe Bonamassa landed at Red Rocks for the 5th year running, but this year, instead of just one night on the lauded stage, he added a second. Concert goers were delighted with a “completely new” setlist (see below) and sublime weather on Monday. The masterful guitarist showcased a wide variety of originals and some choice covers made famous by some of the best bluesmen in the business during his set.
Bob Weir was here last Monday and we were there to catch him at the Paramount Theater with his new band Wolf Brothers. Not many people have had careers as prolific as Weir, and he shows no signs of stopping. This 3-piece iteration of Bob’s favorite cowboy songs was a slam dunk, both and depth of players and in quality of song choices. Bob is singing well and, despite the occasional missed lyric he is so well known for, his vocals were on point.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong brought their high-energy show to The Boulder Theater for a two night stand and, judging by the rabid crowd who packed out the room both nights, they were glad they did. This energetic young band definitely brings a lot of enthusiasm to the stage, and their sound is everything a jam band might want.
Tom Morello has always been known for doing things differently, he is the epitome of unique both on and off the stage. Over the years his groundbreaking guitar style coupled with his ultra-hardworking, anti-establishment values have paid off for Morello in both commercial success and satisfaction in the journey. His show at The Gothic Theatre supporting his new album The Atlas Underground was no different. It began with a sit down Q&A session with a local radio DJ and a bottle of Stranahan’s whiskey, and ended with him inviting the audience to join him on stage.
The setting was perfect: Red Rocks on a cool night with the massive orange harvest moon hanging low over the Denver skyline and Beck about to take the stage – all the indicators predicted properly what was to come for this anxious audience. Being the second night of two on the Rocks, and a rare two night stand for the tour, the mystery of the setlist was the most overheard conversation before the show and, ultimately, the big prize for all in attendance after it was all said and done.
Like all things in this human condition, art also follows the circle of life. Having just seen the memorials in honor of Aretha Franklin’s passing and feeling like there is a vacuum now in the world of great vocalist…suddenly the circle closed and the gap was filled by Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive.
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit rolled into Red Rocks for what was to be a great Labor Day celebration. The tour is supported by Isbell’s wife, Amanda Shires, and Aimee Mann, who both made note worthy marks on the night. Despite the crowd looking like they had had an exhausting holiday weekend, they were full of energy and extremely responsive; often times the only thing you could hear during the performance was the sound of people singing along like a chorus in church.