Well that was one for the books. While Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is consistently one of the most exploratory and compelling bands on the scene, they always seem to push their limits for the Colorado faithful and this year was no different.
Telluride Blues & Brews is always a one-of-a-kind weekend in paradise, but with bluebird skies, beautiful weather, and a notable line-up, this year was special. While it’s tough to complain about anything when in Telluride, stellar sets from the likes of Don Bryant, Marcus King Band, Monophonics, Gov’t Mule, and Robert Plant really pushed this one over the top!
On this episode of Noise Behind The Sound the guys welcome back Joe Russo and review Almost Dead’s big 2016, discuss their exciting Red Rocks announcement, and talk about the resurrection of Russo’s electrifying project with Marco Benevento, The Duo, and what may lay ahead for them. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead returns to Colorado this week for a run of three shows!
On this Episode of Noise Behind The Sound, Eric and Gary pay respects to a legend before being joined by Marco Benevento to discuss his upcoming new album The Story of Fred Short. The guys dive deep into the new album, discuss Marco’s tour plans for early 2016 and talk about what it’s like to be immortalized as a weed strain.
The Fillmore was packed on Saturday night. If it wasn’t sold-out, it was damn close. As showtime approached, the floor was full to the back and there were people lined up in bar lines a mile long everywhere you looked. There was a buzz in the air as the uninitiated waited anxiously to get a taste of the most energetic and innovative Grateful Dead cover band playing today – Joe Russo’s Almost Dead – and the veterans salivated over the early Christmas present they knew was on-tap for the evening.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is Scott Metzger, Tommy Hamilton, Dave Dreiwitz, Marco Benevento and Joe Russo. Not only does this quintet play tight and vicious versions of some of the most complex songs in the Grateful Dead’s repertoire, but they play them with a rawness & energy absent from the stage since the “Live” Dead era. More importantly, all of the jams are wild and incredibly adventurous.
Anticipation levels were high as Deadheads old and new poured into The Ogden Theatre on Saturday Night. In the past few months the buzz that has followed Joe Russo and his latest project, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead has been deafening. Since their inception in early 2013, the quintet has piqued the interest of fans wondering what this group would bring to a songbook that is beloved by so many. When the show sold-out shortly after the doors opened, it was obvious this would be a special night and what unfolded was nothing short of spectacular.
Team work makes the dream work. Instrumentalist, and songwriter/producer Marco Benevento’s most recent album “Swift” is proof of it–so much so that he named the album after one of his collaborators. With the talents of Producer Richard Swift and the lyrical genius of Aaron “Gene Ween” Freeman in his pocket, Benevento’s latest masterpiece is a graduation of his previous efforts–with the same sound that fans have come to love, but also an added lyrical seriousness. Give it a listen and go check out Benevento at the 1up Colfax this weekend.
For an artist who has spent the better part of 25 years enjoying success on the road and in the recording studio as a founding member of The Black Crowes, one could assume that leaving the nest might be a scary proposition for Rich Robinson. If the music on “The Ceaseless Sight” is any indication, Robinson is shaping an entirely new musical identity. We sat down with Robinson to get the story behind the album more.
