Denver Bluegrass Generals - 30 January 2016 - Cervantes’ Masterpiece - Denver, CO

Denver Bluegrass Generals

30 January 2016 - Cervantes’ Masterpiece - Denver, CO

for The Lot Scene by Parker

Band Members:  Andy Hall - dobro; Bill Nershi - guitar; Keith Moseley - bass, electric bass; Chris Pandolfi - banjo; Billy Strings - mandolin, guitar

    Nothing quite like music in the wintertime in Colorado.  Especially when you’ve got a bit of snow going to really seal the deal for you.  There’s just something about braving a bit of inclement weather to get to a venue so that, once inside, you can feel all cozy alongside your music community waiting for the magic to be meted out from the stage.  Not that it was a blizzard or anything, but the big, soft flakes falling outside the doors of Cervantes’ Masterpiece in Denver made being warm inside with beverage in hand all the more satisfying.  We arrived in time to see the opening band, TAARKA, play most of their set.  Really nice and mellow string band music out of nearby Lyons, CO.  A great intro for the Denver Bluegrass Generals to follow…and follow they did.  In spades.  What a lineup on stage for the evening’s enjoyment, right?  Hall and Pandolfi from The Infamous Stringdusters.  Nershi and Moseley from The String Cheese Incident.  And the indomitable Mr. Billy Strings.  Wow.  As in about 300 tons of wow.  So many different styles on stage, so many different approaches.  All wrapped up into one mighty fine ensemble of bluegrass musicianship — and extremely enjoyable to witness, let me tell you.  Dressed in various paramilitary garb for the event, the Generals took to the stage to command the remainder of our night with just the kind of leadership we’d all come to expect.  And their first official action of the evening:  execute “Project Fast Pickin’”.  It was time for some serious and seriously good music to ensue.

    Starting out with some New Riders of the Purple Sage, shall we?  We shall, indeed!  Peter Rowan’s “Panama Red” made for a perfect opener for this, the second night of the Denver Bluegrass Generals’ stint at Cervantes’.  Keith Moseley took to the mic for this one, delivering this cautionary tale as only “Moose” can.  Pandolfi’s banjo could be heard as a lovely constant throughout the song counterpointing fine solos from Hall on dobro and Nershi on guitar.  If this was any indication of how the evening was to progress, we were all in for something special.  And certainly in for some supremely excellent music.  Which is precisely why we all gathered there that night.  The second song was an Andy Hall lead which featured some superb guitar work from Billy Nershi as well as the other Billy on mandolin.  It was plain to see already that they came to kill it that night.  And I mean summarily, too.  It’s always so interesting and gratifying to see musicians playing such serious music with such readily apparent enjoyment written all over their beings.  It just adds so much more depth to the experience.  Nershi took point on the next song, Jim Croce’s “Age”, Panda’s banjo shining out for the entirety and Billy Strings’ guitar solo showing us exactly just how talented that young man truly is.  “I've traded love for pennies, sold my soul for less, lost my ideals in that long tunnel of time. I've turned inside out and around about and back and then, found myself right back where I started again.”  Just love those lyrics — man, if that doesn’t sound a bit familiar at times, no?  Of course, the evening would seem a bit remiss if we didn’t get a few songs from the two bands represented on stage and we weren’t to be disappointed in the slightest.  The first of many covers from the Dusters and Cheese that night was “Well, Well” sung by Andy Hall.  And, lucky for you, we have that very selection here for your viewing enjoyment: 

The Denver Bluegrass Generals threw down some seriously good fast pickin' at Cervantes' Masterpiece in Denver, CO, on 30 Jan 2016. Here is their cover of a favorite Stringdusters song, "Well, Well"...please enjoy!!

Killing it, right?  I mean, just slaying it and we were only four songs in!  And we were far from done…  The next solo fell to Billy Strings as he crooned out “Lonesome River” for us in his powerful baritone, accompanying himself on mando.  Really nice vocal harmonies in this one.  I mean the kind that give you chills.  And I had no idea that Billy Strings played the mandolin!  This concert was a real eye-opener in many ways, but that little nugget was a big revelation.  And, of course, he shreds on the wee instrument.  A little later in the set came an old bluegrass favorite, “Old Home Place”, which delivered tight multipart harmonies to bolster Pandolfi’s crystal clear solo and lots of good old fashioned pickin’ from all the assembled Generals.  Andy Hall was back up next to the microphone for another Dusters’ song, “Gettin’ Down the Road”, containing an excellent guitar solo from Nershi and a wild and wonderful one from Andy on dobro, I might add.  Amazing amounts of energy pouring from the stage on this one. especially when you have Nershi, Panda, and Billy all bouncing around like happy children.  This was followed by a great and grassy “I Know You Rider” with the vocal trio of Nershi, Moseley, and Hall nailing the harmonies — really sounded massively good.  Billy Strings’ mando solo definitely of note here.  How many times all night did I hear people around me saying things like “damn!” and “holy sh*t!” when it came to Billy’s playing?  He certainly made some new fans that evening.  Panda threw down his brand of musical attitude with a long and epic solo of his own.  Big song, big sound, big appreciation from the crowd.  “Little Maggie” was up next with Billy Stings on lead vocals — and what lead vocals!  Not only can this man play, he can sing, too!  And really sing!  A bouncing fun little song warning against the lady in the title.  Hard drivin’, fast pickin’.  ‘Nuff said.  TAARKA’s fiddle player, Enion Pelta-Tiller, joined them for some instrumental fun next with String Cheese’s “Lonesome Fiddle Blues”.  This one was a perfect example of kick-ass nasty good music.  The crowd went crazy when the familiar melodic line broke out on stage and I did, too.  Great musical moment from the evening’s proceedings.  And more Cheese you say?  More?  You want more?  Well, OK, then.  How about some “Restless Wind” for you?  Mighty good, mighty lovely treatment of this song.  Another crowd-pleaser for the Denver audience, too…had us all singing along for the entirety of the song.  Andy and Nershi dominated the mellow, grooving center section of this one with the interplay of their instruments.  Surely one helluva closer for the first set.  It was going to be hard to top or even equal that after set break…    

Andy Hall, Billy Nershi, and Keith Moseley

    …but wait until you hear what they opened with.  Not Bill Monroe.  Not more Peter Rowan.  Not even Del.  But with a surprise not even Nostradamus could’ve called:  “The A-Team Theme”.  No, you read that right.  The theme to that totally radical TV hit from the 80s.  B.A.  Hannibal.  The whole crew.  All grassed up and with one place to be — Cervantes’ Masterpiece.  Man, was this a fun one.  Badass is another word for it.  What a way to kick of the second set!  And it really sounded fantastic, too.  Groovy as all hell and super nostalgic to boot.  Many thanks to the good Generals for this little treat!  Falling back into the bluegrass tradition once again, Moseley was up for the lead on “Catfish John” yet another big crowd favorite.  This one also featured a pretty boss bass solo from Moose, too.  Great version of this oldie-but-goodie.  Another nice surprise was up next in Cheese’s “Texas” for us all, Billy Strings nailing the intro line on mandolin and Nershi taking up his usual vocals.  Every voice in the hall must’ve been singing along to this one.  And it sounded so polished, too!  Really happy to get this song.  And the dobro solo??  Just having dobro on this one…chills!  Absolute chills.  They went right out of a lengthy ending jam in “Texas” and directly into “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” for some more of that hard drivin’, fast pickin’ goodness we’d all come to bask in, Bluegrass Generals style.  Superb musicianship showcased all around in this one, each General a true master on his chosen instrument.  Mandolin player and friend of the band, Jordan Ramsey, joined the good times on stage for a series of songs beginning with “My Rose of Old Kentucky” with Billy Strings on vocals.  Pitch-perfect old fashioned bluegrass goodness — plain and simple.  Panda and Hall threw down a lovely duet for “The Little Girl and The Dreadful Snake” which was followed by the energetic and familiar “Hold What’cha Got”.  An incredible mandolin duet-heavy tune followed during a breakdown peppered with lots of sweet banjo shenanigannery from Chris Pandolfi.  Not to mention the melodious madness that issued forth from Hall’s dobro.  “Mandos gone wild!!”, yelled Bill Nershi.  And he wasn’t wrong!  Damn, can Billy play!  Damn, can Jordan play!  Damn!  A favorite of the night to be sure.  Andy Hall was back up to the mic for “Darling Corey” which featured some more mando magic from Jordan before he took his leave.  What a great addition to augment the Generals — many thanks to Mr. Ramsey for the amazing music!  The riveting “Red Fox” followed with fast pickin’ for one and all and then we were all “Working on a Building” together, taking a walk down that old school bluegrass lane hand-in-hand.  Simply splendid vocal harmonies in this one, too.  Just loved that aspect of the evening.  More String Cheese was in store next for us with “Far From Home” directly into “Wheel Hoss”.  Nershi had a lot of fun with this solo, hamming it up in fine fashion for us as well all danced along.  Nice and gritty and just how you’d want it to be.  Sadly, due to nasty weather, we had to leave a tad early during “Wheel Hoss” and miss the last two songs:  “Sitting on Top of the World” and “Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad”.  However, there is no doubt in my mind that the Generals killed those two songs just as readily as they did the entire rest of the evening.  I am sure that everyone who stayed left feeling just that much more gratified than we did already, heads and hearts filled with so much incredible music.  

Andy Hall

    To the Denver Bluegrass Generals — I salute you!!  Gentlemen, that truly was one stellar showing of musical prowess and precision.  Excellent song selection and excellently played, all night through.  Many thanks to you all for your contributions to the evening and for helping to make it so very successful at every turn.  Looking forward to your next joint exercise, my good sirs!

The Denver Bluegrass Generals

The String Cheese Incident - 26 July 2015 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO

The String Cheese Incident

26 July 2015 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO

for The Lot Scene by Parker

Set One:  Close Your Eyes > Far From Home, Blue Bossa, Water, Joyful Sound > Miss Brown's Teahouse > Bollymunster

Set Two:  Howard > Tom Sawyer > Howard, Stop Drop Roll, County Road Blues, Sirens, Don't Say > Beautiful > Colorado Bluebird Sky

Encore:  This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) > Jellyfish > I Know You Rider

    Sunday Funday.  And doesn’t that just about sum things up for the third and final night of music with The String Cheese Incident?  After two nights of the musical dynamo tearing Red Rocks to pieces, we were all ready for lightning to strike a third and lucky time as the sun was setting slowly and warmly behind us.  Bathed in the rosy  evening’s light reflected from the red, red rocks all around us, the whole amphitheatre emanated love and joy and happiness, all to be expected from Cheese fans and the Amphitheatre.  Bedecked in the characteristic finery and costumery of our SCI clan, none of us was going to let the last night of the run be a reason to not fly one’s freak flag high and proudly.  Which is just one of the countless reasons I love my Cheese Fam so very much.  Nahko and Medicine for the People simply killed it opening up that evening — I heard tons of positive comments about them from several friends and even more “strangers” (I hesitate to use that word with Cheese Family since those whom you don’t know are just ones you haven’t met yet, however, it’s hard to call them strangers.  It’s a Cheese thing, you see.)  They certainly whipped the audience energy up to a lovely level readying us all the more for some String Cheese in our lives.  And speaking of SCI, why don’t we discuss a bit of music from Sunday’s proceedings?

    An old, but great favorite jumped the whole shebang into life that evening, Kyle Hollingsworth’s familiar voice singing out the lyrics to “Close Your Eyes” as well all began the non-stop dancing that would typify the remainder of our night.  They took this right into a selection from their latest album, Song in My Head, with Billy Nershi up to the mic for “So Far From Home”.  Jason Hann picked up his washboard for this one, sometimes the perfect percussion to back a guy like Nershi.  Not to mention Kyle’s big, ol’ fat solo on organ smack dab in the middle of the song.  Crushed it.  “Blue Bossa” followed with its Latin beat and prolific cowbell providing the perfect rhythm for some serious dancing.  And dance seriously the people did with reckless abandon and hearts full to bursting as Michael Kang picked out a sweet melodic solo line over the top of the energetic ensemble sound.  Up next in the line was a lengthy and powerful “Water” with “Joyful Sound” coming right after.  Another personal favorite of mine, the band knocked this one right out of Red Rocks Park — they really sounded spot on for it.  Kang’s rock-heavy solo in the middle was money as it comes especially when you have Kyle wailing on the keys at the same time.  It was plain to see that the group’s energy levels tonight were at the same astronomic ones as both nights before…and we in the crowd were trying to match that energy.  And it was glorious.  After a wicked closing jam, they took “Joyful” directly into “Miss Brown’s Teahouse” which is yet another favorite of mine from Sunday’s setlist.  Michael Travis laid down the solid phatty beat as Hollingsworth nailed a nasty solo only to hand the reigns to Keith Moseley for a sweet bass run during the central jam.  It was a groovy, chill, and bouncy version all at once that kept the people moving to the music, smiling all the while.  The exotic chords of the instrumental “Bollymunster” heralded the end of “Miss Brown’s” and the beginning of another minutes-long dance fest as we stomped and jumped and laughed and twirled along the packed tiers of Red Rocks.  What a set!  What a setlist!  What a Sunday!  Well, so far that is.  I feel the grand majority of us there present needed that set break more than ever — we are all of us human, after all, and after the way Cheese had rocked it all weekend, many of us were understandably spent…even though we were all full to capacity with the happiness and joy that SCI brings.  Hence the interesting and delightful paradox about shows such as this.  And how about the rest of that show, hmmm?

    Boom.  “Howard” lit the second set afire as Kang nabbed the mic and the band exploded into another hour-and-a-half’s worth of marvelous music.  Nershi threw down a big, bold, boisterous acoustic guitar solo at one point (thanks, Billy!) and later in the song we found ourselves in a tripped-out, very spacey jam that morphed into the classic, intricate, Cheese-style kind of breakdown that is such a distinguishing mark of SCI’s performing.  And then something magic happened.  The notes of “Howard” began to die away as new notes took their place, songs eliding into one another.  And these new notes were so well-known, so accustomed — but what song was it?  And then it hit us all, like a velvet hammer to the forehead.  “A modern day warrior. Mean, mean stride.  Today’s Tom Sawyer.  Mean, mean pride!” Yes, you read that correctly.  A Rush cover.  And “Tom Sawyer” to boot!  Hells to the yeah!  Kang took the vocals and the band proceeded to do an amazing impersonation of that grand Canadian band.  Kyle’s keyboards were perfect, just perfect.  And playing Neal Peart’s drum parts?  Travis and Hann teamed up for an impressive display of percussion skill and acumen that well-nigh mirrored Peart himself.  All so very good.  Another one for which I am eternally grateful.  String Cheese took this right back into “Howard” to finish things up with a monster “Howard” jam.  A super mellow and rather long instrumental interlude led us to the tongue-in-cheek “Stop, Drop, Roll” with its funky almost disco-like feel at points.  Really fun song, that one.  Later down the set it was time for “Sirens”, the minor, almost sinister sounding chords and riffs starting the song up unmistakable from the beginning note.  However, when Moseley hits that chorus, the whole song changes in spirit to the refrain of “I just want to say I love you…”  Man, what a great song and what a great one live.  And this time was no exception whatsoever.  Kyle took the lead next for “Don’t Say” which the band then took into “Beautiful” featuring two pretty amazing solos from Kang and Hollingsworth.  Just what to expect from a Cheese show:  incredible solo work, phenomenal talent and skill, monumental ensemble sound, and fun, fun, fun.  They slid right into the final song of the set from “Beautiful” with Nershi back up to sing us a little “Colorado Bluebird Sky”.  And what a gift that was!  Suffice it to say, that song kills it every time here in Colorado.  What can we say?  And, of course, it’s always nice to get some fast pickin’ from Cheese and, thanks to Billy’s acoustic skills, that’s exactly what we got!  Chill-up-to-quick jamming in full-effect, like they do, Kang and Nershi trading off guitar lines, every member of the band bringing the heat — this was definitely the best version of the song I had ever heard.  It was as if the group was trying to prove something all the way to the end of the show.  Amazing.  But, they weren’t done yet!  One encore?  Nope.  Two?  Hardly.  Three encores??  Yup.  That’s right.  Three.  And Talking Heads up first??  Baller.  “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” kicked off the ‘encore set’ with Kyle heading up the merry band.  This is certainly one of my favorite covers of theirs so I was so grateful to get it before the end of the run.  Great job of it, too, of course.  Not slowing down a beat, Cheese elided the Heads right into their own “Jellyfish” for a wild and crazy version of it.  Sure made a lot of people in the crowd ecstatic.  Billy stopped the lyrics a few lines in only to head off to the side to grab his, presumably, tequila for a cheers and a drink before continuing on and restarting the lyrics.  Classic Nershi.  Love it.  Rocking out pretty hard, the boys brought it until the very end, never slacking in energy or stage presence.  And, just when we thought the final chords were being played, whammo!  The Grateful Dead.  “I Know You Rider”.  In our faces.  Quick and spry and fun and the perfect way to end the juggernaut that was the past three days at Red Rocks.  What a run!  What a combination, String Cheese and Red Rocks!  If you’ve not yet made the pilgrimage to the Rocks, I highly recommend SCI’s next run there as your first.  Incidents in that magical place are truly special things to behold.  And so very worth the time, cost, and effort.  Hope you’ve enjoyed this little Sunday recap.  Happy music in your future, my friends!

A huge thanks to String Cheese, Red Rocks, and my Cheese Family for such a wonderfully wonderful weekend!!

Many thanks to Brady Cooling for his amazing photography!!

The String Cheese Incident - 25 July 2015 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO

The String Cheese Incident

25 July 2015 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO

for The Lot Scene by Parker

Set One:  Song in My Head, Eye Know Why, Sweet Spot, Stay Through, Please Send Me Someone To Love, Round the Wheel > Drums > Sweet Melinda > Wheel Hoss, Live And Let Die

Set Two:  Tinder Box > Restless Wind, You've Got the World, Hotel Window, Rivertrance, Way Back Home > Looking Glass > Just One Story

Encore:  Drums > Rosie > Billie Jean > Rosie

    I’m not really even sure how to begin this review.  Not for any bad reason, mind you, to the contrary.  I mean, how does one adequately do justice in a write up of String Cheese?  Especially given the fact that they brought so very much to the table this weekend and then some, Saturday night being no exception.  The Red Rocks scene was picture perfect:  azure blue skies overhead, the sunlight bathing nearby downtown Denver in shining golden light, the green foothills standing verdant and proud, and all of us nestled between the magnificence of Creation Rock and her sister Ship Rock, those iconic ruddy monoliths who hold all concert goers in their gentle, familiar embrace while hearts soar, feet dance away madly, faces melt and joys unleash themselves out into the glorious ether that coats the amphitheatre in its sweet, subtle magic.  And Cheese on the Rocks is always an affair to attend and remember.  Suffice it to say the Cheese boys really like to bring their A+ game to one of their favorite home venues.  Must be incredible to be able to call Red Rocks a “home venue”, no?  Not to mention my Cheese Family — by far my very favorite fan base of any band going.  The sweetest most fun-loving, costume-wearing crazy people in the world and, en masse, a force to be partied with.  There is just something so inherently special about a show with folks such as these:  you always leave fulfilled and soul-filled.  Never mind all the unstoppable smiling and grinning as you survey the entire vista and take it all in, every feather boa, every jellyfish umbrella, every guy in a shark costume.  But I suppose it’s time for some Cheese, eh?

    Night two of SCI’s Red Rocks run opened with Billy Nershi up on lead first with “Song in My Head”.  Kyle Hollingsworth showed instantly he was up for a big night with a monster organ solo, just wailing away as the band grooved along behind.  Already we were off to an auspicious beginning to our evening.  Kyle was then up to the mic for “Eye Know Why” which got down and funky and blissfully bass-heavy for a bit in the middle.  The next song saw guest singers Rhonda Thomas and Tony White join the band on stage, and man were they fabulous.  “Sweet Spot” featured a particularly tight solo from Michael Kang as well as the extra voices.  Great additions to the show!  The sweet and tender syncopation of “Stay Through” (from their most recent album Song in My Head) followed with Kang on his usual lead.  Then we had a nice bluesy little number in the form of B.B. King’s “Please Send Me Someone to Love” with the supremely talented Rhonda Thomas on lead vocals — what a performance!  Wow!!  Love hearing my Cheese get down like that!  Then we got the tried, true, triumphant old school “Round the Wheel” which was a delight for experienced Cheeseheads and first-time Incidenters alike.  Always nice to hear an old friend.  Plus, the lengthy mellow jam in the mid section didn't hurt things much either…especially when it turned intense on us.  Classic SCI.  Loved it.  Oh, and a quick mention about their new lighting design and set-up:  HOLY SCHNEIKIES!!!  Lasers, fog machines, tons of new colored spots and backlights — it must have cost a fortune.  However, it was certainly put to marvelous use all weekend not to mention during “Round the Wheel”.  Bravo to all those responsible for this new direction!!  After Michael Travis and Jason Hann’s wicked percussion duet at the end of “Round” the band went directly into “Sweet Melinda”.  A dirty good Kang-led breakdown ensued with Keith Moseley laying down some fat, fat bass (in addition to the song’s vocals) while Nershi strummed like a madman playing to Kang.  Again, more of that classic Cheese feeling that we all come for.  And they still weren’t done with the set!  Kang busted out the fiddle for “Wheel Hoss” which followed “Melinda” — a bit of fast pickin’ to round out the night.  Not bad at all.  Finally, saving the best for last, Rhonda and Tony rejoined the band for the simply stunning cover song:  McCartney’s “Live and Let Die”.  A Beatle and a Bond song all wrapped in String Cheesy goodness??  Yes, please!  I’ll order a dozen!  And they just freakin’ killed it, even Cheesing it up in the middle, Kang and his instrument crooning to the crowd.  One of the absolute highlights of the weekend for me.  And it was only set break.  Hard to imagine.

    And then it was Set Two.  And we were all so ready for it.  All the hoopers on standby, every foot poised for dance, all the rage sticks a-ragin’…so ready.  Things kicked off with a banging “Tinder Box”, those familiar guitar and other electrified strains so recognizable to the myriad fans on countless tiers rising as if to the very skies.  More big riffs and rock from Kang during his solo here, helping to make up such an important part of that ‘SCI Sound’.  This, in turn, they took into another beloved standard:  “Restless Wind”.  The guest singers came back out for the organ and percussion-heavy “You’ve Got the World” which followed and which had a really nice groove to it.  Very danceable.  Bill took things down a bit for us all with the mellow “Hotel Window” but the boys instantly shoved things back into ‘Ludicrous Speed’ with Kang jumping up on fiddle again for that incomparable, intense, impossibly incredible insanity that is “Rivertrance”.  I was already getting exhausted from the nonstop dancing…but there was more Cheese.  Had…to…press…on.  That’s when a really tight three-song combo started off with “Way Back Home” which contained a sizable, spacey jam and went directly into the Nershi-led “Looking Glass” (another track from their most recent album) and eliding right into Kang singing “Just One Story” to close out the second set.  Whoa.  What a freight train of musical goodness that was!  And then there was a huge encore set that night leading off with Dave Watts (The Motet) and Jeremy Salken (Big Gigantic) joining Jason on his kit for a four man drum and percussion exhibition along with Travis.  So many beats, so much rhythm!  And things just kept rolling — right into a huge, fat, awesome “Rosie”, purple, green, magenta, blue lights all aflutter to the unmistakable chords from Kyle at the keys.  We all danced and jammed and got our Cheese on encore-style when the song began to morph.  But to what?  Ears straining for recognition.  And then the notes hit you, those ones burned into your memory since childhood — there is never mistaking the sound of a Michael Jackson song.  “Billie Jean”??  Are you kidding me???  Tony White grabbed the mic for this solo and he just nailed it to the wall.  And the band?  Killer.  Thriller.  You name it, they were magnificent.  Another huge highlight of my weekend with Cheese on the Rocks.  But they weren’t done yet!  They took a big turn right back into “Rosie” for the big, big finish filled with “Billie Jean” teases and even a “Crosseyed and Painless” tease.  I mean, what more could you ask for?  I certainly couldn’t and didn’t as the show finally drew to a close, just so happy for all I had seen, all I had heard.  My joy factor was riding high — the perfect way to leave a Saturday show such as this.  What a weekend so far!  Certainly made the prospect of a Sunday show all the sweeter…but you’ll have to wait for that one.

Many thanks to Brady Cooling for the incredible photos!!

Stay tuned for Sunday!!