Written by: Phil Santala

The Seattle based funk trio McTuff traveled to the winter wonderlands of Big Sky, Montana to kick off a week and a half of music billed as March Music Mayhem. The Friday night show at Whiskey Jack’s at the base of Lone Mountain was sparsely

The band produces a surprisingly big sound given the three piece membership. They filled the open spaces of the dance floor and made the show, and dance floor, more inviting of a scene. Obvious comparisons to the jazz/funk trio Medeski, Martin and Wood

This consensus of direction-oriented sound came despite the second set, which for lack of a better term got weird. Really weird. The tightness of the sound might have been maintained through the returns to key chords and refrains. Joe’s organ wandered deep into the woods at times accompanied by Coe’s guitar. Still could and should be drawn. The general consensus amongst attendees was that McTuff provided a generally more up beat and less of a wandering sound. This feeling might be due to McTuff’s grounding in a more funk-based style of jazz and blues, and less of the traditional standards from which MMW are based. Former band mate, and Les Claypool compatriot, Skerik was a founding member whose influence on the band might still be noticed today. attended, perhaps owing to the sold out status of Saturday night’s Leftover Salmon show. Not one to let the attendance slow them down the band filled the room with Joe Doria’s organ jams matched by Andy Coe’s rock guitar riffs, held in tempo and check by Tarik Abouzied’s solid drum work.

McTuff hit the ground hard in Montana, with shows at Monk’s Tavern in Missoula, the Yellowstone Valley Brewery in Billings, The Mint in Livingston, the Zebra Lounge in Bozeman, and in Butte at the Silver Dollar Saloon for the St. Urho’s Day festivities (or St. Patrick for those uninitiated). Band members reported that the crowds were inviting and provided them with a warm reception at almost every stop in Montana. Still as they left town at the end of the day after the show, they gushed about their experience in Big Sky. Warm sunny slopes and soft plentiful snow can have that effect on musicians, just as warm inviting jams and soft plentiful solos can have that effect on its riders.the tempo of the drum would pull the tune back into shape, and both organ and guitar could easily follow it back. The encore cover of The Beatles “In My Life” fit nicely into this pattern. The vocal chorus was frequently pulled out of the jams as it was transposed onto the organ. Between these times the jams tended to wander and drift. There were moments where one might forget which song was playing, but still be able to enjoy the ride. The treat for them then became the return to the chorus.

Written by: Phil Santala

Leftover Salmon: the band, the myth, the legend, the original. While often imitated over the last two and a half decades they are still the trendsetters despite being the original new-grass, slam-grass, jam-grass bluegrass band. Their sound and format was the original on the scene, and it’s far from being considered passé. A recent addition of Bill Payne of Little Feat for a series of shows expanded not just the diversity of the sound, but also scope of that influence. Little Feat songs pushed out the sound base for the shows, and added a bit of southern blues to the poly-ethnic-Cajun-slamgrass sound that is Leftover Salmon. The band had time to progress their sound for this run, perfecting the mashups during their shows in Jackson, WY at the Pink Garter Theatre and in Victor, ID at the Knotty Pine. Fans coming out of these shows had already begun raving about the sound of “Leftover Feat.”

The band came out ready to rock opening the two day run with “Gonna’ Have a Party.” Open the show it did, almost shooting it out of a cannon. Signature Leftover Salmon, letting you know they intended for you to grab onto the fish, and ride it like a bull for the next 4 sets. But like a bucking bull (or fish) Leftover doesn’t have just one speed. If bucking you hard isn’t working they are just as capable of taking it slow and side to side. A jazzy “This is the Time” featured a slower tempo with Drew Emmitt on his Les Paul guitar. This would be one of 3 instruments Drew would play through out the weekend. The faster tempo Little Feat song “O Atlanta” would prompt Bill to comment, with a grin as wide as Big Sky, that playing these songs was “like playing classical music, only faster.”

The second set of the night also featured Vince Herman demonstrating one of the not-often imitated aspects of Leftover Salmon. The psychedelic-grass standard “Ask The Fish” is Leftover’s “YEM” meets “Harpua” jam. Vocal riffs, heavy distorted instruments, and wandering narratives are the norm for this tune. Vince rapped about snow, ski bums, and the fish questioning conservation tactics and wondering “where did all the buffalo go…?” Other new-grass bands have found their niches, and some have done so after heavily copying Leftover Salmon’s. But here is where Leftover stands alone. Nobody does psychedelic bluegrass with the same ease and skill.

Near the end of the set Little Feat’s “Willin’” segued into a “Don’t Bogart That Joint” jam.  This was clearly a crowd favorite. It was surreal seeing classic rock songs about drugs melded with the new age usage. Joints and bowls were a rarity, but the clouds of vaporizing pen emissions still managed to muddle the air and scent the venue all the same.

The band brought up the tempo for the close of the set and launched into a prime example of the diversity Bill Payne’s addition brings to the line up. “River’s Rising> Spanish Moon> River’s Rising” left the lit up ski crowd grinning and smiling. Shaking off the vaporizer fumes, the rapid tunes left no time to imbibe, only time to dance.

The second night continued the mashups and zany atmosphere. Early in the set Andy Thorn took the room for a spin with “High Country” which featured not just his singing, but his picking and grinning as well. Vince would take to the washboard for “Dixie Chicken.” The song was noticeably slowed down and blues drenched. It left room for the sound and feel of the song to develop more. It also left room for the song to slowly build into its full head of steam. By the end of it Vince had shed the washboard, throwing it into the air as he did so. “This is the Time” absolutely lit the room on fire, and had Drew Emmitt howling at the moon. The show ended on the highest of high notes. A fast up-tempo “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” clocked in at around 12 minutes long. This version differs heavily from The Nashville Sessions CD version featuring John Bell of Widespread Panic. Vince left room in the song for every band member to take a solo. He brought the crowd into the act, promoting someone to “roll up one of those Big Sky fatties” before he led the crowd along with a sing along which would end the song. “Nobody’s fault but mine…nobody’s fault but mine…ain’t nobody’s fault but mine…” It echoed down the halls of the mountain mall outside the venue, it rang off the timbers inside, and it roared out of our mouths on the dance floor.

Leftover Salmon, like most in attendance, clearly have a good time when in town. Many in the band ski, and Big Sky provides chances to do that aplenty. But more so, Big Sky is a fun loving community; Montana as well. We do it all here from fishing to skiing, mountain biking to Frisbee golfing. Montana folks love to relax and partake in their pastimes. The Big Sky state shows some big time love for the things they like to do. Jam and dance are two that rank pretty high around here. The Leftover Salmon tour continues on to Colorado, then down south to warmer shows. I’m sure the crowds might be bigger in more populous states, but more enthusiastic…well I highly doubt that. If you don’t take the time to see that for yourself someday…well that’s nobody’s fault but yours.

Written by: Marshall Williams

Photos by: Joey Pye

North Florida was dreary and rainy the week leading up to the Southeast`s premier Americana/Bluegrass festival, Springfest, at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP).  Which is not too bad considering the rest of the country was freezing; but Thursday 3/20 the sun was shining bright with temps in the 70`s.  I was excited for the weekend to come, leaving on Thursday afternoon driving west on I-10 with my girlfriend Mary and good friend Joey and the sun on my face heading to the best festival grounds in the country.  It only takes an hour and a half from my house to the park; we arrived with the sun going down and found a great campsite in the shade of the beautiful oaks draped in Spanish moss.  Between the three of us we got camp set up with no problem (we are all Suwanee veterans) and we were ready to roll.  I wanted to see Town Mountain, but their set was over by the time we got the tent set up. So we decided to have a few cold ones and head down to the amphitheater to see The Duhks.  They are a Springfest favorite and are festival regulars in general; so only playing a Thursday slot was rare, as they usually play more than once over the course of a weekend. The Duhks set was really good; their energy was amazing, you could tell they were a crowd favorite with everyone singing along.  After The Duhks we decided to take a walk around the lake in the campground before we went to see Comeback Alice at the Music Hall. They were a bluesy band which was a nice addition to this festival lineup, and I had never heard them before.  Comeback Alice had that Southern Blues Soul sound that made for great listening before I decided to call it a night and get some sleep.

Friday I woke up to beautiful weather: sunshine and blue skies, with a day packed with great music.  I had friends coming from St. Pete and Tallahassee on Friday, so I hung out in the campground in the morning waiting on them.  Meanwhile, I got to know some of our neighbors which were all really nice great people. This festival never ceases to amaze me at the amount of families and pickers that come. Some of the music you hear just meandering through the campgrounds and trails is just so great!  There is just something about a group of guys sitting around a camp fire pickin’ bluegrass, no electricity needed. If you go to music festivals you know the best ones are like Springfest: annual and in a beautiful place so people can plan a year in advance.  The SOSMP is so nice; it’s one of the few parks in the nation that families go to on vacation just to camp on the magnificent Suwanee river, whether or not a festival is being held. The park also allows golf carts and even rents them, which can be really nice when at a music festival dancing and walking all weekend long. My friends arrived around 2pm, so we all helped set up camp and cook lunch; before long we had three tents, two easy ups, two tables, chairs and a fire pit dug. It was looking like a nice campsite for the weekend.

By the time all this happened we made it down for the beginning of the Steep Canyon Rangers, which was all Mary was talking about leading up to this weekend.  They sounded crisp and looked sharp all wearing suits. The crowd was really starting to file in being Friday afternoon; everyone had arrived and setup for the weekend, and were ready to see some music.  Walking into the Amphitheater for the first time in the light at the Suwanee always makes me pause and soak in the beauty and energy of this place.  Everyone was talking about the weather and how nice it was and how the weekend was supposed to be dry, which would be a miracle considering it always rains at Springfest.  The Steep Canyon Rangers were great; they played my personal favorite “Call the Captain”, and it set the mood for the rest of the festival for me.  Then we went to check out JacksonVegas which is a hometown band for me, out of Jacksonville FL; I had never seen them and my friend Joey said it was a must.  I’m glad I did; I could not believe I had never seen them and they are from my hometown.  Jason Isbell was next on the Amphitheater stage would be another first for me; I had seen him with the Drive By Truckers, but not solo.  Being a Drive by Truckers fan I was excited and he did not disappoint; his lyrics were great as always and the band sounded tight.  They brought some Southern rock to the fest and the crowd seemed to really enjoy it.  Jason Isbell even played a few of his Drive by Truckers standards.  After that it was time to get some food, which brings up another reason this is one of the premier festival grounds. They have a real restaurant that is open to the public every day and a camp store that has everything from ice and beer to ice cream.  Also, the food vendors are top notch with options ranging from pizza to Maine lobster and a little bit of everything in between.

The Punch Brothers were the headliner this evening playing the 9:45pm slot and the Amphitheater was packed with people, including many seeing the renowned Punch Brothers for the first time. The band admitted they have rarely played the state of Florida.  Chris Thile has a great stage presence and keeps the crowd laughing and interested, although I don’t know if it’s necessary, considering the Punch Brothers musical capabilities are limitless. It was truly mesmerizing to listen to them; their set had a string quintet classical beauty to it that just blew me away.  I had lost all my friends in the crowd, except my girlfriend who walked with me to the front of the stage during the Punch Brothers.  We decided they would be at our spot in the field where Floodwood was playing, and sure enough, they were there getting down to Floodwood.  I had never heard of Floodwood; they are a New York band whose lead guitarist Al Schnier and drummer Vinnie Amico are also members of moe.  They had a great sound and put on a fun show to make you dance and kick up some dust.  Greensky Bluegrass had the last set of the night and boy did they put on a show! If you thought bluegrass music couldn’t have a light show, you would be proven wrong by this band.  The boys from Greensky sounded even better than the last time I saw them and they kept the crowd dancing into Saturday morning.  After the show, pickin’ circles were everywhere from little campsites to Slopryland and the Bill Monroe shrine; what a great festival, with the chance to just walk around and listen to so much great music from your fellow festival goers.

Sam Bush kicked off Saturday for me with his show starting at 3pm. Sam Bush did one of his best covers which is “Sailin’ Shoes” into “Crossroads” back into “Sailin’ Shoes”.  He was one of the main reasons I wanted to attend and Sam Bush did not disappoint.  He was immediately followed by the Steep Canyon Rangers’ second set of the weekend out in the meadow stage, which seemed to be a more laid back vibe; so let’s see where we can take this compared to Fridays set.  This time they were not in suits and looked like they were also enjoying the fest and beautiful Florida sun.  Mary liked the show so much she decided to buy a t-shirt on the spot.  Del McCoury was up next and being the legend he is, he did not fail to impress and show everyone why he has been in the business for over fifty years.

Sunday I woke up late and was slow moving, as all festival goers know that Sunday morning feeling at a fest, especially Springfest.  We decided that we would pack up camp and drive down to the amphitheater so after the shows we would be ready to roll out and hit the road.  It took a while and some food to get motivated to pack; then we saw dark clouds gathering and figured it had not rained all weekend, so perhaps a rain storm was overdue. We packed pretty quick trying to beat the rain, but we didn’t succeed.  Fortunately, the rain was just a nice drizzle and it only lasted ten minutes, enough to knock the dust down; what a beautiful weekend for this amazing festival. I got down to the stage in time for the Southern Soul Assembly, and I was so excited to see this group of amazing songwriters and storytellers playing together and sharing the stage.  The band had great energy and approached it like it was a Sunday afternoon sitting on the front porch just playing together.  They were all sitting down and dressed very relaxed; and for those who have seen JJ Grey perform, he does not dress down.  The crowd loved them and you could tell Southern pride is alive and well at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. What more could you ask for? It was a great way to end an amazing weekend.  Can’t wait for Magfest in the fall!

Southern Soul Assembly—Saenger Theatre—Mobile, AL—04/01/2014

Written by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

Photos by: Clayton Roberts

On Tuesday April 1, the stars were shining bright in Mobile from many directions. First, a gorgeous brand-new crescent moon hung in the early evening sky, and stars began twinkling as it grew darker. Secondly, there was a full movie production crew set up in the middle of Joachim Street, directly in front of the historic Saenger Theatre, filming the upcoming movie Vice starring Bruce Willis…and no, that is NOT an April Fool’s joke! But without a doubt, the brightest stars of the evening were to be found on the Saenger stage, with a theatre filled with music lovers surrounding them and hanging on their every note.

HUKA Entertainment gave Mobile, AL reason to head downtown for an intimate evening of Southern Songwriters in the Round, as they presented the Southern Soul Assembly, comprised of songwriting singer/guitarists Marc Broussard, Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), JJ Grey (Mofro), and Anders Osborne. The four accomplished musicians sat comfortably on stage with acoustic guitars in hand, and graciously took turns presenting their songs with the other gentlemen as support. It was almost like being in their living room, hanging out and listening as they told stories and sang songs to make us laugh and cry. The audience was respectful and gave silent attentiveness when needed, but also loudly hooted, hollered, and applauded when the time was right. All of these elements combined to produce a truly magnificent concert experience that instantly became one of my favorites I’ve ever seen.

By the time we made our way inside, escorted by one of the movie production guys, Marc Broussard was finishing a song, and then JJ Grey played “Brighter Days”, as his voice carried deep through the theatre. Next was Anders Osborne, with the poignant and beautiful title track from his album Peace. Luther Dickinson then shared one of the songs off his new album Rock ‘N Roll Blues called “Karmic Debt”, a comforting melody with a story-song about a sailor and his love back home. Marc described his next song as possibly the “most depressing song” he’s ever written. His pristine voice gave honest witness to a time he was “So Far Down”, and Anders played an acoustic lead that quite literally brought me to tears. Luther played an acoustic bass while JJ sang “This River”, a heart-heavy piece that featured the line “Where Did My Soul Go?” Suddenly I was acutely aware that each member of this aptly named ensemble would be baring their Souls for us all evening, raw and exposed, using their gifts as musicians to allow us a glimpse inside of them. Luther Dickinson’s “Mojo, Mojo” featured his gorgeous guitar work supplemented by gentle harmonica from JJ Grey. Marc Broussard’s “Lonely Night In Georgia” and especially “Life Worth Living” were absolute soul-revelations, as was Anders Osborne’s “Boxes, Bills, and Pain”.

There would, however, also be moments of levity and liveliness scattered amongst

the heavier songs, allowing all of our souls a chance to breathe and recover in between. Anders gave us “(My Momma Likes) Marmalade” with a Caribbean vibe, and loaned his Jamaica hoodie to JJ Grey for the song, very fitting for the reggae rapping that JJ skillfully threw down. Luther told us a story about how much he does NOT enjoy lawn maintenance with the laugh-inducing “Yard Man”.  JJ told us an amusing story before launching into “Slow Hot & Sweaty”, and he thrilled this Mobile Alabama crowd when he played his ultra-fun song about partying on the Gulf Coast at the “Flora-Bama”. The locals’ appreciation was also in full effect for Anders’ “Summertime in New Orleans”, an ode to the great city that we consider our sister. And when Luther said it was time to “shake some ass” and they kicked off the North Mississippi Allstars’ classic “Shake”, everyone got on their feet and took the chance to dance. The elated crowd remained standing as the Southern Soul Assembly took their bow and headed offstage, amidst cheering so loud and sincere that an Encore was inevitable. It was especially awesome to hear Marc Broussard tell us that our local radio station 92-WZEW had played this song more than any other station in the world, and they played a grooving acoustic version of “Home”.

I fully expected the Southern Soul Assembly to provide an enjoyable evening; but they far exceeded my expectations! All four of these musicians are filled with such talent and truth, and it is made utterly apparent when they are sharing the stage in this type of intimate atmosphere. They were all having a great time, they each expressed a humble sense of honor to be playing with each other, and they thanked JJ Grey for putting the Assembly together for this special tour. There are a few remaining shows in Louisiana and Texas; then they head to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, and West Virginia before they wrap up in DC. Tour dates can be found here: http://southernsoulassembly.com/

I am so grateful I had the chance to see a concert from this tour, and would certainly recommend catching a show if you can. It’s definitely good for the Soul!

Widespread Panic– Grand Sierra Theatre – Reno, NV– 3/30/2014

Review By: Trevor Bexon

Reno, Nevada is always an interesting city in which to see a Widespread Panic show. Usually thrown into the tour in between bigger California shows, it is often a sleeper show that provides amazing setlists in a laid back casino setting. The previous two 2014 shows were located in Oakland, California at the Fox Theater for a Friday and Saturday night throw down in the Bay area. Before they headed to Santa Barbara on Thursday night, Panic decided to make a stop in the Biggest Little City for their first Sunday night show of the tour. In classic Reno fashion they held their ground when it comes to the saying, “never miss a Sunday show.”

Widespread Panic has a history with the Grand Sierra Resort that is located on its own just out of reach from Downtown Reno, which means fans takeover the hotel/casino for an evening and are centrally located in one building, instead of spread out on a casino “strip.” This year fans had the company of a “fur” convention that was also taking place at the casino over the weekend. For those that don’t know, a fur convention is a gathering of furry-animal-suit-wearing enthusiasts, who create their costumes and come together to share them within their community.

The concert was sold out and many fans were looking for extra tickets pre show. At 8:20, fans who wanted a spot on the rail could still grab it and at 8:30 Widespread Panic walked onto the stage. Reno is the kind of place you can get a great spot with not a lot of work. The first set was energetic but mellow and the energy was built level by level going to setbreak.

The second set provided a dance party atmosphere and kicked things off with “Conrad the Caterpillar”. The “Shut Up and Drive>I Walk on Guilded Splinters” was some of the best Panic out there. “Guilded” provided the place of fan’s dreams and sent the crowd on a funky trail in the dusty town of Reno. Jimmy Herring, John Bell and Dave Schools’ interplay on this song is a craft that is hard to match on stage. JoJo Hermann‘s effects are some of the devil’s finest work when swerving in and out of the guys up front. “Chainsaw City”, “Mercy > All Along the Watchtower > Pigeons” was all top notch and had the crowd moving beautifully in the plentiful dance space of the Grand Sierra Theatre.

Reno may get a lot of smack but the city and its sister, Lake Tahoe, provide an amazing location and vibrations for music to be created and shared. Widespread Panic has honed into the Reno magic and has been for some time now. Where else can you see a Panic show and walk among hundreds of fully dressed furry animal people?

Lotus / Higher Learning–Buckhead Theatre–Atlanta, GA–March 30, 2014

Photography and Review by:

Lucas Armstrong #lukebox17 www.lucasarmstrong.com

Lotus returned to Atlanta Georgia and played the Buckhead Theatre on Saturday March 30, 2014. The venue is in Buckhead, a sort of uptown Atlanta where bars and nightlife take over as the daily commuters return home after work.

Opening the night, a local group called Higher Learning jammed a rockin’ set. Keeping it tight, dark and funky, Higher Learning is a talented group from Atlanta; I suggest checking them out @higherlearningATL and higherlearning.com. They definitely psyched up the crowd and prepped everyone for the almost indescribable sounds of Lotus.

I’ve been watching Lotus live since 2005. The first time I saw them they performed at a small bar called the Main Pub in Manchester CT.(https://archive.org/details/lotus2005-10-04.flac16f ) It was a small show maybe 50-60 people. Lotus performed on the floor while we stood eye level with them. They had their white van and trailer out front and were loading and unloading their own gear. I knew that night they were special, and since then they’ve played shows all over the world selling out shows at venues like Red Rocks in Colorado.

Lotus took the stage and the crowd roared; this sold out show was ready to rock. Opening the evening with a newer song “What Did I Do Wrong?”, they addressed the crowd and jammed a set full of colorful jamtronic melodies that took its fans to outer space and back. First set highlights included “Bubonic” into “Cut Dick” and then “Sid” into “Golden Ghost” into one of the most outrageous versions of “Flower Sermon” I’ve ever experienced. This set ended intense with “Behind Midwest Storefronts”.

The second set was exciting and uplifting, playing songs like “Expired Slang -> Tip of the Tongue” and “Wooly Mammoth”. The great thing about Lotus is you get that live band show with some peppered in electronic style music. If you want a word to genre Lotus by, try Jamtronica. I believe what we have here is truly the future of music. If you’re looking for a unique experience and a great live band rave style situation I suggest getting out and seeing Lotus on their spring tour. Check them out on facebook or at lotusvibes.com These songs have many starts, stops, ups and downs. The fans ate it up as Lotus brought this from a party to a rave. Towards the end of the night Lotus broke out a Deadmau5 song called “Ghosts N’ Stuff” sandwiched between a long version of “Sunrain”. Then encoring with “Umbillical Moonrise” and “Greet the Mind” put an exclamation point at the end of the fabulous musical evening.

Setlist 2014.3.29 Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA

What Did I Do Wrong?, Bubonic Tonic ->, Cut Dick, Sid ->, Golden Ghost ->, Flower Sermon, Behind Midwest Storefronts,

Expired Slang ->, Tip of the Tongue, Wooly Mammoth, 128, IACTMN->, Sunrain ->, Ghosts N’ Stuff* ->, Sunrain

E: Umbillical Moonrise, Greet the Mind

*Deadmau5