[atlantaprog] Re: NARAS, Umphree's McGee

I want to echo Brian's comments on Umphree's Mcgee. I think it's very likely that this was the last chance to see them at a Variety-type venue. They're easily liable to be doing shed tours with folks following them around the country within a year or two - and the fact they they unabashedly let their prog-influences show through bodes well for the future of the prog-genre. It's fascinating to me how open and responsive the jam-band crowd is, compared to the often-snobby prog crowd.

AWG

Now, for those of you who didn't make it to the sold-out Umphree's McGee show a few days ago, shame on you!  For me, this was one of the best shows of the year, and I didn't really know what to expect.  Apparently the word has gotten out to someone because at intermission, the fire marshal said they had 100 people too many in there (Variety Playhouse) so they had to get refund volunteers to leave.
 
Imagine a mixture of Steely Dan, They Might Be Giants, Frank Zappa, 80's era King Crimson, Return To Forever, and Phish.  Very skilled instrumentally, but never crossing the line into wankery.  Nice vocals and a good light show too.  I guess you can draw good crowds as a progressive band, as long as you don't get stuck in the prog-label ghetto.  They were certainly as adventurous and fusion-y (and more entertaining, IMO) as most bands you'd see at ProgDay, for example.  Great band chemistry and musical communication also.  Two thumbs up.
 
Brian.

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