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Letting it Slide: A Conversation with Marco Benevento January 15, 2020 02:25

 

Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Photos by Jean Frank Photography

Calling all Southeast music enthusiasts. We would like to ask you to stop what you're doing and clear your schedule. It's officially one of our favorite times of the year, when keyboard wizard Marco Benevento brings his wildly entertaining three-piece solo project through the heart of the South. The madness kicks off on Thursday night (1/16) in Austin, TX and continues with stops in Houston (1/17), New Orleans (1/18), Birmingham (1/19), Knoxville (1/20), Asheville (1/21), Carboro, NC (1/22), Charlotte (1/23), Charleston (1/24), and Atlanta (1/25).

The band is fresh of its seventh studio release, Let it Slide, and they have never been more dialed in. After taking a totally different approach in the studio, Marco and company have a deeper catalog than ever before. Bassist Karina Rykman and drummer Dave "DB" Butler round out this prolific trio and bring a level of energy that is matched by none. Over the weekend, we had a chance to catch up with Benevento to learn more about Let it Slide and hear all about the band's plans for 2020. See below for the full conversation and make sure to catch these guys (and gals) in a city near you!

I appreciate you taking the time to chat for a few minutes today, Marco. I know that everyone in Birmingham is excited to have you back in town at Saturn on Sunday night. 

Marco: Absolutely. Saturn is such a cool venue man. We've loved playing there the last few stops in Birmingham.
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It really is. One of the newer spots in town. That green room is really next level.
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Marco: It's so dope man. 
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I figured we could start off by talking about the new year. We've officially closed the door on 2019. How did you feel about last year as a whole, and what are some of your goals and resolutions for 2020?
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Marco: Totally. 2019 was an awesome year for us. We put out a new record and had the chance to work with Leon Michels. If you haven't checked him out, I highly recommend you do. You can find his work on Spotify or Apple Music under "El Michels Affair." Working with him this year and releasing the record felt really good. We did almost 40 shows in three months. Something crazy like that. We went to Japan, which was a really cool experience. I guess, going forward, we're going to try and get to Europe. We just got a European booking agent, so I'm excited to go play overseas and see what that feels like. 
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Is that something that you expect to happen this year?
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Marco: Yeah, I do. Most likely later this year. I'm looking forward to everyone getting familiar with the new record and hearing all of the new jams. They're really coming alive when we play them on tour. 
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Did you end up having a New Year's show this year?
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Marco: No, we all had off this year. I actually when to Leon's (Michels) house for a party. We didn't have a gig, which was great. I've obviously been playing and touring for a long time and having a New Year's Eve off is kind of special, honestly. 
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I'd imagine that hasn't been very common in recent years. 
 
Marco: Right. Very true. I've had so many New Year's gigs that have just been madness, especially in New York City. It's super fun, and everyone is so ready to go. It's such a fun holiday, but it's also nice to just have a fire outside in your yard. 
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That's got to be a nice change of pace.
 
Marco: Yeah man. Totally. 
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Watch Marco Benevento's music video for "Let it Slide" here:
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You mentioned the new album, Let it Slide. I've had it playing all morning. This is your seventh solo album, correct?
 
Marco: That's right. 
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I know that they all tell their own story. The writing process and the studio experience are unique in their own right. When you look at this album, how was this different that those of the past?
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Marco: Totally. Working with Leon was a whole new thing. I didn't know him personally when we got together. I met him through our friend Richard Swift, who we put out a record with about five years ago. That record was actually called Swift. Richard is friends with Dan Auerbach and was in that band, The Archs, that Dan started a few years back. Leon was the keyboard player in that band. He and his wife were having a child and had to miss the last week of tour. Richard recommended that I sub in for Leon. 
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I had a chance to get on a tour bus with Dan Auerbach and company and play all of those tunes. I don't know if you've had a chance to check it out, but you should. It's so good. I've been a fan of Dan's for years. I love his voice. So, Richard recommended that I sub for Leon, and I met him as we were overlapping on tour. When I called him about doing the record, I had only met him that one time. We got together, and I played him all of the demos that I made. All of the tunes were kind of demoed out before we met, so we would scroll through them and work on two or three each day. 
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I think we did five total days in the studio. I did a lot of overdubbing here at my own place. We worked on the record pretty casually for about two years, which was a whole new experience for me. I normally get deep into a record and want to finish it, maybe even quicker than it should be done. With this one, we let it simmer for a while. We both made decisions. There was never a single decision made by one individual. Leon and I made this record together. That was a really cool experience for me. I had never really worked with a producer on a record that I made. That was awesome. 
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He had a lot of input and suggested a lot of things to do. Musically, he would come up with some extra chords or propose ideas for some melodies. We also realized that we had a mutual love for tennis. We got super deep into tennis, probably two or three times a week. Our kids are also the same age. The kids would go to school, then we would meet up, play tennis, and work on the record. As soon as the kids were heading home, we would leave to go see our families.
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So, we would play a bunch of tennis, work on the record, and feel really good. Tennis is such a fun, focused game. That's why the cover of the record has that photo on it. Leon actually took that photo of a court we would play on up in Woodstock. 
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Watch Marco Benevento's official music video for "Say It's All The Same" here:
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That sounds perfect. Bonding over the tennis court, creating in the studio, and having a similar family dynamic seems like a winning combination. 
 
Marco: Totally. It was really a shared album. 
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Did Karina (Rykman) end up playing on this album at all?
 
Marco: Karina is not playing any bass on this record. It was actually Nick Movshon, who is essentially Leon's right hand man. You've got to check out these dudes. They will blow you away. They've made so many records together, and a lot of people have sampled their records. He's in a whole other world of music. He's made records with Amy Winehouse, Lee Fields, Charles Bradley, Dr. John, Adele, Lady Gaga, and so many others.
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They're super humble, chill, Brooklyn guys. They're total bad asses. Super good taste in music and recording music, in my opinion. I should also mention that Leon has a record label called Big Crown. He shares it with a couple other people. Any record on Big Crown has been heard through Leon's ears. That's another thing to check out. 
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Nick, Leon, and myself are basically the three musicians on that record. Karina and everyone else had to learn all of the parts. Karina does sing on the record though. She sings backup vocals on a few tunes. She didn't play any bass though. That's just how Leon works. However he wanted to make the record was fine with me. I just rolled with his suggestions.
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Are you still working with Andy Borger on drums?
 
Marco: Andy lives in Portland now. He hasn't been on the road with us for the past year, so we now have D.B. (Dave Butler) playing drums. D.B. has all the moves and knows all the tunes, so it was a pretty seamless transition. Andy moved to Portland, had a kid, and now plays with a band called Pink Martini. He's been super busy doing all of that, so it was tough for him to stay on the road with us. Luckily, D.B. was able to step right in. D.B. also plays with Guster. Luckily, he's also been available to tour with us, which has been super dope. 
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Had the previous albums all been recorded with Andy on drums and Dave (Dreiwitz) on bass, prior to Karina joining the band?
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Marco: Yes, exactly. 
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It goes without saying that the transition from Dave to Karina was pretty amazing as well. Those were mighty big shoes to fill, but my God, Karina is such an entertaining performer. She has quickly become one of the best in the game. 
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Marco: Oh completely. Personally, she's so much fun to be with on the road. It's just never ending laughter. We're having so much fun out there. She brings so much to the table with ripping fuzz bass solos to her singing lead on a few tunes. We have several covers that she sings lead on. It's a nice focus change to have someone else singing as well. I've always liked to have bands that have everybody singing and everyone playing. Sometimes they might even switch instruments. We haven't done that yet, but maybe we will. I've always liked the girl/boy voice combo too.
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Watch Marco Benevento cover Butthole Surfers' "Pepper" at Armore Music Hall here:
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It works so well for you two. The overall vibe that this band creates sparks a nostalgic feeling and has such an appeasing, uplifting sound from start to finish.
 
Marco: Hell yeah. Right on. Thanks Jordan. 
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Karina was one of Dave's students, and he recommended her when Ween was getting back together, right?
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Marco: Totally. It was another seamless transition from Dave to Karina. He knew that the Ween schedule was coming up, and he wasn't going to be able to do all of the dates with me. He basically taught Karina all of my tunes. They would get together, and she learned all of them. He really crushed it in that regard. Not many people leave the band and find their own replacement for you. He was like, "Marco...I can't do these gigs, but I'm going to teach Karina the tunes. She's going to kill it and add so much to the band." 
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Initially, I was like, "No! Dave! Where are you going?!" So, we do our first gig with Karina in Boston, maybe three years ago, and it worked instantly. She was amazing from day one. Dave knew that he wasn't going to be able to juggle all of that, so he totally hooked it up with the amazing Karina Rykman in my band. Now she has her own music, which is really, really good. 
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What a transition it was. I'm sure she knew they were big shoes to fill. It's been a pleasure watching her come into her own as a member of this band. She has a great stage presence, and she couldn't seem to be having any more fun on stage. That's great to see as a fan.
 
Marco: Absolutely.
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As you know, my introduction to you was through the Benevento Russo Duo many years ago. I still remember listening to the Darts album for the first time in 2003. There was so much amazing instrumental music coming from The Duo, and later Garage A Trois. Now, you've become a lyricist and handle a healthy dose of vocals. How has this experience played out?
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Marco: I was just talking to my friend about this the other day. I'm 42 now, so you've known me since I was in my late 20's. Wow, a lot has happened since then, as you know. I was talking to my buddy, and we were both kind of high fiving about where we are. We both finally put out a record where we have figured out that we are fully realized as human musicians. We've realized that we're making fully, whole music. Vocals, lyrics, good arrangements, shorter songs, professional production, all of that. 
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People are kind of rediscovering our band. We've kind of reached a new platform. We are playing bigger rooms. We have all of these new songs, as well as the old songs. We have instrumental music, then we have the heavy rock music led with fuzz bass. We have more "radio friendly" songs now. We were just thinking about how we are fully realized as musicians right now. Of course, it's going to change, and I'll probably say the same thing in 5-10 years. 
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I guess it's a new starting point. There are so many elements of the past in the new music, like playing instrumental material. There are points in our show where we are just playing instrumental tunes. There is a lot of musical interaction and not much singing. It almost feels like you're getting the full gamut of music from almost a classical sounding jazz/rock, to a girl singing a Buzzcocks song, to us singing a Butthole Surfers tune, to an original tune that sounds like something you could hear on the radio. 
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I feel like we have a really nice variety of things to cover on any given night. I like that fact. It's a pretty different show. A lot of tunes seem like they could be from almost different bands. Somehow, it's all one color and one vibe. It becomes our show, and the way we entertain people. It's really cool. I feel like I'm just getting started. I'm really excited for the next year, to see how the music will grow.
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I'm sure it's a totally different experience of telling your story through writing lyrics and finding your voice through the vocal work. It's been a lot of fun to watch from afar. 
 
Marco: Totally, man. 
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To wrap things up, you've had the opportunity to be a part of so many different significant projects. You've seen it all at this point, from the dive bars to some of the biggest festival stages in the world. When you look back on the experience, what is it that you love about these more intimate venues, such as those on this upcoming run of shows?
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Marco: Right. First and foremost, the crowd is so much closer to you. When it's a really great night and everyone is honed in, you can feel it even more in the smaller rooms. The song ends, and it's so loud when the crowd erupts. It's a really cool feeling. We recently played a smaller room in Portland, Oregon, and it was one of those nights. You can just tell that people are good to go. That is a great feeling. You know it, because they're right there in front of you. With some of the festivals, the stage is 10 feet tall, the crowd is past the barriers, and it's more of a sea of people. That's equally as rewarding, obviously, because there are even more people.
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Another aspect is that we get to put on our own vibe with our own show. We get to show people what we have made, and what we are promoting. It's really nice to have an entire room of people listening to your music. I've been a part of several other projects which obviously cover a lot of ground. This is a different thing that allows us to shift the focus. I like knowing that we are showing up at these clubs, and we're putting on a show that we all like from all of the records that we have made. 
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I can imagine how rewarding of an experience that is. 
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Marco: It really is. It's a great feeling. 
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Well, it's been a pleasure catching up. It's been way too long since I've seen this band play, and I'm really looking forward to this weekend. It's been nothing short of amazing to watch your musical story unfold over the years. I couldn't be happier for you and look forward to seeing what's next. 
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Marco: Thanks so much Jordan. See you soon!
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Joe Russo's Almost Dead Shares Official Recording From 420 Fest May 25, 2018 15:04

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Photos by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
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It's been just over a month since the magic of SweetWater 420 Festival, and we're still reeling from those two smokin' hot sets from Joe Russo's Almost Dead. The supergroup featuring Joe Russo (drums), Marco Benevento (keys/organ), Tom Hamilton (guitar/vocals), Dave Dreiwitz (bass), and Scott Metzger (guitar/vocals) made their presence known in Atlanta for the second consecutive year (Candler Park Fest 2017), setting the stage for an unforgettable headlining set from Tedeschi Trucks Band.
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The first set kicked off with the Jerry Garcia Band classic "Cats Down Under The Stars," with Dead originals "Feel Like A Stranger," "The Wheel," "Estimated Prophet," and "He's Gone" to follow. The second set started with a monster "Shakedown Street," and powerful takes on "I Need A Miracle," "Ramble On Rose," "China Cat Sunflower," "I Know You Rider," "Drums," "Not Fade Away," "Turn On Your Lovelight (jam)," and a fitting "One More Saturday Night" would round things out.
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Fortunately, the band has now released the official recording from this set, which can be streamed in its entirety below. You can also find the official setlist, which includes all of the wild teases and sub notes, courtesy of JRAD tour manager Peter Costello below. 
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Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Atlanta, GA - 04.21.2018
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Set One (5:12PM – 6:13PM): Jam -> Cats Under The Stars -> Feel Like A Stranger @, The Wheel # -> Estimated Prophet $ -> He’s Gone %

Set Two (6:42PM – 7:58PM): Shakedown Street ^ -> ’73 Changes (Eyes) Jam & -> Shakedown Street Reprise * -> I Need A Miracle -> Jam + -> Ramble On Rose, China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider @@ -> Drums -> Not Fade Away ## -> (Turn On Your) Lovelight Jam $$ -> Not Fade Away Reprise, One More Saturday Night

  • @ – With a “Standing on the Verge of Getting It On” (George Clinton, Eddie Hazel) Tease (MB) & an Unknown Tease (MB)
  • # – With a a Playin Jam (Band) and a Dark Star Tease (DD)
  • $ – With a “Soulful Strut” (Young Holt Limited) Jam (SM then Band)
  • % – With a The Wheel Tease (TH)
  • ^ – With a Feel Like a Stranger Tease (TH) and then a Feel Like a Stranger Jam (Band)
  • & – First Time Played by Almost Dead as a stand alone segment (AKA NOT as the ending to Eyes of the World)
  • * – Not Played by Almost Dead since 2015-02-15 Ogden Theater, Denver, CO a gap of 129 shows, with an I Need A Miracle Tease (TH)
  • + – With a Tennessee Jed Tease (SM)
  • @@ – With a Playin Tease (SM) & Morning Dew Teases (TH)
  • ## – With a “Revelry” (Traditional) Tease (SM)
  • $$ – Not Played by Almost Dead since 2016-12-30 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY, a gap of 55 shows


Watch Mike Gordon Reunite With Benevento/Russo Duo At Hulaween October 28, 2017 12:20

 

Marco Benevento and Joe Russo originally met while in junior high school in New Jersey. The Benevento Russo Duo began in 2001 when Russo secured a weekly gig at New York's Knitting Factory music club, and asked Benevento to join him on the Hammond B3 organ. By 2003 the band had self-released two albums, Debut Album and Darts. In 2005, Best Reason to Buy the Sun was released on Ropeadope Records to critical acclaim. Play Pause Stop was released on July 11, 2006.

The Duo was once said to have a small but dedicated fan base. Their association with Mike Gordon of Phish, who became something of an unofficial third member of the group, certainly helped elevate them to the next level. In 2004, Gordon performed with The Duo for several shows benefiting Headcount, a voter registration organization. The trio played a number of dates in late 2004 and 2005 including the Bonnaroo Music Festival in June 2005 and a New Year's Eve series of shows in Florida and the northeastern United States.

In summer 2006, Gordon, along with Phish bandmate Trey Anastasio, again joined the Benevento-Russo Duo for a co-headlining tour with Phil Lesh and Friends before finishing the final leg of the tour on their own. The group performed various songs from each members' catalog, as well as a handful of brand new originals. The quartet parted ways after the tour ended in July.

Last night at Hulaween, the Duo reunited for just their fourth performance since 2008, and with Mike Gordon also on the lineup, many wondered about a potential collaboration. Sure enough, Gordon joined the guys for an old shool Duo original, "Scratchitti," and video footage can be seen below via Live For Live Music. Stay tuned for further updates from Hulaween throughout the weekend!


Joe Russo's Almost Dead Reveals Dates In Nashville, NOLA, + More October 17, 2017 11:32

 

Joe Russo's Almost Dead continues to take the live touring scene by storm; giving fans their wild and creative twist on the music of the Grateful Dead. While the majority of the band's shows seem to fall within the northeast, the band has announced a total of nine early 2018 tour dates, which include Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago, Madison, Syracuse, Albany, Portland (ME), and a two-night run in New Orleans during the second weekend of JazzFest. See below for a complete list of dates.

Tickets for the March shows go up for grabs on Friday, October 20 at 1 p.m. ET. General on sale for the New Orleans show will be Friday, October 20 at 2 p.m. ET. Joe Russo's Almost Dead is Scott Metzger, Tommy Hamilton, Dave Dreiwitz, Marco Benevento & Joe Russo

Watch JRAD perform "New Minglewood Blues" with John Mayer on 10.13.17 here:


Watch Mike Gordon, Marco Benevento, & Joe Russo Play "YEM" In 2005 September 20, 2017 22:40

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Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
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Back in 2005, the wildly innovative Benevento/Russo Duo, consisting of Marco Benevento (organ/keys) and Joe Russo (drums) linked up with Phish bassist Mike Gordon for quite a few shows and festival appearances. Some might even say that Gordo became an unofficial member of the group. Many will remember the trio's 53-minute rendition of Phish's "Foam" from The Georgia Theatre in Athens, which can be watched in full below. The trio would eventually link up with Phish's Trey Anastasio for a 2006 summer tour, which served as the first time Trey & Mike had toured together since Phish's break-up in 2004.  
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For those familiar with the massive Phish catalog, I think we can all agree that "You Enjoy Myself" sits amongst the most highly coveted, choice nugs. With what seems to be an ever-growing selection of Phish tribute acts (and some damn good ones, at that), many of the Phish faithful have had the chance to see others perform the monster original Phish composition. But have you seen it performed without anyone on lead guitar?
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Whether or not you knew much about Benevento and Russo back in 2005, you're hopefully aware of where these guys are today with their respective solo projects and of course, Joe Russo's Almost Dead. Funny how other guests of the duo included future JRAD members Dave Dreiwitz and Scott Metzger. Anyhow, Gordon teamed up with The Duo for one hell of a New Year's Eve show at the Culture Club in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2005. Much to the crowd's delight, the trio busted out "You Enjoy Myself" without anyone on lead guitar or vocals, and it's some pretty mind blowing stuff.  Watch the performance in full below, and make sure you don't miss that "Fluffhead" tease that sneaks in right around the 5:54 mark.
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While it's a rare occasion these days, you'll be able to catch Benevento/Russo Duo performing at Suwannee Hulaween in October. Mike Gordon is also on the lineup. Who knows what could happen?
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Watch The Duo + Mike Gordon performing You Enjoy Myself here:
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Watch the The Duo + Mike Gordon's 53-minute "Foam" from Athens, GA here:
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Watch Joe Russo's Almost Dead Play Red Rocks Tonight August 31, 2017 18:47

You often hear about the "magic in the air" in Colorado, and this weekend is shaping up to be a perfect explanation why. Earlier this summer, Joe Russo's Almost Dead was scheduled to make its highly anticipated Red Rocks debut, but mother nature had other plans. With a severe summer snowstorm in the forecast, the show was moved to the nearby 1st Bank Center in Broomfield (CO), with the band promising a make up show in the near future.

Shortly after what became the band's first arena show, the make up date was announced for Thursday, August 31st (aka the night before Phish's annual weekend at Dick's). It's hard to imagine a more amazing way to kick off your Labor Day weekend, and thankfully, JRAD will be webcasting their show as well. The show is scheduled to kick off shortly at 9:30 PM EST / 8:30 PM CST, and can be purchased via nugs.net by clicking here. And just a reminder...Phish will also be webcasting all three shows this weekend...with a free stream on Sunday (click here for details).


Joe Russo's Almost Dead Announces Fall Tour Dates August 29, 2017 12:23

Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Fresh off another monster weekend at LOCKN' Festival, Joe Russo's Almost Dead has announced its official 2017 fall tour dates. This all starts with JRAD's 'Fall Ball' at Brooklyn Bowl, which consists of six shows spread out over two weekends: October 5 – 7 and October 12 – 14. After a band pre-sale on Wednesday, tickets go on sale to the general public this Thursday, August 31 at 1 12 p.m. ET.

JRAD then heads out to California for two shows at the Teragon Ballroom in Los Angeles (Nov. 9th - 10th) and a show at The Fox Theatre in Oakland (Nov. 11th). A band pre-sale on Wednesday will be followed by the general on-sale this Friday, September 1st at 1:00 PM ET. The final two confirmed shows will be in Boston at the House of Blues (Dec. 8th - 9th). A band pre-sale on Wednesday will be followed by the general on-sale this Friday, at 12 p.m. ET.

Stay tuned, as the band plans to announce two additional shows on Monday, September 11th. These will be the final JRAD shows for 2017, as this announcement also notes that the band will not be playing a New Year's Eve run this year. 

Watch JRAD perform "Althea" at Brooklyn Bowl on 03.11.17 here:


Joe Russo's Almost Dead Announces Capitol Theatre Webcasts July 20, 2017 14:22

It's no secret that Joe Russo's Almost Dead has taken the jam scene by storm in recent years, and those unable to make it to the band's upcoming run at The Capitol Theatre this weekend are in luck. The band has announced that both shows will be streamed in full HD via nugs.tv, and all of the official details can be found by clicking here. The two shows are scheduled for Friday, July 21st and Saturday, July 22nd in Port Chester, NY.  

Watch JRAD perform "Eyes of the World" > "Not Fade Away" at The Capitol Theatre in 2015 here:


Joe Russo's Almost Dead: An Experience Like No Other March 16, 2017 10:39

Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

After having a few days to rest, travel, and recover, it only seems right to sit down and reflect on the unforgettable experience I had this past weekend.  Joe Russo's Almost Dead played its first ever show at Brooklyn Bowl on January 26th, 2013 for what was thought to be a one-time-only special occasion.  The show was born as a result of "The Freaks List," an NYC-based email list which would throw an annual event at Brooklyn Bowl.  For the 2013 event, The Freaks requested that Joe Russo, Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, and Scott Metzger switch things up from their regular existing Led Zeppelin tribute (Bustle In Your Hedgegrow) and instead perform the music of the Grateful Dead.  Russo would then recruit renowned guitarist Tom Hamilton to complete the five-piece lineup.

Once this month's JRAD Brooklyn Bowl residency was announced, I decided that there was no excuse not to travel to New York for the first weekend.  After attending LOCKN' Festival last August and catching my first two JRAD sets, seeing them again has been a top priority.  Thursday night marked the band's 100th show, and walking into that venue for the first time is a feeling that I'll never forget.  I'm going to do my best to run through each night's setlist and provide some select video footage, but as many already know, these guys throw in more teases, reprises, and flat out curve balls than anyone you'll find. 

Those familiar with "Beat It On Down The Line" know those first five beats that kick off the song.  In honor of the band's 100th show, BIODTL opened up the show with 100 beats before busting into the Dead classic. The set continued with fiery takes on "Bertha," Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried" and "Help On The Way" > "Slipknot."  While the Dead would normally segue into "Franklin's Tower," JRAD is no ordinary Dead tribute.  An extended "Throwing Stones" jam had me convinced that was where we were headed, until "New Minglewood Blues" busted into full effect.  The always beautiful "Ramble On Rose" would follow, providing a nice sing-a-long, which is always good for the soul.  The first set ultimately closed with the band's first ever live original, "Keeping It Simple."  If you can find a band of this magnitude that debuts its first original at its 100th show, I would love to hear about it. 

Watch JRAD perform its first ever live original "Keeping It Simple" here:

 

The second set kicked off with one of my all time favorites, "The Music Never Stopped."  This was just one of the many times that guitarist Scott Metzger truly shined. While each band member had countless moments throughout the weekend, it blows my mind how well Metzger emulates Bobby (Weir).  From the style of play to overall demeanor/vocals, he has truly mastered his role in the band.  A lengthy jam on Jimi Hendrix's "Third Stone From The Sun" and "Music Never Stopped Reprise" provided for some truly wild improvisation, and just when I was thinking we were headed for a "Wharf Rat," Hamilton led a perfect transition into "Row Jimmy," which ultimately flowed into "Crazy Fingers."  Metzger shined yet again throughout "Estimated Prophet," and the "Jack Straw" > "Morning Dew" which closed out the show was simply perfect.  It never ceases to amaze me how thorough the Dead's catalog is. That, coupled with JRAD's creative spin, makes every night feel like a "greatest hits" set.

Those who have attended multi-night runs with one of their favorite bands know the level of excitement upon arriving at the venue each night.  Walking back into Brooklyn Bowl for night two was exciting, to say the least, and there was much anticipation for what was to come.  Hamilton led the band through a rocking "Don't Ease Me In" to open things up, before a cover of "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" had us all dancing and singing along.  I couldn't help but feel like this was an appropriate nod to International Woman's Day, but who knows.  A lengthy jam ultimately led into "China Cat Sunflower," and while the Dead would normally move straight into "I Know You Rider," JRAD went with "Feel Like A Stranger."  After a brief moment to regroup, the band fired into "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleoo," which had an especially sentimental aspect for me.  Something about the lines, "Hello baby, I'm gone, goodbye. Farewell to you old southern skies, I'm on my way" really hits home.  While JRAD doesn't follow all of the Dead's traditional pairings, a perfect take on "Lost Sailor" > "Saint Of Circumstance" closed out the first set in epic fashion. The lengthy "Terrapin" jam during "Saint of Circumstance" left even more anticipation for set two.

Watch a clip from "Saint of Circumstance" here: 

The rocking vibe picked right back up as "Greatest Story Ever Told" started off the second set, and what seemed to be a transition into "Black Throated Wind" eventually led into the band's first cover of Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick" since April of 2015.  This one flowed beautifully into a "Music Never Stopped Reprise," which was yet another JRAD debut.  Hamilton slowed the pace a bit as he led the way through "Candyman," before all five band members chimed in for a flawless, upbeat take on "Uncle John's Band."  The debuts continued with a "Stella Blue" jam, and the "He's Gone" that followed threw me for a major loop as they teased the theme song from the Netflix hit series "Stranger Things."  You could hear "The Wheel" coming from a mile away, and it certainly didn't disappoint.  After a lengthy tease of "St. Stephen," the band worked through the always soothing "So Many Roads," just before "Sugar Magnolia/Sunshine Daydream" just about lit the place on fire and closed out the set.  The encore started in classic Dead form with "Ripple," which was followed by the first "U.S. Blues" since JRAD's first show in January of 2013.  You can imagine the crowd reaction when those opening notes hit.

Watch a clip from "Sunshine Daydream" here: 

While the idea of a three-night run was once intimidating, it's damn near impossible to pass up the opportunity these days.  While there are a million other things one could get into while visiting New York City, my friends and I had unfinished business at the Bowl. This was no easy ticket to find either.  The lowest price on the secondary market was right at $200 including fees, and you just knew that it was a special night.  This set started off with more serious exploration before dropping into a "Cassidy" > "Let It Grow Jam" > "Born Cross Eyed Jam."  It's moments like this where this band truly transcends the "tribute" aspect.  These extended teases, jams, whatever you want to call them...they will keep any Dead fan engaged and paying attention to every note.  The anticipation built throughout this level of improvisation is what separates this band from just about any other, for me personally.

Before we get too off track, "Tennessee Jed" was up next, and Tom Hamilton and Marco Benevento had a hell of a lot of fun with it.  Benevento's lengthy solo even contained a nice rendition of "chop sticks" that had the entire room laughing.  Metzger then busted out "Chuckles," an original from the WOLF! catalog, which made for yet another JRAD debut.  Finding a way to work in The Champs' "Tequila" is never a bad idea, and why not work it back into a "Chuckles Reprise"?  Next, came a great cover of Johnny Cash's "Big River," and the "Box of Rain" that followed couldn't have been placed any more perfectly.  One of Jerry Garcia's finest, "Althea," was played to perfection, and the "Throwing Stones" that I was waiting for all weekend closed the set with a bang, to say the least.  No matter where you stand in the political spectrum, this one is as powerful as ever considering our current climate. 

Watch JRAD perform "Throwing Stones" here:

The weekend's final set started off smokin' hot with "Deal" > "Good Lovin'," and it's absolutely worth noting that "Good Lovin'" contained a lengthy jam on Olivia Newton-John & John Travlota's "Summer Nights" from the 1978 hit film Grease.  A "Good Lovin' Reprise" then transitioned to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" (another JRAD debut). "Cumberland Blues" made for some great late night foot stomping and even featured another "Slipknot" tease, before Hamilton absolutely ripped into "Terrapin Station."  Midway through this masterpiece came a jam on "The Other One," and the remaining layers of the "Terrapin Suite" were as much as we could have asked for.  Fingers were crossed for a "One More Saturday Night" encore, and while nearly nothing is predictable about this band, I couldn't have been more pleased to get that one right.  

Those who made it this far through this article have most likely experienced JRAD in some shape or fashion.  Having grown up listening to the Grateful Dead, and taking a special interest in the Benevento/Russo Duo in high school, this band had my attention with its inception nearly four years ago.  Ever since catching the late night sets at LOCKN' 2016, I haven't been able to stop listening to these guys.  They absolutely stole that weekend for me personally, and that takes nothing away from the performances from Phish, My Morning Jacket, Phil & Friends, and others.  Last weekend at Brooklyn Bowl only reaffirmed that Joe Russo's Almost Dead is one of the most electrifying, creative bands of our time.  They take the music of the Dead, add their own creative touch, and legitimately take things to another level.  This experience with this band in its home venue was one that I'll never forget.  And if you're still reading, keep a close eye on those future tour dates and make JRAD a top priority.

Watch JRAD perform "Good Lovin'" here:

Setlists via Joe Russo's Almost Dead Official Facebook Page

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Brooklyn Bowl - 03.09.17

Set One: BIODTL @, Bertha #, Mama Tried -> Help On The Way -> Slipknot! -> Throwin’ Stones Jam $ -> New Minglewood Blues %, Ramble On Rose, Keeping It Simple ^ 

Set Two: Music Never Stopped & -> Third Stone From The Sun Jam * -> Music Never Stopped Reprise + > Row Jimmy @@ -> Crazy Fingers -> Estimated Prophet -> Jack Straw -> Morning Dew 

@ – 100 Beat – Beat It On Down The Line
# – With a “Shortnin’ Bread” (James Whitcomb Riley) tease (MB)
$ – First Time Played By Almost Dead
% – With Throwin’ Stones Teases / Jams (Band)
^ – Almost Dead Original, Written by JR & TH, First Time Played
& – With an “Ode to Billy Joe” (Bobbie Gentry) Tease (SM)
* – Jimi Hendrix original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
+ – Not played by Almost Dead since Suwannee Hulaween, 10.29.15, a gap of 49 shows
@@ – Proceeded by a significant Wharf Rat Tease / Jam – may become a separate track based on length. Also with a Throwin’ Stones Tease

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Brooklyn Bowl - 03.10.17

Set One: Don't Ease Me In, Women Are Smarter -> China Cat Sunflower  -> Feel Like A Stranger @, Mississippi Half Step -> Lost Sailor -> Saint Of Circumstance #

Set Two: Greatest Story Ever Told $ -> Moby Dick % -> Music Never Stopped Reprise Reprise ^ -> Greatest Story Ever Told Reprise &, Candyman -> Uncle Johns Band -> Stella Blue Jam * -> He’s Gone + -> The Wheel @@ -> St. Stephen Jam -> So Many Roads ##, Sugar Magnolia/Sunshine Daydream 

Encore: Ripple $$ (TH) > US Blues %%

  • @ – With an “Apache” (Jerry Lordan) Tease (MB)
  • # – With a Terrapin Jam (may become a separate track), Ruben & Cherise Teases (TH) & an “Eleanor Rigby” (The Beatles) Tease (TH)
  • $ – With a Black Throated Wind Jam (may become a separate track)
  • % – Unfinished (no drum solo). Led Zeppelin Cover, not played since 2015-04-22 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, a gap of 79 shows
  • ^ – First Time Played by Almost Dead, included lyrics
  • & – Not played since 2015-02-17 State Theater, Portland, ME, a gap of 84 shows
  • * – First Time Played by Almost Dead, included a short He’s Gone Jam
  • + – With a “Stranger Things” (Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein from the band Survive) tease (MB). Yes, the Netflix series Stranger Things.
  • @@ – With “The Simpsons Theme” (Danny Elfman) teases (SM & DD) & Terrapin Teases (TH & MB)
  • $$ – Not played since 2015-12-31 The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA, a gap of 42 shows
  • %% – Not played since 2013-01-26 Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY, a gap of 100 shows. Dave broke a string on the Alembic & played his Gibson SG

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Brooklyn Bowl - 03.11.17

Set One: Jam @ -> Cassidy # -> Let It Grow Jam ->
Born Cross Eyed Jam $ -> Tennessee Jed %  -> Jam %% -> Chuckles ^ -> Tequila & -> Chuckles Reprise ^ -> Big River > Box Of Rain, Althea (TH) * > Throwing Stones (SM)

Set Two: Deal > Good Lovin + -> Summer Nights Jam @@ -> Good Lovin’ Reprise -> Heartbreaker Jam ## -> Cumberland Blues $$  -> Terrapin Station -> The Other One Jam -> Terrapin Suite ^^

Encore: One More Saturday Night (SM)

@ – With a China>Rider Transition Jam Tease (TH)
# – Unfinished
$ – With “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (Bob Dylan) Teases (Band)
% – With a Spoonful Tease (SM) & a lengthy Marco Solo that included “Chopsticks” that could become its own track
%% – With “Big River” teases
^ – WOLF!! Original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
& – The Champs Original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
* – With a “So What” (Miles Davis) Tease (SM) & a full band “All of my Love” (Led Zeppelin) Jam that could become its own track
+ – With a back & forth between Marco & Scott that teased numerous jazz standards including “St. Thomas” (Sonny Rollins) & “Four” (Miles Davis)
@@ – Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta / Grease Soundtrack Original, (AKA Summer Lovin’ – written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey). First Time Played By Almost Dead
## – Led Zeppelin Original, First Time Played By Almost Dead
$$ – With a “Heartbreaker” (Led Zeppelin) Tease (DD) & a Slipknot! Jam (Band)


Joe Russo's Almost Dead Offers HD Webcasts Of Brooklyn Bowl Residency March 9, 2017 09:55

Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Just under four years ago, Joe Russo's Almost Dead made its debut at the famed Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, New York.  This weekend, the band begins the first of two three-night runs, with tonight's show marking the 100th show for the Grateful Dead-inspired super group.  The usual lineup for Joe Russo’s Almost Dead features drummer Joe Russo, guitarists Scott Metzger and Tom Hamilton, keyboardist Marco Benevento and bassist Dave Dreiwitz. This usual lineup will perform this first weekend's shows (March 9 – 11), while next weekend Dead & Company bassist Oteil Burbridge will sub for Dreiwitz, when Almost Dead returns to Brooklyn Bowl March 16 – 18.

Fortunately for Dead Head nation, JRAD has partnered with nugs.tv to offer full HD webcasts for all six performances.  For all of the specific details and various packages, make sure to head over to the nugs.tv official website.  If you're not yet familiar with JRAD, make sure to check out their scorching take on "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire On The Mountain" from Brooklyn Bowl on October 5th, 2015 below.  We strongly recommend watching all the way through, in order to catch the absolutely outrageous solo from Benevento.

Watch JRAD perform "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire On The Mountain" here:

 


Joe Russo's Almost Dead Shares Official Recording From Nashville Debut March 2, 2017 15:57

Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo

Joe Russo's Almost Dead recently made a rare appearance in the southeast, with shows at The Music Farm in Charleston, SC and the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN in mid-January.  Fortunately for Deadhead nation, the band has released an official recording of the Nashville show on January 12th.  This performance features many of the "greatest hits" from The Dead's catalog, as well as guest appearances from vocalist Nicole Atkins on "The Music Never Stopped," "Dancing In The Streets," "The Stranger (Two Souls)," and "Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad."  See below to stream the show and view the complete setlist, and head over to JRAD's official website and Facebook page for all of the band's latest updates.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead is Scott Metzger, Tommy Hamilton, Dave Dreiwitz, Marco Benevento & Joe Russo.

Setlist: Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Ryman Auditorium - 01.12.17

Set One: Truckin’ (SM) -> Tennessee Jed @ (TH) -> The Music Never Stopped (SM & NA)> Dancing In The Streets (SM & NA) -> Brown Eyed Women (TH)

Set Two: Help On The Way (TH) -> Slipknot! $ -> Throwing Stones % (SM) -> Dark Star Jam ^ -> Throwing Stones Reprise (SM), The Stranger (Two Souls) (NA) > Let It Grow & (SM) -> He’s Gone (All) > Terrapin Station* (TH)

Encore: Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad (All with NA) -> We Bid You Goodnight (Instrumental ending)

  • @ – With unknown tease MB
  • # – With a “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” (Michael Jackson) Jam (Band)
  • $ – TH broke a string
  • % – With a Dancin Tease (TH)
  • ^ – With a GDTRFB Tease (TH)
  • & – With a “Norwegian Wood” (The Beatles) Tease (SM) & a “Kashmir” Jam (SM & Band)
  • * – With Ruben & Cherise Teases (MB then Band) an “Eleanor Rigby” (The Beatles) Jam (TH & Band)


Watch Bob Weir's Acoustic Performance With Joe Russo's Almost Dead November 17, 2016 00:35

Joe Russo's Almost Dead has been sweeping the nation by storm and just finished up a two-night California run last weekend.  The band made stops in San Diego at House of Blues on Friday night and The Fox Theater in Oakland on Saturday night.  The Oakland show has been a particularly hot topic, as the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir stopped by and joined the band a during the acoustic segment of the highly praised super-group's set.  JRAD, which is comprised of Joe Russo (drums), Marco Benevento (keys), Tom Hamilton (lead guitar), Dave Dreiwitz (bass), and Scott Metzger (rhythm guitar) are known for keeping an upbeat tempo and playing much of the Dead catalog perhaps just one step faster, before launching the jam into "outer space."  

Seeing the band in the more recently introduced, stripped down, acoustic setting with Weir was more than a treat for those in attendance.  Weir ultimately surfaced after the opening tune ("It Must Have Been The Roses"), and remained on stage for "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall, "Black Throated Wind," "When I Paint My Masterpiece," and "Cassidy." Fortunately, front-row footage of the entire acoustic set has surfaced via TimeZonerTV.  Watch in full and check out the complete setlist from the Oakland show below.

Set 1 (8:00PM – 10:13PM)
Jam ->
Good Lovin’ (SM) ->
Cumberland Blues (All) ->
Help On The Way (TH) @ ->
Slipknot! ->
Music Never Stopped (SM)
He’s Gone (TH) >
The Wheel # (All) >
Jackstraw $ (SM & TH)

Acoustic Set ^ (No Set Break)
Must Have Been The Roses % (TH)
Hard Rain Is Gonna Fall + (BW)
Black Throated Wind + (BW)
When I Paint My Masterpiece + (BW)
Cassidy + (BW) ->
Let It Grow Jam + ->
Cassidy + (BW)

Set 2 (10:33PM – 11:59PM)
King Solomon’s Marbles
Row Jimmy (TH)
Estimated Prophet (SM) ->
Uncle John’s Band (All)
Eyes Of The World && (TH) ->
Jam *->
Throwing Stones (SM) ->
Deal Jam & ->
Throwing Stones (SM) ->
Hey Bulldog Jam ^ ->
Throwing Stones (SM)

E: One More Saturday Night (SM)

@ – Proceeded by an emphatic “Shakedown Street” Tease
# – With an “Head Over Heels” (Tears for Fears) Tease (MB)
$ – During the jam before the final “We can share the women…” lyrics, the stage was transformed seamlessly for the acoustic set. MB’s piano was moved (while he was still playing it), a small kit for Joe rolled out on a riser, mics & stools were placed for SM, TH & BW.
^ – All songs with MB on Upright Piano & Vocals, TH & SM on Acoustic Guitars & Vocals, DD on Upright Bass & JR on 3 piece kit – Kick, Snare & Hi Hat – & Vocals.
% – Almost Dead only
+ – With Bob Weir on Acoustic Guitar & Vocals as indicated
&& – With a DD Bass Solo & an MB piano solo
* – Contained elements of Throwing Stones
& – First Time Played By Almost Dead
^ – Beatles cover, first Time Played By Almost Dead as an instrumental. (The full song was played on 2016.07.02.)
This was probably the longest show Almost Dead has played, at about 3:39.

:: Setlist via Joe Russo’s Almost Dead ::


Watch Joe Russo's Almost Dead's LOCKN' Sets In Full HD September 22, 2016 15:15

Photos by Keith Griner: Phierce Photography

While it's been nearly four weeks since the conclusion of LOCKN' Festival, certain memories continue to resonate with each day.  Atop that list of memories is the double dose of Joe Russo's Almost Dead on Thursday and Friday night at the Blue Ridge Bowl.  Thursday night's set followed action packed sets from Umphrey's McGee and Ween, while Friday night's set followed Ween and two full sets from Phish.  We haven't been able to stop listening to these two sets since LOCKN', and thankfully, video footage from both sets have surfaced on YouTube.  

See below for a footage of the entire Thursday 8/25 set, as well as various segments from the Friday 8/26 set.  A direct link is provided to watch the entire Friday 8/26 set in Full HD.  For all of the latest information on Joe Russo's Almost Dead, head over to the band's Facebook page and official website. 

Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Setlist: Thursday 8/25

Space > Truckin'. St. Stephen >The Eleven. Brown-Eyed Women > The Wheel > Estimated Prophet, Tennessee Jed, Viola Lee Blues > He's Gone > Terrapin Suite

Joe Russo's Almost Dead - Setlist: Friday 8/26

Good Lovin' > Shakedown Street > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Dancing in the Street > The Music Never Stopped > Turn On Your Love Light > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower > Slipknot! > Throwing Stones

Click Here: Watch JRAD's entire set from Friday 8/26 at LOCKN' in Full HD

Watch JRAD's entire set from Thursday 8/25 at LOCKN' here:

Watch JRAD perform "Hes Gone" > "Terrapin Suite" on Thursday 8/25 at LOCKN' here:

Watch JRAD soundcheck "Reuben & Cherise" on Friday 8/26 at LOCKN' here:

Watch JRAD perform "Good Lovin" on Friday 8/26 at LOCKN' here:

Watch JRAD perform "Shakedown Street" on Friday 8/26 at LOCKN' here:

 

Watch JRAD perform "Dancin' In The Streets" on Friday 8/26 at LOCKN' here:


Bob Weir Announces New Solo Album + 7-Show October Tour August 4, 2016 08:07

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Bob Weir has announced the release of 'Blue Mountain', his first solo album in 10 years, and the first composed of entirely new material in 30 years. The album, which is comprised of "cowboy songs," features the likes of Josh Ritter, Josh Kaufman, Joe Russo, Scott Devendorf, Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner.   Blue Mountain is available for pre-order on CD via Amazon and digitally on iTunes. The album will be released on September 30th via Weir's new label home, Columbia/Legacy.  
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Recorded co-produced by Josh Kaufman in 2015, Blue Mountain features guitarists Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner, and bassist Scott Devendorf.  Singer-songwriter Josh Ritter collaborated with Weir on select tracks. Additional contributors on the album include  Ray Rizzo (drums, harmonium, harmonica, backup vocals), Joe Russo (drums), Jon Shaw (upright bass, piano), Rob Burger (keyboard, accordion, tuned percussion), Sam Cohen (electric guitar and pedal steel), Nate Martinez (guitars, harmonium, backup vocals), Jay Lane (drums, vocals), Robin Sylvester (upright bass, vocals, hammond organ) and Steve Kimock (lapsteel).
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Weir will support the album with what is being called the Campfire Tour, which includes a total of seven shows. Pre-sale tickets will be available on August 9th via his website, and will go on sale to the public on August 12th. Each ticket order comes with one physical copy of Blue Mountain.
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Blue Mountain Track List

1. "Only A River"
2. "Cottonwood Lullaby"
3. "Gonesville"
4. "Lay My Lily Down"
5. "Gallop On The Run"
6. "Whatever Happened To Rose"
7. "What The Ghost Towns Know"
8. "Darkest Hour"
9. "Ki-Yi Bossie"
10. "Storm Country"
11. "Blue Mountain"
12. "One More River To Cross"

Bob Weir Tour Dates:
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10/7: San Rafael, CA - Marin County Civic Center
10/8: Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre Oakland
10/10: Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
10/12: Upper Darby, PA - The Tower Theatre
10/14-15: Brooklyn, NY - The Kings Theatre
10/16: Port Chester, NY - The Capitol Theatre
10/19: Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium

Throwback: An Interview with Marco Benevento July 22, 2016 15:44

Photo by Michael Jurick Photography

In the fall of 2014, we had the chance to speak with pianist/songwriter Marco Benevento, who had just released his fifth studio album, Swift.  This would serve as one of our very first interviews, just after the official launch of Live & Listen.  Marco elaborated on the new release, the Benevento Russo Duo days, touring with Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish, and his constantly evolving musical style.  In honor of Marco's 39th birthday, we decided to take a look back on this conversation.

Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

You’ve been deeply engrained in the live music scene for well over a decade now. At what age did you begin playing, and when did you realize that this could be a career path?

Marco:  I started playing when I was a kid. I started taking the classic piano lessons with my brother at school when I was seven or eight years old. Then I got into reading music. My dad got me a synthesizer and we had a piano in the house. I always played music. I was into sports too: soccer and tennis. I was also really into skateboarding. But I was always into music. I started learning to play some rock and roll as a teenager. Probably around age 15, I started playing in bands, playing sweet 16 parties. I feel like a lot of kids were doing it; playing battle of the bands, random parties in high school. We would practice, party, and experiment in peoples’ basements for hours. It was a classic way of growing up and learning great music.

When I decided to go to Berklee College of Music, I guess you could say that’s when I started to get serious about it. After college, I moved to New York and started playing gigs and teaching lessons. The New York hustle was quite a realization. It’s kind of a constant realization; that playing music my lifestyle. I still realize it now. You can’t really back out of it. You’re in love with it. You’re somewhat in need of it. It helps your creativity and your mind. I don’t know what my life would be like now if I wasn’t making music. You can’t just switch jobs at this point.

Who have been your biggest musical influences over the years? Is there anyone in particular who you’ve modeled your style of play after?

Marco:  There’s no one person in particular, but when I was at Berklee studying jazz heavily, I had a chance to study with Brad Mehldau, my favorite pianist at that point. He was still an up and coming modern jazz player. I would go and see him play at The Village Vanguard. He had only recorded 2 records in at that point, and now he has probably 20. I was really into his style of playing and his jazz approach. Lately my whole mindset has really evolved from jazz to what I’m doing now, which is more rock and roll with elements of jazz. I really love David Bowie, Neil Young, LCD Soundsystem, Wilco, My Morning Jacket. I like the more modern rock bands these days. I’ll always love the classic stuff – Little Richard, Paul McCartney. Mehldau was a real inspiration in the jazz world and a soloist, pushing the limits with technique.

I’m really in love with the song writing process, which goes more with the rock vibe that I am doing now. Fifteen years ago I was more of a student of jazz. You realize you’re not a student anymore but more of an artist. Someone who needs to create and sell tickets to shows. You want to represent what you really like and really shine on stage. I really enjoy people interacting and dancing at our shows, and there is a lot more of that now.

Benevento Russo Duo (2008)

The Benevento Russo Duo was officially born in 2001, but you and Joe (Russo) met years before. How did The Duo come to life and how much experience did you guys have playing together?

Marco:  We came to life as a necessity in New York City doing the hustle, playing as many gigs as we could. We played $50 gigs here and there. Sometimes we would get lucky and get $100. Joe had a friend that booked for The Knitting Factory. His friend offered him a residency spot, every Thursday night, and it paid $100. Instead of paying 4 guys and making $25 each, he just had me come down with my organ, and we would make $50 each. Back in January of 2002, in our mid 20’s, that was basically grocery money for the week, so I said “Hell yeah! Lets do this.” That’s really how it started. I brought my Hammond organ down two flights of stairs every Thursday. Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce) would occasionally come and sit in. Word got out. Tapers would start coming to record the shows. We did that residency for almost a full year. I think that same year we did a show at a venue called Tobacco Road in Manhattan and we made $1000 and each got $500. I remember thinking “Holy shit! We did this as a two-man band. This is amazing.” Then we really started traveling. We got out to California and started playing festivals like High Sierra.

One day we heard Mike Gordon (Phish) was looking for a drummer for his solo project. He was on the same record label as us at the time, Rope-A-Dope. The guy at Rope-A-Dope recommended Joe, because Joe is an amazing drummer. Next thing we know we are touring as a trio with Mike. Then Trey (Anastasio) called and wanted to tour as a quartet for a summer tour in 2006. We thought we had made it after that, and that all of our shows would be a sell out. Ultimately it wasn’t as next level as we thought. That was my first introduction into the real touring world. Being on a tour bus, travelling around the country. That’s when I realized how much work and dedication this thing really takes. There is never a dull moment. You occasionally go home and rest up, regain your sanity. You write new music along the way. The duo was really a first step for me to make a name for myself. Later on we did some acoustic records. I started recording some songs. Then Joe got an offer to play drums with Further. That’s kind of where we left it, and we haven’t actually played a Duo show in several years.

Let’s talk about the new album, Swift, which was released just last month. Where do you begin when writing new material? How did you decide to take a stab at lead vocals after all of these years?

Marco:   Well I introduced the vocals with my last album, Tiger Face, which came out in 2012. I had Kal (Kalmia Traver) from Rubblebucket sing some of the lyrics and melodies. At that time, I was imagining a girl singing those parts. I was blown away by Rubblebucket’s performances and really wanted to collaborate with her. That was the first time I had heard my own music with vocals, and I really liked it. I thought I would collaborate with Kal again with a lot of the tunes that ended up on Swift. I literally had the phone in my hand to call her, and I thought to myself “Why not try doing this yourself, so you can actually perform them live”. I basically just turned on the microphone and started trying some demos. We got a great reaction when we began playing them live.

People were really receptive to it. People who have come to the shows had seen that I had opened that door. It’s a nice element in our show. We have a lot of instrumental songs, but you can sense that the crowd really enjoys it and gets more involved; singing along. It was a very natural evolution of sound for me. After Tiger Face, it really made me want to try it again. I finally pulled it off, and I’m totally hooked. I’m really glad that I finally did it. I like entertaining the crowd and feeling that energy from them. It’s a whole new vibe for our band. We are playing bigger rooms and people are singing and dancing.

Watch Marco Benevento's music video for "At The Show" here:
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I remember hearing a great story behind the old Duo tune “Mephisto”. How do you go about naming so many songs that are strictly instrumental?

Marco:  Sometimes I just name them based on what the song reminds me of. I have a song called “Atari” on my first record. There is something about the sound that reminds me of early video games. Another song called “Bus Ride” was written on a tour bus. Sometimes you’re thinking about a person when you’re writing a song, and you name it after them. It’s really pretty fun and easy.

It’s been amazing to watch the progress of your career since the early Duo days. I was fortunate enough to see you with GRAB (Gordon, Russo Anastasio and Benevento) in 2006, as well as Garage A Tois (Stanton Moore, Skerik, Mike Dillon) in 2011. Tell me a little about your experience as a part of these two super groups.

Marco:  Playing with Trey and Mike was a blast. Trey was a total whirlwind of creativity. It was so great to be around such a successful songwriter and performer. Just seeing how creative he is on the road and studio. He’s never off. He’s like a little kid that just has endless creativity and thoughts on songs to play, songs to cover. It was really inspiring and I enjoyed seeing how creative and professional he was. He really has a childlike awareness about him, which opens the door to an endless amount of creativity.

Touring around with Garage a Trois; Mike D and Stanton are both incredible percussionists. Skerik is amazing as well. We had a blast on the road. It was more of a punk rock jazz vibe. It was very energetic, aggressive, and we were never holding back. Similar to The Duo, I was playing the bass lines on the organ.

Playing with these groups, everyone is an incredible musician. You can’t really stump them with an idea you have. I’d play a new song for Skerik, Mike D, and Stanton at sound check, and we would play it that night. Everyone is such a great player that you’re never worried about anyone missing a note, or it not sounding right. It’s just nice to see everyone in their element on the road. Mike D practiced tabla every morning in his room, so I would wake up to that. Stanton would whip out his brushes and play his drums in the van. Skerik would always turn me on to crazy punk rock from Seattle. It was just cool to see everyone’s personality during the day. Then at the gig you just get together and rock it out.

Speaking of super groups, the most recent has been Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. Many have regarded JRAD as the best Grateful Dead music that has been played in years. How did this project start and how has the experience been?

Marco:   It essentially started when Further ended. I know Joe dedicated about three years of his life, maybe more, to learning all of the music of The Grateful Dead. It’s a lot of work. I feel like Joe really embraced it and really got to know the catalog. I think when Further was ending he was maybe thinking to himself that this could be a good opportunity to play all of this same music with his friends; guys who he has a lot of experience with over the years. It was exciting for him to play The Grateful Dead experience, but play with his New York friends. Being that he has so much knowledge on creating a Dead set list, and knowing what really sets off the Deadhead mindset. I saw The Dead twice and I liked them, but I like them a lot more now. I didn’t really know how to go about creating a Dead set list.

Now when we play a set and we’re done, of course people say that they really like the way we play it, but what I really like is that people are blown away by where certain songs are placed in each set. It’s amazing to see how well people knew The Dead’s tendencies. The way Joe scopes the sets really adds the draw. It’s rewarding seeing the people smile from ear to ear in the audience. I have about 100 dead tunes down now which have been great to learn. We’ll see where it goes.

 

We live in a very different world of music these days, with options like Spotify and Soundcloud. What are your thoughts on the revolution of digital music, and what advice would you give aspiring artists as they record new material?

Marco:  I would say that it is great to have it all accessible on your phone. You can listen to hours of music on Spotify on a long drive. It’s cool to be able to tap in to anything that’s out there instantly. But I’m also heavily addicted to collecting vinyl. I enjoy flipping the record and listening to Side B. I’ll be washing the dishes and listening to Side A, then cleaning the kitchen listening to Side B. I think that element of putting together a record and knowing the “set list” of your record is really important. I really like the way my new record, Swift, came out. It flows like a record because I listen to so much vinyl. It helps you understand how albums are supposed to flow. You can potentially miss out on the entire experience. You need to know your records, rather than just knowing every song here and there. It’s cool to get into that process of making a record. My advice would be to listen to records and make records.

There is such an abundance of great new music around you right now. What new artists/groups have you been listening to this year?

Marco:  I’ve been listening to a lot of Foxygen and Rubblebucket. Lately I’ve been really into Superhuman Happiness. I love listening to Wilco. I have always loved The Shins as well.

What’s in store for 2015? Will you focus on touring with your band or potentially working with other new projects?

Marco:  Being that the record came out a month ago, I have at least another year of touring with my own band. I am coming down South to Atlanta in a couple weeks to play Terminal West. In late February and early March of 2015, we are going out West. We will be playing New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Austin along the way to San Diego, and we will tour up to Seattle. I know what I’m doing until about June. We should know by January about the festivals, and we’ll see what happens.