Joe Russo’s Almost Dead’s annual Jazz Fest run May 2-4 at The Filmore New Orleans was filled with three nights of spectacular music and energy. While a lofty goal to reach, it’s been commonplace for JRAD for a long time. What stood out most this year was the tightness and ease the band used to deliver their music.
You’d think a band that hadn’t played a gig in almost two months would need a set or two to crank up to its optimal level. That was not the case for JRAD. From night one’s opener Dancing in the Street the band was off to the races and didn’t slow down for the next three days.
Night two was probably the best of the trifecta, but each night found the laid back, full of smiles band venturing ferociously deep into whatever song was currently on the setlist. While JRAD hadn’t officially played a show since February 10, each member has been busy with their numerous “side” musical projects
Marco Benevento toured to support his latest live release, Barn Burner. Scott Metzger has resurrected Wolf! and LaMP. The latter just finishing up an uber successful spring run. Tom Hamilton has been in the studio finishing up his latest album and has been on the road as well. You don’t have to look far in the New York area to see Dave Dreiwitz with a bass strapped on his back headed to his next gig. Russo’s Selcouth Quartet project, (who joined JRAD on stage the second night) is continually blowing the minds of anyone fortunate enough to be close to one of their live shows.
It’s everyone’s focus on their non-JRAD projects that’s making JRAD stronger and stronger. The evidence was clear in NOLA. Dreiwitz dominated his bass offering shapeshifting grooves the band danced around all weekend. The interplay and smiles between Hamilton and Metzger were constant. The duo finally spending more time trading licks with each other.
JRAD has a busy few weeks with shows in Baltimore, Asbury Park, and New Haven on May 16-18. Their annual Colorado shows are in Vail May 31st and Red Rocks June 1st.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead – The Fillmore New Orleans
May 2 – Set one: Dancing in the Street, (I’m A) Roadrunner, Greatest Story Ever Told, Franklin’s Tower, Candyman, Let it Grow
Set 2: Why Don’t We Do It in the Road, Shakedown St, Yazoo Street Scandal, Deal, Hell in a Bucket, Birdsong, Jack Straw E: Tonight, I’ll Be Staying Here with You
May 3- Set One: Foolish Heart, Minglewood Blues, Scarlet Begonias, I Know You Rider, China Cat Sunflower, Fire and Brimstone, Viola Lee Blues
Set 2: Reuben and Cherise, Throwing Stones, Mississippi Half Step, The Other One, Blues for Allah, Terrapin Station E: Werewolves of London
May 4- Set One: Eyes of the World, It’s All Over Now, Cumberland Blues, Passenger, It Must Have Been the Roses, Playing in the Band
Set 2: Magnificent Sanctuary Band, Lost Sailor, Saint of Circumstance, Till the Morning Comes, Truckin, Touch of Grey, Stella Blue, One More Saturday Night E: Big Railroad Blues
