Where does this incarnation of the songbook stand along with others like Dead & Company, Ratdog or The Other Ones, or even the big mothership itself- The Grateful Dead? This “Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros featuring Wolf Pack” version can bring a more 21st-century nuance to these often played yet timeless pieces, adding elements of jazz and modern rock which attract a more diverse type of music fan outside the Dead inner circle. To finish off the set, a rather straightforward Casey Jones rounds out a somewhat somber and downbeat first set.ĭuring the longer than expected set break, this writer attempted to make sense of the program of music that was presented. “What if all tomorrow brings is ashes and glass/And I can’t tell you child, ‘this too shall pass'” was sung with fragile intent about a sort of apocalyptic scene that one can imagine in their darkest moments. The first song the entire group tackled was a very funky and rhythmic “Corrina” – one that was last played by Weir on 3/11/20 right before Covid took over our world.” Ashes and Glass” a Ratdog era song with ominous lyrics that parrot the state of the world today. The Wolfpack: Alex Kelly (cello), Brian Switzer (trumpet), Mads Tolling (violin), Adam Theis (trombone), and Sheldon Brown (sax, clarinet, flute) are bringing a special progressive flavor to the songbook that has been reinterpreted countless times by different musicians and ensembles. For this type of presentation of the vast Grateful Dead songbook, matching old cowboy songs with a new musical instrument not found in Dead and Company or even The Grateful Dead’s live catalog (aside from Jerry Garcia’s studio work) was an ideal musical match.Īfter the first real sing-along of the evening during “Loser”, which featured many of Chimenti’s trademark grand piano “Trills’ ‘, the other members of this current ensemble made their appearance on a platform, stage right. This was one of the few missteps of the evening as the band struggled to find that rhythmic pocket that this tune sorely needs.Īs Bertha segued into the very familiar waltz tempo of “El Paso”, it became apparent that these songs were deliberately being chosen to show off Leisz’ thoughtful guitar chops. This pacing allowed for Chimenti, Leisz, and Weir to trade bars of lead solos back and forth. A much slower and more deliberately plodding “Bertha” took the second position. The session ace’s solo spot was a chance to shine before the horns and strings appeared later in the set. Show opener “Hell in A Bucket ” was an immediate showcase for Leisz’ pedal steel prowess. These anticipatory speculations were wholly justified as a full “Weather Report Suite” appeared in Memphis and a full “Terrapin Station” suite appeared just the previous evening in Wichita. The desire to continually perform was in full swing with his most recent band Wolf Bros, supplemented by a five-piece string and a brass section titled the “Wolfpack” entered show five of a 13 date tour in historic Kansas City MO at the Midland Theatre on March 15th.Īs Weir, Don Was (bass), Jay Lane (drums), Jeff Chimenti, and pedal-steel virtuoso Greg Leisz took the stage the masses at the Midland Theatre were buzzing with wonder about what might be in store via the adventurous setlists risen on the first few shows. Although he will forever be known as “The Kid”, even at an athletically wise 74 years old, Bobby Weir, rhythm guitarist and stalwart leader of all things Grateful Dead, still continues to own all things live music along with most recently, earning adoring admiration from the burgeoning Americana scene.
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