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- I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about seeing Trey Anastasio last night in Albany, NY. Since the demise of Phish, I am way out of practice seeing bands I don’t know all that well. I’ve spoiled myself with music I know every word to. I’ve spoiled myself with music I love every word of, too.
- Trey started the show with a little tribute to New Orleans with a percussion/horn parade right down the center of the Palace Theater. He came right by our seats, grinning like a mad man. He obviously was having a great time dancing and weaving his down the aisle banging on a cowbell. The whole night was high energy and HiHowAreYou people. Every song had a good balance of horns, drums, vocals, and fun. I spent a lot of time watching Mr. Percussion with his funny furry faux fez. He had a big ring of bells which he would randomly throw high into the air (for Attitcus).
The drummer bored me. No spunk in his seat, no heavy moves. He sat there and played. There was only one moment that had me really excited – his kick was so thumping I could feel it in my sternum. My drink vibrated in my hand and all was right in my world. I wanted him to hold the cymbal and come up under it, hard. Bam. Bam. Bam. But, it didn’t happen. He kicked it but not that hard.
I’m waiting to see if the reviews mention the lighting at all. Up until Jiboo it was a stellar, blinding light show. Colored lights, flashing lights, strobe lights, spot lights, you name it. During Jiboo the stage went black and everyone played in the dark for what seemed like forever. J & I speculated, was it a stunt? Why would they play in the dark unless they were going to wow us with something cool when the lights came up again? J thought every musician would switch places – like Trey did when he was with Phish one April Fools Day. I thought something bigger – the members of Phish could suddenly appear when the lights came back up. A reunion of sorts…No such luck. When the lights were restored the music went on (and on) uninterrupted as if nothing happened.
During some of the songs my attention floated away and I found myself either watching the soundboard (we were right behind it) or the audience around me. Several seats ahead of me, two rough and tough, aging-in-their-sixties Deadheads argued about something. They took turns invading personal space and gesturing wildly. Directly right in front of me two underaged, skinny, pants-too-low, pimply boys chugged smuggled in alcohol, smoked and swayed. At one point they lost something. I stared in fascination as they used their cell phones to light the floor and searched frantically for whatever got away from them.
But, back to the music. For the new song, I liked A Case of Ice and Snow. It was a sit down and take a load off song, but lyrically it got to me. For the old favorite, Heavy Things was awesome. It reminded me of riding the shuttle in Colorado’s airport, heading home after a week of Rocky Mountain fun.
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- 12/29/06 (Fri) Palace Theatre – Albany, NY
- Set 1: Percussion Parade > Cayman Review, Peaches en Regalia (something for Greg my husband whispered to me), Shine, Simple Twist Up Dave, What’s Done, Drifting, Wherever You Find It, Spin, The Landlady, Tuesday, Come (Karmic? Chronic? Carmel?) as MelodySet 2: For some reason the couple next to us left so Pez got to hang out in our row. Curlews Call > Plasma (awesome, awesome! Three guys joined on percussion. What’s better than four guys with sticks?) , Dragonfly (interesting), Heavy Things (finally! Something from Farmhouse – my favorite), Love is Freedom (love is patient, love is kind…), Gotta Jiboo, A Case of Ice and Snow, Last Tube, E: Push On ’til the Day
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Published by gr4c5
I write. I read. I cook. I run. That's me, in a nutshell.
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~*LunaSea*~ 
I like your review.
I’ve convinced myself by the title alone that A Case of Ice and Snow is about massive amounts of crack cocaine. 😛 Dragonfly is a fun tune, have you heard the story behind it? What’s Done is such a great tune, good groove, sick solo, really soulful and the studio version could definitely go on a bedroom play list.
I dig your set list notes too.
I need to go see some bands with you guys.
you should have stayed in town for the weekend for The Duo on sunday night
Thanks! I think you’re right about A Case of Ice & Snow 😉 I haven’t heard the story behind Dragonfly…what’s the deal? What’s Done was pretty cool but Plasma rocked me.
I’m keeping an eye on Mudfunk and have plans to see them as soon as the schedule allows…I have yet to get to a gig but I really, really want to. I’ll keep you posted ‘cuz we should hang out!
if that helps in making any Mudfunk seeing plans I’m trying to make it to Mudfunk on February 10th in Troy for my birthday celebration 😉
ps.. by “The Duo” i mean Benevento/Russo Duo as opposed to any other duo that would be in town on the same night.
oh the story behind Dragonfly is apparently it was written and recorded on the spot in one take by trey, mike gordon and the duo.
Mudfunk and your birthday???? hmmmmmmm….sounds like I need to consult the calendar! 🙂
My husband knew exactly which Duo you were referring to. He set me straight!
I’m going to have to give Dragonfly another listen – that’s a cool story!
i don’t know if it’s definite yet, but i’ll let you know. give me a call 🙂
Will do – I’m getting a new phone!