On a Friday night in Hollywood, CA at the legendary House of Blues, Umphrey’s McGee took the stage to prove to a usually very picky Los Angeles crowd why they deserve to be the heir to the jamband throne. Fitting that it was St. Patty’s day weekend for them to show their “Mc” off. And show it off they did, bringing a heavy rock n’ roll set to the former home of rock’s legends…the Sunset Strip.
Ryan Stasik, Umphrey’s bass player, showing off his flexibility
Overheard at the show was the comment, “How does a progressive rock metal band from Chicago get to take the crown of all Jambands. They don’t jam.” That comment was quickly snuffed out as Umphrey’s delighted a packed House of Blues to their version of jam-tastic, face-melting rock n’ jam music. Not your Phish-esque jamband, Umphrey’s McGee takes their cues from a deeper raunchier place in the annals of music history than the usual psychedelic ethereal musical trips that most of the jambands of late tend to do. Not that they don’t have that ability, rather they pick and choose their jams to take you to a much heavier rockin’ place with some shredding guitar riffs, double drumming rhythm section and an onstage presence that screams, “we’re happy to be here and that you’ve come to share this with us.” Less floating through space and more rocketing across time. The Umphreaks, as their fans proudly call themselves, agree as they bounce and gyrate wildly to the thumping sounds coming from the stage.
Add in the incredible lighting technical work from one Jeff Waful and you’ve got a recipe for a both visually and auditory experience that can’t be compared. Umphrey’s designated “7th Man,” Waful drives the band with wild and calculated light show that can shape the music as much as the music drives his lighting choices. A pleasure to watch and dialed in perfectly to complete the UM-package.
