DPRP Competitions : Umphrey's McGee Live 2006

The atmosphere in the auditorium was electric, the event was more of a ceremony than a concert and the air was thick with the sweet smell of incense – ahh the Seventies were a remarkable time indeed. This era has been rediscovered in the US with the 'jamband' scene and it is regularly celebrated with concerts and festivals across the country. Now Europe is embracing the scene. The Netherlands seemed an appropriate place to import the festivities to as fans were able to 'enhance their senses' and so in 2005, American fans crossed the Atlantic for a three day festival to celebrate life, love and music at the 'Melkweg' in Amsterdam for the "Jam in the Dam". The festival was such a success that it's happening all over again in March this year and on the bill once again is Umphrey's McGee.

Umphrey's McGee will be playing on all three days of the "Jam in the 'Dam" festival. As Jambands do, they never play the same set twice, hence they play three different shows in front of the same people. However, the festival is just a part of a short European tour which will also bring the Umphreys to England, France, Italy and Germany for the first time.
Those who cannot visit the festival because it is too far to travel (or because of the fact that it's nearly sold out) would do well catching the band in one of the other cities. Or better still, win tickets for a show in this competition!!

TOUR DATES:

Date	Venue	Location
Tue - 14 March 2006	Mean Fiddler	London, UK
Wed - 15 March 2006	Transilvania Club	Milan, Italy
Thu - 16 March 2006	La Boule Noir	Paris, France
Sat - 19 March 2006	Melkweg	Amsterdam, The Netherlands	("Jam In The Dam")
Sun - 20 March 2006	Melkweg	Amsterdam, The Netherlands	("Jam In The Dam")
Mon - 21 March 2006	Melkweg	Amsterdam, The Netherlands	("Jam In The Dam")
Wed - 23 March 2006	Knust	Hamburg, Germany

Founded in Chicago in 1997 around guitarist and vocalist Brendan Bayliss, the band is a major exponent of the aforementioned 'jamband' scene, in which they are regarded as natural successors to the legendary Phish. This lineage goes further back to such acts as Widespread Panic, Gov't Mule and The Grateful Dead.

Blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, folk and rock 'n' roll – jambands cannot be categorized stylistically. Only the musician's ensemble live playing on stage is what's important, together with the audience interaction. They live for the music and let the fans become a part of the whole process. This is what makes jambands what they are.

Umphrey's McGee - Safety in Numbers

Umphrey's McGee will be carrying a new album with them in their luggage (their sixth) on their arrival in Europe this year. While the previous album "Anchor Drops" stressed the band's gift for improvisation and the musician's affinity for complex rhythms, "Safety In Numbers" emphasizes the Chicago sextet's focus on songwriting. "That's right", says guitarist and keyboardist Jake Cinninger, "this time we wanted to deal more with songs and their structures than with playing solos, although obviously there are excellent solos on this album, too. This time our motto is, On a good album each second has its right. This is what we wanted to realize".

And so the songs that came into being are deeply rooted in American tradition. For example the country ballad "Rocker", shines with brilliant steel and slide guitar playing and rich vocal harmonies. The relaxed "Women, Wine & Song" conjures up a bluesy mood with its harmonica and 'bar room piano' and "End OF The Road" is a flowery folk instrumental featuring awesome guitar played with the utmost feel. "When we put this album together", explains keyboard player Joel Cummings. "We didn't just want to use the best new songs. We decided to choose from these songs, the pieces which fit together the best. It was a more instinctive process and it went in the direction of our American roots. The more progressive songs, which were not included on the album, are to be considered for our concert set-list".

This alludes to the amazing live qualities of the band that tours an average of 160 days a year. It should be said that "Safety In Numbers" is not just a collection of softer numbers. "Believe The Lie" connects with the previous album with its lively guitars and intriguing rhythmic puzzle. The aforementioned "Rocker" is refined with the cleverly deliberate confusion of 3/4 and 4/4 timing, and "Liquid", is reminiscent of the Beatles with its yearning pop melody and slightly surreal guitar. So there is much on offer for fans of progressive sounds too. Those who listen carefully will also discover many sophisticated details in the allegedly simple tracks.

"Safety In Numbers" features guest musicians Huey Lewis and Joshua Redman and cover artwork by the legendary Storm Thorgerson (Pink Floyd/Led Zeppelin/Genesis).

European Tour

TOUR DATES:

COMPETITION

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

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