Last Friday night (I guess that would be 5/22/15) I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the Garcia Birthday Band (JustinJohn plays lead) joined by Pete B. on the pedal steel. Portland, Oregon. McMenamins Al's Den.
Al's Den is in the basement, but don't let the location sway your judgement. The McMenamins group are masters of building unbelievable destinations at which to imbibe. Now…as a long time brewery manager, I would give the beer a "Meh", but their bars, hotels, etc are without equal. See Crystal Ballroom, PDX for an example. DSO plays there, and the place is an old-timey dance hall….with spring loaded dance floor. But I digress.
What a wonderful evening! No cover. The band was sitting, either to make Stealie Pete feel ok about sitting, or because the room had a low ceiling. Personally I think Pete could play that thing standing and sound awesome. GBB has great talent. Justin knows the riff's and licks, plays inspired solos, and lays down great vocals. I particularly enjoy his bass players vocals. He's voice isn't a mimic of anybody from the GD, but I really enjoy his voice. Sometimes we sing no particular way but our own…and that's pretty cool. The same can be said for Pete's lyrics, although he can sound vaguely Bob-esque at times. Probably not intentional. Also …we say night 5 of a 7(?) night run, and they apparently had only repeated one song.
Two great sets. Highlights for me were (and my wife) were stunning The Wheel (I mean…c'mon…pedal steel!!) , a very cool Help/Slip/Hell in a Bucket which rather tickled my adventurous brain cell, a Catfish John opener, and a pretty cool and spacey Bird Song. The setlist is not yet posted on the site I found, and some details are lost to my old friend Tequila…that naughtiest of desert drams.
Of note for me personally was some low pedal steel riffs that Pete cranked. We all know the twang is expected and available, but fitting some notes from those low strings behind other soloists and vocals was a new thing for my ears. Pete is a great player, and an inspired improviser.
Justin tore it up all night with that beautiful guitar built by Milobender. Justin let me hold and look closely at the instrument, and it is damn fine. Justin & I discussed that very build a couple of years ago when cocobolo was non-existent, and from my recollections he got the exact guitar he was wanting. I'm thrilled for both Justin & Brian. Things have a way of working out. I would've loved to take that baby for a rippin' ride, but I thought it untoward to invade another dude's stage during setup. Not that I'm in his league in any universe.
Enough rambling for now. If you're hanging in PDX, or just passing through check out the GBB. They are a great night of entertainment. Who knows…maybe Pete will sit in again some day.
Peace
M
Al's Den is in the basement, but don't let the location sway your judgement. The McMenamins group are masters of building unbelievable destinations at which to imbibe. Now…as a long time brewery manager, I would give the beer a "Meh", but their bars, hotels, etc are without equal. See Crystal Ballroom, PDX for an example. DSO plays there, and the place is an old-timey dance hall….with spring loaded dance floor. But I digress.
What a wonderful evening! No cover. The band was sitting, either to make Stealie Pete feel ok about sitting, or because the room had a low ceiling. Personally I think Pete could play that thing standing and sound awesome. GBB has great talent. Justin knows the riff's and licks, plays inspired solos, and lays down great vocals. I particularly enjoy his bass players vocals. He's voice isn't a mimic of anybody from the GD, but I really enjoy his voice. Sometimes we sing no particular way but our own…and that's pretty cool. The same can be said for Pete's lyrics, although he can sound vaguely Bob-esque at times. Probably not intentional. Also …we say night 5 of a 7(?) night run, and they apparently had only repeated one song.
Two great sets. Highlights for me were (and my wife) were stunning The Wheel (I mean…c'mon…pedal steel!!) , a very cool Help/Slip/Hell in a Bucket which rather tickled my adventurous brain cell, a Catfish John opener, and a pretty cool and spacey Bird Song. The setlist is not yet posted on the site I found, and some details are lost to my old friend Tequila…that naughtiest of desert drams.
Of note for me personally was some low pedal steel riffs that Pete cranked. We all know the twang is expected and available, but fitting some notes from those low strings behind other soloists and vocals was a new thing for my ears. Pete is a great player, and an inspired improviser.
Justin tore it up all night with that beautiful guitar built by Milobender. Justin let me hold and look closely at the instrument, and it is damn fine. Justin & I discussed that very build a couple of years ago when cocobolo was non-existent, and from my recollections he got the exact guitar he was wanting. I'm thrilled for both Justin & Brian. Things have a way of working out. I would've loved to take that baby for a rippin' ride, but I thought it untoward to invade another dude's stage during setup. Not that I'm in his league in any universe.
Enough rambling for now. If you're hanging in PDX, or just passing through check out the GBB. They are a great night of entertainment. Who knows…maybe Pete will sit in again some day.
Peace
M
"Hi Ho...the Carrion Crow...FoldeRoldeRiddle"
