Guest Book

last night was a great one for the St Louis fans. themes: execution, deception and it does not matter what they play. the ABB team was just in such sharp solid form may be the best way to put it........they came out and it was "right there" from the get-go with the ultra snappy set list that Mtn-Jam Randy posted earlier. oldies were generally sprinkled in a tremendous mix but the thing that came around for me was the playing in the not so obvious spots especially by The Bomber - Derek. opener: One Way Out> Stateboro........a straight 2 hr+ set...........closing with: Leave My Blues At Home/Drums, Jessica and a Whipping Post encore = wow. The drum section is way way fresh and somewhat new and different. Jaimoe's playing is elevated. They play with a slower and funkier theme beat still using some of the same signature phrasings and beat sections but in a very new and different arrangement for sure. People went nutts when they placed this drum part. It was just that fresh and good. Devon sang Midnight Rider with the band He did such a great job I thought and was so seemingly comfortable on stage. He has a strong stage presence and looked it. He has a real voice. The big screens allowed for some very BIG close up shots of the band members as they played. I am not use to that at all - it was great! I loved it. Derek was just phenomenol. I watched his rhythm playing in particular for awhile and was fascinated. He is so "on it" and tight from that oh so small small spot in the monster mix. He nails its! Great playing in certain songs. As some songs begin they seemingly mislead and deceive the listener into the notion of the song somehow being some slow ballad or soft drama adn then before they are done with these songs they have absolutely torn them apart and shredded them to bits = all gone. Worried, Desdemona and finally Look Who's Talkin' were that way last night........destroyed - left for dead almost and somehow brought back to life just barely enough to finish them. I was realizing some of the best playing was actually away from the standard great songs in some cases. The Dreams jam was sick......I love hearing it. Same Thing had a slightly different signature than I remember from the Beacon. They played it so well last night.........and they play this song all of the time - that's the point here I think...........execution was so solid. Jessica was playful and clean with Derek doing the biggest part of the solo theme. I have not seem them play this in awhile........very smooth and crisp it was. The weather was perfect so the night was about as good as it gets. on they go............happy trails. thanks fellas. it was grand. Mang