I attended the Monday and Friday shows at Red Rocks. Let me just say that both were well played "shows." I think that we all worry that one of these days we are going to show up at a venue and be treated to some Lynyrd Skynard retread oldies act. This is definitely not what is on offer with this group. Good musicians doing honest work for their pay. No living in the past. I will be going back. Not that a rockin' Freebird wouldn't have done the trick.
Continuing on the subject of the good, I think that I can offer a few uncontroversial positions: Firstly, Joan is a good add. She doesn't trample over the others when she is singing harmony, and the boys give her enough space to stretch in each set so that she gets to put her stamp on the octet. Secondly, Herring is growing. I saw one show last fall that was a ton of fun, but I did think that in his weaker moments, he fell back onto some "classic rock" clichés. I think he is coming along nicely. Good work Jimbo.
The bad: Mickey must be STOPPED. This has been going on for too long. Ye gods, please, somebody do something. It's just not on. Unplug his microphone, give him a big peanut butter sandwich before the show, something. This is something that EVERYONE agrees on. Those among us who are more experienced in bladder management are already heading for the lavs at the mere hint of a Mickey tune. The problem for me now is that I get to the men's room so fast that I am back in my seat before he is done.
The drum work, however, is terrific. Both of them are hammering. Good stuff. Really.
Since I am doling out the opinions with big spoons here, I might as well move into the areas that I am less sure about, but I will throw out into the public forum for debate. In other words, the following opinions are less closely held, and subject to review if new information comes to light. Unlike my earlier statement about Mickey singing, which is something that EVERYONE agrees with.
First, the keyboard situation: Both guys are very competent, seemingly likable fellows. But they are essentially trading off parts that either one of them could manage solo. Is this political? Were Weir, Kreutzman, and Hart worried that they were simply joining Phil & Friends if they didn't bring in someone from Ratdog? Is this going to continue? It's not like trying to sort out what's happening in the Congo or who the least lame Democratic contender is, but it's something I wonder about.
Secondly, is anyone else uneasy about Phil's pushing his personal agenda at the end of every show? Let me just say that I have been an organ donor ever since I first got my driver's license (a long time before Phil's transplant), and while I do not give blood every 56 days, I do donate 2-3 times a year. That doesn't make me a saint, but probably puts well over the US average. It's just weird after a stirring set closer, and the anticipation of a mellow encore, to have someone ask me what I plan to do with my liver. Are they all going to get a chance in the future to push for their issues? I am sure Herring knows some down-on-his-luck Georgia peach picker who could use two bits for a cup of coffee. Does he get his moment in the sun? By all means set up tables and distribute info in the parking lots to push the donation cause. Or make an announcement BEFORE the show. After the second set is just a strange time for one to contemplate one's vitals. Am I alone in this view?
Just to be clear, I think EVERYONE is happy that Phil is still with us (just like EVERYONE thinks that Mickey needs to stop singing), and that what he is talking about is an issue worthy of our attention. But should he have the right to the soapbox ahead of whatever crazy shit Kreutzmann is into?
Anyhow, go see them when you have a chance.
Kevin Humphrey, Denver, CO