By Nancy Dunham
Examiner Correspondent
When you have more than 100 original songs in your catalog, it?s fairly easy to keep your show fresh.
But time and time again, musicians with rich catalogs take the stage with the same tired set list. One major exception is the critically acclaimed Umphrey?s McGee. This jam band plays such an eclectic show with such enthusiasm that it quickly moved into the major leagues populated by the likes of Phish.
“That?s the trick to make it not like work,” said guitarist Brendan Bayliss. “You want to keep playing music ? not working at music.”
One of the ultimate road warriors, Umphrey?s McGee built its reputation playing countless shows that they design on the spot for the audience. Although the members project laid-back personas, the band?s music is built on precision. Several of the members have degrees in music, and when the band formed in 1997, the members studiously watched tape after tape of their performances to improve futire shows. It?s fair to say that since the South Bend, Ind. group formed, the members have made audience analysis something of an art form.
Of course, the members? admiration for the music and performances of the late Frank Zappa is also a major influence. Like Zappa, Umphrey?s McGee?s music is difficult to categorize. Though the band is wedged into the jam band genre, critics note that it?s really more progressive, or “prog rock,” and even jazz fusion.
“Let?s dispense with the ?jam band heroes? tag right at the start,” wrote a critic for All Music Guide. “Widely hailed as the improvisational successors of the Grateful Dead and Phish, Umphrey?s McGee are nothing of the sort. … Whatever “improvisation” takes place is far removed from the sometimes aimless noodling of their acid-drenched antecedents.”
But the label doesn?t really bother Bayliss; it?s just more evidence of the variety the band brings to its fan.
“One thing we try to take from Zappa [stage shows] is a transition out of left field,” said Bayliss. “We try to have a good time. People don?t go out to concerts to see musicians ?suffer for their art.? ”
IF YOU GO
Performer: Umphrey?s McGee
Where: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
When: 7:30 Saturday
Details: $21 advance; $24 at the door; 410-547-SEAT
