Listener-supported internet radio station JEMP Radio will launch Pure Saturation, a new program devoted to the music of Umphrey’s McGee on Saturday, November 4 at 10 p.m. ET. The two-and-a-half hour show will feature studio and live tracks spanning the jam act’s 25-year career as well as interviews, stories, commentary and more.
Pure Saturation will be hosted by Kevin Cassels and Karl Engelmann. While Cassels authored the sixth edition of Phish fan book The Pharmer’s Almanac, Engelmann co-founded Ali Baba’s Tahini in 1997 with Umphrey’s McGee guitarist Jake Cinninger. Kevin Cassels (drums) and Karl Engelmann (bass/guitar/vocals) were bandmates in Mother Vinegar from 2004 through 2007.
The new program is targeted at those who for the most part are unfamiliar with the Umphrey’s McGee catalog. Cassels’ vision for Pure Saturation was born out of reactions he’d receive to playlists he put together with the aim of turning people onto the music of Umphrey’s McGee. “The most common response I heard was’I had no idea they sounded like that,’” noted Cassels, “especially from those unfamiliar with jam bands, and also from those within the scene that just thought Umphrey’s was ‘heavy metal Phish’ but were unfamiliar with the band’s songwriting craft, gentle acoustic music and mastery of harmony and melody.”
“Like with all great musical discoveries, it can take considerable effort and perhaps a few tries to truly appreciate what this band is all about,” added Engelmann. “We’re hoping to help galvanize that process for the curious and also satisfy longtime listeners with a wide range of musical treasures from the band’s vast catalog.” Karl Engelmann will also share memories from both ABT and UM’s early days including the stories behind the songs with interview excerpts from band members filling in the gaps.
“Karl’s been there since the very beginning, has written some of their most beloved tunes, and continues to collaborate with the band to this day, so he has a unique perspective to share with the listener,” explained Cassels. “[B]ut Pure Saturation will be focused intently on the music of Umphrey’s, and there will be lots and lots of it.”
Pure Saturation is the first offering from JEMP Radio’s Adolescent Subtle Sounds, a new Saturday night programming block curated by executive producer Sweeping Views. Adolescent Subtle Sounds takes its name in tribute to Adult Swim. Airing each Saturday from 10 p.m. ET through 2 a.m. ET, the block will feature a rotating roster of fresh new shows and other content.
Visit JEMPRadio.com to hear Pure Saturation (Saturday, November 4 at 10 p.m. ET), the Adolescent Subtle Sounds programming block, plenty of Phish tracks and other music programming for fans, by fans.
