Joe Russo’s Almost Dead bolstered its already impressive Red Rocks Amphitheatre résumé with an extended sit-in from legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis.
When word got out that Marsalis would be joining JRAD for their Red Rocks show Saturday night, fans were giddy with anticipation. The Marsalis name elicits a sense of musical excellence, and Deadheads have long shared tales and tapes of Branford’s’ many previous guest appearances with the Grateful Dead themselves.
The now standard JRAD method of using the opening moments of the show to jam themselves into collective tune got the crowd on their feet and grooving, with guitarist Tom Hamilton serving as the driving force behind the instrumental shakedown. After a few meandering minutes, the free-flowing, guitar-heavy jam paused as the band took a deep breath before blowing straight into the rally cry opening chords of “Help On The Way”. Hamilton’s fellow six stringer, Scott Metzger, took the second half of the opening two-fer, “Mama Tried”, to limber up with some blues-y fretwork. Sufficiently warmed up, drummer/bandleader Joe Russo welcomed Marsalis to the stage and, as he got situated, laid into the dramatic “Samson And Delilah”.
Marsalis wormed his way in and around the fringes of the drum-heavy jam before stretching out a bit in the instrumental passages, but the tune itself was clearly carried by Russo’s enthusiastic work on the skins. Keyboardist Marco Benevento provided some airy organ in the opening moments of the ensuing “West L.A. Fadeaway” while Marsalis added some jazzy peals, squeals, and flowing melodies to the proceedings.
There was a free exchange of lead ideas during “Reuben and Cherise”, which saw Marsalis shift to clarinet. The spacey jam slowly returned to earth and solidified into a bass-y “Throwing Stones” that gave Dave Dreiwitz (Ween) a chance to showcase his rock-steady grooves. Building to a satisfying crescendo, the stellar first set left fans wanting more but grateful for the chance to catch their breath.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead started the second set as they had finished the first, warmed up, with Marsalis on clarinet, and everyone ready for some far-out, jazzy space exploration before Russo fiercely drummed them into an aggressive “King Solomon’s Marbles”. Benevento stood out as his speedy keyboard runs complemented Russo’s slow, simmering rolls and controlled tempo changes. From the ashes of the set opener, a truly lovely “Bird Song” emerged, with the stage the now beautifully painted with light.
The sense-lulling song concluded with an uptick, and the ensuing all-hands-on-deck rock of “Let It Grow”, led by Metzger’s passionate vocals, continued the climb. After a brief stoppage to gather themselves and breathe the chilly mountain air, JRAD push on into a coursing three-song combo of “Wharf Rat”, Cassidy”, and an exuberant “Playing In The Band”.
The final two tunes of the set had every element of the night’s stellar instrumental work so far, from the elevated melodic lines, to the driving bursts of percussion, to the sudden, drama-inducing stillness. Marsalis, equally at home in any tempo or style, perfectly embodied the group’s sense of collaborative excellence. His horn never rose above the mix but remained an equal color in the sonic palette used to paint a masterpiece with his fellow artists. Now back on sax, he brought out the big honks to match Russo’s ever-rising energy during the revelatory and awe-inspiring “Playing in the Band” jam. The twinkling comedown and conclusion was a warm and comforting return to earth that delivered the rapt audience safely back to reality. A heartfelt thank you to both Branford and the crowd gave Russo the chance to express verbally the appreciation and gratitude he had made evident through the entire performance.
After a brief nod to the outdated tradition of leaving the stage before inevitable encores, JRAD speedily launched into a lengthy, satisfying “Morning Dew” that added one last chapter to the storied showcase.
Click below to check out fan-shot videos from Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and images from photographer Daniel Ojeda. For a full list of the band’s upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, head here.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead – “Help On The Way” – 6/1/24
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead With Branford Marsalis – “Bird Song” – 6/1/24
[Video: monihampton]
Setlist: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead | Red Rocks Amphitheater | Morrison, CO | 6.1.24
Set 1: Help On The Way > Mama Tried > Samson and Delilah, West L.A. Fadeaway > Reuben and Cherise > Throwing Stones
Set 2: King Solomon’s Marbles > Bird Song > Let It Grow, Wharf Rat > Cassidy > Playing In The Band
Encore: Morning Dew
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