Umphrey’s McGee began a two-night stand at Red Rocks on Friday as part of their Peak Summer Colorado run. UM welcomed frequent collaborator and Trey Anastasio Band member Jennifer Hartswick for a cover of the Queen and David Bowie collaboration “Under Pressure.”
Umphrey’s opened up the first set with “Bad Friday.” The band then stretched their legs on “Divisions” before heading into “Walletsworth.” Next, the sextet explored “Slacker,” which clocked in at over 15-minutes, and kept segueing through “Speak Up” and “Little Gift.” UM finished up “Divisions” to close out the first frame.
A substantial “Small Strides” launched the second set. The band then kicked off a three-song seamless segment with “1348” ahead of the classic “Hajimemashite” and the instrumental “Day Nurse.” Following the latter, guitarist Brendan Bayliss said, “I’ve got some good news and bad news. The good news is, we’re at Red Rocks. The bad news is, Jen Harstwick’s here.”
After some more good-natured ribbing between the longtime friends and collaborators, Bayliss added, “I’ve wanted to play this song since high school so let’s thank Jen for making this happen.” Hartswick and Bayliss teamed up to sing the 1981 Queen/David Bowie classic “Under Pressure” in a similar fashion as Freddie Mercury and Bowie with JHa expertly handling the higher register vocals.
After Hartswick departed, UM kept the guests coming by welcoming Rory Dolan from opening band lespecial, who took over for Kris Myers on drums during the vintage tune “Phil’s Farm.” Kris returned for “The Triple Wide,” which along with “Phil’s Farm” clocked in at over 18-minutes. The band then did some more work on “1348” to cap off the second set. Umphrey’s McGee returned to deliver a two-song encore of “Much Obliged” and “Pay The Snucka” to bring night one to a close. UM returns to Red Rocks tonight.
Find audience-shot video of “Under Pressure” below along with full-show audio:
Setlist
Set One: Bad Friday, Divisions > Walletsworth, Slacker > Speak Up > Little Gifts > Divisions
Set Two: Small Strides, 1348 > Hajimemashite > Day Nurse, Under Pressure[1][2], Phil’s Farm[3] > The Triple Wide > 1348
Encore: Much Obliged, Pay The Snucka
Notes:
[1] – with Jennifer Hartsiwck
[2] – FTP
[3] – with Rory Dolan
