Amazing Grace/Glory from The Aragon 11/26/11
Darth Kimble
After all, it was Pony's birthday. You hate to deny to the birthday boy a request whenever it is remotely possible. So it pained us to see the look of disappointment on Ryan's face when he learned that the crew just didn't have time to put together a ballad for his 32nd. The first day of any tour is always full of unexpected surprises, miscellaneous repairs and general tail chasing. Finding time to work up a crew inspired masterpiece just wasn't possible.
Until we decided it was. 30 minutes before show time we kicked the band off their practice gear to work up a fresh and innovative arrangement laden with complex rhythms while showcasing soaring melodies.
Under the chordal leadership of stage manager and showman Robbie Williams and behind the steady pocket grooves of monitor magician Bob Ston, A minor never sounded so hot. While illumination specialist Adam Budney layed down a Queen Latifa thick bottom end that rattled the mold infested Canopy Club, lighting guru Wade Wilby flawlessly executed a percussion routine that was part Sonny Ortiz, part Barnum & Bailey. The stoic but heroic tour guide Don Richards gently fingered the B-3 organ in a way that left a mesmerized Joel staring over his shoulder furiously taking notes. And after my blazing tap solo left the sold out crowd speechless, they instantly realized that Jake must be getting all those face melting licks from none other than his sound caresser.
The rest of the UM show seemed dismal and relatively lackluster as the band repeatedly tried to top the now legendary performance of it's loyal crew. Fans slowly trickled for the exit as clearly that had gotten what they came for. Even the toughest critics have unanimously agreed that this jam was nothing short of "epic".
Stay tuned for information regarding our forthcoming album "It's Always Raining at Loadout" and tour dates for our upcoming 6 continent tour. Globalization never sounded so good.
The view from the stage and then back to front of house as captured with our flip camera. Apologies for the shaky clip as I was so spent from the raging solo that I little left in the tank to focus on visual pleasantries.