December 2010 - Posts
2 down, 1 to go. We can't wait to ring in the New Year with all you peeps tonight.
In the meanwhile, here is last night's version of "The Floor" which stubbornly did not want to cooperate with the UMLive. So for all of who purchased the discs last night, here is the mp3 to complete said discs. And for all of you who didn't, here's the tune anyway. Rock. (Click on the post to access the download)
Sometime back in early 2009 Joel got a call from his friend Dan Rucinski, who some of you might know as a versatile guitarist / keyboardist / songwriter from Land of Atlantis, and he told him about a project he was creating called Digital Tape Machine. The music, he explained, was intended for use as video game music. He was interested in having Joel contribute keyboards to as many songs as possible, and maybe even help write a few things. Early on, Kris Myers was also brought in to create, edit and contribute both live and electronic drums, loops and samples during the early stages of the songs to make them both club-savvy and unique. Tech house, dance house, deep house, post-industrial, drum n bass and hip hop are all elements of DTM. But the live experience of Digital Tape Machine is as much about gettin clubbers dancing as rockers headbanging. The live band debuted this fall at the Wuhnurth festival in Indiana, and this special late night show during Umphrey's McGee's NYE run will undoubtedly blow the roof off the Kinetic Playground. Come join us December 30th after the Riv and keep the festivities going.
Here's a taste of what Digital Tape Machine sounds like, with a tune Joel helped contribute some songwriting and keyboard parts, with live drums, loops & samples from Kris. This is called Xtasty......
Share it here & see you there!
Joel Cummins sits down at the baby grand for a little medley to get you in the mood.
Linus & Lucy > Cemetery Walk II > Mamu
Be the first to guess the song and date of this improv used for the Nike 6.0 Open highlight reel and win a free show download from umlive.net. Submit your guess on our facebook page now!
We here at Sumpump Productions would like to wish you and yours a Happy Christma-hanu-rama-ka-dona-kwanzaa! We've been grinding out tracks in the basement, and have found ourselves in quite the holiday giving mood. We would like to give you the gift of a free instrumental track for your listening pleasure. Feel free to download and put in your favorite Holiday playlists! Keep an ear out for a instrumental album coming soon, and don't forget that Sumpump's debut release, "Free Lunch" by Dumm Lazee Lounge is now available on
itunes!
Ryan & Andy Farag
We had an incredible time at the 22nd Annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam this past weekend. The pre-jam party at the Orange Peel kicked off the weekend Friday night, with our very own Kris Myers collaborating with Steve Miller and a host of musicians on the Miles Davis' standard, "All Blues." Saturday night's sold out Ashville Civic Center featured a fiery set of music from Umphrey's McGee, including a fantastic sit in from Widespread Panic's John Bell on the Bill Withers' classic "Ain't No Sunshine." Andy Farag also performed with the Warren Haynes Band, while Jefferson Waful lit the arena to perfection during UM's, Warren's and Steve Miller Band's set. Umphrey's McGee would like to thank Warren, Hardhead Management and everyone involved who made this fantastic and important charity event so special. It was truly an honor to be there.
Joel Cummins armed with his camera for this photo essay
Here's the show schedule for Xmas Jam 22. We were happy to be on early, the room was packed with over 7,000 people by the time we hit the stage!
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band's sousaphone has a commanding presence just off stage.
Andy is either gesturing for me to come closer, or maybe that's a different hand gesture about to take form.
Never seen a countdown set time clock before, but I think it's a great idea. We hit the end of All in Time right at the buzzer. Umphrey's wins!!!
Ivan Neville isn't jokin' around about the debut of the Warren Haynes Band. Don't worry Ivan, you killed it.
Jefferson Waful was on hand to light Umphrey's McGee, the Steve Miller Band and the Warren Haynes Band. Nice rig!
A look at Jefferson's Grand MA console LCD. My favorites are "Luck of the Iris" and "Knife Trance."
Steve Miller Band's setlist. But he cut Rockin' Me, Jungle Love AND The Joker. C'mon, Steve! The set was still very solid.
And for more pictures of entire event check out Allison Murphy's shots at www.ruthrocks.com
UM's Jefferson Waful runs lights for Steve Miller's 'Jet Airliner' at the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam in Asheville, NC
Q: Ryan, what is your favorite Beatles tune and why?
A: "Something" written by George Harrison is my favorite Beatles song. It makes me think of my better half Mary Welch Fox, which makes me smile! Also, Paul McCartney's bass work is outstanding on this piece.
Trevor Wozny, Richmond VA
|
Q: Two part question. I my self am a Bass player n play a 5 string and you along with many others influenced me so who influenced pony to pick up the bass? And what is your favorite song to play live? After 20 shows with you guys im still always amazed how they get better and better thanks for keepin it real!
|
A: Brendan Bayliss actually inspired me to play bass. I had lent him my Les Paul and Peavey amp and decided someon needed to hold down the low end. We then started a power trio shortly thereafter. From there I discovered an array of bassists I had never heard of before ranging from James Jamerson to Jaco Pastorius. However, growing up I listened to a lot of Guns 'N' Roses, Pantera, Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana. I do not have a favorite song to play live. I definitely enjoy some more than others but no favorites as of now.
Mike H, Marseilles Illinois
Q: Stasik, I have a question from a musician's standpoint. I notice how Umphrey's always has a very "rehearsed" sound to their jams. I actually play in a band and we are very capable of tight, experimental jamming. My question is if you have any advice about incorporating jams into a live set, to keep the performance fresh and interesting. When we practice in our rehearsal space we come up with some really sick improv, but not in the context of a song. When we play live I always feel a little rushed and cant really lock in to a good Improv other than extended solos. Again we are freshmen in college, so these techniques may just develop with time and experience. I'm not asking you to share any band secrets, just any advice you can give me and the guys to really display our talent at it's fullest. Thanks a lot.
A: You sia dit yourself my friend, these techniques will develop with time and experience. We have no secrets, but after time you start to pick up on your fellow musician's instincts the same way Peyton Manning had such great timing with Marvin Harrison all those years. Time will tell.
Nick, Chicago, IL
Q: Hey Ryan,I'm, a big fan from Pittsburgh. I have traveled a lot to see you guys around the eastern-half of the country, so after this second show at Mr.Smalls I need to know.Do the fans randomly start cheering for the local football team in the middle of the show anywhere else?
A: No sir they do not, but their team doesn't have six super bowl rings either!
Anonymous Steelers Fan
| Q: Dear Pony, When can we expect to see the rockin' mullet again? |
A: My fiance has been asking me the same question. The mullet had to be put to rest. It was time. However, my rattail is alive and healthy and will be sticking around for quite some time. Ridin' dirty!
Your friend, John Roark
Q: You guys play (and nail) a lot of covers. What are some of your favorite covers to play based on the bass parts alone? If you got to chose 5 songs for the band to cover, what would they be?
ps - hoping Booth Love, The Linear and The Floor make it onto the new EP's!
A: As far as bass parts for covers, I enjoy playing YYZ by Rush and Graceland by Paul Simon.If I could choose 5 songs in no particular order for us to cover I would choose the following: 1. Roundabout by Yes 2. 46 and 2 by Tool 3. Dance of Eternity by Dream Theatre 4. Peg by Steely Dan 5. Something by The Beatles
Eric Saltes
Q: Stasik, my man, what is the key to the perfect show outfit, you always got the heady diggs goin on.
A: John, my man! Well first you need some breathable briefs so your boys get air. Next a hat. One must block the assault of strobes and lights that pierce your eyeballs throughout the night. Third, comfy shoes!!! Standing on your feet all night gets tiring. Then just make sure they all flow well together. I do this by listening to what my lady tells me looks good.
John from Chicago, IL, a.k.a the greatest city ever
Thank ya'll for your questions and comments. Keep them coming (theponezone@gmail.com) and I'll see you next month for PoneZone VI.
Part II: Joel Montana & the set list express
I awoke day 2 to more sunshine and more football. The previous night had concluded with some epic smack talk from our good friend Adam Perry, the bassist of Perpetual Groove. While music is what brings Umphrey's McGee together day-in, day-out, sports has to be second on that list of things we enjoy doing together, whether its training for triathlons or hittin' the golf course. And we have an immense sense of pride about not losing sporting events to other bands. We've challenged moe. in basketball and paintball. UM 2, moe. 0. We challenged Bisco to football, UM 1, Bisco 0. We haven't had another band challenge us to a Ryder Cup style match of golf, but we're ready for whoever wants to take us on. So when Adam brought up a friendly game of football between UM and Pgroove, we were happy to oblige. We found a suitable field in the VIP section but didn't have enough players for a 5 on 5 game, so we had to recruit a few people back there. Thankfully, we found two stellar players in Will and Dustin (great stache, dude), who just happened to be strolling by, and they joined Ryan, Andy and I in our quest to remain undefeated vs. other bands. Brendan would have played, but he had to film a segment for our forthcoming Wellwishers video. He, Kevin and LD / filmographer Jefferson Waful chose to film just on the other side of the field, and you will witness some of our glory in that video. Quick side note, I always liked football as a kid, but my parents would never let me play because they were afraid I'd break my fingers and ruin my ability to play piano. So I've been throwing passes for years just waiting for my chance to step into the fold. Somehow, I learned how to throw a spiral and have a pretty good arm, probably due to playing baseball as a kid. Andy affectionately nicknamed me "Joel Montana" a few years back after some accurate and powerful strikes to various band members in parking lots and grassy fields near venues. Finally, I had my chance at Bear Creek.
And as you all hoped, the Umphrey's McGee team did not disappoint. We played to Pgroove's weakness; we had a hunch there was some shoddy conditioning in there, so long routes and relentless passing attack was the game plan. We dominated, beating them 7 touchdowns to 3, and I was able to throw for 5 touchdowns, rush for 1 and receive one once Stasik came in at QB for some mop up duty. And most importantly, my fingers were intact. Thanks for making me wait 20 years for this, mom.
Inspired, we headed back to the bus and I tried my hand at knocking out the final set list of fall tour. For much of the fall tour, I've been in set list jail for attempting too many segues, too many crazy things, or as many in the band affectionately like to say, making the set list look like an archery field (>>>>>). So I had to step up and deliver with my last chance of the fall. As we had many of our friends here, it was challenging balance trying to plan for guests and keep the energy and momentum intact as Umphrey's McGee, the six-headed monster. After tonight's rehearsal, which was focused around relearning Barracuda for Jen Hartswick to sing with us, I high-tailed it back to our stage for a really exciting Everyone Orchestra set. I got to say hi to some old friends, including Kai Eckhardt, Fareed Haque and Jans Ingber, and made a few new ones, including Kofi Burbridge. I had about 30 minutes between the EO set and UM set, and it was back to the bus to warm up for a bit and revisit the setlist and order of guests. Fortunately, tonight's guests were all fantastic and flowed right into the natural vibe of our set.
Opening with the skull-crushing 1348 is always a fun choice, as you get the dark side of the band, the melodic side of the band and a huge backbeat from kit-slayer Kris Myers. Following a jaunt through Resolution, which featured some group improv, we launched into our newest original, Wellwishers, for a concise but energized performance. And then the craziness began. As previously mentioned, I've always been a fan of unique segues and sandwiches with songs, and one I've always wanted us to try was sticking the Talking Heads' Making Flippy Floppy in the middle of our tune, Hurt Bird Bath, as the tempos are very close and the key signatures feature the same root, G. Watching the fans' surprise as we launched into MFF was a real treat, and seeing them get where we were going as we headed back into the signature HBB riff brought just as big of a smile to my face: we had pulled it off. Then came the swampy groove of Women Wine & Song, featuring our friend Roosevet Collier of the Lee Boys trading bluesy riffs with Jake and Brendan. Pedal steel is always a treat to hear, and Roosevelt is one of the most genuine, gutsy players out there. Following the down-tempo groove of WWS, we blasted into Nothing Too Fancy.
Early in the song, I got word that Bernie Worrell was side stage--we had invited him to sit in and he was here! Bernie is a hero of mine, and before this night, we had never gotten to play together. Well, not only did Bernie show up and KILL it, he had Ivan Neville with him in tow. Finally, I had the guitarists outnumbered! Ivan and I have played together a lot over the years, and he is always a joy to play with. He told me later that night that he and Bernie were hangin' out listening to Soulive when Bernie brought up to him that a band called Umphrey's McGee had asked him to sit in and he was wondering if he should do it. Ivan insisted, grabbed Bernie, looked for a ride to our stage, and when they couldn't find one, commandeered a golf cart and headed off into the night to come find us. I think he was just as excited about the whole thing as I was. We finished what was N2F with some hits, hugs and laughs, and the sit in was history. What an honor it was for me, and for our band to share the stage with both Bernie and Ivan at the same time. With less than 30 minutes left in the set, Jake hit the solitary E note on his six string that signifies the beginning of Ocean Billy and we were back to prog land. As time was running out, we cut the improv a little bit short so we could get Jen out and she destroyed Barracuda, as she always does. We had to choose between finishing Ocean Billy and gettin a little more fun and funk out with Hangover, so we went with the latter so that we didn't go over our set time and cut into our friends, the New Mastersounds' set. As the last notes of Hangover rang out through the tent, we left the stage with smiles on our faces, exhausted but knowing we had left it all out on the stage. Bear Creek was the perfect finish to another fall tour, with lots of friends, lots of fans and a whole lot of great music from musicians who were happy to have one more festival in 2010.