Marco Benevento (keys man) Joe Russo’s Almost Dead @ Brooklyn Bowl (March 25, 2016) Photos: Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

As a starting point, you should know that I am a well versed and somewhat traveled Deadhead.  


A bit stubborn, I have had zero interest in the post-Jerry Garcia iterations of the Grateful Dead. Although, I have enjoyed some of the more intimate Phil and Friends shows (click here for that story) at the Capitol Theatre.


But, and this is a big bunkie BUT…


The performance Friday night by Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (commonly known as “Jrad” by fans) at the super awesome Brooklyn Bowl continues to reinvigorate my interest in seeing the Dead’s music live again. 


Their fresh and passionate take on the band’s music is big fun and captures the friendly spirit of the Grateful Dead, Deadheads and their unique live shows. 


Read here about the last time I saw them at the Capitol Theatre, which was actually a better show musically… but for a host of reasons, this one was more fun.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead @ Brooklyn Bowl (March 25, 2016) Photos: Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

The second of three sold-out shows in Jrad’s “Freaks Ball XVI” brought out a hearty “kick-the-card table over” kind of crowd to the electric Williamsburg neighborhood. Everyone there was fired up, and with the bowling lanes closed down to make room for the not so swanky VIP section… there seemed to be more people milling about then ever before.


The band’s first set was definitely the highlight for me with Scott Metzger opening the show with his best Pig Pen on the spirited “Hard to Handle”, followed by a rebel rousing “Franklin’s Tower”, then a jazzy “Feel Like a Stranger”, “Help on the Way”, and “Althea” (featuring a double flute solo). A rock and roll “The Other One” closed it out.


First and foremost…a big kudos to Jrad for bringing on such a versatile four-piece horn and wind section.  Trombones, flutes, sax, clarinet, trumpets…  provided a robust and complex layer of sound.


Standing in front of piano man Marco Benevento on stage left was very entertaining.  This was the first time I’ve seen him take such a leadership role in Jrad. During “The Other One”, Marco got all Garth Hudson on us and ripped through a series of funky and ear tingling organ runs.

Marco Benevento (doing his best Garth Hudson) Joe Russo’s Almost Dead @ Brooklyn Bowl (March 25, 2016) Photos: Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Hats off to you Marco! It was good to see you again.


I was very surprised to see so many 20 something year olds in the audience that knew every word to every song. Just another nod to the generational impact of the Grateful Dead.


Surprising to me my show mate Texas Longhorn Jason was a Dead virgin… didn’t know any of their music. So much so that he thought Sugar Magnolia was a stripper’s name. Throughout the night I REALLY enjoyed hearing his commentary on the music (such as)…

1. “Holy Sh*t.  This guy Russo plays drums like I’ve never seen!”


2. “This music is so much fun.  Kinda like a rock and roll gospel show. You can’t help but feeling inspired and friendly.”


3. “This music (“Help on the Way”) has such a cool way of mixing jazz and rock.”


4. “What is Terrapin Station and can we go there?  This song is so inspirational.”


5. “I Need a Miracle” is such a great lyrical hook! Is this a popular Dead song?  I love it.”



6. This disco version of “Dancing in the Streets” is so much fun. Why aren’t the older fans enjoying it?”


Around 12:45 when “Cumberland Blues” starting playing, the man with three watches and a neon headdress asked me what time it was… I, of course, told him, “it is still early, don’t worry”.  He smiled, then skipped away.

When “Sugar Magnolia” was played as the encore I leaned over to Texas Jason and told him “this is the stripper song.”


Not really, but why ruin a good story.


Lots of people flapping their wings all in good in fun….


Peace.


Happy Easter Rancheleros.