reCAP :: Phil Lesh & Friends w/ Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, John Kadlecik, Jeff Chimenti, and Joe Russo :: 2014.11.15
“I’m gonna go for it, it for sure” – Rob Eaton
Last year Capitol Theatre owner, Peter Shapiro, inked a deal procuring Phil Lesh for 30 performances in 2014. It was the greatest decision one could make as Phil has been impressing rabid crowds consistently ever since and last night was no exception. Phil’s “Friends” have been a rotating door of exceptional musicians and last night’s incarnation included professional musicians Larry Campbell (guitar) and his beautiful wife Teresa Williams (vocals), both from the Midnight Ramble Band, John Kadlecik (guitar) and Joe Russo (drums).
Another sold-out venue full of fervent fans welcomed the band on a very chilly night in Port Chester. The band commenced proceedings with the up-tempo and fiery “Cumberland Blues” which successfully segued to an incendiary “Brown-Eyed Women” which started an early dance party. Singing is not his strong suit but Phil amazes on his “Pride of Cucamonda” which included lengthy exploratory jams and Larry Campbell on one particular raging crescendo. The Capitol is known for their beautiful and surreal large scale projections of images and tonight it was monstrous dancing skeletons adorning the ceiling as the band delved into a particularly spritely “Tennessee Jed.” The crowd erupted during the “drink all day and rock all night” segment of “Tennessee Jed” and it closed the first set with gusto.
The second set surprised with an astonishing and deliberate rendition of the Pete Seeger-penned Byrds classic, “Turn Turn Turn” which garnered the audience’s attention before they exploded upon hearing the notes of “St. Stephen.” Stephen enthralled the participants with an elaborate and intense jam to conclude the popular tune. All eyes were on Russo throughout who consistently reminds us why he is the best in the business behind the skins. They covered Ike and Tina Turner’s “River Deep Mountain High” and it proved that the night’s set list would be varied and exciting. “Uncle John’s” provided the usually effective sing-a-long standard before Terrapin Station blew the roof off the joint – particularly during the “Inspiration…” section. “Golden Road” was energetic and a raucous way to end the 2nd set.
At 74, Phil Lesh shows no signs of slowing down and with so many influential musicians on the docket to be future guests, one can expect to have a good time attending Phil shows for many dates to come. Also, Phil will play with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead for a 3 night New Year’s run at the Capitol Theatre.
SET I: Cumberland Blues, Brown-Eyed Women, Peggy-O, How Sweet It is, Pride of Cucamonda, Miss Ohio, Tennessee Jed
Set II: Turn Turn Turn, St. Stephen > Mountains of the Moon > River Deep Mountain High > Mountains of the Moon > Uncle John’s Band, Terrapin Station > Golden Road
E: Attics of My Life