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Posts Tagged ‘wisconsin death trip’

Jerry Joseph & Wally Ingram | Salt Lake City | Review | Pics

Words & Images by: Phil Santala

Jerry Joseph & Wally Ingram :: 12.12.10 :: The State Room :: Salt Lake City, UT

Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons begin a three-night run in Portland, OR tonight. Amazing, under-sung American rock greats Richmond Fontaine open for the Jackmormons on NYE. For full show details pop over here.

Jerry Joseph by Phil Santala

What ever you do, don’t call it a comeback or anything new. Jerry Joseph has been absolutely on fire the last few years. Not matter who he is touring with – the Jackmormons, Denmark Veseys, Stockholm Syndrome, or just with percussionist Wally Ingram – his shows, as of late, almost never cease to amaze me. The State Room show in Utah was no exception.

Bold words considering this summer saw me walking away from three nights in Virginia City, MT at Bandito’s shaking my head in wonderment. That run itself just gets better and betterÂ…but enough about the past. We gathered in Salt Lake City, one of Jerry’s former residencies, to partake in some pre-holidays shenanigans, Jerry Joseph Style.

Jerry came out, hulking onto the stage in big heavy boots. Some in the crowd responded by shouting, “Show us your feet!” It was clear that those in attendance were not just casual fans. The core had turned out for this event, and the duo did not disappoint. Jerry seemed to be in high spirits, joking to the crowd before “Wisconsin Death Trip” that, “Wally and I, when I was a kid, we used to sing this around the Christmas tree at Wally’s house, eating Christmas koogle.” Jerry also jested after the Vic Chestnutt song “Flirted With You All My Life” that the song was about “holidays and good times. You feeling any better?” Vic, he said, “fucking nailed it” with that song. The Christmas spirit was certainly making Jerry’s heart grow three times its size that day.

Local Jackmormons bassist JR Ruppel joined Jerry and Wally for much of the second half of the set. The encore, which was especially moving and heartfelt, found Joseph stepping out from the mike to shout and sing directly to the crowd: “Ring ‘em up, tell ‘em that you love ‘em. CALL THEM NOW AND TELL THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM!” It was a plea, a call, a cry of passion. Hold on, hold onto those around you, those you care for, those you hurt and neglect through your selfishness, those that never left you in the dark on your own no matter how you tried to push them away and no matter how many times your vices came between you and them. Ring ‘em up, and tell them Jerry Joseph said hi. Better yet, why don’t you all come out to the next Jerry Joseph show and see what the buzz is really all about?

Setlist
White Dirt, Jump, LAX, Flirted With You All My Life, Fur, Cochise, Two Balloons> Time the Revelator> Two Balloons. Muscles*, Radio Cab*, Paper Planes*>Climb to Safety*(slow)> Train Detective rap> Midnight Rambler rap> Climb to Safety*> Paper Planes*

Encore: Ring ‘em Up*> Good Sunday*>We Fall Down*> Good Sunday*

*w/ JR Rupple.

var siteRoot=”http://www.jambase.com”;var newPhotoIndex=”5″;$(document).ready( function() { $(“#GalleryWidget”).load(siteRoot+”/Photos/Widget.aspx?galleryID=201″);}); 12/12/10 – Jerry Joseph & Wally Ingram @ The State Room (Salt Lake City, UT) View Photos


Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog 10: SoCal, Arizona, Colorado

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 10: SoCal, Arizona & Colorado

Another report from tour manager Danny Owen:

Stockholm Syndrome

After a short trip down from L.A. the band found themselves near San Diego and ready to
go for the last show in the state of California. SS had decided to change up their stage plot to feature Danny, Dave, Jerry and Eric going from stage right to stage left. I reckon the reason being is so they can hear each other a little bit better and give
each other the room they need.

At the Belly Up, the band got things started with a great version of “Easter” and continued a strong set that included an “Emma’s Pissed” > “That Which Is Coming” before ending the set with a rockin’ “American Fork.”

Set 2 started with a mean “Lick The Tears.” This reggae-rocker is proving to be a true crowd pleaser. “LTT” was followed by a great “Empire One,” “Apollo” and “Milk.” All upbeat tunes that had the entire audience dancing as hard as they could. A rockin’ “Jacobs Ladder” came later in the set and the band encored with “Wisconsin Death Trip.” The run through Cali was delightful and the band thanks everyone who made it out!

03.09.10 | Belly Up | Solana Beach, CA

Set I: Easter, Couldn’t Get It Right, Emma’s Pissed > That Which Is Coming,
Miranda, White Dirt, American Fork

Set II: Lick The Tears, Empire One, Apollo, Milk, Spy, Jacob’s Ladder, Tight

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Stockholm Syndrome

The band began their journey back eastward stopping in Flagstaff, Arizona for
a Wednesday night romp. The night kicked-off with a tune not yet played called “Pumpkin Time.” The well received song was followed by “Counter Clock World” and a very inspired
version of “Tarantula Hawk.” Next up was a song that also hadn’t seen the dark
of night yet called “Muscle.” The band executed a perfect “Purple Hearts” >
“Shining Path” with Danny Louis leading the charge through the segue. Danny has proven to be the X Factor on all of the shows. Never quite certain how he will mix into the songs beyond the written out parts, he always seems to bring new life and sounds to every piece. Nothing is played the same way twice and as touring artists playing night after night, it truly does help to keep things interesting and fresh.

Set 2 started with a great version of “Flirted With You All My Life” and
continued to bowl the crowd over with “Conscious Contact,” “Friendly Fire” and
“Red Lightning.” The encore escapes me at this moment so we’ll have to rely on
the tapes… So far every show but L.A. has been captured by the tapers so be
on the look out on archive.net and LMA for these shows as you’ll definitely
want to hear this band live. Thanks to Chris and Matty Z for taking care of
the band and crew.

03.10.10 | Orpheum Theater | Flagstaff, AZ

Set I: Pumpkin Time, Counter Clock World, Tarantula Hawk, Muscle, Sing Bird
Sing, Purple Hearts > Shining Path

Set II: Flirted With You All My Life, Emma’s Pissed, Conscious Contact,
Wisconsin Death Trip, Friendly Fire, Red Lightning, Light is Like Water
E: ?

Stockholm Syndrome


SS took a nice day off in the mountain town of Mountain Village, CO. Band needed some rest, albeit at 9,000 feet, but it was still well deserved rest. Getting ready for their KOTO sponsored show at the Convention Center in Mountain Village, the band took in the town of Telluride and all it had to offer.

They had a great turnout for this one as the town and slopes were abuzz. Jerry penned a rockin’ first set that included a great “These Grey Days,” “Crime & Punishment” and “Milk.” They ended the set with a rousing version of “Empire One.”

Back to the dressing room to suck on the oxygen tank and catch their
collective breath, the band was feeling really good about what they just
threw down even if they were all breathing a little slower.

Set 2 was even more rocking as they introduced a Jerry Joseph classic known
as “Drive.” Probably one of my favorite tunes penned by Jerry, he let it all
hang out on this one. Taking off his guitar at one point and just preaching
to the audience about the good ol’ days of getting crunk and doing things maybe one
shouldn’t, it was a very deep cut. Following this awe inspiring tune was a great “Bouncing Very Well” which saw Danny Louis and Dave Schools lock up into some soloing that teased some Gov’t Mule and saw Dave drop a nice “Chilly Water” tease that of course pleased the crowd. “Emma’s Pissed” was next, still holding her spot as one of the best tunes these guys have crafted which then melted into a very well
played version of “White Dirt.” A rockin’ “Lick The Tears” had the crowd going
batty and then the guys came back with a “Wisconsin Death Trip” for an encore.

Thanks to KOTO, Janice and Norman and the folks at the Convention Center for taking good
care of everyone. On to Aspen, sure to be another barn burner… Just two more shows!

03.12.10 | Telluride Convention Center | Mountain Village, CO

Set I: Couldn’t Get It Right, These Grey Days, Crime & Punishment, Miranda, In
Your Cups, Milk, Apollo, Empire One

Set II: Flirted With You All My Life, Drive, Bouncing Very Well, Emma’s Pissed >
White Dirt, Lick The Tears

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Check back soon for the final installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 9 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Los Angeles…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 9: Los Angeles with Woody & These United States Video

A full review of SS’s two-night stand in San Francisco is available here.

Stockholm Syndrome :: 03.08 :: The Roxy Theatre :: West Hollywood, CA

Tour Manager Danny Owen checks in:

After releasing their hold on the Bay Area, the Syndrome traveled by day down the coast of California, through the Grape Vine and into the City of Angels. Even though it was a Monday, the hard-cores were out and the band did not disappoint.

SS pulled off a solid set that included “Oil,” “In Your Cups,” “Emma’s Pissed”
and a set closing “Flirted With You All My Life.” At set break, Jerry’s good buddy Woody Harrelson came back stage to say hello and really gave the band kudos. Second set was off and running with “Apollo” and a great “Leaving Lopez” wit Mr.
Steve Lopez in the audience to hear it this time. We saw the second “Purple
Hearts” of the tour and a great “Bouncing Very Well” which saw very nice soloing from Dave
and Wally. Jerry called the last tune perfectly with “These Grey Days” and a “Wisconsin Death Trip” to say goodnight.

We hit the ground running and ran out of town to Solana Beach to soak in the
southern most point of our run down the West Coast.

On The Road Again with These United States Part II:

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 8 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Eugene, OR…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 8: Eugene, OR

Stockholm Syndrome :: 03.04 :: Eugene by Brian Lupton

For the next installment we check back in with Tour Manager Danny Owen:


Stockholm Syndrome has begun their journey southward and landed in Eugene for a night. The Eugene show found the band loose and excited to play. The first set featured a great “Counter Clock World” which seems to be a go to song for the guys in the early part of the show. Fans were also treated to a first set “American Fork” which is proving to be a true all star song for this lineup.

Second set saw the first “Leaving Lopez.” A great song written for good friend
and longtime Widespread Panic/Stockholm Syndrome Tour Manager, Steve Lopez. And for an encore it was a Jerry gospel tune called “Supper’s Ready.”
All in all another great show.

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 7 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Seattle…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 7: Seattle, WA

Stockholm Syndrome :: 03.03 :: Seattle by Owen

Back with more from Danny Owen:

The band rolled into a surprisingly sunny Seattle ready to capture another good one. Spirits are still high even as some band members battle colds and the rigors of the road. It’s not all fun and sunshine.

They decided to start the night with a Jerry tune he plays often called
“Easter,” getting their collective legs underneath them and doing it true justice
in a five-piece configuration. We saw another “Emma’s Pissed” > “That Which Is
Coming” which was perfect and another song that hadn’t been played yet called
“Purple Hearts.” The reggae-tinged “Purple Hearts” morphed into a great “Shining Path” to end the set.

Set break came and went. Some old familiar faces were in the crowd screaming all sorts of requests. The band stuck with what it had been crafting to near perfection with an “Apollo” opener and a very inspired version of “Tarantula Hawk.” A near silent crowd took in a great “Flirted With You All My Life” then exhaled as the band crushed with a set ending “Jacob’s Ladder.”

The encore saw the second rendition of Dylan’s “Where Are You Tonight” and it was flawless. Jerry nailed the four pages of lyrics and had some tambourine help from drummer Robby Cosenza of touring partners These United States.

Set I: Easter, Emma’s Pissed > That Which Is Coming, Red Lightning, Sing Bird
Sing, Purple Hearts > Shining Path

Set II: Apollo, Empire One, Tarantula Hawk, Flirted With You All My Life,
Wisconsin Death Trip, Jacob’s Ladder

E: Where Are You Tonight

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 6 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Portland…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 6: Portland, OR

More thoughts from Tour Manager Danny Owen:

After catching some much needed rest in Boise, the band and crew set forth to the great Northwest. Rolling into Jerry’s old stomping grounds of Portland, OR and the sweet Crystal Ballroom felt good as friendly faces abound.


Before the show the band rehearsed some other tunes that we should see soon and I unearthed a great Jerry and Dave track from the duo romp through Europe. The song is called “Green Ice” and I had two copies form the shows there. Great tune that JJ and DAS penned together. Dave was excited I had it so hopefully this will translate into relearning and the rebirthing of the song with the five-piece configuration.


Jerry dialed in another winner for set one. A great “Couldn’t Get it Right” and very good “These Grey Days” kicked things off. The first set saw the first of what some Panic and jam fans like to call a segue or “>”. It was talked about and then executed almost to perfection as “Emma’s Pissed” slowed down and went into “That Which is Coming.” An enthusiastic “American Fork” ended a great set.

Set two was even better as the hard-cores were definitely in the building. Dancing hard to an upbeat “Apollo” opener and “Ray of Heaven,” the band soon brought it back down for Chesnutt’s “Flirted With You All My Life” before “Conscious Contact” ended the set. This song is simply magic in this configuration and really should be played on radio stations everywhere. If Nickelback was singing it, the Pope would probably be rocking out to it. Alas, we’re the lucky ones…

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 5 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Utah…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 5: Utah & These United States Video

Fixing the flat :: Photo by Dave Schools

The fifth installment of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog finds tour manager Danny Owen checking in from Utah as well as a special video from touring partners These United States.


Stockholm Syndrome had a real adventurous morning as Dave Schools and the band’s bus
driver had to change a blown trailer tire at a rest area in Wyoming. Most of
the band was asleep as the two fought with the tire to get it off; Dave Schools
using a crow bar to help John out. Finally they got it off and changed.

Playing Park City is always an interesting situation but the band had a great time and did their best to capture the attention of this hipster high society ski town. Set one featured the first “Shining Path” of the tour as well as a song called “Miranda.” They ended the set with a great version of Jerry’s “The Kind of Place.”

Set two started a little slower then normal with a run through of the new Vic tune “Flirted With You All My Life.” Second set also saw a great “Jacob’s Ladder,” the reggae-ish “Friendly Fire” and a set ending “Road To Damascus” that literally shook the
walls. No joke. The show ended with an “Apollo” encore in honor of the end of the Olympics.

Band and everyone are on their first day off, well deserved and more importantly, really needed. See you in the Northwest this week, trust me, you’ll want to be there. Trial week is over!

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.28 :: Park City, UT

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.28 :: Park City, UT

On tour with Stockholm Syndrome is These United States. We’ll be including tour blogs from them as well. Here’s our first offering:

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 4 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Denver, CO…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 4: Denver, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.27 :: Denver, CO

Part 4 of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog features a report from Denver by tour manager Danny Owen:


Denver really came out in force on Saturday night. The sold out crowd at the Bluebird Theater got to see another great show from these guys. Sound check was spent learning a tune by Bob Dylan called “Where Are You Tonight?” This song made its debut in the first set along with an opening of the first version of “Tight.” Not being a big Dylan fan, I was very surprised at how great this song felt to a non-believer and how these guys made it sound so good. Jerry did a great job with the vocals but I expect it to get way better.

There was a great second set opening “Tarantula Hawk” followed by crowd faves “Bouncing Very Well” and the song “Conscious Contact.” This was my first time hearing Stockholm Syndrome perform this Jerry staple and I thought it was fantastic. While the lineup is full of Alpha Dogs it’s been remarkable to watch how well the band gels and works together. They mix upbeat rockers with sadder, heavier songs as well as any band I’ve seen. Everyone should get out to see this band; I’m biased yes, but wrong, not likely.

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.27 :: Denver, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.27 :: Denver, CO

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 3 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Boulder, CO…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 3: Boulder, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.26 :: Boulder, CO by Owen

Part 3 of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog features another report from tour manager Danny Owen:

This band is one of those bands you have to see to believe. Friday night I became a full on believer in what five musicians with their own bands, projects, and histories can all come together and do. The whole show got the stamp of full approval from everyone. Big thumbs up!

Jerry Joseph put together a great first set with a rare “Couldn’t Get It Right” to start the show that kept the energy up and the bodies moving for its entirety. Other highlights included the new Vic Chesnutt cover being played again and what I have been told was the first time SS had done the song “Milk.” A packed Fox Theatre was getting a heavy dose of this band and even though it was the group’s third time at the venue in almost 53 weeks they took it head on and pretty much leveled it, again.


It was all the same level of playing and energy in the second set. Starting off with two great new tunes, “Apollo” and “Emma’s Pissed,” they just continued where they had left off. The set also had one of the coolest versions of “American Folk” I’ve ever heard and a great “Crime & Punishment.” Both strong tunes that Jerry sometimes visits in his other configurations. Most impressive was just how tight the band was and how comfortable they all seemed with each other, albeit in just the third show of the tour. I reckon this means it is officially, game on!


Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.26.10 :: Fox Theatre :: Boulder, CO

Set I: Couldn’t Get It Right, Empire One, In Your Cups, Flirt, Sing Bird Sing, Milk

Set II: Apollo, Emma’s Pissed, American Folk, Spy, Crime & Punishment, Ray of Heaven

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 2 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Steamboat Springs, CO…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 2: Steamboat Springs, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.25 :: Steamboat Springs, CO by Owen

Part 2 of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog continues with another submission from tour manager Danny Owen:


On Thursday night Stockholm Syndrome captured Steamboat Springs, CO, playing the Sheraton Hotel Grand Ballroom. As grand as it may or may not have been, it was the first rock show in this room since 2000 and Stockholm was ready to give it a work out. Thursday was also the first time Dave Schools had been back since the infamous Winter 1996 Widespread Panic Sit N Ski tour, which was actually held in this same room.

Sound engineer Chris Rabold did an excellent job turning a room that is used for Bar Mitzvahs and weddings into a place that deserved what it was getting. Just like with any good touring band that consistently changes things up, these guys are finding their way with each other and the newer material.

This show also saw them play the Vic Chesnutt song they learned the other day, “Flirted With You All My Life.” A very touching song that the guys have added to and made something very special to them.

The band was back to two sets and will continue with that tonight in Boulder, CO. Hope to see you there.

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.25.10 :: Sheraton Ballroom :: Steamboat Springs, CO

Set I: Counter Clock World, In Your Cups, Emma’s Pissed, That Which Is Coming, Flirted With You All My Life, Kind of Place, Red Lightning

Set II: Sing Bird Sing, These Grey Days, Apollo, Friendly Fire, Bouncing Very Well, Road To Damascus

E: White Dirt

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 1 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 1: Rehearsals & Vail, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.24 :: Vail, CO by Owen

Stockholm Syndrome is one of our favorite super groups. Featuring Widespread Panic‘s Dave Schools on bass, ringleader/guitarist/vocalist/Jackmormon Jerry Joseph, guitar hero Eric McFadden, drum genius Wally Ingram and Gov’t Mule‘s Danny Louis on keys, this is one “super” group that actually lives up to the billing. Trying to get the schedules of five very busy musicians to line up is no easy task and often makes it hard for this band to tour. But when they do, it’s worth keeping tabs on. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the band to bring you the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog. With words, photos, videos and more coming in from the band and crew, this Tour Blog offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the group.

For our first entry we hear from tour manager Danny Owen with a report from the first night in Vail, CO at the Bud Light Street Beat free concert series:

The 2010 Stockholm Syndrome Winter Tour started off with a bang! The band practiced a bunch of the new songs yesterday in rehearsal; they even learned a great Vic Chesnutt tune and we could see some Dylan at some point. The band kicked it off at a free outdoor show in Vail last night (02/24). Ripping through one set of mostly newer tunes the band was doing all they could to keep themselves and the crowd warm in the sub freezing temps. Took a few songs to get them warmed up but once they were going, the heat was flowing full steam ahead. Spirits are currently high as they march onward; don’t miss the band’s upcoming Colorado shows in Steamboat Springs (2/25), Boulder (2/26) and Saturday night in Denver (2/27). Hope to see you along the way…

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.24.10 :: Bud Light Street Beat :: Vail, CO

Apollo, Empire One, Emma’s Pissed, Flirted With, In Your Cups, Sing Bird Sing, Red Lighting, Lick The Tears, Oil, Couldn’t Get It Right

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog. Tonight The band teams up with These United States for the rest of the tour and we’ll be hearing from them as well.

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews


Jerry Joseph | 08.28 – 08.30 | Montana

Words & Images by: Phil Santala

Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons :: 08.28.09 – 08.30.09 :: Banditos :: Virginia City, MT

Jerry Joseph :: Banditos 2009 :: Montana

It had been over a year, two weeks over to be exact, since Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons brought their signature “Way Too Loud” sound to Virginia City, Montana’s Banditos. For the fifth annual event the band had a few tricks up their sleeves, including a new soundman, plans to record a live album and a guest artist ta boot.

The soundman was Jeff Lord-Alge, who is no stranger to Jerry’s sound. Jeff has mastered the sometimes-confounding aspects of a Jackmormons show with brilliance. Songs like “War At the End Of The World” and “What I Lived For” really shined through and allowed the full range of Joseph’s singing to be appreciated. Even the rig Jeff packed in blew Banditos owner Scott Kelly away. “You should see the size of the fucking rig he hauled in here,” Kelly exclaimed on Friday night. The lights that Jeff also runs add just the right accents and textures to the setting. One might think that this contributes very little to the sound at the show, but Jerry seemed to appreciate the lighting. He even commented that “the lights sound great” between songs. Maybe it is a quid pro quo of sorts, where the lighting can ramp up the audience, and the audience can definitely ramp up the performers.

As an added treat for the live album, fans were blessed to have drummer Steve Drizos‘ wife Jenny Conlee-Drizos sitting in on keys for all three nights. Jenny was on loan to the Jackmormons from her main gig with The Decemberists. At times bassist JR Ruppel turned towards Jenny, walking her through some of the changes in a song.

Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons :: Banditos 2009 :: Montana

A year ago they debuted a new song here, “Wisconsin Death Trip,” as an acoustic number, and as they ripped the holy crap out of it with an electric version on Friday they showed just how far the song, and perhaps even the band, has come. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I haven’t always been a Jackmormons fan. I saw them several times between 1999 and 2002, including the Irish Times show that produced Mouthful Of Copper. After that I was definitely a fan. My extended “retirement” from concert attendance ended with a Jackmormons show in 2005. Between 2005 and 2006 I saw just under a dozen Jerry Joseph shows, and at times I felt as if I was just hanging on. Whatever they were doing then, it just wasn’t doing it for me. That all changed December 14, 2007, when I saw Jerry Joseph and Friends perform at Stella Blue in Ashville, North Carolina. I have consistently been impressed since then. No matter where he’s at or how big the crowd is, Jerry is not only pouring his heart and soul out onstage, but he seems to be enjoying himself, at times. It works and it works well with Stockholm Syndrome , with the Jackmormons, with The Denmark Veseys and even solo. Through songs about hurt and pain some catharsis seems to be taking place, some joy seems to be growing out of the pain. Jerry joked on Sunday, “When I think of weddings and babies I always play this song,” before “Ten Killer Fairies” which recounts the true story of a family being slaughtered by drug lords in Mexico.

When talking about the direction of the band Steve Drizos said, “Sometimes you can’t even drive it; you just hang on for the ride.” Joseph has become a master of melody, and his melodic evolution finds Jerry tinkering with his songs and enjoying himself more onstage.

Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons :: Banditos 2009 :: Montana

Last year, listening to some of Jerry’s songs was like hearing a static filled AM radio station. Friday’s songs were tight and concise. The solos were there, a cover of Widespread Panic‘s “Second Skin” was played and “Crime and Punishment” was slow, yet so moving. Still, it felt like Jerry was holding back the mad ramblings from various cover songs that he usually interjects into setlists. After the show I thought perhaps it had to do with licensing agreements for the live album or some such legal nonsense.

Saturday opened with “War At The End Of the World.” Fitting, since for some people Virginia City is as close to the end of world as one can get. Cell phones don’t work here. Internet? Just forget about it; even the hotel doesn’t have reception. “Pumpkin Time” may have been spurred by the placement of a wayward flip-flop by Jerry’s monitor, an event that caused some joking among the band. Closing out the second set was a recently added combination, “Chainsaw City” followed by The Cure‘s “Fascination Street.” The band preformed this pairing for the first time just after New Years 2008, and the combination works beautifully, with Jerry’s revision of The Cure tune not be missed.

“Spin City” > “North” > “Spin City” contained Saturday’s only example of the aforementioned “master of melody” approach with Lou Reed’s “Walk on The Wild Side” chorus being lightly inserted. The end of the second set was time for them to start rolling out the big guns. “North” turned into an all out slugfest. “Ask me if I give a FUCK,” barked the audience, drowning out even the reverberating amps. The pauses in this song have begun to take on a life of their own. They occur with greater frequency in more and more of the versions of “North.” Very few things represent a well-oiled band than a nice good old fashioned pause in the middle of a song. Panic’s “Walkin’” or “Good People” spring to mind as obvious comparisons.

Jerry Joseph :: Banditos 2009 :: Montana

Sunday was a different beast entirely. While the first two songs were slow, they contained more energy than the rest of the first set. A noticeably strapped down “Light Is Like Water” opened the evening, and I can only hope and pray that this version makes it on the live album. Goose-bumps rose on my arms as the song ended, just in time for the intro to “Alter In a Box” to send chills down my spine. The faintest, ghostly echoes of “All Along the Watchtower” ran along the extended intro to and resurfaced several time throughout. Rain and thunder began to poor down outside as lighting began to shoot out of amps. In a scene reminiscent of Jerry’s “Cortez The Killer” with Panic at Oak Mountain in 2002, I choose to dance in the rain. Maybe that is the sign of really good music – its ability to transport our thoughts back to long forgotten battlefields. Oak Mountain, for those who were there, was just such a place.

The final highlights of another “Good Sunday” in Virginia City were an all out mash-up in the second set. The rants during “New Psychology of Love” gave way to The Rolling Stones’ “Beast Of Burden” – a fitting combination to say the least. “Way Too Loud,” a Jerry original written with a little help from Bloodkin‘s Danny Hutchens was augmented with U2′s “Mysterious Ways.” “It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright,” coxed Jerry as he led us into a pockmarked, bone jarring, high speed race down the “Road to Damascus.” Closing out the second set, we slowed down a little for a sandwich of Neil Young’s “Comes A Time” with a “Mohawk” right down the middle. Finally, Jerry closed the cover laden Sunday performance with “Both Of You” split open with a very heavy rendition of the chorus of Eric Clapton’s “Let It Grow.”

The album is tentatively titled Live @ Banditos and will be Jerry’s sixth live album. It will be the second live album that the Jackmormons have recorded in Montana, Mouthful Of Copper being the first, back in 2002 at the now defunct Irish Times bar in Butte. While issues such as who will release it and when it will be released are still very much up in the air, one thing’s for sure: three nights in Virginia City provided more than enough material for a double (or triple?) disc release.

Jerry’s riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave between Stockholm Syndrome, his solo work and the Jackmormons. And those of you who did not make it to Virginia City this time, you’re running out of excuses. Virginia City, Banditos Bar and Jerry Joseph are a trifecta not to be missed. Walking around the bar before the show I overheard people discussing fly fishing on the Madison, and I bagged three 10,500 foot peaks that day. So, if you got to start budgeting now to head on up “North” and start “Shooting Up the Neighborhood” next year in Virginia City, DO IT!

Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons tour dates available here.

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