read ROTHBURY Day 1 and ROTHBURY Day 2
Son Volt // Ranch Arena
Able to boast a former member of Uncle Tupelo (which boasted Wilco‘s Jeff Tweedy) Son Volt entertained hundreds at the Ranch Arena Stage with their great alt country/folk rock sound that would fit in perfectly on adult contemporary radio. They played many songs off their new record, American Central Dust, which was released on July 7th of this year.
Railroad Earth // Ranch Arena
I only passed by Railroad Earth, also playing Ranch Arena, briefly, but was impressed with what I’d heard. If it weren’t for Zappa Playing Zappa just minutes later at Sherwood Court, I would have undoubtedly stuck around for these guys. Their roots/Americana jam is something worth hearing.
Zappa Plays Zappa // Sherwood Court
My father, typically a few beers in, likes to talk about Frank Zappa and his experimental music and goofy lyrics, most typically quoting “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow”; “Watch out where the huskies go / and don’t you eat that yellow snow.” After a lifetime of hearing about him, though admittedly never pursuing the curiosity that arose with each of my father’s mentions, I knew I had to catch Zappa Plays Zappa at ROTHBURY. Zappa Plays Zappa is just that: Frank Zappa’s son Dweezil Zappa (he named his other children Moon Unit, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. Uh huh.) travels with a touring band covering some of his pop’s best and most memorable material. As previously mentioned, I couldn’t compare what I heard to the originals, but I was absolutely blown away by the band’s musicianship. My interest in both generations of Zappa has been renewed and I fully intend on immersing myself in all that Hot Rats has to offer. Next time I’m able to catch Zappa Plays Zappa, I will be well versed in all things Frank.
The Black Crowes // The Odeum
I once walked by Chris Robinson on the street in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood. It was a hot early summer day and he was dressed head to toe in black complete with signature beard. Until ROTHBURY, this had been my only live experience with the Black Crowes. Needless to say, ROTHBURY blew that experience out of the water. In keeping with the M.O. of the weekend, the Black Crowes’ set was solid, bluesy and jam-tastic.
Les Claypool // Sherwood Court
I hung back in the media tent just behind the Sherwood Court stage where Primus‘ Les Claypool rocked it, but I heard it all crystal clear due to my proximity. I can only assume that Claypool wowed the crowd with his funky licks.
The Dead // The Odeum
My mother incorrectly assumed that I would miss The Dead. Moms. Well I proved her wrong, not just because these headliners didn’t have any competition (no was one was allowed to play during the same time slot), I even went so far as to show up to the main Odeum stage early to secure a decent spot and prepare myself for what was in store. I don’t think I’d ever seen so many individuals in an altered state as I had before and during The Dead’s set. The Dead’s following is one of the most devout I’ve ever come across – many of the people I’d met at ROTHBURY were Dead Heads through and through, following their idols across the country and back, despite ROTHBURY being their only summer performance. While I’m generally completely disinterested in jam bands, I was digging hard on The Dead; they’re simply classic. If you’re ever lucky enough to experience The Dead, do so. While the days of Jerry are before my time, I can’t see how a band could get any better.
Thoroughly exhausted by this point, I skipped out just a touch early from The Dead’s second set and made my way back to camp, a bit altered myself.
Stay tuned for the final day of ROTHBURY.
ROTHBURY: website | interview with
Photos: Jon Gitchoff
