Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: 4-6-2007 - Railroad Earth @ Fox Theatre, Boulder

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Fox Theatre
Boulder, Colorado
April 6, 2007

Support: The Duhks

Railroad Earth:

1st set:

Bread and Water
Old Dangerfield
Peace on Earth
Mission Man
Old Man and the Land
Mourning Flies
Lordy, Lordy
Daddy-O
Luxury Liner

2nd set:

Dance Around Molly -->
Dandelion Wine
Like a Buddha
For Love
Big Sciota *
Long Way To Go *
Black Bear *
Reuben's Train **
Little Rabbit **

Encore:

Up on the Hill **

* with Bill Nershi on guitar

** with Bill Nershi on guitar and Vince Herman on guitar and vocals
(yes, he sang during "Little Rabbit")


A fine quality evening of music, with a few new tunes, some spirited playing, and a few cameos. The 70+ minute first set was strong all the way around, with the band loosening up their chops on a kicking "Old Dangerfield", then shifting into all cylinders on a soaring "Peace On Earth." "The Old Man & The Land" was both crisp and relaxed, with the reggae tempos effectively augmenting Carbone's fiddle. "Mourning Flies" is not normally a favorite, but last night's rendition was in full bloom, with rich touches by Goessling's banjo and Skehan's mandolin. The set capping cover of Gram Parsons' classic "Luxury Liner" simply smoked! Torrid solos from Tim Carbone and John Skehan flowed with immense energy: In fact, Carbone was a firecracker all night.

As for the cameos in the 75-minute second set, Bill Nershi did well overall, but there were a few moments where I felt he could have laid back. However, he and Carbone had numerous musical conversations and trade-offs, and both were clearly having fun. Nershi played slide on a sweet-n-tasty "Black Bear."

As for Vince Herman...well, he was rather lit up like a Christmas tree; stumbling onto the stage a couple of verses into a driving "Reuben's Train"! However, his cameo took the band by surprise, as Skehan had a "hello" look and big smile on his face upon seeing Vince. Nick pointed out that the onstage vibe changed, and I concurred; as Vince started doing his ad-lib verses and promoted RRE almost to the point of cheesiness. I also felt he stepped on Todd Shaeffer in the vocal department; and it became a "Vince-and-friends" pick-n-show because he literally took over the stage, and did it in a sloppy-stoned fashion. YMWV here, but when it came time for the encore, I was almost hoping Vince wouldn't return. However, it was way cool to hear Vince lead the band through John Hartford's "Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie" (also a longtime staple in Leftover Salmon's repertoire), but I had to admit that I was in the mood for one more RRE nugget. No matter...the show was fun and was high quality overall, even if Vince annoyed me a touch.

Looking forward to tonight at the Gothic Theatre; and hoping for plenty of Earth nuggets.

Great review as always, John. I always look forward to reading your posts here.

Sorry to hear about the Vince Herman annoyance at the end of the show. I've seen Vince twice in the last 6 months with his band Great American Taxi, and I had a blast both times. Sure, he mighta been a tad wasted during those shows, but he brings that good-time energy that's infectious and FUN.

But I have to agree with you -- if I went to a RRE show, I'd wanna get the band I paid to see, not some lit-up guest artist hijacking the show.

Hopefully you'll get an even better show tonite. Onward!!

Hey, Gary, did that package arrive in the mail?

John - Ive always felt Vince Herman is the Chris Farley of the jamband world

JJW, you going tonight too?

>>>Hey, Gary, did that package arrive in the mail?

Haven't checked my P.O. Box yet today. Bet it's there, tho. Lookin' forward to it. THANKS, in advance, John!!

Gettin' ready to go see New Monsoon tonite, a 2-hour drive north.

nice review john.

Bread and Water opener?...lol. sweet.

Up on the Hill!!!!

Sweet!!

The world needs more Hartford!

>>Vince Herman is the Chris Farley of the jamband world<<

Ha ha! Good comparison

Looking forward to Portland on Friday!! It can't get here soon enough!

Glad to hear the show in Boulder was fun. Was there any cross polination with the Duhks? Im hoping for soma that in SLC and Boise

cachesoul...I just posted a review of Saturday night, and you'll find your Duhks answer there.

Have fun in SLC tonight!

thanks for the review John. We are looking forward to the 3 nights we will have these guys, with 2 at the Great American Music Hall, can't wait!

Rob...have a blast at your shows!