Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: 9/28/2007 - Railroad Earth @ Gothic Theatre

Setlist taken from the Earthboard Yahoo list...

September 28, 2007
The Gothic Theater
Englewood, Colorado

Support: Hot Buttered Rum

Railroad Earth:

1st set:

RV
Carrying Coal to Newcastle -->
Mighty River
THe Royal Toe
Drag Him Down
Crossing the Gap
Magic Foot -->
Luxury Liner

2nd set:

Butterfly and the Tree
420 Hornpipe
Just So You Know
Acadian Driftwood
Goat *
The Good Life
Peace on Earth **
Seven Story Mountain
My Sisters and Brothers ***

Encore:

Ragtime Annie Lee

* with horn section consisting of Dan Sears on trumpet, Eric Yates on
alto saxophone and Andy Goessling on tenor saxophone

** with Zachary Matthews on mandolin

*** with Zac on mandolin and the aforementioned horn section


I'm glad that last night's Phil show has plenty of positive reviews, and I'm sorry I missed it.

That said, this show last night flat-out smoked! From the start of the spirited new tune "RV" right down to the "Ragtime Annie Lee" encore (vocals by Andy Goessling), The Earth threw it down with a combination of crisp musicianship, warmth, loads of heart and great comaderie with the Hot Buttered Rum lads, who did a fine job opening with an hour spirited set of their own. Both Andy Goessling and Tim Carbone made cameos, chipping in clarinet and fiddle respectively. There were folks in the crowd there for HBR, and I didn't see a single one that wasn't sastified.

First set highlights for me was the "Carrying Coal To Newcastle" > "Mighty River" combo, which was surprisingly compact. And one of the best covers being done today is RRE's treatment of Gram Parsons' compact "Luxury Liner", sizzled and stir-fried with pizazz. However, I knew the band would dig deeper for their second set.

The 90-minute second set & encore started with a flowing "Butterfly & The Tree", but where I was stoked was their sweet take of The Band's "Acadian Driftwood", played with a faithfulness to the original version, but with unique touches, such as Goessling's pennywhistle, and verses being swapped by Todd Shaeffer, the always-dynamic fiddler Tim Carbone, and the sturdy-as-nails drummer Carey Harmon. Next came another treat: The rare "Goat", boasting a three-man horn section between Goessling, HBR's Eric Yates and Dan Pagea on trumpet, adding a unique raw flavor to one of the band's most underrated tunes. Later, a smiling Zach Matthews of HBR chipped in some mando on a dance-your-face-off "Peace On Earth", with John Skehan encouraging Zach throughout and giving him cues. Of course, "Seven Story Mountain" is one of the definitive RRE tunes, and this one had a cool mid-section featuring Carbone's slicing fiddle over Carey Harmon's tribal rhythms.

That said, perhaps the treat of the show was a joyous cover of "My Sisters & Brothers" with all the forementioned guests. Shaeffer encouraged everyone to put their arms around each other and sway, while he improved some additional gospel-ish lyrics and swaying along. For nine minutes, the positive energy and vibes literally exploded off the stage, and the horn section made it that much cooler. The whole band and crowd was one giant, warm grin. A quick-and-rippin' "Ragtime Annie Lee" was the last soupcon of spirit.

While I look forward to Red Rocks today, there is a side of me that is sorry I cannot see Night Two, because the Earth will bring it again! Two key syllables: KILLER!

Damn, "Acadian Driftwood", and then a horn section too.

Oh well, can't see all the shows (try as I might). Time to start looking for the torrent.

Considering what was not played, tonight looks to be equally "epic".

Thanks for the review, JJW. Much more than a "soupcon", to be sure.

;-)

Excellent Review John. That was one of the better concerts Ive seen.

Indeed you can't catch 'em all, Posthead. Sorry I missed the Viola Lee sandwich and Golden Road!

The show is already up for download:

http://cotapers.org/torrents.php