Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Melvin Seals & JGB, 6/13 & 6/14/08, Humbrews

Melvin Seals & JGB
Friday the 13th of June, 2008
Humboldt Brews
Arcata, CA

Cats Under the Stars
Stop That Train
Lay Down Sally
Money Honey
Russian Lullaby
Lonesome and a Long Way From Home

Breadbox
Bright Side of the Road
Run For The Roses
That Lucky Old Sun
Sisters and Brothers
After Midnight >
Eleanor Rigby (instrumental) >
After Midnight

E: Werewolves of London



Melvin Seals & JGB
June 14, 2008 (Sat.)
Humboldt Brews
Arcata, CA

I Second That Emotion
Rhapsody in Red
Crazy Love
Evangeline
I Shall Be Released
Tangled Up In Blue

Tough Mama
Let It Rock
Ruben and Cerise
Simple Twist of Fate #
Don't Let Go
Sisters and Brothers >
Deal

E: Road Runner

# Stu played a Travis Bean, a rare and unique custom guitar with an aluminum neck, very similar to the one Jerry played in 1976 and early 1977

Melvin Seals (Hammond B-3, vocals), Stu Allen (guitar, vocals), Justin Purtill (bass), Mark Corsolini (drums), Judith Coleman & Mary Holland (background vocals)


Had a rollicking good time at Humbrews for a 2-night stand with Melvin & Co. This band is a true force to be reckoned with when firing on all cylinders, which they certainly were on both nights of this sold-out run. Melvin & Stu LOVE playing up in Humboldt, and the band definitely fed off the energy of the vocal appreciative crowd. I'm pleased to say that the new bassist and drummer are pretty much fully integrated into the catalog after only a few weeks on the job. Justin on bass is an especially good fit for this band, and his animated jazzy style is wonderfully synergistic with Melvin & Stu's special chemistry.

Stu just seems to get better and better every time I see this band. Melvin's B-3 was nicely up in the mix, as it should always be. Not many songs were played, but each tune typically lasted 15 or more minutes with plenty of extended solo turns by both Stu and Melvin. Personal highlights on Friday were a bouncy Lay Down Sally, the powerful 1st-set-closer Lonesome..., and the last half of the 2nd set which featured a muscular After Midnight jam sequence, and then of course the Werewolves encore on Friday the 13th. Standouts on Saturday were too numerous to mention, and the whole 2nd set just took off from a punchy Tough Mama onward to the end. One song was repeated, Sisters and Brothers, but it's one of my personal favorites so no complaints here. The sound system at Humbrews has been vastly improved since the last time I saw a show there about 3 months ago. I'd have to say that this venue may now be my favorite Humboldt bar to see shows ~~ notwithstanding the caveats referred to below.

There were only a few downer moments in this otherwise stellar weekend of music. On Friday a couple of wasted out-of-control fuckwads were flailing in the crowd for much of the show, ruining the buzz for those who got whacked or slammed into. The bar evidently didn't have any bouncers who should've tossed these inconsiderate assholes pronto. (There's an entire thread in OS devoted to Sharla and Tom's bummer experience with clueless wooks on Saturday night ../439459/506843. html?1213687659#MB). Also, the ventilation system at Humbrews is totally inadequate ~~ folks were dripping with sweat both nights, esp. in the second set. Not to be discriminatory, but shows at Humbrews have evidently become wook magnets... I'd guess that a full one-third of the crowd was of the dreaded variety, and thankfully only a couple were of the rank type or head-swinging rope whippers.

A few Zoners and NelsonHeads were in attendance, esp. on Saturday when I hung with BudBoy and Budgirl, Purplemeadow & Beth, Sharla & Tom, Greg, Anne, Jason, Bob, and my Petrolia show-mates Maureen and TaperCharlie. Brook & Chris were there on Friday but not the next night. There were at least 3 tapers each night, so I imagine these shows will hit etree or LMA within a reasonable amount of time. Also, I saw Matanaska & Karen in Arcata on Saturday before me and my friends hit the Oyster Festival that afternoon. All in all, a great weekend of music and fun up here in Humboldt. Now, if only something can be done in Arcata about the seasonal influx of transient wooks on the summer festival circuit...

(Sorry folks, no pics. I purposely left my camera at home this time...)

Thank you for taking the time to write a review Gary. I sure miss Arcata minus the infestation of wooks you mention. Also last year was in town for the Oyster fest and it has gotten so popular & packed I had to leave. Hope it wasn't that way for you this year.
Have to see this band what with your review and Peter's unbridled passion for these guys. That's two opinions I respect and sounds like I've been missing out on the fun ...

Garyfish, thanks SO much for taking the time to write this review! You know I would have been there if I could, and your review and setlist help make up for missing it...I don't think they've played Lucky Old Sun, Road Runner, or Werewolves of Londone for quite a long time. Cool! Patrick, this band plays in Fairfax on Friday, then up in Truckee on Saturday, along with Rainmaker and Moon Alice. How long is the drive from Modesto to Truckee?

Gadzooks!! I'm heading to Tahoe on Sunday for camping and to see Blue Turtle Seduction. Peter I heard you were contemplating the Turtle action and was half expecting to see you there. Might need to head up a day earlier to catch JGB & Moon Alice. I had no idea that was happening and thanks so much for the heads up!! See ya soon hopefully ...