Fine Art of Music
Umphrey’s McGee goes beyond jam band
by Andrew Hitz
 |
Before you turn your nose up at something you’re unfamiliar with, give Umphrey’s McGee a chance. Many people are put off by the whole concept of a jam band: The soaring guitar solos, 20 minute improvisational jams and multiple set shows are just a bit too unpredictable for some music fans. But more often than not, it seems to be hipsters and music prudes who hate on the jam bands.
Improvisation and diversity are what Umphrey’s thrives on. They cover everything from Snoop Dogg to Wilco and they do it with extreme precision and their own Umph flair. Though the band members bring their own interests and influences to the table, ultimately, they all bow a knee to the rock and roll gods.
“We all basically subscribe to the gospel of Axel Rose and Slash,” says frontman Brendan Bayliss. “We all fundamentally love rock and roll. But I think any time you get six cooks in a kitchen you’re not just going to have one ingredient.”
The light shows and overt psychedelic dynamic that comes with Umphrey’s performances suggest that indeed they are a jam band, but lead guitarist Jake Cinnegar’s display of classical shred ability hints at the fact that these guys are more prog rock than anything else. I mean, the guy’s a black metal snob.
More important than being able to recognize certain lyrics or nodding your head to a familiar hook is being able to appreciate the raw, unadulterated, individual talent that each Umphrey’s member possesses and the beauty and grace with which they interweave those different skills. The band even has hand gestures that they communicate with while on stage; my favorite is the provocative “milk it” gesture, used to indicate the extension of shreddy guitar solos or the enhancement of juicy riffs.
Bayliss is tentative to label their shows as a form of performance art, but that’s just the humble Midwesterner coming out.
“We just kind of wake up, put on our shoes and go play a rock show,” Bayliss says, after suggesting that he would classify performance art as something more “cerebral.” (Funny, I’m still trying to peel my cerebrum off the ceiling of the McDonald Theatre from last year’s show.) In all seriousness, the genius and technical ability that goes into their improvisations, coupled with their amazing light shows, make them as close to a fine art exhibit that the McDonald is likely to see.
Umphrey’s McGee 8 pm Thursday, Oct. 7. McDonald Theatre • $20
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519