Tedheadone
09-15-2010, 10:24 AM
I really don't like starting a trip in the afternoon...everything was a little behind schedule in the AM, but with new windshield and tires, I set out for Ellsworth. The ride is easy, the new tires eliminate a little shake = about 5 MPH faster inadvertently...better keep my eyes open for The Man. It is really amazing that after Portland or so, it really turns into the Pine Tree state. I reach Bangor and check into a perfectly fine Motel 6, get squared away, and move out for the final press to Ellsworth. All of a sudden, around a curve, a firetruck is blocking the road for a detour...apparently a bad accident ahead...but it is not a major delay at all. Hitting town, and turning onto Main St, it is a long straight hill down into the commercial district, and the theater is well lit. Figuring I"ll get exterior shots later, I head in and there's a crowd in the lobby. I had noted that I had paid for this show, but had no ticket, no email, and turns out no ticket with the lady with the tix baskets working the line. she directs me to the box office and I am in the computer. I decide to stay there instead of sliding back to the end, :-) , and work my way to ther concession stand, where I buy dinner. A $3 bag of popcorn. Soon enough, the soundcheck is over and doors open and folks scramble for seats. I'm less concerned... The Grand is an old school theater, no balcony, recessed red lights along the top of the walls, and a sellout tonight.
Opener Hot Day at The Zoo is a 4 piece bluegrass. Mandolin, bass, banjo and guitar. The bass is electric slim cutaway, but worn strapped. They get it on, and soon enough a group of Maine-iacs get up and get their bluegrass funk on. Not a pretty sight for an out-of-towner. Soon enough, TooFarNorth, having travelled a little South, joins me.There is a Hendrix cover of Foxy Lady, which, to my untrained ears, is only recognizable by the lyrics. But the homeys love it, it's all good.
After this set, a few of the dancers linger, and I tell TFN, it's time to move and we capture a spot on the rail. Didn't really realize it, but we are right on mic. I worry about possible voyeurism charges. The Nocs take the stage, and John Ragone from B&L is filling in for Cat Popper tonight. She will be off attending to some family business until the Denver show in two weeks. This is an animal stretch....
Grace is wearing the white, belted "angel" dress and she really is angelic. 'Course we know better.... Matt is the only one of the guys wearing a jacket, so this must be the Maine formal look tonight. Kudo's to John, he has done his homework!
Highlights tonight:
What is it about Maine? This show was up there in Skowhegan territory. But, without puffery, without exaggeration, The Nocs just set the bar and then go over it. Kinda like an Olympic high jumper. Each time, trying to best the previous effort. There is zero sign of tiredness, in the band, in the voice, in the effort. Perhaps you tire of me telling you that Scott continues to amaze, that Matt adds new beats every night, that Benny is luxury glue, that the bottom is phat, and that Grace was, to the stage, born.
Joey: Crowd loves an old Fave
Hot Summer: Crowd is really rolling now. and might I add, I wasn't bumped, jostled, or elbowed once all night.
Oasis: This featured an absolutely mind blowin' Scottie solo that had jaws dropped. Best version to date. After, Scott went back to his amp, grabbed his hankerchief to wipe his brow and exchanged knowing smiles with Matt
Mary: sing along city
Tiny Light: None of the radio edit bullshit here, a long version, with an extended close, Scott leaving electric with a little feedback loop, as he and Benny grabbed acoustics, to slip into a Matt & John-less trio for...
Ain't No Time: First of three acoustic, great to hear.
Ragged: I love that this a treat for old fans, but, really, a treat for newer fans that may only know the new album. Ahem..speaking of treats..
Treat Me Right. Grace added a third acoustic fora transcendent version of this song. Could a quiet, acoustic song be the highlight of the night? Let me tell you, it was up there. I saw a taper, so I am hoping for this show to appear. The song floated on the guitars, which several times sounded on the verge of breaking into Bill Withers' "Use Me" but never crossing over. As it ended, Scottie looked at me with a smile, and I am sure he could read my lips as I mouthed "SPECTACULAR". I get goosebumps writing it....
Stop The Bus: Glorious in it's full form, only thing missing was the group jump, not seen for a long time. Just good times!
Paris: sing along city redux
NBTW: Never, not once, have I ever tired of hearing this song. I got in a closed eye, smiley face trance on Scott's solo.
Great night, Cat's missed, but the guys stepped up, harmonically speaking! Props to Benny for taking the high harmony on Apologies, to John for grabbing the song-opening harmony on Only Love, and Scott going low on Only Love.
Did I say Scott killed Oasis? Good, because I really meant to!
Total spaceshot, forgot to charge my batteries, AND the connector cable. Check back later for some pics if I can find a cord up here....
Okay...time to get my NORTH on.
Set list:
Joey
Hot Summer Night
Goodbye Kiss
Oasis
Apologies
One Short Night
Mary
Tiny Light
Ain't No Time (Scott and Benny Acoustic) No Matt or John for these three
Ragged Company (Scott and Benny Acoustic)
Treat Me Right (Trio Acoustic)
That Phone
It's Only Love
Bus
Medicine w/ Drums
////////////
Paris
White Rabbit
NBTW
Opener Hot Day at The Zoo is a 4 piece bluegrass. Mandolin, bass, banjo and guitar. The bass is electric slim cutaway, but worn strapped. They get it on, and soon enough a group of Maine-iacs get up and get their bluegrass funk on. Not a pretty sight for an out-of-towner. Soon enough, TooFarNorth, having travelled a little South, joins me.There is a Hendrix cover of Foxy Lady, which, to my untrained ears, is only recognizable by the lyrics. But the homeys love it, it's all good.
After this set, a few of the dancers linger, and I tell TFN, it's time to move and we capture a spot on the rail. Didn't really realize it, but we are right on mic. I worry about possible voyeurism charges. The Nocs take the stage, and John Ragone from B&L is filling in for Cat Popper tonight. She will be off attending to some family business until the Denver show in two weeks. This is an animal stretch....
Grace is wearing the white, belted "angel" dress and she really is angelic. 'Course we know better.... Matt is the only one of the guys wearing a jacket, so this must be the Maine formal look tonight. Kudo's to John, he has done his homework!
Highlights tonight:
What is it about Maine? This show was up there in Skowhegan territory. But, without puffery, without exaggeration, The Nocs just set the bar and then go over it. Kinda like an Olympic high jumper. Each time, trying to best the previous effort. There is zero sign of tiredness, in the band, in the voice, in the effort. Perhaps you tire of me telling you that Scott continues to amaze, that Matt adds new beats every night, that Benny is luxury glue, that the bottom is phat, and that Grace was, to the stage, born.
Joey: Crowd loves an old Fave
Hot Summer: Crowd is really rolling now. and might I add, I wasn't bumped, jostled, or elbowed once all night.
Oasis: This featured an absolutely mind blowin' Scottie solo that had jaws dropped. Best version to date. After, Scott went back to his amp, grabbed his hankerchief to wipe his brow and exchanged knowing smiles with Matt
Mary: sing along city
Tiny Light: None of the radio edit bullshit here, a long version, with an extended close, Scott leaving electric with a little feedback loop, as he and Benny grabbed acoustics, to slip into a Matt & John-less trio for...
Ain't No Time: First of three acoustic, great to hear.
Ragged: I love that this a treat for old fans, but, really, a treat for newer fans that may only know the new album. Ahem..speaking of treats..
Treat Me Right. Grace added a third acoustic fora transcendent version of this song. Could a quiet, acoustic song be the highlight of the night? Let me tell you, it was up there. I saw a taper, so I am hoping for this show to appear. The song floated on the guitars, which several times sounded on the verge of breaking into Bill Withers' "Use Me" but never crossing over. As it ended, Scottie looked at me with a smile, and I am sure he could read my lips as I mouthed "SPECTACULAR". I get goosebumps writing it....
Stop The Bus: Glorious in it's full form, only thing missing was the group jump, not seen for a long time. Just good times!
Paris: sing along city redux
NBTW: Never, not once, have I ever tired of hearing this song. I got in a closed eye, smiley face trance on Scott's solo.
Great night, Cat's missed, but the guys stepped up, harmonically speaking! Props to Benny for taking the high harmony on Apologies, to John for grabbing the song-opening harmony on Only Love, and Scott going low on Only Love.
Did I say Scott killed Oasis? Good, because I really meant to!
Total spaceshot, forgot to charge my batteries, AND the connector cable. Check back later for some pics if I can find a cord up here....
Okay...time to get my NORTH on.
Set list:
Joey
Hot Summer Night
Goodbye Kiss
Oasis
Apologies
One Short Night
Mary
Tiny Light
Ain't No Time (Scott and Benny Acoustic) No Matt or John for these three
Ragged Company (Scott and Benny Acoustic)
Treat Me Right (Trio Acoustic)
That Phone
It's Only Love
Bus
Medicine w/ Drums
////////////
Paris
White Rabbit
NBTW