Umphrey’s McGee is hosting up-and-coming jam heroes Spafford on a number of dates this Winter and Spring. The two bands teamed up in Richmond, Virginia last night at The National for their first of two nights. Both bands are known for their compositional fluidity, seamless transitions, and extended jamming, making for a great pair all around.
Umphrey’s set started off with a rare combination of “Mantis Ghetts” > “Mantis” into “Thin Air” after starting with “Andy’s Last Beer.” The first set also included the 6th ever version of “Draconian.” Second set also brought an “In The Flesh” > “Another Brick In The Wall” Pink Floyd pair from The Wall, before jamming into “Ringo”, “Tribute to the Spinal Shaft”, and “The Fuzz”, possibly hinting at a theme for the night’s setlist considering the day’s earlier events with the Inauguration. The set ended with “Final Word” back into “Mantis”, before returning for a “Glory” > “Kid Charlemagne” encore.
Similarly, Spafford opened their set with “America” to honor the historical day.
Thanks to taper opsopcopolis, you can enjoy both shows below:
Check out Spafford’s tour schedule below, including all dates with Umphrey’s McGee and more!
[photo by Phierce Photo at The Tabernacle]