This weekend’s Roosevelt Collier Colorado Get Down run almost had to be scrapped. WIth the 1up Colfax closing down its stage to focus on its traditional barcade roots, the concerts were left without a venue. Show organizers scrambled to find a suitable alternative.
Enter: Quixotes on 13th avenue, Denver’s prominent Grateful Dead themed bar. The two stage semi-dive is walking distance from the old venue and was more than willing to host the Get Down crew. The show would go on!
Roosevelt Collier, slide guitar master from The Lee Boys, has hosted several superjams in the Mile High State over the past two years, each featuring unique musicians from the entire jam band spectrum. This particular version of the Colorado Get Down’s ever-transforming lineup featured Bill Nershi of the String Cheese Incident, Joel Cummins from Umphrey’s McGee, Dave Watts of The Motet, and Matt Lapham of Shak Nasti.
The show opened with a slow, juicy rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” with just Roosevelt, Wattd and Lampham behind their instruments. Roosevelt’s slide is distinctive take on the traditional “Sacred Steel” sound which allows him to jump from smooth and soulful to exuberant energy in mere moments, creating an easily danceable experience.
Hendrix lead into several zippy slide and bass heavy jams, Lampham’s fast funk fingers combining with Watt’s thundering drums, and the core trio played for awhile before being joined by Joel Cummins and Bill Nershi. The full squad broke into an amazing interpretation of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Hot ‘Lanta,“ allowing Joel to play around melodically, crafting an organ sound while Nershi warmed up his fingers trading solos with Roosevelt. This was trailed by a rendition of “Born Under A Bad Sign,” lead by special guest Emily Clark of The Passing Fancy, who beautifully belted Albert King’s staple with passion. Bill Nershi laid into a classic bluesy solo, building around Roosevelt’s progression until eventually the two guitarists were trading licks.
One of the highlights in the evening was a slow, soulful and slide-full version of Umphrey’s McGee’s “Glory” followed, with Cummins resting easy on the keys initially while Roosevelt soared up and down along the neck of his pedal steel. Nershi jumped in following Roosevelt’s lingering notes, adding an absolutely beautiful lead that built into the crescendo. Listen to it below:
Another highlight was the group’s take on String Cheese Incident’s “Jellyfish.” Joel jumped into the key filled intro as Matt Lampham plodded the classic bass riff through the backbone of the tune, Nershi leading the well versed crowd in a sing along. Nershi ended the song by welcoming Collier to the “Jellyfish Club.”
Eventually the ensemble was joined by Jeremy Salken of Big Gigantic, who joined Dave Watts behind the skins, and the two rhythm masters broke into a couple freeform solos as before grooving into another slide heavy jam. All the musicians gelled easily as if they practiced together frequently, creating an positively impressive performance.
Roosevelt Collier’s Colorado Get Downs are always special experience and this particular arrangement is one of the most fun jamband collaborations around. Musicians thinking on their feet and reinterpreting some of their favorite songs allows the audience and the band to have a fresh and fun experience. We’re hoping to see to see many more Get Downs all over the country in the near future.
All photos courtesy of Jake Plimack Photography. Check out Jake’s full gallery below:
