Joel Cummins, the keyboardist for progressive rock powerhouse Umphrey’s McGee, is one of the most underrated players in the live music community. Often overshadowed by the virtuosic talent of guitarist Jake Cinninger and drummer Kris Myers, Cummins is UM’s secret weapon. He creates a variety of unique soundscapes with his arsenal of piano, organ, and synthesizers that helps shift the band’s sound from hard to progressive rock. Cummins is also often tasked with elevating UM’s vocal delivery with his spot-on harmonies.

With his varied musical talents in mind, it should come as no surprise that Cummins also excels as a solo performer, with his rare solo piano sets a playful combination of fun covers, instrumental pieces from classical composers and jazz legends, and, of course, beloved Umphrey’s McGee originals. At the 2018 iteration of Brooklyn Comes Alive, Cummins delivered one of his rare solo piano sets at Brooklyn Bowl, helping kick off the Sunday lineup in a big way. Opening with “In Memory Of His Father” by jazz pianist Bill Evans, Cummins unleashed well-executed covers of “Pour le Piano: Prelude” by Claude Debbusy, “Jesus, Etc.” by Wilco, and “Peg” by Steely Dan as well as an outstanding take on Umphrey’s classic “2×2”.

However, the clear highlight from Cummins’ solo piano set came at the tail end, when the keyboardist offered up a stunning arrangement of “Jessica” by The Allman Brothers Band. Cummins preceded this medley by mentioning that, while the Allman Brothers are one of Umphrey’s favorite bands and biggest influences, his bandmates rarely say yes when he suggests they play “Jessica” and that any opportunity he gets to play the song is in a live setting a pure treat. He also mentioned that his arrangement contained a special surprise for Umphrey’s fans.

About four minutes and twenty-two seconds into “Jessica”, Cummins made good on his promise, dropping directly into his gorgeous, long-lost instrumental “Orfeo”. The song is a fan-favorite that was performed many times by Umphrey’s McGee in their earlier years but has been transformed into a rarity since 2004, with only twenty-two appearances on Umphrey’s setlists in the past thirteen years. It is truly special when Cummins busts out “Orfeo”, and this was no different, taking the Brooklyn Comes Alive audience on an ethereal musical journey they won’t soon forget.

Watch “Jessica” into “Orfeo” into “Jessica” below, and experience Joel Cummins as he works his musical magic to make this unique arrangement shine.

To honor their 20th anniversary and the release of it’s not us, Umphrey’s McGee will hit New York City for a three-night run at the Beacon Theatre from January 19th through 21st, 2018. In addition to these highly anticipated shows, Live For Live Music is presenting two official after-shows featuring members of Umphrey’s as well as longtime collaborators of the band. Following the run opening performance on January 19th, Umphrey’s own Ryan Stasik and Joel Cummins will team up with Matt Jalbert and Isaac Teel of TAUK for a very special “Tauking McGee” show at the Highline Ballroom.

Ryan Stasik & Joel Cummins To Replace Brownie & Magner For Show With TAUK Members

The second after-party on January 20th will showcase a one-off super jam formed by DJ and longtime Umphrey’s McGee pal Wyllys. Dubbed “The Will To Live,” the band will find Rob Compa from Dopapod leading the charge on guitar, while Mike “Maz” Maher from Snarky Puppy lays down his impressive trumpet skills. Those familiar with Wyllys’ NY Hustler Ensemble will recognize three alumni: former Trey Anastasio Band & New York Hieroglyphics man Peter Apfelbaum will be on percussion for the evening, while guitarist Chris Cartelli from Newton Crosby and keyboardist Zac Lasher from U-Melt will round out the all-star cast.

Wyllys Taps TAB, Dopapod, & Snarky Puppy Members For Umphrey’s McGee Afterparty