Joe Russo kicked off the first of three shows at Three’s Brewing, in Brooklyn, NY, last Monday, September 14th. The residency will consist of two more Monday night sessions, where he will be playing with different musicians each night. Last night featured Robbie Seahag Mangano and, if the evening was any indication of what’s to come, it looks to be amazing series of performances.
Three’s Brewing is an awesome spot for food, beer and music. The brewpub features a long, comfortable bar that leads into an expansive and welcoming outdoor area. Three’s brews about half of the beer that they serve on tap themselves, and you can certainly taste the freshness.
Before the set, Mangano and Russo were doing sound checks and, from a quick glance, it appeared as though we were in for something special. The stage area was small and dimly lit, with about twenty people inside. When they got started, the set turned out to be an extremely refreshing and revitalizing set of music.
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No need for big amps or a light show here, just quality gear and a big board full of FX pedals. Mangano started it off, on guitar, with Russo maintaining a nice backbeat, combined with spacey loops. Mangano alternated between at least three different guitars, and he was frequently tapping his foot on his wide array of effects. The crowd gave the intimate show all the reverence it deserved, with very little talking or distractions; a far cry from the constant clamoring that happens at beer and bathroom lines at larger shows.
In between jams, the loudest sound in the room was the creaking of the stool that Russo sat on as he swiveled, checking his symbols. The evening was a real treat. Russo is a staple among the Dead family of musicians and we’re all thankful for what he brings to the table, in continuing the legacy of the Grateful Dead. This, however, was an opportunity to listen to him have fun and do his own thing, without any preconceived expectations.
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After many concerts, at larger venues, one can forget how good and powerful the sound of music can be in a smaller environment. The sound, in that small room, at Three’s Brewing, was incredible. The set was entirely improvisational, with Mangano and Russo going back and forth, exchanging lead roles. Each of them played well off of each other and they both took their moments to shine. A majority of the set had a rather spacey vibe to it, but the duo certainly kept you on your toes. At times, Russo would absolutely let loose with an awe-inspiring drum solo. By the end of their set, the duo had established quite the groove and even with the appropriately quiet environment the audience couldn’t help but get down and rock out a bit.
Nothing can replicate the sound of an amazing drummer, playing just a few feet away. It was the type of jam session that musicians play when they’re not performing in front of large crowds. Russo’s Dead projects are fantastic, but last night’s show was a nice step back. Sometimes the jam scene has a tendency to get too convoluted, with fans arguing whether John K or Trey should play GD50. Small shows have the ability to make the music seem tangible again, reminding us of why it’s all so powerful and important.
It should be interesting to see how each show varies, considering Russo is working with different collaborators for each show. Next Monday, September 21st, Russo will be playing with Jonathan Goldberger, picking up with their project Joe Russo’s Icy Bridge. Then, on Monday September 28th, he will be playing with Stuart Bogie and Scott Metzger. Overall, this residency at Three’s Brewing is an excellent opportunity to catch Joe Russo play in a smaller setting with some other amazing musicians, before Joe Russo’s Almost Dead’s run at the Brooklyn Bowl from October 2-4.