This past weekend saw Umphrey’s McGee‘s first performances of 2021 as the band went live for the Wrapped Around Nashville streaming series. The three-night run was recorded live at drummer Kris Myers‘ home studio in the Music City. On Tuesday, Umphrey’s McGee shared a video of “Wappy Sprayberry” into “Front Porch” taken from Saturday, February 6th.
“Wappy Sprayberry” kicked off set two on Saturday, the final set of the weekend. The song has been played a total of 261 times since its 9/17/02 debut and presented a familiar terrain. Starting off with its earworm riff from bassist Ryan Stasik, the song immediately opened up into a wide-open environment that allowed each member to infinitely explore while also somehow remaining tethered to the song with intermittent descents into stadium-rock power chord riffs.
Related: Umphrey’s McGee Shares Acoustic “Final Word” From ‘Wrapped Around Nashville’ [Watch]
The odyssey of “Wappy Sprayberry” ultimately gave way to the juggernaut of “Front Porch”, which takes up the bulk of the newly shared video. The song was another well-worn selection that the band knew intimately, played a total of 258 times since 5/21/98. With deeply serene valleys that continuously gave way to dizzying peaks of improvisation, “Front Porch” provided an idyllic set two playground for Umphrey’s McGee to explore.
Watch Umphrey’s McGee perform “Wappy Sprayberry” into “Front Porch” during the Wrapped Around Nashville stream on February 6th, 2021, directed by Keith Griner.
Umphrey’s McGee – “Wappy Sprayberry” > “Front Porch” – Nashville, TN – 2/6/21
[Video: Umphrey’s McGee]
Umphrey’s McGee’s Wrapped Around Nashville is now available for On-Demand viewing at a reduced price ($9.99 per show or all three for $19.99). All three shows will remain available until Sunday at Noon ET for a little extra viewing. Here’s a preview of Saturday’s show to satiate you in the meanwhile. Grab your full-show streams here.