Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead was an irresistibly captivating band that brought deadheads of all ages together at The Sylvee. Composed of drummer Joe Russo, bassist Dave Dreiwitz, keyboardist Marco Benevento and guitarists Scott Metzger and Tom Hamilton; virtually every show they performed sold out.

The five-piece band initially focused on covering Grateful Dead songs, but their repertoire has expanded considerably over time. They launched their three-show tour this weekend with a wide array of musical styles.

The band’s core line-up

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead are an upbeat five-piece band dedicated to honoring the music of Grateful Dead with an unconventional set flow and upbeat attitude. Comprised of Furthur drummer Joe Russo; Benevento/Russo Duo keyboardist Marco Benevento; Ween bassist Dave Dreiwitz; Brothers Past guitarist Tom Hamilton and American Babies guitarist Scott Metzger who has played alongside John Mayer, Phil Lesh Warren Haynes Anders Osborne Shooter Jennings

Friday night’s performance began with a multi-minute instrumental jam that resulted in “Foolish Heart”. Following that, they went straight into opening with Jerry Garcia’s Cats Under the Stars classic as their opener before exploring other tunes such as Scarlet Begonias” and China Cat Sunflower from their first set repertoire. Even during such a short set, however, Steppenwolf debuted “Werewolves of London”, now an audience favorite at many shows; during set two they took audiences by surprise with an unexpected cover of The Zombies “Black Throated Wind”, that built into an epic rendition of Terrapin Station where both Hamilton Metzger offered stellar solos while Bogie mesmerized audiences with flute and saxophone solos while Bogie mesmerized with both flute and sax improvisations to mesmerize audiences during set two.

The band’s repertoire

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead doesn’t play by the rules set forth by their jamband peers; their approach to music doesn’t allow for them to limit themselves with just one songbook. This was evident during their three-night run at Port Chester, NY’s Capitol Theatre which included stripped down segment with Benevento on saloon piano and guitarists on twangy acoustic guitars; additional covers such as “Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line,” “Dire Wolf,” and “Jack-a-Roe.”

Although JRAD were only onstage for less than two hours, their nonstop set surpassed the venue‘s curfew and into a second night of performances. Metzger’s masterful vocal performance on “Hell in a Bucket” and the band‘s hearty rendition of “Viola Lee Blues” left fans wanting more.

JRAD’s versatility enables them to experiment with music from diverse genres, giving them the freedom to do things other more cohesive bands might shy away from trying. As they prepare for their Red Rocks gig with Umphrey’s McGee, look out for JRAD to expand its repertoire and explore uncharted musical territory.

The band’s sound

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) stands out among post-Grateful Dead bands by taking its music in different directions. Tom Hamilton, Scott Metzger, Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, and Joe Russo form an ensemble which goes far beyond merely regurgitating classic Dead repertoire.

JRAD kicked off their set with a lively rendition of “Playing,” beginning with its jam section featuring Benevento’s Rhodes against staccato tapping from Hamilton on guitar and Benevento’s Rhodes being joined by violinist Katie Jacoby’s beautiful violin playing adding another layer to this hard-charging theme. At its peak violinist Katie Jacoby joined to add some added beauty as it reached its climax before winding down for an exciting conclusion that left everyone applauding with great enthusiasm – an early sign that made an incredible show.

The band’s chemistry

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead lit up Asheville, NC’s Salvage Station on a midweek Wednesday for an energetic outdoor show that featured excellent improvisational music from Joe himself and his Almost Dead bandmates. Their confidence shone through with every note played – from start to finish it was clear they had found their footing!

The band began with a brief “Playin'” jam that transitioned into jazzy territory with Benevento’s Rhodes shining amid flurries of staccato taps from bassist Dave Dreiwitz and guitarist Tom Hamilton. This theme built to a crescendo before eventually petering out into mesmerizing, barroom-slovenly “Wharf Rat.”

With an impressive song selection and flawless execution, this band is quickly building itself into its own strong branch of musical performance. The dynamic between Russo, Benevento, Dreiwitz, Metzger and Hamilton is evident with every note they play together; and their unique takes on classic Grateful Dead songs prove refreshing to witness. It truly is breathtaking.