Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD for short), has earned recognition as a premier interpreter of Grateful Dead music. Comprised of drummer Joe Russo, Ween bassist Dave Dreiwitz, American Babies guitarist Tom Hamilton and Marco Benevento (keyboardist), this group delivers fiery Dead tunes with an intensity that must be experienced live to truly appreciate.

The band

JOe Russo’s Almost Dead has earned an impeccable reputation as an interpreter of Grateful Dead music. Consisting of Furthur drummer Russo and bassist Dave Dreiwitz of Furthur as well as guitarist Marco Benevento from Ween and vocalist Scott Metzger from American Babies; together these artists perform fierce, primal Dead with an intensity only experienced live.

On the eve of their seven-night run at Madison Square Garden (MSG), The Quintet set up shop on NYC’s rooftop for an afternoon of psychedelic music. After their opening set ended with “Playing in the Band,” Branford Marsalis took to the stage again for another exciting performance of “Throwing Stones.” Marsalis has made headlines as part of The Dead since 2013, so his presence brought magic to Pier 17 rooftop. During its climactic solo section lightning flashed across Pier 17 roof–something that made for unforgettable music.

Setlists

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead returned from three nights of Jazz Fest performances in New Orleans with a fresh setlist, opening their performance with “Terrapin.” They continued that theme through most of the first set until finally softly opening with “Wharf Rat.”

Benevento’s Rhodes shone bright in this jazzy space, joined by guitarist Tom Hamilton and bassist Dave Dreiwitz (my personal MVP of the night). As this jam built to its crescendo before sliding into funk territory with Hamilton and Metzger singing along.

“Scarlet Begonias” followed in this same vein with an impressive extended jam that showcased their impressive exploration of psychedelia, leaving plenty of room for Metzger’s wonderful vocals to shine. This set the scene for what would soon become an amazing night full of stretching out their musical muscles in ways not seen since their last NYC gig.

Photos

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead — a Grateful Dead cover band led by Furthur drummer Joe Russo — provides infectious and uplifting music, along with an unconventional set flow that creates a truly compelling show. Formed in 2013 by Joe Russo, Ween bassist Dave Dreiwitz, Benevento/Russo Duo keyboardist Marco Benevento, Brothers Past, Ghost Light and American Babies guitarist/vocalist Tom Hamilton as well as Scott Metzger (who has toured with John Mayer as John Scofield Warren Haynes Anders Osborne Phil Lesh Shooter Jennings LaLa Brooks). Joe Russo’s Almost Dead has established its own loyal following while tapping into legions of Deadheads who love them both artists/band.

JRAD won over audiences this past weekend at both Brooklyn Bowl in New York City and Vail, Colorado as part of a three-show run. Our gallery contains photos, fan videos and full show audio from these shows; for more on JRAD visit their website; they’re currently on tour and will play Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor this coming Sunday.

Videos

On a warm pre-Phish NYC afternoon at Pier 17, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) took to the stage for two fiery sets. JRAD expertly displayed all of the Grateful Dead’s rich songbook with its many strengths highlighted through an almost nonstop second set that went from instrumental prelude, soul stirring “Terrapin”, to dancey and boogie numbers featuring incendiary bass from Dave Dreiwitz and introspective guitar work from Tom Hamilton (American Babies Ghost Light).

JRAD has earned its place among the Grateful Dead’s most esteemed interpreters for good reason. A unique style of cover band, they rely on their musicality and devoted following to set themselves apart from more generic tribute acts. Formerly formed as Ween drummer Dave Dreiwitz’s guitar/drum duo Furthur, now including Ween keyboardist Marco Benevento’s keyboard playing as well as Scott Metzger from Brothers Past and American Babies on vocals/guitar with full show audio/fan shot videos below!