Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Brings the Heat at the Stone Pony

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead has always brought the heat with their incredible Grateful Dead covers, and this show-stopping performance at The Stone Pony showcased their strengths to perfection.

Joe Russo laid down an authoritative beat as “Uncle John’s Band“/”Saint of Circumstance” kicked off its second set. Keyboardist Marco Benevento added thick organ and spring reverb textures while saxophonist Branford Marsalis seamlessly slotted in with the other players by picking up melodies and dropping them back in with ease.

The Band

The Band remains one of the most revered bands in rock history, revered for their outstanding musicianship in both guitar and songwriting. Their multiplatinum album Hotel California remains popular among aspiring guitarists and rock enthusiasts.

After their initial success, The Band experienced creative and artistic decline. Their fourth album Cahoots proved an ineffective misfire; Levon Helm’s heart attack later that same year officially brought an end to The Band as well as all hopes for future musical collaboration between its members.

JRAD paid their late drummer the ultimate tribute with this timeless tune from their only album featuring all Robertson-credited songs: North Lights – Southern Cross. Danko brings to life this tale of stardom’s poisoned cup through her emotive vocals.

Tom Hamilton

At 24, Hamilton was working 80-hour weeks, calling local high school sports competitions and Class-A Appleton Foxes baseball games for 25 dollars a game, sometimes even broadcasting Big Ten football when necessary.

His and his wife chose Bay Village because it has strong resale value; but neither anticipated that their investment would endure for 35 seasons.

JRAD brought their version of “Playin” into an upbeat jazz space with Benevento’s Rhodes taking center stage among staccato tapping from bassist Dave Dreiwitz and guitarist Tom Hamilton. As their performance evolved into an intricate dance before returning back into its groove, JRAD reached an exciting crescendo that only culminated with its own version.

Joe Russo

Joe Russo, drummer for Grateful Dead tribute band JRAD, offers an innovative style of improvisation that blends psychedelic rock with jazz. Additionally, Joe plays as half of Benevento/Russo Duo as well as Tom Hamilton’s American Babies, Danjaboots, Fat Mama & Younger Brother bands.

He has directed numerous films and animated music videos, his distinctive style having struck an emotional chord with audiences all around the globe – placing him among the top-grossing directors of his era.

Scotty Metzger

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead packed The Anthem last night with their eclectic Grateful Dead covers, sending chills down guests’ spines with their otherworldly improvisations and signature cover tunes from The Grateful Dead’s catalog. Fresh from two nights at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater recently, they brought the heat with an unforgettable performance!

After taking a brief intermission, the band returned for an extended performance of “Uncle John’s Band.” Starting off with an easygoing groove, funk was soon introduced through Hamilton’s envelope filter work that eventually led into more animated duets with Metzger.

“Wharf Rat” began their performance with an elegant rendition, set against a backdrop of stars, which featured an intriguing tease from “Here Comes Sunshine.” From there they quickly leapt into high gear: starting off with Cannon’s Jug Stompers “Viola Lee Blues” before transitioning into more psychedelia as their dreamy improv with Rhodes and synth blossomed into an intoxicating bliss jam.

Joe Benevento

JRAD is the premiere Grateful Dead cover band. Comprised of drummer Joe Benevento from Furthur and Benevento/Russo Duo fame, bassist Dave Dreiwitz of Ween fame and guitarists Scott Metzger from Brothers Past and American Babies fame – JRAD provides controlled chaos through their blend of rock and jazz styles that bring energy and excitement to their catalogue.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead’s near-annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival after-party residency stands as testimony to their exceptional renditions of Grateful Dead songs, while also showing that they remain relevant today – with bands like Russo’s Almost Dead leading the charge!