Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) Plays Red Rocks Amphitheater

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD), featuring keyboardist Marco Benevento, bassist Dave Dreiwitz, guitarist Tom Hamilton and vocalist Scott Metzger performed its inaugural show at Capitol Theatre last Saturday night. This band showcases high intensity interplay unlike official offshoots like Dead & Company or other tribute acts – it thrives off spontaneous improvisation!

Set One

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead made an unforgettable opening performance at The Eastern on Friday. Starting off strong with “Tennessee Jed”, JRAD effortlessly transitioned into “Playin.” As their groove deepened further and further, Rhodes licks from Benevento and staccato tapping by guitarist Tom Hamilton gave way to jazzy improvisations before returning back into funk territory at the conclusion of “HCS,” culminating with an explosive screaming peak!

After a bodacious first set, JRAD transitioned seamlessly to “China Cat Sunflower.” The song stretched for an extended jam session and provided ample opportunity for solos from Benevento, Hamilton and Metzger. As the intensity increased further, lightning flashed overhead, abruptly ending their show.

Set Two

On a humid afternoon, 3,500 fans filled The Eastern for two explosive sets from Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. As soon as they took the stage at 8pm, the band quickly launched into its signature grooves; opening with “Playing in the Band.”

The jam reached an intense climax before shifting back into funk territory with descending guitar licks from Hamilton and Rhodes stabs from Benevento, before building to an intense conclusion with crowd singing along.

After starting off the set with an enthralling performance of Tennessee Jed, the band launched into an electric version of “China Cat Sunflower.” As the jam progressed further and deeper, showcasing everyone’s talents – with Hamilton and bassist Dave Dreiwitz providing flurries of staccato tapping throughout.

Set Four

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) stands apart from other Grateful Dead side projects in several ways. JRAD stands in stark contrast to official offshoot Dead & Company and tribute band Dark Star Orchestra; instead, their quartet of longtime musical friends — drummer Mr. Russo, keyboardist Marco Benevento, guitarists Tom Hamilton and Scott Metzger as well as bassist Dave Dreiwitz — combine lively extemporaneity with eclectic instrumental songwriting techniques. On March 16 and 17, The Quintet rocked Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater with an unforgettable set of songs. Spacey textures and slide guitar riffs from Hamilton opened their second set, which soon evolved into an exhilarating “Black-Throated Wind.” Following that was an infectious jam on “Bertha.” A jazzy section saw Hamilton unleash Herbie Hancock-esque Rhodes stabs before they seamlessly segued into a rip-roaring “Bertha.” JRAD also included some old school Grateful Dead covers like an engaging rendition of “Truckin.”

Set Five

JRAD kicked off Set Five with an introspective rendition of “Wharf Rat,” which quickly evolved into an energetic jam featuring strong echoes of “The Other One.” As Hamilton faded away and settled into “Truckin'” – an ethereal Bob Weir song which heralded an airy atmosphere throughout the night – JRAD continued their performance on an atmospheric note that would become one of its major themes.

Soon thereafter, the quintet launched into a dynamic rendition of “Bertha,” featuring Metzger’s incredible vocals while giving Benevento, Hamilton, and Dreiwitz room to work their signature styles. From there it transitioned into jazzy territory as Benevento played piano licks alongside keyboardist and bassist as the theme reached an intense crescendo that fans of Grateful Dead music could appreciate. This would become a familiar theme throughout the night!