Forum MVP Tea Posted February 23, 2015 Forum MVP Report Share Posted February 23, 2015 The kick-off in Asheville was simply breath-taking! I was worried about an over-sold condition and my recent experiences there just seemed to detract from my enjoyment of the music. The frigid temperatures came to the rescue and while it crowded up a bit for the 2nd set, I had much more space than I ever thought possible. Getting a chance to share the experience with a group of fantastic people made it that much more rewarding. The band was on fire from the jump and puerile psychedelia simply roared from the stage. From the Cyrptical Suite in the 1st set to the Dark Star voyage and relentless energy through the end of Viola Lee, my cup got filled and the band was somehow just getting started. Not much more I can say about Charlotte that hasn't already been said. A simply perfect show – a freaking walk-off shot. A frenzied pace with just enough room to physically express the music as if it was written in my soul. The 2nd set launch in to Help was almost too much – especially since we began to feel caged. A head-shake was not going to do it and we knew it. I told Rude, “let’s find some space to the left.” He said, “Dood – let’s go right!” As we snaked our way to the side and then looked towards the back we saw this absolute crush of humanity. This is usually not something I want to go towards especially when leaving already cramped quarters. Upon further observation, it was a wall of folks that looked like a tidal wave of pure unified energy. I swear it looked like everyone went from the floor to the ceiling. As soon as we got there, we got absorbed into the mass and the rest of the evening simply defies my explanation. I’ve been in good packets of the Big Dance many times before but this was on a scale that made my jaw hit the floor. The show selection and the associated joy notwithstanding, by the time it was over it felt like everyone had been life-long friends. The whole band just laid it all on the line and made sure they gave it everything they had. There were some huge grins up there – some of the widest smiles I had ever seen I was totally gassed, knees screaming, beyond dehydrated. I wondered how on earth I could last another night that resembled anything like that experience. Great times with great folks in Raleigh. Despite numerous attempts by me to mar day 3 (wrong hotel, missing ID and credit card and an attempt to play bumper-cars in a parking lot) a tasty, relaxing pre-game meal with Poetry Girl and her group was my/our reward. The show was a little more straightforward than the last 2 nights but it was DSO at its finest. The demise of the delicate flower was miscalculated as I actually felt like I was somehow getting stronger as the show wore on. The end of the 1st set was a highlight starting with an absolute ripping Jack Straw followed by the debut of Love in the Afternoon. This tune was not universally lauded by the Raleigh contingent, but I was psyched to see the bustout and marvel at the intricate playing needed to pull this one off. Cloud 9 again. Then came the Let It Grow – it snaked around a bit and then leapt forward towards a miraculous finish. A monster Shakedown outta the gate. A Monster funk-groove inside and out! Women was particularly spirited and while it stayed on the rails for the most part, it had a pace that was hard to keep up with. A spacey, deliberate Crazy Fingers eventually wound its way into Lost > Saint. I’ve seen my fair share of these over the last couple years and these were right there. Simply brilliant stuff. I had to rehydrate during Drums although Rude said he had no choice but to keep going – and on he did go. Like a man possessed. Highlight of the 2nd set for me was the Alligator! Just wonderful – I was laughing my ass off it was so damn good! It loped around and then sped into a blissful Mtn. Jam segment before crashing into the finale. Blinding lights, thick bass, relentless fanning, and a drumbeats that were as heavy as cinderblocks in the dryer. A poingant World to Give with a flurry of a finish ushered a very soulful Fantasy. Fantastic harmonizing! Round-n-Round kept things at a feverish pace and then entered a quiet scat segment to add to the build-up. Round and round it went and then just blew up and ripped me to literal shreds. Got to gasp a bit until the Weight surfaced for the encore. Really great to see hear Lisa and Skip get their vocal due during this one – jut aced it. MUCH love to the band and crew for the 3-day levitation – I’m so thankful for them being able to share this joy with everyone. I didn’t really have time to write this but I did it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Rude Posted February 23, 2015 Forum MVP Report Share Posted February 23, 2015 What he said!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP PoetryGirl Posted February 23, 2015 Forum MVP Report Share Posted February 23, 2015 Can't say it any better than Rude. Great review Tea!!! and much appreciation to the whole DSO team for the wonderful experience. 9 degrees never felt so warm. Actually I have no other 9 degree days to compare it to but I will go with it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.