LouieB

It's so early that it is a deterrent to getting up and seeing this, but if you can take half a day off to do it this it is a very worthwhile time. Hamid proves time and again he may be the best drummer in the world. Zerang is no slouch either, but Hamid can do so much without ever breaking a sweat. Between his amazing technique and the crazy rhythms he produces, he totally blows away any other drummer I can think of and we all know some pretty amazing ones. Mike Reed was there this morning and I bet he just sits there thinking of all the stuff he can borrow for his own work. LouieB

Chicago is great. Strangest VC thread ever. LouieB

I managed to make it to the last of three Winter Solstice shows put on by drummers Hamid Drake and Michael Zerang this morning at 6 AM. I highly recommend these performances (too late this year). Each year (24 and counting) they just keep getting better and better and there is no better showcase for the unbelievable drumming and percussion that Hamid does. They are both fantastic, but Hamid is a force of nature (and a super nice guy.) LouieB

I saw him open for Tina Turner on her final tour. He was very good. His records were a college staple when I was a youngster. I can tell you this; this dying shit has to stop. RIP Joe. Great performance in the Woodstock movie as I recall. LouieB

I liked his version of Dixie. Good one. LouieB

Wow, I don't even remember writing some of this stuff from nearly 10 years ago. We is getting old. LouieB

I totally get that you need a seat and so you go to the balcony. As one of the oldest people both here and at the shows I could have used a seat last night myself. It is certainly fine to spend the bulk of the show in your seat and not intentionally piss people off by standing when the majority are sitting. I would be pissed too. But by the first fake rock encore which is the big conclusion of the show, why not stand and show some appreciation for the effort that has been put out by the band. You would not do that at a classical or jazz show maybe and certainly not at a Broadway type show,

I decided not to go to the balcony because even during the encores a lot of folks up there refused to stand up. Meanwhile on the second level on the mail floor I had a "company in my back" moment last night. Sometimes you just can't win either way. Last night was my last show (50%er here) and enjoyed the shit out of it with some friends. Always good to hear Hotel Arizona. It's a great rave up tune that gives the band some time to air it out. LoueiB

No Jolly Banker? It's a real Winterlude out there on the sidewalks of Uptown today. Don't slip. LouieB

Hey Jamaciaplain. Used to have a friend who lived there. LouieB

Some covers are definitely fun. LouieB

This is correct. There was lots of overlap last residency and this one Jeff announced would not include every cut from every album. I am sure there are a few he just doesn't care to play at all anymore. LouieB

Yea you are right. I'm ridiculous. I have been reading these discussions for years and the answer to every issue is - I didn't say that. Well I didn't say that either. LouieB

Jeff announced during night three that there were going to overlaps and that unlike the last Chicago Riv residency it is NOT everything they have ever recorded. LouieB

The Sinatra album story made the NBC evening news last night. This is both not news and barely interesting. I guess on some level it is cool he wants to do an album that is done in the old style, no overdubs etc. Maybe it will get the Lady Ga Ga / Tony Bennett crowd. LouieB

He said the schools are making out like bandits and he has no children. Schools rarely make out like bandits and not having kids is no reason you don't pay taxes. LouieB

Sounds like a fun show. I would be a zombie today if I went last night too. LouieB

My favorite part of this thread is Hixter saying he didn't say something he said. LouieB

Sorry I missed the joke. I should not even be reading this at work. LouieB

Oh I get it, only people with children should pay for schools. And if you can't pay then I guess your kids don't get educated. I love the word Dickensian. LouieB

Dawned on Me was a total earworm from last night. I woke up singing this one. And yes the acoustic encore was far better than Friday. Really nice touch. LouieB

These are not even obscure. So weird. LouieB

Well Dylan has never done it nice and easy. Going out with a series of "folk"/acoustic type albums would be great. LouieB

Really good show. Feed of Man was the highlight for me. LouieB

I used to play Autumn Leaves on my accordion. No one would ever want to hear that. Not sure why any of us needs this either. Having said that, I'll probably buy it. LouieB