Event Reviews: February 2008

It takes a supreme talent to inspire fans to travel across the country for a gig, and Umphrey’s McGee delivers with progressive rock that consistently demonstrates a high level of instrumental prowess and stylistic diversity.

The jamband audience insists upon a progression of kinetic grooves; jazz listeners require remarkable, focused musicianship. The Charlie Hunter Trio didn’t have quite enough of either.

While New Monsoon's sound has a foundation in classic rock, the addition of Eastern, Latin, and world-music elements has given the band a unique flavor -- it’s that mix, perhaps, that has attracted a cult of followers known as “Storm Chasers.”

The band’s members ambled onto the Parish stage like it was just another gig, erasing 17 years of 'what-ifs' with the powerful "Ragamuffin Man".

Even as he's shooting down his chosen social sect, singer-guitarist Ezra Koenig comes across as the epitome of "educated cool."

The last time the Super Furry Animals played Philadelphia, they rode on stage in a golf cart. So, understandably, there’s an odd sense of trepidation as the small crowd notices that the stage is bereft of props.

With a voice that oozes classic rock and blues, the 24-year-old Potter is a talent light years beyond the Idol crowd.

Chin Chin’s collision of disco beats, Latin rhythms, soul-jazz grooves, and straight-up funkiness was never once overbearing, resulting in a progressive sound blended with just the right amount of crazy.