New Monsoon, 9/14/08

New Monsoon | Newby’s
Memphis, TN | September 14, 2008

New Monsoon returned to Memphis a few months after their successful March show, but this time they seemed to have taken a step backwards attendance-wise. Where the March show had a good crowd, it had thinned considerably this time around.

Fortunately, the band took it in stride and put on one hell of a show. “Mountain Air” was great, and “Double Clutch” had some really stellar guitar playing from Jeff Miller. “Song For Marie” gets more Allman-esque every time I see it as well – they’re really developing this tune into one that is a show-stopper.

The two songs that really stuck out for me, though, were “Wooden Ships” and “Painted Moon.” With a smaller crowd, they took the time to test-drive “Wooden Ships,” the Crosby, Stills and Nash tune. I thought they did a really good job. Because of CSN’s vocals, it’s a tough tune to tackle, but they did a good job. “Painted Moon” was really well-balanced. Phil Ferlino provided some great piano work, and Miller’s solo was a jaw-dropper as well…it showcased the entire band, and showed how while the parts are great, the sum is a real beast.

Set: Sweet Brandywine, Cross, Mountain Air, Wooden Ships, Double Clutch, Copper Mine, Watervein, Song For Marie, 219, Painted Moon, Shapeshifter, Bridge of the Gods, White Sky Rain

Encore: Stagger Lee

Gear used: Canon 5D, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8, Canon 50mm f/1.4, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS