Mountain Jam 2011 - Roll Call

[Penny Lane]

Just got back and crawling into bed. Tonight's show absolutely blew me away, i thought it topped Tuesday's hometown show by miles but i'm probably biased, the crowd was ridiculously into it, the fact that there were no bad views because it was on the mountain, the weather held off, was pretty much perfect the whole weekend. They seemed excited to play with PHJB, got to hear some rare gems (Carnival Time, Heartbreakin Man, PWW), got to watch Zach Galifinakis watch from backstage..this was NOT a festival set, this was a BRING it set, not even a need for an encore, got Run Thru and OBH-...incredible. Jim jumping around in those crazy moon boots? (I want a pair)

Hung out all day with a great forum crew: Headhunter, Eric, Brooke, bluesky, Joeyrogo, lil sis, ynwa, mahgeeta, johnnyyac, dodo, Ghosts, fiddlecastro, jane--we had a huge incredible spot all day for some Dawes, Grace P, PHJB, Edward Sharpe (not my thing but dude loves to come out in the audience and involve everyone)...

This is a great, scenic festival. Nice bathrooms (no porta potties!), everything's really close, you can see both main stages while standing in one spot...i'd go back in a heartbeat.

now time to find the icy hot, (this girl rocked too hard and is not as young as she used to be)


as for the new songs, you wanna freak out is becoming the new favorite live---!

[TSarge]

Really loved this show. Phone Went West and Heartbreakin' Man were wonderful and the rest of the set was great too. Had a great spot in the crowd and got to meet Headhunter and a couple other people from the forums. Only complaint was the loss of power during what was an amazing Steam Engine.

Of the other bands who played yesterday I thought Dawes was the most exciting...

[TSarge]

Oh and the MMJ bus from Manhattan worked out great. For $20 we got a ride to the show and a Mountain Jam poster signed by the band?! I would have paid twice that much for the poster alone. Was a late night though.

[br00ke]

Was a late night though.

indeed !!! we rolled back into NYC around 2am after some insane lincoln tunnel traffic that we sat in for an hour. what kind of traffic is going on at 1am sunday/monday?!? anywhoo0o .. i finally got in bed around 3am.

ahhhmazing show & weekend  was really excited to hear first light light and it delivered .. i only wish i had lasted longer. PWW had a little extra mustard on it, SO GOOD. i could go on and on but i gotta start the bagel & coffee get down after a particularly rough morning which included getting stuck in an elevator, oy!

big love to the forum .. i had such a great time with everyone 

[Penny Lane]

TSarge we were probably on the same bus as you! Late night...

I would have to say that Mountain Jam 2011 show will go down as my favorite non T5/non-Bonnaroo show ever. It was perfect, completely forgot about all Jim's high kicks.

[br00ke]

It was perfect, completely forgot about all Jim's high kicks.

oh sweet jesus .. those high kicks were the business 

[TSarge]

I would have to say that Mountain Jam 2011 show will go down as my favorite non T5/non-Bonnaroo show ever. It was perfect, completely forgot about all Jim's high kicks.

Fully agree - Though my first Bonnaroo experience will be this weekend and I'm PUMPED. I only wish we got Dondante..

[ynwa]

It was perfect, completely forgot about all Jim's high kicks.

oh sweet jesus .. those high kicks were the business 

love. them.  i sure hope he stretches out pre-show, otherwise he could do a number on his hammy  ;D

[Bigsky]

It's always nice when JJ struts his hammy... ;D

[woodnymph]

It was perfect, completely forgot about all Jim's high kicks.

oh sweet jesus .. those high kicks were the business 

love. them.  i sure hope he stretches out pre-show, otherwise he could do a number on his hammy  ;D

Lucky ladies!!!  ;D

[mahg33ta]

Where To Begin

It was great to see the forum faithful.   I doubt I would have rallied to make this show 3 years ago.   Too much going on and too easy to be lazy with my concert wingman unavailable.   What got me out of bed on and the road was the thought of seeing my friends and meeting new ones.   Especially the chance to meet Johnny Yac (which finally happened, but way too briefly unfortunately).    As it turns out, I got to talk to people less than I hoped- the alternating stage schedule is great for non-stop music but tough on having conversations.    But it was good to see the faithful again.   Next show Boston, unless I pull something elaborate off.

I had a great time on the rail with ynwa, lil sis, and JaneCool.   When Edward Sharpe left we just fought against the tide til we hit the rail in a great spot.   I'm sticking with the Jersey Girls as they know how to get what they want.

Concert thoughts:

Steam Engine was great – as usual.   It's always a highlight for me and yet I'm still blown every every time.   This time they rocked so hard they knocked out the sound system – seriously!   When things when dead my first thought was "my face really DID melt off this time" but as soon as I looked down to find my ears the music came back on.   The whole last section with Jim singing was new but I couldn't make out what it was.   But I felt like I was watching something special.   I now see from another poster what it was and do not recognize it.

Along with that snafu, there were numerous other technical difficulties.   Tom I think was having bass problems before and at the beginning of the show.   In the afternoon he walked right by me on the grounds.   I didn't want to bother him as he was carrying his bass, walking quickly, and in general didn't look too happy.   Jim had problems all night and numerous times was huddling with his roadie.   A few times his guitar went out altogether and they were scrambling to patch things.   Once was at the beginning of Smoking from Shooting and Jim told the band to keep going.   So he sang the first verse or two with no guitar – just Carl's slide and the drums, but without his typical "thumping" chords.   I kinda liked it, and the crew got him going just when it was time to kick it in.   He also had guitar probs on OBH and switched to a different one.   I wouldn't go so far as to say he ever looked agitated, but there was a lot of distraction.

One rant:  what asshats bring laser pointer to shows?    How f-ing annoying.   One, and then two, people were doodling against the circuital backdrop.   Not sure if the band noticed, and if they did they didn't say anything, but it went on for a good 30 mins.   

Bo seemed really into it – more so than previous shows.   He played some new key parts in quite a few songs, and in general was fired up – leading a clap-along, rocking out harder, etc...

To anyone who doesn't like the new album, I'd say give it a chance live.   Then if you don't like it – hey, music tastes vary.   But how many of us listen to the studio albums often anymore?   To me, a new album gives us 10 new songs to mix into setlists.   And to me, of the 8 they played, 7 were big hits.   I'm still not sold on Slow Slow but maybe it'll grown into something special for me.   But everything else was big win – including First Light, which is a great great live song but goes by way too quickly, and You Wanna Freak Out, which is a great mainstream song I can see everyone getting into.   Victory Dance will be opening for a while.   Outta My System is heavier live and builds to a great finale.  Side note – I think Tom's bass playing on these new songs is great.   I really got to focus on it for a few songs and it's so interesting and imaginative.   I gave him the Magh33ta two thumbs up at one point to let him know but not sure he knew what I meant.

Jim's boots are magical because he in general was getting more power than ever from them.   He was jumping higher and kicking higher and everything else.   I just loved looking over at ynwa and seeing her big grin when he busted out his moves – some regular like his bear stomp, and some new like his extended toe-tapping tiptoe during the OBH solo. 

Loved looking backward and seeing the darkening sky and then the moon.   Definitely a great setting.   Also looked backwards during TMIGTS2 to see if I could spot JohnnyYac's airomnichord but couldn't pick him out.

I like Mahgeetah better as a last song than OBH.   Hard to leave not feeling great after that big ending.     Also a fan of the "no-encore" setlist with the boys plowing right through.   Great time management and I can see nothing crossed off the setlist.   Others that were sticking around hoping for more songs clearly haven't been following setlists.   What did people want after Mahgeetah? LOL.   

Preservation Hall Jazz band is great and having them joining the encore is perfect perfect perfect.   Dancefloors was a great reminder of Merriweather last year and didn't think I'd hear that again in this life.

I was wondering if I was going to set a record for most MMJ shows without ever seeing them at a festival.    Everyone else always talking about all the epic bonnaroos and everything else... while, I can finally say I got to one.   Bravo to the 2.5 hr timeslot.  Anything else would have felt like we got cheated.    It was a great great show.   

I try to video one song a night.   Any more and it's too distracting.   This time I did First Light.   I know there's a lot of high quality video out there already lately but I'll try to get it up if anyone's interested.

Grace Potter came out for the encore and stood in front of us, in the photographer/security walkway and rocked out.   Glad to see she's a big fan.

Left the house at 9 am.   Home at 2 am.   Long day.   First concert of any sort I can remember where I had zero alcohol.   Still felt nauseous when I got home thanks to 2 monster energy drinks and a bag of hot and spicy chex mix at 1 am in Western Mass.   Man that shit is nasty.

Random thoughts while I'm still half fried.

[Ruckus]

I gave him the Magh33ta two thumbs up at one point to let him know but not sure he knew what I meant.

I think everyone knows what it means when a man lifts up his shirt. ;)

Great review man!  I missed the stream because of other stuff but I'm glad some folks got an audio capture and I'm sure some other tapings will surface.  Sounds like a great time.  Figures my favorite tune of Circ is your least. ;D  All the pics from Hunter Mountain were beautiful.  Kinda makes me want to go at some point.  This festival seems pretty solid.

I definitely agree that Tommy's playing seems inspired in this new album, particularly the conclusion to 1st Light where his playing is prominent and has some balls.

Interesting to hear some of the technical difficulties details.

[TSarge]

The only lyrics I remember from that new section of Steam Engine were "Growing up way to fast", or something along those lines

Also LOVED how when the power went out and Jim/Carl/Tom all stopped playing and kind of raised their hands in the air like "What the f", Pat just kept crushing the drums, which you could still hear from the front of the crowd. He single-handedly maintained the energy of the song by doing that..

[headhunter]

Great write up Mahg33ta and what a wonderful weekend it was.  Mt Jam is a great festival and I hope to go up many more times.  Will not miss it if MMJ returns.

The music and the venue were spectacular and short of Warren Haynes letting me step in for him when Grace Potter strutted in front of him and put on the smoking hot duet, the weekend could not have been much more perfect.

Hanging with forum peeps at another show was another magical experience.  It's a mighty fine group of people and the large bed sheet I brought was happy to die such a wonderful death staking out our dance floor and serving as the guardian of our personal space.

Great to see Mahg33ta, fiddle, dodo, and to finally meet TSarge.  Adam, nice vinyl and stereo chat, great conversations. Joeyrogo, great to hang w you and your buddies.  Looked like all had quite the good time. Ghosts, always a pleasure to hang with you and your friends, thanks once again for the beer when I needed it most.  Liz and Laura, you guys rock and are the ultimate enforcers! So glad you made it up and joined us at the cabin before the show. Jane and Brooke & Bluesky were most wonderful weekend companions and Brooke, you can mix me a margarita anytime.
Penny Lane is just about the coolest dance partner anyone can share an MMJ show with, a musical encyclopedia and always there with a beer and a smile when you need one.  No MMJ show is complete without you!  And Eric & Mr. Yac, it was most certainly an extra bonus sharing the cabin and good times with two brothers-in-arms who I always enjoy spending time with. Very easy and it all added up to one big holiday.  This band and these shows are always just a little bit more special when you can share it with another bunch of crazies who really know how to mix the ingredients for special lifetime moments.

Thanks everyone.  Until Red Rocks and Merriweather . . . . .

[slappymoe]

there were numerous other technical difficulties.   Tom I think was having bass problems before and at the beginning of the show............. Jim had problems all night and numerous times was huddling with his roadie.   A few times his guitar went out altogether and they were scrambling to patch things.   Once was at the beginning of Smoking from Shooting and Jim told the band to keep going.   So he sang the first verse or two with no guitar – just Carl's slide and the drums, but without his typical "thumping" chords.   I kinda liked it, and the crew got him going just when it was time to kick it in.   He also had guitar probs on OBH and switched to a different one.   I wouldn't go so far as to say he ever looked agitated, but there was a lot of distraction.

i realize that eveyone is going to think the show they saw was the best, but in no way, shape, or form does a show with so many technical problems outshine what we saw in louisville last week. 

i remember thinking, "do they realize jim's guitar isn't working?" during gideon, and, as has been noted, it happened more than once during the evening.  the guys did a great job soldiering on through the numerous glitches, but it bugged me watching the stream, and would have really annoyed me had i paid the money and made the trip to be there in person.

so, in summary, the louisville show was better. nanny nanny boo boo.  :P

[JaneCool]

What a great weekend ending with a phenomenal show! Magh33ta (great meeting you, btw) did a great review here so I can't really add to that, other than as usual the band had me rocking, head banging and grinning the whole time. Loved Jim's boots, jumps, high kicks, etc!  ;D
I have to say that I really enjoyed the new songs, I thought Black Metal in particular worked really well live, Victory Dance and Circuital as well. I think my favorite is always going to be Steam Engine. But the whole show was just fantastic, sound was great - I think you could hear Bo a lot better than past shows - crowd was pumped, weather was perfect. I have dozens of pictures which I will try to post, but they will definitely be up on facebook if anyone wants to add me there.
Many thanks to Jonny for setting up the condo, had a blast hanging out with all the forumites - bluesky, brooke, penny, headhunter and my fellow "fence rockers" magh33ta, ynwa & lil sis. Really looking forward to seeing all of you again in the near future.
Last but not least, thanks so much to my good friend Eric for driving me up and back, always a pleasure hanging out with you and I'll see you in a couple weeks.
And how about this - just as I'm finishing up typing this the doorbell rings and my deluxe package has FINALLY arrived!  8)

[kotchishm]

The only lyrics I remember from that new section of Steam Engine were "Growing up way to fast", or something along those lines

La barba de Castro:
"A quick google search of some of those lyrics brought up this:"

Gil Scott-Heron - A Sign Of The Ages


La barba de Castro googled the lyrics when it happened, apparently the end part was actually a cover of Gil Scott Heron's "A Sign of the Ages".  I would assume this was a tribute because Heron passed away May 27, 2011.

[johnnYYac]

Comedian Zach Galifianakis rocks out with My Morning Jacket at Mountain Jam
7:17 AM, Jun. 6, 2011  | 

Comedian Zach Galifianakis backstage at the Mountain Jam music festival Sunday, at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills. / John W. Barry/Poughkeepsie Journal



Written by John W. Barry

Comedian Zach Galifianakis was at Mountain Jam Sunday evening, checking out the band My Morning Jacket at the music festival staged by Radio Woodstock and Warren Haynes in the heart of the Catskills.

Galifianakis, who is currently starring in the hit comedy film, "The Hangover: Part II," milled around backstage at Mountain Jam, which began Thursday and wrapped up Sunday night at Hunter Mountain. Galifianakis chatted up fans, graciously posed for pictures and spoke with Gary Chetkof, president of Radio Woodstock, and Haynes, guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule.

Galifianakis is a very big fan of My Morning Jacket and was at Mountain Jam because a childhood friend of his from North Carolina, where he grew up, now lives in Mt. Tremper, which sits west of Woodstock, not far from Hunter Mountain.

"I have been a fan of My Morning Jacket for a number of years," Galifianakis told the Journal. "I saw they were playing here and saw that it close to his house and we came up."

Galifianakis first heard My Morning Jacket when he was in a North Carolina record store about 10 years ago, and the store was playing the band's record.

"You know how sometimes you find a band early on and you follow them before they get known?" he said. "It's one of those kind of things...I kept up with them and saw them at open mikes."

Galifianakis said the Catskills were beautiful and credited Mountain Jam organizers with running a great show and for not over-commercializing the event.

"This is a great festival because it's small," he said. "I love it. I'm so glad that you don't see a Pepsi sign around."

[headhunter]

Here are some nice photo's of some forum folks who were at MT. Jam. 
I'll upload some more photos of people and bands later but some of you are in these shots.

http://s1047.photobucket.com/albums/b479/jgsvinyl/MT%20Jam/

[woodnymph]

Comedian Zach Galifianakis rocks out with My Morning Jacket at Mountain Jam
7:17 AM, Jun. 6, 2011  | 

Comedian Zach Galifianakis backstage at the Mountain Jam music festival Sunday, at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills. / John W. Barry/Poughkeepsie Journal



Written by John W. Barry

Comedian Zach Galifianakis was at Mountain Jam Sunday evening, checking out the band My Morning Jacket at the music festival staged by Radio Woodstock and Warren Haynes in the heart of the Catskills.

Galifianakis, who is currently starring in the hit comedy film, "The Hangover: Part II," milled around backstage at Mountain Jam, which began Thursday and wrapped up Sunday night at Hunter Mountain. Galifianakis chatted up fans, graciously posed for pictures and spoke with Gary Chetkof, president of Radio Woodstock, and Haynes, guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule.

Galifianakis is a very big fan of My Morning Jacket and was at Mountain Jam because a childhood friend of his from North Carolina, where he grew up, now lives in Mt. Tremper, which sits west of Woodstock, not far from Hunter Mountain.

"I have been a fan of My Morning Jacket for a number of years," Galifianakis told the Journal. "I saw they were playing here and saw that it close to his house and we came up."

Galifianakis first heard My Morning Jacket when he was in a North Carolina record store about 10 years ago, and the store was playing the band's record.

"You know how sometimes you find a band early on and you follow them before they get known?" he said. "It's one of those kind of things...I kept up with them and saw them at open mikes."

Galifianakis said the Catskills were beautiful and credited Mountain Jam organizers with running a great show and for not over-commercializing the event.

"This is a great festival because it's small," he said. "I love it. I'm so glad that you don't see a Pepsi sign around."

SWEET DEAL!!  I'm liking all the MMJ - Woodstock - North Carolina ties goin' on in that article! Also sweet ammo for my friends I'm forever working to pick up interest in MMJ, who love Zach, ie "Hey... look who he likes to listen to!.... Oh what do you know, it's MMJ...hmmmmmmmmmmmm......"  ;)