SR at Jamming on Rocky Bar - May 15, 2021
The Jamming on Rocky Bar Festival in Elkton, VA was the site for the 6th Suggesting Rhythm show in 5 weeks ending their “mini spring tour”. Dave stayed in his fedora this week, Ed was sporting an all-white bass with the Terrapin Turtles and Steve switched back out the baby grand to the usual dual keyboard setup.
After some tuning and a sound check we got underway as Dave forcefully delivered the opening line of 'Greatest Story Ever Told' to get the train rolling. A classic 'Tennessee Jed' followed with a few bombs from Ed to keep things shaking.
Suggesting tends to gravitate towards the bluesy side of the genre and they really show off their skills in 'Deep Elem Blues'. Originally a setlist favorite, played 14 times prior, fans haven't heard this jam since the Halloween show in 2019. Slowing down a bit the band transitioned smoothly into the Lenny Hart tribute and often quoted 'He's Gone'. 'Jack-A-Roe' was next up, this a song traced back to early 1800s England and was originally named 'Jack Munro'. The Dead changed it some, of course, and it remains a notable classic of women's empowerment.
The tempo had picked back up, the mood was joyous, and no one was sitting down. Quickly, the band dropped into a quirky Coasters hit 'Hog for You'. Adam and Steve both got some solo time during the two big jams in this song and Drudge throws in a fast paced 'He's Gone' riff that sounds really cool at that speed.
Dave & Steve were tasked with keeping up the intensity as they shared the microphone next for 'Keep on Growing' and no problems doing so. The set continued next with one of my favorite Beatles songs 'Dear Prudence'. John Lennon wrote this about Mia Farrow's sister Prudence who would stay secluded in meditation. The music seems to emulate that in how it starts shy and slow and builds into a gorgeously beautiful dance number and one that always thrills me.
Dave went through the customary band member introductions #weareallsuggestingrhythm and the guys finished the long set with a strong 'Stagger Lee'.
Batting first in the second set, 'Casey Jones'. The oh so popular sing-a-long had a second guitar solo jam spot that I'm not sure was planned, but extra jamming is never a bad thing. Afterwards, Dave stopped to thank Chris and Renee for throwing this amazing party and then poured on the emotion with a heartfelt 'Black Throated Wind'.
The best part of the show in my opinion came next. A song I first heard at a Melvin Seals JGB show 'Ain't No Bread in the Breadbox'. Suggesting really laid down some fire that spread to the floor and intoxication was alive in the sound. A swirling sea of bodies rhythmically moved in physical appreciation for the band's gift. The jam wound down slightly, and we found ourselves fully enveloped now in 'Eyes of the World'. The last of three songs that hadn't been played by SR since the last Rocky Bar show. A stellar rendition as always! Ed showed off his skills with a trio of solos before the Richmond Rhythm Devils were left alone to start the Drums and Space segments.
You won't leave a Suggesting Rhythm show without hearing some Dylan. Coming out of space Adam started the sextet into 'Simple Twist of Fate', only played one other time also at the October 26, 2019 show. Again, Oakley's impassioned delivery had me holding my wife with blurry eyes and a blessed spirit.
Changing the tempo slightly, 'Bertha' filled in here, a song I was told was written about a box fan as well as other wild stories. Picking it back up and closing the set was a fast 'Loose Lucy'. Dave's mic cut out in the beginning, but the problem got resolved in short order and the guys delivered a smoking closer and thanked us all for a “real good time”.
Not wasting much time, they started in on the customary encore. Steve got the lead mic duties again for the Brent sung Traffic tune 'Dear Mr. Fantasy'. Exiting the night's final jam and entering the 'Hey Jude' tease, Oakley surprised everyone, even the band. He came out with the first verse and chorus of Velvet Underground's 'Oh! Sweet Nuthin' before the Jude finish.
If you haven't heard your favorite song yet this year, all but three songs on the setlist were played for the first time in 2021. It was an exhausting night and fantastic show for everyone dancing and playing. The band gets a much-needed break now and comes back in June at the sold-out Browns Island show.
Highlights in and fast paced long first set 'Deep Elem Blues' 'Hog for You' and 'Dear Prudence'
Set two has a slower feel but the 'Ain't no Bread in the Breadbox' is the best number of the night and the 'Oh! Sweet Nuthin' was a nifty little treat that had everyone talking.
