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| Musketeer Gripweed at Hodi's Half Note in Fort Collins, CO |
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| Jason Downing and Musketeer Gripweed - Nov. 5, 2010 |
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| Jason Downing and Stu Crair, Musketeer Gripweed |
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| "Goldie" and the Black Swan Singers |
"Dyin' Day"
Jason Downing sings with the crowd at Hodi's Half Note
Friday, November 5, 2010
Musketeer Gripweed took the stage in Fort Collins, CO, at Hodi’s Half Note for their CD release party with two soul sisters singing backup, an electric guitar or two, bass, organ, drums, and a slightly nasally lead singer who plays guitar, harmonica, tambourine, and really gets into it. Their style is true southern rock with a lot of dance-ability.
At the end of their fourth song, “Dying Day,” which is also the title of their new CD, they did an extended revival remix before lead singer, Jason Downing, took a swig from his “Monkey Paw Moonshine.” He also tends to call himself the Reverend Monkey Paw Patterson.
Downing introduced the Black Swan Singers and said, “Having them here is a real special treat for me.” Then he encouraged the crowd to sing, “Woman; with your monkey paws in the air,” and shouted, “C'mon! You got more soul than that!”
Smiling faces of all ages danced on the floor during the song “Green in Them Hills.” Musketeer Gripweed’s long jam during this song featured an improvisation by each talented musician in the band while Downing danced and stood on his chair singing, “Legalize it!”
Before breaking into a song with a funky feel, “Tiny Machine,” Downing mentioned to the crowd, “Our CDs are put together with wind power and people smoking copious amounts of grass.”
This upbeat jam led way to another, “Frog Slushy,” and Downing told everyone to “Get ready to swivel your hips.” Hodi’s Half Note felt like a hoedown, with Downing singing falsetto and then leaping into the crowd and bumping into everyone dancing.
The theme of the night was reiterated when Downing said, “It’s all good, all positive all the time!” And it’s not just about Downing, he introduced the rest of his band, consisting of Ben Hockett, Ehren Crumpler, Brian Foster, Stu Crair, and called Matt Goldberg on keys the “sexiest member.” He also included guests for the night: James Yearling, Dan Loiz, Dave Capsaddle, and Marie.
Musketeer Gripweed performed a song about an address, “420 High Street,” which got the crowd involved in a back and forth sing-along. A song about fishing with his father got Downing jumping around and the jam continued for at least ten minutes.
A strong comparison to the Black Crowes led to Musketeer Gripweed playing a “little game;” a cover of “Jealous Again,” and the first vocals by their friend, Marie. She also sang opening vocals on a Bob Dylan cover. Their show continued to an awesome three-song encore including another cover, the old-time favorite, “Dock of the Bay.”
Another love fest of the best “Americana Revival Stomp Ass Shake Holla!” band was Sunday night, November 14, at the 19th Annual Scene Magazine Battle of the Bands. Just a short display of the absolute jam session that is Musketeer Gripweed grabbed attention from a whole new crowd.
Catch them again on: Friday, November 19 in Waterloo, Iowa at the Icehouse, and hopefully in Fort Collins again soon.
More Info:
Members:
Ben Hockett: Bass Fishing, Beer man,
Ehren Crumpler: Lord of Tone, Guitar
Brian Foster: Sticks, skins Groove!
Matt Goldberg (Goldie): All things known, unknown, keys
Jason Downing (AKA: Monkey Paw Patterson): screams, harp, dobro mobro, dancin' chair routine, spilling drinks...
Stu Crair: drums, beats, thangs
Ehren Crumpler: Lord of Tone, Guitar
Brian Foster: Sticks, skins Groove!
Matt Goldberg (Goldie): All things known, unknown, keys
Jason Downing (AKA: Monkey Paw Patterson): screams, harp, dobro mobro, dancin' chair routine, spilling drinks...
Stu Crair: drums, beats, thangs
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