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Umphrey's McGee Rock the Round at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis
"Improg" is a word used to describe the unique brand of music from Umphrey's McGee (UM). Formed in 1997 at Notre Dame, the group played in and around the college town and soon expanded their reach. Umphrey's McGee is often associated with the jam band scene as they allow taping, heavily improvise and are always changing their set lists. Yet, they draw from a wide swathe of influences ranging from classic rock, to metal and to prog greats Zappa, Dream Theater and Pink Floyd to name just a few. The band has released a number of live and studio albums but it is in the concert setting that they thrive.
 Brendan Bayliss in the round at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. Umphrey's McGee performed at the Melody Tent in Hyannis, Massachusetts on July 30, 2010. The Melody Tent is a round venue with the stage centered in the middle theater surrounded by chairs. The stage slowly turns during performances to give bands and fans a constantly changing perspective. The Melody Tent is an intimate setting with friendly staff and a festive air about it. Umphrey's McGee opened with the Pink Floydish "Cemetery Walk" which combined atmospheric tones with up beat tempos. The stage was packed with gear and a few mascots. Riveting rhythms were an important part of UM's sound and kept the audience agitated. Bass lines were bold and underlined by drums and percussion. Glowing guitars combined with colorful keys adding to the montage of speed and sound.
 Jake Cinninger in the round at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. The jams explored various musical terrains with many twists and turns. Fans were on their feet for the entire show dancing the majority of the time with short breaks for slower or heavier sequences. Some songs included vocals and hooks for the crowd to sing along to. "This is the first time we've ever played in the round," UM said following a concise version of "Conduit". "We spent a lot of time learning the Ratt song "Round and Round" but it was just too hard," joked a band member before a snippet of the guitar riff from the 80's hair metal hit could be heard.
 Ryan Stasik in the round at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. The use of lighting added to the mood as the compositions meandered through changing codas. The jams were expansive exchanges with effects and experimental instrumentation. Pace and progressions evolved and ranged from moments of ponderous rhythms running into free flowing guitar and key combinations. "I think the weirdest thing for us right now is that when you close your eyes the last thing you see is a hot chick," UM said describing the interesting qualities of performing on a rotating stage, continuing, "and then you open your eyes there's a six foot dude in front of you..." While the music of Umphrey's McGee can be complex and technically complicated they are not above rocking out in straightforward fashion. The band is known for their eclectic variety of covers and when they launched into a faithful version of Bob Seger's "Hollywood Nights" to close their set - the already ecstatic crowd amped it up a notch - with even more fervent dancing, elevated noise and by singing along to the powerful rocker.
 Joel Cummins and Kris Myers in the round at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. "Improg" aptly described the orchestrated yet organic show at the Melody Tent. Timing and techniques were always alternating and touched upon a range of genres. Umphrey's McGee was compelling, combining the traditions of classic jam with contemporary styles that kept fans grooving for a fluid and fun concert. "Ready for some reggae?," asked Rebelution who opened for UM at the Melody Tent. The band's animated set was a blend of reggae and rock featuring original songs from their recent Bright Side of Life and debut Courage to Grow CD's. Their set featured upbeat danceable tunes with extended instrumentation that had plenty of people crowding the stage.
 Umphrey's McGee were packed in tight on the unique rotating stage. Rebelution's compositions were catchy with contagious beats. They had varied vocals melding with intriguing sound effects and jams while staying within a reggae context. Their set was danceable and diverse establishing a good vibe for UM.
Umphey's McGee
UM Setlist: Cape Cod Melody Tent - July 30, 2010
 Rebelution proved to be leaders in the reggae revolution. Related Links: For more information on UMPHREY'S MCGEE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Umphreys.com | RebelutionMusic.com | MelodyTent.org
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