Connecticut's Eggy began their summer 2023 tour at the Homestead Bar and Kitchen in Morristown, NJ, last Wednesday, June 7, 2023, with smoke literally surrounding the building from the Canadian Wild Fires that unleashed their fury last week. The band took the stage despite the perils and rewarded those fans who braved the almost apocalyptic weather to be at the show for a delicious, smoking hot, midweek two-set show. There was also talk on social media during the day prior that Eggy offered Mark Wahlberg a free ticket because he was in the area, which created another fun storyline. Abby Bryant and the Echoes provided their support.
Asheville, NC's Abby Bryant and the Echoes opened for Eggy, and were playing in the Garden State for the first time. Abby Bryant showed her skills on keyboards and vocals, and the band developed some nice southern rock jams. Hopefully, this band is able to stick around the Northeast.
Eggy's set began with "One More Dance", and showed that this band returned from break energized and ready to explore. Bassist Michael Goodman was on fire early during "One More Dance." The collective quartet nailed the composed section before guitarist Jake Brownstein launched into a tasty, psychedelic-inspired jam. A masterful percussive-fueled conclusion by drummer Alex Bailey ended this tune. "Evergreen" was up next, and sung by Bailey. Mark Wahlberg had not made an appearance yet.
"Northern Lights" brought more jam rock goodness, with keyboardist Dani Battat and Goodman weaving together an upbeat groove. Brownstein and Battat played off of one another for an improvisational treat. "Wireless" brought more inspired vocals and a soulful original tune. Goodman was impressive on bass and kept the mood chill while Brownstein explored. "Balls of Yarn" followed, last played at the Parish Public House in Albany, NY on October 22, 2022. This tune saw edgier guitar riffs and an intense beat that was easily captivating.
"Bad Side of the Moon" by Elton John, played for only the sixth time ever by this Connecticut-based squad, was up next. Fans slowly started to realize what was going on as they moved into vocal harmony. Goodman and Battat held down the funk while Brownstein dove into a raging progressive rock jam. The set wrapped up with the classic, soulful "Burritos El Chapo 2." The lyrics made mention of "losing their voice from the smoke," in reference to the smoke that was in the upper atmosphere from the Canadian Wild Fires and causing poor air quality. A raging jam dropped into a composed section, which was nailed by the collective unit. The exploration continued into this sixteen-minute jam, and Brownstein brought a proper face melting prior to ending this smoking hot set.
Set two picked up with "One Stop Shop" > "All Wheels Turning." Battat was back to his tricks on the synth. A nice transition ensued into the slow-burning funk "All Wheels Turning." Soulful new tune "You" found its way into Eric Clapton's "Lay Down Sally." The crowd and band were both energized during this famous blues tune. The intensity elevated further with "Hux," during a wild exploration by Brownstein and Battat.
A more heartfelt tune, "Island Afterlife" hopped into the set next. The mood quickly elevated during a heated transition into "12 Pounds of Pain." Brownstein showed his rock star capabilities as the band ended the set on a very high note. The band stepped off the stage and returned to acknowledge the smoke once again. They also asked if Mark Wahlberg had shown up, to which the audience replied "no," much to their chagrin. The surprisingly hot Wednesday show ended with "Zugzwang."
Eggy is off to a great start for their 2023 Summer tour. They are up next on Jun 15, 2023 - Jun 17, 2023, at Jammin’ the Gulch in Montana. Hop on over to their tour page for dates in your part of the country.
Check out more photos from the show!
Set One: One More Dance, Evergreen, Northern Lights, Wireless, Balls of Yarn, Bad Side Of The Moon[1], Burritos El Chavo 2[2]
Set Two: One Stop Shop > All Wheels Turnin', You[3] > Lay Down Sally[4], Hux, Island Afterlife > 12 Pounds of Pain
Encore: Zugzwang
Notes:
[1] Elton John cover
[2] Included commentary on the haze from the Canadian fires
[3] Debut
[4] Eric Clapton cover
