The self described indie jam band Goose kicked off their Dripfield fall tour last Thursday night at The National in Richmond, Va with a fiery show. The sold out crowd created intense energy at this historic venue that holds 1500 people. This first of fourteen shows across the South and Midwest was broadcast for free to Nugs.net subscribers. The band showed only minor signs of rust and with many strong points during the show. If last night's heater is any indicator for the rest of the tour, fans are in for a treat.
The band was all smiles as they walked on stage to a boisterous welcome from the fans. The show began with "Dr. Darkness" followed by the reggae inspired "Doc Brown." Multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach debuted his new guitar amp, which shined during his "Doc Brown" guitar solo. Moon Cabin's "Jive One" followed with a healthy dose of funk, led by bassist Trevor Weekz. The longest and arguably best jam of the night was up next, with a twenty three minute "Rosewood Heart," also from Moon Cabin, that had beautiful moments of exploration, despite the fact that the band did not build this into a peak.
Goose brought out two tasty covers next, starting with the 462 show bust out "Spain" by jazz legend Chick Corea. This song was last played on April 16, 2016 at Stella Blues in New Haven, CT. This jazz song exposed their Berklee School of Music background, where learning this classic tune is a requirement for some musicians. The band shifted gears for another more well known cover, "Green River" by Creedance Clear Water Revivial. Lighting Director Andrew Goedde illuminated the stage and crowd with stellar green lights. An incredibly peppy "Jive Lee" closed out this diverse set. Fans anticipated a second set Jive trifecta though were thrilled with the first set Jive double shot.
Set two kicked off with a high energy "Flodown," followed by an almost fifteen minute "Into the Myst." Weekz once again led the charge on bass during this jam, as the crowd felt the floor shake. "Myst" also included the delicious ending vocals by guitarist Rick Mitarotonda. The audience began clapping as the band dove into a dark, sixteen minute "Pancakes," which was one of the best versions of this song yet. Mitarotonda changed his tone mid song, which elevated the jam, as the band started to find their groove.
"A Western Sun" slipped into the set list next, with the lovely lyrics, "go everywhere, feel everything, see everyone you want." This brought the energy down for a much needed few minutes. The set ended on a very high note with a raging nineteen minutes "Arrow." The band stepped off stage to a fired up crowd who was thirsty for more. The band returned with one of the managers, Jon "Coach" Lombardi, who provided an assist on the rain stick for the encore, "Honey Bee."
The rising jam band Goose brought a stellar tour opener at The National, including a rare cover and many exciting jams. They are not to be missed this fall, and back at it again tonight at The National for another sold out show. Tickets can be found via the face value ticket exchange site, cash or trade. Also, tonight's show is also broadcast for free to Nugs.net subscribers. Hop on over to their tour page for more details about their fall tour.
Check out more photos from the show!
Set One
Dr. Darkness, Doc Brown, Jive I, Rosewood Heart, Spain1, Green River2, Jive Lee
Set Two
Flodown, Into the Myst, Pancakes, A Western Sun, Arrow
Encore
Honey Bee3
Notes
1. Chick Corea
2. Creedance Clearwater Revival
3. With Jon "Coach" Lombardi on the rain stick
