Oteil & Friends | 9/9/22 | The Riverside | Milwaukee, WI 🔥 [URGENT]

Originally submitted to Relix Magazine as an op-ed on 9/10/22 with attn: Steve Kimock, Peter Shapiro, Oteil Burbidge, et al.

I’ve put in 25+ years chasing Live Music so far.

You may be reading this because we met at a show once.

Or maybe you follow my work - maybe you have seen other content I’ve had published in the Rolling Stone, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, etc…

Specifically, I’ve been closely following acts who (like a stripper) do it just for you. . .

I follow acts like Phish, Dead & Co., and most recently (about 12 hours ago) managed to witness firsthand the great Steve Kimock, Oteil Burbridge, Melvin Seals, Eric Krasno, and John Kimock (Son of Steve). AKA:

Oteil & Friends (link points to Oteilburbridge.com/tour)

Limited edition print - Scored with ink at Merch table! To the framers you go. . .

Simply put, this quintet is everything live music needs right now.

True Kimockian talent on the vintage Les Paul and the drum kit?!

Check.

super heady 20+ minute jazz interstitials as invocation to classic ABB/GD anthems?

Check.

the good Reverend, the Master of the universe, Melvin Seals himself presiding?

Check!

When my family and I lived in Fairfax, CA we were about 8 minutes west of the venue formerly known as Terrapin Crossroads.

We were lucky to hear live Grateful Dead inspired music two, and sometimes three days per week. Suffice to say I haven’t heard this level of talent and truly original reinterpretations of classic Deadhead standards since relocating to Wisconsin a few years ago.

As our relocation meant we can no longer call the Warfield (or the Greek, or the Fox…) our ‘hometown shows’, it is now rarified air for us to catch fresh reinterpretations of classics like Midnight Moonlight or Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. Innovation in the genre just isn’t being made as often as we would like it to be out here in the great state of Wisconsin.

Let me say this…

Oteil & Friends | The Riverside | Milwaukee, WI | 9/9/22
Oteil Burbridge (bass), Steve Kimock (lead guitar), Melvin Seals (keys), Johnny Kimock (drum kit), Eric Krasno (rhythm guitar)

SET I: Play it Back* > Cats Under the Stars > No More Doubt$ > Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door > In Memory of Elizabeth Reed > Shakedown Street

SET II: Midnight Moonlight > Rooster$ > Deal > Blue Sky > Franklin’s Tower > Stir it Up > Franklin’s Tower > I Shall Be Released > Unconditional Love%

*Dr. Lonnie Smith Cover | $Oteil Burbridge Original | &Eric Krasno Original

… this is exactly how you get your money’s worth as a live music fan these days.

So what made it click? Maybe two-time grammy-winner Eric Krasno’s guitar licks and vox? Perhaps it was frontman Oteil’s brilliant originals “Rooster” and “No More Doubt” interwoven in the setlist (and delivered expertly!). Maybe it was Melvin and Oteil’s back-and-forths keeping the juice flowing! IMO, despite all of teh above, and the insane shredding from start to finish, the MVP of the night was not Steve Kimock himself, but rather his son John!

The scene needs young drummers the way I need this cup of coffee right now, and WOW, Johnny, you nailed it.

Speaking of, we were lucky to see elder Kimock et al. from a great vantage point all night long. For a few reasons, some personal some professional, this grainy photo (the only one I took last night!) will live in infamy:

Special shoutout to my wife, our crew Bonnie, Alex, and Neighbor B if you’re reading this.

Thank YOU

for a real good time!

When you get a chance, this run is certified HOT. Do not take my word for it though.

Just tune into this tour. Thank me later.

The legends on stage will reward your effort.

We’ll see you tonight, Chicago.

and if you’re in the crowd at the Vic with us, say High!

Be good family.

-Andrew

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