Umphrey's McGee
Just before midnight on June 18,2014, rock band Umphrey's McGee stepped out of London's legendary Abbey Road Studios with their new release,The London Sessions. The album was recorded in just 12 hours and includes a mixture of originals, some familiar tunes, and one cover -I Want You (She's So Heavy) from the Beatles album Abbey Road.
In my interview, guitarist and vocalist Brendan Bayliss acknowledged this impressive feat. “As a huge Beatles fan, it was a goal of mine just to get a tour of the studio," he said. "My favorite Beatle was John. He spoke his mind and was not afraid of saying something that might offend someone. He was the harder edge that drove them away from bubblegum pop, and he basically created a new musical genre with songs like Tomorrow Never Knows and Strawberry Fields Forever. I hope people give the album a spin, that is really all I can ask for."
In that respect, McGee is also not afraid of being the harder edge in his musical career and on the jam band scene. Driving away from improv-heavy shows, the band makes a calculated effort to focus on providing a complete concert experience for their fans. “For me it is playing a well-crafted song that has lots of moving parts, shifting with the light show," Bayliss said. "If that involves improv, then a focused and driven moment … not a band wandering around musically in a forest looking for something … I look out in the crowd and I see young kids and old people getting down, it is a broad spectrum."
Garnering a reputation as one of the most musically-impressive and reputable jam bands out there,Umphrey's McGee's road from South Bend, Ind., during the van and trailer days to Abbey Road required dedication and a strong work ethic. Bayliss recalled the beginning days.
"There was not really much of a music scene in South Bend and we had to do a lot of things for ourselves, so we learned how to be very independent and self reliant. We basically played at bars or people's house parties, so that definitely played into the set lists … learning covers for every situation. Also, it is not like living in a city where people take the train or a bus to get anywhere. You have to drive, so you have lots of time to listen to music and study. … We all studied music growing up and Kris, our drummer, has a master's in jazz performance. We tried to learn the tricks of all the greats, and we have performed with some of them along the way. We also try to put our own spin on songwriting … plus we have played a lot of shows over the last 18 years and we are also very punctual."
Part of the Umphrey's McGee concert experience includes an intense and creative light show. The band works with lighting designer Jefferson Waful, who has been described by many as a cross between a dynamic abstract painter and an orchestra conductor. Waful splashes waves and beams of light across the stage in balance with the music. Waful also uses lasers, projections and steam. “He really studied the music to get the counts and changes, and he improvises very well with us," Bayliss said. "We actually met him on one of our first East Coast tours and Joel forgot to put him on the guest list that night. He said the first time he saw us, I was playing drums and our original drummer, Mike Mirro, was out front singing George Michael'sFreedom! 90. He has a big impact on the mood and vibe of the moment at our shows. He helps put the exclamation point on the statement."
After almost two decades of playing music, Umphrey's McGee is inspired to continue their relationship and leave a legacy for future generations. “My children motivate me," Bayliss said. "I want to impress them and keep this going so they can see what I do. So do my bandmates. It is like we are married. You don't want to let yourself go … you have to shave and put on pants sometimes.”
