Tuesday, June 2, 1998
Widespread Vibes
MUSIC: Gov’t Mule, G. Love, Special Sauce and Widespread Panic
play down classic grooves and funky jams at the Universal
Amphitheater
By Michelle Zubiate
Daily Bruin Contributor
Tie-dyed shirts and slick suits never looked so good together
before, but Saturday night it just felt right.
Deadheads and hip-hop lovers alike unite for a rare moment of
musical entente when the Universal Amphitheater held an event that
crossed genres into jam status.
Hip-hop-funk artists G. Love and Special Sauce joined classic
rock-influenced bands Gov’t Mule and Widespread Panic to give the
audience a treat that kept them on their feet.
Already bearing the experience of previous affiliations with the
Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule entered into their set with sheer
confidence and true-blue rock ‘n’ roll.
Opening with Son House classic "John the Revelator," they right
away demonstrated both the gritty yet exceptional vocal talents of
lead singer Warren Hayes, as well as the solid rhythm section of
bassist Allen Woody and drummer Matt Abts.
Unfortunately, the band played for quite a small crowd that
appreciated their sound but remained unaffected by their promising
power.
The set mixed in blues rock with a harder edge behind the vocals
which, although impressive, lacked the luster of their CD.
Gov’t Mule also jumped into the album’s strengths a little too
early in the set, leaving less to look forward to, aside from a
gripping cover of The Beatles’ "She Said, She Said."
For just a trio, Gov’t Mule sure knew how to make it loud and
thumping. Often songs such as "Blind Man in the Dark" would climax
into frenzied chaos, with the hopes of inspiring the limpid crowd,
but all that came up were a few weak hollers and some strong
applause. Gov’t Mule embodies real talent but lacks the creative
style and originality to make it big.
G. Love and Special Sauce came on as something a little new and
exiting for the hippies to digest, and for their loyal fans, they
just jammed their usual beat-happy rhythms.
A feast for the eye as well as the ear, the band gave the night
much energy and proved itself a real performer.
G. Love remained situated on a stool for the majority of the
night as he played the electric guitar, Jeff Clemens mastered the
drums, Jim Prescott jazzed the upright bass, and two male
background singers gave the Supremes a run for their money.
With musical stylings dipping into hip-hop, rap and jazz, the
band compelled the house to get up and dance from the minute the
opening chords of "This Ain’t Living" hit the ceiling, highlighted
by Prescott’s solo.
Rap interludes and catchy choruses dominated the set, but the
band offered mellow, kick-back rhythms to round out their
versatility.
Although in serious need of some tightening in the harmonized
vocals, the band showed spirited zest and fun in every aspect of
its performance.
The crowd jumped to their feet the second the curtain raised for
Widespread Panic, who launched into a two-hour set that pleased all
loyal followers.
Starting with a riveting performance of "Send Your Mind," the
band instantly revealed influences originating from the era of the
Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead.
Although each member demonstrated overwhelming talent as an
individual, it also became obvious that the band needs more
chemistry in songwriting.
What would start off as a great rock song would turn into a
blend of individual solos that would drag on and on in tradition
with every classic rock band before its time.
Every solo remained largely impressive, from the intricate
guitar hooks of Mike Hauser to the 10-minute congo routine of
Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz.
Unfortunately, not enough of John Bell’s solid vocals surfaced
in the set, and some songs begged for a knockout bass combo.
Playing with vigorous energy, the young and old alike
immediately fell in love with the band’s style and the electricity
the instrumental sequences had to offer. Songs such as "Pigeons"
and "Glory" invoked sing-alongs and cheers as each member supported
each other through the most challenging patterns.
Various lighting effects added beauty and glow to the venue’s
atmosphere, as colored stars floated along the walls and ceiling
and psychedelic images swirled in the backdrop.
Despite the extremely lengthy set the crowd still demanded an
encore and Widespread Panic responded with one more rockin’ hit
joined by the members of Gov’t Mule.
Together they completed a memorable night of rock, jives and
dynamic deals.
DERRICK KUDO/Daily Bruin
John Bell of Widespread Panic croons as Domingo Ortiz works the
drums.
(Top) Domingo Ortiz (left) of Widespread Panic works the drums
as John Bell sings. (Above) Widespread Panic’s Todd Nance and Ortiz
played at the Universal Amphitheater.