Fans never know what to expect when Umphrey’s McGee performs

Posted by Stephen Centanni | Apr 9, 2014 | Music Briefs | 0 |

Umphrey’s McGee survived the jam craze at the turn of millennium with their loyal fan base intact. Music enthusiasts should note this band’s sonic versatility as one of the most detrimental aspects to their survival.

Masters of what has been called “improg” (Progressive Improvisation), their audiences never know what to expect with their live show. A jazz-laden song could plunge into a realm of rock-and-roll, before shifting into a tune heavy in electronic elements. This allows the band to walk a fine line between jam and progressive rock categories. With the recent passing of drummer Mike Mirro, Umphrey’s Saenger show will be many local fans’ first time experiencing the band’s new drummer Kris Myers.

Lionize will be laying the foundation for Umphrey’s McGee. Drummer Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch) acted as producer for their recent release “Jetpack Soundtrack.” When one takes Clutch’s style into consideration, it is no surprise that Gaster took an interest in this trio.

Lionize’s sound is steeped heavily in pure rock ’n’ roll that maintains a consistent edge throughout their tracks. This band embraces rock’s blues roots with each song while leaving their own aural footprint.

Ultimately, their creative methods have resulted in a rock sound for the future that is beautifully difficult to categorize. Their set will definitely get the crowd energized for Umprey’s McGee.

Umphrey’s McGee, Lionize
Date: Wednesday, April 16, with doors open at 8 p.m.
Venue: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., www.mobilesaenger.com
Tickets: $25 available through Ticketmaster and at the Saenger Box Office

About The Author

Stephen Centanni

With the exception of two years spent at Auburn University, Steve Centanni has spent his life in Mobile County while focusing on his two passions: music and the written word. As soon as he was issued his driver’s license, Centanni began to explore the local music scene in the early ‘90s. He filled his weekend with visits classic local venues such as the Four Strong Winds Coffee House, Vincent Van Go-Go’s and Culture Shock, all of which welcomed those who had yet to reach 18. After high school, Centanni traded Mobile for Auburn to complete his B.A. in English with an emphasis on general writing. While at Auburn, he had the honor of studying under the Pulitzer-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, who served as the nation’s Poet Laureate in 2012 and 2014. After receiving his diploma, Centanni quickly moved back to Mobile and completed the University of South Alabama’s graduate program with a M.Ed. Eventually, he was tapped by the nationally distributed Volume Entertainment Magazine to serve as the magazine’s managing editor/senior writer. His time with Volume allowed him to exercise his love for both music and writing. As Volume began to fade, Lagniappe recruited Centanni as their Music Writer and later their Music Editor, where he has remained for a little over a decade. As far as his involvement in the local music scene, Centanni organized Cess Fest at the Langan Park, which was a mini-festival focused on original local music in a time when original local music was veritably taboo in Downtown Mobile. For a short time, he brought original music to Downtown Mobile as the in-house promoter for the now deceased venue Cell Block. He managed local underground powerhouse Fry Cook, until the members parted ways. Centanni has lent his bass to bands such as Keychain Pistol and The F’n A-Holes, and he toured nationally as a member of Abstract Artimus & the Torture Children. Currently, he provides vocals for the garage blues rock outfit Johnny No. Ultimately, Centanni’s experience in the local music scene as both a participant and an observer has allowed him to witness the ever-changing persona of Mobile’s enigmatic music scene, which continues to leave him with more questions than answers.