REQUEST LINE: 860-486-9487
IM: WHUSDJ
CURRENT SHOW
The Cleaning Crew: 45. to the Temple Edition
IM: WHUSDJ
CURRENT SHOW
The Cleaning Crew: 45. to the Temple Edition
November 23, 2011
Author: Crystal Hayes
Dark Star Orchestra ~ Show #1999 ~ Doing: 24 April 1984.
Calvin Theatre, Northampton, MA
I'm embarrassed to say, this is the first time I've seen Dark Star Orchestra, or as we refer to them as, DSO. I thought DSO was merely a popular mid-west Grateful Dead cover band that were exceptional enough to tour the country and bring some Grateful Dead followers along with them. I am wrong about that.
The band was formed in 1997, which of course was after the passing of Jerry Garcia, and perhaps this is why I gave them little to no notice. Little did I know, Dark Star Orchestra is an awesome, talent-packed Grateful Dead tribute band that presents random complete original set lists, song by song in order, while adapting their own take on the arrangements.
The idea for the band came when now Furthur-guitarist John Kadlecik contacted keyboardist Scott Larned with the concept to perform complete Grateful Dead shows as they were originally played. The current line-up for DSO includes:
Jeff Mattson: on lead guitar, vocals ~ previously with Zen Tricksters and Donna Jean Godchaux Band. Jeff replaced founding member John Kadelik when John was asked to play lead for Furthur. Musically more than adequate to do lead on both guitar and vocals, he's phenomenal.
Rob Eaton: on rhythm guitar, vocals ~ previously with Dead cover bands, The Peyote Ridge, and Border Legion. Rob is awesome at doing Bobby's part with strong vocals and a crafty rhythm /lead guitar.
Kevin Rosen: on bass, vocals ~ Founding member of DSO, though played on and off with the band since inception. Played with various Chicago-based bands including Uncle Jon's Band.
Rob Barraco: on keyboards, vocals ~ Spent eleven years touring with the Zen Tricksters. Was noticed by Phil Lesh and was asked to join Phil Lesh & Friends. Went on to play with The Q (short for The Phil Lesh Quintet). (Note: this guy is awesome, though the audio guy needs to crank up the keys!)
Rob Koritz: drums, percussion ~ Classically trained drummer. Started workshop called the "Percussion Discussion;" playing with local acts in St. Louis and Austin, TX.
Dino English: drums, percussion ~ jazz and concert band background. Was turned onto the Grateful Dead, his love led him to play in a series of Dead-oriented bands.
Lisa Mackey: vocals in 'Donna-era' shows ~ Founding member; began by working with local Chicago musicians in the band Azure; Shotgun Ragtime Band, (and with JK) collaboration called the Dime Store String Band.
Overall this band is well constructed both historically and musically. They grab your attention right from the start. Hey, any concert that starts Set One with a smokin' "Bertha" has me. Then, they successfully wale into an equally fab "Greatest Story Ever Told," truly leaving me with a WoW. The vocals of Rob Eaton, especially on "Greatest Story," are so incredibly Bobby-like that it gives me the shivers. The show I saw was a reconstruction of an April 1984 show from New Haven coliseum, as as luck would have it, guess who was there:
At set break, I was able to go hang out with a few of the band members, and they were the ones that told me that's what they did: replay shows in Grateful Dead history. Of course, had I known more about this band, or even simply looked it up on Wiki or something, I'd have known that ahead of time, but the fun part was after the first set, trying to guess the year by the songs that they played. I was certain it was early 80s simply because they did "Brother Esau." I was not able to see Lisa Mackey sing, because the show they were doing was not a 'Donna show.'
This is a fun band that is very good at what they do. They have a ship-load of talent and Grateful Dead love, and it shows. It's an all-good atmosphere and my only complaint is that they don't allow recording devices of any kind: audio or visual. I don't go anywhere without my camera, and it's a shame that they don't want to leave their legacy a bit more available. If you enjoy the music of the Grateful Dead, this is a great experience. Would I see Dark Star Orchestra again? Absolutely!
