Umphrey's McGee Performs "UMBowl X" at House of Blues Boston

The Umphrey's McGee's "UMBowl X" sold out show at the House of Blues in Boston this past Saturday was an unparalleled musical odyssey, spanning three sets that left the audience spellbound and craving more. With each set offering a unique experience, the band showcased their versatility and boundless creativity, cementing their status as one of the most innovative acts in the jam band scene.

The evening commenced with a breathtaking first set that paired instrumental jams with iconic movie scenes projected on the big screen. From the eerie atmospheres of "Nosferatu" to the adrenaline-fueled chaos of "Mad Max" and the iconic moments of "Pulp Fiction" and "Blues Brothers," Umphrey's McGee flawlessly captured the essence of each film, infusing their music with a cinematic quality that transported listeners to another dimension.

The second set was a rollercoaster ride of musical exploration, featuring a mix of beloved classics and never-before-performed gems. The band delved into uncharted territory with covers of "Sultans of Swing," "1/2 Time," "Get to Nothing," "Concessions," "Work Sauce," and a revisit of "Get to Nothing." Each song was a revelation, showcasing Umphrey's McGee's ability to breathe new life into familiar tunes and tackle unfamiliar material with confidence and finesse.

But perhaps the most exhilarating aspect of the night was the third set, which put the power in the hands of the fans. With two songs posted for each selection, audience members eagerly texted their choices, resulting in a thrilling game of musical roulette. From the explosive energy of "1348" to the infectious groove of "Bad Friday" and the mesmerizing melodies of "Night Nurse," each song was a testament to the band's dynamic range and improvisational prowess.

The evening reached its climax with a jaw-dropping encore that left the crowd cheering for more. As the bassist took the guitar and smashed it on stage during a verse of "Puff the Magic Dragon," the energy in the room soared to new heights. The band then launched into a blistering rendition of "Top Gun," followed by the infectious funk of "Floor," bringing the night to a thrilling conclusion.

Umphrey's McGee's "UMBowl X" show at the House of Blues Boston was a masterclass in musical innovation and audience engagement. With three sets that pushed the boundaries of genre and expectation, the band proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the jam music scene.

Set 1: History of movies, Nosferatu, Mad Max: Fury Road, Pulp Fiction, The Blues Brothers, Pan s Labyrinth, Interstellar, Caddyshack, Kill Bill: Volume 1

Set 2: Sultans of Swing^[1] > Concessions^[2], Work Sauce^[2], House of Better Glass^[3]

Set 3: 1348^[4] > Glory > Bad Friday > Night Nurse > Making Flippy Floppy, Plunger

Encore: Top Gun Anthem^[5] > 1348

Footnotes:
    [1] debut, Dire Straits
    [2] debut, original
    [3] debut, Jump Around (House of Pain) + House of Glass (Blondie) + The Less I Know the Better (Tame Impala) mash-up
    [4] with Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Michael Jackson) and Simple Gifts (Brackett) teases
    [5] debut, Faltermeyer

Show Notes: First set was “Live Scoring Set,” with the band performing original music to movie clips.

Second set was “All New,” with the debut of every song; Concessions comprised of past "Jimmy Stewarts" [2014-01-18 1348 + 2007-09-14 Nemo + 2023-01-14 The Silent Type]

Third set was "choose your own adventure," with attendees voting for the next "adventure" live: 1348 or Escape Goat; Glory >, Kula >, or Kimble >; Miami Virtue or Bad Friday; Day Nurse or Night Nurse; Making Flipppy Floppy or Girlfriend Is Better; Educated Guess, Plunger, or Maybe Someday

Top Gun Anthem was played along with clips from the movie; prior to the encore, Brendan quoted Puff the Magic Dragon (Peter, Paul and Mary) followed by Ryan taking Brendan's acoustic guitar and smashing it on the stage.