2010

9th Railroad Earth show of the year!

Railroad Earth is one of my favorite currently touring bands. I cannot explain how the music makes me really feel, because it approaches my must-haves in music with an attack of such satisfaction, I have no choice but to become an uncontrollable addict to it. It’s as if it’s the best drug in the world, but lacks a negative hangover, and all it requires to have it injected into my system is open ears and some sense of being conscious. Otherwise, I can zone out and no matter what, the fire from the heavenly musicians of Railroad Earth consistently rock my soul.

With that in mind, a band I feel so strongly about is also like a relationship; whether it be time apart (when they are not in my neck of the woods), and even the facts and anniversaries you seem to remember. I clearly remember my first Railroad Earth show. It was June 5th, 2008 at the Crawfish Festival in Augusta, NJ. The boys had a two hour set, and played some standard tunes. Well, even though they may not have been the “best” songs the band had in their catalog, I was still baffled by the joy this new style of music (for me) was bringing me. Everyone who appeared to be a hard core fan was very inviting, and even let me get up on the rail to enjoy the music.

Well, two years, 16 Railroad Earth and 16 Railroad Earth side project shows, two bass players, countless memories and amazing friends later I now find myself looking back at an amazing experience that has just taken flight.

With my milestone out of the way, I will now get to the music.

A ten minute storm hit the Augusta County Fairgrounds with a little warning, but got intense for a few moments. I was holding down the merchandise tent when the wind kicked up, forcing me to make a run for it to the car. However, after ten minutes the storm cleared up and things got underway again. Railroad Earth took the stage shortly after, and exploded off with “420″. John Skehans mandolin was crying out from the start as he fiercely approached the self-written piece. “Walk Beside Me” was very interesting as it was the first time in years that Railroad Earth had an electric bassist (besides when Keith Moseley played electric at JamCruise). I had talked to Andrew before and his attitude towards the new change was that it was more of a comfort thing, as he has always played an equal amount of electric and acoustic bass. He also explained it was just experimentation and that some of the new songs on the album would (apparently) include him on the electric bass. And to my surprise, the songs he played electric bass on sounded great! As mentioned “Walk Beside Me” was very tight from the rhythm section provided the rest of the band to float on top of the secure foundation in the realms of a laid back jam from John Skehan, Andy Goessling, Todd Sheaffer and Tim Carbone.

“Elko” injected the energy with staggering height as the buildup of a great set was beginning to increase. The crowd that was surrounded by funk and zydeco music all day seemed to like Railroad Earth’s approach at a somewhat funk/zydeco style. “For Love” was filled with emotion where Todd Sheaffer takes off with his interpretation of the classic Robert Earl Keene ballad. “Hard Livin” was really as funky as the bands latest release “Amen Corner” gets, and the crowd could not get enough of Andy Goessling’s intriguing double saxophone playing, nor Timmy “Hendrix” Carbone’s switchover to his latest variation, an electric guitar which iced off a great jam with mind blowing shredding. Many people loved the set list structure, as it seemed like the band knew what kind of atmosphere the audience was looking for at certain times (much of which got me hooked onto this band two years ago exactly). “The Forecast” got deep down into the vault of dark jams lively with Todd Sheaffer action, as well as Tim Carbone switching over from the fiddle to the electric guitar – displaying creative musicianship while performing. The festival set closed with “Bringing My Baby Back Home” and indicated Andrew Altman’s upright capabilities as well, and was introduced (for the last time) as “the new guy”. Tim Carbones fiddle and John Skehans mandolin battled it out as to which was going to shine through the best, and both succeeded greatly. This provided an encore banter signal to the crowd, when the upbeat bluegrass raging left everyone screaming for more. After a few minutes the band came back on and seemed to warp my mind with “Seven Story Mountain”. This gave me chills throughout, whether it of been Carey Harmon’s spot on percussion creativity, to Andy Goessling’s jaw dropping Dobro performance.

After this show, I realize why this band means so much to me. They really bring more emotion and love through the fans and just the bands itself than I could ever imagine (which you would not necessarily expect from a band). Some of my best friends were brought to me via Railroad Earth, and honestly, the music is right up to par with the socializing, support and pure joy that the fan base introduced to me.

Yah Railroad Earth!

Full Setlist

420

Walk Beside Me

Elko

Bread and Water

Saddle of the Sun

For Love

Hard Livin’

Lovin’ You

Happy Song

The Forecast

Bird in a House

Bringin’ My Baby Back Home

Encore:

Seven Story Mountain