Joe Russo's Almost Dead

"This band really does it all. Of any band out there currently playing the Grateful Dead song book, these guys go out and give the most value for your entertainment dollar. Not only can they rock the familiar old school vibes of an actual GD show but they add in the modern unpredictability of a well rounded jam band setlist. Rather than just setting up Scarlet>Fire or China>Rider or any of the other “classic combos” these guys will take you on a journey as they completely breakdown the familiar into something completely new and unpredictable. Never have I ever walked into a Dead tribute acts show and walked away ready to dive further into Radiohead’s or another band’s catalogue but that’s exactly what I did on the ride home to NJ. The Bends wow. Sat there the whole time thinking “it’s on the tip of my tongue, what song is this?” They make listening to Grateful Dead music a guessing game for me again and that’s something I truly thought I’d never experience. Beyond everything I’ve said, the importance placed on free form jams rather than packing as many songs into a set as possible is very much appreciated, it’s how this music should be. King Solomon’s was a MAJOR highlight, as was the Mountain Jam tease in Bird Song. Can’t wait to see these guys again soon. "