Photos and Review by Jessica Lewis
Nestled beneath the Tenmile and Gore mountain ranges, thousands gathered along the shores of the Dillon Reservoir for a sold out concert. Pig masks, quirky costumes, and mischievous traditions reflected the wonderfully weird culture Les Claypool has cultivated for decades. The atmosphere was as welcoming as it was unconventional.
The Fearless Flying Frog Brigade emerged wearing matching green jackets and bucket hats reflecting the whimsical spirit of the Frog Brigade. The ebb and flow between Les Claypool and Sean Lennon is effortless. These two banter in between songs with their dry sense of humor playing off the energy of the crowd with offbeat comments, jokes or odd stories. It was impossible to miss exchanged grins making things feel more playful than rehearsed. Skerik’s expressive saxophone, Mike Dillon’s vibraphone add colorful movement and Sean Lennon’s psychedelic guitar textures gave the Brigade its jazz fusion character. Harry Waters layered rich keyboard textures while Paulo Baldi demonstrated remarkable restraint behind the drum kit. He knows exactly when to drive the percussion forward and when to leave space for Les Claypool’s unmistakable bass grooves. Throughout the evening, Claypool effortlessly balanced indicate bass lines while delivering vocals. A demanding combination that remains one the defining hallmarks of his musicianship. Together the band’s interplay crated a sense of complete sonic therapy.
The Claypool Delirium transitioned into the next set, this showcased what happens when two endlessly curious musicians challenge one another creatively. Together Claypool and Lennon continually inspire one another shaping a sound that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. Heavily influenced by classics such as, The Beatles and Pink Floyd, they gave the sound a shimmering and collaborative expression. Baldi, versatile with his drumming and Harry Waters on the keys added another dimension with synthesized layers. Highlights included. “WAP (What a Predicament)” along with a mesmerizing cover of Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine”, scratching every musical itch you didn’t know you had.
As the set break began, a crimson sunset settled over the valley making the evening feel almost prophetic. Longtime devotees tend to celebrate the expectation of Primus by offering a lighthearted yet bizarre and welcoming climate. As with many Primus performances, a brief introductory video played on the screen behind the stage building anticipation. Enthusiastic cheers greeted the band while they opened with “To Defy The Laws of Tradition”. The set unfolded an expansive musical adventure moving between intricate musicianship, humor and explosive energy. During “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”, the crowd erupted! A massive mosh pit formed in the center while hundreds moved around as one. Heads banging in perfect unison to every thunderous bass line. Totally impossible to not be swept up in a contagious power.
What is perhaps the most remarkable wasn’t simply the enthusiasm of the audience but the fact Primus continues to inspire the same uninhibited excitement decades into their career. Dedicated fans were familiar with “American Life” and “Here Comes The Bastards”. “The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon” took on a new expression. Mike Dillon on the vibraphone intertwined with Skertik’s soulful saxophone added spontaneity to an elevated experience. Nearly four decades into their career, Primus continues to command the same excitement that first earned their fiercely loyal following. Few bands can sustain that level of creativity and intensity for so long.
As all three ensembles reunited the stage as they drifted into a “Tomorrow Never Knows” cover by The Beatles. The song’s timeless message felt especially poignant beneath a sky that would later reveal of a nearby wildfire. A powerful reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Making the shared experience of live music feel all more meaningful. Against the backdrop of the Rockies is right where psychedelia met the mountains. The Claypool Gold Tour became more than a concert. It was a celebration of musical curiosity, fearless collaboration and the enduring curiosity that has defined Les Claypool’s remarkable career.
Get your tickets to Les Claypool’s Gold Tour – https://www.lesclaypool.com/
