NEW ORLEANS, LA – Umphrey’s McGee brought their genre-bending prowess and a host of special guests to the Mahalia Jackson Theater on Tuesday night for the first night of Daze Between New Orleans, culminating in a powerful Led Zeppelin tribute dubbed “Brass & Bonham.”
The evening kicked off with a standard Umphrey’s set, featuring their signature blend of progressive rock, funk, and improvisation. However, the energy truly amplified towards the end of the first set with the arrival of saxophonist Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band) and trumpeter/vocalist Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band). Their addition injected a vibrant brass element into Umphrey’s staples like “Booth Love” and “Night Nurse,” and a particularly memorable, horn-infused rendition of “Wife Soup.” Hartswick also lent her vocals to the band’s electrifying “Zonkey” mashup, “Electric Avenue to Hell,” a surprising bust-out last played in March 2022.
But the true spectacle awaited in the second set. As promised, Umphrey’s McGee launched into a full-fledged Led Zeppelin tribute, and they didn’t come unprepared. Joining them on stage were drumming powerhouse Jason Bonham (son of the legendary John Bonham) and vocalist James Dylan, who channeled Robert Plant’s iconic energy.
The ensemble tore through a ten-song Zeppelin setlist, delivering faithful yet uniquely Umphrey’s-flavored renditions of classics such as “Immigrant Song,” “What Is and What Should Never Be,” “The Song Remains the Same,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Kashmir,” “Fool in the Rain,” “No Quarter,” “Ramble On,” “How Many More Times,” and “The Ocean.” Bonham’s presence on the drums was a particularly poignant element, adding an undeniable authenticity to the performance. Notably, “Fool in the Rain” was a significant bust-out for Umphrey’s, having last been played 460 shows prior in January 2019.
Even amidst the Zeppelin celebration, Umphrey’s couldn’t resist weaving in their own musical DNA. Guitarist Brendan Bayliss humorously noted that while they’d played “Fool in the Rain” 50 times, they’d never done it with this particular drummer. The band even teased Jimi Hendrix’s “Third Stone From the Sun” during “Ramble On,” showcasing their improvisational spirit.
For their encore, and despite the crowd’s enthusiasm for more Zeppelin, the band opted to return to their own catalog with a powerful rendition of “Conduit,” reportedly at Bonham’s request to play an Umphrey’s original.
The “Brass & Bonham” set was a resounding success, delivering a unique and high-energy experience for the New Orleans crowd. The combination of Umphrey’s McGee’s instrumental prowess, the dynamic horn arrangements, and the undeniable Led Zeppelin magic, amplified by Jason Bonham’s presence, made for a truly memorable night at Daze Between. It served as a powerful opening to the two-day event, leaving fans eager for more musical surprises.