Dead & Company conjure up past glories in Irvine

Dead and Company perform at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on July 26, 2016.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

EDITOR'S NOTE: Robert Kinsler's review originally was posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. A special "thank you" to Bob Steshetz for the use of his awesome photographs taken at the performance.

John Mayer performing at Irvine Meadows.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Dead & Company
Where: Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
When: Tuesday, July 26

What may have started as little more than a one-off tribute to the Grateful Dead in late 2015 has developed into something special. Launched by founding Grateful Dead singer-guitarist Bob Weir and modern-day singer-guitar hero John Mayer, the aptly-dubbed Dead & Company performed a marathon-length performance before an enthusiastic and near-capacity retro-attired crowd at Irvine Meadows on Tuesday night. In addition to those celebrated talents, Dead & Company features founding Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart (drums) and Bill Kreutzmann (drums), as well as bassist Oteil Burbridge and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. 

As strong as the troupe was in a headlining tour stop at The Forum last December (READ THAT REVIEW HERE), the Irvine performance easily outdistanced that show. While both performances clocked in at about 3-1/2 hours (including a 40-minute intermission) and each allowed ample time for the band to revisit a plethora of Dead favorites, there was a musical explosiveness that set the outdoor date in Irvine apart. 

Bob Weir at Irvine Meadows.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Opening with the laid-back blues-rock gem "Cold Rain and Snow," Mayer's nuanced lead vocals and sterling guitar work were a perfect fit with the band's loose jam approach. The follow-up song "Jack Straw," allowed Mayer and Weir to share lead vocals; the psychedelic blues vibe allowed the song to build from a more sparse section to a stronger rock 'n' roll finale, with Mayer's speedy guitar leads blending beautifully with Chimenti's fluid playing on a grand piano.

Songs frequently stretched to 10 minutes or more, and while that might not work for simple compositions, Dead & Company's prowess to blend solos amidst intricate textures in involving and hypnotic ways kept things interesting. While blues is at the heart of much of the band's sound, the infusion of rock, jazz, folk, psychedelic and even gospel elements made sure things never got boring.

John Mayer, left, and Bob Weir.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Delta blues-tinged "Big Boss Man" was a key highlight of the group's first set, with Mayer proving that even when using a clean (non-distorted) tone on his electric guitar, he could tear it up. Both solos in the song allowed him to showcase his speedy and affecting lead guitar work. The next tune, the New Orleans-styled "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo," was marked by the beautiful vocal harmonies blended by Mayer and Weir. 

The second half of the concert offered just as much magic, allowing the crowd to cheer and sway to the rhythms during potent performances of "Fire on the Mountain," "Dark Star," and a flat-out rocking "U.S. Blues" that closed out the second set.

The memorable and fast-moving encore included a beautiful version of "Brokedown Palace" with Mayer and Weir once again blending their voices as the gospel Americana soundscape played out around them.

Dead & Company at the end of their concert.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

With Weir on lead vocals, Dead & Company wrapped up the magical night with a rollicking cover of Chuck Berry's iconic "Johnny B. Goode," Mayer once again unleashing masterful guitar work while Chimenti pounded away on his keyboards and the talented band of players infused the song with layers of rhythm and textures in true Dead fashion. 


Robert Kinsler