Nicks Picks Volume 2: Elf Lettuce at the High Noon Saloon
Don't look now but Madison's got itself a new jam band institution. Quietly (or not) over the past few years, Madison 4 piece Elf Lettuce have established themselves as an extremely professional outfit, prone to recognizing the big moments and seizing those moments with the timing of a group 20 years into their career. Last night was no exception. With the High Noon Saloon brimming with hardcore fans, casual on lookers, and the new crop of toe headed college students looking to become part of the scene, Elf Lettuce delivered a masterful performance in a night billed as a tribute to the Elve's perpetual muse, The Grateful Dead.
For my money, any evening that starts with Terrapin Station is bound to be a good one. That's exactly what happened Saturday night as The Smokin' Bandits Pat Ferguson and Papa Elf, Jacob Lison started the show on acoustics. The set rolled on as remaining members Alex White on guitar, Eli Reichenberger on bass and Joe Murray on drums graced the stage, culminating in a rousing version of I Know You Rider. The crowd was primed.
As the acoustic opening set concluded, Ferguson remained on stage and was joined by Wisconsin legend, Denny Vanesky for a short set of Dead tunes, done with only the flair the Vanesky provides. On the coat tails of that set came the drum circle, which served to remind this reporter of what has been a very long festival season. Spirits were high, the energy was amazing and finally it was time.
Elf Lettuce took the stage for what will prove to be Murray's second to last set with the band. Joined throughout the set by The Grasshoppers' Joe Burbach and Jimmy Sanborn on keys and guitar respectivley and Chafo's Peter Bagentoss on additional keys, the set was played with conviction, intensity and a little bit of mayhem. The interplay between Lison and Sanborn on guitar was of such fine quality, it was almost surreal. These guys weren't messing around. Witnessing this caliber of playing in our own back yard truly makes a person proud to call this state home. The fever pitch of the entire night was quelled only by the encore 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue', played with delicate beauty, as everyone returned to earth.
As Elf Lettuce continues to break the boundaries of what is expected of a 'local' band, their penchant for rising to the occasion grows. The satisfying reality of the situation is that we are all witnesses. There's no telling where these boys will go, and there's really no telling the places they will take all of us. So, buckle up. It's going to be one hell of a ride.
For my money, any evening that starts with Terrapin Station is bound to be a good one. That's exactly what happened Saturday night as The Smokin' Bandits Pat Ferguson and Papa Elf, Jacob Lison started the show on acoustics. The set rolled on as remaining members Alex White on guitar, Eli Reichenberger on bass and Joe Murray on drums graced the stage, culminating in a rousing version of I Know You Rider. The crowd was primed.
As the acoustic opening set concluded, Ferguson remained on stage and was joined by Wisconsin legend, Denny Vanesky for a short set of Dead tunes, done with only the flair the Vanesky provides. On the coat tails of that set came the drum circle, which served to remind this reporter of what has been a very long festival season. Spirits were high, the energy was amazing and finally it was time.
Elf Lettuce took the stage for what will prove to be Murray's second to last set with the band. Joined throughout the set by The Grasshoppers' Joe Burbach and Jimmy Sanborn on keys and guitar respectivley and Chafo's Peter Bagentoss on additional keys, the set was played with conviction, intensity and a little bit of mayhem. The interplay between Lison and Sanborn on guitar was of such fine quality, it was almost surreal. These guys weren't messing around. Witnessing this caliber of playing in our own back yard truly makes a person proud to call this state home. The fever pitch of the entire night was quelled only by the encore 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue', played with delicate beauty, as everyone returned to earth.
As Elf Lettuce continues to break the boundaries of what is expected of a 'local' band, their penchant for rising to the occasion grows. The satisfying reality of the situation is that we are all witnesses. There's no telling where these boys will go, and there's really no telling the places they will take all of us. So, buckle up. It's going to be one hell of a ride.
