Concert Notes and Music Alert: Railroad Earth

Location: Bowery Ballroom in NYC
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2005


Tim Carbone jamming with Bill Nershi during the Honkytonk Homeslice opening act.



To learn more about Railroad Earth, a band that is ready to break out big in 2006, please click here.


There was close to three hours of music for the cost of a ticket and considering that it was a local show without much stress of travel on my part, I stand by my 5 star rating. There was a clown blowing up balloons and creating general mirth, a good vibe from the undulating mass of Hobos (old and young) that filled the Bowery. I had never seen such a big crowd at the Bowery. There was a good pre-show party at several local establishments. Given the sum total of the experience, music, fans, venue, sound, and pre-show festivities - another great Saturday night of music in the city. The recording sounds great - and the room sounded the best it has ever done.

I was one of the tapers at the show - hot versions of some classics for me, John Skehan's jam into Like a Buddha, Railroad Earth, Warhead Boogie, a Major League Mess and an Insane HEAD were some of the highlights. Ruben's Train was a classic jam. The double encore was fun and unexpected - the Whiskey River was a great way to end the show. Now some of the longer term hobos would call this a pedestrian show, maybe coasting at times. Others will say that its great, but not transcendant and not quite epic. I say that you have to hear for yourself.

Setlist:
Set I
Lordy Lordy
Saddle of the Sun
John's Jig > Like A Buddha
Cuckoo Bird
Warhead Boogie
Railroad Earth
Fiddlee

Set II
Bird in a House
Rueben's Train
I am a Mess
Dance Around Molly
Dandelion Wine
Sing for Me
Head

Encore:
Fire on the Mountain
Whiskey River

If you like bluegrass, then you'll like Railroad Earth for sure. If you like jams, then this band mixes it up and keeps things interesting. It's a good community of fans and while they are still drawing under a 1000 per night (read smaller, more intimate venues), you should check them out. They have a new record deal as described below in the music alert. Ask for Elko, their new album and come out to see them live in 2006. You can thank me later.

Music Alert:

Railroad Earth's first double live album entitled "ELKO," on their new label SCI Fidelity Records. "ELKO" will hit stores nationwide on January 24th, and the band will celebrate its release at the FILLMORE in San Francisco on JANUARY 21ST, with its fans, friends and new family at SCI Fidelity Records. The band is excited about the album and hopes that you'll come out and join them!



Two Special In-Store Performances!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22ND @ 1PM
TOWER RECORDS - SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Columbus & Bay)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH @ 1PM - TWIST AND SHOUT UNDERGROUND - DENVER, CO (33 E. Alameda)
Don't miss the chance to see Railroad Earth play an acoustic set in these intimate environments.