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WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
For a guy who has been active on the Dead Head scene since ’74, it’s no surprise he has this cult following, even in Japan. This manifestation has 3 more players: the legend Bernie Worrell still kickin’ and tickling the ivories, Andy Hess swaying solid on bass and Wally Ingram tearing up a top-of-the-line DW drum kit.
Set-up and sound check took a little long and the show was actually about 10 minutes late, a rare thing at FRF for being a top-notch fest in always-punctual Japan. Though, the proper sound-check resulted in a fine-tuned sound all the way through a sweetly romping three-hour set (of which the first hour was a mere 4 songs mind you).
Starting the jam leads into a Beatles tinged remix of “Come Together.”
There is a guy in the front with a California license plate proclaiming DEAD HEAD status, and even a baby carriage with a Grateful Dead rainbow flag attached. That, my friends, is longevity.
Other amusing fans include one wearing a Wayne’s World hat, a Koala, and everyone doing their best hippie hippie shake; plus, plenty “Woos!” fill the breaks.
Later, a “Blood and Fire” remix showcases Andy’s diverse and genre-bending skills on bass.
On a side note to the jams, one great thing about being slotted for the FOH 3 hours straight is you can finally justify waiting in lines for both the Samurai Gelato and wood-fired oven-baked artisan pizza. Man, was that an awesome dinner, and for just 2000 Yen that is way cheaper than eating out in Tokyo! (Gelato cone double scoop = 500 Yen, margherita pizza with fresh mini tomatoes = 1500 Yen)
By the end of three solid hours providing jazzy licks and freeform electric organ solos that would make Herbie Hancock smile, and the guys barely even breaking a sweat, still manage to pull a few tricks out of the magic hat. Crowd pleasers in their repertoire like the Talking Heads’ “Burnin’ Down the House” and Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Get Up, Stand Up” raise cheers in waves of recognition.
Since first playing Fuji Rock in 2003, Steve has come a number of times to Japan, and even showed solidarity after the earthquake and tsunami by playing an impromptu “Love For Japan” benefit show in California the very next day.
I bet the love he felt tonight at Field of Heaven made that soft spot he’s got in his heart for this country and the fans here (especially the Dead Heads) a little bigger.
Photo Courtesy Smashing Mag 北村勇祐. See more here.
[...] Best Stage: Field of Heaven, the whole area is lit to incorporate the audience into the performance. This was especially evident during Steve Kimock’s three-hour set. Read the review here. [...]