Reviews > Shows
Published: 2009/07/13
Matisyahu and Umphrey’s McGee, Central Park SummerStage, New York, NY 7/9/09

Photo by Lucas Samuels
While Umphrey’s McGee and Matisyahu typically draw distinctly different audiences, Thursday night’s Central Park’s SummerStage performance unified fans of both Chicago’s progressive rockers and New York’s Hasidic reggae singer. Both bands have roots in the jamband scene: Matisyahu was catapulted to the spotlight when Trey Anastasio invited him to sit in on a 2005 Bonnaroo set.
Umphrey’s McGee opened the show with “Professor Wormbog” followed by a Mantis tune, “Cemetery Walk.” The set showed-off more of the band’s vocal side—unlike some recent late-night shows—with older songs such as a fantastic “Nemo,” “Walletsworth” and “Got Your Milk (Right Here),” with both keyboardist Joel Cummins and guitarist Jake Cinninger lending their voices to frontman Brendan Bayliss.
Even though the band only had one set, Umphrey’s took its time easing into each jam with harnessed transitions that built anticipation in the crowd. Of the ten songs played, only three were from Mantis, including “Turn & Run” and the dancy “Cemetery Walk II.” The band closed the set with a rocking cover of the Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).”
The 30-year-old Matisyahu came onstage, bouncing with energy and enthusiasm, ready to play for New York City—the place where he formed his career. During his set, Matisyahu brought out several guest emcees from New York. Between bringing out his friends for a guest spot, Matisyahu excited his fans by diving into the audience and crowd surfing.
Highlights of the performance included an extended beat-box session and “One Day,” the single off his upcoming album which has an uplifting message. Like Umphrey’s McGee, Matisyahu showcased his own energy and skill during his set—turning those unfamiliar with the reggae-rapper into new fans. His new album, Light, is due in August.
Relix A/V
The Chapin Sisters "Crying in the Rain"
The Chapin Sisters share an tune from their new album A Date With the Everly Brothers.
Night Moves "Country Queens"
Minneapolis-based Night Moves share a song from their record, Colored Emotions, live at Relix.
The Giving Tree Band "Brown Eyed Women"
The Giving Tree Band enjoy a spring day on the Relix rooftop, while performing a classic Grateful Dead tune.
Hayden "Blurry Nights"
Canadian singer-songwriter Hayden performs a duet with his sister-in-law Lou Canon. The song appears on Us Alone his first record on Broken Social Scene’s Arts & Crafts Productions.
The Milk Carton Kids "Hope of a Lifetime"
The Milk Carton Kids share the first song from their new album, The Ash & Clay.
Premiere: Ana Popovic "Object Of Obsession"
Here is the new video from Serbian guitar ace Ana Popovic. “Object Of Obsession” appears on her latest album Can You Stand The Heat.
Ron Sexsmith "Nowhere To Go"
Ron Sexsmith visits the Relix office to perform a tune from his latest record Forever Endeavor.
Crystal Bowersox "I Am"
Crystal Bowersox stops by Relix to perform a song from her new album, All That For This.
Latest Content
- Interlocken Festival to Feature Neil Young, Furthur, String Cheese Incident, Black Crowes, Zac Brown and More
- Relix Live Fridays: Lotus 2013
- Warren Haynes and Joe Bonamassa "If Heartaches Were Nickels"
- The Chapin Sisters "Crying in the Rain"
- The Salvation of Page McConnell (Relix Revisited)
- Phil & Friends at Terrapin Crossroads (A Gallery)
- Kung Fu at The Bowl (A Gallery)
- Dawes "From a Window Seat" and "Most People" on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Comments
There are 3 comments associated with this post
Josue April 20, 2012, 11:15:12
Setiana August 29, 2012, 00:13:07