LIVE FROM THE LAKE COAST

With only two studio albums under their belt and a drummer about leave the band Umphrey's McGee filmed two shows outdoors at the Skyline Stage in Chicago. Having a reputation as a jam band, Umphrey's is a band best experienced live. If you live in the continental US, chances are they've been to a venue near you. If not here's one of three opportunities currently available on DVD to see them at home.

The set list actually includes only one song from their first album, which I haven't heard yet, and just two from their second one with two from their first live album. Most of their repertoire could only be experienced live. I count eight tracks here that weren't available anywhere else at the time. I guess practice pays off. For only being together for some four years, they've impressive performers and put on a great show. It's a well-produced DVD. The show was filmed with 18 cameras crew and you get surround sound mixes along with a standard stereo and stereo binaural. The bonus features are fairly forgettable though. Pleasantly surprised to hear a Dixie Dregs like piece by them during the credits (Mullet Over).