Umphrey's McGee - Live at Red Rocks is an incredible concert film that showcases the incredible musicianship of the band, as well as the picturesque beauty of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The film captures everything that makes Umphrey's McGee one of the best live acts in the world today- tight musicianship, stunning improvisation, and an unrivaled sense of energy and excitement.
The film was recorded on July 2, 2017, in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 9,000 fans. From the moment the band takes the stage to the final notes of the encore, the energy level never wavers. The setlist is a mix of songs from throughout the band's career, with plenty of surprises thrown in along the way.
One of the most impressive things about Umphrey's McGee - Live at Red Rocks is the way the film captures the incredible light show that accompanies the music. The stage is bathed in a constantly changing array of colors and shapes that perfectly complement the music. The camera work is also top-notch, capturing the band from a variety of angles and giving viewers a sense of what it's like to be right there in the audience.
The musicianship on display in the film is nothing short of astonishing. Each member of the band is a virtuoso in their own right, but together they create a sound that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Jake Cinninger's guitar work is particularly stunning- his solos are jaw-dropping in their complexity and fluidity. Joel Cummins' keyboard playing is also a highlight, with his nimble fingers flying across the keys.
But it's not just the individual musicians that are impressive- the way the band interacts with each other on stage is a joy to watch. There's a sense of camaraderie and playfulness that permeates the entire performance. It's evident that they're having as much fun playing together as the audience is having watching them.
The setlist of Umphrey's McGee - Live at Red Rocks is a mix of classic songs and newer material. Fans of the band will be thrilled to hear favorites like "Prowler," "Miss Tinkle's Overture," and "The Floor." But there are also plenty of surprises in store, like a cover of Rage Against the Machine's "Bulls on Parade" and a mashup of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train."
One standout moment in the film comes during the performance of "Hajimemashite." The band starts playing the song, but then abruptly stops and launches into an extended jam that showcases their incredible improvisational skills. It's a thrilling moment that underscores the band's ability to take even the most seemingly simple song and turn it into something completely new and unexpected.
After more than two hours of nonstop music, Umphrey's McGee - Live at Red Rocks comes to a close with an epic version of "Wizard Burial Ground." The crowd goes wild as the band delivers one final burst of energy and intensity. It's the perfect way to end an incredible performance.
Overall, Umphrey's McGee - Live at Red Rocks is a must-see film for fans of the band, fans of live music in general, or anyone who appreciates virtuoso musicianship. It's a stunning showcase of what makes this band so great, and a testament to the power of live music to inspire, excite, and move people.
