Joe Russo’s Almost Dead spent the weekend routing through the Pacific Northwest. The three-show run came to a close at Carnation, WA’s Remlinger Farms on Saturday and, at the start of their second set, JRAD brought out saxophonist Skerik for an extended jam. Skerik, who lives in Seattle, remained on stage as the jam developed into “The Eleven” and then segued into a take on “St. Stephen” that contained prominent “Black Peter” teases. The musicians paused briefly, but then Skerik helped JRAD through a cover of “I Need a Miracle” that also riffed on Bob Weir’s “Black-Throated Wind.” Later in the night, Skerik returned for “Throwing Stones,” which featured some teases from another ’80s Dead tune, “Foolish Heart” and filtered onto the stage one final time for the show-closing “I Know You Rider.”
The saxophonist has a rich history with the members of JRAD. His funky, experimental outfit Critters Buggin were signed to Ropeadope at the same time as Joe Russo and Marco Benevento’s The Duo and the two acts shared several bills. Skerik worked in the studio with The Duo as well and, along with Critters Buggin percussionist Mike Dillon, combined forces as Duo Buggin. Benevento also played with Skerik in an incarnation of Garage a Trois, sometimes billed as Garage a Benevento.
JRAD will perform at Denver’s Mission Ballroom on August 20. For more on Skerik, please read our recent site interview.
