By BennyD – Host of the Ben Jammin’ show.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) put on a transcendent performance at the Hampton Casino Ballroom on August 5th, 2023. The band, which features Joe Russo on Drums, Marco Benevento on Keys, Tom Hamilton and Scott Metzger on guitars and John Shaw on bass, brought the house down with their tight musicianship and improvisational skills.

The setlist was a mix of Grateful Dead classics and the band stretched out on each song, taking the audience on a musical journey. The first set highlights included an “Alligator” opener into “The Eleven” with a really imaginative “Candy Man” and finished up with an excellent rendition of “Franklin’s Tower”

The second set highs included a mixed-tempo “Dancing in the Streets” that had the whole room moving as well as “I Know You Rider” and “Bird Song”. Both done beautifully.The band encored with a piano solo into “Such A Night” and ended with “Big Railroad Blues”. Full setlists below.

The energy in the room was electric, and the crowd was clearly having a great time. People were dancing, singing, and as you might imagine, shaking it up in every way possible. It was clear that both the fans and the band were there to rip up the evening.

Overall, it was an incredible night of music. JRAD is a machine and one of the central engines driving the jamband scene forward and, I for one, will continue to see them whenever possible.

Here are some additional thoughts on the concert:

• The band’s sound was incredible. The mix was perfect, and the musicians were all in sync.
• The band’s energy was infectious. They were clearly having a great time, and the crowd fed off of it.
• The Ballroom is a nostalgic venue that just feels good. It’s both spacious and intimate at the same time.

I would highly recommend seeing Joe Russo’s Almost Dead if you have the chance. They are a truly talented band, and they put on an amazing show.

Make sure to check out my weekly Ben Jammin’ show where I regularly feature them.
Click → https://nhsoundwaves.com/ben-jammin/

SET LIST
Casino ballroom
8/5/23

Set 1
Alligator
The eleven
Viola Lee blue
Candyman
My Brother Esau
Franklins tower

Set 2
They love each other
Dancing in the Streets
Brown Eyed Women
Silvio
I Know You Rider
Bird Song

Encore
Piano Solo
Such a night
Big Railroad Blues