In the twenty-five years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamation of genres, moods, and tempos, effortlessly flowing from one feeling to the next throughout an album or concert—or sometimes within a singular song. But with time and repetition comes wisdom and maturity, both personally and musically, and in the case of the band’s new album “Asking For A Friend,” Umphrey’s McGee e
ntered the recording studio with something to say and a wise, measured way to say it.
The end result is an astoundingly cohesive fourteen-song album that feels like a fresh statement from a group of world-class musicians and friends reapproaching their craft with a new lens. But long-time fans will be happy to know that the Umphrey’s McGee they know and love is still very much present on “Asking For A Friend,” just more refined. More focused.
In 1987 the four original members of Blues Traveler — John Popper, Chandler Kinchla, Brendan Hill, and the late Bobby Sheehan — gathered in their drummer’s parent’s basement in Princeton, NJ to jam. From these high school sessions emerged a band that would go on to release 14 studio albums and counting, four of which have gone gold, three platinum, and one six – times platinum – selling more than 10 million combined units worldwide. Over an illustrious career Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, and, in “Run – Around,” had the longest – charting radio single in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Their movie credits include “Blues Brothers 2000,” “Kingpin, Wildflowers” and others. A television favorite, they have been featured on “Saturday Night Live,” “Austin City Limits,” “VH1’s Behind the Music” and they have the record for the most appearances of any artist on “The Late Show with David Letterman”. Blues Traveler’s latest effort, 2021’s “Traveler’s Blues”, is nominated for a Grammy in the category of “Best Traditional Blues Album,” bringing their 35 + year journey full circle.