One of my favorite jambands at one of my favorite local venues. House Of Blues layed host to New York quintet moe. for a Thursday night two-set performance. I walked in the dark venue to a meager crowd of about 50 or so. It was kind of early, but not nearly early enough to warrant such a small group of people at a moe. show. They came on pretty soon after I arrived, and thankfully a big chunk of people arrived who filled out the floor during the "Tailspin" opener. The show was great, and featured several of my favorites including "Happy Hour Hero," "32 Things," "Head" and a nasty rendition of "Brent Black" at the request of an some wook who'd been holding up a sign from the beginning of the show. They played for a good two-and-a-half hours, not including a thirty minute break, and each second of their playing was fire. Of all the times that I've seen moe., this might have been the most solid showing from the group. After seeing jam counterparts Umphrey's McGee on the same stage a few months back, who didn't seem too happy to be playing in front of a Houston crowd, watching moe. made me realize that they aren't just up there going through the motions – after twenty years as a band, they still visibly enjoy every minute of playing together. I'm glad I hit this moe. show up, because my love and following of jambands has diminished over the past year or so, and this only helped to reestablish the need for jam and improvisational music in my life.

I'm not sure what so many people's problems with jambands are. It might be their lack of attention span, or just pure distaste for anything that will make you dance, but for some reason tons of people have so much hate for improvisational music and the groups that are best at it. If more people would give bands like moe. a chance in the live format, I think they'd walk away surprised and satisfied. Come on hipsters, open up your ears and form your own opinions!

As always, I had my camera in tow – you can browse my shots after the jump.