Just to prove why we love Colorado so much, our arrival in Boulder from a drive across the country was met immediately with offers to go to the Keller Williams/Travelin McCoury’s show at the Ogden Theater in Denver. We were a bit tired from the drive, but weren’t going to pass on a show, especially when it came with the chance to stop at the Vine Street Pub for dinner.
Keller Williams, known for his one man shows, has at times teamed up with other like minded musicians such as The String Cheese Incident (Keller Williams Incident) and The Keels (Keller and the Keels). This time he’s at it with the legendary bluegrass performers The Travelin McCourys.
The sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo, are joined by fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram to form the Travelin McCourys. We were treated to an appearance by Del McCoury, as he took turns alternating with Keller fronting several songs.
The band ripped through traditional bluegrass tunes, giving a musical shout out to recently passed legend Earl Scruggs with a rendition of Foggy Mountain Breakdown. They also showcased several Keller Williams songs, including Freaker by the Speaker and Pumped Up Kicks, a Foster the People cover that energized the crowd. As is normally the case with a Keller show, we were also treated to more than a handful of Grateful Dead covers. Del was onstage with the band for a great rendition of Cold Rain and Snow, and everyone got down to the Women are Smarter jam.
The whole crew on stage took turns showcasing their riffs, and the talent was abundant. The standout was Jason Carter on fiddle, who set the place on fire with his version of Play Fiddle Play.
Having seen Keller in many different incantations, I had an idea of what to expect, but I wasn’t prepared for the dynamic and musical rapport he has quickly developed with the McCourys. Keller and the McCourys effortlessly traded licks and kept the jams going strong in all genres they attacked. The amount of fun being had on stage was clearly evident, as Keller’s muppet-like mop-top was bouncing every which way. Keller has played with some amazing musicians, but the chemistry of this experiment can’t be ignored.
I don’t know if this is just a side project musical detour for both parts of this combo, or if this is an Aaron Rodgers/Brett Favre type situation. Perhaps the talented younger McCourys are vetting new frontmen, preparing for the eventual slowing-down of their aging father? Whatever the future holds, Keller and the McCourys are already scheduled for several stops on the summer festival scene. The Keller McCoury Band (I’m hoping my name for them catches on!) will continue to keep audiences dancing for at least this summer!