Venue
Venue
Fox Theatre - Tucson AZ
Venue
Many veteran bands trade on nostalgia, on replication of past glories, and on recycled emotions from younger, more carefree days.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band trades on a mix of reimagined classics and compelling newer works. The group formed in 1966 as a Long Beach, California jug band, scored its first charting single in 1967, and embarked on a self-propelled ride through folk, country, rock 'n' roll, pop, bluegrass, and the amalgam now known as "Americana." The first major hit came in 1971 with the epic "Mr. Bojangles," which, along with insistent support from banjo master Earl Scruggs, opened doors in Nashville. Behind those doors were Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, and others who would collaborate on a multi-artist, multi-generational, three-disc 1972 masterpiece: Will the Circle Be Unbroken went triple Platinum, spawned two later volumes, and wound up in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Was this a cutting-edge combo or a group of revivalists? Was the goal rebellion or musical piety? Yes, to all these things. In the 1980s, the Dirt Band reeled off 15 straight Top 10 country hits, including chart-toppers "Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper's Dream)," "Modern Day Romance," and "Fishin' in the Dark (co-written by Jim Photoglo, who would join the band in the second decade of the new century). 1989 brought a second Circle album, this one featuring singer-songwriter talents including John Prine, Rosanne Cash, and John Hiatt and garnering two Grammy awards for the band (it later won another, for a collaboration with Earl Scruggs and other fine folks). Circle II also won the Country Music Association's Album of the Year prize. Circle III was released in 2003, featuring collaborations with Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, and more.
Throughout the group's lifetime, personnel has changed, with each change resulting in positive steps forward, new ways of playing the old songs, and renewed enthusiasm for writing and recording fresh material. The latest Dirt Band lineup is expanded to six members for the first time since 1968. Today's group consists of founding member Jeff Hanna, harp master Jimmie Fadden (who joined in 1966), and soulful-voiced Bob Carpenter, who has more than 40 years of service in the ensemble. Those veterans are now joined by singer-songwriter-bass man Jim Photoglo, fiddle and mandolin wizard Ross Holmes, and Hanna's son, the preternaturally talented singer and guitarist Jaime Hanna.
Blood harmony, thrilling instrumental flights, undeniable stage chemistry...these things are part of each Dirt Band show, just as they are part of Dirt Does Dylan, the first recording from the reconfigured, six-strong group. Produced by Ray Kennedy and Jeff Hanna, it's a remarkable ride through some of the most impactful songs of the past century, penned by Bob Dylan and taken for a blue highway spin by a great American band, with help from genius-level contemporary artists like Jason Isbell and The War and Treaty.
A Dirt Band show is unlike any other. For legions of fans, it's less about the memories than the moment, crisp as an Autumn apple and rich as a royal flush.
I've seen the NGDB nearly every year for at least 25 years. I've been a fan since '82 and Dance Little Jean. I love the current line-up even though I miss Ibby. This performance was great and even had a few surprises. The Band was clear having a great time and going out on a high note. I want to see them again.
Absolutely another fantastic concert! Great musicians and vocalists. Saw them in Springfield, Illinois about 40 years ago and have lived on their recordings ever since. Will see them again if given the chance while they're on their farewell tour.
Our 2nd time seeing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the BPCA. Awesome show...great venue as well.
Not a bad seat in the house and an amazing show. Nitty gritty still has it and more.
So great to see NGDB again, 40+ years after the first time! What a great addition of Jamie to the group. Was blown away by JJ Shiplett, awesome musician and vocalist, listening to his music as I write this. Will definitely plan to see him again.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band put on another fantastic show and once again didn't disappoint. The venue was just right. Easy no hassle entry, easy access to our seats and small enough to allow audience interaction with the band.
Perfect venue for an up close and personal show. Seats were great, just as selected. Tickets arrived electronically on time. Easy entry and access to washrooms. Both acts performed fabulously. The ushers wet on point. Wonderful evening.
Great show. Fun venue. Really enjoyed the evening.
This band performs old familiar tunes as well as newer pieces with great energy! It was a delightful evening in a great venue - the Lexington Opera House. The band members are wonderful musicians and their voices are still good after all these years. Jaime and Ross are newer additions to the group who are fabulous. We really enjoyed the show!
These guys (at least most of the band) has been doing this a very long time and are stilling doing it very well. Two newer members are great additions; an awesome fiddle player and lead singer's son who has a great voice and can play, too. Loved his rendition from "Dirt does Dylan". Enjoyed the variety of music. Great show!
In addition to their own songs including Mr Bojangles, fishing in the dark, and American Dream, they did songs by Bob Dylan, John Prine, Hank Williams, The Band, and others. Three other band members besides lead singer Jeff Hanna took their turn at singing a lead on a song and there were several Harmony vocal Parts performed throughout the evening. Every member did an outstanding job on his instrument.
Don’t underestimate the NGDB! I loved everything about this concert. The musical talent in this band is truly impressive. I enjoyed every song. Moreover, Jeff Hanna’s son, Jaime, who is a part of the band now, is a spectacular talent!! Great time!!
NGDB was excellent! Musicianship, vocals, engagement with audience, the whole package. VERY enjoyable and hope to see them again!
I’ve seen the Dirt Band many many times through the years, starting in the early 70’s at Cowtown Ballroom…..they never fail to put on a great show.
This was a terrific concert. Better than I was ever expecting. NGDB are supremely talented group of musicians. Thank you for presenting this event. I would go again in a heartbeat!!!!
Excellent concert. Band played 1.5 Hours. Great accoustics in Foxwoods great cedar lodge. Seats we're amazing. Great value. We'd go again. Father and son singing so cool. Band still had their voices not too old to tour. Drummer and harmonica same time... Awesome.
Real good show; very entertaining. They had good repport with audience.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band started right on time and they gave an excellent show. The band played most of their favorites, though my daughter, being a huge Winnie the Pooh fan, was hoping they would do the "House at Pooh Corner"song. They took a request from the audience during the encore, which I thought was great as so many bands have a set list and don't deviate from it. After the concert, the two original members stayed on stage signing autographs, taking pictures, and answering questions. My daughter went down to ask about the Pooh song and spoke to Jeff Fadden about why they didn't play it. He said they have not done that song in over twenty years. Maybe they will start doing it again. It was so nice that they stayed around like that for quite a while. I was very impressed with them, and so was my daughter (absent the missing song she wanted to hear).
The musicianship of this band is astounding. Vocals from every member were gorgeous. They played a masterful show.
The band is still phenomenally talented! The venue was excellent!
