Da Bomb
by whoopy on 9/27/10McMenamins Crystal Ballroom - PortlandRating: 5 out of 5These guys always rock it. I liked the spacy sound influence this year, very cool. Keep em coming to P-town!!!

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RAILROAD EARTH IN CONCERT:
Progressive bluegrass band Railroad Earth combines virtuosic musicianship, extensive improvisation, and psychedelic visuals to deliver a world-class concert experience that's rooted in tradition yet firmly forward-looking. The group's rootsy, Americana-infused sound takes on new dimensions at their live shows, where amplified mandolin, guitar, and lap steel combine to create a mind-blowing swirl of bluegrass instruments. The band totally rocks out as they bring tracks like "Elko" and the 15-minute "Like a Buddha" to life on tour, inspiring ear-to-ear grins and euphoric dancing among concertgoers.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
New Jersey-based Railroad Earth formed in 2010 around the songwriting of former From Good Homes frontman Todd Sheaffer. Under the guidance of manager Brian Ross, Sheaffer linked up with a group of talented bluegrass players, and the success of their initial jam sessions gave birth to Railroad Earth. Within several months the band had already released their debut album The Black Bear Sessions and performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, where their high-energy set knocked fans’ socks off and earned them a deal with Sugar Hill Records. In 2002 they released their sophomore album Bird In A House, supporting it with a string of boot-stomping performances that floored fans across the country, who began calling themselves “hobos” in honor of the band’s vintage Americana leanings. A string of popular albums followed throughout the ‘00s, and the band’s rigorous touring schedule in support of the releases established them as festival favorites. In 2014 Railroad Earth released their seventh album Last of the Outlaws, a critical success that led to a sold-out show at Red Rocks and a concert DVD release of the epic performance.
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These guys always rock it. I liked the spacy sound influence this year, very cool. Keep em coming to P-town!!!
The show was amazing, i have never heard them play with such energy. It was one of the better shows that I have seen in many years.
the quality of the sound was fantastic. the full sound of the band was fantastic. I want to know the next time they come back to Seattle. I have written my friends in Maine to go see them when they are in town.
Portland loves you, Railroad. What a great show! I want to get the recording for sure.
That was great. The music kept me smiling and reminded me of the good life I have. Don''t stay away long.
Venue was a little big for the crowd size. Railroad show was solid, but a bit short.
I was truly disappointed in this show as I had heard and loved the live album Elko so much. There were so many things wrong that night that I left after the third or fourth song, despite having an excellent fourth row center seat. The music was way too loud for the venue and hence muffled, the vocals were unhearable over the nosie of the music. The band was listless, and stood playing as if they were robots. There was no connection to the audience at all that I could feel. The crowd didn't seem to mind but the fact that most were drunk, and few otherwise intoxicated may have been the difference. I however was upset that a show I looked forward to seeing in an otherwise wonderful place was so unentertaining. I'm sorry to have to write such a poor review but as Thomas Paine said; Those who dare not criticize cannot be honest.
Great show for RRE with openers Donna The Buffalo! Both bands very tight & RRE played several new tunes. My favorite was the extended workout of Springheel Jack (think of a bluegrass James Brown tune!). I was surprised at the small, but enthusiastic crowd. Get out & see em'!
Always great to see Railroad Earth. The new music is great! Can't wait to get the new CD! The venue was really good too. Donna the Buffalo was awesome too!
Went to see Donna the Buffalo and as usual, was very satisfied. Wished they could have played much longer! Tara even had trouble with her vocals on 'No place like the right time' but it just made you admire her more the way she smiled and recovered. Her and Jeb sang some of their top tunes,the group did a little jammin!, and I cant wait for my next outing to see them. Really knew nothing about Railroad Earth but we decided to stick it out. I had a hard time understanding the words to some songs but overall, this group was solid. I could listen to "just another train song" over and over. Read where only 300 people plunked down the 25.00 to see this show. Was everybody at home watching Penn state football? Incredible!!! You really missed out!!!!!!
Donna and The Buffalo were GREAT!! Railroad Earth, to me, turned out to be a sort of a been there done that act. I have to say we were quite impressed by the opening act Donna and The Buffalo. The show should have been reversed with R.E. opening up for The Buffalo.
The band sprouts a mandolin,banjo,& fiddle players.The band let these 3 fly during the 2nd set & my was it thrilling.For those who like a good jam band u should check these men out.The fiddle player was my personnel favorite.He took the crowd on a wild fiddiling ride.
I have seen RRE 4 times this summer and they have been on fire each and every show! top notch band, very tight, and when they build to a crescendos it will knock your wheels off!
Excellent first set, Tim and John on their game, Todd in fine voice.
Many bands produce great music. Very, very few inspire communion with one's own soul. Railroad Earth does this time and time again for me. This event was certainly no exception. The added benefit of Donna the Buffalo made this show one I shall not soon forget. Thank you, fine souls for adding so very much to my life!
Railroad Earth was fantastic, Donna the Buffalo was better than expected
First time for either band. Never heard Donna the Buffalo and loved their energy, pleasant surprise. Familiar with RRE music, and were better than I expected. What a talented bunch of guy's. A big bluegrass fan and loved the way they took things to a different level. No, they are NOT bluegrass, and am glad they are not, but this is something that all bluegrass bands need to mirror, a bonafide jam session with a twist. Already planning on seeing them soon, maybe at Delfest. Will also see them at Grey Fox. Maybe they will be able to play a longer set at these venues. What a great time!
Show was insanely awesome! Railroad Earth is one of the best contemporary bluegrass bands around. I absolutely loved the set. Played for a long time! Venue is freakin sweet!
Anticipation was high for last night's show and the fans and Railroad Earth brought it big time. A sold-out performance of the highest calibre left everyone tired (from the dancing) and feeling wonderfully satisfied. The only question that people were asking on the way out was, "when can we do that again?"
Great show, three hours of great music at a great venue. I wished they would have played long road to go, bird in the house. Two thumbs up those guys can play!!!!!!