In many circles, the mention of the band moe inspires thoughts of another jam band in a sea of noodling guitar solos and epic, improvisational songs built for those with longer attention spans.
Those more familiar with their music know this is not necessarily the case, as the band will demonstrate during its performance tomorrow night at the Newport.
“When people ask me what we play, I just say it’s rock ‘n roll,” moe bassist Rob Derhak said. “I feel like we just play what we play.”
Although the majority of the group’s fan base was attracted to the band because of its connection to the jam band scene, moe’s music is not stereotypically hippie-chic. It is heavier on the lyrics and the jams have a certain heavy metal tinge beneath. Relating to the jam scene, the grooves are generally strung out and are shaped by the interaction between the band and its audience.
Devoted fan Dave Weissman is excited for tomorrow’s show.
“I have been listening to them evolve ever since 1995, and they consistently put on a different show each time,” Weissman said.
Not only is their music constantly evolving, but the perks offered to fans are also changing with the times.
“We’ve been putting out these instant live recordings which people have been pretty excited about. By the time we’re finished with the show, people can walk out like within 20 minutes with a full package, three CD set of the show they just heard,” Derhak said. “That’s been pretty cool.”
Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster and the Newport box office for $18 in advance or $19 at the door. Opening band Al and the Transamericans begin at 7 p.m.
