Umphrey's McGee

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- Bio

Umphrey's McGee

The ascension continues for Chicago’s Umphrey’s McGee, not only in terms of their commercial success but in creative accomplishment and instrumental achievement as well. Their performance on Live at the Murat (SCI Fidelity), their first official live release, is as impressive as anything they’ve recorded to date, with the power and finesse, the yin and the yang, that have come to characterize their by-now classic material.

Recorded in Indianapolis in April 2007 and produced by longtime “sound caresser” / honorary seventh member Kevin Browning, the two-disc set features fan favorites like “Push the Pig,” “The Triple Wide,” “In the Kitchen,” and “Nothing Too Fancy” along with rare tunes like the set-ending “Padgett’s Profile” and the brief but torrid “Angular Momentum,” centered on the combo of drummer Kris Myers and guitarist Jake Cinninger.

Throughout the show, UM’s invention brings the progressive instrumental chops of Zappa and the stylistic savvy of Steely Dan. It is innovative without being indulgent, exhilarating without losing control, and there are plenty of improv passages that keep the band and their fans off-balance. As David Fricke notes in his four-star review of Live at the Murat in Rolling Stone, Umphrey’s McGee “always have destination on their minds, even when they fly free.”

UM has — since forming in the late ’90s in the South Bend, Indiana area — cultivated an impressive presence both live and in the studio, quite an accomplishment when considering their humble roots. Cummins, Bayliss, bassist Ryan Stasik and original drummer Mike Mirro all studied at the University of Notre Dame near South Bend, Indiana, while percussionist Andy Farag at the South Bend branch of Indiana University. Cinninger, from Michigan, had a South Bend-based band called Ali Baba’s Tahini — as well as an open invitation to join Umphrey’s, which he accepted in the Fall of 2000. His addition, along with Kris Myers’ arrival in 2003, proved critical to the band’s success. Together, the gifted collective elevated its game.

Building a reputation with the critically favored studio recording Local Band Does OK (not to be confused with Local Band Does Oklahoma — a live EP released soon after) and honing their groove as a stellar live act, by the time 2004’s Anchor Drops was released to raves, the buzz on Umphrey’s had grown loud. Rolling Stone tipped them in their Hot Issue and the Washington Post named the band “rock’s undisputed lord of sonic shape-shifting.”

Fans revel in the flair of Umphrey's live show for inventive improvisation, incredible covers, and unpredictable moments. The band had also developed an uncanny visual language onstage that includes dozens of unspoken cues. These cues manage to provide structure to the improv, while still giving the band members melodic freedom to create. The band retains space, breath, and patience in performances, yet maintain masterly control in the process.

These days, Umphrey’s spends half the year on the road habitually flooring audiences. Their anything-goes musicianship, humor, and good-nature all make remarkable entertainment. The band shuttles between styles with precision, from straight-up pop and rock to jazz, prog-metal, and classical. If you can name it, chances are Umphrey’s can play it.

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Latest bulletin 12.03.09

More UM2010 Shows Announced! [NE, KS, MO, TN, GA, NC, SC, MD]

Season's Greetings, music fans!

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Season's Greetings, music fans!

We are pleased to announce the second wave of UM2010 tour dates! We will begin this leg on Tuesday February 2nd at the Slowdown in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by stops in Lawrence, Kansas on Wednesday February 3rd; St Louis, Missouri on Thursday February 4th; Nashville, Tennessee on Friday February 5th; Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday February 6th; Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday February 9th; Ashville, North Carolina on Thursday February 11th; Charleston, South Carolina on Friday February 12th; Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday February 13th; and finishing up on Baltimore, Maryland on Valentines Day, Sunday February, 14th.

Pre-sale for these February dates will kick off at Noon ET on Friday December 5th via Umphrey's Ticketing, with general on-sale December 11th and 12th. Check www.umphreys.com for show specific information!

Just a reminder: this Saturday December 5th, join USTORM for Brendan and Jake’s seventh annual acoustic Holiday show at the Park West in Chicago. A limited amount of tickets are still available , so don't get shut out. Also, there are a limited amount of three show-tickets available for the New Year’s Eve run, so make sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

We have released the UM Live recording of our first New Year's Eve show at the Aragon Ballroom from December 31, 2005. Head over to the Live Music Archive to stream or download the complete show!

We hope to see you soon,
Umphrey's McGee

Brendan & Jake's Holiday USTORM Show

Join USTORM this Saturday December 5th for Brendan and Jake’s Seventh Annual Acoustic Holiday show for a night of acoustic holiday cheer at The Park West in Chicago!

Tickets are $20.00 and are available at the Park West box office (no service charges), Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and by phone at 800.745.3000. There are a limited number of USTORM VIP tickets available for $75.00 each; these tickets include balcony seating and a four-hour premium open bar package and assorted snacks. We hope to see you this Saturday!

NYE Mobile Contest and UM Mobile Show Alerts

We are introducing UM Mobile alerts for each show through our service with Mozes. Each show will also have its own UM mobile keyword (which you can find on umphreys.com). By signing-up for mobile alerts of the show(s) you attend, you will receive news and special offers, plus you will be eligible to win a signed UMLive copy of that show (venue policy permitting). As always, you can text "umphreysmcgee" to 66937 to sign-up for UM Mobile.

Will you be joining us for New Year's in Chicago? Text 'NYE2009' to 66937 to sign up for the latest text updates (and insider info) from UM HQ. By signing up, you'll be eligible for giveaways and special offers leading up to and during the shows. Starting next week we'll be giving away a prize each week, including a full set of UMLive CDs, VIP balcony passes for 12/30 and 12/31, and a complete set of signed posters from each show!

New Year's Eve Run

We are gearing up for our NYE run in Chicago, and hope you’ll be joining us. We have invited two of the biggest names in electronic music to be with us for this year’s end-of-the year blow out. Z-Trip will be opening up the show on Wednesday, December 30th and Prefuse 73 on New Year's Eve, Thursday, December 31st. On New Year’s Eve, we’ll also be accompanied by our favorite horn section, Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret -- featuring Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou and Jeff Coffin. Three-show ticket packages that include the show at the Vic Theatre on December 29th, and the two Aragon Ballroom shows on December 30th and 31st are available now via Ticketmaster or for no service charges at the Vic Box Office located at 3145 N. Sheffield Avenue.

Ticket Giveaway Program Via UM's Facebook

In 2010, we will be introducing a new program for all of our regular two-set shows. We will be giving away tickets to each show through its Facebook Event. In order to be eligible, RSVP as "Attending" to all shows you'll be attending (and invite your friends). A week before each show, we will pick one winner who can bring a friend (who must also already have RSVP'd as "Attending" or "Maybe").

This contest will not occur for S2 events or other festival appearances.
Check out Umphrey's Facebook Page & Events here »

UM Holiday Sale is Here!

Tis’ the season to be jolly, and nothing gives us joy like bringing you all the UMPH you can handle! As of today - Monday Nov 30th - our Holiday Sale is ON, which means tons of brand NEW items guaranteed to please the UMFan on your gift list. As a special thanks for being the best fans in the world, spend $100 or more and you are automatically entered in the hottest "Get Up Close and Personal with the Band" Contest we've ever had. Visit the UMerch online store for full details!

Shopping for the fan who has EVERYTHING? We've got you covered. Introducing the exclusive UM branded USB drive, complete with the entire Umphrey's McGee discography spanning 11 years. This 8GB custom molded UM drive comes fully loaded with all 14 "official" UM releases in both high quality mp3 (256MB) and FLAC formats starting with our debut album, Greatest Hits Vol. III and finishing with Mantis. In addition, there are a variety of additional treats including a never before released show from 2006, unseen live video footage from classic performances and a slew of high resolution photos. And once you grab the audio, you'll have a 8GB hard drive keychain ready for portable action.

You've wanted it. You've asked for it. And now it's finally here: the official Umphrey's McGee transcription book, "Umphrey's McGee: Select Songs 1998-2009". We've taken 18 of our most popular tunes and transcribed them note-for-note on guitar, resulting in nearly 250 pages of music and a glossy insert section with photos of the band for your enjoyment. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced musician, if you're interested in collecting everything Umphrey's McGee, or in search of the perfect holiday gift (mom: hint, hint) our new transcription book unlocks many of the secrets of the Umphrey's McGee catalog in a thorough and easy-to-read way. Get it now and learn how to play all of the songs and solos you've grown to love!

Happy shopping, and see you at the Aragon on New Year's Eve.

Jam in the 'Dam and CID Entertainment

Jam in the Dam has returned after taking a year off. Fans will once again be flying across the pond to take part in "The Festival that Changed the Rules." This year's JITD will feature Umphrey's McGee, Les Claypool, Yonder Mountain String Band, New Mastersounds, The Bridge, and 30db (Brendan Bayliss & Jeff Austin). Join us!!

CID Entertainment has secured rooms at both the NH Carlton Amsterdam Hotel in downtown Amsterdam and at The Inner Hotel for this year's Jam in the Dam. All packages are for four nights with check-in on March 20th, 2010 and check out on March 24th, 2010.

For room type options and other information, please GO HERE »

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Grateful G
Dec 10, 07:53 PM

Hey now, Umphreys! You rocked us at the City Opera House in Traverse City and Travese City LOVED you! Would would love it if you would come back! Soon! Cheers!
Nov 26, 05:39 PM

i cant believe that u and me, we couldnt get are shit together.......... Happy Thanksgiving guys!!!! i love u all, cant wait for New Years
Oct 18, 07:56 PM

woooord
Sep 11, 07:49 PM

If you guys could find it in your hearts to play a show in amarillo texas. i know it's not the happinin place for music but you guys have been teasing me all summer playin in Ozark,Dallas,Austin,Colorado twice and now your playing three shows in Colorado this month. So i ask you to be the first to start somthing in Amarillo. if you do the math all the places you have played listed above are 500 to 600 miles away from Amarillo. if the show is ragin enough they will come. Think about please Cha... More...
Sep 03, 01:25 PM

oct 3rd is a day before my 24th bday and i will be attending my 20th show at the eagles ballroom..can you guys please play 40's theme???? its one song that eludes me!! PLEEEASE PLAY 40s!!!
Aug 07, 06:06 PM

Awesome shot!
Jul 15, 07:55 PM

We drove 18 hours to Rothbury, Michigan from Boston to see you guys!! All i can remember is trying to pick up my scattered brains after the show because it was soo dam good. Umph'd again.
Jul 14, 07:23 AM

great show in norfolk, would like to see you at home though!!!!!