Storm Sound Presents: Alive and Well 2020!
Thank you SO much to @Madisonhuvan on Twitter for the amazing artwork!
For those of you who may not know, Goose released the “Alive and Well” live compilation in April 2020, putting together highlights from the latter part of 2019 to help ease new listeners in to their catalogue. Featuring standout performances like the 7/27/19 Peach Fest Arcadia and the 11/15/19 All I Need, Alive and Well became a go-to recommendation for first-time fans.
Seeing as Goose has not released an iteration covering 2020 or 2021, I thought it might be fun to put together some - featuring songs that the band has not released officially (e.g. not on the Bingo Tour live album). Just like the original Alive and Well, this will contain enough music to cover a theoretical 4LP release (NOTE: There is no actual vinyl).
Without further ado…Alive and Well 2020!
SIDE A
10/17 Elizabeth - Waynesville, NC (19:33)
Kicking off the album is the incredible (and GOAT-to-date) Time to Flee-infused Elizabeth from the fall’s drive-in tour. A unique jam that helped pave the way for 2021’s spacey excursions, this is not to be overlooked.
SIDE B
2/15 Tumble - San Francisco, CA (19:17)
Another GOAT-to-date pick comes from the band’s winter tour opening for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Absolute heat from the first moment to the last, the then-quartet’s first west coast experience packed crazy amounts of goodness into short sets.
SIDE C
10/2 Jive II - Essex Junction, VT (13:01)
A highlight from the Dave Grippo show, the saxophone dominates this tune and adds a special flavour to the jamming.
10/19 Jive Lee - Frederick, MD (11:08)
One of the finest shows of the year, Frederick’s drive-in show has many highlights, including this unique Lee. Unfinished and taking a turn into a darker mode that was extremely rare and out-of-the-box for late 2020, Peter adds great texture with his siren-like synth playing.
SIDE D
9/17 This Old Sea - Morris, CT (11:49)
While just 12 minutes long, the second performance of this spectacular ballad since 2015 includes some of the most tender and delicate play we’ve heard from this band.
6/19 Rotation Jam - Bingo Tour, CT (8:17)
While there is no shortage of incredible improv in Goose's 2020, the Rotation Jam from the first night of Bingo Tour stands out to me as a really cool moment for the band. A weird and quirky call for the encore that showcases the adaptability of the quintet in a fun and catchy groove - features Rick on drums, Trevor on guitar, Peter on bass, Jeff on keys, and Spuds on percussion.
SIDE E
9/16 Madhuvan - Morris, CT (21:16)
Wouldn’t be a 2020 compilation without the winner of the Jam of the Year bracket! Relentless from the first minute to the last, this is IT!
SIDE F
11/7 Arrow - Morris, CT (21:41)
From the final show of the year in front of an audience, we are given a glimpse into the dark jamming themes that will develop in the coming years with this standout first set Arrow from the appropriately-themed Halloween show.
SIDE G
11/7 Doobie Song - Morris, CT (6:13)
Continued out of the previous side’s Arrow…a perfect cool-down song.
1/25 Hot Tea - Williamsburg, NY (14:32)
The song that started it all for me - funky clav breakdowns and all, this *hot* Tea is a crown jewel of pre-pandemic Goose.
SIDE H
6/20 Wysteria Lane - Bingo Tour, CT (18:16)
What was once the GOAT Wysteria…building on peak after peak, triumphant theme after triumphant theme, this closed the second night of Bingo Tour on an incredibly high note - adding extra catharsis to the wacky bingo balls pulled on that night.
Stay tuned for Alive and Well 2021 coming soon!