Let me start off by saying, this isn't a review as much as an appreciative observation. I've known and listened to Ween for over fifteen years, first being introduced to Chocolate & Cheese in college. I've seen Ween own crowds of tens of thousands, and also a few hundred, and I've never had anything but a ridiculously great time. With that said, I can't sing every word to every song, I don't get every inside joke and nickname yelled toward the stage, and therefore can't "review," because I don't deserve to. However, the fans who came out and packed the newly renovated and sold out Brighton Music Hall for Gene Ween's solo show on Saturday night do deserve the right to review, and from what I could tell, they approved without exception.
The night opened with a short, but very sweet acoustic set by Chris Harford, whose 2006 record Looking Out for Number 6 was produced by Dean Ween and released on Dean and Gene's label Chocodog Records. Harford played a few on his own before inviting two friends Ween and Dave Dreiwitz to join him for a few more. It's a rare and welcome occasion when you get the headliner out on stage to perform most of the opening set. The obviously good friends casually tossed around some tunes, often leading each other with subtle nods and eye contact when the song was unfamiliar.
After a short break, Gene and Dreiwitz came back out to a simple three-chair set-up to a very eager 300+. While this was an acoustic show, I don't think that muted the energy at all. I guess when you're a world class song writer, the strength is carried by the song and not just the volume. Kicking it off with "Squelch The Weasel," Gene delivered song after song with that familiar mischievous and child-like grin that reflects a man in his element. The set built momentum and ended with a strong "So Long Jerry," "Birthday Boy" and "Chocolate Town" finish to the crowd's raucous approval. Gene only played "So Long Jerry" after a persistent (read: hammered) man up front, called for it repeatedly. Gene, already plucking into another tune, didn't miss a beat and said, "I'll take advice!" and played it, ditching whatever he'd originally planned.
The second set saw all three chairs filled again with Harford coming back out to make it a trio for "Now I'm Freaking Out," "Tender Situation," and "Sarah." A few beers and a few songs later, and the smell of "Pork Roll Egg and Cheese" began to waft through the air. Having spent years in Pennsylvania not too far from where Ween was born, this song holds a special place in my heart...and gut. The night ended as it should have, with a big "Freedom of '76" and had everyone raging for the even bigger "Buenos Tardes Amigo" encore.
This was a great show all around, one of those where even the bouncer digged it. Ween will be whole again for the coming festival season, including Wanee (April, FL), Hangout (May, Alabama), Free Press (June, TX) and High Sierra (July, CA). I don't need to tell you to check them out, because you already know.
Set One:
Squelch The Weasel, Ooh Va La, Flutes of Chi, ?Don't Laugh (I Love You)?, Mutilated Lips, Mountains and Buffalo, I Don't Want It, Your Party, The River (Bruce Springsteen cover), The Grobe, I Don't Wanna Leave You On The Farm, You Were The Fool, She Wanted To Leave, Mononucleosis, Oh my dear I must be falling in love, So Long Jerry, Birthday Boy, Chocolate Town
5 minute break
Set Two:
Now I'm freaking out (w/ Chris Harford), Tender Situation (w/ Chris Harford), Sarah (w/ Chris Harford), Right to the ways and the rules of the world, Captain fantasy, Don't get too close 2 my fantasy, Pork roll egg and cheese, Freedom of 76
ENCORE:
Buenos Tardes Amigo
