“This week’s #ThisDealInHistory comes from our May 26, 2006 show in Boston, MA.
The clip starts with a chord progression that we frequently used as a launchpad for our “standing start” jams (see TDIH 02/20/09 Northampton MA for an explanation). While the theme often remained similar whenever we played this bit it was our approach that would differ from night to night. On this particular evening Darren has decided to incorporate the beatbox from the start while Dan has opted for a crunchy bass tone filtered through his expression pedal. Around 1:30 we shift into a latin-flavoured passage with the keyboards talking a backseat to the comfy groove that Darren and Dan have developed. Around 2:00 it’s clear that we’ve collectively decided to take the music in a different direction. We deftly change keys at 2:04, all the while increasing the tempo until we drop into a surprising half-time swing pattern at 2:47. I’m playing off the rhythm of the delay effect on the keyboard to create a loping, off-kilter feel that both Dan and Darren complement with a trashy street groove. A quick drum break at 4:22 leads into a Drum+Bass section with wah-wah organ over top. I’m moving the organ’s drawbars in and out to create a variety of tones while also adjusting the wah and delay, thereby creating some extreme sonic washes over top of the frenetic rhythms underneath.
Some interesting chords start popping up from 5:30 onwards (with bonus points for Dan and his bass harmonics at 5:41). I’ve got some sort of minor/major thing going on up above while Dan picks his low notes carefully (GREAT choice at 6:01). Darren comes in with a tambourine-led vengeance at 6:32 and we drop some new chords around 6:50, these ones led by Dan. Around 7:09 one can hear me voice my approval with a whoop of delight.
Somebody clearly called/played the “VL Tone” trigger cue because we abruptly change gears at 7:42 and begin the intro section. As is our wont we take our time with this part - Darren plays with the meter (probably trying to confuse us) and has a couple great drum rolls to lead us into the main segment of “VL Tone” at 9:47.
Do I hear a small tease of Europe’s “The Final Countdown” at 11:18? I think I do! That probably explains why I mess up the descending line that immediately follows… I regain my musical composure to ensure that this week’s #TDIH wraps up semi-cleanly with the standard “VL Tone” ending.” -J
