Goose: Live at The Salt Shed (April 14 & 15, 2023 Chicago)

Like a lot of jam bands, Goose sells recordings of their live shows on platforms like Bandcamp and Nugs. But they also occasionally release live albums on streaming services for “free.” These “free” releases have distinctive cover art by Jonny Lovering. Their latest release is a big one: nearly 6.5 hours. It is from back-to-back nights in Chicago along with a 31-minute sound check jam before one of the shows.

Goose is a rising star in the jam band circuit. Their 2022 studio album, Dripfield is outstanding. Per the band’s website, they

“…fluidly traverse genres with head-spinning hooks, technical fireworks, and the kind of chemistry only possible among small town and longtime friends.”

If you don’t have familiarity with Goose, I recommend starting with Dripfield as it is accessible. Unlike a lot of jam bands that focus on the groove, Goose focuses on songs. They have great melodies and not just great riffs. They have a nice swampy funk to their sound too.

Once you are convinced that you like Goose, then hit the live shows on streaming. Be forewarned, their shows are typically 3 hours or more. And of course, if you can see them live, do it.

This particular live show from April 14 and 15, 2023 in Chicago, is a particular gem. It is well recorded, has a great selection from their catalog and you can get a sense of their improvisation as key songs are repeated between the two nights. It is an excellent primer for Goose.

A particularly delightful moment is when they segue from their song “Mudhuvan” into The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” – truly a psychedelic moment. Another delight is the sound check jam. My early interest in Goose was Ted Tapes 2021 – a collection of sound check jams, so it is great to hear a fresh take on a sound check jam.