And yet more Claypool

It's not that we only see Les Claypool (and Chuck Folds) play; it's that Claypool is one of the few artists we will travel to see and Chuck is one of the few local musicians who can motivate us out of couch lock. And yup, this makes three times in the last two years (the first time, a solo gig in Baltimore, went unblogged - I'm sure Claypool was brilliant as usual, but the show kind of sucked for crowd and comfort reasons).

Anyway, we're in grand Asheville, having just been awoken at our Inn by a light tap that we had been informed would mean a "bag of beverage" at our door. My question exactly - what is a bag of beverage? Turns out, it's an insulated bag with two travel mugs of coffee inside. Brilliant! Now if we could just train our dogs to do that! Maybe we were too rash on the no kids decision...

The venue, The Orange Peel, was debatably (and we did) about the same size as Ziggy's but one big flat room. Depending on where the crowd pushed us, we were anywhere from halfway between the stage and the back and 3/4 of the way back, but always had a pretty decent view of the stage, particularly of Claypool himself and the girl wonder, Gabby LaLa - she played the sitar and theremin. Skerik was also there, wearing half of a devil mask and playing the sax to match - the guy's a maniac. The percussionists were likewise unbelievable, but I don't know their names right off and breakfast is coming ever so soon so...

Claypool, oh Claypool. He started in full tux, including cummerbund and bowler hat, with goggles and progressed through his usual pig mask for playing upright bass (a la the Mr. Krinkle video) and a very fancy greaser comb-back plastic hair thing. Apparently, Claypool broke his pinky while shooting a movie scene with an aggressive method actor, but you'd never know it from how he played, only from the very sad story that ended with him holding up his crooked finger.

Among the offerings last night were a crowd-participatory Dee's Diner, There's One Better and, a Jones family favorite, Iowan Gal. So many great songs, so close to breakfast.

The Two Gallants opened, an interesting guitar and drums band with pleasantly whiny vocals and a pretty big sound for two guys - worth checking out an album.

Alright - breakfast and on to vacation. Hurrah!