It was freezing cold outside in Saint Paul Friday — but Duluth’s Saltydog kept it red hot inside the Turf Club as they released their third LP Runnin’ Again and brought Chicago’s Hot Like Mars and Duluth folk duo Between Howls.
It was a sold out show at the club and the crowd started building up during the opening set by Between Howls, with Saltydog’s Jacob Mahon joining the couple Ren and Nick Howl near the end of their set.
Hot Like Mars showed why they have become one of the hottest jam bands in Chicago at the moment, with their improvisational rock fused with a lot of funk, soul and R&B, and their fresh take on Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
Saltydog focused primarily on original songs, especially their new album, which will hit streaming services on Monday, Feb. 2.
There were some folks that weren’t able to get a ticket at the door for this show, as the buzz around this folksy and funky improvisational rock band has reached new heights. But there will be ample chance to catch them in Minnesota soon, with a month of Mondays at Duluth’s Bent Paddle in February, and a month of Thursdays at The Hook and Ladder Theater in South Minneapolis in March.
The new album is incredible — the latest testament to this band’s song-writing strengths. They’re storytellers, and it shows throughout Runnin’ Again.
Jacob Mahon had mentioned months ago that the new album was the most Saltydog-ish piece of work they’ve ever produced.
Runnin’ Again. Album artwork by Heidi Feroe.
Here are some of the highlights from the album:
The opening track “Get Set” has already become somewhat of a jam vehicle for the band during live shows, and this studio version already has a jammy feel to it, in part thanks to Jacob’s chorus pedal. But this is one of those songs where I find myself thankful these guys followed in the jamband tradition of two guitarists. Sam Deters’ axe comes up prominently in this song, and Bryan “Lefty” Johnson’s percussion work also adds a nice touch on this catchy track that kicks off the comforting hug that this entire album gives.
Owen Mahon, the younger of the two brothers at the heart of this band, delivers some lines that urge and inspire.
“Gordon,” is inspired by a gas stop in a small northwest Wisconsin town and the brothers upbringing in north-central Minnesota. Gavin St. Clair’s organ soars, and bassist Calvin “Calzone” Lund fuses the funk into this dusty, folksy song about small towns.
“Welcome to gordon
They got hidden treasures there
haven’t met many of them
But i know they’re out there”
Calzone’s bass gets even funkier on “Drivin’ in the Night,” and Johnson’s vocals show up here — Owen Mahon mentioned in a recent conversation that Johnson’s vocal range makes him somewhat of a chameleon.
You hear that range here.
The next song, “Runnin’ Around” features more Wisconsin love, including a mention of another small ‘Sconni town, Yuba, and vocals from Bobby Gronna from People Brothers Band and Craig Baumann (of Craig Baumann and The Story).
“Bessie” features some soulful singing from Jacob Mahon, as well as St. Clair’s organ and Calzone’s bass turns some nice phrases.
The harmonizing on “Hatches,” and the funky, comforting and chill vibe of this song really drives home the feeling that I’ve that Saltydog reminds me very much of the Canadian legends, The Band.
A big part of that feeling comes from Jacob Mahon’s and Johnson’s folksy vocal delivery and St. Clair’s funky Rhodes solo. Then enters Calzone’s funky bass riffs. “Hatches” is probably one of the most polished and amazing songs on this album, which the band worked on for about a year, attempting to perfect it.
I don’t know what they could have done better.
The album ends on “Slippery Dog,” one of my favorite songs from Saltydog.
They somehow came up with a way of musically expressing what to feels like to embrace your favorite pup, that heartfelt hug that you never want to let go of.
There’s a strong vibe between Owen Mahon’s drum kit and his vocals, St. Clair’s soaring organ and Calzone’s comforting bass line.
“Slippery Dog,
I wanna hold you”
Deters and Jacob Mahon’s guitar work and Johnson’s percussion provide that extra sauce on the side.
The band did have some copies left of the limited run of CDs they printed for the Turf Club show — and download codes will be available Feb. 2. The band will be printing some vinyl at some point.
This album, I think, has appeal beyond the fans of jam bands but it’s really a must have for lovers of improvisational rock — just the result of a lot of love and effort from one of the Duluth’s best.
