Dec 22, 2017
[instagram id="Bc8v_CyHV3R"]A partnership born in a period of turmoil for former YMSB mandolinist Jeff Austin and Umphrey's McGee guitarist Brendan Bayliss, seems to have settled into a nice holiday tradition.The pair performed at Martyr's on Wednesday (their third area appearance in the last three Decembers), offering a rundown of...
Dec 12, 2016
Words & Photos: Tara Gracer | Video: Michael JacobsonNow in its 14th year, The Brendan and Jake Holiday Show has become an annual tradition for family and friends from all corners of the United States. Like its predecessors, this edition found its snowed-in attendees with spirits lifted through cheerful song and levity.&...
Mar 18, 2016
Photo: Kristine Condone PhotographyFans of Umphrey's McGee really do appreciate how transparent and engaging the band members can be. The latest swing atnext-level fan interaction comes in the form of a self-produced documentary, Reel to Real, inwhich they openup the vault and tell the band's story in their own words, cultivated from hours of professional...
Mar 18, 2016
Words: Ryan Mannix | Photos:Kristine CondonFor a band whose best moments occur in when all of its members areon the same page, contrasting styles provide a critical part of their sound.Umphrey's McGee's Brendan Bayliss offers afluid counterpoint to fellow guitarist Jake Cinningers jaggedness, more influenced by 70s rock. His solos are characteristically rooted in...
Dec 23, 2015
By: Carmel O'Farrell (@carmelocorn) | Photo: Megan Sanders | Video: Charles IzenstarkOnce again, Tonic Room in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood brought a unique Umphrey's McGee side project to its intimate stage.On Saturday, December 19th,it came in the form of 30db, which consists of Umphrey's lead vocalist Brendan Bayliss and mandolinist Jeff Austin. It's been years...
Nov 30, 2015
By: Carmel O'Farrell | Photos: Michael Welter | Video: Charles IzenstarkThe Umphreys community in the Chicagoland area contains some of the most devout fans in the jam world.After all, this prog-heavy powerhouse rock sextet once called the Windy City their home and cut their teeth in many of the local venues like Martyrs and Schubas....
May 12, 2015
Umphrey's McGee's Brendan Bayliss treated hometown fans to a rare Monday night solo and acoustic gig at Tonic Room. The two sets featured highlights from the Umphrey's catalog, a sit-in from an old friend (Michelle Hallman), some classic and modern rock covers and even an new song that is still unnamed. Bayliss read the lyrics...
Dec 15, 2014
Another year, another Chicago holiday celebration for the Umphrey's principals. This year Brendan and Jake's charity event benefited The Mikey Fund, in honor of former UM drummer Mike Mirro. Bandmates Joel Cummins and Kris Myers joined for a few tunes, before their late night gig closing the chapter on their tenure with Digital Tape Machine....
Jan 2, 2013
While four of the six members of Umphrey's McGee have relocated from Chicago, Brendan Bayliss remains in the city and can usually be counted on to make a few musical appearances during UM down time. Here's some video of him playing some tunes from a short solo acoustic set and sitting in with Brothers Rage...
Dec 17, 2011
Not content conquering Chicago proper with special gigs on fall tour, two monster shows over Thanksgiving weekend and an acoustic holiday gig with Jake Cinninger at the Park West, Umphrey's McGee guitarist / vocalist played a bar gig out in the cozy bedroom community of Highwood on a December Friday night, with the proceeds going to...