Wilco Played Jazz Fest 2009: Pictures, Review, Setlist

Seeing Wilco live is always a bit of a revelation: the band definitely offers something up in the live environment that simply isn't present on their records, and last week's show at Jazz Fest was certainly no exception. Despite the absence of any new material, the band delivered a diversified show that traversed their entire catalog, including some of our faves.

The show was a strong one on many counts. Similar to Spoon's set, is was nice and long for a festival set. More importantly, it was a pleasantly upbeat set, and it touched upon some of our most cherished Wilco material. We were particularly stoked to hear "Company In My Back" and "Pot Kettle Black". Additionally, the Sky Blue Sky material continues to transcend its recorded counterparts, and really go over the top in the live environment.

In addition to really delivering musically, the band was unquestionably invested in the set at a physical level. While at times it bordered on a tad gimmicky, it's always good to see a band having so much fun with the material and clearly enjoying themselves. Whether it was the extended guitar jams, Tweedy mussing his hair, or the band climbing atop their gear, the whole set was clearly filled with good cheer.

At the end of the day, we're never exactly surprised to see Wilco deliver a killer live show. Much of the band's well deserved legacy is built upon their live shows, and to some extent we expect the awesomeness. That being said, we're always glad to see just how well Tweedy & Co. pull us back in and renew our interest in a band that we've been loving for a long time.

The show left us not only psyched for the band's Greek Theater date in June, but also more than a little enthused for the new record. They've clearly established just how tight of a musical unit they've become, and they seem ready to deliver on that promise with a record of equal goodness. Frankly, we can't wait.

More pictures at the HAD Archive

Setlist
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Walken
Handshake Drugs
Company in my Back
You are my Face
Pot Kettle Black
A Shot in the Arm
Side with the Seeds
Jesus, etc
Impossible Germany
California Stars
Forget the Flowers
Box Full of Letters
The Late Greats
Hate it Here
Heavy Metal Drummer
I’m the Man who Loves You
Hoodoo Voodoo
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Casino Queen
Outta Sight (Outta Mind)