Hey Jamheads, welcome back to another episode
of Shecky's Jam Bandings. The show where we dive
deep into the grooves, the magic, and the madness
of jam band scene. Today, we're heading to Prescott,
Arizona to talk about a band that's steadily
climbing the ranks of the jam community with
their explosive improvisation and fearless set
lists. We're talking about Spafford. Let's get
into their backstory. Spafford formed back in
2009 when guitarist and vocalist Brian Moss met
bassist Jordan Fairless at an open mic night
in Prescott. The two hit it off instantly. Brian
had this soaring guitar tone and knack for taking
solos into uncharted territory, while Jordan
brought a steady but adventurous bass groove.
They later added a drummer, Nick and keyboardist,
Andrew Red Johnson, locking in that signature
Spafford sound. Equal parts funk, rock, jazz
fusion, and psychedelia. The name Spafford, let's
talk about how the name was formed. It wasn't
some deep cosmic revelation. Spafford actually
comes from a friend's last name. The band thought
it would sound unique, memorable, and just odd
enough to stick out on a festival lineup. And
yes, it does. You see Spafford on a poster and
you think, who are these guys? And then you see
him live and you're hooked. Some key songs to
check out, especially if you're new to Spafford.
Here are a few tracks you should dive into. Number
one is Electric Taco Stand. It's a quintessential
Spafford jam vehicle. full of tight grooves and
wide -open improv space. Secondly, America, a
heartfelt melodic journey that showcases their
songwriting chops. Third, Leave the Light On,
a monster jam song that can stretch past 30 minutes
in concert. And fourth, the song you should check
out, is Ain't That Wrong, full of funk, upbeat,
and just plain fun. a crowd favorite. Now, Spafford
is all about the moment, and here are some legendary
jams that you should seek out on streaming archives.
The first one is Leave the Light On, which took
place at Brooklyn Bowl in 2019. This one's about
30 minutes. It just goes on and on for 30 minutes,
and they start slow and patient, building the
tension until Moss launches into a triumphant,
sustained guitar peak that has the crowd roaring.
Then without warning they drop into a dark synth
heavy groove courtesy of red before circling
back to the main theme in a massive euphoric
burst. Secondly, the second jam you should check
out is Electric Taco Stand. And that was back
in January 26, 2018. This is pure Spafford Jam
Wizardry. They sandwich an odd time signature
funk jam right in the middle of their signature
tune, taking the audience from bouncy dance vibes
into heady space funk territory and then back
again seamlessly. The third one you should check
out is called All In in Ogden Theater in 2017.
If you want to hear how they can stretch out
and weave melodies into an epic journey, this
is the one for you. It's got a slow build intro,
multiple improv sections and a final guitar run
that feels like a stadium -sized victory lap.
The last one is rarely played but unforgettable.
It's called B Jam and it took place in 2016 in
Flagstaff. It starts jazzy and mellow and turns
into a face -melting psychedelic jam with multiple
tempo changes. Here's some unique facts about
Spafford. Spafford is known for on -the -fly
set lists, so no rigid plan. They let the energy
of the night dictate the jams. Secondly, their
fans, affectionately called spaff nerds, trade
show recordings and live reviews religiously.
They've shared stages with jam giants like Umphrey's
McGee and Disco Biscuits, but they keep it tight
-knit and they keep it very grassroots with their
fan community. So, if you like your jams adventurous,
your grooves irresistible, and your live shows
unpredictable, Spafford should be high on your
radar. These guys aren't just playing songs,
they're building journeys one note at a time.
Alright folks, that's today's deep dive. Next
time on Shecky's Jam Bands, we'll explore another
hidden gem of the scene. Until then, keep it
loose, keep it loud, and keep on jamming.