I took this photo this morning in downtown Macon. We did not have the address to this musical landmark, we just lucked out and happened to roll up on it.
We were in Macon for a Widespread Panic concert, appropriately enough. It was our first time seeing the band with new lead guitarist Jimmy Herring. Naturally, I’m intrigued by what Herring’s going to bring. Panic has a pretty entrenched sound, so I have to wonder how much room they’re willing to make for a newcomer’s contribution. WP’s producer John Keane also played most of last night’s show on guitar and pedal steel, so while Herring was recognizable in places, there was a lot of guitar to absorb. Maybe too much.
The highlight of the evening was opener Susan Tedeschi joining Panic for “Little Wing” in the second set. Sax player Randall Bramblett also joined for this song, a cover Panic had not played since 1989. Tedeschi’s one-hour set got the Saturday night crowd moving. She “borrowed” her husband’s band for the night. Kofi Burbridge played keys, Todd Smallie played bass and Yonrico Scott played drums. Jimmy Herring joined Tedeschi for a song during her set.